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.
Matthew Perry’s Palisades Home Sells for $8.55M: Report
Perry Purchased the House in 2020 for $6 Million and Undertook Extensive Renovations, Including Adding a Pool and BatmanThemed Décor
The Los Angeles home where actor Matthew Perry, known for his iconic role as Chandler Bing on “Friends,” passed away last year, has been sold for $8.55 million, according to the New York Times.
The 3,500-square-foot, midcentury modern residence in Pacific Palisades was purchased by Arizona-based real
estate developer Anita Verma-Lallian. Perry, who died at 54 in October 2023, was found unresponsive in the property’s backyard hot tub. His death was initially classified as a drowning, but later attributed to the “acute effects of ketamine,” with opioids also found in his system. A subsequent investigation led to charges against his personal assistant, two doctors, and others for supplying him with the drug.
Perry purchased the house in 2020 for $6 million and undertook extensive renovations, including adding a pool and Batman-themed décor, a nod to his selfproclaimed “Mattman” persona.
The secluded property sits on 0.4 acres and includes four bedrooms and four-and-a-half bathrooms. The offmarket sale was handled by Christie’s International Real Estate, with VermaLallian acquiring the house as an investment property.
The sale comes amid significant real
estate activity for Verma-Lallian, who is also the founder of Arizona Land Consulting, as reported by The New York Times. Her recent ventures include a $20 million land deal in Buckeye, Arizona, and a $40 million acquisition in Casa Grande.
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.
George
Pali 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.
To see the entire audit report, go to https://information.auditor.ca.gov/ reports/2023-102.1/index.html#section3
At 17, This Former Westside Waldorf Student Is Making Waves in Classical Music
His New Album Has Garnered Critical Acclaim Ahead of a World Premiere Performance With the Choral Arts Initiative
Samuel Siskind, a 17-year-old composer and former student of Westside Waldorf School in Pacific Palisades, is making waves in the classical music scene with the release of his debut album, Awake.
Released in August, the album has garnered critical acclaim ahead of a world premiere performance on November 3 with the Choral Arts Initiative in Newport Beach.
Siskind, a high school senior, is no stranger to the spotlight. He has been involved in music since a young age, attending Westside Waldorf School before continuing his education at Crossroads School for the Arts & Sciences in Santa Monica. His early exposure to music helped shape his passion, and he began studying composition at the age of 11.
The premiere performance of his piece, “Release,” will be part of the Choral Arts Initiative’s season-opening concert titled From the Heart. This event will feature works by several established composers, but Siskind’s inclusion at such a young age stands out. The program, centered on the theme of transformation, will also include pieces by Paul Ayres and Shara Nova, among others.
Siskind’s musical journey began with piano performances at Los Angeles farmers’ markets at age 8. He later joined the National Children’s Chorus and earned roles with the LA Opera by 2017.
“Samuel is emerging as one of the most promising young composers of his generation.” Siskind’s mentor, UCLA composition professor and former chair Ian Krouse, stated in a release. “His music is original and rigorous yet always accessible and beautiful.”
In addition to his debut album, Siskind is a recipient of the 2024 ASCAP Morton Gould Young Composer Award and has collaborated with prominent artists like Grammy-nominated baritone Johnathan McCullough.
Recipient of the 2024 Southern California News Group Readers’ Choice Award, The Watermark at Beverly Hills offers boutique-style Assisted Living and inspiring opportunities around every corner. Every day is a new adventure. From extraordinary amenities, award winning adult education, to exciting excursions — the choices are endless.
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Pali Community Council Calls for Action on Abandoned Construction Sites
Following years of concerns over abandoned and unfinished construction sites posing public safety risks in the Pacific Palisades area, the local community council has urged the Los Angeles City Council to address the issue.
The Pacific Palisades Community Council (PPCC) passed a unanimous motion supporting a city motion, CF 24-1128, that calls for a report from the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) to explore solutions for these long-neglected sites.
The PPCC letter, addressed to City Council members and signed by PPCC President Sue Kohl, highlights the dangers posed by unfinished construction sites that have been neglected for over a decade in some cases. These sites, the council argues, attract squatters,
contribute to blight, and present a significant wildfire risk in a region designated as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone.
“Pacific Palisades Community Council believes there is a clear need for oversight and accountability for property owners and developers who allow construction
sites to remain incomplete for extended periods,” the council’s letter reads. “These sites pose a risk of fire and other hazards and are a threat to public safety and welfare.”
The council’s motion aligns with Councilwoman Eunisses Hernandez’s initiative, CF 24-1128, which calls for
a comprehensive LADBS report on potential penalties and solutions for abandoned sites. The PPCC urged the City Council’s Planning and Land Use Management (PLUM) Committee to prioritize the motion and advance it through council channels.
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SAINT JOHN’S PHYSICIANS PARTNERS
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BEST NAIL/SALON WINNER
BELLAGIO NAILS AND SPA
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15119 Sunset Blvd, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
BEST LOCAL BOUTIQUE WINNER
ELYSE WALKER
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Discover Award-Winning Urgent Care at Saint
John’s
Physician Partners
When life throws health surprises your way, you shouldn’t have to wait. That’s why Saint John’s Physician Partners Urgent Care in Santa Monica is here to provide fast, compassionate care when you need it most. Not every health concern requires a trip to the ER—our team is ready to treat non-life-threatening issues quickly and thoroughly. From minor injuries like sprains and cuts to seasonal illnesses like colds, flu, and sore throats, we’ve got you covered. Our expert providers, trained in Emergency Medicine, also handle conditions such as allergies, bronchitis, asthma, and urinary tract infections. With on-site lab testing—including COVID-19, flu, strep, and pregnancy tests—you’ll get the answers you need without the wait. We even take the stress out of procedures like blood draws to make your visit as comfortable as possible.
When you choose Saint John’s Urgent Care, you’ll gain access to a broad range of services, from wound care to abscess treatment, plus preventive care like screenings to keep you on top of
your health. Need follow-up care? Our seamless connection with Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica ensures smooth coordination of your medical records and ongoing treatment. We also collaborate with UCLA and Cedars Sinai for any further care you may need.
Knowing where to turn for urgent care makes all the difference. Whether you’re dealing with minor injuries, need a quick check-up, or are looking for specific services like TB or STI testing, our Urgent Care is your go-to. We offer care for adults and children, along with GYN exams, IV placements, and medications on-site.
When it’s urgent—but not an emergency—trust the award-winning care at Saint John’s Physician Partners Urgent Care. It’s the way we deliver exceptional health care that makes your experience So Providence. We’re here to help you feel better, faster.
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Nominated as Best Children’s Service/Program in the Palisades for 4 consecutive years! practice makes possibilitiesTM There is no shortcut to greatness. Mastery of skills takes practice. Your child can excel in math and reading … with practice.
Kumon Math and Reading Center of Pacific Palisades 860 Via De La Paz Suite C1 Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
patriciagrossman@ikumon.com
310.526.5445
BEST HEALTH STORE
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Home Front Build Channels Energy of Original Designer to Revive Homes
By Susan Payne
Spanish Colonial, Mission Revival, Craftsman, Mid-Century and California Bungalows are just a few of the unique home styles that can be found in Los Angeles.
Many of those homes and styles are still loved and appreciated today in the 21st century. Home Front Build, an architecture, interior design and construction firm founded by Steve Pallrand, works to channel the energy of the original architects and adapt those homes for the way we live today without compromising history.
“Instead of remodeling the home and making it something it isn’t, it’s about cherishing the original intent of that period of design without being dominated by it, so that we can add air conditioning, solar panels, remodel the kitchen, all the modern conveniences but still live in a home that feels a part of that history and community,” Pallrand said.
Homes that were built in the early
1900s, for example, might not have been insulated well, have inefficient gas appliances, or have kitchens that were meant to cook in but not to cook while entertaining or doing homework, like we do now. Home Front Build prioritizes aesthetics and details that honor the home’s original design period, keeping those aesthetic concepts but modernizing them to be of use today.
“Rather than imposing new ideas on these older homes, it’s about letting the home speak for itself and let that guide the design, so that we’re combining contemporary ideas of comfort and livability with traditional values,” Pallrand said.
Rebuilding homes, reviving and refreshing them — rather than demolishing and building new — is Home Front Build’s specialty, but there is a sustainability factor that drives its mission: green design.
Green design is a philosophy that
Castanea Sicilian Cafe: Bringing the Sweetness of Sicily to Venice Beach
THE CAFE
Welcome to Castanea Sicilian Cafe: “Il dolce far niente – the sweetness of doing nothing” arrived at Venice Beach! Our cafe invites you to step away from the rush of daily life, whether it’s through a sip of our freshly brewed Italian coffee or a bite of our pastries, savory & gelato. The concept was founded by Nando & Rose, a couple with Sicilian roots, and it was designed to be a testament to the rich flavors and culinary traditions of the Italian island Sicily. Step into our inviting space and discover a slice of paradise or just order it to your home with our delivery & catering services.
OUR STORY
If you create something the world has never seen before, there’s probably a pretty interesting story behind it. This is ours.
We are Nando & Rose, a married couple & the founders of Castanea Sicilian Cafe. Both of us have Sicilian roots & we were lucky to have spent every summer on this beautiful Island.
A typical Sicilian lightheartedness, delicious traditional food & the Italian coffee culture is what we grew up with & what we both cherish a lot.
The idea of a cafe emerged from
the desire to preserve our precious heritage by sharing it. We want to make it accessible to all those who need a little break from everyday life & want to immerse themselves in the world of Sicilian enjoyment & the ideal of “il dolce far niente - the sweetness of doing nothing.”
With a lot of love & dedication we blended our affinity for coffee, food & Sicilian culture into an ambiance of warmth & hospitality.
Castanea means chestnut in Latin. Our name goes back to the oldest chestnut
tree in the world, “Il castagno dei cento cavalli”. It is located on the volcano Etna in Sicily and its size and shape have been a place of rest and shelter for centuries from visitors to the island to a legend of a princess and her 100 horsemen who needed protection from a sudden storm, which is the legend where the tree got its name.
Today, we proudly present our unique cafe to Venice Beach. Now our dream has become reality & we are catering to fulfill yours!
UCLA Students and Faculty Sue University of California Regents Alleging Free Speech Violations
Lawsuit Filed After Over 200 Protesters
Arrested During Peaceful Campus Demonstration
The American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California (ACLU) has filed a lawsuit on behalf of two students and two faculty members at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) The lawsuit makes allegations of violations of their rights to free speech and expression against the Regents and accuses university officials of unlawfully arresting nonviolent demonstrators during a campus protest on May 2, 2024.
The lawsuit stems from the Palestine Solidarity Encampment, a protest organized by UCLA students to oppose actions by the State of Israel and the Israeli Defense Forces, as well as UCLA’s financial ties to those actions. According to UCLA historians, the encampment was described as an “orderly and selfdisciplined environment” that initially appeared to have the support of the university administration.
However, on May 2, just days after a mob of more than 100 masked individuals armed with toxic spray, fireworks, and other weapons attacked the encampment, UCLA police, and partner agencies, acting
under the direction of UC leadership, dismantled the protest camp. This action resulted in the arrests of more than 200 students, faculty, and supporters.
“Students decrying the genocide of Palestinians and the university’s complicity were brutally shut down by the same administrators who profess to support free expression,” said Graeme Blair, a plaintiff and associate professor of political science, who was arrested during the May 2 police raid. “As an educator, I am ashamed that the university failed our students.”
Vice Chancellor Darnell Hunt, who is now interim chancellor, responded to questions at a press conference organized by students on the afternoon of May 1 by asking what students what they thought the University administration could have done to stop the “hundreds” of attackers seemingly abdicating responsibility for student safety during the attack. The ACLU lawsuit names Interim Chancellor Darnell Hunt, Administrative Vice Chancellor Michael Beck, Director of UCLA’s Office of Public Safety Rick Braziel, Acting Chief of the UCLA Police Department, Gawini Gibson, Vice Chancellor Monroe Gordon Jr. and President of the University of California, Micheal Drake.
According to the lawsuit, the protesters were engaged in peaceful demonstrations and had not committed any violent or illegal acts. Despite this, the university illegally declared the protest unlawful and
ordered LAPD and California Highway Patrol to dismantle the encampment, forcing protesters to leave or face arrest.
Mohammad Tajsar, senior staff attorney at the ACLU of Southern California, criticized the university’s actions. “Our laws prohibit the suppression of speech because it is unpopular or might provoke violent reactions,” he said. “Institutions
of higher learning should serve as spaces to contest ideas, critique mainstream orthodoxies, and encourage dissenting voices.”
The protest encampment, which included a diverse group of students and faculty of various religious and ethnic backgrounds, was intended as a symbol of campus unity and democratic engagement.
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focuses on creating buildings that are environmentally friendly and sustainable and reducing environmental footprint. This can include things like using recycled materials, energy-efficient appliances and renewable energy sources.
Home Front Build searches for traditional buildings that are in the way of demo so that they can salvage and reuse the materials on future projects in order to reduce a building’s carbon footprint. The team designs holistically with the environment in mind, incorporating solar techniques, natural ventilation and efficient building materials with styles that fit your budget.
“It’s actually cheaper to use stronger, historic lumber than it is to buy new lumber, so that’s one way we are reducing our carbon footprint. People don’t necessarily think of traditional homes or
existing homes as being sustainable and tend to demolish them, but we can adapt them, and be part of the solution for global warming,” Pallrand said. “We have a wide variety of solutions for green design, and we are budget-conscious when doing so.”
Knowing the code is an important part of the design for Pallrand and his team at Home Front Build. After meeting the house, the team will do a feasibility study to see what the city will allow.
“Building codes in California are very complex so when we meet you and the house, we don’t do anything until we know what is possible. It’s not about the perfect design, it’s about the perfect budget and we bring beautiful design together with a beautiful budget because those are two things you can’t separate.”
To learn more about Home Front Build and founder Steve Pallrand’s mission to revive historic homes in Los Angeles, visit HomeFrontBuild.com.
