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Irene Dunne Guild to Present 19th Annual ‘Think Pink’ Event

By
Sarah Shmerling
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Photo courtesy of Irene Dunne Guild

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Tickets are now on sale for the Irene Dunne Guild’s 19th annual Think Pink for Women’s Wellness fundraising event, which will take place at Regent Santa Monica Beach on Wednesday, May 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Think Pink was founded by Palisadian Fran Flanagan, a trustee at Saint John’s Health Center who serves on the boards of the Irene Dunne Guild and Saint John’s Health Center Foundation. She has called the Palisades home for 50 years.

The event, which is planned around Mother’s Day, serves as a fundraiser for Saint John’s Health Center.

“As our community continues to recover from the devastating Palisades and Eaton wildfires, the Irene Dunne Guild is more committed than ever to creating meaningful gatherings, and bringing health education and awareness to women and their families,” read a statement about the event. “The Irene Dunne Guild, a support group of Saint John’s Health Center Foundation, raises funds for women’s health programs, nursing scholarships, medical equipment, programs for caregivers and family support services.”

The “informative” and “fun” social event includes breakout sessions, with lectures from “notable physicians and health experts.”

“Over the years, topics have included brain health, addiction, urology, dermatology and breast health,” the statement continued. “Think Pink culminates with a delicious luncheon held in the beautiful dining room at the Regent Santa Monica Hotel overlooking the Pacific Ocean.”

There will also be “boutique shopping” available throughout the event, with net proceeds benefiting the programs, equipment and services at Saint John’s Health Center, including the Women’s Health & Wellness Institute. The foundation will receive 20% of proceeds as well.

“The Irene Dunne Guild is celebrating its 38th year as a major support group of Saint John’s Health Center Foundation in Santa Monica,” read the statement. “The Guild is comprised of over 100 members committed to putting their hearts forward to find innovative ways to fundraise, comfort patients, support caregivers, support families and educate the community.”

Since its founding in 1987, Irene Dunne Guild has raised more than $16 million to benefit Saint John’s Health Center programs. In previous years, the event has taken place at Bel-Air Bay Club in the Palisades.

This year’s event chairs are Suzanne Caldwell and Sila Vokshoor. Tickets are available for $195. RSVPs are requested by April 15. Regent Santa Monica Beach is located at 1700 Ocean Avenue.

“We look forward to seeing you at Think Pink 2025,” the statement concluded.

For additional information, call 310-829-8424 or visit irenedunneguild.org.

Palisadian Conan O’Brien to Return to Host 98th Oscars in 2026

By
Sarah Shmerling
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Conan O'Brien
Photo courtesy of AMPAS

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Riviera resident Conan O’Brien will return to host the 98th iteration of the Oscars in 2026, the Academy announced on March 17.

“For a second consecutive year, Emmy Award-winning television host, writer, producer and comedian Conan O’Brien will return to host the Oscars broadcast, and Emmy Award-winning live television event producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan return as the show’s executive producers for the third consecutive year, Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang announced,” read a statement. “Jeff Ross and Mike Sweeney will return as producers for a second time, and Sweeney will also serve as a writer.”

O’Brien hosted the 97th Oscars on March 2, which brought in a five-year high in total viewers, which was close to 20 million. The show was ranked the “number one primetime entertainment telecast in both total viewers and adults for the 2024-25 season.”

“The only reason I’m hosting the Oscars next year is that I want to hear Adrien Brody finish his speech,” O’Brien said in a statement.

O’Brien is known for hosting “Late Night with Conan O’Brien,” “The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien” and “Conan.” Prior to launching his hosting career, O’Brien served as a writer for “Saturday Night Live” and “The Simpsons.”

His latest work includes the “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend” podcast and “Conan O’Brien Must Go,” which is a travel show on MAX that has been renewed for a second season.

“We are thrilled to bring back Conan, Raj, Katy, Jeff and Mike for the 98th Oscars,” Kramer and Yang said in a joint statement. “This year, they produced a hugely entertaining and visually stunning show that celebrated our nominees and the global film community in the most beautiful and impactful way. Conan was the perfect host—skillfully guiding us through the evening with humor, warmth and reverence. It is an honor to be working with them again.”

The 98th Oscars will take place on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 4 p.m. at Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood. They will be televised live on ABC as well as in more than 200 territories across the globe.

Performances of ‘Beetlejuice Jr.’ Underway at Paul Revere

By
Sarah Shmerling
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Photo by Maria Hill

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

A two-weekend run of “Beetlejuice Jr.” is underway at Paul Revere Charter Middle School, with remaining performances taking place between March 27 and 29.

“‘Beetlejuice Jr.’ is the perfect show for all ages, groups and families to enjoy together,” read information shared by the directors. “It’s an age-appropriate telling of the hilarious Broadway musical. It’s full of singing, dancing and whip-smart laughs, woven together to tell a heartwarming story about family, friendship and embracing who you are.”

Directed by Lara Ganz and Aaron Jung, the show is presented by Illumevate and PEP. Musical Director is gaba, with Jung, Sydney Diamond and Rebecca Barragan as choreographers. It features a cast of 35 youth actors in grades six through eight.

“With the devastating fires displacing so many families from their homes, including director Lara Ganz, she finds emotional resonance in this story of home; how we create it and who will protect it,” read a statement from the program. “Moved not only by the narrative, but by the heartfelt work of the students and unwavering support of the school community, she is eager to share this production with the city of Los Angeles.”

Performances will take place Thursday, March 27, at 6 p.m.; Friday, March 28, at 5 and 7:30 p.m.; and Saturday, March 29, at 1 and 4 p.m.

“‘Beetlejuice’ tells the hauntingly comedic yet touching story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager obsessed with the whole ‘being dead thing,’” read a show synopsis. “Lucky for Lydia, her new house is haunted by a recently deceased couple (Adam and Barbara Maitland) and Beetlejuice, a delightful demon with a real zest for life. Trying to help the newlydeads maintain possession of their home, Lydia calls on Beetlejuice to scare away anyone with a pulse by calling his name thrice, allowing him to materialize and wreak havoc. The double-crossing specter, however, shows his true stripes … unleashing a Netherworld of pandemonium.”

All performances will take place in the Paul Revere Auditorium, located at 1450 Allenford Avenue. Tickets start at $10 for students and seniors, $15 for general admission, and $20 to $30 for VIP, depending on the row.

“Thank you for supporting youth theater and investing in the next generation of storytellers, problem solvers and leaders,” the directors wrote. “See you at the show.”

For tickets and more information, visit illumevate.ticketspice.com/pep-beetlejuice-jr.

Pali High Online Auction to Support Displaced Students Underway

By
Sarah Shmerling
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A sample of items available in the auction
Courtesy of Pali High

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

An online auction to support displaced students after the Palisades fire is now underway.

“Palisades Charter High School—home to 3,000 students from over 100 Los Angeles zip codes—was recently devastated by a fire that forced the school to close and displaced its student body,” read a statement about the auction. “To support these displaced students and fund critical programs, the Pali High Booster Club has launched an online auction featuring over 150 incredible items—and everyone is invited to participate.”

Proceeds from the auction will go to the Booster Club, which supports student programs and activities that are not funded by public dollars, including “essential programs” in academics, athletics and technology, which have “all been disrupted by the fire and ongoing displacement.”

The auction will remain open through March 31 at 5 p.m. Items and experiences that are available include: “a luxurious stay at Four Seasons Maui,” “an exclusive getaway to Deer Valley,” “VIP concert tickets to any artist of your choice” and “celebrity experiences that promise unforgettable memories.” There is also a road trip with the Los Angeles Rams or “exclusive” Dodgers experience available.

“With the campus damaged and our students displaced, this auction is more than just a fundraiser—it’s a chance to show these kids that their community extends beyond their zip code,” said Mariam Engel, event organizer and parent volunteer with the Pali High Booster Club. “Anyone can log on, find something exciting and make a real difference.”

The auction is part of a community benefit for the school, which includes a dinner on Saturday, March 29, from 6 to 11 p.m. at Hotel Luxe. Tickets for the benefit are available here.

‘We ♥ LA’: Pali High to Perform at Hollywood Bowl for Wildfire First Responders, Impacted Community Members

By
Lily Tinoco
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Photo courtesy of Hollywood Bowl

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

The Palisades Charter High School Band will take to the Hollywood Bowl stage for “We ♥️ LA,” a free concert for first responders and community members impacted by the recent wildfires on Tuesday, April 1.

The concert is being put on to “recognize the bravery and selflessness on display during the Los Angeles wildfires,” according to Hollywood Bowl.

Music and Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel will lead Los Angeles Philharmonic. Six-time Grammy-nominated pianist Gerald Clayton—who was raised in Altadena—will take the piano, and singer Christina Aguilera will bring her “powerhouse voice” to the Bowl.

The Pali High Band will kick off the evening with “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

The concert will feature music by Gabriela Ortiz, Gustav Mahler and George Gershwin, and film scores by John Williams, with music from “Star Wars,” “Harry Potter” and “Jurassic Park.”

“Leading contemporary composer Gabriela Ortiz champions the idea that ‘music has the power to grant us access to the intangible, healing our wounds and binding us to what can only be expressed through sound,’” according to Hollywood Bowl. “The orchestra takes up this powerful calling with Ortiz’s celebratory ‘Kauyumari,’ followed by Mahler’s poignant ‘love letter’ and a selection of film-music favorites by the legendary John Williams.”

Clayton will join LA Phil for Gershwin’s “jazzy and intricate variations” on “I Got Rhythm.”

Additional special guests—to be announced—will also perform.

First responders and community members impacted by the wildfires were invited to register for the event for a chance to receive free tickets. Registrants were randomly selected and notified beginning Thursday, March 20.

The concert will take place on April 1 at Hollywood Bowl—located at 2301 Highland Avenue—at 8 p.m. Gates will open at 6 p.m.

The program will be broadcast live on Classical California KUSC in Los Angeles (91.5FM) and Classical California KDFC in San Francisco (90.3FM). The KUSC and KDFC websites will simulstream the live broadcast and offer on-demand streaming of the program for one week following the concert.

It is sponsored by Kaiser Permanente, American Express, Live Nation and Play it Forward.

For more information, visit hollywoodbowl.com.

Our Town

By
the Palisadian-Post
-

Zócalo Public Square—with Palisadian Executive Director Moira Shourie—won two awards at the 17th annual National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards, which were hosted by the LA Press Club at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel on December 1, 2024. “The Black Songwriter Who Took Nashville by Storm” by Robert Marovich was awarded first place in Commentary Analysis/Trend, Music, and “The Genius Mexican Composer History Forgot” by Oliver Mayer won third place in Commentary Analysis/Trend, Other Arts. Above: Shourie and Anna Gasparyan of Zócalo Public Square were joined by musician Melissa Etheridge, who was honored with the Distinguished Storyteller Award.

Photo courtesy of Moira Shourie

Westside Ballet of Santa Monica—which is home to Palisadian dancers—collaborated with The Ballet Agency to provide more than 70 student, professional and recreational dancers who were impacted by the Los Angeles fires with support.

The two programs hosted a Dancewear Drive on February 23 and 24 at Westside Ballet, allowing dancers and their families, ranging in age from 2 to 75, to collect dancewear they needed at no cost, “ensuring they can continue their training without the added burden of replacing their essential gear.”

“Through a collaborative effort, The Ballet Agency, led by professional ballerina Brittany Cavaco, coordinated a successful drive to collect new and gently used dancewear from major dance brands, including Bloch, Discount Dance, Capezio, Blue Water Dance, Freed, Suffolk and Orza, collectively contributing over $80,000 worth of new and gently used items,” read a statement. “Additionally, the ballet community organized personalized collections from dance studios and companies nationwide, ensuring that each dancer received the right size and gear to return to the studio and stage.”

Above: Cavaco is pictured with Westside Ballet Artistic Director Martine Harley along with ballet students Olivia Legowiecki (right) and Addison Russell (left) at the drive. Harley and Legowiecki are Sunset Mesa residents, and Russell is from the Huntington.

Photos courtesy of The Ballet Agency

 

‘An Artist’s Perspective’

By
the Palisadian-Post
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Photo courtesy of Marisa Murrow

Palisades Native Artist Marisa Murrow Shares Thoughts Following the Fire, Written at the End of January

By MARISA MURROW | Contributing Writer

As I look across mobile home parks, specifically in Pacific Palisades—rooftops, swaying palm trees, singing birds, dog walkers, waves crashing and the cheers of people braving the chilly waters—it encapsulates how I feel about where I come from.

It is the sense of community and simplicity, framed by an open view of the ocean, that has inspired my work for over two decades.

These tight-knit coastal communities, where people share common ground, feel deeply familiar. Growing up on Chautauqua with the neighborhood kids, we had keys to each other’s homes instead of walls. We swam in each other’s pools, sold lemonade on the corner and walked to school together.

Much like my formative years at Corpus Christi and Marymount High schools, where uniforms created a sense of sameness, I see parallels in the materials and shapes of these prefabricated structures. They echo my experience of unity and shared identity.

Someone once asked me, “If you are all dressed the same, how do you know who your friends are?” I have come to learn, that to truly know a place—or more importantly, a person—we must go inside.

Upon graduating from art school (RISD) I embarked on a trip around the world for 11 months with fellow Palisadian Christine Williams. It was the best decision I have ever made.

We filled our eyes and hearts with memories that continue to have a huge impact on the way I live. As our trip was coming to a close, I began to ask myself what do I want the people to know about where we come from. How can I make art about that?

I will forever cherish the years I spent working on site at one of the best art studios in Los Angeles—perched outside, overlooking this incredible beachfront property in the Palisades. These moments have defined my concept of home, a definition that remains forever captured in my painted images.

Someone recently asked me if any of my paintings were lost in the Palisades fires.

“Countless,” I said.

It never occurred to me at the time that I was capturing something ephemeral—places that, one day, might no longer exist.

But since the fires, my passion for painting has taken on a deeper meaning. My work has become more than just a reflection of California’s landscapes; it is a way of preserving memory, honoring what was lost and celebrating the resilience of those who called these places home.

The recent commissions I have received are acts of love. They are testaments to beauty, to impermanence and to the way art can tether us to the past.

One of my collectors, a friend, ran out of her home with only a handful of cherished belongings—including my painting. That act alone reaffirmed for me the power of art to hold significance beyond its physical form.

My heart goes out to everyone who has been affected by the fires throughout Los Angeles and beyond. Words cannot express how deeply saddened I am to see loss and destruction on this scale.

Murrow’s work—including Palisades landscapes—will be on display in a two-person exhibition at Adler/Smith Gallery in Santa Monica from April 5 to mid-May. For more information about the artist, visit marisamurrow.com.

Charles La Rey Minium

By
the Palisadian-Post
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Charles “Chuck” passed away on February 4. He was just six days short of his 70th birthday.

Born on February 10, 1955, to Rodney and Evelyn Minium, he was the eldest of their three sons.

Chuck, with his brothers, Dick and Bill, grew up on Bienveneda Avenue and attended Marquez  Elementary, Paul Revere Middle and Palisades High schools.

Growing up on lower Bienveneda, he, his brothers and dad were part of a Father & Son neighborhood camping group that lasted for over 50 years. He was a good skier, both water and snow. Boating was his favorite pastime and he eventually purchased a Magnum ocean boat.

Chuck was married to Carolyn McLeod for over 40 years. They had two sons, Jason and Ryan. He also has a grandson Christian.

Chuck got his contractor’s license when he was in his 20s and continued working until he passed. His company, Chuck Minium Construction, was well known in the Palisades, and he had a reputation as an excellent finisher carpenter. He worked for Tony Bill on the restaurant Market Street, the Oak Room for Mort Faberow, and homes for Beach Boy Bruce Johnson and developer John Kilroy.

Chuck is survived by his wife Carolyn, son Ryan, grandson Christian, brother Dick, and nephews Dustin and Logan. He was predeceased by his dad Rod (1996), mom Evelyn (2022), brother Bill (2007) and son Jason (2005).

Bounce Pass

By
Steve Galluzzo
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Adam Levine guided the Dolphins to three City titles, a regional crown and a 129-82 record during his seven seasons.

By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor

Timing is everything and for LeBre Merritt, the time is now.  After serving as a varsity assistant to Palisades High girls basketball coach  Adam Levine, the 2010 Pali High graduate is getting his chance to lead his alma mater and he could not be more excited.

Last week, Levine announced he was stepping down after seven seasons in which he posted a 129-82 record and guided the Dolphins to three straight City Section titles from 2019-21, the first Division I followed by back-to-back in Open Division, and the SoCal Regional  Division II championship in 2020.

“I was with him for six years and learned a lot from Adam, not only on the court but also the admimnistrative side of things like scheduling and making sure parents are informed,” said Merritt, who turned 33 last month. “It’s like I’ve come full circle and I’m hitting the ground running. This is a chance to build my own legacy.”

Merritt stepped in to coach the boys team on an interim basis last winter after Donzell Hayes and his staff were asked to step away from the program days before the season started. The situation was far from ideal but after the Dolphins dropped 11 of their first 12 games Merritt righted the ship and    guided the boys to second place in the Western League and a berth in the Open Division playoffs as one  of the City’s top eight teams. He applied for the boys’ head job in the spring but it was given to former Valencia West Ranch coach Jeff Bryant instead.

LeBre Merritt is the new girls basketball coach at Palisades, where he played point guard for former coach James Paleno.
Photos by Steve Galluzzo

“Probably the most valuable thing I took from that experience is patience,” Merritt said. “Given the situation I was put in I had to get the kids to buy in and the first 10 or 11 games it was tough, some players weren’t fully committed.”

When told he would be taking over the girls program, Merritt’s first instinct was to get to the gym at Paul Revere Middle School (the one at Pali High remains off limits) and begin creating an identity and culture for future players who could join the program, while also continuing to coach his Riptide girls club team.

Merritt was a point guard and captain his last two years at Pali High (playing under coach James Paleno) but fractured his ankle not once but twice. In 2006 he and his older brother Paul were victims of a drive-by shooting in South Los Angeles, but that frightening event only made him stronger. He relished the chance to coach his niece Demonnie Lagway at the same school he went to (she helped the Dolphins to three City titles, was voted City Player of the Year and just finished her junior season at Cal State Fullerton).               

Levine is proud to be passing the torch to his energetic assistant  and will continue to coach club basketball as he seeks a new challenge in his coaching career.

“I’m proud of what I accomplished at Palisades, expanding to three competitive teams, running a year-round program, sending 10 girls to play at the next level, from Division 1 to Division 3 and junior college, navigating through COVID and now the fires, it was challenging yet very rewarding,” said Levine, who had nothing but praise for his successor. “One of the best things for me was watching LeBre grow as a coach. Each year I gave him more responsibility. I fought for him to coach the boys last year when they needed an interim coach and he couldn’t have done a better job. He ended up not getting that position but was humble enough to come back and coach the girls this year. LeBre has overcome every obstacle he’s faced in his life and come out better and stronger. No one’s more dedicated and caring and I can’t wait to watch him lead the girls next season as a fan. I also want to thank one of our other assistants, Don Burke, who was vital to winning our first two championships, then came back last year to replace LeBre while he was coaching the boys and stayed on staff this year. He’s one of the best people I know and provided valuable insight.”           

Merritt is confident he can deal with any adversity, like not being able to practice on campus.

“My goal is to set the ground rules and boundaries right away,” he added. “I want the girls to play for each other and to compete at a high level.”

Pali High Four to Be City Hall of Famers

By
Steve Galluzzo
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Swim coach Dave Anderson
Photo: Dennis Moore
Jeanie Buss, Class of 1979
Photo: Rich Scmitt
Tennis coach Bud Ware
Photo: Rich Schmitt
Dave Saunders, Class of 1978
Photo: USA volleyball

 

By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor

The Los Angeles City Section Ahletic Hall of Fame will honor its 2025 class at a ceremony from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 6, at the Odyssey Restaurant in Granada Hills and among the 35 recipients are four individuals from Palisades High.

The Legacy Group includes Harold Glenn “Bud” Ware,  a founding member of the Pali High faculty, who taught math while coaching boys and girls tennis in addition to football and basketball. Ware built the tennis program into a dynasty, piloting the Dolphins to nine City boys crowns from 1965-77 (including a then-record five straight from 1969-73) along with six City girls titles from 1975-84, He turned the boys’ program over to current coach Bud Kling just before the playoffs in 1979 and the team went on to capture the City championship that spring. Upon retirement, Ware lived in Topanga Canyon until he passed away in the summer of 2012 at the age of 86.

Another coach whio left an indelible mark in Pali High history is Dave Anderson, who arrived on campus in 1969 as a 25-year-old biology teacher. He took over the aquatics program in 1971 and coached for 22 years, through 1993, leading the Dolphins to six straight boys water polo titles (1973-78), eight varsity boys swim titles and 11 varsity girls swim titles. The 2025 inductee continued teaching until 1994 and in his last year at Palisades he was magnet counselor.

Representing the Class of 1978 is one of the finest athletes ever to wear a Pali High uniform—volleyball player Dave Saunders. Under legendary coach Howard Enstedt, he helped the Dolphins capture three consecutive City titles, was a key contributor on three NCAA championships at UCLA (twice earning All-American honors as the prmariy passer and starting outside hitter) and joined two other Pali High alums (Chris Marlowe and Steve Salmons) on the USA’s gold-medal-winning indoor team at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. He won gold again at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul and represented the United States at the Pan American Games  in 1983 and 1987. He ended his international career in Italy before retiring and going into the radio business. His younger brother J.B. was a senior hitter on Pali High’s undefeated 1986 squad.

This will be the eighth class to be inducted every two years since the event’s inception in 2011 and another worthy inductee in the “Contributor” category  is 1979 Pali High graduate Jeanie Buss, now the president and controlling owner of the Los Angeles Lakers. In 2020, she became the first woman owner to lead her team to an NBA championship.

Buss, who grew up on Ranch Lane in Rustic Canyon, played on the golf team and was the stat  keeper for the boys basketball team at Pali High. When she was 17 she won the Miss Palisades Pageant (one of the judges was actor Adam West, who played the Caped Crusader in the Batman television series in the 1960s) and she began her career at the age of 19 while attending USC. She was general manager of the L.A. Strings (World Team Tennis) and later the L.A. Blades professional roller hockey team.

Also among this year’s inductees is longtime Pali High assistant coach Ron Hightower, a 1976 Eagle Rock High alum who taught tennis for many years at Riviera Country Club.

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