Paliskates hosted a Fire Relief Skate Jam on June 7 at Stoner Park, with professional and amateur skateboarders, vendors, food trucks, and more. Supported by dozens of entities, including Councilmember Traci Park, city of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, and LA Strong Foundation, the event was hosted to support the Swarthmore Avenue skate shop in its rebuilding efforts after the Palisades fire.
Palisades Charter High School Social Sciences teacher and golf coach Dave Suarez received an Honored National Teaching Award in June for his “incredible impact on students during and after the Palisades fire.”
Suarez was nominated by his student, Jacob Leatherman.
“In January 2025, the Palisades fire brought devastation to California, destroying homes and parts of Palisades Charter High School,” read a statement from Honored. “In the aftermath, Suarez banded his golf teams together to help students navigate the challenges and surround them with support. During this time, Suarez saw how sports play a powerful role in bringing people together and providing a sense of normalcy for students during uncertain times.”
Leatherman said he is “forever grateful” for Suarez’ help getting him “back to the game” he loves.
“This recognition highlights extraordinary educators who inspire their students,” according to Honored. Suarez received a cash award and was featured on Inspiring Teachers: The Honored Podcast.
Honored, a nonprofit, is “dedicated to keeping great teachers in the classroom and inspiring a new generation of talent to pursue teaching.”
Palisades Charter High School graduating seniors attended a live Q&A event at Skirball Cultural Center on May 28 with alum will.i.am, Black Eyed Peas frontman, tech founder, CEO of FYI.AI and philanthropist.
“Pali High students [Miranda Casas and Joshua Tavasti] co-hosted the evening’s discussions, in which will.i.am shared inspirational advice and insights on a variety of topics, including the advantages of being focused, of understanding the problems you seek to solve in order to find effective solutions, the importance of paying it forward to improve local communities, the rise of women in STEAM fields, AI and jobs, and the necessity of persistence in the pursuit of your dreams regardless of your age,” according to information from the school.
The evening also included remarks from Pali High Executive Director/Principal Dr. Pam Magee and AP Spanish & Culture teacher Myrna Cervantes (Pali alum Class of ’93).
Honorary Town Sheriff Sam Laganà attended the wedding of Frank Hathaway Harrer—the 1995 Pacific Palisades First Baby of the Year— and Maëlle Poirier on Saturday, May 23, in Paris, France, at Mairie de Maisons-Alfort Hotel de Ville. Frank is the son of Chris Harrer and Pam Hathaway, and grandson of the late Frank Hathaway, a former leader of The Riviera Country Club. Frank and Maëlle reside in Paris.
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