Owner of Matthew Perry’s Former Home Calls Property “Piece of Paradise”
In an Instagram Post, She Explained, “The Moment I Walked into the Home, I Knew It Was ‘The One’
Anita Verma-Lallian, a real estate developer from Scottsdale, Arizona, has spoken publicly for the first time about her recent purchase of the Pacific Palisades home where actor Matthew Perry died, according to Realtor.com.
Verma-Lallian, who bought the property for $8.55 million in an offmarket deal, expressed her deep appreciation for the home and her intent to respect Perry’s memory.
Verma-Lallian shared that she “fell in love” with the house upon her first visit, captivated by its ocean views and unique features. In an Instagram post, she explained, “The moment I walked into the home, I knew it was ‘the one’ and decided to make an offer immediately.” Photos accompanying her post show her next to the infinity pool and Jacuzzi where Perry’s body was found on October 28, 2023.
The new owner, who is also the CEO of Arizona Land Consulting and Camelback Productions, explained her plans to retain some of Perry’s personal touches
to the property, including a Batman logo embedded in the pool floor, Realtor.com reported. “We do plan to keep some of the design elements,” she noted.
While Verma-Lallian acknowledged the tragic past associated with the home,
she emphasized that her decision was motivated by her love for the property itself. She held a traditional Hindu blessing at the pool, alongside a spiritual guide, to honor the space’s history and Perry’s legacy, Realtor.com.
Planning to use the home as a vacation retreat for her family, Verma-Lallian describes the property as “a piece of paradise” and expressed excitement about creating new memories in the home Perry once treasured.
Pali Council Announces 2024 Citizen of the Year and Community Awards
The Awards Will Be 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 will be presented at the
PPCC’s annual Holiday Dinner and Awards Gala, scheduled for December 12, 2024, at Casa Nostra Ristorante in the Palisades Highlands. Tickets are available for $125 per person, with proceeds supporting the council’s efforts.
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 community is invited to celebrate these individuals’ achievements.
Reservations for the December 12 gala are required by December 6, with limited seating available.
For tickets and additional details, visit Pacific Palisades Community Council’s website.
Troop 223 Celebrates Historic 1,000th Eagle
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Eagle Scout Is the Highest Rank in Scouts Bsa and Is Earned by Fewer Than 10% of Scouts
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No Injuries Reported After Multi-Acre Brush Fire in Palisades
No Evacuation Orders Were Issued
A multi-acre brush fire that erupted Wednesday morning near multimilliondollar homes in Pacific Palisades was quickly contained by over 60 firefighters, the Los Angeles Fire Department reported.
The blaze, which broke out shortly before 10 a.m. in the 1400 block of North Palisades Drive, prompted a swift response on the ground and from helicopters conducting targeted water drops.
“The precisely targeted rapid water drops from LAFD Air Operations combined with firefighters’ aggressive fire attack on the ground held the fire to approximately one acre,” LAFD noted in a later statement, as reported by NBC4 Los Angeles. Footage from ABC7 captured a scene of firefighters in single-file ascending the steep hillside to battle the flames directly, while helicopters performed strategic water drops overhead.
“Topography — not wind — [is driving] the fire,” observed KTLA’s Rich Prickett, underscoring the unique
challenges posed by the area’s terrain.
The fire burned through heavy brush near the Santa Ynez Reservoir but did not threaten nearby homes, and no evacuation orders were issued.
“Fortunately, this is not a wind event,” said LAFD Public Information
Officer Margaret Stewart, adding that firefighters faced challenges due to limited access to hydrants, requiring the deployment of water tenders to provide additional water, reported KTLA. By 11 a.m., firefighters successfully stopped the fire’s forward progress,
though crews remained on-site to manage mop-up operations due to the steep terrain.
No injuries or structural damage were reported, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Here’s How Pacific Pali Voted in The ‘24 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.
President-elect Trump is set to be sworn in at his inauguration on Jan. 20.
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.
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Brooke Shields’ Former Palisades Estate
Listed For $8.65M: Report
Built in 1982, the Three-Story, ChaletStyle Home Spans
5,345 Square Feet and Sits on a 0.43-Acre Lot
The former Pacific Palisades home of actress and model Brooke Shields is back on the market for $8.65 million, just two years after Shields sold the property to actor Sam Page and his wife, Cassidy Elliott, for $7.4 million, according to the New York Post.
The estate, originally purchased by Shields in 1997 with her thenhusband, tennis star Andre Agassi, has a storied history and a prime location in the sought-after upper Riviera neighborhood.
Built in 1982, the three-story, chaletstyle home spans 5,345 square feet and sits on a 0.43-acre lot, Zillow lists. Known for its rustic charm and country ambiance, the residence offers expansive canyon and mountain views, French doors leading to veranda and
patio spaces, and an array of amenities.
The spacious layout includes five bedrooms, six bathrooms, and luxurious touches like Douglas fir hardwood floors, Viking kitchen appliances, and marble countertops.
The top floor is dedicated to a primary suite, featuring dual fireplaces in both the bedroom and ensuite bathroom, a standalone bathtub, a steam shower, and a sauna. This suite also includes a walkin closet, study, and balcony with views stretching to the Getty Museum. Other highlights include a gourmet kitchen with a fireplace, a formal dining room with custom built-ins, and entertainment spaces like a media lounge, wet bar, and game room.
Outside, the property offers a serene, resort-style experience with a pool, spa, barbecue area, and lush gardens. According to Zillow, the listing also includes an option to purchase an adjacent lot for $6.35 million, expanding the property to a combined 2.1 acres, with the second parcel serving as additional grounds.
The estate’s celebrity connections add to its allure.
Before selling the home, Shields listed it for rent multiple times, with notable
renters including actors Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner during their divorce, according to the New York Post. The property is currently listed by David
Kramer, Alla Furman, and Andrew Buss of Hilton & Hyland/Forbes Global Properties.
Bird Flu Detected in Sample of California Raw Milk
The Recall Follows Increased Testing of Raw Milk Statewide Due to the Spread of Bird Flu in Dairy Herds and Sporadic
Human Cases in California
The California Department of Public Health has issued a warning urging consumers to avoid drinking a specific batch of raw milk from Raw Farm, LLC of Fresno County after bird flu virus was detected in a retail sample.
The affected batch, identified with lot code 20241109 and a “Best By” date of Nov. 27, 2024, is subject to a voluntary recall initiated at the state’s request. No illnesses linked to the batch have been reported.
The detection was confirmed by the County of Santa Clara Public Health Laboratory during routine testing of retail raw milk, later verified by the California Animal Health and Food
Safety Laboratory. CDPH has directed retailers to remove the affected product from shelves, and consumers are advised to return any remaining milk to the place of purchase.
Health officials reiterated that pasteurized milk is safe to drink and emphasized the risks associated with raw milk, which is not treated with heat to kill harmful bacteria and viruses. The consumption of raw milk has been linked to outbreaks of foodborne illnesses caused by pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria. Inhaling or consuming raw milk contaminated with bird flu virus may also lead to infection, with symptoms ranging from eye irritation to respiratory issues.
The recall follows increased testing of raw milk statewide due to the spread of bird flu in dairy herds and sporadic human cases in California. While no person-to-person transmission has been reported, 29 confirmed human cases of bird flu have been recorded in the state since October, primarily involving individuals with direct contact with infected dairy cows.
CDPH advises consumers to avoid raw milk products entirely, as pasteurization effectively eliminates harmful pathogens, including the bird flu virus.
Video Shows Officer-Involved Shooting Outside SMPD Station
Officials Have Issued a Viewer Advisory, Cautioning That the Material May Be Distressing
The Santa Monica Police Department has released a critical incident video providing details about an officerinvolved shooting that occurred on Oct. 5.
The shooting, which took place in front of the police station, involved a Santa Monica police officer fatally shooting an armed individual.
In compliance with California law, which requires law enforcement agencies to release audio and video recordings of critical incidents within 45 days, the department created a Critical Incident Community Debriefing Video (CIV). The video aims to provide transparency and context surrounding the event.
“The use of force by law enforcement is a matter of critical concern, both to the public and to the law enforcement community,” said SMPD Lieutenant
Erika Aklufi in a statement. “Officers are tasked with making split-second decisions in rapidly evolving situations to protect the community and themselves. Transparency is vital in
maintaining trust between the police department and the public, particularly in incidents involving deadly force.”
The released video includes graphic content depicting the violent
confrontation, accompanied by intense audio. Officials have issued a viewer advisory, cautioning that the material may be distressing.
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The Watermark at Beverly Hills boasts 14 different plans for its residents to match their needs and lifestyle. Each newly renovated luxury studios and one-bed apartments feature designer kitchenettes, high ceilings, private balconies to enjoy the warm California sun, and a variety of safety and security features to enhance residents’ lives.
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9th Circuit Court Blocks Modular Housing Plan for West L.A. VA Campus: Report
The Order Follows Judge Carter’s Directive in August for the VA to Create 1,800 Permanent Supportive Housing Units and 750 Temporary Units
The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has issued an emergency stay halting a plan to install over 100 modular housing units for homeless veterans in the U.S.
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) campus in West Los Angeles, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.
The stay blocks both the purchase of the modular units and the development team, assembled by the U.S. District Judge David O. Carter, from accessing key locations on the 388-acre property for site preparation.
The order follows Judge Carter’s directive in August for the VA to create 1,800 permanent supportive housing units and 750 temporary units on the campus. His ruling also annulled long-standing leases with entities like UCLA and Brentwood School and required the VA to expand its outreach efforts. However, Carter later revised
his mandate on temporary housing units, issuing an emergency order to immediately install up to 200 units, including 32 on a parking lot near UCLA’s Jackie Robinson Stadium, The Times reported.
The VA, opposing Carter’s ruling, filed for a stay in October, arguing that the order disrupted the agency’s established procedures and financial planning for veteran care. “The district court’s sprawling injunction upends
VA’s carefully considered judgment,” the VA argued in its motion to the 9th Circuit, The Times reported. The appeals court on Friday temporarily separated the modular housing directive from the broader VA appeal, allowing an emergency review of the order. Judge Carter will first consider the VA’s stay request in a hearing this Wednesday. If denied, the stay motion will return to the appeals court for an expedited review.
Theatre Palisades Presents Steven Dietz’s
Private Eyes, a Comedy of Deception and Intrigue
Comedy thriller
Private Eyes explores love, betrayal, and illusion in Theatre Palisades’ latest production
Theatre Palisades opens its latest production, Private Eyes, a comedy by acclaimed playwright Steven Dietz that runs from November 8 through December 15. Known as a “relationship thriller,” Private Eyes explores themes of love, betrayal, and the fluidity of reality, keeping audiences guessing at every turn.
In Private Eyes, Matthew suspects his wife, Lisa, of having an affair with Adrian, a British theater director. But as the story unfolds, it’s unclear if the affair is real, part of the play they’re rehearsing, or a figment of Matthew’s imagination meant to entertain his therapist, Frank. The mystery deepens
with the arrival of Cory, a mysterious woman who casts even more doubt on what is real. In Dietz’s spiraling narrative, the audience plays the role of detective, unraveling what is truth and what is illusion.
Praised by The Village Voice as “a Pirandellian smooch to the mercurial nature of theatrical illusion and romantic truth,” Dietz’s work has been celebrated for its masterful pacing and clever structure. The Chicago Tribune also lauded Private Eyes as “a Chinese box full of tricks and surprises,” calling it the most artful piece of its season.
Private Eyes performances are scheduled on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m., with the final show on Sunday, December 15, at Theatre Palisades in Pacific Palisades. Tickets are available through the Theatre Palisades box office and at https://app.arts-people.com/ index.php?show=202617.
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Megacity Review: Genaro Trejo’s Global Platform for Urban Arts and Literature Launches in Los Angeles’ Westside
Santa Monica, CA – A new voice has arrived on the Los Angeles literary scene with the launch of Megacity Review, an ambitious journal dedicated to capturing the narratives of urban life from around the world. Founded by Genaro Trejo, a former investor turned arts advocate, Megacity Review has emerged as a platform for voices often sidelined in mainstream media, including those from LGBTQ+ communities. With roots in East Los Angeles and a career spanning continents, Trejo merges his local insight with a global vision, celebrating the diversity of urban life.
Trejo’s journey to creating Megacity Review is one of passion and purpose. Raised in East LA, he studied political science and Chicano Studies at UCLA and earned a master’s in public policy from the University of Chicago. His career led him through Latin America and Asia as a private investor, where he observed the challenges and complexities of urban landscapes in cities like Mexico City and Shanghai. Eventually, he shifted his focus to nonprofit work in Los Angeles, serving as COO of Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA) while partnering with groups like the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Weingart Foundation. Now, Megacity Review blends Trejo’s business expertise with his commitment to the arts, creating a platform for voices seldom heard.
“Cities are filled with dynamic people and untold stories,” Trejo says. “My goal with Megacity Review was to create a space that captures urban experiences from every angle. Cities are rich, complex spaces, and we want the journal to reflect that.”
A Fresh, Inclusive Voice in LA’s Westside Literary Scene
The debut issue of Megacity Review demonstrates the journal’s commitment to diversity in both content and contributors. With pieces by New York Timesrecognized artist Lauren Halsey and Vietnamese American writer Lynn Lieu, the issue delves into themes of identity and culture. Lieu’s story, “Eyebrows,” explores body dysmorphia and cultural pressures, offering readers a candid, authentic perspective.
Other contributors include Lisa McKamy, a managing editor at the University of Chicago Press, and Robinne Lee, author of The Idea of You, whose presence underscores Megacity’s mission of inclusivity. Inspired by The Paris Review, the journal combines uncoated text pages with semi-gloss inserts to elevate its art features, giving readers an immersive experience that’s both visually and tactilely engaging.
From Global Investment to Local Impact
Trejo’s career path, from global
investment to community work in Los Angeles, gives him a unique lens through which he views urban life. His years as an investor in Latin America and Asia brought him a deep understanding of urban challenges. Now, he applies this knowledge locally, serving on boards like The Survivor Center (formerly The Center for Law and Justice) and PS Science, where he channels his expertise into community work.
“After years in business, I wanted to bring that experience to the literary arts,” Trejo says. “Megacity Review allows me to support both emerging and established voices, showcasing stories that shape city life.”
A Platform for Urban Arts and Global Perspectives
Available for pre-order at megacityreview.org, Megacity Review invites readers across Santa Monica, Venice, Pacific Palisades, Brentwood, and the broader Westside to engage with the diverse realities of city life. Trejo hopes the journal will become a staple for those interested in urban stories that matter, whether they’re readers in Los Angeles or global citizens.
With its debut, Megacity Review is more than just a publication; it’s a movement. Advocating for free expression and connecting people through stories, it reveals the depth, beauty, and resilience of urban communities. Megacity Review is a vital new presence in arts and literature, inviting readers into a world where every city’s story matters.
Here’s Who The Lakers Will Honor Next With a Statue Outside Crypto.com Arena: Report
Before Coaching,
He Was an NBA Player for a Decade, Spending Five Seasons With the Lakers and Winning a Championship
Showtime-era coach Pat Riley will soon join the ranks of Lakers legends immortalized in bronze outside Crypto. com Arena. The team announced Monday that Riley, who led the Lakers to four NBA championships in the 1980s, will be the next figure honored with a statue on Star Plaza, as reported by The Los Angeles Times.
“Pat is a Lakers icon,” said Jeanie Buss, the team’s controlling owner, in a statement, as reported by The Times. “His professionalism, commitment to his craft, and game preparation paved the way for the coaching we see across the league today.” Buss also credited her late father, Jerry Buss, for recognizing Riley’s ability to mold talented players into a cohesive, championship-winning team.
Riley’s storied Lakers tenure began as an assistant coach in 1979-80. After Paul Westhead’s dismissal early in the 198182 season, Riley took over as head coach, guiding the Lakers to NBA titles in 1982, 1985, 1987, and 1988. Known for his impeccable style—marked by slickedback hair and Armani suits—Riley became
synonymous with the team’s up-tempo “Showtime” brand of basketball.
Before coaching, Riley was an NBA player for a decade, spending five seasons with the Lakers and winning a championship in 1972. He later earned another title as head coach and team president of the Miami Heat in 2006 and
oversaw additional championships in 2013 and 2014 as Heat team president.
Riley’s statue, set for completion in 2026, will join those of Lakers greats Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O’Neal, Jerry West, Chick Hearn, Kobe Bryant, and Elgin Baylor, cementing his legacy within Lakers lore.
Activist Named 24th Senate District’s “2024 Woman of the Year”
In Addition to Working With the Alzheimer’s Association, She Has Been Active in the Stop Asian Hate Movement
Senator Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica) honored Crystal Kung Minkoff as the 24th Senate District’s Woman of the Year, recognizing her advocacy for Alzheimer’s awareness, racial equality, and mental health. The award comes ahead of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in November.
“Crystal’s dedication to mental health and racial equality exemplifies the positive impact that comes from using a platform for good,” Allen stated. “Her work has created community and sparked change, benefiting not only
the 24th District but also a broader audience.”
Kung Minkoff, the first Asian American cast member of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, has been vocal about her family’s experience with Alzheimer’s, which took her father’s life, and her own recovery from an eating disorder. Her openness aims to reduce stigma and provide a sense of community for those grappling with similar issues.
In addition to her work with the Alzheimer’s Association, Kung Minkoff has been active in the Stop Asian Hate movement, contributing to awareness and support for communities facing discrimination.
“Providing a sense of community during times of distress is invaluable,” Kung Minkoff said. “Through sharing my personal stories, I hope to reach others who may feel alone in their struggles. This recognition from Senator Allen motivates me to continue this work.”
City Council Codifies Sanctuary Protections for Migrants
Mayor Bass
Prioritized the Ordinance after Trump’s Mass Deportation Threats
The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to officially designate the city as a “sanctuary” for migrants, barring the use of city resources, property, or personnel to assist federal immigration enforcement. This move came after Mayor Karen Bass realized that the city had never officially voted to approve such a resolution on November 14 which was accomplished two weeks after the election.
President-elect Donald Trump promises “mass deportations” on “Day one” of his administration and to use the military and the Alien Enemies Act to accomplish his goals. Furthermore, he has said that he will insist that Congress pass laws that circumvent local cities’ and states’ sanctuary laws and withhold federal aid from any city or state that
defies his deportation policies.
The 13-0 vote strengthens existing policies and explicitly prohibits the direct or indirect sharing of data with federal immigration authorities. The ordinance was drafted quickly after City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto and Mayor Karen Bass prioritized its passage last week.
Councilmembers Traci Park and John Lee were not present for the vote.
The measure codifies protections for migrants living in the country without legal documentation, addressing gaps in previous policies. Newly appointed LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell reaffirmed the department’s long-standing policy of not engaging in immigration enforcement, consistent with the ordinance.
The new ordinance prohibits cooperation with federal immigration authorities in carrying out their duties and forbids any city resources from being used in enforcement actions.
Mayor Karen Bass is expected to sign the ordinance promptly, further solidifying Los Angeles’ stance as a sanctuary city.
