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Free Afternoon Concert to Begin Chamber Music Palisades Season

Photo courtesy of CMP

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

Chamber Music Palisades will begin its 28th season with a free afternoon concert on Sunday, September 22, at Community United Methodist Church of Pacific Palisades at 3 p.m.

The concert will feature Alan Chapman’s original composition “Peter and Mr. Wolf” for woodwind quartet and piano, narrated by Chapman, plus other works.

“Alan Chapman’s musical career is woven from a number of threads,” according to a statement. “He is especially fond of his relationship with Chamber Music Palisades, whose concerts he has hosted since the series began.”

Chapman quickly came up with the idea for “Peter and Mr. Wolf,” according to CMP, which tells the story of an eighth-grader in search of a science project and his “somewhat scary” science teacher.

“He composed entirely new music—for an ensemble of flute, clarinet, bassoon, horn and piano—and authored a narration infused with the sense of humor found in so many of his songs,” the statement read. “He is looking forward to performing the work with his Chamber Music Palisades colleagues on September 22.”

Other musicians to perform in the the concert include Susan Greenberg (flute), Jonathan Davis (oboe), Michele Zukovsky (clarinet), Alex Burns-Chay (bassoon), Sarah Bach (French horn) and Pierre Long-Tao Tang (piano).

Additional pieces on the program are “Quintet for Winds” by Jacques Ibert, “Ritual Fire Dance” for woodwind quintet and piano by Manual de Falla, and “Trio” for flute, clarinet and piano by Adrienne Albert.

The performance is sponsored in part by Pacific Palisades Woman’s Club and City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs. Admission to the concert is free, but donations will be accepted in-person and online.

Community United Methodist Church of Pacific Palisades is located at 801 Via De La Paz.

For Palisadians who are not able to make it to the September 22 performance, Chamber Music Palisades’ next concert will be on Wednesday, October 16.

Getty Villa, Classical Theatre of Harlem Present ‘Memnon,’ With Performances Underway Through September 28

"Memnon" cast
Photo by Craig Schwartz/Courtesy of Getty

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

Theatergoers have a chance to catch a world premiere play run at Getty Villa in Castellammare through Saturday evening, September 28.

The museum and Classical Theatre of Harlem present “Memnon,” which opened on September 5.

Classical Theatre of Harlem is an American theater company that tells stories “through the lens of the African diaspora,” according to Getty Villa. The organization combines original adaptations, music and dance to present classics of world literature and contemporary works.

“With bold, vivid language and gripping dramatic conflict, ‘Memnon’ tells the tale of an Ethiopian king who journeys to the city of Troy to fight alongside the Trojans in their darkest hour,” according to Getty Villa. “This epic story, from the ancient Greek legend of the fall of Troy, has been overlooked for over a millennium, until now.”

Classical Theatre of Harlem previously performed a virtual rendition of “Memnon” in 2022 as part of the Getty Villa Museum’s Theater Lab Program.

“Memnon” is directed by Associate Artistic Director of the Classical Theatre of Harlem Carl Cofield and written by Will Power.

Cofield has directed a number of plays for the Classical Theatre of Harlem, including productions of “Twelfth Night,” “The Bacchae,” “Antigone,” “Macbeth,” “The Tempest” and “Dutchman.” He joined the Classical Theatre of Harlem as a staff member in 2018, and is also on faculty at NYU and Columbia University.

“I’m delighted to partner again with Will Power to bring this remarkable story to the forefront of our mythology,” Cofield said in a statement. “This is exactly the type of work that inspires me. Stories that force us to ask big questions and interrogate inherited folklore.”

The cast includes Eric Berryman in the title role of Memnon, Jennifer Mogbock as Helen and Daniel Molina as Polydamas/Antilochus.

“The Classical Theatre of Harlem and the Getty Villa are two organizations that are both producing exciting work that presents classically themed theater in highly innovative ways for engaged audiences,” Power added. “I am honored to bring this world premiere of ‘Memnon’ to the city of Los Angeles. I so look forward to the conversation that this old/new tale might spark.”

“Memnon” features choreography by EMERGE125 Executive Artistic Director Tiffany Rea-Fisher, set design by Riw Rakkulchon, costumes by Celeste Jennings, lighting design by Brandon Baruch, original composition and sound design by David R. Molina, and projection design by Yee Eun Nam.

“We are thrilled to welcome the esteemed Classical Theatre of Harlem to the Getty Villa for their first major West Coast theatrical production as part of our annual outdoor theater program,” Maria Hummer-Tuttle and Robert Tuttle Director of the Getty Museum Timothy Potts said in a statement. “The Villa’s theater program bridges the past and the present, showcasing the continuing relevance of classical dramas to modern day audiences. The world premiere of ‘Memnon’ this September is a must-see for all.”

Performances of “Memnon” will run Thursdays through Saturdays through September 28, at 8 p.m. American Sign Language interpreted performances will take place on September 19 and 26.

Tickets for Thursday night performances are $45, or $40 for students and seniors; Friday night performances are $50, and Saturday night performances are $55. Student and senior discounts are only available for Thursday night performances.

The Getty Villa is open Wednesday through Monday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission to the Getty Villa is always free, but a reservation is required for admission. It is located at 17985 Pacific Coast Highway in Pacific Palisades.

Brentwood Prevails in Sunset Showdown

Palisades defensive end Joseph Bucher-Leighton pressures Brentwood quarterback Ben Mikail in the September 13 Sunset Showdown.
Photos by Steve Galluzzo

By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor

It was teacher versus student last Friday night, September 13, when Palisades Charter High School hosted Brentwood in the sixth edition of the Sunset Showdown.

Pali High football coach Dylen Smith was an assistant for nine years under Brentwood coach Jake Ford before taking the Dolphins’ job last season and wanted to beat his mentor for the first time, having been dealt a 43-24 loss in last year’s meeting.

Palisades trailed most of the night Friday, but tied it in the fourth quarter and had the momentum going to overtime before Eagles quarterback Ben Mikail scrambled for a nine-yard touchdown in the second overtime period to give the visitors a dramatic 33-30 intersectional victory at Stadium by the Sea.

“That was supposed to be a quick pass but it wasn’t there, so I put my shoulder down and went for it,” said Mikail, who was the junior varsity quarterback as a freshman last fall. “Guys were chasing me, and I didn’t think I’d make it to the end zone, honestly.”

Mikail’s winning quarterback keeper overshadowed a career night for Harrison Carter, who ran 17 yards for a touchdown in overtime, caught a nine-yard touchdown pass and also scored on a 90-yard kickoff return. Unfortunately, Carter’s 187 all-purpose yards were not quite enough to keep the Dolphins (3-1) undefeated.

Palisades quarterback Jack Thomas throws on the run in the Dolphins’ 33-30 double overtime loss to Brentwood at Stadium by the Sea.

Mikail completed 16 of 32 passes for 249 yards and three scores, two to Kayman Jackson and another to Alex Kisker, and Addison Patrick Stirling ran for 114 yards and one touchdown in 20 carries.

Brentwood got the ball first in overtime and needed only two plays to score from the 25-yard line, but the extra point try was wide. On the Dolphins’ first possession in overtime, Carter’s scoring run tied it 27-27, but Palisades missed a chance to win when the point-after kick was blocked.

Palisades got the ball first in double overtime and settled for a 31-yard field goal by Jack Malloy to take its first lead all night, 30-27.    

On its ensuing drive, Brentwood gained a first down but a penalty pushed the Eagles (3-1) back to the 18, and after an incompletion and a nine-yard grab by Kisker, the Eagles faced a third down at the nine-yard line, setting the stage for Mikail’s game-winning gallop.

Brentwood won the previous two showdowns behind dual threat quarterback Boone Lourd (now the third-string quarterback at the University of Virginia) and made it three in a row thanks in part to the defensive efforts of linebacker Enzo Longhi (12 tackles), end Emmett Corwin (who transferred from Windward after it dropped its football program) and Jackson, who intercepted a pass at the Eagles’ seven-yard line late in the third quarter.

“Boone had so many plays like that … he was my mentor, my idol,” Mikail said. “I’m not nearly as fast as him, but I saw the opening and said to myself, ‘Be like Boone.’”

The campuses are located less than six miles apart off of Sunset Boulevard and kickoff occurs about the time the sun is setting, so the public private versus public school matchup is nicknamed the “Sunset Showdown.” Brentwood leads 4-2 in a series that started in 2018.

Palisades had the ball at the Brentwood 33 with two seconds left in regulation but rather than attempt a long field goal the Dolphins opted to pass, and Jack Thomas threw to LeHenry Solomon, who was tackled inside the 15.

“I watched Jack kick in practice all week, I know his range and in that situation we weren’t quite close enough,” Smith said.

Junior quarterback Thomas was 20-of-41 for 283 yards and two touchdowns and rushed four times for 76 yards. Max Hejazi had six catches, including a 12-yard scoring reception to make it 21-21 with 7:17 reaming in the fourth quarter. Solomon had five catches for 163 yards, and King Demethris had four for 37 yards.

Linebacker Jake Treibatch led the defense with 10 tackles, Cash Allen had eight and Jackson Kaufman had four pass deflections.

Brentwood recovered a muffed punt at the Palisades nine-yard line late in the first quarter, and the Eagles capitalized when Mikail hit Jackson in the end zone on fourth-and-goal at the 28 to give the visitors a 7-0 lead late in the first quarter.

Palisades cornerback Ethan Nazarian tackles Brentwood wide receiver Alex Kisker in the fourth quarter of the sixth Sunset Showdown.

Palisades drove 59 yards in 10 plays, capped by Thomas’ nine-yard pass to Carter, to tie it 7-7 with under two minutes left in the second quarter. Brentwood needed only 56 seconds to regain the lead on a 45-yard strike from Mikail to Kisker.

Mikail connected with Jackson on a 69-yard touchdown to give Brentwood a 14-point lead midway through the third quarter but Carter ran the ensuing kickoff back all the way to cut Palisades’ deficit in half.

Palisades had effectively shut down three double wing offensive teams in its first three games, but Smith said the Dolphins were prepared for Brentwood and simply did not execute at key times.

“There weren’t really any surprises,” he said. “Theirs is basically the same offense we run, so I knew what to expect. It was fun to see Jake and talk to him before the game but not so much after.”

As a high school senior, Smith quarterbacked Santa Monica to a 35-28 victory over Palisades in 1996 in a crosstown rivalry game then known as the “Rotary Bowl.” Ford was one of his coaches.

“I knew the name of every play called tonight,” Ford said. “Dylen did too. That kickoff return changed the whole game around. We were fortunate to win. Ben did his best Boone impersonation.”

The Pacific Palisades Baseball Association’s Mustang 9U All-Stars, who advanced to the PONY West Zone playoffs (one step away from the International World Series) in July, were honored before the game. A moment of silence was observed for beloved Westside football coach Ray Humphrey, who died January 2.

Dolphins Take First Road Trip Friday

Through four games, junior LeHenry Solomon leads all Dolphin receivers with 15 catches for 383 yards and three touchdowns.
Photo by Steve Galluzzo

By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor

After four straight home games to start the season, the Palisades Charter High School varsity football team travels to Studio City to face Harvard-Westlake in its first road game and second straight intersectional contest Friday night, September 20, at 7 p.m.

The Dolphins (3-1) will try to get back on the winning track in the wake of their first loss last week in their annal Sunset Showdown against Brentwood.

The Wolverines (2-2) are riding high following their 25-14 victory over Royal. Their other win came August 30 by three points versus Palisades’ league rival Venice, which fell to 0-3 after getting crushed by Narbonne 55-7 in Harbor City last Friday, September 13.

Palisades and Harvard-Westlake have not met since the programs split a home-and-home set in 2013 and 2014. The visiting Dolphins stunned the Wolverines 45-18 in a huge upset in 2013 in their first season under coach Tim Hyde. Harvard-Westlake got revenge the following year with a 37-21 triumph at Stadium by the Sea.

Harvard-Westlake wound up 4-6 overall and 1-3 (third place) in the Del Rey League last season. They lost their opener this year 41-21 at Cleveland and fell to Burroughs Burbank 28-6 in Week 2. So far they are led by all-purpose back Aaryan Mehdi Williams and wide receiver/defensive back Ellis Robinson, both sophomores.

Quarterback Jack Thomas has posted impressive numbers in the Dolphins’ first four games, completing 52 of 84 attempts for 873 yards, 11 touchdowns, one interception and a QB rating of 121.5. He has also rushed 16 times for 198 yards and two more scores.

LeHenry Solomon leads all receivers with 15 grabs for 383 yards and three touchdowns; King Demethris has 13 receptions for 255 yards and five touchdowns, and Max Hejazi has caught 13 passes for 119 yards and two touchdowns. Linebacker Jake Treibatch has a team-leading 46 tackles (11.5 for losses) and a blocked punt.

Offensive line coach and Palisades alum Syr Riley challenged the Dolphins in the postgame gathering after the heartbreaking loss to Brentwood: “How are you gonna respond tomorrow? Control what you can control. Real men are defined by how they handle defeat.”

Friday’s game is Palisades’ last before its bye week. The Dolphins will return to action October 4 when they open Western League play at Fairfax.

Construction Closes PCH Lanes Overnight September 16 to 20

A map of the construction
Courtesy of Caltrans

Pacific Coast Highway will be reduced to one lane in each direction overnight from Temescal Canyon Road to Porto Marina Way from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. each night from Monday, September 16, to Friday, September 20, according to a statement from Caltrans.

Construction work will include repaving two sections of the way north of Temescal Canyon Road.

“During construction, the speed limit will be reduced from 45 mph to 35 mph,” Caltrans wrote. “Please drive safely through work zone areas.”

Lanes will reopen each morning.

Week 3: Palisadian-Post Football Contest

The annual Palisadian-Post Football Contest, giving readers a chance to predict upcoming game winners, continues to week two.

“Every week, the Palisadian-Post will have a selection of NFL and college football games,” according to the contest rules. “Check the team you predict will win each game. The person with the most correct picks wins. In the event there is a tie, the tie-breaker will be used to determine the winner.”

There is an online submission process: Contestants can download or copy their entry form, fill in their picks, take a photo, and email it back to footballcontest@palipost.com by the 5 p.m. Friday deadline. This week’s deadline is Friday, September 20, at 5 p.m.

One entry per person per contest will be accepted. Winners will receive a $10 gift card from our contest sponsor, The Yogurt Shoppe, via email. Last week’s winner was Andrew Rhames.

Theatre Palisades Hosts 2024 Annual Meeting and Awards Show

Tasha Taylor
Photos by Sarah Shmerling

“tick, tick… BOOM!” Begins Pierson Playhouse Run

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Theatre Palisades celebrated the four shows of its 2023-24 season during the annual meeting and awards show on Sunday, August 11, while its latest show—“tick, tick… BOOM!”—opened soon after on the evening of Friday, September 6.

During the meeting portion of the evening on August 11, Theatre Palisades President Phil Bartolf reported that the theater is in a “renaissance,” that the prior season “surpassed expectations” with “solid audience” attendance.

The Board of Directors Election Results were announced by Hahnah Jackson, with Bartolf continuing as president, Nona Hale as VP of administration, Cynthia Wright-Banks as VP of building operations/acting treasurer, Sherman Wayne as VP of production and Rich Little as secretary.

When it comes to the awards, four shows that made up the season were up for recognition: “The Andrews Brothers,” “Towards Zero,” “Beau Jest” and “A View from the Bridge.”

The awards, hosted by Martha Hunter, Bartolf and Manfred Hofer, began with an opening number by Doug Green and Alexandra Banks, in which Green rewrites songs with lyrics about each of the shows to serve as a refresher for audience members. The program was also peppered with scenes and songs from the shows that make up the next season, which was announced by Hofer and includes “Jest A Second!” “The Wisdom of Eve,” “Deathtrap” and “Suite Surrender.”

Jeff Coppage

For the Graphic Design award, Joanne Reich won for “A View from the Bridge,” while Wayne won the Set and Lighting Design awards and Susan Stangl won Sound Design for their work on “Towards Zero.”

Hunter, Maria O’Connor and Jackson won the Costume Design award for “The Andrews Brothers.” Cate Caplin was awarded Direction, while Hunter and Wayne were awarded Production, all for “A View from the Bridge.”

When it comes to acting, Jeff Coppage won Lead Actor for “Beau Jest,” while Tasha Taylor won Lead Actress for “The Andrews Brothers.”

Coppage took the stage to say he’s “never been so grateful” in his life, while Taylor noted that hers was a “dream role” with a “dream cast.”

Jason Culp won Featured Actor for “A View from the Bridge,” and Laura Goldstein won Featured Actress for “Beau Jest.”

Supporting Actor went to Andrew Chase for “A View from the Bridge,” and Supporting Actress went to O’Connor for “Towards Zero.” Joshua Farrell won Cameo Actor for his role in “A View from the Bridge.”

“tick, tick… BOOM!”

For those interested in supporting Theatre Palisades’ next season, “tick, tick… BOOM!” opened on September 6, with performances scheduled to run through October 13.

Written by Jonathan Larson (who also wrote “Rent”), the show is a “three-chapter pop rock musical about facing the crossroads in life and holding on to your dreams,” which was first produced Off-Broadway in 2001.

“It tells the story of young Jonathan, a promising young composer on the eve of his 30th birthday,” read a synopsis provided by Theatre Palisades. “His girlfriend wants to get married and move out of the city (tick); his best friend is making big bucks on Madison Avenue (tick); and he’s still waiting tables and trying to write the great American musical before time; and life, passes him by (Boom!).”

The cast of “tick, tick… BOOM!”

Directed by Lindsey Johnson, with musical director Alexander Tovar and producers Hunter and Laura Goldstein, the cast is led by Destin Bass (Jon), with Anthony Galang in the role of his best friend (Michael) and Bimei Flores as his girlfriend (Susan). Multiple roles are taken on by Charlotte Nevins (Karessa and Female #1), Katherine Rogers (Female #2) and Ian Riegler (Male #1), who pop in and out of Jonathan’s scenes as needed.

As far as a review of the show, Bass is an absolute powerhouse in the lead role, captivating the audience with his talent—which includes diving into the neurotic brain of the author in a semiautobiographical story. His energy is overflowing, which is just what the role requires.

Flores and Nevins are also dynamic in the musical—especially during a poignant rendition of “Come to Your Senses.”

Throughout the performance, each actor shines in their respective role, but when they come together for the bigger musical numbers, their voices meld together in a way that demands to be heard and appreciated. The casting for the show is A-plus work.

The show itself is an ever-green topic in terms of relatability—as most people feel an extra layer of pressure when a big birthday or anniversary looms near. The relatability of the choice added to the enjoyment of the performance, with lyrics reflecting sentiments most people have felt.

“This play it not just about a man turning 30,” Johnson wrote in the Director’s Notes. “It’s about life. It’s about artistry. It’s about relationships. It’s about wanting to leave a legacy and how desiring that so desperately can leave a path of destruction in our wake. Is it still worth it?”

Performances will take place at Pierson Playhouse, located at 941 Temescal Canyon Road, on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. as well as Sundays at 2 p.m.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit theatrepalisades.org.

PPCC Announces Newly Elected Area, At-Large Representatives

Courtesy of PPCC
Julia Nilsen
Photos courtesy of PPCC

The Alternate Application Process is Now Underway Through October 6

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Pacific Palisades Community Council has announced its newly elected area and at-large representatives, while the alternate application process is now underway.

Following a two-week voting period that ended August 30, JoAnna Rodriguez will represent Area One, Steve Cron for Area Two, Julia Nilsen for Area Three, Karen Ridgley for Area Four, Kimberly Bloom for Area Five, Lorie Cudzil for Area Six, Sharon Kilbride for Area Seven, Andrew Wolfberg for Area Eight and Chris Spitz as at-large.

There were two contested seats: Area Three (with candidates Joe Layton and Nilsen) and Area Six (Cudzil and David Schwarz). All candidates—contested or not—participated in a Candidates Forum on Thursday evening, August 8, at Palisades Branch Library.

“I feel so blessed and honored to have been elected to represent Pacific Palisades and Marquez Knolls where I’ve lived and raised my kids for over 20 years,” Nilsen wrote to the Palisadian-Post after the election results. “It’s my passion that this same small town within the city of Los Angeles continues to be the ideal place for children to go to school and enjoy the parks and community without fear, where seniors feel treasured, and where just about anyone can be in the annual Fourth of July parade.”

Cudzil has lived in the Palisades for 12 years, nine in the area.

“I am honored to have been elected to be the Area Six representative for the PPCC,” Cudzil said. “I am looking forward to working with a great team of fellow Palisadians who want to keep our community a beautiful and safe place to live.”

All of the area and at-large representatives will serve a two-year term, which begins in October.

Lorie Cudzil

“The Election Committee will present its formal report on the election results at the September 12 PPCC meeting,” PPCC wrote alongside the results. “We thank all the candidates who participated in the election, the Election Committee who oversaw the election, and all the constituents and residents who took part in voting.”

Those who are interested in serving as alternates to the representatives are encouraged to apply by Sunday, October 6, at 5 p.m.

“The primary representatives are elected by the community, while the alternate representatives must apply and are elected by the board,” according to PPCC. “Up to two alternate representatives (1st and 2nd alternates) will be chosen for each seat.”

The alternates are encouraged to attend PPCC meetings and to participate in discussions about issues. They will not vote on PPCC matters, unless the primary representative is absent.

“Applicants for alternate area representative must live within the specified boundaries of the area for which they are applying,” PPCC wrote. “Applicants for alternate at-large representative must either live, own property or operate a business within Pacific Palisades.”

Those who are interested in applying can submit a statement of any length, indicating for which position they are applying (area or at-large, 1st or 2nd alternate—or both).

“The statement of each area alternate applicant shall include the number of years residing in Pacific Palisades, the number of years as a resident of the area and the number of years at the current address,” PPCC detailed. “The statement of each at-large alternate applicant shall include the number of years residing in Pacific Palisades or running a business or owning property in Pacific Palisades, and the applicant’s current residence, business or property address. All applicants’ statements shall include the position on issues the applicant believes are of importance to the community or the applicant’s area. The statement may also include a few biographical facts, including any skills that the applicant would bring to PPCC.”

Candidates will then be reviewed and nominated by the Three Chairs Committee, which consists of three former PPCC chairs. Applications can be sent to info@pacpalicc.org.

Temperatures Climb in Pacific Palisades During September Heatwave

National Weather Service HeatRisk map for September 5
Courtesy of NWS/NOAA

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Though fall is just a few weeks away, Pacific Palisades saw its highest temperatures of the year so far during a recent heatwave, which began on Wednesday, September 4, and extended to Tuesday, September 10.

“The Huntington Palisades saw a high temperature reading on September 6 of 95 degrees,” reported Craig Weston, who tracks weather from the neighborhood. “On September 9, some areas of the [Alphabet] Streets saw 98-degree readings.”

These readings surpassed the Palisades’ previous high for the year, which was 82 degrees on January 28. Since 2014, the highest temperature recorded in the Palisades by Weston was 107 degrees on July 6, 2018.

On September 6, areas of Northridge, North Hills and Sherman Oaks saw temperature readings of 117 degrees.

“Downtown Los Angeles recorded a temperature of 112 degrees, which marks only the third time since July 1, 1877, that a high of 112 or more has been reached there,” Weston explained. “Long Beach Airport tied a record of four consecutive days of high temperatures of 100 degrees or hotter.”

Los Angeles County Health Officers issued excessive heat warnings, including for West and East Santa Monica Mountains, for September 4 through September 10 at 8 p.m. Los Angeles County Beaches and Malibu Coast had excessive heat warnings in place from September 5 to September 9.

A number of power outages were reported by Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, with 164 customers in the Palisades affected as the Palisadian-Post went to print Tuesday evening.

“High pressure over the California desert region, coupled with an offshore flow to keep the marine layer at bay, is creating conditions for temperatures to be as much as 25 degrees above normal,” Weston wrote at the start of the heatwave.

Sports across Southern California were rescheduled or moved to the early morning hours or later in the evening due to the high temperatures, Weston explained, including the Charter Bowl between Palisades Charter High School and Granada Hills, which was moved to Stadium by the Sea from the San Fernando Valley for the cooler temperatures.

“As the week progresses, the heatwave should dissipate greatly,” Weston wrote.

As the Post went to print, highs for the rest of the week were expected to be in the mid 70s, reaching 74 degrees on Thursday, September 12; 75 on Friday, September 13; 75 on Saturday, September 14; and 74 on Sunday, September 15.

Pacific Palisades Turkey Trot to Celebrate 10th Anniversary on Thanksgiving Day

Photo by Chuck Larsen Photography

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

The Pacific Palisades Turkey Trot Powered by Exela Technologies will return on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, to celebrate its 10th anniversary—and registration is now open.

“We are delighted to keep this amazing Palisades tradition alive, and the support has been incredible,” said David O’Connell, event co-founder and organizer. “We had hoped back in 2013 that this event would be a convenient, family-friendly way to start the holiday season here in the Palisades. It has once again exceeded all of our expectations.”

The event, O’Connell reported, is on pace to have “another record-breaking turnout,” with an anticipated field of 2,500 runners with thousands of spectators.

The trot—which has both a 5K and 10K option—will begin and finish at Palisades Charter High School at Stadium by the Sea, with a course that weaves through El Medio Bluffs.

“This year, the route will not include Temescal Canyon Road,” O’Connell explained. “The 10K runners will do a second loop through El Medio and enjoy the spectacular panoramic ocean views a second time. This decision was designed to minimize the impact on holiday travelers.”

There is also a Pacific Palisades Kids Race, which is open to participants ages 5 to 16.

Sponsors that are returning in 2024 include Exela Technologies, which is “powering the event with their corporate energy and their team of orange-clad runners,” as well as Equinox and two 76 gas stations owned by Robert Munakash.

Palisades Village will also return to host pack pick-up in the days before the event, on Monday, November 25; Tuesday, November 26; and Wednesday, November 27, in the Swarthmore Room from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

“Event organizers strongly urge runners to come to Palisades Village one of those days to pick up their gear early to avoid lines on Thanksgiving morning,” read the Turkey Trot website.

Each participant will receive a swag bag with an event T-shirt, a chip-timed bib and other gift items.

The event will benefit Los Angeles Fire Department Stations 23 and 69, as well as The Friendship Circle—“dedicated to enriching the lives of children of all abilities and their families,” according to organizers.

The Pacific Palisades Turkey Trot Powered by Exela Technologies will begin promptly at 8:15 a.m. and end by 11 a.m.

For more information or to register, visit paliturkeytrot.com. Prices are set to increase after October 20.