Area Officials Host Potrero Canyon Park Proposed Bridge Project Meeting

December 14, 2023

news121423_07 — Councilmember Traci Park
Photo courtesy of Zoom

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

More than 120 members of the community tuned in Tuesday evening, December 5, for a virtual meeting regarding the proposed Potrero Canyon Pacific Coast Highway Pedestrian/Bicycle Bridge Project, hosted by the office of Councilmember Traci Park, City of Los Angeles Bureau of Engineering and office of Senator Ben Allen.

“This meeting is part of my commitment to bring transparency and engagement to infrastructure projects in our district,” Park wrote in a letter ahead of the meeting. “A pedestrian crossing from [George Wolfberg Park at] Potrero Canyon to Will Rogers State Beach is needed to provide safe access across Pacific Coast Highway and is required by the California Coastal Commission.”

During the first 30 minutes of the meeting, several area officials spoke on the history of the bridge project and what the next steps will be, including Park, David Card (speaking as a landscape architect and project proponent), Potrero Canyon Park Project Manager Kristen Ly, Interim Bridge Project Manager Jose Beristain and representatives from the office of Senator Allen.

“While concerns remain about potential landslides, fault lines and security, those issues will be addressed through field studies and analyses by the Bureau of Engineering, the Department of Building and Safety, and Jacobs Engineering as the project moves forward to ensure that the placement and the construction of the bridge are both safe and feasible,” Park said at the start of the meeting.

In 1987, the California Coastal Commission permit granted for the park required access to the beach, Card then explained. Beginning in the 1990s, there was a series of public meetings among homeowners and residents with several city agencies, with “wide consensus reached” for a bridge over PCH, according to Card.

The Potrero Canyon Community Advisory Committee—with the late George Wolfberg serving as its chair—hosted more than 30 public meetings between 2005 and 2008, Card continued, when a final report was issued and “unanimously approved by the full committee.”

The passive park, Ly explained next, consists of about 46 acres, stretching from Palisades Recreation Center to Pacific Coast Highway. The park saw its grand opening in December 2022.

Though bikes are not allowed in the park, parkgoers will be encouraged to ride to the area and lock their bike up, as well as use the beach path nearby, so the bridge will be used by cyclists.

It was explained in an email from CD 11 that in 2016, the city of LA commissioned a “technical memorandum” to evaluate four crossings from the park to the beach, and based on “the evaluation of the applicable criteria,” the proposed bridge has been named the “best alternative to connect” the two.

Senator Allen secured $11 million in state funds in 2021, dedicated to the proposed bridge project, including its design and construction. Previous Congressmember Ted Lieu secured additional funding for a lateral trail, which is also being pursued (not instead of the bridge, CD 11 District Director Gabriela Medina explained) and will connect the park to Temescal Canyon Road.

“They are two separate projects that meet two separate requirements under the Coastal Development Permit and under Coastal Commission,” Medina explained, “but both projects are funded and moving forward accordingly.”

Beristain added that Jacobs Engineering is required to conduct a minimum of 15 stakeholder meetings and three project milestone public meetings as part of its contract. There will also be a website with a project overview, schedule, meeting notes, links to resources and additional information.

The remaining time of the meeting—about 60 minutes—was dedicated to anyone who wished to speak in support or opposition of the project, as well as to ask questions. During the public comment portion, more than 30 people spoke—a split between those who support the bridge, those who were against it being built as proposed and those who had questions for the area officials in attendance.

“I believe the issue [is] the bridge needs more study,” one resident said. “There has not been enough community discussion regarding the pros and cons … it’s not a NIMBY issue, it’s a safety issue.”

“I can’t think of anything more wonderful than completing the Emerald Necklace of Pacific Palisades to the beach—that’s Potrero Canyon and Temescal, with the clasp reaching over to the Pacific Ocean,” another resident commented.

Another attendee said that he was “rather concerned” that it sounded like a decision had been made to build the bridge: “I don’t think that decision is the proper one, and it’s not a good use of public funds.”

Jacobs Engineering, selected by the City of Los Angeles, Bureau of Engineering, Bridge Improvement Division, will now undertake a $2.2 million pre-design Project Approval and Environmental Document phase of the project.

“As the project proceeds,” read a flyer from Park’s office, “we want to hear from you.”

Those who wish to receive future communications regarding the project are encouraged to email cd11rsvp@lacity.org or visit councildistrict11.lacity.gov for more information.

The Gray Dragon Opens in Marquez Knolls, Celebrates With Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

Lily Tinoco

December 14, 2023

news121423_04 — Cutting the ribbon
Photo courtesy of Holly Moss-Naim

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

The Gray Dragon children’s boutique celebrated its recent opening with a Malibu-Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, December 9.

Owned by Adele Heydenrich, the Marquez Knolls store, located at 16620 Marquez Avenue, opened on November 4—which Heydenrich described as a 20-year “dream come true.”

“It was always a case of when I had the time, I didn’t have the money,” Heydenrich said to the Palisadian-Post. “If I had the money, I didn’t have the time, or I had the money and the time, and I couldn’t find a location to work.”

Such was the case until Heydenrich began taking her son to Gerry Blanck’s Martial Arts Center and noticed a vacant space next door.

“I texted a Realtor and was … expecting him to throw out some ridiculous number,” she explained. “But no, it was surprisingly, actually really reasonable. I had to submit a business plan and explain what it was that I was trying to do, and having wanted to do it for as long as I did, I had all this research that I had been accumulating over the years … It’s been a slow build but we’re excited to be here.”

Heydenrich said sourcing products—children’s clothing and toys—has been easy with the help of her 8-year-old son.

“I call him my ‘director of inspiration,’” she said. “When it comes to clothing, I’ll ask him, ‘Do you want to give it a try?’ ‘Is it comfortable?’ ‘Can you run and jump in it?’ ‘Do you like it?’ ‘Do you think it’s cool?’ He has a lot of input in the store … Everything in the store, we will vouch for.”

The Gray Dragon, which has consistently offered new inventory since its opening, has carried products from The Blueberry Hill, Busy Benny, Banwood, A MONDAY in Copenhagen and more.

Looking ahead, Heydenrich said she will see what the community gravitates toward, and increase the sizes and availability of brands that shoppers like, while phasing out the brands shoppers may not like as much. She invited feedback from the community and opened her shelves to local businesses.

Of being in the Palisades, Heydenrich expressed gratitude for the community’s support and the opportunity to have a space in the neighborhood.

“I’m very much … ‘square peg, round hole,’” she explained. “If it doesn’t fit, I move on. I don’t try and force something if it doesn’t feel right. But everything just aligned brilliantly with this. From the timing, to the location, to the cost, to the vendors I’ve been working with … I’m proud of what we’ve managed to do, and the reaction that we’ve gotten from customers is proof that we’re on the right track here.”

The boutique is open Monday to Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday by appointment only.

For more information, visit instagram.com/the.gray.dragon.

American Legion Ronald Reagan – Palisades Post 283 Hosts ‘Evening of Honor’

Lily Tinoco

December 14, 2023

news121423_12 — Photo courtesy of Ronald Reagan - Palisades Post 283

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

Described as an “inspirational gathering of valor and patriotism,” American Legion Ronald Reagan – Palisades Post 283 hosted an “Evening of Honor” on Saturday, November 18, celebrating Medal of Honor recipients and connecting them with the community.

This year’s Medal of Honor recipients in attendance were Lieutenant Colonel William D. Swenson, Staff Sergeant Ryan Pitts, Master Sergeant Leroy Petry, Specialist 5 James C. McCloughan and Colonel (Ret.) Jack Jacobs.

“Their incredible stories span conflicts from Vietnam to Afghanistan, each narrative a testament to bravery and selflessness,” according to a statement from Palisades Post 283.

The event began with a Family Interactive Session, which included an invitation to local families to engage with the Medal of Honor recipients. It promised to be “an enlightening experience, offering a unique chance to learn about the six core values of the Medal of Honor: courage, sacrifice, integrity, commitment, patriotism and citizenship,” according to an event announcement. “Stories of heroism and valor will surely inspire and educate attendees of all ages.”

Communications Manager Jared Morgan reported a “great success.”

“Some two dozen kids showed up to the first mentorship session,” Morgan said following the event. “They asked questions after the panel discussion.”

Following the Family Interactive Session was an adult-only Evening Networking Soirée. This exclusive gathering featured a “sophisticated” networking opportunity, accompanied by cocktails and appetizers.

“Both sessions saw guests taking photos and interacting with the Medal of Honor recipients, of which there are only 65 alive,” Morgan added. “In all, we probably had more than 250 guests attend.”

During the panel, Petry was asked, as new generations learn of the Medal of Honor and what it stands for, what message he would like to impart. Petry explained that, to him, the award signifies more than a medal and a ribbon.

“It’s a symbol that any one of us is capable of great things,” he said. “Our heroes are all around us … You don’t need to be given accolades … to be a hero to somebody. It can be as simple as helping them out with a difficult task. You’ve never really lived until you’ve done something for someone who can’t repay you.”

The event was a “rare” opportunity to celebrate these individuals.

“Hosting an event with such distinguished Medal of Honor recipients was not only an honor but a profound reminder of the bravery and sacrifice these heroes have shown,” American Legion Ronald Reagan – Palisades Post 283 Commander Jim Cragg said in a statement. “Seeing the interaction between the youngest generation and these living legends—who represent the best of American valor and spirit—was incredibly moving.

“It’s moments like these that bridge history with the future, inspiring us all to remember and carry forward the values of courage, sacrifice and patriotism.”

For future events, visit alpost283.com/events.

Celebrating 74 Years of HoHoHo!

the Palisadian-Post

December 14, 2023

Gathering each year since 1949, the community celebrated the 2023 holiday HoHoHo! at the Palisades-Malibu YMCA Tree Lot at Simon Meadow on Saturday, December 9.

Festivities—led by Palisades Charter High School Ambassadors and YMCA Youth & Government members, with Pali High student Emmett Whitaker serving as emcee—featured several performances throughout the program, including Fancy Feet, Motley Ukes, Theatre Palisades Youth, Bluecat Music Voice Studio Pali High Singers, New Vibe Gymnastics and Gerry Blanck Martial Arts.

Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived via Los Angeles Fire Department Station 69 fire truck, and a Hanukkah menorah lighting was led by a local resident. There were visits from Sven and the Reingoats, hot chocolate and toppings from Palisades Garden Cafe, and more.

For those still on the hunt for a holiday-time tree, Palisades-Malibu YMCA Executive Director Jim Kirtley reported on December 12 that the lot received two loads, “fresh from Oregon,” this week.

Letters To The Editor

the Palisadian-Post

December 14, 2023

Proposed Bridge Project

On December 5, over 120 participants attended a community Zoom meeting hosted by our councilmember, Traci Park, regarding the proposal to construct a bridge over Pacific Coast Highway connecting the beach near the Will Rogers lifeguard headquarters building to the coastal end of George Wolfberg Park at Potrero Canyon Park.

It was heartening to see so many attend the meeting. Unfortunately, and despite the welcome participation of representatives from Senator Ben Allen’s office, the Bureau of Engineering, and Recreation and Parks, there was little new information disclosed about the project.

The meeting did provide an opportunity for the community to speak and raise issues and questions. I think it is fair to say the expressed opinions were about equally divided between those who support and those who oppose the bridge, belying the notion that there is “overwhelming” community support for the project.

A few issues raised, however, merit further comment. On the positive side, the city stated that it intends to build the lateral trail (as required by the current Coastal Development Permit under which the park has been created) and although there has been no visible progress, the city claimed it is working “behind the scenes” to develop the lateral trail. The lateral trail will run from the coastal end of Potrero Canyon to the traffic light at Temescal Canyon Road, thereby providing safe and easy access between the beach and park for pedestrians and bicyclists alike.

It also became apparent during the meeting that government representatives are relying on a draft 2016 Feasibility Study (which can be found at pacpalicc.org/wpcontent/uploads/2023/06/DRAFT-2016-Potrero-Canyon-Pedestrian-Crossing-Feasibility-Study-Technical-Memorandum.pdf) to support the bridge project. However, is it entirely unclear if that study actually supports the bridge under the current circumstances. Notably, the study does not require construction of the bridge for safe beach access. Rather, the study addressed four alternate choices to provide a single, safe crossing of PCH between the beach and the canyon: a new crosswalk and light below the mouth of the canyon, an underground tunnel at that location, the lateral trail or the bridge.

The first two options are not under consideration by anyone. As between the bridge and trail, the study opted for the bridge as a better choice. Even a careful reading of the study, however, failed to disclose a clear basis for that conclusion.

For example, the study acknowledged that the bridge will have far greater costs for construction and maintenance, and will have a greater visual impact than the trail. In this regard, it is worth noting that unlike the pedestrian bridges in Santa Monica, the proposed bridge will span not only PCH but also the beach parking lot, and will have a mandated 16-foot clearance across the entire span. This is far more massive than any of the existing structures in the area.

Moreover, and of greater significance, given that the city is building the trail, the question is no longer which is the best single alternative, but whether the bridge is needed and justifiable (given the over $10 million in additional costs) as a second access point between the canyon and beach. This is not an issue addressed at all by the study.

Second, we do not know what a final version of the study might have revealed, nor what work remained to turn the draft into a final report. In addition, the study is seven years old and therefore fails to consider or address current conditions regarding park usage, parking, fire and overall safety issues.

The emphasis of bridge proponents is for safe access across PCH between the canyon and the beach. That access is adequately provided by the lateral trail.

There is simply no need to spend substantial, additional taxpayer dollars for a second point of access that will only benefit the small number of people who park near the beach terminus of the bridge (anyone seeking access from any other point is better served by the lateral trail).

Jeffrey Spitz
32-Year Resident of the Via Bluffs

‘Jimmy Dunne Says’

the Palisadian-Post

December 14, 2023

news121423_02 — Photo courtesy of Jimmy Dunne

The Palisadian-Post presents an homage to Will Rogers’ column, “Will Rogers Says,” with a column by Palisadian Jimmy Dunne—on life in the “greatest town in America.”

Piazzas in Our Lives

On the first of December—something wild happened in town.

At the American Legion.

It happened to everybody in the room.

About 165 Palisadians.

They weren’t there from a church group or from a school in town. They weren’t a part of a political party. It wasn’t a company party. They weren’t with a national organization.

They played in the bocce leagues in the park.

It was a “sing-along” holiday party. And sold out weeks before in a day—with a wait list a mile long.

The room was stunningly decorated in these “Harry Potter”-style long tables. A great band of happy young talent, snappy food, flowing wines—the place was packed …

Here’s the crazy part. No agenda. Just for fun.

Everybody knew everybody. It was a town party.

The band played a few Christmas and Hanukkah songs with familiar lyrics and pics on big screens. Everybody sang along.

Normally, the stars of a show are the performers on a stage. Not that night.

The stars were the 165 Palisadians in the audience.

Every age, every faith, every color. Every everything.

————

Out of nowhere, something magical happened.

It just happened.

They let go.

They let go of all inhibitions. All worries. They let go of everything except what was right in that room.

Singing with all they had, hugging, standing up and cheering together.

When everybody danced, everybody danced with everybody. In the front and in the back of the room. It was so incredibly wonderful.

They lit up the room with their love of their town.

Their love of being alive.

Their joy of being around everybody else right there, on that night, in the comfort and blanket of that moment.

————

A little backstory.

Two and a half years ago, a table with a poster at our farmers market invited folks in town to join a new bocce league at the park.

Since then, 864 Palisadians have played in the bocce leagues.

From a lunchtime senior league—to leagues as the sun magnificently sets over the Palisadians of every age imaginable.

Teams of neighbors on a street block in town. Teams of couples that have been besties for years. Teams of generational family members.

But mostly, Palisadians that just signed and got placed on a team with a bunch of other folks in town.

And, in the blink of an eye, friendships blossomed. Team uniforms, team lunches and dinners in town, parties at players’ homes, out-of-town trips together, children’s weddings, you name it.

Lorraine Colich wanted to say a few words to the crowd when she won the “Martini Award,” the league’s highest honor, at the summer’s awards party.

She said, “I’m 96. Two years ago, my husband died. My son died. My best friends were all dead. My health was really bad. I decided it was probably time to go. Out of nowhere—came bocce.”

————

With everything going on in the world, with so much divisiveness, so much anger and anxiousness bubbling under everything every day, we’re looking for a break.

Piazzas. Like those Italian squares that have been around since the ancient times, in big cities and tiny towns, where folks gather and share ideas.

Safe harbors. That love us. That get us. Where we can be us.

Where we can laugh, and cry, and feel, and look around at smiling faces.

Where you leave with a hug.

Piazzas. They’re treasures in our lives.

We’ve all walked down a hospital corridor and peeked in the doors of so many rooms—of folks all alone.

Scared. Nobody visiting. Nobody around them.

In these holiday days of looking back and looking forward, may we all be reminded of the gift of the piazzas in our lives.

Maybe it’s at a church or synagogue. Or at informal block parties. Or with the folks we play pickleball with, or have coffees with, or bike with.

And, this holiday, may we find a moment along the way—to bring a piazza to someone’s door.

Could be with a paper from the curb in our hand, we knock on the door of that single, older neighbor down the block.

Who may just need a little hug more than we know. Looking them in their eyes and telling them, in some way, they’re beautiful.

Bringing the piazza to them.

————

There was a moment at the holiday party where all the guys together stood up, belting out a song as loud as they could.

With their arms around each other.

I looked out and saw my young son-in-law standing and cheering on others. I saw the dearest of friends with their heads back and singing so wonderfully out of key.

I saw my two girls, and my wife. I saw the faces of everyone there.

And sound disappeared, and I felt that room.

That beautiful, beautiful room.

Jimmy Dunne is a modern-day Renaissance Man; a hit songwriter (28 million hit records), screenwriter/producer of hit television series, award-winning author, an entrepreneur—and a Palisadian “Citizen of the Year.” You can reach him at j@jimmydunne.com or jimmydunne.substack.com.

Your Two Cents’ Worth

the Palisadian-Post

December 14, 2023

Mayor

As 2023 comes to a close, I am wondering who will be the next Honorary Mayor of Pacific Palisades, as Eugene is surely ready to move on from his role (though we loved him!). Adam Sandler? Jennifer Garner? Spencer and Heidi Pratt? Who is ready to take it on?

Deck Your Halls

One of the great reasons to love our town! We have the best neighborhood decorations every holiday. Thanks to all the neighbors who participate. Love it.

(Editor’s note: Those who wish to enter this year may do so at palipost.com/deck-your-hall-2023.)

Hanukkah

The annual Menorah lighting in Palisades Village is one of the most beautiful traditions we share.

‘Trashed’

I have been disheartened each time I visited the Village in November. Garbage everywhere, even right in front of open stores. Dilapidated newspaper vending machines stuffed full of garbage, which never gets removed. Is this the beginning of the decline & fall of Pali Civilization?

Holidays

Sending love and light to everyone in the neighborhood and beyond this holiday season. Can’t believe 2024 is just around the corner!

Holidays II

I love seeing the Christmas tree and Menorah at Palisades Village!

Crime Report

the Palisadian-Post

December 14, 2023

The following report includes three weeks of reported incidents in Pacific Palisades.

Theft

17000 W Sunset Blvd, November 12 between 8:33 and 8:45 a.m. Suspect entered location, concealed items in clothing and fled location without paying for items.

1000 Galloway Street, between November 22 at 8 a.m. and November 26 at 10:15 a.m. Suspect and victim known to each other. Suspect took property from victim’s home and moved them to another location without victim’s permission.

15100 W Sunset Blvd, November 22 at 6:45 a.m. Suspect entered business, grabbed items from shelves. Suspect fled location with items without paying for them.

Burglary/Theft From Vehicle

15000 W Sunset Blvd, November 14 between 12:30 and 2 p.m. Suspect entered secured vehicle, removed property and fled location.

15000 W Sunset Blvd, November 16 between 9:30 and 9:45 a.m. Suspect entered unsecured vehicle, took property and fled location.

300 Entrada Drive, between November 17 and November 20. Suspect took license plate off of vehicle and fled location.

Will Rogers State Beach & Pacific Coast Hwy, November 18 between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Suspect entered unsecured vehicle, took property and fled location.

1000 Fiske Street, between November 19 at 9 p.m. and November 20 at 7:10 a.m. Suspect smashed vehicle window, entered vehicle, removed property and fled location.

17700 Pacific Coast Hwy, November 19 at 12 p.m. Suspect removed victim’s property from unsecured vehicle and fled location.

700 Jacon Way, between November 20 at 11 p.m. and November 21 at 8 a.m. Suspect entered victim’s secured vehicle, took property and fled location.

800 Toyopa Drive, November 20 at 12:18 p.m. Suspect smashed vehicle window, entered vehicle, removed victim’s property and fled location.

600 Radcliffe Ave, between November 20 at 9:35 a.m. and November 22 at 10:30 a.m. Suspect removed victim’s property from unsecured vehicle and fled location.

Will Rogers State Park Road & Villa View Drive, November 21 between 3:45 and 5 p.m. Suspect forcefully entered locked vehicle, took property and fled location.

500 Almoloya Drive, November 22 at 2:40 p.m. Suspect can be seen in video at the scene. Suspects smashed front vehicle window, took property and fled location.

15100 Pacific Coast Hwy, November 22 between 10 and 11:30 a.m. Victim left key fob on rear bumper and left vehicle unattended. Suspect grabbed key fob and ransacked vehicle, taking unknown items.

500 Los Liones Drive, November 23 between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. Suspect entered secured vehicle and removed victims’ property and fled location.

Pacific Coast Hwy & Temescal Canyon Road, December 1 at 10:05 a.m. Suspect entered secured vehicle, removed property and fled location in an unknown direction.

1700 Will Rogers State Park Road, December 2 between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. Suspect gained entry inside victim’s vehicle—vehicle keys were left inside tire well while couple hiked.

Burglary

14000 Evans Road, November 18 between 4 and 11:30 p.m. Suspect smashed window to enter residence, ransacked and removed property, then fled location.

1200 El Hito Circle, November 20 between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Suspect made entry through unlocked rear sliding door. Suspect ransacked rooms and fled location with property.

600 Kingman Ave, November 20 at 10:32 a.m. Two suspects entered location via unlocked side door. Suspects fled location with property.

800 Lachman Lane, November 21 at 2:35 p.m. Suspect made entry into residence by unknown method. Suspects fled location. Unknown if property taken at time of report.

800 Bienveneda Ave, November 21 at 5 a.m. Male suspects entered victim’s locked garage, suspect fled with victim’s property in unknown direction. Incident captured by security camera.

900 Napoli Drive, November 23 at 5:27 p.m. Suspect climbed to the second floor, broke glass door, ransacked residence, took items and loaded property into vehicle in front yard, then fled location.

1300 W Beckwith Ave, November 29 between 5:45 and 6:45 p.m. Suspect broke rear glass door, entered victim’s residence, took items and fled with property.

1100 Las Pulgas, November 30 between 6 and 7:30 p.m. Suspect smashed glass bedroom door and entered residence, suspect ransacked bedroom and fled with property. Victim was inside residence during incident. Victim did not notice the burglary occurred until a couple of hours later.

1300 Chautauqua Blvd, December 1 between 6 and 11 p.m. Suspect shattered side glass door of residence with unknown object, suspect ransacked location and fled with property.

16100 Anoka Drive, December 2 at 10:05 p.m. Three suspects gained access to victim’s yard via a side gate. Suspect 1 cut sensor to flood lights. Suspects then entered victim’s residence though open sliding door, victim saw suspects and yelled at them. Suspects immediately fled location without property.

Aggravated Assault

15100 Pacific Coast Hwy, November 12 at 10 p.m. Suspect and victim known to each other. Suspect approached victim and tried to stab victim multiple times. Victim insistent on report. Victim and witness statements were inconsistent.

16900 W Sunset Blvd, November 21 at 11:59 p.m. Four suspects jumped out of their vehicle, pepper sprayed victim then returned to their vehicle and fled location.

Grand Theft Auto

1000 Glenhaven Drive, between November 21 at 2:30 p.m. and November 22 at 6:30 p.m. Vehicle taken from street.

100 Latimer Road, between December 1 at 11 a.m. and December 2 at 12 p.m. Vehicle taken from street.

Attempted Grand Theft Auto

200 Monte Grigio Drive, between November 21 at 6 p.m. and November 22 at 10 a.m. Victim parked and secured vehicle on the street. Suspects forced entry into vehicle and attempted to take vehicle, as ignition was damaged. Suspects fled location with property.

Robbery/Grand Theft Auto

17900 Pacific Coast Hwy, November 24 between 2:30 and 3 a.m. Suspect and victim known to each other. Suspect used bodily force to gain access to victim’s vehicle. Suspect fled in victim’s vehicle. Vehicle later recovered.

Provided by LAPD Senior Lead Officer Brian Espin. In case of emergency, call 911. To report a non-emergency, call 877-275-5273.

Palisades Neighborhood News

the Palisadian-Post

December 14, 2023

Deck Your Halls | Pacific Palisades

Entries are open for the Palisadian-Post’s 10th annual Deck Your Halls home decorating contest, which will award prizes in three categories: Best Decked Out Hall, Best Theme and Greenest Decor, inspired by reader feedback to honor a home that takes environmental sustainability into consideration.

This year’s prize package includes items from Theatre Palisades, Alfred, Porta Via, The Smoke Label, BE ROSY, McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams, Palisades Gift Shop, Flour Café & Pizzeria, and LadyBird.

For more information or to sign up, visit palipost.com/deck-your-hall-2023.

—SARAH SHMERLING

Snooknuk & The Robot Puppet Show | Palisades Branch library

Palisades Branch Library will host Snooknuk & The Robot Puppet Show—a “live musical adventure”—on Thursday, December 14, from 4 to 5 p.m.

The performance will include stories, Snooknuk original music, dancing, games, classic nursery rhymes and more.

“The show is hosted by Ms. Cheri (Grammy-nominated artist), who sings and engages the kids with instruments, interactive games, sing-a-longs, bubbles and much, much more,” according to the library. “It also includes EBOT, the singing robot performing with his colorful LED rocket ship, and sometimes his other puppet friends flying in for a quick song or two.”

For more information, visit lapl.org.

—SARAH SHMERLING

Area Eight 2nd Alternate Applications Open | Pacific Palisades Community Council

Applications are open for the Area Eight 2nd alternate representative on the Pacific Palisades Community Council Board of Directors.

“The 2nd alternate Area Eight position has become vacant because the former Primary Representative Reza Akef has resigned and the former 2nd Alternate Representative Andrew Wolfberg has been promoted to the primary position, pursuant to PPCC’s bylaws,” according to PPCC. “The current 1st Alternate Representative Eli Safaie-Kia wishes to remain in the 1st alternate position.”

Those who wish to apply for the seat must reside in Area Eight, which includes Riviera sections north and south of Sunset Boulevard up to Allenford Avenue, the Paul Revere Charter Middle School grounds and The Riviera Country Club (see pacpalicc.org for a map).

“All interested persons must submit a statement of any length, which shall include the number of years residing in Pacific Palisades, the number of years as a resident of Area Eight, the number of years at the applicant’s current principal residence and that address,” PPCC explained. “The statement must include the applicant’s position on issues they believe are of importance to the community and may also include a few biographical facts, including any skills that the applicant would bring to PPCC.”

Statements must be sent to info@pacpalicc.org by January 7, 2024, at 9 p.m. The person selected will serve through September 30, 2024.

—SARAH SHMERLING

Hiker Rescue | Castellammare

Los Angeles Fire Department Station 23 participated in a hiker rescue operation on December 10, which was reported at 1:18 p.m. near 590 Los Liones Drive, according to LAFD Spokesperson Margaret Stewart.

“Firefighters located an adult female hiker with a lower leg injury,” the report read. “Due to her injury and location, LAFD Air Ops … [prepared] for a hoist operation.”

The 911 call was first received at 12:59 p.m.

—SARAH SHMERLING

Troop 223 Eagle Scouts Honored

the Palisadian-Post

December 14, 2023

Copyright Erin Neumeyer 2023 310-902-6339 — Photos by Steve Galluzzo

By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor

The Troop 223 Boy and Girls Troops convened their annual National Eagle Courts of Honor on the evenings of November 20 and 21 in Sprague Center at St. Matthew’s, recognizing Pacific Palisades’ new Eagle Scouts.

On Monday, November 20, 12 members from Troop 223G were elevated to Eagle Scout—the highest rank in the program.

Girls have been a part of Boy Scouts of America since February 2019. This group of girls is the last of the founding members of Troop 223G.

In addition to dozens of hikes and campouts throughout California, they had to complete a two-week hike at Philmont, High Adventure trips at The Denmark Jamboree, Desolation Wilderness in Tahoe and a hike in the Pacific Northwest, along with summer camp on Catalina Island.

Scoutmaster Michael Lanning offered some sage words for the girls at the end of his speech, saying: “The mountain is waiting, get on with your climb.”

The dynamic dozen in this year’s Troop 223G Eagle Scout Court of Honor—many of them Palisadians—were Isabella Ekstein, Evgenia Rink, Blaise Ferraro, Rashna Vaghaiwalla, Greyson Weaver, Stephanos Morning, Celine Moshrefi, Isabella Pekarovic, Beatrice Kibler, Carly Crane, Kelly Wagenseller and Brooke Chopiuk.

Stepping to the podium to open the proceedings on Tuesday, November 21, was 2021 Eagle Scout Bill Coleman. Next came the presentation of colors and flag salute by Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Carson Bartley, followed by the invocation from fellow Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Kholin Young.

Then, one by one, the 25 new Eagle Scout candidates representing the Troop 223 boys were called up to the stage, each having his own presenter who shared a story about the candidate’s journey.

Here are the candidates, as well as their number of merit badges earned:

Eashan Barber, 31 badges; Declan Seamus Sommer Childress, all Eagle and 223 badges required plus Shotgun and Scuba; James Fields Coleman, 35 badges; Logan Robert Eskigan, 42 badges; Nolan Preston Freyer, 36 badges; Jared Milton Gold, 26 badges; Lucas Raphael Evan Gold, 26 badges; Samuel Ross Harris III, 24 badges; Andrew George Kibler, 29 badges; Charles Eric Kline, 26 badges; Jack Alexander Musitano, 26 badges; Brendan O’Malley, 26 badges; Justin Patrick Pack, 28 badges; Samson Xavier Plant, 26 badges; Hayden Prince, 27 badges; Nicholas Kawena Quilici, 27 badges; Charles Keawe Roarke, 25 badges; Luca Rosenmayr, 26 badges; Howard Theodore Rowen, 21 badges; Colby Parker Rubin, 35 badges; Joshua Maclean Snyder, 30 badges; Odino Florino Spadavecchia, 33 badges; Jackson Levin Terris, 36 badges; Rishad Behram Vaghaiwalla, 37 badges; and Ethan Youn, 23 badges.

Each candidate had a medal pinned to his uniform shirt by his parents, and after that, Lanning recognized all of the Eagle Scouts in attendance and imparted words of wisdom.

“Anyone who has questions about whether the future will be bright should look at these young men and have hope,” Lanning said. “You’ve hiked the hike, you crossed the rivers. You’re gonna hit some tough times but the force is inside you and it’s different than anyone else’s. It’s indefatigable. It will never fail you, never weaken, never not be there. How do you access it? Simply say, ‘I’m an Eagle Scout.’ It will pop up and carry you. Now get on with your climb.”

A longtime Palisadian, Lanning was named Citizen of the Year in 2022 by Pacific Palisades Community Council and has been Scoutmaster of Troop 223 for seven decades, witnessing approximately 1,000 members become Eagle Scouts.

Enzo Delcolliano, Emmett Haggenmiller and Sam Hastings offered congratulatory citations, after which the Eagle Awards were presented and closing remarks made by Lanning and Assistant Scoutmaster Andy Hubsch. Last came the benediction, given by Senior Patrol Leader Lucas Levens.

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