Three alignment and bridge options Courtesy of Bureau of Engineering
By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor
The virtual meeting of Pacific Palisades Community Council on October 23 centered on updates regarding the Potrero Canyon Pedestrian/Bicycle Bridge Project.
Sylvia Dhimdis, representing the city of Los Angeles Bureau of Engineering, joined the meeting to say: “We’re in the very early stages, and our intent is to keep the community informed.”
Project Manager Matt Negrete of Jacobs Engineering and other representatives gave an update on the bridge project, showing slides, answering questions from the board and community members, and indicating that they would return to provide more information as the project advances.
A feasibility study for the long-proposed project to cross over Pacific Coast Highway from Will Rogers State Beach to George Wolfberg Park at Potrero Canyon Park was conducted in August 2016, and Senator Ben Allen secured $11 million in state funding in 2021.
Diagrams of each of the three alignment and bridge options were shown (a Slope from George Wolfberg Park, a corkscrew alternative and third a Paperclip option). A Caltrans Preliminary Environmental Status Report was signed in April 2025, an environmental document is expected in winter 2026 and a project approval report in spring 2027.
PPCC President Sue Kohl asked if it will be for pedestrians only, to which Dhimdis replied: “We’re considering a bike path as well.” As far as the cost, she added: “As of now we have an estimate of $13 to $18 million.”
The $11 million in state funding secured by Allen is on deposit in an account with the Public Works Department and is currently restricted to use only for the bridge. A funding source for the potential shortfall has not been identified at the time of the meeting.
“It’s hard to understand why extra money would go to this when we’ll have access through the pedestrian trail,” Area 6 (Via Bluffs/Huntington) representative Lorie Cudzil said of the lateral trail project, which is being developed concurrently. Dhimdis responded: “Funds have been allocated but we’ll look for additional grant money.”
Lee Anne Sanderson asked what money has been spent so far.
“It has to be patrolled,” she continued. “We’d need 24/7 security or we’re not going to allow this.”
“Funds have to be regulated,” Dhimdis answered. “We want to assure safety is the primary goal. We have an agreement with Caltrans to develop this project.”
“I’ve lived here since 1991 … things have changed,” said Kim Feder of Castellammare Mesa Homeowners Association. “Fire has ruined our town. This is not the time to build a bridge over PCH, it just isn’t.”
Others expressed their support for the project.
“It’s hard to go backwards,” said Anya McCann, daughter ofthe late park namesake, George Wolfberg. “We’ve got money secured. Having this bridge was determined to be the best option. It’s the safest path to the beach from the Palisades and provides emergency evacuation.”
“This is the best option for young people,” David Card added. “After the fire, we need more evacuation routes from the Palisades. This could also help in earthquakes. The $11 million is taxpayer money from all over California. PPCC voted to support it in 2004 and in 2023 voted 13-3 to go ahead with the predesign.”
Pacific Palisades Recreation Center Park Advisory Board Member Rob Weber noted that the purpose of the bridge is to provide safety and connectivity.
“Access to the beach from the park was a requirement when it was approved back in the 1980s,” Weber said.
Following the discussion, later in the meeting, PPCC Vice President Quentin Fleming addressed three grant proposals: $71,000 to PPRA for 10 Flock Safety license plate reader cameras, $30,000 to Palisades Charter High School to go toward picnic benches in the cafeteria and $3,000 to make seed bombs for wildfires to residents. All three were approved.
Anne Wirth Schoenberg, president of Palisades Friends and Newcomers, followed with a presentation about the social organization founded in the 1960s. Meetings are once per month and membership dues are $25 per year. For more information, visit pacificpalisadesnewcomers.com.
For more information, including a link to the recording of the Potrero Canyon Pedestrian Bridge portion of the PPCC meeting, visit pacpalicc.org.
Palisades Branch Library began providing services on Thursdays from 12 to 4 p.m. in the parking lot of the site on November 6.
“We were thrilled to restart library services today,” Friends of the Palisades Library Board President Cameron Pfizenmaier said to the Palisadian-Post. “Services will include: issuance of library cards, children’s activities and book check out.”
In January 2026, a temporary bungalow space is slated to open in the library site’s parking lot with “expanded amenities and hours,” Pfizenmaier described.
Its hours, at the start, would be Tuesdays through Saturdays from 1 to 5 p.m., Los Angeles Public Library Public Relations Specialist Megan Ignacio confirmed on Wednesday, November 12. The days and hours of operation will “remain flexible” as LAPL assesses the “community’s needs.”
“We understand how much this library means to the Palisades community,” Ignacio wrote. “It’s more than just a building; it’s a space for learning, connection and community. While work on the permanent rebuild continues, our priority is restoring in-person access now so residents can once again enjoy essential library services close to home. We also look forward to hearing from the community to help inform the branch’s redesign. We appreciate the community’s patience and look forward to welcoming patrons into the temporary space in early 2026.”
The plan to place the temporary facility in the parking lot came after “extensive community feedback over several months,” Mayor Karen Bass described in a Palisades update on October 31. Sites that were previously considered, but ultimately not selected, included tennis courts and the grassy area near Alma Real Drive at Palisades Recreation Center.
“We understand from [Los Angeles Public Library] that the bungalow will include a small browsing collection, holds pickup, Wi-Fi, public computers, scanners, and printers for public use, as well as study spaces and a community meeting space,” Pfizenmaier said. “We are incredibly excited to get back to the community.”
Photo courtesy of California State Parks/by Brian Baer
Following a 10-month closure after the Palisades fire, Will Rogers State Historic Park has reopened, effective Saturday, November 8.
“The public will have access to specific trails and areas as ongoing repairs and recovery work are completed,” according to California State Parks.
The park will be open daily between 8 a.m. and sunset. Parking is “very limited,” so visitors are encouraged to use public transportation or rideshare services.
“At Will Rogers State Historic Park, flames destroyed the historic 31-room ranch house, horse stables, and other historic and non-historic park facilities, while damaging approximately 300 historic trees, fencing and miles of trails,” read a statement from California State Parks. “As the park reopens, the future of the park will be planned in collaboration with the public, stakeholders and neighbors from fire-impacted communities. Community engagement activities are scheduled to begin in 2026.”
Community members are invited to participate in a Mural Bubblebath at the Temescal Canyon Mural (located at Temescal Canyon Road and Bowdoin Street across from Palisades Charter High School) on Saturday, November 15, and Sunday, November 16, between 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The mural, created by students Kat Kozik, David Strauch, Jennifer Wilsey and Cathy Salser in 1983, will be restored and revitalized by summer 2026.
“We are about to kick off the restoration of the historic mural,” Salser wrote. “The journey begins with a Mural Bubblebath event where community members of all ages can come help wash the wall and remove the old coating.”
The Department of Angels and USC CLEAN have postponed their Palisades Community Soil Testing Day to a future date to be determined. It was originally scheduled to take place on Sunday, November 16, from 12 to 4 p.m. at Will Rogers State Historic Park in the Polo Field, but was delayed due to the rain.
The event will include 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.
There will be free refreshments, as well as all-ages activities and “more fun for everyone.” Attendees will be invited to “connect with local health, wellness and recovery resources at information booths.”
Level UP LA will host “Shop For a Cause” at BOCA on Saturday, November 15, from 12 to 3 p.m.
“This event is especially significant as it is our first one back to the Palisades with our longtime local partner, BOCA,” Level UP LA shared ahead of the event. “Attendees will be able to shop for BOCA’s products as well as the various vendors who will be attending, all to support our partnered under-resourced schools in Los Angeles.”
BOCA is located at 970 Monument Street. Participating vendors include Lisa Smith Jewels, Robin Terman Jewelry, La Pizzeria Co and more.
Team Palisades has partnered with WestEdge Design Fair to secure free access for all fire survivors from Pacific Palisades, Altadena and Malibu to the 10th annual iteration of the fair, which will take place in Santa Monica from November 20 to 22.
“WestEdge features 150-plus premium design brands in Santa Monica’s Barker Hanger venue, showcasing the latest products and ideas,” read information about the event, which will be open to the public on November 21 and 22 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The fair will include design seminars and panel talks, culinary demonstrations, book signings, and special events, including an Opening Night Party.
“Team Palisades is collaborating with WestEdge to bring fire-resilient building products for everyone’s rebuild and hosting a panel with local speakers on Saturday, November 22, at 3 p.m.,” said Team Palisades Steering Volunteer Lee Ann Daly.
For more information, including a link to RSVP for a free pass, visit teampalisades.org.
Pacific Palisades Community Council: ‘Supporting Fire Recovery with Care and Transparency’
When the fires devastated our community, families, businesses and organizations in Pacific Palisades faced an uncertain road to recovery.
In response, Pacific Palisades Community Council was honored to be entrusted with generous donations specifically for fire recovery. We take that trust very seriously. These contributions came from neighbors, local organizations and supporters outside our community—all wanting to help the Palisades not just rebuild, but emerge stronger.
Founded in 1973, PPCC is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit and one of the oldest organizations of its kind in Los Angeles. Our board includes elected representatives from every residential neighborhood, an at-large representative and appointed members from key community organizations.
For 53 years, PPCC has provided a forum for community discussion and advocacy, and we are proud to continue that work as we help the Palisades recover from these fires.
To ensure donations are used effectively, PPCC President Sue Kohl formed a Grants Committee to review requests and make recommendations to the full PPCC board. The goal is simple: get funds to organizations that can make a real difference for those affected by the fires.
Volunteers, Guidelines and Fairness
Everyone serving on the PPCC Board and Grants Committee is a volunteer. We are neighbors, parents, business owners and friends. None of us benefits personally from these grants; we do this because we care about our community.
To keep things fair, we follow clear rules:
Grant Guidelines: explaining what the funds can be used for, who can apply and how applications are evaluated.
Conflict of Interest Rules: requiring members to disclose any personal or professional ties to applicants and step aside from discussions or votes where conflicts exist.
These safeguards protect the integrity of the process, and we follow them closely.
Making Thoughtful Decisions
Not every grant decision will make everyone happy. People have different ideas about which organizations deserve support and the amount of each grant. But every recommendation is made after careful consideration of the guidelines, the needs expressed in applications and the goal of helping the Palisades recover.
While donations have been generous, community needs are great. That means we can’t fund every worthy request. Our responsibility is to use the funds wisely, balancing immediate recovery with long-term community support.
We know how lucky we are to live in the Palisades—a place where neighbors look out for each other, families can grow up safe and connected, and the beauty of the ocean and hills is always within reach. That awareness guides us in our efforts and reminds us of the importance of using these funds thoughtfully.
Get Involved
We welcome applications from organizations helping the community recover—nonprofits, school groups, service providers and others with projects that fit the guidelines. Application details are available on the PPCC website. The more thoughtful proposals we receive, the more effectively we can spread support across the Palisades.
Moving Forward Together
Recovery takes time, patience and collaboration. Healthy debate is natural, but neighbors should remember that PPCC members act in good faith, guided by the trust placed in us. The generosity of donors gives us the chance to make a real difference—and that generosity deserves to be honored with care.
We encourage anyone interested—applicants, volunteers or donors—to visit our website, review the guidelines and join us in helping the Palisades rebuild stronger than ever.
For more information about the Grants Committee and its work, visit, pacpalicc.org/index.php/ppcc-grants-committee.
PPCC Grants Committee Chair Quentin Fleming; Members Janet Anderson, Steve Cron, Lorie Cudzil, Chris Spitz, Andrew Wolfberg and Maryam Zar
The Palisadian-Post accepts letters to the editor and guest editorials via email at mypost@palipost.com or mailed to 21201 Victory Boulevard, Suite 267, Canoga Park, California 91303. To be considered for publication, letters must be signed, and are subject to editing for length and clarity. Opinions expressed in letters do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Post.
Upcoming Concerts Include Handel’s ‘Messiah’ and the Continuation of the 29th Season of Chamber Music Palisades
By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
From St. Matthew’s Music Guild to Chamber Music Palisades and beyond, community members have several opportunities to catch a concert or performance before the end of 2025.
St. Matthew’s Music Guild
With its 41st season underway, St. Matthew’s Music Guild will host Bach Collegium San Diego for a concert on Friday, December 5, at 7:30 p.m. at St. Augustine by-the-Sea Church in Santa Monica.
“Following the Palisades fire in January, concerts are temporarily relocated to St. Augustine by-the-Sea Church,” read a statement from Music Guild, which is anticipating a return to St. Matthew’s Church in the near future.
The annual holiday-time concert will feature Bach Collegium San Diego in George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah.” Bach Collegium San Diego is led by Artistic Director Ruben Valenzuela, and “known for their historically informed performances” that have “thrilled national and international audiences.”
“Handel’s great oratorio ‘Messiah’ springs to life by way of the fruitful collaboration of Charles Jennens’ carefully conceived libretto and Handel’s supreme skill as a composer of the theatre,” read information on Bach Collegium San Diego’s website. “BCSD’s performance of ‘Messiah,’ delivered by a dynamic cast in the manner of Handel’s dramatic operas, has become one of its crown jewels.
Soloists will include Estelí Gomez (soprano), Jay Carter (countertenor), Angela Young Smucker (mezzo-soprano), Jacob Perry and Michael Jones (tenors), and Jonathan Woody (bass).
“Liner notes,” a “casual, pre-concert feature,” will offer conversation with the evening’s artists, as well as insight into “Messiah,” beginning at 6:45 p.m. It is free to all ticket holders.
St. Augustine by-the-Sea Church is located at 1227 Fourth Street. Parking is available “directly across Fourth Street” in the Santa Monica city parking structure, according to Music Guild.
“The community of Pacific Palisades has been devastated by the January 2025 fires,” Music Director and Conductor Dwayne Milburn said. “Our subscribers and patrons know how powerfully music heals and brings people together. We look forward to the coming season and our return to St. Matthew’s Church soon.”
Tickets are available for the December 5 concert for $45 at musicguildonline.org. There are also season passes available.
Susan Greenberg Photo courtesy of Chamber Music Palisades
Chamber Music Palisades
Chamber Music Palisades will host a concert on Wednesday, December 3, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Brentwood Presbyterian Church as part of its 29th annual season.
“Founded in 1997 by four citizens of the Los Angeles coastal community of Pacific Palisades, including two professional musicians, Chamber Music Palisades is a nonprofit, public benefit corporation dedicated to the promotion and support of classical music,” read its website. “CMP produces professional chamber music concerts, commissions new works and provides educational opportunities for young people by performing free concerts in local schools and venues for community families.”
The concert, with Alan Chapman as host, will feature Chamber Music Palisades President and Artistic Director Susan Greenberg (flute), Cristina Montes Mateo (harp), Maya Magub (violin) and Rob Brophy (viola).
The program is set to include Federigo Fiorillo’s “Trio” for flute, violin and viola,Camille Saint-Saëns’ “Fantasie, Op. 124” for violin and harp, Sergei Prokofiev’s “Prelude Op. 12, No. 7” for harp, Manuel de Falla “Danza española” from “La vida breve” for harp and Alessandro Rolla’s “Duo Concertanto” for violin and viola in Eb ( “1st Movement”).
The program will also include Bruce Broughton’s “There is Always Something To Do” for flute, viola and harp and Maurice Ravel’s “Sonatine” for flute, viola and harp.
Brentwood Presbyterian Church is located at 12000 San Vicente Boulevard. Tickets are available online at cmpalisades.org or at the door for $35. Students with current ID can attend for free.
Photo courtesy of Team Palisades
Music in the Park
Following the success of its The Longest Table event at the start of October, Team Palisades is gearing up to present Music in the Park, which was originally supposed to take place on Sunday, November 16, but has been postponed to a future date and time due to rain. The Post will publish an update when that is known.
The concert, featuring Palisadian musicians Matty Gottesman, Addie Costain and Tallulah Younger, will take place at Palisades Recreation Center (851 Alma Real Drive) near the bocce courts in Veterans Gardens.
“Join us for an outdoor concert featuring talented young musicians from the Palisades community,” Team Palisades said ahead of the concert. “After so many months of stress and isolation, live music and gathering with neighbors in a familiar place are essential for our collective wellbeing.”
Team Palisades is a “neighbor-led support network” that was formed following the Palisades fire. It is built on the Block Captain framework.
Pali High
The Visual and Performing Arts Department at Palisades Charter High School will host a series of winter-time performances from Saturday, December 6, through Thursday, December 11.
The performances will take place at Paul Revere Charter Middle School, located at 1450 Allenford Avenue. The Pali High campus remains closed, with a slated return in January 2026, and students are attending school at the Pali South campus at the former Sears building in Santa Monica.
Choir will perform on Saturday, December 6, and Monday, December 8. The band concert will take place Tuesday, December 9, and symphony on Wednesday, December 10. The series will conclude on Thursday, December 11, with dance.
All performances will take place from 7 to 10 p.m. Additional information can be found at palihigh.org.
Palisades Symphony
Palisades Symphony will present “Choral Concert: From ‘Carnival’ to ‘Sacred Service,’” the evening of Sunday, December 14, beginning at 7 p.m.
The program will include Antonín Dvořák’s “Carnival Overture, Op. 92” and Ernest Bloch’s “Avodath Hakodesh (Sacred Service).”
The December concert will include Palisades Symphony Orchestra and Brentwood Palisades Chorale. The concert includes Conductors Maxim Kuzin and Susan Rosenstein, as well as Guest Conductor Andrew Karatay.
Brentwood Palisades Chorale was founded in 1963 by Frances Cain. Rosenstein has served as its director since 1987. The Chorale performs twice per season with Palisades Symphony, appearing alongside in more than 60 joint concerts to date.
The venue for the event was still being determined at press time. For more information, visit palisadessymphony.org.
The Verdi Chorus Photo courtesy of The Verdi Chorus
The Verdi Chorus
The Verdi Chorus—which includes Palisadian members—will begin its 42nd season exploring Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s play “Faust” with two performances on November 15 and 16.
“Led by Anne Marie Ketchum, who is celebrating 42 consecutive years as artistic director of the organization, the Verdi Chorus is the only choral group in Southern California that focuses primarily on the dramatic and diverse music for opera chorus,” read a statement.
The program will include “operatic sequences” from Hector Berlioz’ “La Damnation de Faust,” Charles Gounod’s “Faust” and Arrigo Boito’s “Mefistofele.”
The 50-member Verdi Chorus, which ranges in age from 20 to 87, includes Palisadians Ethan Eliafan (tenor) and Board Member Julia Chang. Guest soloists for the performances include Jessica Tivens Schneiderman (soprano), Alex Boyer (tenor) and Gabriel Manro (baritone).
The concerts will take place at First Presbyterian Church in Santa Monica, located at 1220 2nd Street. Performance times are Saturday, November 15, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, November 16, at 4 p.m.
Tickets are $40 for general admission, $50 for priority seating, $30 for seniors and $10 for students aged 25 and under with ID. They are available at verdichorus.org.
Kat Edmonson Photo courtesy of Pepperdine
‘Holiday Swingin‘! A Kat Edmonson Christmas’
Pepperdine’s Lisa Smith Wengler Center for the Arts will host “Holiday Swingin‘! A Kat Edmonson Christmas” on Sunday, December 14, beginning at 5 p.m.
“With a voice as timeless as her songs, Kat Edmonson blends vintage charm with modern wit in a style all her own,” read a synopsis from Pepperdine. “A Songwriters Hall of Fame Award winner, she’s been featured on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts, Austin City Limits, “‘A Prairie Home Companion’” and the “‘Tonight Show.’”
The performance will take place in Smothers Theatre, located at 24255 Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu. Tickets range from $30.50 to $58, and are available at arts.pepperdine.edu.
“Her live performances weave original tunes and classic favorites with humorous stories and heartfelt musings,” Pepperdine wrote. “Whether on the stage at Carnegie Hall or featured in a Woody Allen film, Edmonson’s work is full of character, candor and cinematic flair.”
(Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect changes about the Music in the Park event.)
Allenford Avenue, October 12 at 8:57 p.m. Suspects climbed over victim’s front gate, walked over to victim’s garage door. Suspects used unknown means to force door open. Upon hearing the alarm, the suspects fled the location in grey Honda.
Enchanted Way, October 23 at 1 a.m. Suspects smashed window, unlocked door, entered and ransacked interior of vacant home. Information provided by ACS Security. Officers were unable to make contact with the homeowner.
The following updates were shared by Los Angeles Police Department Senior Lead Officer for Pacific Palisades Brian Espin on October 23 and 30.
On our last Community Police Advisory Board meeting, our captain mentioned the lessening of the LAPD footprint in the Palisades. This is due to the low volume and frequency of crimes in the area. We will still have our assigned Palisades patrol unit, our Beach Detail unit and one extra patrol unit from one of our neighboring stations. Our command has said they will definitely reevaluate the necessity for increasing resources if there is an increase in crime.
We had our hillside taskforce with our awesome volunteers of the Pacific Palisades Taskforce on Homelessness and our neighboring enforcement and outreach agencies (California State Parks Rangers, LA City Park Rangers, MRCA and The People Concern) on October 22. There were a couple locations where some debris was located and removed by our volunteers.
We had a small cluster of vehicle thefts located within a small area of Santa Monica Canyon. These vehicle thefts occurred on different days and times. Once we see the cluster, our detectives immediately start to look for any similarities or see if they can be connected in any way. As of now the detectives have not seen anything to connect the vehicle thefts, they appear to be isolated incidents.
Check your property often (or have someone check it for you) to prevent squatters or someone frequently entering your property.
Tell your construction crews to secure their tools and equipment to prevent theft. Do not leave tools lying in the back of trucks or unlocked vehicles.
Have construction crews GPS tag all high-end equipment.
Place and secure tools and equipment in well-lit areas of the property and monitored by security cameras.
Provided by LAPD Senior Lead Officer Brian Espin. In case of emergency, call 911. To report a non-emergency, call 877-275-5273.
