Neighborhood News

Palisadian Ray Liotta Dies  |  Pacific Palisades

Longtime resident of Pacific Palisades and famed actor Ray Liotta died on May 26 at the age of 67. It is reported that he died in his sleep while filming “Dangerous Waters” in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

The Emmy Award-winning actor was known for many roles in television and film, including Henry Hill in “Goodfellas” and Shoeless Joe Jackson in “Field of Dreams.”

Liotta, who lived in the Highlands, threw the first pitch when PPBA opened its 52nd season in March 2006—after which, he reportedly left Palisades Recreation Center’s “Field of Dreams” to head to rehearsal with Virginia Madsen for the drama series, “Smith.”

Many fellow actors paid tribute to Liotta, including fellow Palisadian Adam Sandler, who wrote on Twitter: “Tremendous actor. Sweetheart of a dad. Such a great funny man to know.”

Liotta is survived by his fiancée Jacy Nittolo and daughter, Karsen.  

—SARAH SHMERLING

Hiker Fatality  |  Will Rogers State Historic Park

Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a call for a hiker rescue who was found deceased in the late morning on Sunday, May 29, at Will Rogers State Historic Park, according to LAFD Spokesperson Margaret Stewart.

“LAFD Air Ops located the patient and lowered two rescuers down,” Stewart continued. “They conducted a patient assessment and determined death … the incident is being transitioned to LAPD and LA County Coroner.”

The hiker has been identified as LA resident Jay Goldberg, who was 53 years old and died of a heart attack, according to authorities.

City News Service contributed to this report.

—SARAH SHMERLING

Movies in the Park Season Canceled |  Palisades Recreation Center

A beloved tradition in the community, Movies in the Park will not be returning in 2022, according to Founder/President David Williams.

In a typical season, Movies in the Park hosts an outdoor screening of different films each Saturday throughout August at Palisades Recreation Center. The 2020 and 2021 seasons were canceled in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

There have been 16 seasons of Movies in the Park, which was founded by Williams, a Palisades native who aimed to create an event for “families to reconnect.” In 2019, Williams began the season with the inaugural “Arnie Wishnick Community Choice,” a new tradition put in place to honor the late community member.

As the Palisadian-Post went to print Tuesday, it was unclear if Movies in the Park would return in 2023.

—SARAH SHMERLING

Palisades Podcast  |  Pacific Palisades

Palisades Podcast, hosted by Maryam Zar and Steve Cron, featured community member Kaye Steinsapir for its May guest.

“The Pali Podcast this month is honored to sit down with Kaye Steinsapir to talk about her journey as a mom,” Zar shared. “Kaye is a Palisadian who lost her daughter in a biking accident tragically close to home, and by allowing her network of supporters to walk with her as she works through tragedy and grief, she has taught so many the art of living … today, the Molly Steinsapir Foundation has grown into an organization that’s fueled by the love of a mom and the support of a community that won’t forget Molly.”

The episode is available at palipost.com/palipodcast.

—SARAH SHMERLING