Pali High Seniors Launch Global Educational Initiative VIVAIO EMPOWER

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Heading into their senior year, a group of Palisades Charter High School students are looking to make a global difference through a recently launched education initiative.

VIVAIO EMPOWER—which was originally established by Alexios Stamatelopoulos and has since grown to include several of his peers—operates with a mission to “empower young minds, ignite creativity and foster global connectivity.”

“VIVAIO EMPOWER was an idea that came to me in December of 2023,” Alexios explained to the Palisadian-Post. “At the age of 5, my parents chose a non-conventional birthday present, sponsoring a child’s education in Africa … Witnessing this action for many years has developed a silent and profound education for me.”

Several years later, Alexios said his parents started a family business, VIVAIODAYS, which donates a portion of annual total global sales to support educational partners through its Schooldays Program.

“VIVAIODAYS started, in essence, when our family did,” founders Elina Lampaki and Marios Stamatelopoulos wrote. “When our first child was born, we made a family commitment to funding education in communities less privileged than ours.”

Today, VIVAIODAYS is an organic product line, designed with ingredients and recipes collected from around the world, like India, Borneo and Southern Africa, for babies and kids, including balms, shampoos, lotions and more.

“VIVAIO, or ‘nursery’ in Italian, has two meanings,” read the VIVAIODAYS website, “it’s a place where young plants grow and a place where little kids learn as they grow.”

Alexios, now a senior who resides in Santa Monica, said that growing up in a home where education is “idolized” has allowed him to see the “impact education makes on one,” leading to the launch of VIVAIO EMPOWER, alongside five friends.

James Ball serves as curriculum coordinator, Nikhil Bhasin is the school contact, Alexi Baski is finance manager, Jonny Fuhrman is social developer and Juan Cotom Lopez is a mentor.

“Our project … is a testament to the transformative power of education and the boundless potential residing within every child, regardless of geography or circumstance,” read the VIVAIO EMPOWER website.

The project intends to accomplish this through “the establishment of cutting-edge computer labs and the implementation of comprehensive digital sessions.” In fact, Alexios took a trip to Uganda to set up a computer lab at VIVAIO EMPOWER’s first partner school, Greenfield School in Kabale, Uganda—a primary school with a population of 500 students in kindergarten through sixth grade, run by 19 teachers.

“The school provides meal and board if necessary, where 35% of the school stays at the school during the school year due to living too far from the school,” according to the VIVAIO EMPOWER website. “The rest of the students walk anywhere from 30 minutes to three hours to get to school and back home everyday.”

The team said Greenfield was the “test school” for the project, trialing things like the success rate of the lessons, as well as picking and choosing the “best methods for transferring the information over to the students.”

“We aim to equip students with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate a rapidly evolving world,” the website continued. “Our vision extends beyond the confines of traditional education, embracing a holistic approach that nurtures the mind, body and spirit.”

The VIVAIO EMPOWER team offers a range of things to program participants, including weekly mentoring, exposure to “diverse career paths,” and a “promotion of health and wellness practices.” They also ship projectors and computers to the schools in order to communicate with students and complete the curriculum.

“The biggest way we think that we can impact children is through the dispersion of knowledge,” Ball explained to the Post. “We’ve created a curriculum plan with different branches that encompass enriching topics.”

Lessons are customized for each school. VIVAIO EMPOWER works with the school to address its specific needs, selecting what lessons they will cover. The school can also determine whether or not they want the students to complete homework assignments.

Some of VIVAIO EMPOWER’s lesson offerings include Geography and World Culture, Public Speaking and Presentation Skills, Science and Technology, and A Day in My Life.

Science and Technology aims to provide “insights on the evolution of technology and its effects on society,” as well as how to use it to their advantage.

Careers shows the students “different professions around the world,” covering “diverse career paths” and skills needed. The students are shown the “diversity of the world they live in” through lessons on music, language and landscape in the Geography and World Culture course.

“Health focuses on promoting medical knowledge and hygiene practices among children,” Ball described. “Public Speaking and Presentation Skills aims to arm students with the necessary communications skills to become a leader and inspire others.”

A Day in My Life is a once-per-month connection made between one of the schools participating in VIVAIO EMPOWER and an elementary school in Los Angeles, designed to show “both schools what life is like 9,000 miles away.”

“We aspire to cultivate a generation of empowered changemakers poised to shape their communities and transcend boundaries,” according to the website. “Central to our ethos is the belief in the power of connectivity to bridge divides and cultivate empathy. By offering an unfiltered glimpse into diverse lifestyles and cultures, we strive to foster understanding, empathy and mutual respect among global citizens.”

VIVAIO EMPOWER currently works with about 2,100 students at two schools in Uganda, according to Bhasin, with plans to partner with an additional four schools by the end of September.

“As a team we see the future of VIVAIO EMPOWER as something we can pass down to the next generation of Pali High schoolers,” Baski described. “As for shorter term goals, we plan on having an impact on over 10,000 children throughout the world. As for expanding, we are in the pipeline with more schools to come across Uganda and Cambodia.”

For those looking to support VIVAIO EMPOWER’s endeavors, the team has launched a gofundme, with a goal of raising $30,000 to extend their services to 10 schools (10,000 students) across Africa and Cambodia via at least nine additional schools by December. At press time, more than $8,500 had been raised.

“Being involved in the project has made me realize the importance of knowledge and has made me appreciate the schools that I’ve been lucky to attend,” Ball said.

Ball said that he finds being involved with VIVAIO EMPOWER “extremely rewarding,” that he is grateful to share knowledge he has acquired “over the years to other people across the world.”

“With a clear roadmap and a commitment to our values, we invite you to join us on this journey towards a brighter tomorrow,” the VIVAIO EMPOWER team wrote on its website. “Together, let us pave the way for a world where every child has the opportunity to thrive, and where the transformative power of education knows no bounds.”

For more information, including a link to support programming, visit vivaioempower.com. Inquiries can be directed to alexis.vivaioempower@gmail.com.

Las Madrinas recently announced the 26 families and their daughters—including several residents of Pacific Palisades: Gable Catherine Gering, Channing Van Petten Pauley and Asher Rose Harris Rawlins—who will be honored for their service to the Southern California community and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles at the annual Las Madrinas Ball on Saturday, December 21.

Others to be honored include Elizabeth Adair, Kelsey Grace Babcock, Katherine Courteen Deardorff, Katherine Shea Dietrick, Ruby Wilhemina Elliott, Frances Louise Foy, Lucy Jo Griffin, Cornelia Scott Halferty, Annie Shea High, Grace Victoria Hutchins, Kathleen Duffy Keller, Alana Juanita Laurie, Julia Elizabeth Dillon Lokey, Penelope Lynn Nakasone, Grace O’Malley, Cecily Paige Rasmussen, Reilly Kathryn Robinson, Sarah Elizabeth Rocchio, Eliza Jane Sandifer, Hailey Nan Webber, Aubrey Rae Wendling and Talia Bahar Zafari.

The American Legion Ronald Reagan-Palisades Auxiliary Committee of Judges recently voted to give $500 prizes to Resilient Palisades and Veterans Gardens for their floats in the Fourth of July parade. Resilient Palisades received its award for Best Incorporation of Parade Theme, which was Happy Days in the Palisades.

“They creatively interpreted the theme, incorporating elements that celebrated our local heritage and community spirit, captivating both participants and spectators alike,” read a statement about the prize. The funds will go toward Resilient Palisades’ scholarship program, which awards students who “choose to further their education in environmentalism.”

Brentwood School’s Board of Trustees has appointed Dr. Tim Cottrell as the next head of school, which will be effective July 2025.

“The search began in January, after current Head of School Dr. Mike Riera, who has led Brentwood School since 2011, announced that the 2024-25 school year would be his last,” read a statement from the school. “A Head of School Search Committee of nine trustees was led by Board of Trustees Chair Adam Cohn, Vice Chair Laura Dudley and trustee and former Board Chair Tom Gordon.”

Cottrell is entering his 13th year as head of school at Iolani School in Hawaii.

“We are delighted to welcome a leader of Dr. Cottrell’s talent and accomplishments, an experienced educator who readily came to understand—and embrace—Brentwood’s culture and core values,” said the Search Committee co-chairs in a letter to the Brentwood School community.

Palisadian-Owned Rosenthal Wine Bar and Patio Offers Tastings, Beach Views and More

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor 

For those looking for a unique wine experience, one Palisadian has crafted a space along Pacific Coast Highway offering just that, with roots in the business dating back several decades.

Rosenthal, the Malibu Estate Wine Bar and Patio, is situated across from the beach at 18741 Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu—just over a mile outside of Pacific Palisades.

Owned by a father and son team, George and Marquez Knolls resident Mark Rosenthal, the Wine Bar and Patio has been open since 2011, holding the title as “the only wine bar and tasting room on the Pacific Coast Highway.”

“George first planted grapes in the mid-1980s at the Newton Canyon vineyard in Malibu after finding that the soil and climate was on par with the best of Bordeaux,” the Rosenthal team shared with the Palisadian-Post. “Since the early 1990s, Rosenthal, the Malibu Estate Vineyard, has produced award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay and Viognier wines.”

In homage to the “surfing heritage” of Malibu, the family also produces wine varietals under the Surfrider Wine label—from Sparkling Rosés to Sauvignon Blanc, with red varietals, including Grenache and Syrah.

“The Wine Bar and Patio is a Malibu institution that people enjoy for good friends, good wine and good music,” Mark said.

The space hosts different types of live music and events throughout the week, open to the public Wednesdays through Sundays. The month of August invited Comedian Shang, as well as performances by Notice of Intent and The Weasels.

This month, Palisadians can partake in a Paint and Sip event on Sunday, August 25, at 1 p.m., and Malibu Comedy Night on Friday, August 30, at 8 p.m.

The August 30 Comedy Night will feature comedians from Netflix, Comedy Central and more, including Sarah Tiana, Greg Santos, Craig Lowe and Anna Simeri, hosted by Sean Leary, with tickets for $28.52.

“Enjoy sips and giggles under the stars with an outdoor comedy event at the gorgeous Rosenthal Wine Bar and Patio in the heart of Malibu,” according to the event description. “Feel free to bring food [and] snacks. It’s a party.”

In September, Rosenthal will present “Music Under the Stars” on Friday, September 6, an outdoor concert featuring three surprise guests. Tickets are $34.

Dubbed “the rock gods of the Palisades,” The Weasels are set to return to Rosenthal on Sunday, September 15, from 1 to 5 p.m. No tickets are needed to attend.

On Saturday, October 26, Rosenthal will be hosting a Haunted Wine Run 5K, with three different start times at 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.

“This is a fun run that includes stairs and running, or walking, through sand along the beach,” the event description read. “If you like running or walking and love wine, this fun run is for you.”

Participants will receive a cotton T-shirt, shatterproof, collapsible and portable wine glass, and pour of wine. Rosenthal is partnering with The Autism Resource Project for the event.

Those visiting Rosenthal can expect different food trucks on Saturdays and Sundays. Visitors are also welcome to bring their own food or picnic, with the exclusion of outside alcohol. Saturdays and Sundays are strictly for guests 21 and over.

For parties of two or more over the weekend, reservations are recommended but not required. Walk-ins are always welcome.

For more information or to purchase tickets to the events listed, visit rosenthalestatewines.com.

By AVERY ZEMLAK | Intern

On Sunday mornings I love to go to Pacific Palisades Farmers Market and look for inspiration. With all the summer fruit and vegetables available, my mind spins with endless possibilities.

I have decided to share some of my favorite ideas with you after a trip through the market.

Tomatoes. So many varieties, from the traditional red to heirloom and cherry tomatoes. Tomato season is the best season.

Some of my favorite dishes to make are bruschetta, fresh tomato sauce, caprese salad and, of course, just pop the little ones into my mouth for a snack. Don’t forget a fresh bouquet of basil and a bulb of garlic—all which can be found at different stands.

For the bruschetta, I just dice up a bunch of tomatoes, grate some garlic, a couple pinches of salt and a swirl of olive oil. I stir it up and let it chill in the fridge.

When I’m ready to serve it, I either use it as a dip or top toasted slices of baguette. Then a chiffonade of basil. It’s my signature dish.

You could serve these tomato dishes with a baguette, or you can pick some fresh pitas from Mother’s, Brothers’ and Aliki’s stands. They also have feta and kalamata olives, which pairs nicely with these dishes. If you pick up any of their dips, you can make a fresh vegetable platter, filled with gems like Persian cucumbers and snap peas, and it’s always fun to get different colors of cauliflower.

The strawberries are so vibrant, and make for a great base for fresh strawberry ice cream or a strawberry shortcake. At night, if I really want to satisfy my sweet tooth, I’ll melt some chocolate and dip my strawberries in it. If I’m patient, I’ll put them in the fridge for 20 minutes until they harden, otherwise, it becomes a makeshift fondue.

Sliced up they make for a sweet filling in a yogurt parfait. Just take your favorite yogurt and layer it with strawberries and granola. Perfect for breakfast or a snack.

Summer blueberries are the best. The exterior has a nice snap to them, and when you bite into them, you taste the sweetness. My two favorite uses for blueberries are in a cobbler or in blueberry muffins.

The recipe we always use is Jordan Marsh’s Blueberry Muffins as published in The New York Times. Otherwise, my mom uses them to dot her Saturday morning blueberry pancakes.

Corn! I love opening up each husk to make sure there are no worms. I’m kidding, I don’t love that, but you definitely need to check out each ear before you get home.

We will either eat it boiled or on the grill. If there’s leftover corn, it gets cut off the cob and used in salads or gets turned into cowboy caviar—a real simple combination of black beans, corn, chopped tomato and avocado. Add a squeeze of lime and some salt, give a stir, and serve with tortilla chips.

Additionally, buying flowers every Sunday really helps brighten up the house. I love how you can choose from so many varieties. The sunflowers really spoke to me this week.

I hope this has encouraged you to shop at our local farmers market—and inspired you to create some of my favorite dishes I mentioned above.

Pacific Palisades Farmers Market is located along Swarthmore Avenue and Antioch Street each Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Happy shopping and cooking!

By SAMANTHA SONNETT | Intern

Although the effects of pollution and climate change threaten all of humanity each day, they have a disproportionate impact on marginalized communities that have gone largely unnoticed until recently.

Many of the hardest-hit communities are low-income populations which, as reported by the International Monetary Fund, depend on natural resources to survive, such as fishermen and those in agriculture or forestry industries. Rising temperatures and pollution also create disparity in the poorest areas of dense cities, whose residents are very often mostly of color.

The Princeton Student Climate Initiative calls this “environmental racism,” which is defined as “the unequal access to a clean environment and basic environmental resources based on race.”

In Los Angeles, the inner-city areas feel the worst of it. According to the Los Angeles Times, record-setting heat waves have a greater impact between South LA and Watts, because there are less trees for shade, more pavement that permeates heat and many residents who cannot afford air conditioning.

In 2021, our city created CEMO, the Climate Emergency Mobilization Office, which has since helped to create more cooling centers, bus stop shelters for outdoor shade and access to affordable air conditioning. In addition, thanks to large federal grants last year, over 2,500 trees are being planted in disadvantaged LA neighborhoods to provide much-needed canopy shade to combat record-breaking heat.

Poor air and water quality from pollution is also a predominant issue. Polluted air is linked with heart disease, stroke, lung cancer and pneumonia in addition to other fatal diseases, as cited by the World Health Organization.

In Watts this year, the EPA ordered a scrap metal recycling plant to prevent its chemicals, along with sharp metal and lead debris, from washing down into storm drains. This industrial wastewater washes up onto a neighboring high school grounds and into the Compton River, which is a part of the Los Angeles River.

In East LA, community residents are opposing a permit renewal for the only lead battery recycling plant in the United States west of the Rockies, because its smelting process is known to release toxic and cancer-causing lead particles into the air, water and soil of surrounding neighborhoods.

Sim Bilal, Los Angeles County youth climate commissioner and lead organizer at Youth Climate Strike Los Angeles, expressed that environmental justice communities “are on the frontlines of multiple different crises.”

These regions face issues like lack of educational funding, low employment access, low healthcare access and substance abuse problems, just to name a few. Environmental justice communities are more heavily affected by the impacts of climate change because of historically discriminatory practices regarding housing, education, employment and healthcare.

Bilal and his family are from the South Bay and they have felt the direct impact of climate change and its effects. He explained that his grandparents met working in the area, and the atmosphere of burning fossil fuels, oil drilling and activities surrounding the LA port contributed to his grandmother’s development of cancer and early death at 50 years old. He said his mother suffered a similar fate, dying at only 25 due to environmental impacts on her health.

Now, Bilal explained, both his grandfather and aunt are sick for the same reason, and he has dedicated his life to fighting for environmental justice.

“People have built a life and a community [in the South Bay], and it’s not so easy to just leave,” said Bilal as he reflected on environmental problems in his home city. “It’s sad to think of how common it is and how the issue is dismissed so often.”

The issue in the South Bay is pressing and has sparked an immediate need for environmental justice; yet, the issue of environmental degradation on health and wellbeing goes beyond low-income, minority communities.

While these communities require immediate focus and should be a priority in climate action, more fortunate regions are simultaneously facing the effects of climate change. Outside of urban areas, surging global temperatures contribute directly to climbing rates and intensities of natural disasters (droughts, hurricanes, floods, etc.), a greater likelihood of food shortages, rising sea levels and countless other effects.

For example, increased levels of carbon dioxide from climate change are absorbed by the ocean, then a series of chemical reactions is succeeded by a release of hydrogen ions, lowering the pH of the water. This ocean acidification affects plant and animal life, causing issues for those that rely on the waters for food and other economic purposes—specifically indigenous populations like Native American communities.

If improvements are not made to our society’s contribution to environmental devastation, every community will suffer on all levels. The impacts of humanity’s actions are already being seen in our own town, with landslides, extreme heat and torrential weather patterns.

The easiest way to catalyze these necessary changes is to educate yourself. Learning about environmental justice, its origins and its impacts will open a world of opportunities for synthesizing meaningful contributions to the fight against climate change.

Global warming and environmental decay are issues that have impacted minority communities for much of the last 50 years, and actions must be taken. If justice is not served in one way or another, we will all succumb to the fate brought on by climate change.

Samantha Sonnett is a student at Palisades Charter High School and passionate about saving the environment. She is an activist with the American Conservation Coalition. She can often be found at the beach or strumming on her guitar. Samantha hopes that the world can continue to fight for a more sustainable future, in order to preserve the planet and avoid further climate change.