Janes runners (l-r) Tania Fischer, Vivien Hyman and Gwendolen Twist.
The Jaes Elite Racing Team put on quite a performance atlast weekend’s USATF XC Nationals in Portland. The weather was far from ideal, but The Janes were unfazed. Eight members of the team competed in the 6K race on a slick, muddy course.
The 60s team got second place. Among the local runners to particpate were Victoria Cook-Chapus (who also ran the Pacific Palisades Turkey Trot on Thanskgiving morning and placed third in her division) and Gwendolen Twist, who was fourth in her age group. Tania Fischer, a five-time winner of the Turkey Trot who set the 5K women’s record of 18:47 in 2014, also ran for The Janes.
“It was the kind of mud that takes a shoe right off your severely laced shoe,” Twist said describing the conditions. The temperature was in the 50s and I was lucky to stay upright the whole race with the uneven footing and keep my shoes on. There were four races the day before and then the men ran rightbefore us today so there was very little grass. It was gnarly. My time was not great but it was so much fun!”
Edge rusher Max Meier had 11.5 sacks this season for the Cubs. Photo: Yuri Torres
Co-Captains Max Meier and Nathan Turk Lead Loyola Varsity Football Team to CIF Semifinals
By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor
Max Meier (left) and Nathan Turk were all smiles on Senior Night.
Loyola’s loss to Redondo Union in the semifinals of the Southern Section Division 5 playoffs marked the final chapter in the outstanding high school football careers of co-captains Nathan Turk and Max Meier.
“Nate and I have played together since our days at Corpus Christi, where we won the CYO championship, and we’ll be Cubs for life,” Meier said. “At Loyola we went undefeated as freshmen with [fellow Palisadian] Jack Thomas as our quarterback. Loyola then elevated to the Mission League, one of the best in California, and I’m proud of how we persevered.”
A three-year starter at defensive end, Meier finished his senior season with 113 tackles (19 of those for losses), 11.5 sacks and 30 quarterback hurries. The two-time All-Mission League selection received 24 Division 1 offers before signing with Stanford.
“It’s been an incredibly challenging year,” Meier added. “I lost my home in the Palisades Fire and relocated to Manhattan Beach. We’re in the process of rebuilding. I was approached by major programs like Mater Dei and Sierra Canyon to transfer, but my commitment to my brothers and Loyola was never in doubt. In May I lost my best friend and big brother, Braun Levi, to a drunk driver, which made the fires pale in comparison. I miss him every day but will dedicate myself to delivering my all at the next level as that’s exactly what he’d want to see.”
Offensive lineman Nathan Turk had 68 pancake blocks in the fall.
The quintessential student-athlete, Turk grew up in the Huntington and most of his childhood memories are of playing sports at the Palisades Recreation Center and YMCA. He not only excels at football but is also a wrestler and plans to shot put in the spring. He has a 4.55 GPA, is Vice President of the student body and has been on student council all four years. His family bleeds Loyola blue as his older brother Ryan, a 2024 Loyola alum, plays offensive guard at Dartmouth and his younger brother Graham, a sophomore starting lineman on the Cubs’ JV squad, got moved up to varsity for the playoffs.
“I’ve had an amazing time playing with Max at Loyola the last four years—it’s definitely a memory I’ll cherish,” said Turk, who was credited with 68 pancake blocks as a senior and has committed to play offensive tackle at Harvard. “We started playing sports together in grade school and were even neighbors for awhile. It’s always worked out well for us because as linemen on opposite sides of the ball who know each other so well we have highly competitive and aggressive reps against each other while giving each other tips to strenghthen each other’s game. Max always pushes me to be a stronger, faster and better player. I’m proud to be part of the Loyola football brotherhood.”
What a remarkable season it was for Palisades High football player Demare Dezeurn. The junior wide receiver/defensive back has been chosen Western League Player of the Year after scoring 27 total touchdowns—21 receiving, one rushing, three on interception returns and two on kickoff returns. He had 64 catches for 1,372 yards on offense to go along with five interceptions and three pass deflections on defense.
Senior quarterback Jack Thomas earned Co-Offensive Player of the Year honors after completing 183 of 299 pass attempts for 3.284 yards, 43 touchdowns with only three interceptions. Senior tackle Liam Hudson was named Offensive Lineman of the Year and Dylen Smith, who has compiled a 28-7 record in three seasons at the helm, was voted Coach of the Year after piloting the Dolphins to a 10-0 regular season.
Also making the offensive first team were Dolphins junior receiver Malachi Ross, senior running back Harrison Carter and junior lineman Hunter Kizzee. Tailback Deveron Kearney, wideout Go Moriya and lineman Grayson Brooks were second team selections.
Making the defensive forst team were senior end Augie Evans, junior linebacker Enzo Allen (who accumulated a team-high 121 tackles), cornerbacks Tavion Talbert and Skylar Walters. Second team picks were sophomore linebacker Chean Flowers, senior defensive lineman James Tisdale and defensive backs Noah LeChang and Jackson Kaufman.
The Palisades High girls volleyball team captured its 31st City Section title in the fall so when the All-City team was announced last week it came as no surprise that it was full of Dolphins.
Junior outside hitter Ashlynn Sells, who had six kills in a three-set sweep of Venice in the finals, was selected Open Division Player of the Year. Joining Sells on the first team were senior libero Lucy Neilson, senior outside hitter Tulah Block and junior setter Christie Turner. Senior opposite hitter Izzy Drake made the second team.
Carlos Gray, who guided the Dolphins to their first section crown since 2020, earned Coach of the Year honors. Following its City finals win Palisades traveled to Carlsbad in the first round of the SoCal Regional Division II playoffs and lost in four sets.
Rounding out the All-City Open Division first team were Venice’s Samantha Lortie, Gaia Adeseun-Williams and Kaya Richards; El Camino Real’s Arianna Ellis and Aja Najar; Taft’s Laila Braimah and Aralyn Adorable-Flores; Chatsworth’s Olivia Chouchanian; Cleveland’s Nixia Gonzalez; Eagle Rock’s Iliana Diaz and Granada Hills’ Alexis Cuan.
Photos courtesy of Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa
Our family getaway to the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa in Indian Wells, located on the heart of the valley, between Palm Springs Desert and La Quinta, was a delightful mix of relaxation, desert charm, and thoughtful amenities that suited every age including our 9year old son. From the moment we arrived at the stylish lobby and grand staircase, to our final dip in the pool, this resort offered plenty for families and adults alike.
Stylish Rooms with Modern Comfort
The guest rooms at Renaissance Esmeralda reflect a desert-modern chic aesthetic with mid-century influences, comfortable beds and pillows you will want to pack in your suitcase take home with you. Thoughtful touches throughout with spacious rooms with high-speed Wi-Fi, mini-fridges — perfect for storing snacks and drinks for the kids plus balconies with views of the mountains and pool area gave us a lovely place to unwind after a fun filled day. The resort also offers suites with extra space — ideal if you’re traveling with extended family or want a little more room to relax with couches and sitting areas.
Poolside Fun & Beach-Style Vibes
One of the standout features for us was the resort’s sandy beach pool area — an inviting shallow-entry oasis that makes you feel like you’re at a coastal retreat in the desert. Surrounded by towering palms and plenty of lounge chairs, this pool space became our go-to spot for relaxation and play. We rented a beachside cabana, which was a game-changer, with shaded seating area, cushy loungers, television, coolers and poolside food and drink service, it felt like a VIP family day every afternoon — a perfect base between swims and snacks.
The resort offers two large outdoor pools including a waterfalls and a beach-style edge plus games like cornhole and table tennis near the pool area add extra family fun. The fruit try that comes included with the cabana was the perfect refreshing snack my son devoured.
Dining That Works for Everyone
Renaissance Esmeralda shines with multiple on-site restaurants and bars, making dining easy and varied throughout your stay.
CAVA-A signature dining spot at the resort, Cava offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner with views of the Santa Rosa Mountains. Its California-inspired menu and extensive wine list make it enjoyable for adults, while the relaxed vibe suits families too. Cava also occasionally hosts happy hour and live entertainment, which can be a fun way to relax after pool time.
The Place Restaurant & Bar-This lively and innovative gathering spot offers contemporary American fare, creative cocktails, lite bites and multiple large-screen TVs — ideal for casual dinners with kids. It’s a great place to unwind in the evening, enjoy a pizza or burger, and sip a refreshing drink while the kids recount their pool adventures and you catch up on a game. We enjoyed a fun dinner that included a live DJ that had the whole room up on their feet dancing and enjoying the little ones shaking a leg.
H2O Pool Bar-For relaxed lunches and light bites, the H2O Pool Bar serves up classic snacks and cool drinks right by the pool. Having this convenience poolside made it easy to keep everyone happy without trekking back to the main dining areas.
Additional Dining Choices-The resort also features Glo Sushi for Japanese cuisine, Café Biscotti for coffee and pastries, and in-room dining — handy when you just want to enjoy dinner in your room with tired but happy kids.
Extras That Made Our Stay Special
In addition to great food and a fantastic pool, Renaissance Esmeralda offers:
• Spa Esmeralda: A full-service spa with indoor and outdoor treatment rooms, steam rooms, and relaxation lounges — a perfect adult break. I tried the 50-minute Organic Hydrate Facial which left my skin clean, radiant and glowing for days.
• Fitness & Wellness: A modern fitness center and yoga classes to keep you moving even on vacation.
• Camp Esmeralda Activities: Engaging daily activities that give kids creative playtime including Falconer meet and greet on weekends and an arcade at the hotel.
• Bikes, Tennis & More: Complimentary bike rentals, tennis and basketball court access, and casual sports to keep everyone entertained.
Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa is a well-rounded pick for a family vacation: stylish yet relaxed, with plenty of space for kids to play and adults to recharge. Whether it was lounging cabana-side, enjoying fresh meals with mountain views, or discovering spa serenity, every part of our stay felt thoughtfully crafted. Best for: families who want resort convenience, varied dining options, and a pool experience that feels both lively and laid-back.
Disney On Ice presents Let’s Dance! is bringing the party to hometowns across the country, and the guest list is jam-packed with audience favorite Disney characters! Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy have become DJ’s, remixing Disney tunes into colorful stories at this all-new state-of-the-art ice show. Get ready to turn up the fun when Disney On Ice presents Let’s Dance! skates into Crypto.com Arena fromDecember 18–21, 2025 – with the new festive holiday pre-show experience happening at all SoCal performances.
Preferred Customers can purchase advance tickets starting today to get the best seats available before tickets go on sale to the public next Tuesday August 26th. Fans can still sign up to become a Disney On Ice Preferred Customer and get exclusive access to the pre-sale offer code.
Arrive early to enjoy a sprinkle of magic at Disney On Ice with the festive Goofy’s Ho-Ho Holiday Sing-Along pre-show experience! Goofy and Donald have a special interactive holiday sing-along in store to kick off the newest party on ice and get fans into the holiday spirit. Audiences can expect to deck the halls with larger-than-life ornaments while singing along to a medley of cheerful seasonal songs mixed by DJ Freeze. Best of all, it’s included with your show ticket!
This Disney On Ice production invites guests to belt out Disney’s chart-topping tunes, as their favorite stories are brought to life on and above the ice. Fans are sure to be wowed by the cutting-edge figure skating, high-flying acrobatics, unexpected stunts, thrilling special effects, eye-catching costumes, and stunning set designs.
Audiences will experience a nonstop party that encourages them to journey to unforgettable places, laugh, sing, dance, and make magical memories together. Through the magic of music, what started as a party transforms into a fantastic adventure! This all-new and thrilling Disney On Ice presents Let’s Dance! production features fan-favorite stories including:
WISH
Last year, Disney On Ice became the first live entertainment show to debut Asha before the animated film’s release. Now, the entire Kingdom of Rosas will magically come to life, featuring even more characters from Wish. Asha, Valentino, Star, and King Magnifico come together to bring to life “This Wish,” “I’m a Star,” and “This Is The Thanks I Get?!”
FROZEN 2
Journey to Arendelle and the Enchanted Forest in Frozen 2 with Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and Olaf as they are reminded that “Some Things Never Change.” Visit the river full of memory, Ahtohallan, as Elsa asks memories of the past to “Show Yourself,” and Olaf thinks this will all make sense “When I’m Older.”
THE LION KING
Escaping to the Pride Lands with Simba and Nala from The Lion King, audiences should “Be Prepared” as Scar and the hyenas plot to take over the throne. Timon and Pumbaa remind us it’s best just to say “Hakuna Matata” as everyone celebrates the “Circle of Life.”
THE LITTLE MERMAID
Skilled maestro, Sebastian, strikes a chord “Under the Sea” when he conducts Ariel, her seven sisters, and a colorful orchestra of sea creatures from The Little Mermaid. Guests will be singing along as Ariel serenades Prince Eric with a wish to become “Part of Your World,” and a symphony of lagoon insects perform “Kiss the Girl.”
MOANA
The audience will immediately “Know The Way” when Moana shows them “How Far I’ll Go,” as she journeys from the island of Motunui to save her home from Te Kā. Along the way she meets Maui who reminds everyone “You’re Welcome.” The duo comes face to face with Tamatoa who hasn’t always been this “Shiny.”
“Frozen Fun with Anna & Elsa” Character Experience
Glide into the frozen world of Arendelle and interact with two of the most beloved sisters in Disney history – Anna and Elsa! Enhance your Disney On Ice show ticket with a preshow Character Experience that includes games, a sing-along, crafting, and interactive time with Anna and Elsa.
NOTE: Each guest (ages 2 and up) must have both a Character Experience ticket and a Disney On Ice show ticket to attend; children must be accompanied by an adult.
Palisades Village will host its annual Christmas Tree Lighting on Saturday, December 6, from 4 to 7 p.m., inviting the community to gather for a “special evening of connection and community.”
“Though the property remains temporarily closed, this year’s gathering honors a heartfelt tradition that continues to bring the Palisades together during the holidays,” read a statement about the event, which will take place on Monument Street.
Santa Claus will light the tree at 5:30 p.m., followed by a “gentle snowfall,” which marks a “meaningful moment that reflects the strength and spirit that define the Palisades.”
From 4 to 7 p.m. there will be live musical entertainment and a variety of “seasonal activities,” including ornament making, kids holiday crafts, face painting and balloon twisting. There will be hot cocoa, coffee, and food from Sunset Smash and King Cone.
The 50-foot white fir was “hand-selected from the Mt. Shasta region” and “thoughtfully adorned with 3,000 lights and over 1,500 ornaments.” The event will also “highlight community partners,” including Steadfast LA.
Parking will be available on site, according to Caruso.
Palisades Village, which has been closed since January, is set to reopen in August 2026.
Marquez Knolls Property Owners Association will host its annual block party—described as an “informal gathering for all residents of Marquez Knolls, as well as their friends, families and friendly pets”—on Saturday, December 6, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“We celebrate the vibrant spirit of our community and embrace the occasion to come together and strengthen the bond within our neighborhood,” MKPOA wrote ahead of the event. “Celebrate our LAFD and LAPD first responders, and most of all, enjoy the camaraderie of our marvelous community.”
There will be music, food trucks, drinks, tables and chairs, informational stations, and representatives from Los Angeles Fire Department, Los Angeles Police Department and Council District 11.
This year’s block party will take place near the 1300 block of Duende Lane cul-de-sac, off Lachman Lane. Admission is free.
“Residents and guests can look forward to an afternoon filled with good food, engaging company and a true sense of community spirit,” read a statement about the event.
The block party is hosted annually by MKPOA, which is a nonprofit dedicated to promoting and encouraging “the preservation of the beauty and healthful environment of the residential subdivisions located in the Marquez Knolls area of Pacific Palisades by informative, educational, mediational and other lawful activities for the benefit of the residents of the community.”
There will be a “brief program” at 1 p.m. at the party. Reservations can be made at marquezknolls.org.
The Department of Angels and USC CLEAN will host Palisades Community Soil Testing Day on Saturday, December 6, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Will Rogers State Historic Park with “free soil testing and education.”
“Learn how to collect soil samples and submit them for free lead testing, plus connect with trusted experts ready to answer questions about soil health,” read a flyer for the event. “Connect with local health, wellness and recovery resources at information booths.”
The event will include “free refreshments, all-ages activities and more fun for everyone.”
Department of Angels was founded in the aftermath of the January fires and operates with the mission to “provide resources and connection for impacted communities to enable recovery on their terms,” its website read. Its “policy pillars” include housing stability, insurance access and reform, fire-resilient rebuilding, and environmental health and safety.
USC CLEAN—Containment Level Evaluation and Analysis for Neighborhoods—is a USC program funded by FireAid and LA Care, according to its website.
“CLEAN is designed to quickly provide Los Angeles residents with general updates on safety and the potential for exposure,” the website continued. “This testing is rigorous and reliable, but it is not a substitute for in-depth environmental testing or remediation that may be needed in affected areas.”
The event, which was rescheduled from November 15 due to rain, will take place at the Polo Field in Will Rogers State Historic Park, located at 1501 Will Rogers State Park Road.
“Gather with fellow survivors to build community and foster healing and togetherness,” the flyer concluded.
House Museum will release “Rebuild Bricks” on the one-year anniversary of the Los Angeles fires with two purposes, according to the nonprofit: “practical building materials for reconstruction” and “symbolic collectibles that support community recovery.”
The bricks are available in three editions—Pacific Palisades, Altadena and Malibu—and available as single-unit collectibles or by pallet (450 bricks). Preorder began on December 1, with an official release date of January 7, 2026.
The “Rebuild Bricks” are 8” by 3.75” by 2.25” and weigh about four pounds. They are Grade SW (severe weather rated), fire resistant, and capable for use for exterior walls, patio walkways, outdoor hardscaping, and more, according to House Museum.
“The ‘Rebuild Bricks’ offer homeowners, contractors and architects meaningful construction material that will directly benefit those impacted by the Los Angeles fires,” the organization wrote.
The “locally made, commemorative red clay bricks” are produced in collaboration with Pacific Clay. Proceeds will help fund the Palisades Fire Memorial (Project Chimney), as well as “advance House Museum’s mission” to “preserve historically significant landmarks through the integration of site-specific artworks and community engagement.” It has facilitated 10 project sites since 2022, according to its website.
“Each installation—interior, virtual or otherwise—becomes an access point that connects the public to a constellation of citywide programs and exhibits,” according to the organization. “House Museum responds to challenges at the intersection of art, architecture and historic preservation.”
House Museum preserved six “historic chimneys” from houses destroyed in the January fire that were designed by architects Richard Neutra, Ray Kappe and Eric Lloyd Wright.
Project Chimney Concept Rendering courtesy of Milton Lau, AIA/Evan Hall of House Museum
“Chimneys constructed of legacy Higgins Bricks and others built for Hollywood starlets Louise Randall Pierson and Beryl Mercer were also saved,” the statement continued. “The chimney collection ranges in historical significance from associations with global design movements, to local brick-making traditions, to Hollywood’s sprawl up the California coast.”
A Palisades Fire Memorial is projected to be a “commemorative place for community gathering and remembrance,” with an installation of seven “historic chimneys in the Santa Monica Mountains.”
House Museum Director Evan Hall participated in a Pacific Palisades Community Council meeting on May 8 to discuss the initiative. The PPCC Board voted to support the project during its May 22 meeting.
“As soon as the fires broke out, me and my team began thinking … ‘How do we help?’” Hall said during the May 8 meeting. “How do we use our expertise as artists and architects to create something that can produce hope and something that can inspire, not just Palisadians, but also others that have gone through similar disasters or crises?”
As a result, Project Chimney emerged as an initiative to “catalogue, relocate and memorialize a selection of historically significant chimneys in the Pacific Palisades burn zone,” according to a statement.
Over 55 historically significant chimneys were identified, dating back to Palisades’ founding in 1922. The organization then worked with community members to salvage and preserve select chimneys.
The launch of the “Rebuild Bricks” is supported by community organizations, including Malibu Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce, Palisades Recovery Coalition and PPCC.
Fundraising tiers for a single-unit brick are Student ($55), Adult ($150), Family ($450), Nonprofit ($250) and Corporation ($550). Pallets are available for $1,125.
“Each ‘Rebuild Brick’ is an artifact of Los Angeles history, an extension of the Palisades Fire Memorial that invites nationwide solidarity and a commitment from homeowners to rebuild while honoring what was lost,” House Museum wrote.
