The Palisadian-Post is now seeking messages for its fifth annual graduation special, celebrating the Class of 2024.
To be considered, send a graduation message and high-resolution photo to mypost@palipost.com by Sunday, June 9, at 8 p.m.
Messages can be sent for students who live or attend school in Pacific Palisades who are graduating elementary school, middle school, high school or college. Include the student’s name and school from which they are graduating in the message.
The Molly Steinsapir Foundation is supporting Camp Harmony by collecting new kids’ bathing suits, clothes and personal care items during events at Marquez Charter Elementary School and the Steinsapir home in a campaign that runs through June 15.
The foundation was launched to honor the life and legacy of its namesake, Palisadian Molly Steinsapir, who died at the age of 12 in February 2021. It aims to “advance charitable causes that Molly cared deeply about.”
“I sprang into action and started raising funds and collecting items to stock the camp ‘store,’” said Molly’s mom, Kaye Steinsapir, when she heard from her daughter’s best friend and former camp companion’s mom that the camp needed items for its attendees. “As Camp Harmony serves approximately 300 campers from underserved parts of LA, there is a substantial need.”
Camp Harmony is “an overnight camp program designed to help children experiencing poverty develop positive self-esteem and to thereby inspire and empower them in their future endeavors,” according to its website. It hosts campers from 12-plus shelters, agencies and schools, Kaye explained. The camp is free to attend, but most campers arrive “with few personal belongings.”
“Many take things like owning a bathing suit for granted, but most of these kids need one,” Kaye wrote in a post shared on social media. “Molly should be a Camp Harmony counselor with her friend, Elise. Since Elise will be going without Molly, we’re ensuring that Molly’s kind and giving spirit will still be felt at Camp Harmony. #TEAMMOLLY is stocking the ‘camp store’ for the summer so that campers can be gifted the items they need.”
Molly Steinsapir Photo courtesy of Kaye Steinsapir
All donations made to Molly Steinsapir Foundation through June 15 will go toward supporting the camp, Kaye said. There are also Target and Amazon wishlists available with “items that are most needed” for those who want to support through a purchase.
The first event—a lemonade and snack stand—will take place at Marquez on June 10 when school gets out at 1:50 p.m. The event is slated to be attended by Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education Member Nick Melvoin, as well as his Senior Advisor and District Director Allison Holdorff Polhill.
“We will encourage families and community members to drop off a new bathing suit,” Kaye explained. “All proceeds from our stand will go toward purchasing the remaining items on our wishlists for the campers.”
A similar event will take place at the Steinsapir home on Jacon Way on June 15 at the front of the house, where community members are invited to drop off bathing suits for campers from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“Camp Harmony’s campers are going to have an especially great summer this year,” Kaye concluded.
Caltrans reopened Topanga Canyon Boulevard (State Route 27) on Sunday, June 2—three months ahead of anticipated following a closure due to a landslide in March.
Crews worked around the clock to “remove materials and repair the damage” in order to safely and quickly reopen both lanes of the road, which Caltrans originally estimated to remain closed until September.
“Caltrans revised its original estimate of 50,000 to 90,000 cubic yards of material needing to be removed once a geotechnical report determined that the slide was shallower than first thought,” Caltrans reported. “Crews did not encounter any anomalies in the soil during removal, which benefited the expedited opening.”
The closure, which had been in effect since March 9, had “disrupted the lives of individuals living in the canyon, visitors to Topanga and beachgoers,” according to a statement from Caltrans.
“I cannot overstate just how important it has been for the state and everyone involved to see Topanga Canyon Boulevard open as quickly and as safely as possible,” Governor Gavin Newsom said in the statement. “Thanks to the diligent efforts by the state along with crews assisting on the ground and the support of locals, this repair work has exceeded all our expectations by opening months ahead of initial estimates.”
The road will have one-lane traffic control on off-peak hours using flaggers, Caltrans reported, as emergency repairs continue. Around 15,000 cubic yards of material were removed and repurposed for various entities, including Ventura County farmers, Los Angeles County Department of Public Works and an art installation.
With the slope stabilized and material removed, geotechnical engineers and geologists will continue to monitor the site for any movement, according to Caltrans. A cable mesh drapery system may be recommended to prevent “any sloughing of remaining loose materials,” as well as planting native seeds to “further stabilize the slope.”
“I want to commend all those responsible for the quick reopening of this critical route,” Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin said in the statement. “Caltrans District 7 and the California State Transportation Agency, along with their contractors, have once again come through in record time … Thank you to all involved and in particular, thank you to the residents of Topanga who have experienced this disruption firsthand over these past months.”
Photo courtesy of the office of Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin
By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin and Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath—who both represent Pacific Palisades and beyond—have partnered to host the “Be Prepared Safety Fair” on Saturday, June 8, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Calabasas.
The event is slated to include presentations from area entities, including Resource Conservation District on home hardening for fires at 10:15 a.m., Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, Los Angeles County Fire Department, Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Services and “earthquake expert” Margret Vinci from CalTech on earthquake preparedness at 12:15 p.m.
There will also be a COVID-19 vaccine clinic, blood pressure checks, Narcan education and hands-only CPR demonstrations.
“Events like this are important to the community so they become aware of the resources available to help prepare for natural disasters such as fires, floods and earthquakes,” Irwin said in a statement. “With the help of the resources we’ve gathered, residents will be provided with the information necessary to help them protect their homes and families during the next emergency.”
Lost Hills Sheriff’s Captain Jennifer Seetoo will host storytime at 10:30 a.m. with a reading of “Star’s Great Adventure: Becoming a Deputy Sheriff,” alongside a mini therapy horse. There will also be a “number of emergency response vehicles” from LA County Sheriff’s Department, LACoFD, CalFire, Animal Control and the City of Calabasas for a touch-a-truck.
The safety fair will take place at the Calabasas Community Center, located at 27040 Malibu Hills Road.
The health and wellness event is geared toward older adults.
“Falling is not a natural part of aging,” according to the event description. “Wise & Healthy Aging will teach about the risks of falling and how to prevent them.”
Wise & Healthy Aging is a nonprofit, community-based organization that works to advance “the dignity and quality of life of older adults through leadership, advocacy and high-quality, innovative services,” according to its website. The organization serves more than 20,000 older adults each year.
Free nightlights will be given out at the end of the program. RSVPs are requested, but not required by calling 310-459-2754.
“Throughout human history, images have provided a dynamic means of sharing and preserving a culture’s stories. But how do viewers comprehend pictorial narratives, and how do artists convey meaning?” read a preview of the event provided by Getty. “Beginning with the painted ceramic vessels displayed in the exhibition ‘Picture Worlds: Greek, Maya, and Moche Pottery,’ speakers consider what it means to be visually literate, how the mind processes imagery and the ways in which, even today, narrative art shapes—and is shaped by—society.”
The program is set to include an introduction by Getty Villa Associate Curator David Saunders. Professor Mark Stansbury O’Donnell will then speak on “Greek Pots and Storytelling Across the Mediterranean,” followed by Museo Larco Director Ulla Holmquist on “Message in a Bottle: The Moche Hero’s Journey to the Ancestral World.”
The program will continue with Professor Stephen Houston on “Clay that Talks: Narrative on Classic Maya Pottery” and Associate Professor Neil Cohn with “Deciphering Visual Languages: From Ancient Pots to Comic Books.” It will conclude with “Narrative Murals: Visualizing Societal Histories at the Lucas Museum” with Chief Curator Pilar Tompkins Rivas.
The event is free to attend, but advanced registration is required, as well as tickets to visit Getty Villa at 17985 Pacific Coast Highway in Pacific Palisades for the in-person component.
Palisadians are invited to celebrate National Rosé Day with the inaugural Sips & Saddles—a “premier luxury wine experience”—on Saturday, June 8, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Will Rogers Polo Fields.
“This highly anticipated event promises an unforgettable afternoon of indulgence and sophistication, featuring a curated selection of exquisite rosé wines from renowned vineyards,” read a press release. “Attendees will have the opportunity to savor a variety of delightful rosé blends and sparkling varietals while enjoying the picturesque backdrop of the stunning polo fields.”
Festivities are set to include live entertainment and hors d’oeuvres (including from Porta Via Pacific Palisades), as well as an “unparalleled tasting experience” with 30-plus wines. Attendees will watch the “Tournament of Rosé” Polo Match.
A portion of proceeds from the event will support Will Rogers Polo Club and Will Rogers Foundation, which are “dedicated to preserving the rich heritage of polo and supporting youth development programs within the sport.”
Will Rogers Polo Club is located within Will Rogers State Historic Park in Pacific Palisades, at 1501 Will Rogers State Park Road. Tickets are $100 for general admission, $150 for VIP. “Designated driver” tickets are available for those who will not partake in alcoholic beverages for $65 or $100.
“Whether you’re a seasoned polo fan or just looking for a unique way to celebrate National Rosé Day, this event is perfect for everyone,” read an event description. “Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to enjoy great wine, good company and thrilling polo action.”
For more information or to buy tickets, visit sipssaddles.com.
After leading the Palisades Charter High School varsity softball team to the City Section Division I semifinals, senior shortstop Stella Honda and senior pitcher Briana Vasquez have been selected to the All-City Team.
Palisades finished 12-10-1, took second in the Western League behind Venice and got seeded No. 15 out of 16 teams in the Division I bracket. The Dolphins upset No. 2 Legacy 12-2 in the first round May 9 and upset No. 10 Marshall 5-1 in the quarterfinals four days later.
In the semifinals May 15, Palisades took a 1-0 lead in the top of the fifth inning but gave up two runs in the bottom half and eventually lost, 2-1, to No. 3 Kennedy.
A four-year varsity player, Honda was second on the team in batting average (.433), first in runs scored (26), third in hits (29), third in slugging percentage (.537) and second in stolen bases (eight) this spring.
Briana Vasquez
Vasquez, the Dolphins’ primary pitcher for three straight years, enjoyed a stellar senior season, highlighted by a perfect game with 13 strikeouts in a 10-0, five-inning victory over Hamilton on April 18. Vasquez threw 165 strikeouts and allowed only eight extra base hits in 118.2 innings while giving up 85 hits and 38 earned runs and posting a 2.24 earned run average.
Garfield defeated Kennedy, 5-2, in the Division I final. Carson junior Giselle Pantoja was voted Player of the Year after tossing a one-hitter with 17 strikeouts to power the Colts to their second straight Open Division crown (top eight teams) with a 1-0 triumph over Granada Hills in the finals April 18 at Long Beach State.
California Department of Transportation began construction to create a second northbound lane on Pacific Coast Highway at Porto Marina Way on Tuesday night, May 28, the department reported earlier that day.
“As of Thursday morning, May 30, there are two lanes open in each direction on Pacific Coast Highway at Porto Marina Way (north of Sunset Boulevard) at the Tramonto Slide,” Caltrans wrote in an update sent May 30. “Overnight work will continue tonight, Thursday, May 30, and Friday, May 31, to place k-rail at the base of the slide and to place more signs … There may be more overnight work next week, but two lanes will remain open in each direction during the day. Please drive carefully and do not speed.”
The right lane of PCH has been closed following the Tramonto Slide that occurred in February, later saturated by a series of storms in March, according to Caltrans.
Construction was anticipated to take place from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. each night. At least one lane in each direction of Pacific Coast Highway from Sunset Boulevard to Coastline Drive would remain open.
“Construction will include removing the existing curb along the southbound shoulder; removing existing pavement delineation, markers, and markings; realigning lanes around the slide area; grinding; repaving; restriping; and placing k-rail at the toe of the slide,” according to Caltrans.
Caltrans recently stated the department would not clear the landslide debris from PCH “unless and until the city stabilizes the Tramonto Slide above the roadway,” according to Pacific Palisades Community Council.
“The existing northbound right lane must remain closed due to the instability of the slide,” Caltrans reported. “There is no additional space in the median to create another lane. All northbound and southbound lanes will be realigned toward the shoreline to create space for a second northbound travel lane that allows the safe and smooth flow of traffic.”
PPCC hosted a special meeting on May 20 to discuss the landslide and proposed construction in Castellammare. Full coverage of the meeting can be found in the May 23 edition of the Palisadian-Post, as well as online.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated on Thursday, May 30, to reflect updates from Caltrans.
A previous Summer Writing Contest awards ceremony Photo by Rich Schmitt
By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor
The Pacific Palisades Library Association Summer Creative Writing Contest is now underway with the theme “A Funny Thing Happened on The Way To … ”
Open to grades one through 12, student writers have the opportunity to win gift certificate prizes from DIESEL, A Bookstore and be a part of an awards ceremony in the fall. There are five age categories: Scribblers (grades one and two); Jotters (three and four); Scrawlers (five and six); Scribes (seven and eight); and Authors (nine through 12).
“Entries should be family friendly and relate to this year’s theme,” PPLA, also known as The Friends of the Palisades Library, wrote on the contest website.
Entries can be in any literary style, and contestants are limited to one entry, not to exceed two double-spaced pages. This page length is shorter than previous years, PPLA noted on the website.
Contestants may not copy anybody else’s work or use “any form of [artificial intelligence],” and contestants may not submit entries that have won prizes in other contests.
Contestants must reside or attend school in the city of Los Angeles. Entries may be submitted online or in person at Palisades Branch Library, located at 861 Alma Real Drive. The contest is open through September 3.
“The charm of many entries is in the creative mistakes of a beginning writer,” PPLA wrote. “Good luck, we look forward to reading your work.”
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By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
