Pacific Palisades Community Council invited Palisadian Hank Wright to its Thursday, April 25, meeting to discuss community safety, preparedness and communication in the event of an emergency.
Wright said he has been in the Palisades since the 1990s and is a member of the Los Angeles Fire Department Auxiliary Communications Service in Battalion Nine, serving communities on the Westside, including the Palisades.
“Our primary purpose is to provide backup throughout the city of Los Angeles if cells go down or [first responders] can’t communicate,” Wright explained. “This becomes very important in situations like the Northridge earthquake where, because of the problems that they had, they had to put a LAPD cruiser every mile across the Valley to be able to send information back to LAPD headquarters. The city of LA has a backup mechanism for that now, it is run out of LAFD, and that’s what ACS does.”
Wright explained that communication is “the foundation of the world,” and with technological advances, the world is able to communicate effectively today: “But what happens if the infrastructure fails?” Wright asked attendees.
“This is the biggest thing that I want to … drive into everyone’s thinking process,” Wright said. “If you don’t have a plan, you’re planning to fail.”
He explained that copper landlines are being cycled out—and can be too expensive to maintain—with fiber optic lines taking their place, which would not be operable in the event of a power failure.
Wright said American Legion Ronald Reagan-Palisades Post 283 has done a “fantastic job” at building and investing in an emergency communication infrastructure that is similar to one at the Los Angeles Emergency Operations Center.
He proposed the idea of forming groups of individuals in each neighborhood in the Palisades that would be connected and would feed data back to the American Legion.
“We need organizations like the Pacific Palisades Community Council, neighborhood watch … CERT groups to be able to organize it,” Wright said. “If we all watch out for our neighbors … we can be able to provide that situational awareness. My call to action is to start to become aware of what you can do … to watch out for your neighbors, to get to know them, to be able to figure out what’s going to be your communication.”
Los Angeles Police Department Senior Lead Officer Brian Espin broke down the potential flow of information, explaining that a block or two of homes would report to a higher entity—similar to an HOA—which would report to Wright and his team, who would eventually report to LAPD.
Though this community plan is being discussed, Wright said it is ultimately important to have a family plan and stressed the importance of emergency preparedness. This can look like acquiring Family Radio Service radios, Community Emergency Response Training and ham radio operations.
A free, weekly, three-hour Amateur Radio Operating Class kicked off on Thursday, April 4, and will run through June 20 via Zoom at 6:30 p.m. ET.
“The presenters will be various experienced folks in the various subjects,” according to PPCC. “Attend them all, or any that you like, but you must register for the classes.”
For more information or to register, contact Rol Anders, K3RA, at roland.anders@comcast.net. To watch Wright’s April 25 presentation, visit PPCC’s YouTube: youtube.com/@ppcccalendarandyoutube6950.
Palisadians are surely familiar with Patrick’s Roadhouse, with its shamrock-green exterior and roof topped with eccentric sculptures. It has stood at the mouth of Santa Monica Canyon since 1973.
Today, the restaurant faces closure—and over $60,000 has been raised in support of keeping the eatery’s doors open.
Owner Anthony Fischler told the Palisadian-Post the restaurant has been in business for over 50 years, serving customers from the Palisades, Santa Monica, Malibu and all over the world.
“We became a part of the community over decades,” Fischler said. “It became an icon … not just in the area, but all over Los Angeles. It’s listed as one of the things to do when you visit LA.”
Longtime customer Kurt Benjamin described it as “an institution that has been woven into the fabric of the community.”
Benjamin told the Post he grew up visiting Patrick’s Roadhouse often. His father taught swimming at the Santa Monica Pier and would take him to the restaurant when he was younger.
“Then I lived in Malibu for many, many years … moved to Santa Monica, and now I live in Brentwood,” Benjamin said. “I carried on the tradition of going to Patrick’s, and then I got married and my wife was inducted into my routine … Then we had a daughter, and we brought her into that same routine. The history is long and enduring.”
Now, Patrick’s Roadhouse has been faced with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and deferred rent that has accumulated. The restaurant’s doors closed on Thursday, April 25.
“During COVID … about 10% of U.S. restaurants went out of business,” Benjamin explained, “and Patrick’s wasn’t the place you would think of [going] to get your takeout food. Quick service restaurants survived really well and they were set up to survive the onslaught of COVID. There was deferred rent … and just the pure plight of survival for the years that followed … All of this came due and it was impossible to bear for Anthony.”
When Benjamin heard of the news, he moved quickly to push to save the restaurant.
“That’s when I decided that [Patrick’s Roadhouse] not only should be saved, but could be saved,” he said to the Post.
He reached out to Fischler and his legal team, and launched a GoFundMe with a goal of raising $250,000.
“The immediate goal is to raise $250,000, with $200,000 allocated for back rent, which will be paid to the landlord, and $50,000 for immediate building improvements,” according to the GoFundMe.
Benjamin said a group of private investors and longtime customers have also committed to filling the gap where the GoFundMe may fall short.
He explained that “there is dialogue happening in regards to initiating [lease] negotiations.”
“If all of the terms are not met, meaning … we have a lease that’s acceptable [and] enough funds to open the restaurant guaranteed, we are not taking any money out of the GoFundMe and it would be sent back to all of the donors,” he said. “But we’ve had multiple donors, and every donation counts.”
As the Post went to print Tuesday evening, over $65,000 of the $250,000 goal had been raised.
“It makes me want to cry,” Fischler said of the donations. “I’m completely overwhelmed by the response by the community and how important Patrick’s was to so many people. It warms my heart … and makes it worth continuing for another 50 years, hopefully.”
For more information or to make a donation, visit gofund.me/f33f3487.
The Palisades-Will Rogers 5 and 10K Run Foundation awarded $40,000 in grants, generated by the 2023 July 4th Race, to local charitable, educational and community programs.
This year, awardees included Foster Warriors, Friends of Marquez, Pacific Palisades Art Association, Palisades Charter High School Band, Pali High Booster Club, Palisades Presbyterian Preschool, Palisades Village Green, Palisades-Malibu YMCA, Palisades Americanism Parade Association, Resilient Palisades, Theatre Palisades Youth, and more.
Interested organizations were invited to fill out a Grant Request Application earlier this year, which requested 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 partnered with Palisades Optimist Foundation and the Optimist Club of Pacific Palisades to identify “qualified organizations” to receive grants from the run’s net proceeds.
Grants are awarded each year based on various criteria, including: “the impact on youth in Pacific Palisades, the number of youths impacted by the program, the effectiveness of the program and the likely longevity of the program.”
Preference—although not required—was given to applicants that are based in the Palisades and/or provide services that benefit the youth in the Palisades community; request funds for a specific event, equipment, facility or service; request funds to be spent within a year; and cosponsor or assist Palisades Optimists “in their programs and services for Palisades youth and the community.”
Additional grant recipients this year included Brentwood Art Center, Optimist Youth Home and Pali High Quarterback Club. Funds raised will also support the Optimist Foundation’s youth scholarships and Optimist International oratorical contest.
The Optimist Club of Pacific Palisades’ motto is “friend of youth,” with a goal to “bring out the best in youth,” according to a press release.
“For over 70 years, the Palisades Optimists have provided funding and volunteers to help accomplish this goal,” the press release read. “The Palisades Optimists have established a process to award grants annually to assist community organizations, schools and groups serving youth and promoting worthwhile youth activities.”
The Optimist Club invited interested individuals to one of the organization’s meetings, held on the first and third Tuesday of each month at 9:45 a.m. at Palisades Presbyterian Church.
Dedicated to all the moms—who will never, ever be forgotten.
———-
After raking in a wad of cash from my 750 aunts and uncles for my first communion in second grade, I went with my mom to make a deposit at our local bank.
My mom and I were standing at the teller’s window. This middle-aged guy, with a tie knot that was too big, asked my mom what her occupation was.
My mom, Joanie Dunne, said, “I’m just a housewife.”
It was the just that hit me.
I chimed in, “She’s my mother.”
He gave me that smirky, condescending look where he was really saying, “You get a gold star for figuring that out.”
I didn’t have the confidence, or permission, or biceps to explain what I meant, so I just pulled out my money and put it on the counter.
It’s taken a long time to really know what I was trying to tell that man.
It’s taken a lifetime.
———-
You get many dozens of years to experience hundreds of treasured moments that profoundly move you, that inspire you, that reinvent you.
You have dear, cherished, caring friends who know the real you, massage you and fill you up at every harbor of your journey.
Over a lifetime, you live in many places that ground you—creating springboards for your possibilities and relationships.
You become part of many groups, clubs and activities that are comforting blankets to cook and shape the unique and evolving you.
As years go by, you visit so many places around the world, forever a re-reminder of nature’s banquet of what wonder and breadth mean.
But you have only one, only one, of maybe the most precious and elegant word in the world.
Mother.
The word from where love, and commitment, and giving were born.
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.
Longtime Palisadian and “Santa Baby” composer Philip Springer won the Best Individual Performance in Video in the 28th annual Webby Awards Internet Celebration for his rendition of Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata.”
“Hailed as the ‘internet’s highest honor’ by The New York Times, The Webby Awards, presented by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences, is the leading international awards organization honoring excellence on the internet,” read a statement following his win.
His daughter, Tamar Springer, will attend the awards on Monday, May 13, to deliver a five-word acceptance speech on Philip’s behalf—one day after his 98th birthday on May 12.
The Palisadian-Post has partnered with locally founded environmental organization Resilient Palisades to deliver a “green tip” to our readers in each newspaper. This edition’s tip was written by Lisa Kaas Boyle and Bonnie Zucker of the Resilient Palisades Zero Waste Team.
Did you know that approximately 92 million tons of textile waste is generated annually and comprises about 7% of landfill waste? Unsurprisingly, so much waste comes from textiles, given that between 80 and 100 billion new clothing items are produced worldwide annually.
While it is exciting to get new clothes, the environmental impact of fashion is significant. One great way to protect our environment is to give clothes an extended run by donating clothes we no longer wear and wearing vintage or pre-owned clothing.
Resilient Palisades hosted its first Sip and Swap on Saturday, May 4, as a fun way to exchange clothes and accessories in a party atmosphere. Hosted by Zero Waste Team member Carly Gregory in her beautiful garden, members of Resilient Palisades and the Palisades Buy Nothing group enjoyed mimosas and great company as we collected treasure from our neighbors’ closets. The cost to participate was zero and the cost to the environment was minimal, as we used our Resilient Palisades reusable cutlery and cups for food and beverages.
After the event, the remaining clothing and accessories (10 bags) were donated to charity.
To join Resilient Palisades, see our website: resilientpalisades.org.
With Teacher Appreciation Week underway, we want to spotlight an incredible educator who is shaping the youngest of minds with passion and dedication.
Viroshini Buell—known as Ms. Viro—has taught preschool at Palisades Montessori Center for over 30 years. Ms. Viro’s boundless energy and warmth creates an environment where our children feel valued and supported. She nurtures their curiosity and fosters love for learning that children carry with them into kindergarten and beyond.
“She has the innate ability to meet children where they are, and for my son particularly, it was game-changing,” remarked Colleen Munakash, a mother of two at Palisades Montessori Center. “There are teachers, and then there are teachers who change everything for a child. Ms. Viro consistently goes above and beyond, and rolls up her sleeves to do the hard work that is necessary when teaching this age. She works with parents as challenges arise creating a symbiotic relationship between parent and teacher that benefits the child’s development.”
Dynamic curriculum coupled with tried-and-true Montessori strategies are hallmarks of Ms. Viro’s Red Room classroom. Each month offers a different theme; past March celebrated Mexico weaving in the study of postmodernism Mexican artists along with tamale tasting, culminating in a full celebration with a student performance of traditional songs. April’s topic of the Environment took Red Room students on a trip to Underwood Family Farm for strawberry and dinosaur-kale picking.
“Ms. Viro was the preschool teacher for our two boys in 2015 and 2016,” Grace Newton said. “My boys are now 11 and 12, and are happy and thriving at school. She is also a supplemental teacher for our daughter, who is currently 5 years old wherein she taught her how to read at the age of 3 and fueled her passion for learning. She is an unforgettable teacher and person who fosters such a joy for learning while encouraging each child to embrace their unique talents.”
“I liked how Ms. Viro was so nice to me in the Red Room and in tutoring,” former student Benny Gowing added. “I love seeing her on my way home from school now. And I love that she still calls me Benny-Hana.”
The Friends of the Palisades Library Parking Lot Book Sale will take place on Saturday, May 11, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“The beloved tradition is back,” read an email from event organizers. “The Friends of the Palisades Library will host their first book sale since before Covid.”
The event was originally postponed from April 13, due to rainy weather.
“All books have been generously donated by our wonderful community, and include a mix of contemporary fiction, nonfiction, art books, cookbooks, special interest, children’s and young adult books,” the email continued. “Books are in excellent condition, and there is sure to be something for everyone.”
Cash, checks and credit card will be accepted at the sale, with proceeds helping the Friends continue to supplement library materials, host speaker programs, and provide initiatives for youth creative art and writing.
—SARAH SHMERLING
Class of 1964 Reunion | Pali High
The Palisades High School Class of 1964—the first graduating class to go through 10th, 11th and 12th grade at the new school—will host its 60-year reunion on Friday, September 20.
“One remarkable thing about Palisades High School Class of 1964 is that we have dedicated, organized, planned and celebrated our 10th, 20th, 30th, 40th, 50th, 55th and now our 60th high school reunion,” Wendy Anderson wrote.
The reunion will include a sunset dinner harbor cruise on a FantaSea Yacht out of Marina del Rey, which will depart at 5:30 p.m. and return at 8:30 p.m.
“It was so successful for our 55th reunion that we wanted to repeat it again,” Anderson wrote.
There will be an “after party” at one of the neighboring hotels after the yacht docks.
The cost per person is $175. For more information, including where to send the check, contact event organizers Pam Ball (pammball@aol.com or 949-533-8525) or Anderson at (pricelesseaview@gmail.com).
Plans are also underway for a picnic at Pali High. The Classes of 1963 to 1965 are invited to join the reunions.
—SARAH SHMERLING
Chamber Music Palisades | The Village
Chamber Music Palisades will present “An Afternoon Concert: Virtuoso Solos, Duos and Trios” on May 19 at 3 p.m. at Pacific Palisades United Methodist Church, located at 801 Via De La Paz.
“Join us for a kaleidoscope of chamber music featuring colors from the highest to the lowest members of the flute, clarinet and bassoon families,” wrote CMP Artistic Director Susan Greenberg. “Along with pianist Pierre Tang, the program includes duos and trios by [Ludwig van] Beethoven, [Felix] Mendelssohn, [Francis] Poulenc, [Scott] Joplin and others.”
The featured musicians perform with Santa Monica Symphony, Long Beach Symphony, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Los Angeles Opera, San Diego Symphony and Vicente Chamber Orchestra.
The concert is free to attend but donations will be accepted in person and online via cmpalisades.org.
—SARAH SHMERLING
Author Talk | Palisades Branch Library
Palisadian author Cambria Gordon will speak about her new young adult historical fiction, “Trajectory,” on Tuesday, May 15, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Palisades Branch Library.
The book, set during World War II, follows the story of 17-year-old Eleanor, who is “nothing like her hero Eleanor Roosevelt,” but instead “timid and all together uncertain that she has much to offer the world.” She is “consumed with worry” for her Jewish relatives living in Europe.
“When a chance encounter proves her to be a one-in-a-generation math whiz—a fact she has worked hard all her life to hide—Eleanor gets recruited by the U.S. Army and entrusted with the ultimate challenge: to fine-tune a top-secret weapon that will help America defeat its enemies and secure the world’s freedom,” read a summary of the book.
I lost my phone on Saturday and would like to thank two young men who turned it in to Gelsons. A sincere THANK YOU!!
Updates
The Palisades Rec Center needs shade and updated bathrooms.
90th Celebration
Celebrating the town’s 90th birthdays with the Woman’s Club was a treat. It was a really special event and kudos to all of those who brought it to fruition.
Marquez Coffee
Maybe if someone writes into Pali-Post every two weeks about needing a coffee shop in Marquez, someone will take a hint and make it happen! I love what is now available in Santa Monica Canyon. I think it would be a great addition here as well.
Butterflies
It was interesting to read about Butterfly Day and the life of caterpillars/butterflies. My toddler’s favorite book is “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” but they don’t quite cover as much there. I learned a lot!
Trash
A friendly reminder: As the weather gets nicer and more people make it out to our trails and beaches and parks, PLEASE remember to bring ALL of your trash with you when you’re leaving. Otherwise all of our cleanup efforts are wasted. Let’s keep the Palisades beautiful.
Signs … Again
I drove up Chautauqua on Saturday and – like the previous person wrote in 2 Cents about Sunset – illegally placed political signs remained along the road. “Signs must be placed not sooner than 90 days prior to the scheduled election and is removed within 10 days after that election.” When are they coming down?
Fourth of July
As I am writing this, it is officially two months out from the best day of the year in the Palisades, aka Fourth of July. I wonder what this year’s festivities will bring and can’t wait to experience it all.
Jamee Natella and Nick Melvoin cut the ribbon Photos by Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Worldride Impact
Worldride Impact Foundation Celebrates Launch, Library Dedication Ceremony at Paul Revere
By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
Students at Paul Revere Charter Middle School and Magnet Center now have the option to travel the globe from their recently renovated library—or receive assistance to take a trip abroad.
This is thanks to Worldride Impact Foundation, which celebrated its official launch during a library dedication ceremony on Thursday, April 25.
“Worldride Impact is dedicated to creating global citizens through education, literature, media, technology and travel,” read its website. “Through all of its initiatives, Worldride Impact aims to inspire children to learn about the lives of kids in other parts of the world and to better understand different cultures.”
The foundation’s projects include the renovation and maintenance of libraries, buying new books, funding local educational experiences and immersive experiences through technology, and sponsoring global cultural travel for students.
Founder Jamee Natella—a Palisades Charter High School parent whose son, Sam, previously attended Paul Revere—said it was “quite a journey” reaching launch date.
“Over the past year, we’ve been gathering donations and getting our first initiatives off the ground,” Natella explained to the Palisadian-Post. “We’ve raised significant funds to back our mission of inspiring children to learn about other cultures, and we’ve already achieved some incredible milestones.”
By the time of its launch, Worldride renovated the Paul Revere library, stocking it up with “an incredible collection” of grade-level books, as well as providing students with new computers and Oculus headsets.
“The Worldride Library at Paul Revere is truly special,” Natella described. “It’s not just a place for books—it’s a hub for cultural exchange and exploration.”
Natella said Worldride selected Paul Revere as its first library location because of its “vibrant community,” as well as its “real commitment to education and diversity.”
“It felt like the perfect fit for our first library,” Natella said. “Plus, my son attended Paul Revere, so we already had a direct connection to the school.”
The April 25 launch event “brought together a group of influential figures in support” of the foundation’s mission, including Perrey Reeves (“Entourage”), Robin Tunney (“Prison Break”), John Paul DeJoria (Paul Mitchell) and wife Eloise DeJoria (“Weekend at Bernie’s”), Steven Paul (Paramount and SP Operations producer), Alan Mruvka (E! Entertainment Television founder), Christa Campbell (Campbell Grobman Films), and Daisy Lang (professional boxer), among others.
The event—which included a ribbon cutting and “firsthand look” at the renovated library—was also attended by Los Angeles Unified School District Board Member Nick Melvoin, former Paul Revere Principal Tom Iannucci, current Paul Revere Principal Dr. Shuntell Anthony and Paul Revere Assistant Principal Justin Koretz.
“The event culminated in a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring Natella, Andrea King, a seasoned librarian and educator, and Natalie Byrne, founder of blank space,” read an event synopsis. “The conversation delved into the importance of cultural programs, the need for educational resources and the profound impact of the foundation’s initiatives.”
Working alongside Paul Revere Librarian Gabriela Gualano, Natella said Worldride is developing “exciting educational programs,” including author visits and cultural exchange events, with things like food, music, dance and art.
“At its core, this is about much more than just a library,” Natella said. “It’s about creating experiences that will spark students’ curiosity, engage their imagination and help them understand the world in a whole new way … We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished so far, but there’s still much more to do.”
Worldride has partnered with organizations like Virgin Atlantic and WorldStrides to provide scholarships to students to “embark on educational and cultural journeys abroad” with a Travel Grant Program. Through the PRIDE Booster Club, Worldride helped send students to Japan.
“Students must meet certain criteria to be part of the program, including volunteering at the library, reading books that feature different global cultures, and maintaining good grades and behavior,” Natella explained. “While on their travels, they write postcards and create a reflection photo journal and essay.”
Natella said she has always had a passion for travel—her work as a producer took her all over the world. For some of the trips, she was able to bring along her son Sam.
“It was his curiosity and questions about different cultures that really spurred this project,” Natella continued. “I went to the library to try and find resources that would answer his questions, and I realized there was a gap in the market. Sure, there are travel guides and history books, but nothing that helps a kid navigate a whole new culture or understand the whys behind things like driving on the left side of the road versus the right, using chopsticks instead of forks, and so on.”
That is when Natella said she knew she wanted to write a book and start a nonprofit to help Sam, and other students like him, “wrap their heads around different cultures through literature, technology and cultural exchange.”
The first installment in the Worldride Adventures book series—which will be available soon—is titled “Sam In London: Cheeky Kids, Medieval Blokes and Giant Trousers.” The book served as inspiration for much of the artwork in the Paul Revere library, including custom murals, quotes and QR codes, which will allow students to “dive deeper into the story beyond the book.”
“With the new Oculus headsets, students can explore the globe virtually through the immersive experience we built with the help of Double A Labs,” Natella explained. “There are three distinct worlds—London, Tokyo and Los Angeles—inspired by the pages and characters within the book series, and we have plans brewing to expand to Australia next. It’s like having a virtual passport to explore faraway places without leaving your local library.”
Proceeds from the book, as well as branded backpacks, created by GROUNDTRUTH, will be reinvested back into Worldride to expand its “initiatives to even more schools.”
Looking to the future, Worldride is working alongside LAUSD to establish itself as a permanent vendor, so that it can bring these initiatives to schools across the district. The foundation is also in talks with a local camp that serves underprivileged students to organize a Worldride Cultural Day—with plans to bring hands-on activities and interactive workshops where attendees can learn about arts, cuisine, sports and cultural traditions from around the globe.
For Palisadians who would like to support Worldride and its efforts, Natella noted several options, including donating books, funding educational experiences or “simply spreading the word about what we do.”
“In the future, we hope to expand our reach, establish more libraries and fund even more educational experiences for kids,” Natella said. “In addition to working with LAUSD and local camps, we’re also excited to build partnerships with schools, community organizations and booster clubs.”
In addition to her work on Worldride, Natella has been involved in the community as a PCHS PTSA board member, where she has chaired the school’s auction for several years.
“The Palisades holds a special place in our hearts,” she said. “It’s such a wonderful community and a fantastic environment to raise children, and we’re incredibly grateful for the chance to play a part in enriching the cultural experiences and education here.”
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