‘White Glove and Remembrance Ceremony’ | The Village
Palisades Long-Term Recovery Group and American Legion Ronald Reagan – Palisades Post 283 have partnered together to present a “White Glove and Remembrance Ceremony” on Wednesday, January 7, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. to mark one year since the Palisades fire.
“The event will honor the lives lost, salute the courage of first responders and volunteers, and recognize the resilience of families and organizations who have worked tirelessly to restore the heart of Pacific Palisades,” read a description. “The program will commemorate the 12 Palisadians who lost their lives, and pay tribute to the countless individuals and groups who are helping the community recover.”
The day is set to bring together community members, first responders, civic leaders and recovery partners in “remembrance, gratitude and unity.”
“This ceremony is more than remembrance, it’s a symbol of how a community can rise together from heartbreak,” Pali LTRG Board Chair Jim Cragg said. “Over the past year, we’ve seen neighbors step forward for one another with courage and compassion. On January 7, we honor those we lost and the collective strength that continues to guide our recovery.”
The ceremony will take place at Post 283, located at 15247 La Cruz Drive, followed by the remembrance program at Palisades Village Green. For a complete program, visit paliltrg.org/january-7-palisades-fire-observance-ceremony.
—SARAH SHMERLING
‘Community Services and Concerts of Remembrance, Healing and Renewal’ | Upper Bienveneda
St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church and School will host “Community Services and Concerts of Remembrance, Healing and Renewal” on Wednesday, January 7—marking one year after the Palisades and Eaton fires.
The concerts, which will take place at the church, located at 1031 Bienveneda Avenue, will start at 1 and 7 p.m. They will be preceded at 12 and 6 p.m. by community prayers.
“Both events consist of a prayer gathering led by the clergy of St. Matthew’s followed by an interlude with refreshments on the patio and a concluding concert,” read a description. “Everyone is welcome to attend the concert, the service or both.”
The 1 p.m. concert will include violinist Anne Akiko Meyers and members of Los Angeles Master Chorale, conducted by Grant Gershon. The program will feature music by Johann Sebastian Bach, Morten Lauridsen and Eric Whitacre.
The 7 p.m. concert will also feature Meyers alongside The Pacific Strings, conducted by Lucinda Carver, with music by Bach and Whitacre.
Tickets are not required to attend, but a $45 donation is suggested, which can be made online ahead of the concerts or at the door.
“Proceeds from the concert will benefit four Palisades-based performing arts organizations: Chamber Music Palisades, Palisades Symphony and Chorale, St. Matthew’s Music Guild, and Theatre Palisades, all of whom have been impacted by the fires,” the statement read.
For more information, visit musicguildonline.org or call 310-573-0722.
—SARAH SHMERLING
Laganà Receives Humanitarian Award | Pacific Palisades
Catholic Charities of Los Angeles recently honored lifelong Palisadian Sam Laganà with its annual Spirit of Giving Humanitarian Award in the Region of Our Lady of the Angels.
Laganà was nominated by chair of the board Todd Yoshitake, a fellow Loyola Marymount University graduate and the director of golf at Riviera Country Club. He was recognized for his leadership in supporting the recovery and resilience of thousands of individuals affected by the January firestorms in Pacific Palisades, Topanga and Malibu, as well as for his ongoing philanthropic work throughout Los Angeles.
The Humanitarian Award, previously presented to Vin Scully, Roma Downey and Fritz Coleman, celebrates individuals who exemplify compassion, service and dedication to uplifting the Los Angeles community. Chris Harrer (LMU ‘85) introduced Laganà to the gala crowd while Jim Drollinger of Westchester emceed Laganà’s presentation.
The awards evening in Marina del Rey also highlighted the work of Catholic Charities and its St. Robert’s Center, located on the border of Santa Monica and Venice near St. Clement Church, which provides emergency food, information and referral for area residents.
—STEVE GALLUZZO
Palisadian Honored | Pacific Palisades
Palisadian Betsy Brown Braun, child development and behavior specialist, parent educator, and best-selling author, was named a “Who’s Who of Distinguished Leaders” 2025 honoree.
Braun is the founder of Parenting Pathways, Inc., a consulting service designed to provide parents with skills and confidence needed to handle “the sometimes-challenging situations that inevitably accompany raising children.”
“Having been in the field of working with children and families for over half a century and with Parenting Pathways, Inc. celebrating its 25th year, it’s gratifying to receive this recognition,” Braun said.
Marquis Who’s Who is the “standard for reliable and comprehensive biographical data,” which, since 1898, has included “unmatched coverage” of “leaders and achievers” from the United States and around the globe.”
Braun has also been a longtime contributor to the Palisadian-Post, including answering reader questions in the “Ask BBB” parenting column.
“It has truly been my joy to give back to my beloved community of Pacific Palisades for so many years through the Post,” Braun said.
—SARAH SHMERLING
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.
