2024 YEAR IN REVIEW
Meet The New Members of The Palisades Community Council
Several New and Returning Members Are Set to Take Their Seats at the October Council Meetings
The Pacific Palisades Community Council (PPCC) has announced the winners of its 2024 elections for Area Representatives and an At-large Representative, with several new and returning members set to take their seats at the October council meetings.
JoAnna Rodriguez, a resident of Tramonto Drive since 2020, was elected to represent Area One. She brings her background as a former journalist and current Director of Parent and Community Relations at Paul Revere Charter Middle School, focusing on issues of community safety and traffic concerns.
Steve Cron, the incumbent representative for Area Two, retained his seat. Cron has served for the past four years, where his efforts have been directed toward fire safety and maintaining the cleanliness of Palisades Drive.
In Area Three, the newly elected representative is Julia Nilsen. Nilsen, a 21-year resident of the Pacific Palisades, is an attorney, entrepreneur, and active community advocate. Her campaign focused on ensuring that local voices are heard on issues such as neighborhood preservation and development.
Karen Ridgley, a longtime Palisades resident of over 40 years, was re-elected to represent Area Four. Ridgley has consistently prioritized crime reduction, fire safety, and the preservation of the community, continuing to emphasize these issues during her campaign.
Area Five saw the re-election of Kimberly Bloom, who has been focused on ensuring that local government decisions reflect the values of her neighborhood. Bloom, who resides in the Alphabet Streets neighborhood, has worked to maintain the area’s unique character.
Lorie Cudzil was elected as the representative for Area Six. Cudzil, a 12year resident, is committed to addressing issues related to the construction of Potrero Canyon and improving local street safety.
Sharon Kilbride, a lifelong Palisades resident and former Citizen of the Year, won the election for Area Seven. Kilbride
Olympic Golf Is Coming to the Pacific Palisades
To Host the World’s
Finest Is Fitting for the West L.A. Course
By Zach Armstrong
In the Summer of 2028, while the Olympic Games take place at several venues throughout Los Angeles, Pacific Palisades’ own Riviera Country Club will be the site for the international multi-sport event’s golf competitions.
“The Riviera Country Club will offer a prestigious and continuously challenging backdrop for golf’s most elite players, and we look forward to sharing one of the finest courses with our fans around
the world.” Antony Scanlon, executive director of the International Golf Federation, said in a release.
To host the world’s finest is fitting for the West L.A. course, as it often ranks high among those in California and the U.S., while holding a storied history of hosting world-class tournaments.
Golfweek recently ranked Riviera #4 on its Best list of private courses in California, while placing it at #17 among classic U.S. courses. Since 1969, Riviera has consistently landed in Golf Digest’s 100 Greatest Courses, recently coming in at #18 in the U.S. and #4 in the state.
In the last few decades, the Palisadian country club has been the host of the 1995 PGA Championship, 1998 U.S. Senior Open and 2017 U.S. Amateur, in
has a strong background in community service and a deep commitment to preserving local history and heritage.
Andrew Wolfberg, a 15-year resident and former Area Eight representative, returns to his role after his election win. Wolfberg’s key focus areas include traffic safety and mitigating the impact of local schools on surrounding neighborhoods.
Chris Spitz, a 33-year resident of the Pacific Palisades, was elected as the At-
large representative. Spitz has extensive experience on the PPCC board and is known for her expertise in land use issues, wildfire safety, and police protection. The PPCC thanked all candidates who participated in the election and expressed gratitude to outgoing representatives Murray Levy (Area One), Julie Silliman (Area Seven), Cindy Simon (Area Six), and Haldis Toppel (Area Three) for their contributions to the community.
addition to several NCAA competitions. Riviera is also set to host the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open and the 2031 U.S. Open.
The Riviera was one of more than a dozen new venue assignments for the 2028 games that were announced by LA28 officials on Friday: The Marine Stadium in Long Beach will host canoesprint and rowing; The Galen Center–USC’s basketball and volleyball arena–will host badminton; the Dignity Health Sports Park will host cycling, hockey, rugby and tennis; The LA Convention Center will host tennis, judo, fencing, wrestling and taekwondo; and The
Peacock Theatre will host weightlifting. Additional venue assignments throughout L.A. and elsewhere are set to be announced in the coming months, according to Patch.
The 2028 games will mark the sixth time (the fourth since 1904) that golf is featured among the Olympic sports. LA2028’s Opening Ceremony will be held on July 14 of that summer. As for this year’s games, the Olympic golf competitions are set for Aug. 1-10 at Le Golf National; the annual host of the FedEx Open de France and the site of the 2018 Ryder Cup.
Pali Council Announces 2024 Citizen of the Year and Community Awards Paliskates Celebrates 25 Years of Skate and Surf Culture in Los Angeles
The Awards Were Presented at the PPCC’s Annual Holiday Dinner and Awards Gala
The Pacific Palisades Community Council has announced the recipients of its prestigious 2024 awards, recognizing extraordinary contributions to the community. Honorees include Cindi Young as Citizen of the Year, Leslie Campbell and Carlos Rodriguez with Golden Sparkplug awards, and Thomas Hathaway as the Pride of the Palisades.
The awards were presented at the PPCC’s annual Holiday Dinner and Awards Gala on December 12, at Casa Nostra Ristorante in the Palisades Highlands.
Young earned the Citizen of the Year title for her leadership in revitalizing the Pacific Palisades Task Force on Homelessness. Faced with the potential dissolution of the organization, she assumed co-presidency and worked tirelessly to address local
homelessness and community safety.
Campbell and Rodriguez, honored with Golden Sparkplugs, were recognized for their community-driven initiatives. Campbell spearheaded a decade-long effort to establish a dog park along Temescal Canyon Road, recently securing city approvals and funding. Rodriguez’s work with the PPTFH included clearing hazardous encampments and safeguarding hillside areas prone to fire risks.
Hathaway, named Pride of the Palisades, has spent over a decade organizing the annual Will Rogers 5K/10K Run, a hallmark event that attracts thousands each July 4th. His extensive volunteer efforts include managing finances, sponsorships, and city permits to ensure the event’s ongoing success.
The Anniversary Celebration Featured Music From a Live DJ, Food, and a Chance to Reflect on the Shop’s Journey
Paliskates, a cornerstone of Los Angeles skate and surf culture, celebrated its 25th anniversary on Friday, December 20, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., marking a major milestone for the independent skate shop and its founder, Erica Simpson. Simpson, who made history as the only woman to own a skateboarding business in the United States, opened Paliskates in 1999 in the Pacific Palisades. Over the past 25 years, the shop has grown into more than just a retail space. It has become a cultural hub where generations of young adults gather, share experiences, and immerse themselves in the vibrant skate and surf community.
“Paliskates has always been about more than just products,” Simpson said in a statement. “We wanted to create a
place where people felt at home, where they could come together and connect over skate and surf culture. Seeing this space stretch across generations has been the greatest reward.”
The anniversary celebration featured music from a live DJ, food, and a chance to reflect on the shop’s journey. The event underscores Paliskates’ enduring role in shaping the identity of the local skateboarding scene while staying relevant in an evolving retail landscape.
Most recently, the store launched a podcast series on Instagram and TikTok (@Paliskates), offering skate news, interviews with industry professionals, and behind-the-scenes insights into the community.
Simpson credits the store’s inclusive and independent spirit for its lasting impact.
Ralphs Issues Lawsuit Against Palisades Food Trucks
Among the Vendors
Targeted Is Rudy Barrientos, Owner of the Popular Gracias Señor Taco Truck
Ralphs Grocery Co. has filed a lawsuit against a group of food truck operators in the Pacific Palisades, alleging they create a public nuisance near its store.
According to a report by CBS News, Ralphs filed the suit in Los Angeles Superior Court on Wednesday, seeking a restraining order to prohibit vendors from operating within 200 feet of the store’s perimeter. The grocery chain claims the trucks cause congestion, generate trash, and interfere with the store’s business operations.
Among the vendors targeted is Rudy Barrientos, owner of the popular Gracias Señor taco truck, which has operated in the area for over a decade.
As reported by LA TACO, Barrientos, a DREAMer and business graduate, has faced escalating pressure from Ralphs, including a cease-and-desist order and alleged intimidation tactics
involving armed security guards.
Despite relocating his truck to a less visible location, Barrientos said his business has suffered a 20% decline.
He expressed concerns over racial bias, noting the lack of similar actions against other vendors in neighboring areas.
Ralphs’ lawsuit alleges that food truck customers have been involved in altercations and reckless behavior in its parking lot, incidents that the grocery chain fears could lead to liability issues. CBS News also highlighted the store’s claims that the trucks obstruct visibility for employees and customers, creating safety risks.
Ralphs has previously sought city intervention and contacted the Los Angeles Police Department, but their efforts to displace the vendors have been unsuccessful.
Good Cheer Year-Round
We’re in the holiday mood at The Watermark at Beverly Hills, with warmth, hope, and good will toward everybody. And the best gift of all? We embrace that spirit year-round in our ever-active community, where residents enjoy classes like Tai Chi or Beginners Spanish, take fun group excursions, and share stories and belly laughs over holiday feasts and memorable meals every single day.
Call 424-512-7129 to plan a tour.
May all your days be merry!
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BOUTIQUE ASSISTED LIVING 220 North Clark Drive • Beverly Hills, CA 90211 WatermarkBeverlyHills.com
School of Rock West LA Turns 14 This November
By Susan Payne
While School of Rock West Los Angeles is celebrating its 14th anniversary this November, the school continues to do what it does best — teach kids how to rock.
School of Rock’s patented method of teaching uses programs that are designed to encourage learning in a supportive environment where students of all skill levels are comfortable and engaged. For kids, teens and adults, School of Rock takes music school concept to the next level.
Currently, students in Performance , School of Rock’s hallmark program for ages 8 to 18, are preparing to play a show at the Viper Room in January, a tier of the program that culminates School of Rock’s long-standing method of teaching: performance-based music education.
For students as young as preschool aged, Little Wing teaches foundational music skills through games and interactive musical activities. Rookies , ages 6 and 7, are given one weekly group music lessons learning fundamentals like chords, rhythm and song structure. In Rock 101 , for ages 8-13, students have one weekly group rehearsal and a weekly private lesson to learn music concepts and skills behind their performance songs.
Justin Salmons, the general manager of School of Rock LA, has been part of its community for almost as long as the school has been opened, watching students grow as musicians and take lessons learned into the real world.
“During the spring season, when we get on stage and have to say goodbye to our seniors, I feel like a proud parent. We know we’re sending out great citizens of the future into the community, whether they pursue music as a career or a hobby. The lessons learned in School of Rock will carry them for a lifetime,” Salmons said. “As long as they have the passion and drive, we’ll help take them to the
highest levels.”
After January, School of Rock gears up for new students and returning students in the spring, inviting kids of all skill levels, ages and music aspirations to grow into real musicians. Spring classes start in February and ends in late May.
“We’re a growing, passionate community dedicated to enriching lives through performance-based music education, but more so, our school is a safe place for students to be themselves and express their feelings. For new and returning students, its edifying and enriching for them to be surrounded by other learners who love music just as much,” Salmons said.
Other programs at School of Rock include Songwriting for ages 12 and over, offering a weekly private lesson and collaborating with other students in a group to work together on songwriting exercises and lyrical workshops. This program is only periodically offered and is one of School of Rock’s week-long summer camps.
Performance places kids in an ensemble group that study a band or genre over the course of several months, learning and rehearsing songs in preparation for a live end of season performance at a real venue, such as the Whisky-a-Go-Go, Troubadour and Viper Room. Students in Performance can later advance by auditioning for our House Band and then AllStars
Adult Program invites students over 18 to improve their musical proficiency or pick up an instrument with no prior experience. This program is also performance based, so they learn concepts and apply them in a live setting. Online for all ages, invites students to learn from the comfort of their home.
“When students are first starting out, we make it really fun for them. As they learn more, we help shape them into serious musicians. So many of our students stay for years, and that’s a testament to our mission and drive,” Salmons said.
George Wolfberg Park Victorious at LA Architectural Awards
The 46-Acre Park, Which Opened in December 2022 After Decades of Community Advocacy, Was Celebrated for Its Thoughtful Design
Pacific Palisades’ George Wolfberg Park at Potrero Canyon has been awarded the prestigious Chairman’s Award at the 54th annual Los Angeles Architectural Awards, recognizing innovative projects that advance Los Angeles’ design legacy and promote community well-being.
The 46-acre park, which opened in December 2022 after decades of community advocacy, was celebrated for its thoughtful design, which stabilizes steep slopes and restores natural habitat in the canyon. The City of Los Angeles’ Architectural Division and Geotechnical Engineering Division, along with Marrs Services, led the project to buttress the canyon’s unstable slopes and install an advanced drainage system to prevent
landslides, while also creating a riparian habitat for the community to enjoy.
“This year’s honorees reflect how architecture can build vibrant, inclusive spaces that serve the public good,” said Los Angeles Business Council (LABC) President Mary Leslie. “From reimagined parks like George Wolfberg Park to other projects across the city, these designs foster progress and enhance community life.”
The annual LA Architectural Awards celebrate projects that contribute to Los Angeles’ role as a creative capital. Over four dozen projects were recognized this year, with winners selected by a jury of architects, developers, and industry experts. The awards highlight the intersection of design, community impact, and sustainability in architecture.
George Wolfberg Park offers scenic
trails that stretch from the Palisades Recreation Center to the Pacific Coast Highway, with views of the Pacific Ocean and interpretive signs highlighting the area’s history and ecosystem. It stands as the largest city park in Pacific Palisades, designed for passive recreation like hiking, biking, and picnicking.
Home Safety Assessments Prevent Your Loved Ones from Falling
Steer Clear of Accidents with Safely Home Again’s Fall Assessments
A call at 3:40 a.m. jolts you from a deep sleep.
What day is it? What time is it?
A few short hours from now is the time you’re supposed to wake up, hurry the kids to school and yourself to work. But you know from the pit in your stomach, that call is important.
It’s the one no one wants to get — your father, in his 80s, had a fall. Luckily, he wore an emergency alert system that notified responders immediately.
“We’re transferring him to the hospital. A broken hip and dislocated shoulder,” responders say, as your body responds to the incident before your mind does, awakening a deep sorrow and your will to sit up.
At the hospital, dad is headed into surgery. The waiting, and the racing thoughts begin as dad — blissfully under anesthesia — enters the operating room.
What happens next? Is he safe at home? Does he need a caregiver? Who will prepare meals for him? Does he need mobility equipment? How can I prevent my father from falling, but also care for my immediate family.
This is what you call a “perfect storm,” scenario that happens so often and anticipated by families with aging loved ones. These is the moment that Safely Home Again becomes your resource: to help you and assist you. A small business that assures you and your
family have a home that is as hazardfree as possible, and the management of your loved one is underway.
Through case management and home and fall safety assessments, Safely Home Again, founded by Los Angeles native Madeline Fry, helps aging adults maintain their independence and live worry-free in the comfort of their home.
Safely Home Again assesses fall risks and hazards in the home, recommending safety measures that families can take to prevent accidents. The 240+ point assessment tool, which requires a certification to conduct, looks for hazards that exist in and around the living space. Hazards may include poor outdoor lighting, inadequate wheelchair ramp, unsafe staircases and more. Once the hazards are found, Safely Home Again provides solutions and vendors who can then be available to complete the actual modifications.
“We become your consultant, advocate and family member,” Fry said.
Caring for aging parents and loved ones is a weight few can carry, but with Safely Home Again, you aren’t doing it alone.
“We’re here for you, so you can get back to what you need to do. Whether that’s your family time, anniversary celebration, piano recitals or basketball games. To see you through those moments — the good and the bad — Safely Home Again’s services are the assurance you and your family needs.
Safely Home Again also aids with discharge planning upon leaving a hospital, skilled or rehabilitation facility; orders and schedules lifestyle services such as the delivery of medical mobility equipment, meal delivery; and
choosing of caregivers.
Safely Home Again is the simple solution for complex issues that, in scenarios like the one above, are hard to navigate without professional help.
“If you find yourself in a similar situation, reach out to us. We’ve got your back, we’ve got your loved ones’ backs, and most importantly, we’re here for you,” Fry said.
To learn more about Safely Home Again and to schedule a safety assessment, visit SafelyHomeAgain. com.
Troop 223 Celebrates Historic 1,000th Eagle Scout Achievement
Eagle Scout Is the Highest Rank in Scouts Bsa and Is Earned by Fewer Than 10% of Scouts
Pacific Palisades’ Troop 223 will honor a remarkable milestone at its Eagle Court of Honor ceremony, celebrating the 1,000th Scout to achieve the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. The event will take place at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 26, at the Skirball Cultural Center’s Guerin Pavilion, located at 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd.
This year’s Court of Honor (graduating class) for Troop 223 will include around 40 total Eagle Scouts. By the time of the ceremony, the total number historically for the group will reach up to 1,004, according to a volunteer with 223.
Since its founding in 1952, Troop 223 has been a cornerstone of the Pacific Palisades community, providing over 2,000 Scouts with opportunities for leadership, outdoor adventure, and community service, according to the troop. This milestone reflects not only the troop’s legacy but also the broader success of the Scouts BSA program, which expanded to include girls in 2019.
Eagle Scout is the highest rank in Scouts BSA and is earned by fewer than 10% of Scouts. This recognition requires years of dedication, leadership development, and service projects benefiting communities. The celebration will include special recognition for the 1,000th Eagle Scout, with commendations from prominent figures. In the past, such honors have included congratulations from U.S. presidents,
congressional leaders, and other distinguished individuals. The ceremony will also feature speeches from community leaders, award presentations to new Eagle Scouts, and personal acknowledgments of their achievements. A slideshow showcasing past Eagle Scouts will highlight the troop’s rich history, accompanied by heartfelt introductions from scouting friends and sponsors.
Palisades Council Demands Homelessness Fund Mismanagement Investigation
In a Letter Sent to Multiple Public Officials, the Council Expressed Concern Over the Lack of Accountability and Possible Corruption
The Pacific Palisades Community Council (PPCC) has formally requested federal and state investigations into the mismanagement of funds allocated to address the homelessness crisis in Los Angeles.
Citing recent audits and investigative journalism, the council claims that billions of taxpayer dollars intended to alleviate homelessness have been misused, resulting in little improvement in the region’s homeless population, which exceeded 75,500 people in 2023.
In a letter sent to multiple public officials, including U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Laphonza Butler, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and Attorney General Rob Bonta, the council expressed concern over the lack of
accountability and possible corruption in the handling of federal, state, county, and city funds meant to tackle the issue. They referenced audit findings that revealed systemic failures in tracking spending and outcomes of homelessness programs.
A state audit released earlier this year revealed that the California Interagency Council on Homelessness (Cal ICH) failed to consistently track spending data and program outcomes, making it difficult to assess the effectiveness of billions in state and local funding.
Programs such as the State Rental Assistance Program and Encampment Resolution Funding Program were flagged for insufficient data, preventing full evaluations of their impact. Additionally, a separate audit of Los Angeles’ spending found inadequate oversight by service providers, with
some contracts lacking clear standards for performance and accountability.
“Given the escalating humanitarian crisis in Los Angeles, where individuals
continue to live on the streets despite vast sums spent to address the issue, thorough investigations are critical,” said Sue Kohl, PPCC president.
Pacific Park’s Famous Pacific Wheel Just Got a Fun (and Educational) New Upgrade
Riding the Ferris wheel at Pacific Park just got even more enjoyable. Now, along with the incredible views of the Pacific coastline, riders will get fun map installations showing exactly what they’re looking at.
Imagine sitting at the very top of the Pacific Wheel with the city and the coast stretched out below you. As you gaze at the sights you wonder, “What is that island over there? Where is the Hollywood sign? What is that amazing building?”
Pacific Park has created a fun way to answer these questions. As part of a new creative project, the Park has installed specially illustrated, artistdesigned maps around the inside rim of each of the Pacific Wheel’s gondolas.
Now, all guests can get ride-enhancing information on what they’re looking at once they’re at the top of the Ferris wheel.
Of course, these are not just any old maps. To create something unique and reflect Los Angeles’ colorful creativity, Pacific Park collaborated with Chepe Daniel Báez, a renowned graphic artist based in Mexico City. Daniel Báez gorgeous illustrative ‘maps’ show all the landmarks and points of interest surrounding Pacific Park, including Point Dune, Malibu, Getty Museum, the Hollywood sign, the original Muscle Beach, the Pacific Coast Highway, and of course the Santa Monica Pier.
Nathan Smithson, Director of Marketing & Business Development at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, said his team was thrilled with the collaboration. “Daniel Báez’s awardwinning graphic design expertise made him the ideal choice for this unique gondola mapping project. Now, when guests ride the Pacific Wheel Ferris wheel, they’ll not only enjoy a bird’seye view of the stunning landscape but also have reference points to some of Los Angeles’ most iconic and popular landmarks.”
The Pacific Park team came up with
the idea for the gondola maps in 2018, but it wasn’t until 2023 that the project was put into action. Then, the process for completing the project was meticulous.
Daniel Báez made multiple drafts of the drawings and visited Pacific Park several times. Each time, the design team would print out the drafts, ride the Pacific Wheel, and discuss changes that could be made to enhance guests’ experience. Once the images were completed, largeformat print specialists Verve Printing transferred them to durable ‘wraps’ and installed them inside the rim of the gondolas.
Daniel Báez says he wanted to make the images as accurate as possible, but still with a good amount of abstraction. “There are so many historic things you can see from the Pacific Wheel, and the idea was to make them really stand out so visitors can play a little game trying to locate them all.”
The artist spent several months in LA during the Pacific Park project, staying with part of his mother’s family. He says his favorite part of the trip was exploring Santa Monica and all the landmarks he needed to represent. “I had a ton of fun
drawing a part of the city that I love walking through and exploring, always with perfect weather.” Recognized as a Latin American Young Talent by the Latin American Design Festival in Lima, Peru, Daniel Báez also loved being able to leave his footprint in such a historic part of California. “Getting to ride the Ferris wheel while honing every iteration was the coolest way to have meetings,” he adds.
Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier is open daily and features 12 thrilling rides, including the West Coaster and the world’s first solar-powered Ferris wheel. Visit pacpark.com for more details.
Here’s How Pacific Palisades Voted in The 2024 General Election
See How Ballots Were Cast in Palisades’ Five Voting Precincts
By Zach Armstrong
Preliminary results show how Pacific Palisades voted in the 2024 general election.
Former President Donald Trump won a second presidential term after defeating Vice President Kamala
Harris last Wednesday. The Democratic candidate won all of California’s 54 electoral college votes, while also having a stronghold across LA County (save for a few precincts in the Beverly Hills and Glendale areas), according to data reported by the Los Angeles Times. Ballots cast in the five voting precincts that largely constitute the Palisades (9005918A, 9005919A, 9005929A, 9001382A, 9007693D) overwhelmingly went to Harris compared with the now President-elect and independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (who threw his support behind the Republican
nominee in late August.)
Of the 11,151 votes cast from those precincts, 71.17% went for Harris, while Trump and RFK Jr. received just 27.75% and 1.08% of the Palisadian vote, respectively.
The largely liberal-leaning political leaders of California and Los Angeles have already sprung into action as they embrace a second Trump administration.
City council members said Friday that they seek to pass L.A.’s “sanctuary” law
(an ordinance that would bar federal immigration enforcement officials from accessing city databases), while Gov. Newsom announced a special session aimed at strengthening civil rights, reproductive freedom, climate initiatives, and immigration, to counteract anticipated policies from the incoming executive. That session is set to begin Dec. 2.
President-elect Trump is set to be sworn in at his inauguration on Jan. 20.
