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Palisades Lutheran Church to Return to Sunset Boulevard Space

By
Sarah Shmerling
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Palisades Lutheran Church on January 14
Photo by Sarah Shmerling

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Following three months of displacement since the Palisades fire began on January 7, Palisades Lutheran Church is set to return to its Sunset Boulevard campus, beginning with Palm Sunday services on April 13 at 10 a.m.

“Eighty-one days have passed since the fire, and despite the challenges, the outpouring of generosity from individuals, churches and schools nationwide has been truly inspiring and has given us great hope,” Pastor Martin Lee wrote on March 29. “We plan to return to the PLC campus on April 13, Palm Sunday.”

The church has been temporarily gathering at Annenberg Community Beach House, while also offering a live-stream for congregants who could not attend in person. Lee confirmed a live-stream option would continue to be available as services resumed in the Palisades.

Lee estimated that as much as half of the church congregation may not return, especially as services first resume. He described many members facing “forced choices in life,” including “big life-changing decisions” in the wake of the fire.

Across the nation, Lee reported that thousands of congregations make up the Lutheran Church network.

“Everybody is really pitching in with all sorts of resources, physical and financial,” Lee described. “[We have] a lot of opportunity to be good neighbors. So many people outside of our church have been helping.”

Palisades Lutheran Church received no damage in the fire, according to the CAL FIRE Damage Inspection Map. Lee described a cleanup effort conducted by SERVPRO, which included cleaning the sanctuary from “top to bottom.”

“SERVPRO has thoroughly cleaned the entire campus, including all buildings from floor to ceiling,” Lee said.

They received a letter stating “it’s safe to return to the space.” A national air purifying company also donated a system to the congregation.

“Our top priority has been to address the spiritual and physical needs of our community,” Lee wrote. “The elders are actively identifying needs within our congregation, providing housing, furnishings, financial support, prayer and visitation. Additionally, we are committed to supporting our tenants—SoCal Fierce and Lead Education—as we transition into ‘Ministry Phase 2’ of our fire disaster response.”

Other upcoming services at the church will take place on Maundy Thursday (April 17) and Good Friday (April 18) at 7 p.m. An Easter Sunday service and brunch are planned for April 20 at 10 a.m.

Lee noted that the return to the Palisades campus during Holy Week has a particularly spiritual meaning, like Jesus returning to Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.

“It’s a special way to celebrate getting through the season of Lent,” he said.

The church will continue to gather at the Palisades campus, which is located at 15905 Sunset Boulevard, going forward.

For the latest updates and additional information, visit plc.cc.

FEMA Extended Right-of-Entry Deadline Approaches April 15

By
Sarah Shmerling
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Courtesy of USACE

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

FEMA extended the deadline to opt in or out of the government-run fire debris removal program to April 15, and expanded its eligibility to include condominiums and townhomes, officials announced on Friday, March 28.

“FEMA has responded to our request—condos [and] townhomes … are now eligible for federally funded debris removal,” Supervisor Lindsey Horvath wrote. “The deadline to submit your right of entry form has also been extended to April 15.”

Residents have two options for Phase 2: opting in to the government-run debris removal program, which is being led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Colonel Eric Swenson, at no out-of-pocket charge, or opting out and hiring a private contractor.

Speaking with the Palisadian-Post Monday morning, March 31, Constance Farrell, communications director for Horvath’s office, explained that mobile home parks fit FEMA’s criteria for “case by case” basis, but she is “extremely confident” they are going to be included.

Farrell reported that Horvath’s office has been in touch with the owners/managers of Tahitian Terrace and Palisades Bowl, as well as Councilmember Traci Park and the state, to advocate for their inclusion in the government-run debris removal process.

Phase 2 involves removing visible fire debris, such as chimneys, hazardous trees, ash and—if specified on a right-of-entry form by the owner—foundations.

The form can be completed online at recovery.lacounty.gov/debris-removal or in-person at a Disaster Recovery Center, with the Westside location at 10850 West Pico Boulevard. There is also a Hazardous Tree Waiver that property owners can fill out to “retain specific trees on their property.”

At press time on Tuesday evening, April 8, 685 properties in the Palisades fire burn area had received final sign off from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers CA Wildfire Debris Mission. According to the map, 3,398 right of entries had been accepted by the county, with 3,398 in progress with contractor.

The announcement to extend the deadline and expand eligibility came one day after the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services urged FEMA on March 27 to expand the debris removal program.

“Regarding residential commercial properties, I have determined residential commercial properties that contain at least one owner-occupied home will be treated in the same manner as approved residential properties for the entire structure,” FEMA Regional Administrator Robert Fenton wrote in a letter dated March 28. “This will include most condominium and other multi-family buildings, even where there may be a mix of owner-occupied and rental units within the same building. This approval does not include multi-family rental properties entirely owned by for-profit entities, such as apartment buildings, which will continue to be treated as commercial properties.

“Commercial properties, including multi-family rental properties entirely owned by for-profit entities, will continue to be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Any requests to include commercial properties in Private Property Debris Removal operations must include a justification based on the following factors: An immediate threat to public health and safety due to debris; Barriers to the commercial entity completing debris removal independently; Insurance coverage and status of claim; Economic impact of debris removal on the commercial entity and community.”

When it comes to multi-family properties, according to Governor Gavin Newsom’s office, each owner of a destroyed unit in a condominium or duplex needs to submit an ROE form, as well as the homeowner’s association.

“This allows the county, state and FEMA to assess the property for eligibility,” the statement concluded.

Farrell confirmed that each tenant of the mobile home parks should fill out the ROE, as officials are working on “packaging” them for FEMA to review.

1Pali to Host ‘Rooted in Resilience: A Palisades Gathering’ Community Event

By
Lily Tinoco
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Photo courtesy of 1Pali

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

1Pali is planning its first communitywide event, Rooted in Resilience: A Palisades Gathering, for Saturday, April 19, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at a park in Santa Monica.

Aiming to offer a website and resource for the community to aid in the rebuilding process following the Palisades fire, Alphabet Streets resident Anthony Marguleas launched 1Pali with Ben Perlman and Andrew Grant. 1Pali’s mission is to unite the Palisades community through in-person gatherings and storytelling, “fostering hope and celebrating shared resilience.”

Perlman has described 1Pali as a “living testament to the unbreakable spirit of the Palisades.”

“After the fire took so much from us, I saw neighbors rise not just to rebuild homes, but to support one another and rekindle hope in our community,” he said. “To me, 1Pali is about harnessing that collective resilience, giving every resident a voice shaping the future of the Palisades. It’s a reminder that in our deepest challenges lies the power to create something extraordinary together.”

Since its inception, 1Pali has held a series of webinars via Zoom—inviting guest speakers, covering different topics and gathering input from the community.

Now—lending its focus to community building—1Pali is gearing up for its first event: Rooted in Resilience.

“After the fire tested us, we’re coming together to connect, inspire hope and honor the resilience that defines our community,” according to 1Pali. “This gathering unites hundreds of residents, dozens of community groups and local dignitaries to share stories, forge bonds and lift each other up.”

The event will give Palisadians the opportunity to connect with local community groups and organizations, schools, and houses of worship to get involved. Community members can expect food trucks and bites from Palisades  eateries, local performers, a children’s activities and games area, a wellness space, and community art, inviting Palisadians to contribute to a collaborative mural.

“I see ‘Rooted in Resilience’ as a celebration of the Palisades we all call home,” Perlman said to the Palisadian-Post. “It rekindles our community’s magic, uniting us to rebuild this cherished place together, inspiring hope and honoring our unbreakable spirit as we rise stronger than ever.”

The April 19 event will take place at Clover Park—located at 2600 Ocean Park Boulevard—in Santa Monica

“Join us to reconnect, recharge and rejoice in the Palisades’ unbreakable heart,” the event flyer read.

Additional information about the organization is available at 1pali.com.

Resilient Palisades Recognized as the District 24 California Nonprofit of the Year

By
Lily Tinoco
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Resilient Palisades members
Photo courtesy of Sara Marti

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

Locally founded environmental organization Resilient Palisades was recently selected as the 2025 California Nonprofit of the Year for District 24 by Senator Ben Allen.

Every year, California assemblymembers and state senators are invited to choose a California Nonprofit of the Year for their district.

“It’s a way for nonprofit honorees to strengthen their relationships with legislators, and vice versa,” according to CalNonprofits. “As policy advocates, we know that when legislators know nonprofits in their district, they listen more carefully to what nonprofits and the communities they represent need.”

Over 1,000 California nonprofit organizations have been recognized—celebrating their feat within their communities and at the state capitol, when honorees and legislators are invited to join in a luncheon. This year’s event will take place on May 21.

A number of nonprofits have been selected for 2025 so far, with a full list of honorees to be released on May 19. Nonprofits that are recognized are described as “a diverse group representing communities in the state’s major metropolitan regions, in suburban neighborhoods and rural communities.”

Founded in 2019 by a group of concerned neighbors, Resilient Palisades is a nonprofit committed to addressing climate and ecological issues through local action.

“We believe that local activism is a key step to achieving global change,” according to Resilient Palisades. “The name was chosen because we aim to become more sustainable and resilient—both within our community, as well as to partner with and assist the resiliency efforts of less advantaged Los Angeles communities.”

Since its inception, the team has formed a number of teams, each with a different focus area: Clean Air and Water, Plant-Based Solutions, Clean Energy Resilience, Zero Waste and Water Sages.

Resilient Palisades was told it was selected “for its incredible work on uniting [the community] during the recovery process of the fires, and its continued commitment to local environmental action.”

“This recognition comes at a pivotal time, especially after having just faced the challenges of the Palisades fire, truly putting our resilience to the test,” Resilient Palisades shared to social media. “This award highlights our relentless commitment to uniting our community—especially during our recovery—and emphasizes our ongoing efforts in local environmental action.”

Additional Los Angeles honorees include District 20’s Chicas Mom, Inc., District 21’s Westminster Community Care Center, District 22’s Azusa Connects and District 35’s Heads Up Foundation, Inc.

Planting Flags

By
Sarah Shmerling
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Photo by Rich Schmitt/courtesy of Palisades Post 283

American Legion Ronald Reagan – Palisades Post 283 hosted a flag planting ceremony at Palisades Village Green on March 20 where 15 flags were planted with a few words and a salute from various community and government agencies, according to Past Commander Jim Cragg.

Participating entities included U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, American Legion, National Guard/Air Guard, FEMA, Los Angeles Fire Department Stations 23 and 69, Los Angeles Police Department, Red Cross, Small Business Administration, CAL OES, Los Angeles Department of Water & Power, Council District 11 Traci Park’s office, Pacific Palisades Community Council, Salvation Army, Meals on Wheels, and private security represented by Palisades Patrol.

“Proud to behave a coming-together of the agencies that saved our town, recovered it and are now rebuilding it,” Cragg wrote.

Booths Available for Upcoming Fire Defense Fair & Pali High Flea Market

By
Sarah Shmerling
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Courtesy of Pali High

Palisades Charter High School will host a Fire Defense Fair & Flea Market at the Paul Revere Charter Middle School P.E. grass field on Saturday, May 17, from 2 to 6 p.m.—and sign ups to operate a booth are now open.

“Join us for a special Fire Defense Fair & Pali High Flea Market as we come together to support local businesses, families and students affected by the recent fire,” read information about the event. “This is more than just a market—there will be essential resources, safety demonstrations and a chance to connect with your neighbors. Plus, enjoy a variety of unique finds while supporting a great cause while you shop at over 50 booths of curated or vintage goods.”

The event will also feature live music, fire trucks and a kid zone. Fire proofing vendors will be on site.

Pali families are invited to sign up to host a booth for $50 and non-Pali families can sign up for $100 at palihigh.onlinepartybook.com. All proceeds from the event will support the Pali High Booster Club.

Questions can be sent to palifleamarket@gmail.com or firedefensefair@gmail.com.

—SARAH SHMERLING

‘Jimmy Dunne Says’

By
the Palisadian-Post
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Photo courtesy of Jimmy Dunne

The Palisadian-Post presents an homage to Will Rogers’ column, “Will Rogers Says,” with a column by Palisadian Jimmy Dunne—on life in the “greatest town in America.”

Every time I come back and drive through the Palisades, I feel like I’m thawing out. Thawing out a little bit.

I keep thinking I’m over the shock and awe.

I’m not. One thing is for sure.

The Palisades fire may be long-gone from the national news, but we’re living it.

Today and tomorrow.

Since we were all little squirts, we had firetrucks. We’ve had it ingrained in our DNA that if we ever had a fire, firetrucks would come and save us.

You could count on it.

Here’s what we’re all coming to terms with.

There are certain things that we just count on our city doing. Our tax dollars doing. “Daddy” doing.

“Daddy” didn’t show up.

And a lot of his firetrucks and hydrants didn’t work.

But what really pricks at me is all the homes, and condos, and businesses, and schools, and churches that burned down on Wednesday and Thursday—because “Daddy” didn’t let the firefighters stay and do their job.

And the more I thaw out, the anger keeps boiling, thinking about the inexcusable dysfunction of our city’s leadership.

If we had known “Daddy” may not come, I can guarantee you this.

So many Palisadian moms and dads would have stayed longer and put out some of the fires. Palisadians would have bought stuff and found a way to tap their own pools. Lots of things.

And they absolutely would have been back the next day to put out the small, smoldering fires still simmering all over neighborhoods—just waiting to take down more homes and buildings.

So. What do we do about it?

I know what I’m not going to do. Whine on “Nextdoor.” Or, until I’m six feet under, pout to everybody I know about who’s to blame.

In the second grade, I was in the Cub Scouts. I’m picturing Mrs. Cook, who ran our troop, Johnnie Cook’s mom.

Loved my Boy’s Life magazine that came in the mail every month. Had my name on it. Loved that, too.

Thinking of that blue outfit. And that gold scarf thing. Had some badges stuck on my chest to remind me and everybody how I was a spectacular kid.

And our troop’s camping. Not exactly roughing it like the adventure stories in that magazine. Our big camp-out trip was in John Hostany’s backyard in a couple very-used army tent things. We ate our tator-tot casserole with ground beef on TV trays some mother made until we got too itchy from the bugs crawling on our necks, or just too scared from Chris Golaszewski’s dad’s exaggerated army-days stories.

I remember holding our three fingers together and saluting each other in those uniforms. Barking out “Be Prepared”—about three octaves above middle C.

Now that I’m 800 years older, I’d guess the adult version of that would be “self-reliant.”

Maybe Ralph Waldo Emerson had it right. But he sure didn’t have it right, deciding to use Waldo as his middle name.

I’m picturing his best buddies saying, “How’s it going, Ralph Waldo?” You beat up a kid just for having that name. Today, he would have changed his name once he thought he was going to be famous. Something like “Sting.”

I’m thinking of those plane rides we’ve all had. Some voice on a blown speaker, about two inches from your ears, yapping that if the plane explodes mid-air or something, to put the oxygen mask on yourself first. And then put it on your kid next to you.

I think the Cub Scouts, and the stewardess on the plane, and Ralph Waldo were right.

When things go off the rails, the best thing we can do first is to be “self-reliant.”

Putting one foot in front of the other.

It doesn’t mean we’re not grieving. Grieving the layers of what we’ve lost.

But I think there’s something we’ve found.

We found it in the overwhelming kindness and good deeds we’ve all been recipients of.

I found it watching Jed Weitzman, standing just outside Regal Cleaners and giving the wonderful owners, Cira and Antonio Flores, a big, long hug. He never asked ’em how he could get his shirts that were still in there. He just wanted to let ’em know he loved ’em.

I found it in Tom Hathaway, so passioned to work out how we can still have a 4th of July Run—to bring us all together.

In countless stories of Palisadians like Steve Robinson, of Sam Laganà, of Mary Ellen Kanoff, of Steve Guttenberg—of so many Palisadians selflessly helping their neighbors on the night of that fire, in the days after that fire. And now.

What we found is that Pacific Palisades is more than a place.

Pacific Palisades is a belief.

A belief that being there when your neighbor needs you—matters.

A belief that integrity, caring and decency matter.

A belief that, despite of spite of the fire, there is so much for us to be grateful for.

For who we are, and for who we love. And for who loves us back.

And we now have the amazing opportunity to build back a place, a special place—that is a mirror of those beliefs.

With so many Palisadians passionately driven to do just that.

And the new “Daddy” in town?

You. And me, and everybody else in town.

That’s a “Daddy” I can count on.

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.

Palisadian-Post Seeks Summer Interns

By
Sarah Shmerling
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The Palisadian-Post is seeking interns for its summer program. Interns will spend time reporting and writing stories, supported by our editorial team, as well as proofreading the paper and assisting with events/newspaper-related tasks.

If interested, email your name, school/grade (if a student), a couple of paragraphs about your interest and experience with journalism, and two writing samples (ideally non-fiction) to mypost@palipost.com. Questions can also be directed to that email address.      

—SARAH SHMERLING

Palisadian Bruce Lurie Will Host BUILD 4WARD Palisades

By
Sarah Shmerling
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Courtesy of Bruce Lurie Gallery

Palisadian Bruce Lurie will host BUILD 4WARD Palisades—an opportunity to “design, build and connect”—at Bruce Lurie Gallery at 608 Santa Monica Boulevard on Thursday, April 24, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Lurie lost his Via De La Paz gallery in the Palisades fire, but opened a new space in downtown Santa Monica, just over two months after January 7.

“After the devastating fire, it’s more important than ever for our community to come together with a shared purpose,” Lurie said in a statement. “I envision our space as a hub for design and visual arts, where creative minds can connect, collaborate and contribute to meaningful progress.”

The event is part of a new series of “exclusive evening mixers,” which are “designed to unite and empower local businesses dedicated to rebuilding Pacific Palisades.”

“This gathering will bring together developers, interior designers, architects and luxury real estate professionals to foster collaboration and share their vision for the revitalization of Pacific Palisades,” read a statement about the inaugural evening.

The event is free to attend. Lurie requested guests RSVP by emailing info.luriegallery.com.

—SARAH SHMERLING

Letter to the Editor

By
the Palisadian-Post
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The following letter was sent to FEMA and additional government officials regarding fire-related debris removal at Tahitian Terrace and has been reprinted here with permission from the author.

As a resident of the historic Tahitian Terrace neighborhood of Pacific Palisades—one of the few coastal affordable housing developments in Los Angeles County—I am writing on behalf of my community of 158 households. We seek urgent clarity on the decision-making process surrounding the Palisades fire debris cleanup efforts and the ongoing delay in determining our mobile home park’s eligibility for FEMA assistance.

At the Pali Strong Straight Talk Event on March 30, a FEMA representative confirmed that FEMA has received all of the required paperwork (all Right of Entry forms have been submitted by 158 households and the property owners) and that “it’s with the appropriate individuals to make a decision.” They also stated that while FEMA doesn’t typically assist commercial properties, an exception has been made for condominiums and townhomes.

What is the rationale for including condominiums and townhomes in the cleanup efforts while excluding our mobile home park? What specific criteria is preventing a decision about our community? The delay has left the Tahitian Terrace community in a state of limbo, unable to move forward with rebuilding or planning for the future.

Tahitian Terrace is a rare enclave by the beach, offering an affordable pathway to homeownership in a city where housing costs are increasingly out of reach. Residents of our park include teachers, artists, seniors, firefighters, retired entertainment industry professionals and county workers—many on fixed incomes who’ve lived here for decades.

As a longtime Los Angeles resident, it took me nearly 25 years to find a neighborhood where I could afford to own a home on the Westside of Los Angeles. And my story is especially poignant—I closed escrow the day before my home burned to the ground. I never even received the keys.

The historical significance of Tahitian Terrace cannot be overstated. For over 100 years, this land has provided affordable coastal housing, a rarity in Los Angeles.

Beyond the human impact, neglecting cleanup efforts in this fragile coastal ecosystem could have serious environmental consequences. The Mello Act protects affordable housing in coastal zones, and failing to assist in debris removal would not only displace 158 households but also sets a dangerous precedent for affordable housing protections in California.

FEMA, and all officials involved in this decision, I implore you to do the right thing—fund the cleanup of the most vulnerable among us and provide the support needed to restore our community. Set an example by ensuring swift remediation after one of the most destructive natural disasters in U.S. history, and allow displaced families to return to manufactured homes quickly.

The waiting is agonizing, and we cannot move forward with our lives until you act. Please include Tahitian Terrace in the debris removal efforts and give us the chance to rebuild our homes and our futures. Thank you very much for all of your efforts and your consideration.

Chris J. Russo

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