Our Town

Tina and Rick Caruso helped raise $20 million—including a $5 million donation of their own—in January for Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation to “help equip firefighters with the tools and resources they need.”

“Today, we celebrate an achievement that reflects the extraordinary generosity and resilience of our city: We have reached our $20 million goal for the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation,” Rick said in a statement. “Every day these heroes risk their lives to keep us safe, and these funds will ensure they have needed equipment to protect the lives of our residents. This moment proves that when we come together, there is no challenge we cannot overcome. Los Angeles is stronger when we stand united, and this is a shining example of the spirit that defines our city. I encourage us all to continue to embody this generosity and commitment as we rebuild and prepare for a safer, stronger future.”

In December 2024, Everychild Foundation—founded by Palisadian Jacqueline Jacobs Caster, who serves as its president—announced it would award a $1 million grant to Venice Family Clinic to fund renovations for its new Inglewood Crenshaw Children & Family Center, which will provide “integrated care for 4,000 residents.”

The grant will go toward the final phase of its 16,037-square-foot center, designed to “deliver comprehensive, integrated services for children and families from cradle to career” through its Community Connection initiative.

“Every child deserves the chance to have a healthy and successful life,” Caster said in a statement. “The women of Everychild are proud to support Venice Family Clinic in their mission to build a brighter future for children and families in Inglewood. By offering comprehensive support and breaking down barriers to care for a community in need, this center will serve as a local cornerstone for a lifetime of good health and opportunity.”

This marked the 25th year of grant-making for the foundation, which is a group of women who make an annual donation each year to fund a $1 million grant, “dedicated to easing the suffering of LA-based children and youth.”

The Change Reaction hosted a community gathering on January 21 at Collin & Katz Family YMCA—distributing more than 500 checks to people affected by the Palisades fire. The funds were provided by The Change Reaction’s Direct Giving Wildfire Fund, which is “designed to offer immediate relief and help stabilize those affected.”

“It was a night of healing, hope and community, as the foundation distributed direct financial assistance totaling more than $1.2 million to those in need,” read a statement.

“The Change Reaction partnered with local Palisades community churches and temples to identify individuals in need of support,” according to a statement, including Palisades Presbyterian Church, Chabad of Pacific Palisades, Kehillat Israel and Community United Methodist Church of Palisades.

Checks up to $5,000 were given to over 500 families.

“The Change Reaction has donated nearly $40 million to more than 37,000 hardworking families since its founding five years ago, using its 250 nonprofit partner network,” the statement continued. “Their goal is to reach those who need support immediately and provide that relief directly without the red tape.”

Paliskates has launched a new collection of hoodies, crewnecks, T-shirts, trucker hats and more. All of the items are in stock at paliskates.net.

Store owner Erica Simpson has pivoted operations online following the loss of the Swarthmore Avenue storefront of 25 years in the Palisades fire.

“We are heartbroken to see all the loss throughout the whole Palisades community and our heart goes out to everyone affected,” Simpson wrote on the Paliskates website. “We are going to use this tragic event to bounce back stronger than ever. This is not the end of 1021 N Swarthmore Avenue. We, along with all Palisades residents, will unite and rebuild our beloved community. Thank you for all of the memories and support.”