17300 Pacific Coast Hwy, January 28 at 1:45 p.m. Group of 200 to 300 bikers entered business, removed property without paying for items and fled location (flashmob theft).
15700 Pacific Coast Hwy, January 30 between 1 and 1:40 p.m. Suspect removed victim’s property from beach.
1000 Swarthmore Ave, February 1 at 5:08 p.m. Two suspects entered business and removed items from display area. Suspects fled location without paying for items.
Burglary/Theft From Vehicle
1500 Will Rogers State Park Road, January 29 at 4:33 p.m. Suspect entered locked vehicle, removed victim’s property and fled location.
800 Alma Real Drive, February 2 at 3:30 p.m. Suspect entered unsecured vehicle, removed property and fled location.
W Sunset Blvd & Pacific Coast Hwy, February 3 at 11 a.m. Suspect entered victim’s secured vehicle, fled with victim’s property.
Burglary
600 Haverford Ave, February 1 at 6 p.m. Suspect smashed basement window, entered residence and fled with victim’s property.
Robbery
16700 Charmel Lane, February 2 at 9:05 p.m. Suspect entered victim’s residence through unlocked door, brandished a handgun toward victim. Suspect demanded property and fled location. Suspect was being followed by undercover officers and later arrested.
Provided by LAPD Senior Lead Officer Brian Espin. In case of emergency, call 911. To report a non-emergency, call 877-275-5273.
Over 1,000 Jokes Have Been Displayed on the Joke Tree in the Alphabet Streets
By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
What’s black and white and red all over? A newspaper.
What’s tall and silent, but also has something funny to say once per day? The Joke Tree in the Alphabet Streets—which, to date, has displayed more than 1,000 family friendly jokes, put together by Ann and Jon Vitti.
The Joke Tree started as a pandemic project. Ann and Jon were in London when safer-at-home orders went into place, and they were called back to the United States.
“Around May 1, I started the tree,” Ann explained. “I put a sign up that was a question for the joke, and then I thought they could flip it, but then nobody was touching anything. So we put the sign on the tree and then on the ground is the answer … and we’ve just done that ever since, for three and a half years.”
The jokes come from many different sources, Ann explained, including joke books and online. Then, there came a point where Ann kept seeing the same jokes across her usual sources, so she put out a call to the neighborhood—and they delivered. Jon has made up a few, Ann said, and she has come up with one.
“Who is the most popular vegan rapper?” Ann asked. “Megan the Scallion.”
Some of the other jokes featured on the tree are classics: Why was six afraid of seven? Because seven eight nine.
There are also themed weeks around the holidays, like Halloween—which Ann said is her favorite—as well as things like brain teaser week and animal jokes.
Ann said the jokes are planned out about a month in advance, including when her and Jon are out of town. The person staying at their house has jokes that were planned in advance to put out each day, so there is no lapse.
“It’s really funny, like we went out of town for a month,” Ann explained. “We said that the Joke Tree is hibernating, and somebody said, ‘Don’t do that again.’”
During the pandemic, Ann said that greatest compliment she received was one person who said when stuff got to be too much, she would tell her husband to take the kids to the Joke Tree so she could have 20 minutes to relax.
“I thought, that’s the gift you can give somebody that you don’t even know,” Ann said. “For us, it’s just really fun.”
In fact, the Joke Tree lore has since expanded, with nearby Jake the jacaranda who watches from nearby, jealous that Joke Tree is the star.
“He always puts out kind of snarky things,” Ann said
The Joke Tree celebrated a major milestone in September 2023 when it displayed its 1,000th joke. The Vittis honored the occasion with balloons and a special display.
“You know how people say, ‘Oh, it feels like just yesterday’ … Sure did not,” she said with a laugh.
One neighbor, Loren Kaplan, has been walking most days since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, making sure to pass by the Joke Tree every walk since July 2020.
“Seeing the jokes on the Joke Tree gives me such a lift,” Kaplan said. “I really look forward to it. I just think it’s the nicest thing that Ann and Jon do this for our community. I see lots of people stopping all the time. One woman told me she takes a picture of the jokes every day to send to her 93-year-old mother. It’s such a gift they are giving to all of us.”
Ann said the original plan was to end the jokes as 2020 came to a close, but after one faithful joke-reader—a young kid—expressed worry that with the end of the year would come the end of the jokes, the Vittis decided to keep going, and going, and going.
“Because of that kid, whose name I do not know, we’ve gone an additional two and a half years,” Ann said with a laugh.
Another benefit of the Joke Tree is that Ann has gotten to know her neighbors better than before. The Vittis have lived in the Palisades for 30 years, in the same home in the Alphabet Streets for 25 years.
“Everybody needs a joke,” Ann said, “keep the good feeling going.”
Storms in Pacific Palisades that began Saturday, February 17, brought 2.73 inches of rain as of Tuesday morning, February 20, according to Craig Weston, who tracks weather from the Huntington.
The Palisades has received 14.06 inches of rain this February so far, Weston said, with more rain predicted in the coming weeks.
The rainfall total for the season—measured July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024—stands at 24.70.
—SARAH SHMERLING
Grant Request Applications Open | Pacific Palisades
Applications are now open for area programs to request grant funding from the Palisades Will Rogers 5 & 10 K Run Foundation.
“The Palisades Will Rogers 5 & 10 K Run Foundation will grant much of its annual net proceeds generated by the 2023 July 4th run to charitable, educational and community benefit purposes originally envisioned by the co-founders of the run,” read a statement.
Interested organizations are invited to fill out a Grant Request Application, which includes details about the applicant, funds needed and when, the program, how the funds would be spent, and any other additional information “that may be helpful in the consideration of applications.”
The run foundation partners with Palisades Optimist Foundation and the Optimist Club of Pacific Palisades to identify “qualified organizations” that will receive grants from the run’s net proceeds.
Applications are due by March 15 by mail to P.O. Box 211, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272 or email to Grants Committee Chairperson of the Pacific Palisades Optimist Club Jody Margulies at jodymargulies@mac.com. They may also be hand-delivered to Margulies.
To receive a Grant Request Application, email jodymargulies@mac.com.
—SARAH SHMERLING
Women of the Year Nominations | Pacific Palisades
The office of Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (AD 42, including Pacific Palisades) is accepting nominations for Women of the Year through February 29.
“This March, in conjunction with Women’s History Month, my office will once again be recognizing and honoring the extraordinary achievements of a number of women across the 42nd Assembly District,” Irwin wrote in a statement. “I would appreciate your help in nominating women who have made significant and/or meaningful contributions to their community over this past year.”
Nominees must live or work within the Palisades, Brentwood, Topanga, Agoura Hills, Bel Air, Beverly Glen, Casa Conejo, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, Lake Sherwood, Malibu, Moorpark, Oak Park, Santa Susana, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village or the western portion of Camarillo.
Those who are selected will be recognized on social media during Women’s History Month, as well as in-person later in the year.
For more information or to make a nomination, visit a42.asmdc.org/2024-women-year-nomination.
—SARAH SHMERLING
E-Bike Incentives | Pacific Palisades
Kruse and Company, located at 15121 Sunset Boulevard in Pacific Palisades, is encouraging Palisadians to sign up for the California E-Bike Incentive Program, a statewide initiative that provides vouchers for up to $2,000 for a new electric bike for “income qualified Californians.”
“After a year waiting for the program to be implanted, the application period is likely to open any day now that retailers and the list of eligible e-bikes have been approved,” read a statement from Kruse about the program. “Not all e-bikes are eligible, and vouchers must be redeemed at an authorized retailer.”
The program is open to residents 18 and older with a gross annual household income below 300% of the Federal Poverty Line. Interested parties can sign up to receive the application—which is anticipated to fill up quickly—once it is released.
“We believe this initiative presents an amazing opportunity for residents in the Pacific Palisades to discover the benefits of e-bikes, which can often shorten commuting times and save you money on gas and car maintenance,” said Andrew Grove, co-owner of Kruse and Company, in a statement. “The limited funds mean that residents should act promptly to secure their e-bike incentive vouchers and start trading car trips for bike trips.”
More information about the program is available at ebikeincentives.org and more information about Kruse and Company is available at krusebikes.com.
—SARAH SHMERLING
Music Guild Concert | Marquez Knolls
St. Matthew’s Music Guild will continue its 39th season of concerts on Friday, March 8, at 8 p.m. with a program featuring the Chamber Orchestra at St. Matthew’s and violinist Hye-Jin Kim.
“Kim will be heard in the lyrical ‘Violin Concerto’ by Gian-Carlo Menotti,” read a statement about the concert. “The world-premiere of ‘Tamit and Moar’ by New York composer and saxophonist Ethan Helm, and music of Florence Price fill out the program.”
The concert will take place at St. Matthew’s Church, located at 1031 Bienveneda Avenue. Tickets are $45.
For more information, visit musicguildonline.org or call 310-573-7422.
By Damon Raskin M.D. | Special to the Palisadian-Post
Q:What is the deal with taking expired over-the-counter medicine? I am talking about acetaminophen and ibuprofen, things like that. My family always took them, even if they were expired, but my husband’s family has always thrown them away the day they go bad. Why shouldn’t we take expired medicine?
Medicine cabinets—the final frontier of forgotten expiration dates. We’ve all been there, rummaging through the depths of our bathroom cabinets, only to discover a dusty bottle of pills that expired back when flip phones were still cool. But before you toss them out faster than last year’s trendy fidget spinner, let’s delve into the world of expired medications.
So, you found some expired meds. Before you panic, remember that not all expiration dates are created equal. It’s not like milk turning into a science experiment overnight. Sure, that bottle of antibiotics might have seen better days, but it probably won’t morph into a magic potion or a petri dish monster.
According to the FDA, most medications maintain their potency and safety well beyond their expiration dates. It’s like they’ve got a secret pact with time—“Expiration date? Nah, we’ll just take a chill pill and hang out a bit longer.” But hey, don’t go stocking up on expired meds like they’re limited edition collector’s items. They’re not vintage wine; they’re more like fine cheese—still good, just a tad past their prime.
Now, liquid medications are a whole other story. They’re like the divas of the medicine world—high maintenance and quick to spoil. So, if you stumble upon an ancient bottle of cough syrup that’s turned a funky shade of green, it’s probably best to bid it farewell. No one needs a side of mold with their medicine.
And let’s not forget the importance of proper storage. Your medicine cabinet may seem like a safe haven, but it’s no match for extreme temperatures or humidity. So, unless you’re running a pharmaceutical sauna, keep those meds cool, dry and away from sunlight. After all, nobody wants their ibuprofen to develop a sunburn.
But hey, if you’re still unsure about that expired Tylenol from the Jurassic era, just use your best judgment. If it looks and smells like it’s been living in the Bermuda Triangle, it’s time to say goodbye. And if it’s a life-saving medication, don’t play Russian roulette with its expiration date—that’s a game you don’t want to win.
In conclusion, while expired medications may not be as deadly as forgetting your partner’s birthday, it’s still essential to tread carefully. Use your common sense, keep an eye on those expiration dates and, when in doubt, consult your friendly neighborhood pharmacist. After all, they’re the real MVPs of the medicine world—saving lives one prescription refill at a time.
Have a question you want to see answered in a future edition of the Palisadian-Post? Send it to mypost@palipost.com for consideration.
Sisters of Sojourn—founded by Palisadian Suzanne Lowe—will host its annual benefit “SOS Rocks! Backstage Pass” on March 2 at Buffalo Club in Santa Monica.
Comprised of a group of women who reside in Pacific Palisades and Brentwood, all proceeds from the benefit provide support to Sojourn, which is The People Concern’s domestic violence program—“meeting the emergency and long-term needs of thousands of domestic violence survivors each year.”
“Sojourn’s mission is to provide shelter and support services to adult and child survivors of domestic violence,” read information from organizers. “Sadly, in the aftermath of the Covid shutdowns, Sojourn has seen a drastic increase in the need for their services, so our fundraising efforts are more important than ever.”
“SOS Rocks! Backstage Pass” marks Sisters of Sojourn’s 23rd fundraiser since it was founded 23 years ago.
“Initially [Lowe] was giving excess inventory from her Santa Monica-based apparel manufacturing to Sojourn but wanted to do more,” read a statement. “She saw an opportunity at the time to create a group of young women on the Westside who would be interested in supporting the cause. The group maintains an annual membership of 40 women.”
The People Concern’s Sojourn project operates the second-oldest domestic violence shelter in California. It also operates Adams House, a second stage shelter for women and children.
“Sojourn also provides a comprehensive array of services to people experiencing abuse, including a 24-hour hotline; two shelter facilities (crisis and second stage); legal and medical services; case management; counseling; children’s programming; court advocacy; community education and outreach; and a 24/7 emergency response program, which works with law enforcement and hospital emergency rooms,” the statement continued.
In addition to selling tickets to raise funds, there are also a variety of raffle items available, including a Brentwood Experience (described as a “dream date/night” with a value of more than $1,000) or an Experience Palisades item.
“This Mystery Box Raffle Ticket is for a special experience for two people in Pacific Palisades,” read the item description. “Bring your bestie or bring your bae as you’ll have fun either way. There is no mystery as to whether you will enjoy this special outing.”
The fundraising event, which will feature The Pine Mountain Logs, will begin at 6:30 p.m. at 1520 Olympic Boulevard in Santa Monica.
Palisadian Adam Sandler takes a leading role in Netflix’s sci-fi drama, “Spaceman,” which will be released March 1. The film is based on the novel “Spaceman of Bohemia” by Jaroslav Kalfař.
For Kalfař, the cosmic tale had “humble origins,” according to Netflix.
“‘Spaceman’ began as a short story that I wrote in my last year of college,” he told Netflix. “Originally, it was just a punchline about an American astronaut who was stranded in orbit when he received a call from his wife asking for a divorce.”
As he expanded the piece into a full-length novel, the story became larger, becoming one of love, space, time and the author’s own family.
Now, “Spaceman” tells the tale of Jakub—played by Sandler—who, after a six-month solitary research mission to space, realizes he may not be returning to the marriage he left behind. In an attempt to fix things with his wife Lenka, Jakub is helped by a giant, spider-like creature Hanuš, who he finds hiding in his ship.
“Spaceman” is said to explore an emotional and brooding side of Sandler, even in the context of his more dramatic roles.
“I really wanted to have a performance from him that had nothing to do with the Adam Sandler we all know,” director Johan Renck said to Netflix. “I don’t think people understand how [although] he may come across as funny and sweet and all that, he’s very intelligent, really smart, profound.”
Sandler is joined by actor Paul Dano, who voices Hanuš, and Carey Mulligan, who can be seen on-screen as Lenka.
“Paul was the first thing that came up in thinking about [the creature] … He has this peculiar cadence when he’s speaking, his careful formulation of words,” Renck said of the cast. “Carey Mulligan is incredible, both in terms of her technical skills and her tremendous authenticity. I love her as Lenka. She’s such a big part of this film and does such an extraordinary job.”
Author Kalfař also went on to praise the film-adaption.
“I was completely blown away when I saw the film,” he said to Netflix. “I’ve seen it twice now. I think all the people out there who love weird things and weird art will hopefully be delighted by it.”
“Spaceman” will premiere at the “Berlinale Special” programme at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival before hitting Netflix on March 1.
With a mission to “safeguard indigenous lands, communities and cultures by preserving their traditions and acquiring handmade goods and natural ingredients directly from them,” Prana by Lana offers an assortment of “natural and sustainable” products.
The brand was founded in 2017, but owner Lana Mahmood explained to the Palisadian-Post the Palisades storefront—located at 16618 Marquez Avenue—opened in August 2023.
Prana by Lana offers 100% all-natural products, free of synthetic chemicals, preservatives or fragrances, and handcrafted in small batches.
“Prana Skincare was created by Lana after studying the medicinal properties of plants and trees throughout the world, including the Amazon Rainforest, Ecuador, U.S. Virgin Islands, Africa, Europe, the Middle East and many more,” according to the website. “Through researching and observing how the indigenous communities would heal themselves internally and externally through the gifts of nature, it inspired her to start this line and share these pure ingredients with the world.”
Prana by Lana products avoid synthetics that are common in skincare products, such as glycerin, synthetic vitamin E oil, water, aloe vera juice, citric acid, guar gum, cetearyl glucoside, cetearyl alcohol and castile soap. Popular products include the Deep Sea Atomic Ormus—high-potency, pure deep sea monatomic minerals—All Natural Toothpaste—made of French green clay, turmeric, activated coconut charcoal, cinnamon and more—and All Natural Face Oil—a “luxurious elixir” made of jojoba oil, kukui nut oil, copaiba oil and more.
Beyond skincare, additional products include a Butterfly Pea Flower Tea, Lavender Shea Butter Coconut Candle, Palo Santo, Bamboo Biodegradable Toothbrush, Gua Shas and Face Rollers.
Prana by Lana also offers three classes: a Medicine Making Workshop, Candle Making Workshop and a Private Candle Making Event.
The Private Candle Making Event accommodates up to 20 people, where participants learn how to make a soy-, paraffin- and chemical-free candle. Individuals have the option to choose from a variety of flowers, scents and crystals to customize their shea butter candle.
“It’s a great learning experience and a lot of fun at the same time,” the website read. “Teaching and spreading knowledge of plants and their healing properties is my life passion, I would be honored to have you join me for this workshop and can’t wait to see you all there.”
In line with its goal to educate society on the benefits of using plant-based products, Prana by Lana also launched a recycling program.
“Our commitment to mother earth is to always use eco-friendly materials,” according to the website. “All our products are put into glass jars with either bamboo or biodegradable lids. We recycle everything. All of our products are shipped in recycled boxes, recycled bubble wrap and recycled packaging. Every little bit we contribute can make a huge impact on mother earth.”
Beyond the Palisades, Prana by Lana products can also be found at eco now in Anaheim, Casa Lulo in Orange, 3rd Eye Meditation Lounge and Elixir Bar in Texas, as well as at weekly pop-up events like the Melrose Trading Post, Marina Del Rey Farmers Market and Vista Vegan Pop-Up.
Sara Marti, a member of Resilient Palisades who is working alongside Mahmood, told the Post Prana by Lana is collaborating closely with the environmental nonprofit to introduce additional sustainability practices to the community. This includes the establishment of a refill station for products such as shampoo, hand soap, dish soap and more, and the initiation of composting workshops.
Marti said the first composting workshop is slated to take place at Palisades Village Green on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
“In contrast to the destructive practices of the corporate world, it is crucial for us to be mindful of where we shop and what we buy,” Marti said. “Join Lana on her journey and support sustainable practices that not only benefit us, but also protect the environment and the communities that depend on it.”
Prana by Lana is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. For more information, visit pranabylana.com.
Palisades Newcomers & Friends group has changed its named to “more accurately reflect its members” and will now operate as Pacific Palisades Friends and Newcomers.
“Most of our members have lived in the Palisades or our neighboring communities of Malibu, Brentwood, Santa Monica and Topanga for many years (membership is open to residents of these communities only),” read an announcement. “Our purpose is to provide a connection and introduction for newcomers and longtime residents to the community through participation in various social activities and some charitable ones.”
The group recently hosted an Art Group, creating books, as well as an Explore LA outing, with a group visiting the Mr. Brainwash museum in Beverly Hills.
More information is available at pacificpalisadesnewcomers.com.
Photos courtesy of Peggy Levin
Palisadian-Post Contributing Writer and Pacific Palisades resident Ruth Laurent-Kocher recently started a new position as executive director of Beauty Bus Foundation, founded by fellow Palisadian Wendy Levine in 2009 in memory of her sister, Melissa Marantz Nealy, who died at the age of 28 from a degenerative neuromuscular disease.
Photos courtesy of Ruth Laurent-Kocher
“Melissa became homebound as her disease progressed,” read a statement about the foundation. “In an effort to lift her spirits, her family arranged for in-home haircuts, manicures and facials. Melissa said these treatments made her feel ‘human again’ … Melissa’s family founded Beauty Bus Foundation in 2009 to offer this same experience of dignity, hope and respite to other families when they need it most.”
Laurent-Kocher said she is “thrilled” to join the Beauty Bus team.
“Throughout my professional career I always found the time to fundraise and volunteer in my schools and local community, but now in this role I can dedicate myself 100% to a cause that truly makes a positive difference in people’s lives,” Laurent-Kocher said. “I believe my business experience will enable Beauty Bus to take on the challenges that face the nonprofit sector and grow its reach and impact to serve more seriously ill people and their caregivers, in hospitals, hospices and their own homes.”
Students of Calvary Christian School traveled to Tijuana in December 2023 to hand-deliver donated gifts for the children of Casa Hogar Sion.
“As part of Calvary’s Community Service Program, middle school students are paired with a child or adult living at the orphanage, to provide some basic needs and wishes on their Christmas lists,” read information about the program. “Through these personalized wish lists, they are able to provide heartfelt gifts to the children and staff of this special community. The donation drive culminates with a day trip to Tijuana, wherein students and parents are able to meet the recipients face to face, sharing a festive and memorable day together.”
Calvary has been working with Casa Hogar Sion since 2007.
Contributing Writer David Grinsfelder Reports on Some of the Differences He’s Noticed Living in New York vs. Los Angeles
By DAVID GRINSFELDER | Contributing Writer
Toto, I don’t think we’re in the Palisades anymore …
The man lowered his shoulder, hunching over like a linebacker as he exited the subway car. A few feet away, his unsuspecting victim perused the Vignelli Map, a multi-color diagrammatic outline of the city’s serpentine subway system.
Curious onlookers perked up, drawn out of their own little commuter cocoons to watch how this impending catastrophe unfolded. I, on the other hand, took no notice.
Without so much as a warning cough, the man crashed into the oblivious gentleman, who ceremoniously tripped over his own duffel bag and greeted the cement floor like a clumsy circus act. His assailant barreled ahead and up the stairs into the brisk New York morning. No wasted effort of any kind. It was actually quite emblematic of a typical New Yorker on the move, if you think about it.
This whole experience would have been a funny introduction to New York for me, except for one problem—I’m the guy who just got the wind knocked out of him.
It’s been nine months since that fateful encounter on New York’s RW subway train. Fortunately, my experience has improved dramatically since that day.
After a summer spent living and working in Milan as a male model, I returned to the Big Apple and rented a two-bedroom apartment with my friend, Jason. Our fifth-floor walk-up is a workout for the glutes, but with no upstairs neighbors and 10-foot ceilings, we’ve got it better than most people in this crowded city.
I’ve been a Palisadian my whole life, and I know that Southern California is (and hopefully always will be) my ultimate home. But now that I’m a New York State ID-carrying 20-something with a knack for adventure, I’m trading sunset for sunrise. At least for now.
I decided in September 2023 to make my temporary move to New York a little more permanent by signing a year-long lease on New York’s Upper West Side. It’s quiet, safe and one of the few places where you can still find reasonable rents in this city.
New York City captivates the minds of people of all generations with its iconic landmarks, luminous nightlife, and dizzying array of cultural and culinary options. It is an enigma to those who have not lived here and can still be a mystery for newcomers to the city like me.
You can usually distinguish the locals from the out-of-towners using what I call the “heads up” method: If you see someone walking down the street, eyes aloft in admiration of the buildings soaring above them, they’re don’t live here.
I’ve learned enough in my short time living here that I feel confident giving a synopsis of the unique differences between Los Angeles and New York to my Palisades community.
For those who have not actually lived in the city that never sleeps, these go beyond the basic differences in weather, transportation and population density. Instead, I want to highlight some of the more subtle, yet distinctive, contrasts between America’s first and second most populous cities. And maybe share a few fun anecdotes along the way.
So, without further ado, please enjoy my breakdown of three of the main differences between Los Angeles and New York. Three additional differences will be published in a future edition of the Palisadian-Post.
1. Apartment Hunting
LA is smooth sailing when compared to New York.
To lament about rent prices in either city is requisite for living there. Unfortunately for Angelenos, New Yorkers suffer disproportionately when running the gauntlet of an apartment search.
In Los Angeles, finding an apartment took my time, but not my sanity. Along with a few close Palisades Charter High School friends who returned after college, we scoured the internet, toured a few listings, and then paid first and last month’s rent, plus security deposit. Time-consuming, sure. But in the grand scheme of things, nothing to lose sleep over.
Our rent calculated to $5,400 per month for a three-bedroom in Santa Monica. Certainly fodder for small talk on a first date or coffee chat, but not enough to crush one’s spirit.
In New York, the apartment hunting process is the same, but there is an extra step that blindsides and bewilders newcomers. You might have to outbid your competition to win the keys to your new place.
At a recent dinner in Brooklyn, a Realtor friend of mine casually mentioned that his client bid $4,700 to secure an apartment that was listed for $4,000 just two days before.
Worse than that, broker fees can cost up to 15% of the annual yearly rent. So, getting a $3,000 apartment will cost you $3,000 first month, $3,000 deposit and $5,400 broker fee—that’s $11,400 just to get keys in your hands.
2. Population Densities
Technically, the LA metro area is more dense … but it doesn’t feel like it.
Los Angeles is geographically big. From Santa Monica to Pasadena, all the way up to Granada Hills and down to Inglewood, it’s a sea of humanity in every direction. But because LA is built out instead of up, it usually doesn’t feel overwhelming. Unless you’re braving the onslaught of 405 traffic at rush hour.
New York, on the other hand, is dense. Manhattan alone houses 1.6 million people and measures just 22 square miles. The Palisades is 24 square miles, which means that Manhattan is 55 times as dense. So, even when you’re alone in New York, you’re never truly alone.
On a typical day, I wake up to the sound of trash trucks blaring their horns on Amsterdam Avenue. I brush my teeth accompanied by workmen drilling through drywall during building renovations.
Once I’m on the subway, I get comfortable rubbing shoulders with the morning commute, the smells of which are an endurance test for the nostrils. Even on my evening run through Central Park, I’m surrounded by an armada of joggers, bikers and others trying to find some serenity amid the chaos.
3. Late Night Life
Sunrise nights out in LA don’t happen often. In New York, they’re commonplace.
Neither city is anathema to great night life. Because of local liquor laws, though, most Los Angeles night life venues close by 2 a.m. When I’m out dancing with friends in West Hollywood or drinking Modelos at The Brig in Venice, I keep a careful eye on my watch once the clock strikes midnight. It is also imperative that you organize a “DD” (designated driver) in case Uber or Lyft decides to leave you stranded on Sunset Boulevard at the witching hour.
New York boasts a different kind of late-night scene. On most weekend nights, I don’t find myself out to dinner until 9 or even 10 p.m., and some of the hottest night life spots (The Stranger and Laissez-faire are two relatively new joints I’ve frequented in recent months.) don’t begin their main performances until 2 a.m.
In 2023, I can count on one hand the number of times I stayed out later than 3 a.m. in Los Angeles. Five months in to my tour of New York, I’m inadvertently watching the sun rise at least twice per month.
On the bright side, though, I can always count on the MTA (New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority) to get me home for $2.90, instead of spending a fortune on Uber.
David Grinsfelder is a graduate of Palisades Charter High School (2015) and UC Berkeley (2019). He currently lives in New York and is writing a series of travel stories for the Palisadian-Post. The Grinsfelders have been Highlands residents since 1989.
Christine Kludjian (right) and Bill Jones read winning stories at the library in 2023. Photos by Steve Galluzzo
The Palisadian-Post is highlighting winners of Pacific Palisades Library Association’s Summer Creative Writing Contest 2023, which had the theme “The Best Day.” Here is the first place piece in the scribblers category (grades one and two), written by Jack.
I woke up and looked around, my house is pink? This is not my color. I am a green inkling. The town is all pink. I have to find my best friend Inky.
As I run to our hideout I see Inky’s name on the splotches. I am so confused.
At the hideout Inky was waiting for me. He was so excited that he turned the town pink. I tell him that people are mad because their colors matter.
He looks around and understands that he made a mistake. He is so sorry and needs my help to fix it. I tell him we need to go to the king’s castle to get the golden blaster.
It was a tough journey. We had to go through the highest mountains past the World of Fun. We had to eat only healthy food and not be tempted by the sugary treats.
Then we went to the Blank Space where we ran away from the Blank Space Spots who were trying to erase us.
Finally we got to the castle and found the king. Inky tells the king the truth and asks for the golden blaster. The king agrees and tells us he is proud of us.
We go back to our town and fire a rainbow blast that changes all the colors back to normal. Everybody is so happy that they decide to throw us a surprise party! This has been the best day ever.
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