By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Theatre Palisades will host a Parking Lot Sale on Saturday, June 29, where costumes from previous productions will be available.

“Costuming is an important part of every production, but our costume room has become a chaotic mess,” Theatre Palisades wrote ahead of the event. “Help us get it put back in order.”

Theatre Palisades is asking its members/volunteers to help go through the costume room and sort clothing.

Then, on June 29 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., there will be a parking lot sale for members of the community where items Theatre Palisades no longer wishes to keep will be available.

“We are selling clothes and costumes for $1 per grocery bag and $5 for a garbage bag, with premium items priced separately,” explained Theatre Palisades member and producer Hahnah Jackson. “We invite the community to come out and support our local theatre.”

The sale will take place in Pierson Playhouse’s parking lot, located at 941 Temescal Canyon Road.

For more information, email Jackson at jahx888@gmail.com.

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

A memorial gathering for David Ludwig will take place on Saturday, June 22, at Calvary Church in Pacific Palisades.

David was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis—known as ALS—in January 2024, though his symptoms began in February 2023 with weakness in his left hand. He died on Sunday morning, June 9.

ALS is a disease that gradually degenerates nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord over time, leading to a loss of muscle control. ALS affects over 31,000 people in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

David, a resident of the Highlands, taught at Calvary for over 20 years—acting as an English and history teacher, and the school’s elementary and middle school head. He also coached and assisted in local sports, including Pacific Palisades Baseball Association and Palisades Recreation Center.

“Dave was the light and life of our family,” David’s wife, Victory Ludwig, shared to the family’s GiveSendGo page. “He made everything more vibrant and colorful. We will miss him every single day. And while we know he left an undeniable mark on those who knew him, especially the young people whom he had the joy of teaching, life will never be quite the same again.”

His memorial gathering will be on June 22 at 1 p.m. at Calvary Church, located at 701 Palisades Drive. Attendees are asked not to wear black: “Dave is too cheerful for that.”

A full story about David will run in a future print edition of the Palisadian-Post.

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Golden Goose will host a celebration for its Palisades Village space opening on Friday, June 21, from 4 to 7 p.m.

“Celebrate the opening of Golden Goose and their summer kick-off with light bites and refreshments,” read a description on the Palisades Village website. “Plus, shop their new collection of bags, exclusively available at Palisades Village.”

The “luxury fashion and accessories brand” is founded on the value of “Perfect Imperfection.”

“The Italian brand encourages customers to immerse themselves in the Golden World through Co-Creation, available daily at Palisades Village,” the website read. “This highly unique customization experience gives customers the opportunity to participate in the design of one-of-a-kind accessories together with Golden Goose Dream Makers, who ultimately translate each story into wearable art.”

Golden Goose opened on Friday, April 26, in the space previously occupied by FRAME on Swarthmore Avenue. The 1,300-square-foot space opened with a “strong selection of men’s and women’s footwear.”

By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor

As the sun slowly sank into the sea last Thursday evening, June 6, Palisades Charter High School faculty and administrators bid a fond farewell to the Class of 2024 in the school’s graduation ceremony on the football field, where 750-plus seniors were handed diplomas during a commencement themed by hope and optimism for the future.

The PCHS symphony orchestra, concert band and drum line, conducted by Peter Ye, got the thousands of family members and supporters packing the bleachers in a right frame of mind with their musical preludes followed by the processional tune “Pomp and Circumstance” as the graduates filed into the stadium from the tunnel steps leading from the quad.

Student Body President Rustin Kharrazi led the Pledge of Allegiance before Delaney Hutchinson, Theo King and Jiya Kumar harmonized a rendition of the national anthem.

This year, 26 graduates—10 more than 2023—participated in a multi-lingual welcome, addressing the gathering one by one, including Gavin Sternberg (Afrikaans), Amy Abdel Messeh (Arabic), Sydney Meza (American Sign Language), Mia Zuaiter (Danish) and Shira Berukhim (Dutch).

Acapali garnered thundering applause for its performance of “End of the Road,” and Principal Dr. Pam Magee gave the executive director/principal address, acknowledging this as one of the largest graduating classes in the last decade and congratulating all those completing graduation requirements for their adaptability amid virtual learning their freshman year.

Magee then introduced special guest speaker, Allison Holdorff Polhill, senior advisor for Los Angeles Unified School District Board Member Nick Melvoin, who spoke at last year’s commencement.

“My three kids graduated from Pali High not too long ago, and I don’t remember what was said or who said it,” she joked. “I recommend you do three things this summer: take a financial literacy class, spend as much time as you can with your friends and classmates, and ask your parents and grandparents what they were like at your age.”

“Small acts of kindness make a huge difference,” she continued. “Stop exploring the web and start exploring the world. We need your grit, your courage, your smarts and your ingenuity. I wish you happiness, fulfillment and joy.”

In his welcome address, Senior Class President Chukwunonso Kojo-Onwaeze said: “I left behind Nigeria, fear was around me, but I made this new world my own. Face the unknown and be ready to conquer. There’s an African saying ‘It takes a village,’ so for my family watching this livestream—this is all for you.”

Next, valedictorian Matthew Lee stepped to the podium and shared the importance of facing adversity—“from traffic on Sunset to every tech problem the world has thrown at us, to long days of conditioning workouts”—with people close to you.

Speaker Naila Ezekiel stressed having “faith over fear” while “no amount of guilt will change the past,” after which another musical interlude, arranged by Kumar and Jean Rodriguez titled “Pali High Graduation Medley 2024,” was performed by senior musicians and soloists. Anisa Watkins closed with “See you later Class of 2024!”

Then Dr. Chris Lee, director of Academic Programs and Guidance Services, offered insight and perspective to those watching and participating.

“I’m asking all of us prior generations to think of your own graduation, your worries and concerns,” Lee said. “Yes, online permanence can make us hesitant to challenge ourselves. No, cell phones and social media aren’t going away, but making mistakes is an essential part of your growth and development. Each of you has a bright future ahead.”

Magee and Lee conducted the presentation of diplomas as Karen Ellis, Tom Seyler, Heather Schon, Maggie Nance, Nicole Newbie, Elva Pouya, Synbdia Olmos and Bethany Hutchinson took turns reading off the names.

Finally came the moment the students had been anxiously waiting for all day, as Magee instructed them to flip their tassels from right to left to symbolize a transition into the next step on life’s journey.

With that, the graduates threw their caps into the air, hugged, high-fived, danced and took selfies to celebrate the four years they “made a splash” as Dolphins.

For more photos, see Page 9.

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Representatives from area nonprofit community organizations gathered on the evening of Tuesday, June 4, at Pacific Palisades Woman’s Club for the annual Grant Awards Night, where the 2024 grant recipients were revealed and congratulated.

“Through various fundraising endeavors, the PPWC members raise funds which are then awarded to a variety of nonprofit community organizations in the Palisades,” according to the event program. “Each year the grant fund distribution is decided upon by PPWC members. Each member of the club has an impact on our community via her vote.”

Local organizations have been awarded over $1 million in grants from PPWC over the decades. The three major fundraisers in 2023 were a snack bar at The Genesis Invitational at The Riviera Country Club, a silent auction and art show at Bruce Lurie Gallery, and the annual Holiday Gift Bazaar and Bake Sale.

PPWC President Samantha Dale spoke during the awards night, noting that the funds raised in 2023 “almost doubled” the year prior. She explained how the grants committee “diligently” thought about how to distribute the funds.

“Our teams were creative, thoughtful, and incredibly diligent in the execution of our fundraisers this past year,” Dale told the Palisadian-Post. “I am very proud of them, and happy to be able to support more organizations this year.”

Dale was joined at the podium by grant committee member Eve Haberfield, and the two read through the list of recipients, who rose from their chairs to applause.

When it comes to grants that will support local schools, Canyon School Booster Club, Friends of Marquez, Pali Quarterback Club, Palisades Charter High School, Palisades Enrichment Programs, Palisades High School Booster Club and PRIDE Booster Club were this year’s recipients. Grants will support initiatives like providing financial aid for the Paul Revere Charter Middle School robotics club and medical supplies for the Palisades Charter High School football program.

A Call 2 Peace Foundation, Chamber Music Palisades and Los Angeles Youth Orchestra were awarded grants to assist with musical initiatives, including funding a family-oriented concert in the Palisades.

Palisades Americanism Parade Association received a grant to support kids games and evening events for the Fourth of July, while Boy Scouts of America will use its grant to purchase “Excellence in Service” patches.

Cancer Support Community Los Angeles and griefHaven (run by Palisadian Susan Whitmore) will use grant funds to provide support for cancer and grief groups, respectively. Veterans Gardens will be able to provide updates to its park, while Palisades Village Green will pay for the trimming of its Tipu trees.

Meals on Wheels West and YMCA Palisades-Malibu each received grants to help feed community members. Other grant recipients include Malibu Orchid Society, Resilient Palisades, Sage & Seekers, The Mission I’m Possible: Foster Warriors, The People Concern, Voice for the Animals Foundation and Will Rogers Ranch Foundation.

“The Pacific Palisades Woman’s Club is a nonprofit organization that brings together energetic and socially minded women in friendship to serve others and our community through their philanthropic endeavors and to preserve the clubhouse facility of the enjoyment of the community for generations to come,” the program read.

This year’s grant committee included Maureen Roth, Haberfield, Margaux Glaser, Kat Holland and Sue Denness.

In a typical year, the club organizes and hosts the annual 90-year-plus birthday party for residents, a free flu shot clinic and a Red Cross blood drive.

DELIzioso Cinque Will Remain Open With Extended Hours, Expanded Menu

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

While Cinque Terre West will be closing its Monument Street restaurant and wine bar effective June 23, Palisadians do not have to search far to enjoy Chef Gianbattista “Gianba” Vinzoni’s food, as DELIzioso Cinque will remain open.

“After much consideration, we have made the difficult decision not to renew our lease and will therefore be closing the doors of Cinque Terre West on June 23,” Gianba and Marlo Vinzoni wrote in an email to restaurant patrons sent May 31.

Gianba explained to the Palisadian-Post that they were given the option to extend their five-year lease, but elected not to, citing increases in prices of items he needs to craft the food the restaurant serves, including everything from eggs to flour and beyond.

“At the beginning, when we started, we were fairly priced,” Gianba explained. “After the pandemic, everything went to a level that is not sustainable anymore … it’s become impossible to sell stuff for an affordable price.”

He shared a couple of examples, like extra virgin olive oil which he said rose from $60 per case to $180, and butter, which went from $2.50 per pound to $7.

“It’s impossible to sell a pizza for $17,” Gianba said. “Now I have to sell it for $25 and I’m not making any money … It’s a daily battle to try to keep the numbers in line and give a good product.”

Gianba said that “people thought [prices] would stabilize or go back to normal,” but the “new normal” is living in a “very expensive state.” While the landlord has had to raise prices, Gianba does not blame them: “No one [is] to blame other than the economically difficult moments we are living.”

Cinque Terre West, known for its “regional Ligurian dishes … reminiscent of the small Mediterranean coastal villages of the Cinque Terre region Chef Gianba grew up in,” opened in May 2019. The wine bar—Enoteca Cinque by Cinque Terre West—followed in August 2021.

“We’re very thankful and blessed to have been doing this five years here,” Gianba said to the Post. “We got to meet a lot of great people.”

While Cinque Terre West and Enoteca Cinque’s “chapter[s] may be coming to a close,” DELIzioso Cinque—also located on Monument Street, in the space previously occupied by Sweet Rose Creamery—will remain open and provide an expanded menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The deli originally opened in January 2023. Gianba said its rent is smaller, so its margins are different.

“We are deeply grateful for the memories we have shared with you at Cinque Terre West and we look forward to creating many more memorable moments with you at DELIzioso Cinque,” the email read. “We invite you to continue enjoying Chef Gianba’s delicious cuisine, where you can indulge in some of your favorite dishes and discover new culinary offerings.”

When the Post spoke to Gianba, the hours and menu were still being finalized, but he confirmed diners would continue to find the restaurant’s beloved cornetti (croissants) and sandwiches, in addition to perhaps expanded grab and go options and pasta dishes.

Marlo and Gianba have lived in the Lower Las Casas neighborhood for over 20 years.

“We want to take this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for your loyal patronage and unwavering support over the years,” the Vinzonis wrote. “It has been an incredible journey, and we are truly grateful to have had the privilege of cooking for and getting to know all of you, our wonderful customers.”

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

Palisadian Leo Craig was named Harvard-Westlake School’s valedictorian, celebrating four years of achievements.

The El Medio Bluffs resident said “it was a complete surprise” that he was chosen as valedictorian.

“It wasn’t something I set out as a goal, but it’s very nice knowing that teachers noticed my effort at school and my interest in their subjects,” Craig said to the Palisadian-Post. “Leaving Harvard-Westlake is very bittersweet—I’m very excited for college but I’m sad to leave a lot of friends, teachers and the community behind. I’ll definitely miss many people in my grade, and I hope to meet up with them again after we graduate.”

Harvard-Westlake is an independent, coeducational and college preparatory school for grades seven through 12.

“Harvard-Westlake strives to be a diverse and inclusive community united by the joyful pursuit of educational excellence, living and learning with integrity, and purpose beyond ourselves,” according to the school.

Craig was selected as valedictorian by the Harvard-Westlake faculty “on the basis of academic achievement and exemplary character,” Charles B. Thornton President and Head of School Richard Commons said.

“Leo Craig is a brilliant academician, who is insatiably curious about the world around him with a probing intellect and a keen interest in problem solving,” Commons said during the Friday, June 7, commencement ceremony. “Leo’s teachers describe him as intellectually vibrant, academically fearless and uniquely perceptive, but Leo’s contributions to our community aren’t contained to the classroom … Leo is fascinated by the study of sustainable transportation, environmental engineering and ecological conservation.”

Commons also went on to commend Craig for being a leader on the cross-country and track teams, a “buzzer-beating” historian on the History Bowl Team, and a “stand-out” trumpet player.

Craig was honored with the Jerry Margolis Jazz Award, given in honor of performing arts teacher Jerry Margolis, “who taught for 36 years beginning at the Harvard School for Boys, to a student who contributed to the jazz program during their time at the school,” according to the school.

“When Dr. Sullivan conferred the Jazz Award on Leo, he also gave him his vote for president in 2044,” Commons said. “I speak for many in wishing we didn’t have to wait that long.”

Commons then introduced Craig to the stage. As valedictorian, Craig was a keynote speaker at the commencement ceremony.

“We’re here today to celebrate the commencement of the Class of 2024, all 289 of us moving into a time of exciting unknowns,” Craig said. “If we stick to a predetermined path that we think will lead to guaranteed success, life’s biggest opportunities might just pass us by. Instead, let’s keep our minds open, and stay true to what’s in our heads and, even more so, our hearts.”

This summer, Craig shared plans of working at a restaurant as a busser until he heads to Yale University in August.

“I’m very excited for college and to see where the future takes me,” Craig said to the Post.