New Honorary Mayor Kevin Nealon Outlines Big Changes for Palisades

By FRANCES SHARPE | Editor-in-Chief

Photos by RICH SCHMITT | Staff Photographer

Outgoing Pacific Palisades Honorary Mayor Jake Steinfeld passed the symbolic gavel to the incoming Mayor Kevin Nealon at the Chamber of Commerce Installation Dinner and Awards ceremony on Thursday, March 24 at Duke’s in Malibu.

Actor-comedian Nealon gave a brief tribute to his friend and fellow comedian Garry Shandling, who sadly passed away that day, before sharing his thoughts on his new gig.

“I’m very excited to be offered this position, but it’s a lot more work than I thought it would be,” Nealon quipped.

“They said ‘you just get in the car on the Fourth of July,’ but already I’m being asked to throw out the first pitch and go to fundraisers. Are they taking advantage of me?” he continued.

The El Medio Bluffs resident launched into a list of proposals and changes he has in store for Pacific Palisades, which has been his home since 2010.

“Let’s make the Palisades great again,” he shouted, echoing a certain Presidential candidate’s campaign slogan.

One way to do that? Fixing up the Alphabet Streets where the former “Saturday Night Live” cast member noted, “Some letters aren’t represented. What kind of a message is that sending to our kids?”

Nealon, who recently starred in the hit comedy series “Weeds,” promised to meet the community’s problems head-on.

For example, he plans to take a bite out of crime by stopping those “irresponsible people who go to Gelson’s without their own bags and who take samples at the yogurt shops but don’t buy any.”

He also wants to take on the increase in drive-by incidents—“when UPS trucks drive by and put a sticker on your door but don’t leave the package.”

Nealon had the crowd of nearly 100 Chamber members and guests laughing when he promised to tackle what he called the community’s rampant Botox problem.

“I was out walking and saw a cute Dachsund, but it turned out it was a Sharpei,” he said.

Not even homelessness is too big a problem for the new Mayor to take on.

“You see all these married guys who cheat on their wives and then lose their homes,” he said. “I’m calling for a new law. From now on all nannies and housekeepers must be 84-plus.”

In a moment of sincerity, Nealon added, “Pacific Palisades is a great place to live, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

Nealon’s son Gabe had his own list of improvements he’d like the new Mayor to focus on during his term.

“We need more Chinese restaurants and more toy stores,” Gabe told the Palisadian-Post.

Nealon’s wife, comedic actress Susan Yeagley, told the Post she’s ready for her role as “First Lady” of Pacific Palisades.

“I’m already practicing my parade wave,” she said.

Nealon is the 29th Honorary Mayor, taking over from Steinfeld, who was one of the hardest working Mayors in Palisades history and who will have a lasting legacy.

Steinfeld held a popular contest to create a flag for the Palisades and the winning entry continues to fly alongside Old Glory at numerous locations throughout town.

Before handing the gavel to Nealon, Steinfeld told the crowd that since announcing his retirement as Mayor, “I’ve received over 100 emails from people in the community thanking me, and they’ve left presents at my house.”

Steinfeld’s advice for Nealon?

“It is what you make of it, so make it fun!”

That’s similar to the guidance Steinfeld received from Sugar Ray Leonard, who preceded him as Honorary Mayor of the Palisades.

Leonard and Steinfeld were both in attendance at the installation dinner with their former “First Ladies,” Bernadette and Tracy, respectively.

The evening’s host Sam Lagana kept the room entertained as awards were presented.

Former Chamber president Ramis Sadrieh of Technology for You received the Mort Farberow Award.

The Best New Business Award went to Bill Shuttic’s Ultimate Health & Wellness and Carol Pfannkuche of the YMCA (and a longtime Palisadian) was the recipient of the Rotary Club Award.

Outgoing President Adam Glazer introduced the new Chamber board, which includes President-elect Susan Payne.

In his “state of the community” address, Glazer highlighted some of the Chamber’s recent accomplishments, including a new website (palisadeschamber.com), e-mail newsletter and Foodie Fest event.

Glazer also outlined initiatives underway at the Chamber, including additional networking opportunities, junior memberships, young entrepreneur events and more.