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 SoCal Stop Artificial Turf Task Force.
Revisiting the ashes and rubble of my home of 35 years in our beloved town of Pacific Palisades, I noticed something alarming in the debris: the burned remains of my neighbor’s plastic grass, now heaped on my property.
The sight made me sad because as an environmental attorney, I know a lot about the toxins in that plastic grass and how these toxins, especially melted, impact our environment, soil and nearby ocean.
I’m sure my neighbor installed the plastic grass with good intentions, but we now know that artificial turf has not brought expected benefits such as water savings. Cooling and cleaning plastic grass can require more water than would be used for the maintenance of natural, drought-tolerant grasses.
Most significantly, plastic grass has created many unintended consequences. Plastic grass is manufactured with petrochemicals, and the manufacturing process uses harmful per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances and other hazardous chemicals. PFAS, “forever chemicals,” are associated with cancer and linked to growth, learning and behavioral problems in infants and children; fertility and pregnancy problems; thyroid disease; asthma; and more.
Toxic runoff from plastic grass contaminates drinking water, rivers, lakes and oceans with microplastics as well as PFAS. The EPA has recently reported that there is no safe amount of PFOA or PFOS (types of PFAS) in drinking water, and both have consistently been found in plastic grass.
Plastic grass has been shown to reach temperatures much higher than natural grass, readily reaching 160 to 180 degrees Fahrenheit or more, creating heat-island effects, and causing heat-related injuries and illnesses such as skin burns and heat stress.
Ornamental artificial turf should be replaced with native plant species that are the most cost-effective measure to battle the warming effect while supporting butterflies, local songbirds and other wildlife.
Finally, because it is made of mixed plastic materials, artificial grass will never be economically viable for recycling. At the end of its lifecycle it is sent to a landfill, illegally dumped or sent out of state to be incinerated. My neighbor’s burned plastic grass is simply toxic waste.
Artificial turf is a danger to the health and safety of our community and our environment, and it fails to produce promised water savings. So when we rebuild, let’s rebuild better with health and safety in mind. Rebuild with native plants and not plastic grass. Resilient Palisades is here to provide guidance to the community as we rebuild even better.
For further information visit ncsa.la/artificial_turf and resilientpalisades.org.
While recovery work is ongoing, Palisadians continue to find ways to gather together, including this summer through camps and programs. Here is a selection of some of this year’s offerings.
Photo courtesy of Violet Dominguez
Camp Cloud
Following the loss of her Palisades studio on Sunset Boulevard in the fire, Violet Dominguez has launched New Vibe Gymnastics 2.0—which is presenting Camp Cloud this summer for participants ages 4 to 13.
“I started New Vibe Gymnastics out of my house, and put my heart and soul into building it from the ground up,” Dominguez wrote of the Palisades space. “The goal of New Vibe Gymnastics was—and always will be—to provide a safe space for children.”
Camp runs Mondays to Fridays from June 9 to August 22. There are full days available from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and half days from 9 to 11:30 a.m.
Dominguez is also offering a Memorial Day Camp on Monday, May 26, with full and half-days available as well.
Enrollment is open for the studio’s pod classes, which will begin in September. There are classes available for Novas (3 to 4 years old), Supernovas (5 to 6), Stars (7 to 8), Shooting Stars (8 to 10) and Comets (10 and up). There are also Parent and Me, Astros Boys, Nova Independent (newly age 3), and Flips for Dance pods available.
The studio is located at 1815 S Centinela Avenue, Suite B, in Santa Monica.
Sunshine Westside Beach Camp is making a “sun-soaked move” for summer 2025, Associate Club Director Kyle Weindel said.
Due to the recent Palisades fire and closures of Will Rogers State Beach, the camp team announced that Sunshine Westside Beach Camp will be relocating to Venice Beach Galleon South Side location for the 2025 season, with camp running daily from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. June 9 to August 15.
“While we’re all sad to temporarily part ways with Will Rogers, safety comes first,” Weindel said. “With ongoing closures and cleanup in the Palisades, Venice Beach offers the perfect alternative: wide open beaches; gorgeous coastline views; and plenty of space for all our beach volleyball drills, games and training sessions. We’re bringing all the energy and excellence you expect from Sunshine, now on the iconic sands of Venice Beach.”
This summer’s beach volleyball camp will feature: technical skill development (serving, passing, setting, hitting); game play strategies and teamwork drills; small-group coaching with experienced Sunshine staff; competitive scrimmages and tournament-style play; fitness, agility and sand-specific conditioning; mentorship from “top-level” players and coaches; a “supportive, fun and motivating” environment for athletes of all levels.
“Whether your athlete is new to beach volleyball or sharpening elite-level skills, this summer will be packed with growth, excitement and lots of sand between the toes,” Weindel said.
The camp will be set up at the Venice Beach Galleon South Side, located at the end of Washington Boulevard. Directions are to enter the parking lot at the end of Washington Boulevard, follow the road in and make a left to reach the designated drop-off area.
For parent drop-off and pick-up, Weindel said they are “actively coordinating” with the Parking Services Unit to secure parent drop-off and pick-up passes, “ensuring smooth and safe transitions for all families:” “Stay tuned—we will provide clear instructions and passes before camp starts,” he said.
“We know this change might feel big, but we’re confident this season will be just as incredible,” he said. “Our team is already planning creative ways to make the most of the new location, and we can’t wait to see all our players out on the sand. Stay tuned for more updates, packing lists and session details coming soon. And remember: Same Sunshine spirit, brand-new Venice vibes.”
Questions can be directed to the Sunshine Westside team anytime: “We’re here to help and can’t wait to kick off the best beach volleyball season ever,” Weindel said.
Marney Sobel with Diana Vera and Renie Simone Photo courtesy of Marney Sobel
MARNEY’S
When the Palisades fire temporarily displaced MARNEY’S, founder and educator Marney Sobel began driving across the county to continue to work with families who enrolled in her educational programming and academic support.
Recently securing a space in Santa Monica at 1221 2nd Street in Suite 150, Sobel is offering an “exciting lineup of programs to meet the needs of families and kids of all ages.”
Morning camp will be available for youngest participants, offering a “chance to explore, play, and learn” in a “safe and structured environment.” The timing is being finalized but hours are approximately 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
MARNEY’S is also debuting an After Camp Cool Down program in the afternoons into the early evenings (also being finalized, but around 4:30 to 7 p.m.).
“This relaxed, post-camp experience includes calming activities like arts and crafts, beading, yoga, and more,” according to Sobel. “What’s more, campers enjoy nourishing dinners from beloved local restaurants such as California Pizza Kitchen and Nick the Greek.”
In August, MARNEY’S will host its Educational Review and Next Grade Readiness Camps, designed to keep “students sharp and confident before the school year starts.” Sobel will partner with Mary Anne from Montreal for an “engaging and effective math review camp.”
“Of course, no summer at MARNEY’S would be complete without the legendary book clubs that have earned a loyal following across the Palisades community,” Sobel said. “Parents are encouraged to form a group and enroll their children for a magical reading journey designed to spark imagination and nurture a lifelong love of books.”
There is “easy drop-off access” for all programming, with 90 minutes of free parking available at the space.
Groza Learning Center found a home on Moraga Drive in Bel Air, which is where Founder and Director Tatyana Yukhtman is offering summer camp, in addition to services that are provided throughout the academic year.
“We lost our physical space, but not our purpose,” Yukhtman said. “What rose from the ashes is stronger—more focused, more mission-driven and more dedicated to helping children thrive.”
The Groza Summer Camp program is open to students ages 5 to 13, designed to “ignite curiosity, confidence, and critical thinking in a joyful, screen-free environment.”
There will be weekly themes, including Detective Week, Mad Science, Entrepreneur week and more, allowing campers to “explore real-life skills while being immersed in imaginative, educator-designed activities.”
“With intentionlly small group sizes, every child is seen supported and celebrated for who they are,” according to Groza. “Whether your child is a budding scientist, a creative storyteller or a future CEO, Groza’s camp experience is crafted to nurture their unique spark. And with only a few spots left for this summer, now is the time to secure your child’s place.”
Registration for Camp Gan Izzy—which has secured a location for the summer at 1537 Franklin Street in Santa Monica—is now open.
The camp is run by Chabad Jewish Community Center of Pacific Palisades, which has been displaced after the Palisades fire destroyed part of its Sunset Boulevard campus.
“Camp days include sports, arts, STEAM, cooking, trips, beach days, water activities, themed shows and more,” read a previous description. “We pride ourselves on our loving and enthusiastic staff who look forward to giving our campers a fun and safe Jewish camp experience.”
There are four weeks of camp open for registration: June 30 to July 3; July 7 to 11; July 14 to 18; and July 21 to 25. There is also an option for the full summer, June 30 to July 25.
The Santa Monica campus will host a Palisades Children’s Business Fair on Wednesday, May 28, from 5 to 7 p.m., which will give potential campers and families a chance to see the space.
“This exciting event is a special opportunity for the young entrepreneurs of our community to showcase their creativity, talent and hard work as they present and sell the products they’ve proudly created,” read information about the fair.
The marketplace will feature booths like Minnie’s Magical Bath Bombs, Jewels by Javdan, Juicy World, Pink Pony Shop, and more.
“Let’s show our support for these amazing young vendors and for our growing community—and get a first look at the magic happening at our beautiful new location while we rebuild our beloved Palisades campus,” the statement continued.
The event on May 28 will also serve as an Open House & Community BBQ for Palisades Jewish Early Childhood Center, which will convene at the campus for the 2025-26 school year. Jewish Federation Los Angeles is providing 50% off tuition to attend PJECC for fire-impacted families through its HUG Fund.
Marquez Teacher Akiko Arevalo Advocates for Sense of ‘Normalcy’ After the Palisades Fire Through Science Fair, Robotics Team
By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor
A teacher is often a champion for their students—and such is the case for Marquez Charter Elementary School science and robotics teacher Akiko Arevalo.
After the Palisades fire, which began on January 7, Arevalo has pulled together school traditions to uphold a sense of normalcy for the school’s students.
Marquez faced severe fire damage across its campus. Arevalo recalled the day the school had to evacuate, seeing flames ablaze on the hilltops.
“We were there, we had to evacuate … It was like a war zone,” Arevalo shared with the Palisadian-Post.
As an educator, Arevalo said she remained calm and strong for the students that day. She worked with the school to ensure every student was sent home with their guardian, or into a bus and evacuated.
“It is a huge trauma for everyone,” Arevalo explained to the Post. “But what was important for us was to not dwell in that trauma, but to push ahead.”
After the fires and a relocation to the Nora Sterry Elementary School campus in Los Angeles, Arevalo said that she wasn’t sure if the school would be able to continue its traditional events, like the annual Science Fair.
“The Science Fair has, for as long as I have worked at Marquez, been a celebration of our fourth-grade scientists and inventors, along with guest scientists from other grades,” Arevalo said. “The fourth-grade teachers and I agreed that putting on the Science Fair would help with regaining some sense of normalcy for these children and families who have lost so much. With that in mind, I set my mind on trying to organize the most amazing Science Fair ever for our families.”
The team selected May 4 as the date for the school’s Science Fair—embracing the “May the Fourth” date with a “Science of Star Wars” theme.
In the spirit of the event, Arevalo—a “Star Wars” fan—dressed as Princess Leia from “Episode Four: A New Hope.”
“Our Marquez scientists displayed their amazing science knowledge in the hallways of our building,” Arevalo said. “Project topics varied based on the interests of the scientist. One project explained black holes, another investigated which pets had the most bacteria on their paws … Another explored the best products for cleaning fire-damaged items—very relevant, indeed.”
Arevalo said that STAR Education led “Star Wars”-themed science activities in classrooms across the campus—ranging from slime to robotics. Guest scientists from Palisades Charter High School also volunteered their time to share their knowledge with Marquez’ young scientists.
When asked of any moments or student achievements that stood out during this time, Arevalo responded: “Just the fact that [the students] showed up.”
“With everything going on, with families having to move … families didn’t have permanent homes,” Arevalo said. “They might not have had scissors or pencils. The school came together and we supplied everything that they needed … We were able to provide a presentation board, glue sticks, scissors, rulers. We tried to supply all the basics … and they just really came through. It was really impressive.”
Arevalo and Co-Coach Clare Gardner also worked with families and students to reboot the school’s Robotics Team after the Palisades fire.
“We didn’t want to, in the face of all of this, email parents saying, ‘Hey, you want to do robotics?’ when they’re dealing with so much,” Arevalo said to the Post. “The last thing we wanted to do was put more on their plate … But a robotics parents reached out and mentioned the kids were talking [in] a team chat about how sad they were that their robot was burned down.”
Arevalo said there are four robotics competitions in Los Angeles Unified School District: Three are qualifiers and the fourth is a championship. After the third qualifier, Marquez’ fourth- and fifth-grade teams were in first and second place.
“Then the fire happened, the robots burned down and they were devastated,” she said. “They were devastated because they were on their way to [the state competition.]”
But the students rebuilt their robots in a week and a half. Arevalo said the students kept a notebook in which they documented their designs, with changes and pictures and all.
“They attended the championships and they won,” Arevalo said. “They almost swept the awards. It’s amazing.”
Both fourth- and fifth-grade teams attended the U.S. Open Tournament in Iowa, where they competed with teams from across the world.
The school’s fourth-grade team then went on to attend the VEX Robotics World Championship in Dallas, Texas, which began May 12.
“Our team was one of only two LAUSD elementary school teams to earn a spot at the World Championship,” Arevalo said. “Over 420 elementary schools from all over the world—including China, Columbia, Nigeria, the Philippines and Ireland—traveled long distances to compete on the world stage. The children had the experience of a lifetime, making friends from other nations and competing with the best of the best. They did not earn any awards, but even having earned a spot at [the World Championship] makes them all winners.”
Chamber Chair Ramis Sadrieh Aims to Support Local Businesses Following Palisades Fire
By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
When it comes to connecting with the community, Ramis Sadrieh knows that you get what you give—that is why, in addition to running his own business, he wears so many hats.
One of those hats is chair of the Malibu Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce—a position he took over January 1, less than one week before the Palisades fire began and “everything changed overnight.”
“Now I’m in the position of trying to help businesses that have been shut down, closed, burned down—both literally and figuratively—as a result of this,” Sadrieh described to the Palisadian-Post. “I feel an overwhelming obligation to the community to try to get all of this going. I’ve been trying to represent the Palisades and Malibu communities, attending all the meetings with Mayor [Karen] Bass … and just letting everyone [know] and reminding them, it’s also the businesses … that have been affected by this.”
Sadrieh’s involvement with the Chamber dates back decades, to when he was just starting his own business, Technology For You! The company provides concierge consultation in homes and offices, dealing with computer and consumer electronics, including Ring cameras, as well as complete home-theater design.
When he launched his business in August 2003, Sadrieh described being willing to drive anywhere: working with clients from Palos Verdes to Camarillo.
“Whoever found out about me, I would try to help,” Sadrieh said.
Over the years, he narrowed that field down to the Westside, with most of his clients located in the Palisades. Now, following the Palisades fire, he is back to serving displaced clients who are currently residing from Manhattan Beach to Oxnard.
“I’m not going to leave my clients out there and to dry—no, I want to support them still,” Sadrieh said. “I appreciate them supporting me and my family, so I’m going to support them in their new locations that they move to. Some of them it’s temporary, some of them it’s permanent.”
Sadrieh, who lost his childhood home in the fire, grew up in Palisades from the time he was 2 years old, graduating from Palisades Charter High School in 1992. In 1993, when he was 18 years old and attending his first year at UCLA, he won the title of Mr. Palisades, alongside Miss Palisades Allegra Piaggi.
It was during this time that he became familiar with the Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce and the late Arnie Wishnick, who was CEO of the Chamber. As part of the title, he and Piaggi attended things like Chamber Mixers and other community events, becoming “youth ambassadors.”
A decade later, after getting a Master of Business Administration from Pepperdine, Sadrieh was launching his business and got in touch with Wishnick, who suggested Sadrieh attend a mixer that night at the Post office on Via De La Paz.
“I called him and I said, ‘Arnie, I started my own business and I want to get involved with the Chamber of Commerce,’” Sadrieh recalled. “So he said, ‘You should come tonight, we have a mixer tonight.’”
Chamber Chair Ramis Sadrieh at the grand reopening of Prima Cantina. Photo courtesy of vave.photo
Sadrieh described running into longtime community members like Dr. Mike Martini, Steve Guttenberg and others.
“That’s when my involvement with the Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce began again,” Sadrieh said. “I immediately became a member and I worked hard to get on the board.”
In Sadrieh’s line of work, he said that clients not only have to trust him to go into their homes, but to service their computers, which are “the gateway to their lives.” He described the parallel effort of growing his business, while also growing his position on the Chamber, eventually becoming president (a position which is now called the chair), which he hoped would help build that trust.
“I knew that the more effort I put into the community, and the more blood, sweat and tears, literally, into the Chamber, the more fruit I would be able to reap from the trees of my labor,” he said.
Sadrieh spent 15 years on the Chamber board before stepping down about a year before the COVID-19 pandemic began.
“When COVID hit, it changed the playing field for the Chamber where they had no choice but to merge with another chamber of commerce or risk closing altogether,” Sadrieh said.
The Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce, facilitated by then-CEO Bob Benton, merged with the Malibu Chamber of Commerce. Benton then asked Sadrieh if he would rejoin. He agreed, and then was asked in 2024 if he would serve as chair of the merged chamber of commerce.
Sadrieh represents both Malibu and the Palisades in his efforts through the Chamber. He urged people to make the trip to Malibu to support still-standing businesses: “It’s for a cause,” noting that business owners need the support at this time.
“If you’ve done business with Malibu, if you’ve gone out there because you like this one store, but now it’s difficult to get to, make the effort,” Sadrieh said. “It’s worth it. You’re going to feel better at the end, the person that has the store is going to feel better. It’s all around, everyone’s going to feel better.”
When it comes to businesses in the Palisades area, Sadrieh said the Chamber’s goal is to host a “big grand reopening party” for those who are reopening—which is what they did at Prima Cantina on May 5.
“Our goal was to make it as big as possible,” Sadrieh said. “The community is coming back, the business community is coming back.”
Rehearsing Jerome Robbin's "Circus Polka" Photos by Sarah Madison
Westside Ballet Upcoming Performances to Feature Palisades Dancers, Honor Local First Responders
By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor
Westside Ballet of Santa Monica will present “Masters of Movement,” with performances on Saturday, May 31, and Sunday, June 1, at 1 p.m. featuring Pacific Palisades dancers.
The event will feature several works that demonstrate “the depth and versatility” of the company’s pre-professional and student dancers.
“This season’s performances will also include ‘Le Conservatoire,’ excerpts from the charming ballet ‘Coppélia’ by Arthur Saint-Léon, and a contemporary work choreographed by Mark Tomasic, the Dance Department chair at Santa Monica College,” according to a statement.
Additional features include the debut of an original ballet for the company’s youngest performers and Jazz Director Michele Bachar Mendicelli’s arrangement of “Cabarat,” which will showcase “the dancers’ versatility with … Mendicell’s signature jazz style.”
“The two-day ‘Masters of Movement’ performances have been crafted by leading and emerging talent alike to honor the rich heritage and bright future of the organization,” the statement continued.
Palisades dancers
The “Masters of Movement” performances at The Eli and Edythe Broad Stage in Santa Monica feature a convergence of ballet dancers, including Palisadians Addison Russell, Carlin McCaffrey, Imogen Marble, Ines Macpherson, Kaia Sappington, Laurel O’Donnell, Olivia Yu, Valentina Finci, Zoe Nakamura and Zola Maksimo.
“Going to rehearsals every week helped me overcome the trauma and loss of losing my home in the Palisades fire,” Finci shared. “I will never forget the first rehearsal after the fire when I learned my part in the Spring Show. It gave me something to practice and look forward to during hard [times]. I practiced every week and dedicated myself to getting better at it. I am so grateful that I can perform in the Westside Spring Show.”
The gala is set for 7 p.m. on May 31, which will recognize the “heroic work” of the Santa Monica and Los Angeles Fire and Police Departments’ first responders with the Huntley Santa Monica Beach Hotel Community Arts Award. The Gala will also feature guest artists and celebrated choreography.
The Gala and Spring Showcase events will take place at The Broad Stage.
“The Gala and Spring Showcase will feature 11-year-old Westside Ballet prodigy Spencer Collins, who was recently awarded the prestigious Hope Award at the 2025 Youth America Grand Prix Finals—the highest honor of the entire competition—ranking him as the top dancer in his age group worldwide across both boys and girls,” according to the statement.
A portion of the proceeds from the gala will support Westside Ballet’s Fire Relief Scholarship Fund, which was “established in response to the devastating Los Angeles fires of early 2025.”
Kaia Sappington
“Over 55 families within the Westside Ballet community—including students, faculty, directors and alumni—lost their homes in the Palisades and Altadena fires,” according to the company. “The Fire Relief Scholarship Fund assists with tuition, performance fees and dancewear replacements, ensuring these young dancers can continue their training despite personal hardship. This funding and recognition of those who go above and beyond continues Westside Ballet’s long history of community support.”
The gala program will feature Jerome Robbins’ “Other Dances” and “Circus Polka,” Justin Peck’s “Bloom,” and more.
Artistic Director Martine Harley spoke on the event’s significance and the opportunity to “experience ballet through the ages,” from August Bournonville’s classical 19th-century techniques to Robbins’ mid-century works and Peck’s contemporary innovations.
“These performances celebrate our rich history and our continued commitment to developing the next generation of exceptional dancers,” Harley said.
Spring Showcase tickets are $50, and the Gala performance is priced at $195.
Looking ahead, Westside School of Ballet will also be offering weekly day camps for dancers ages 4 to 7 from June 16 through August 1, and August 11 through August 15, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. The program features dance and choreography, crafts, music exploration, and more. There are also Summer Intensives and Workshops available.
The Westside Chapter of The National Charity League celebrated the Class of 2025—which includes Palisadian members—during a Senior Recognition Ceremony at Brentwood Country Club. The milestone acknowledged the accomplishments of each Ticktocker, but also “the lasting bond between mothers and daughters,” as well as the “continued dedication of our Patronesses who have supported them throughout their six-year journey.” Learn more about the Westside Chapter at nationalcharityleague.org/chapter/westside.
Photo courtesy of Hal Horowitz Photography
Neighbors from upper Marquez Knolls gathered for a potluck Saturday, May 10, at a party hosted by Dennis and Naomi Flagg and Carolyn and Bill Highberger.
Photo courtesy of Bill Highberger
Palisades Beautiful, Gates Security, Palisades P.R.I.D.E., Palisades Village Green, American Legion Ronald Reagan – Palisades Post 283 and Palisades Garden Cafe co-hosted a cleanup of the Village area on Saturday, May 10. More than 25 volunteers attended, splitting into groups that went around the Village and to Palisades Charter High School—filling “dozens of bags,” Palisades Beautiful Founder Noah Martin said. The group had lunch from Palisades Garden Cafe at Post 283 after the cleanup concluded.
Many young aspiring filmmakers’ talents were on display during Paul Revere Charter Middle School’s 11th annual Film Festival, which took place on Friday, May 16, in the campus’ auditorium.
“We’re proud to share that this year’s event is one of the first major community gatherings following the Palisades fire, a meaningful milestone for many local families who were displaced,” said Jordan Moore, who organized the festivities with fellow Paul Revere parent Susan Fitzer, Assistant Principal Justin Koretz, teacher Jon Hyman and JoAnn Rodriguez (parent and community relations). “Our students, many of whom were directly impacted by the fire, have poured their hearts into their films. This year’s festival stands not only as a celebration of their creativity but also of their resilience and the strength of our community.”
The show began with students posing for photographs on the red carpet with their project collaborators, friends and families, then everyone gathered in the auditorium to watch an hour-long presentation featuring all 27 nominated films, ranging from one to three minutes in length. Guests were encouraged to buy raffle tickets while treating themselves to sweets, beverages and slices of Flour Pizza.
“We’d like to thank you for attending this powerful night of student storytelling and community spirit,” Fitzer said to an attentive and enthusiastic audience of parents, students and faculty. “Our Film Festival once again demonstrates the amazing creativity and talent of our wonderful students. It’s made possible by the hard work of our contributing students, our team of dedicated organizers, our wonderful panel of judges, and our very generous sponsors and donations.”
This year’s judges were industry veterans in film writing, directing and editing: Phillip J. Bartell, whose editing credits include “Lilo & Stitch” and “Haunted Mansion,”; Fred Coury, drummer for the multi-platinum band Cinderella for 30 years and an award-winning film and television composer; Aaron Kenny, a film and theater composer who has worked on the songs and scores to the live-action “The Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin” and “Beauty and the Beast;” and Lori Korngiebel, an Emmy Award-winning producer with 30 years of experience in post production, animation, feature films and documentaries.
Judges also included Jana Sue Memel, executive VP of Schools and Entertainment at the Academy of Art University, who has produced, written and/or directed over 100 short films, 30 feature-length films, documentaries, television and theme park rides; Tia Nolan, a feature film editor on “Bewitched” in 2005, “Avengers: End Game” in 2019 and “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness in 2022”; Brian Pimental, who has specialized in animation and whose roles have ranged from story artist to writer to head of story to director; Gabe Sachs, an alumnus of the USC School of Cinematic Arts who has worked on TV projects like “Freaks and Geeks” and “Just Shoot Me”; and Lisa L. Silver, an animation editor at Walt Disney Animation.
Gold trophies were awarded to the top three in each of six categories: Commercial, Animation, Live-Action, Public Service Announcement, Documentary and Music Video.
Taking first place in the PSA category was “Teach Resilience,” directed by Austin Geiger. Second place went to “Don’t Trash Revere,” produced by Frederic Vial’s Screenwriting and Filmmaking class, and “Exercise Is Important” (director Brianna Reyes) came in third.
In the Commercial category, Ethan Nedjati’s “Glacier Water” garnered first-place honors, “Drop Stop” (directed by Eli Rokhsar) was runner-up and “3 Reasons Why to Go to Italy” by Ariana Zolfaghari Bazih was third.
Emma Mack’s “A Cool School Movie” was No. 1 in the Animation category, “How Spicy Food Takes Effect on Your Body” (directed by Melanie Lee) took second place and third place went to “Schrodinger’s Terms and Conditions” (directed by August Brancato).
The first-place Documentary film was Austin Geiger’s “Alpacas!” Taking second place was “Marina Del Ray,” highlighting the history and aquatic life in the sunny seaside community, directed by Aaron Goldberg, Gabe Smith and Sandro Prilusky. Third was GG Bostic’s “Palisades Fire Documentary.”
First place in the Music Video category was Eli Rokhsar’s “I Get Those Tardies Every Time.” Second place went to “Leave the Door Open ASL” (written, directed and edited by Eli and Logan McClune) and “You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” a film by Eric Wechsler’s Yearbook and Journalism classes, was awarded third place.
“Imaginary Friend” (directed by Pugliesa Schwartz) took top honors in the Live Action category, Ali Jackson’s “Invisa Man Goes Wrong” was second and “Mark Williams Falls Back,” under the direction of Austin Geiger and Peter McCarthy, came in third place.
Winner of the Spirit of the Festival Award (named in honor of founder Lisa Robbins) was the documentary “Always Look for the Helpers,” showing Revere students gathering in the gym at University High School after being evacuated during the Palisades fire, created by Eric Wechsler’s Yearbook class.
—- Click on any photo below to view slide show —-
Festival organizers Susan Fitzer, Jon Hyman and Jordan Moore
Ariana Zolfaghari Bazih
Eli Rokhsar
Emma Mack (center) with friends who provided voices for her film.
The Palisadian-Post accepts poem submissions throughout the year. The following piece was penned by Darcy Mullane who lived in Pacific Palisades for 15 years until 2024. To submit a poem for consideration, email mypost@palipost.com.
Eulogy for the Pacific Palisades
Oh, city of stars, city of dreams,
Darcy Mullane Photo courtesy of Michael Mullane
If I follow the path
Of smoke and ash
Will I find where I used to be?
Where I found my footing,
Where four through eighteen,
I became more and more like me.
Where winter never seemed to freeze,
And summer brought soft ocean breeze.
Or will I find the debris
Of sweet 1180 Fiske street?
Oh, Pacific Palisades,
The magic you hold didn’t burn away
Only the homes, that made you, you,
And the one that made me, me.
Even the dolphins, the blossoms, the mountain lions
Will come back.
The faint buzz of PCH and Sunset will grace our ears again.
We’ll never be the same,
But our cherished town will rise up from this flame.
“Is anyone buying yet in the Palisades?” “Have prices really dropped by 50%?” “Are any homes selling today?” “Has the leasing market dried up?”
These are just some of the questions circulating as we begin to assess how the real estate market has responded to the devastation of the Palisades fire four months ago. Understandably, answers vary depending on the neighborhood and proximity to burn zones, though the data reveals a much more active and nuanced market than many may realize.
Home Sales: Limited but Strong
Since January 7, 12 homes have sold in Pacific Palisades. As would be expected, 75% of them were in the Riviera and Rustic Canyon—areas least affected by the fires. These were all standing homes, with an average sale price exceeding $7 million. Of the 40 homes currently on the market, half are in the Riviera, Rustic Canyon and the Huntington, listed at an average of $10 million.
Leasing Activity Continues
Leasing has also remained active, with more than one home leased per week on average, primarily in the same neighborhoods where home sales have occurred. The median lease price to date is $35,000 per month, reflecting strong ongoing demand for high-end leases in unaffected or less-affected areas.
Vacant Lots: The New Market Segment
The most significant market shift is the emergence of a large inventory of vacant lots. At the start of the year, only a few were available. Today, that number has grown to over 175. Yet demand remains steady, with more than 10 lot sales per month and an average price of $2.5 million.
Of the 42 lots sold so far:
38% received multiple offers, typically those priced near or below realistic market value.
33% had price reductions before they sold.
30% of current listings or escrows have also undergone price adjustments.
Pricing appropriately has proven to be a critical factor in achieving results.
Market Conditions: A Buyer’s Advantage
Depending on the neighborhood and its proximity to fire-damaged zones, both home and land values are currently down by approximately 20 to 40%. At today’s absorption rate, there is enough vacant lot inventory to last about 18 months, marking this as a strong buyer’s market. Sellers who are responsive to market conditions are seeing meaningful activity; others may find themselves waiting a long while.
Looking Ahead: Making Informed Decisions
While the landscape has changed dramatically, the market is far from inactive. Activity continues, particularly in certain neighborhoods, and well-priced properties are attracting interest.
Every situation is unique, and we’re here to help you make informed decisions. Whether you’re thinking of selling, buying, leasing or just want to understand how values may have shifted in your specific area, feel free to reach out.
We’re just a call, text or email away, and always available at team@edlenteam.com or 310-600-7422.
A long-time Palisadian and proud member of the Cherokee Nation passed away peacefully on Monday, April 28.
Betty Lee McKeever, who was 102 years old, had lived in the Palisades with her family since 1961. She was born in Stilwell, Oklahoma, in 1922, the youngest of six children. She was 100% Native American.
She attended Bacone College and graduated with a business degree, and worked for the FBI in her early years. In 1953 she married Thomas “Mac” McKeever and they had three daughters. In 1961 he was transferred by McDonnell Douglas from Tulsa, Oklahoma, to work in Santa Monica, California. They settled in Pacific Palisades and raised their family there.
Betty was an active member in the Palisades helping at Palisades Elementary in the PTA and became secretary of her beloved church, Calvary Church of Pacific Palisades. She retired in 1987, and she and Mac traveled around the U.S.
After Mac died in 1999 she continued to travel with family and friends. She enjoyed sewing and tending her garden and was always doing something “crafty.” Even in her final months of life she was sewing dresses for children of the Lakota and Sioux Nation to be sent to them.
Tragically her cherished home in the Palisades, which over the years hosted so many people and events, particularly the annual July 4 celebration, was lost in the January 7 fires. But her spirit lives on in her family. Betty is survived by three daughters: Patty Naff (Rick), Janis Hatch (Brooks) and Sharon Favia (Marc, deceased), three granddaughters and their spouses, four great-grandchildren, and three step-grandchildren.
She was very proud of her Native American heritage and promoted it whenever she could. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Cherokee Nation can be made in her name or the family requests that you make a donation to your favorite charity in her name.
A Celebration of Life Service will be planned for sometime later in the year. For further inquiries contact Patty Naff at naffpatty@gmail.com.
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” – Psalm 116:15
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