Palisades News: Jun 30 - Jul 28, 2023

Delays Threaten Construction of a New Malibu High School, SMMUSD Says

SMMUSD Says the Project Could Finish in Time for 2025.

By Zach Armstrong

The Santa Monica – Malibu Unified School District is urging local parents to help deter the California Coastal Commission from delaying plans around a new high school building at Malibu High School, a move that SMMUSD says threatens plans for construction.

SMMUSD sent out a letter in light of the Coastal Commission requesting another year to review an amendment that includes the new high school’s Phase 1 construction. If the new high school building is delayed another year, SMMUSD says it would increase costs such that there won’t be enough taxpayer money to cover it. It went on to say the commission should expedite approval of the Amendment

within the next 60 days and that construction must begin construction early this fall to open in time for the 2025-26 school year.

In November 2018, voters approved a campus development plan for Malibu Middle and High School and to fund construction of the new high school building on the former Juan Cabrillo Elementary site.

To start construction, Phase 1 must get a Coastal Development Permit either by the City Planning Commission approving the CDP or the City Council and the Coastal Commission amending the LCP with a specific plan, according to a letter from Santa Monica –Malibu Unified School District. The campus plan was sent to the Coastal Commission in October 2022. The commission staff’s move was delayed by requesting more information, now requesting an additional year to review the submission.

“If a one-year extension is granted and it takes up to a year to be permitted to begin construction, not only will the opening be pushed to 2026 or after, but the escalated

cost will most likely exceed the amount of bond funds available, either killing the project as conceived or requiring more taxpayer funding.” read the letter.

The U.S. Open Is Coming to Pacific Palisades

It Will Be the Tournament’s 17th Time in California

Following a return of the U.S. Open to the Los Angeles market, the USGA has announced that The Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, Calif., has been selected as the host for the 131st U.S. Open Championship.

The prestigious tournament is scheduled to take place from June 12-15, 2031.

John Bodenhamer, USGA chief championships officer, expressed enthusiasm for the choice, stating in a post “Riviera Country Club is a truly spectacular course that holds a special place in the game’s history. We are thrilled to bring the U.S. Open back to the site of such historic moments for golf and the USGA and look forward to writing a new chapter in 2031.”

This will be the fifth USGA championship held at the Riviera Country Club. The club has previously hosted the 1948 U.S. Open, won by

Ben Hogan, the 1998 U.S. Senior Open, won by Hale Irwin, and the 2017 U.S. Amateur, won by Doc Redman. Additionally, the club is set to welcome its first U.S. Women’s Open in 2026.

Megan Watanabe, CEO of The Riviera Country Club, expressed gratitude for the USGA’s decision, saying, “We are so grateful that the USGA will return the U.S. Open to our club in 2031. Over a six-year period, we will showcase our championship course to the world with the U.S. Women’s Open in 2026, the men’s and women’s Olympics competition in 2028, and the U.S. Open in 2031.”

The 1948 U.S. Open was the first ever held in California, and Hogan’s remarkable performance earned the course the nickname “Hogan’s Alley.” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass commended the USGA’s choice, emphasizing the city’s status as a host for major sporting events.

The Riviera Country Club, designed by George C. Thomas Jr. with assistance from William P. Bell, opened in 1927 and has been the long-time host of the PGA Tour’s Genesis

Invitational. It has also hosted two PGA Championships and the 2012 NCAA Division I Men’s Championship. Furthermore, it will serve as the venue for the men’s and women’s golf competitions during the 2028 Olympic Games.

The 2031 U.S. Open at The Riviera Country Club will mark the 17th time the championship has been held in California and only the third time in Los Angeles.

An initial plan was to open Phase 1 for students in 2024. SMMUSD says now the best hope is to complete the building in time for the 2025-26 school year.

Fine Stationery and Gift Store Closes

A Former CBS News Producer, Patti Black Opened the Store in 1998

By Zach Armstrong

The final day to buy in-store at Pacific Palisades’ Black Ink location, a shop for gift and holiday items located at 869 Swarthmore Ave, will be Saturday June 24 as its operations look to move online.

“This past year we enjoyed the biggest sales EVER in the store. And the wholesale division of Black Ink grew three times over Covid! Lack of sales is not the reason I am closing. After 25 years, it’s just time!,” Owner and Designer Patti Black said in an email to clients. “Hope you all will visit our new fantastic gift website which launches in early July. We currently offer our entire luxe notepad line at shop.blackinkca.com –but JUST WAIT to see what we have in store for you soon! We’re working hard to make it so that you’ll still be able to order your Black Ink favorites –our luxe notepads and

trays, the personalized notepad sets, canvas bags, cutting boards, leather luggage tags and much, much more.”

A former CBS news producer, Black opened Black Ink on June 15, 1998. Since that time, she’s been through a lot as a store manager such as the shock of her husband’s sudden death, the financial crisis of 2008 and internet shopping taking out much of small stationery stores like her’s. Black says what she’ll miss the most is sitting down with brides to hear their stories and help create their dream wedding day.

Hate Crime Investigation Underway Over

Vandalism

of Lifeguard Towers

Pride Colors Were Painted on Two Lifeguard Towers Before Windows Were Shattered

The Los Angeles Police Department has initiated a hate crime investigation following the vandalism of two lifeguard towers at Ginger Rogers Beach in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood, ABC7 reported.

The vandals defaced the shutters and shattered the windows of the towers, with the incident occurring less than 48 hours after the towers were unveiled. The purpose of these towers was to symbolize and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.

The lifeguard towers were unveiled by Los Angeles County to acknowledge the historical significance of Ginger Rogers Beach as a safe space for LGBTQ+

residents. The artist commissioned to paint the towers, Kathrine Bingley from East Hollywood, has since worked to repaint and repair the damage inflicted.

There remains no description of the suspects. Anyone with knowledge of the incident is asked to contact the police.

AS LOW AS FOR 36 MONTHS 1

subject to change. Professional riders depicted on a closed course. ATV Riders: ATV models shown are recommended for use by riders 16 years and older. Yamaha recommends an approved training course. See your dealer or call 1-800-887-2887. ATVs can be hazardous to operate. For your safety: Always avoid paved surfaces. Never ride on public roads. Always wear a helmet, eye protection and protective clothing; never carry passengers; never engage in stunt riding; riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix; avoid excessive speed; and be particularly careful on difficult terrain.

Side-by-Side Riders: Always wear your seat belt, helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Yamaha recommends that all Side-by-Side riders take an approved training course. For training information, see your dealer or call the ROHVA at 1-866-267-2751. ©2023 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. • YamahaMotorsports.com

“The Butterfly House” Makes Top Five Most Expensive L.A. Homes on Market

The Three-Acre Dwelling Spans 10,000 Square Feet and Made Its Debut in June

There is a new home on Los Angeles’ top five most expensive homes on the market.

Located at 24168 Case Ct in Malibu and aptly named “The Butterfly House”, this residence made its debut on June 21 with an impressive listing price of $95 million, The Real Deal reported.

This dwelling spans 10,000 square feet and rests on a sprawling 3-acre estate. While it ranks below other currently listed homes such as 33550 Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, listed at $195 million, and 869 Tione Road in Bel-Air, listed at $185 million, it stands out as an exquisite property in its own right.

Stephen Shapiro and Kurt Rappaport of Westside Estate Agency are the listing agents for The Butterfly House, which is part of The Case, an exclusive project comprising five custom-built luxury homes under the guidance of developer Scott Gillen, The Real Deal reported.

Among the mansions in The Case, The Butterfly House currently claims the highest price tag. However, on June 14, the Cantilever House at 24185 Case Court hit the market at approximately $70 million. This property is listed by Tyrone McKillen

and Tal Alexander of Official.

Meanwhile, The Flat House, located at 24188 Case Court, has been listed under contract since September 2022, with an asking price of $60 million. Sandro Dazzan of The Agency served as the listing agent

for this property. The Flat House was purchased prior to completion, and the transaction is set to close upon obtaining the certificate of occupancy.

There Is Funding and Plans for a Lateral Trail for the Same Purpose

By Zach Armstrong

We asked our readers whether they thought Pacific Palisades should have a connecting bridge between Will Rogers Beach and George Wolfberg Park, and we heard you loud and clear. The answer is yes.

Our results showed 68% of respondents saying they believed such a bridge would make the beach more accessible to the Palisades area. 23% said they weren’t in favor over the concern that unwanted people would be brought into the area. A small 8% said there could be better options.

The Pacific Palisade Democratic Club recently voted to support a pedestrian bridge from the two points. With plans for a riparian park from the Palisades Recreation Center and going through the canyon to provide access to the beach, a pedestrian bridge was proposed to connect the park to the Will Rogers lot.

Finishing the pedestrian bridge is expected to be completed as early as 2029. There is also funding and plans for a lateral trail for the same purpose of crossing to Will Rogers State Beach.

Sustainable Furnishing Boutique To Open Malibu Location

The 4,000 Sq Ft Coastal Property Store Is the Business’ Third Location

By Zach Armstrong

Habitat Home & Garden, a Central California-based company that offers furnishings and design items, will hold its ribbing cutting ceremony July 3 in Malibu.

Located at 21249 Pacific Coast Highway, the new 4,000-square-foot coastal property store is the business’ third storefront location with additional locations in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara. Created with sustainable resources, Habitat offers coffee tables, islands and counters, nightstands, ottomans, mirrors, cabinets, stools, chandeliers, chairs, art and other items.

“We’ve dreamed of offering our unique and storied pieces in Southern California for quite some time now, so when we came across the location in Malibu, we knew it was the perfect

fit,” said Kaj Maloney, President of Habitat Home & Garden in a release. A community that combines a natural passion and appreciation

for design and unique offerings, as well as the unmistakable values and tight-knit feel of a local community. To have our third showroom

town feels like a natural next step.”

beautiful

nestled within the

beach

Swedish Clothing Brand to Open Palisades Village Store

TOTEME Has Expanded Globally in the U.S., China and South Korea Since 2021

By Zach Armstrong

A Stockholm-based contemporary fashion brand will soon add to the list of luxury clothing stores found at Palisades Village.

TOTEME will have a store located at the Village on Promenade, after taking a turn from Swarthmore Ave. The store will be adjacent to the Diptyque store and across from the Bonjour Fete. The company did

not immediately respond to inquiry from Palisades News on an exact opening date.

“TOTEME is a style universe with a singular aesthetic,” reads a statement from Palisades Village website. “Based in Stockholm, the label explores the appeal of a modern uniform through distinct design cues, meticulous craftsmanship and methodic repetition. Inspired by women’s lives and needs, the ambition is to define a dress code and wardrobe that backs their purpose.”

The brand was founded by Elin Kling and Karl Lindman in 2014. It sells outerwear such as dresses and skirts, trousers and shorts, shirts and blouses, knits and sweaters and blazers. It also sells bags and accessories such as shoes, sunglasses, silk scarves, belts and hats. Since 2021, the company has expanded globally with rollouts in China, South Korea and the U.S.

How Polluted Are the Waters at Will Rogers State Beach?

Some Areas Got a Failing Grade, While Others Got an A+ in a New Report

By Zach Armstrong

Waters surrounding Will Rogers State Beach got mixed reviews on pollution and contamination from environmental nonprofit organization Heal the Bay’s 20222023 Annual Beach & River Report.

The area at Pulga Canyon storm drain got an A+ for summer and winter conditions but a failing grade for wet conditions (after rainfall). The areas at Bel Air Bay Club and

at Temescal Canyon got an A in summer conditions and an A + for wet conditions.

The area at Santa Monica Canyon got an A for summer conditions but failed winter and wet conditions.

Coastal counties in California got 50% more rainfall than the decade average during the winter months, while the state saw 19 large storm events from October 2022 to March 2023, far more than the six the state usually gets.

The extreme amounts of precipitation caused landslides, floods, power outages and blizzards. The rainfall had multiple negative impacts on water quality by washing pollutants such as bacteria into the ocean, leading to a decline in Wet Weather Grades.