The Playground Was Also Discussed at a Park Advisory Board Meeting

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

The city of Los Angeles Board of Recreation and Park Commissioners voted unanimously during its Thursday, March 20, meeting to approve a gift of new outdoor playground equipment for Palisades Recreation Center.

The updated space will include both a “preschool playground” and a “universally accessible playground,” which will be “installed adjacent to one another in the same area where the existing … playground has been located for the past 35 years.”

“The two new playgrounds will feature a variety of amenities, including play structures made to look like fire trucks, police motorcycle spring riders, accessible swings, shade structures and accessible seating areas, all installed on top of rubber flooring,” Melissa Bettis of Rec and Parks’ partnership section said during the March 20 meeting.

There will also be a sandpit, which was a feature requested by community members during previous PAB board meetings, as well as sensory panels along ramp structures, merry-go-rounds and slide transfers.

“The final scope of work and cost estimates are not yet complete, pending further coordination with RAP,” Bettis continued. “With the board’s approval today, the project will be authorized to move forward, subject to appropriate permits being in place where applicable.”

Funding for the playground—which is aimed to be opened by July 1 to coincide with the community’s Fourth of July celebration—will come from Los Angeles Parks Foundation, through “monetary and in-kind contributions” from FireAird ($1 million), GameTime ($300,000 in-kind for the playground equipment) and Banc of California ($30,000). The project scope also includes a 60-inch by 24-inch donor recognition sign.

“The FireAid donation is part of the FireAid Symbols of Hope Initiative, which was created to provide visible restoration in the communities impacted by the Eaton and Palisades fires,” read the board report. “Funds for this grant were raised through general donations in support of those impacted by the recent Los Angeles area fires, which were received by FireAid from various donors throughout the City of Los Angeles, the United States and world, which were combined with ticket sales from the FireAid benefit concert held on January 30.”

Annenberg Foundation, described as a “longstanding supporter” of Rec and Parks through LAPF, was noted to have “played an integral role in the organization of the concert and management of the funds generated.”

The playground was discussed earlier in the week during a Pacific Palisades Recreation Center Park Advisory Board meeting, which took place virtually on Tuesday, March 18.

“This is a modern, highly interactive design that should be the pride of Los Angeles when it’s done,” LAPF Executive Director Tony Budrovich said during the PAB meeting, before Nate Younker of GameTime presented four options for the playground design.

Following Younker’s presentation, Park Director Jasmine Dowlatshahi, board members and Chief Recovery Officer Steve Soboroff provided input to get to a “theme,” as well as to reflect colors associated with Palisades Charter High School and the Palisades flag, which were closest represented by “true blue” and “cream” canopies offered by GameTime.

“This is terrific,” PAB President Andy Starrels said. “Thank you [GameTime] and thank you to the Parks Foundation group. It’s very exciting.”

The design of the new playground incorporated feedback from community and board members that was collected at previous PAB meetings, dating back several years.

PAB voted unanimously to support the playground ahead of when it was heard at the March 20 Rec and Parks’ board of commissioners meeting.

“Thank you to RAP and LA Parks Foundation,” PAB Member Maryam Zar wrote in the meeting chat. “This has been years of discussion, community feedback and ideas floated around the playground, and we are grateful it has all culminated in beautiful plans.”

By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor

Lifelong Palisadian Sam Laganà was sworn in as Honorary Town Sheriff during a ceremony on Wednesday, March 12, at American Legion Ronald Reagan-Palisades Post 283.

Accompanied by Los Angeles City Councilmember Traci Park and Palisades Patrol CEO Scott Wagenseller, Laganà raised his right hand and took the oath as recited to him by Pacific Palisades Community Council President Emeritus Maryam Zar.

“I am both humbled and honored to stand before you today as I accept the role of honorary town sheriff,” he said. “This title is more than a badge—it represents a commitment to safeguard not only our community’s soul, but its history and the spirit of unity that makes our Palisades so uniquely cherished.”

Laganà’s career spans decades of service, including a 19-year tenure as associate vice chancellor at Pepperdine University and another two-plus years as president and CEO of Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks.

“In accepting this honorary role, I pay tribute to those who have faithfully served as honorary town sheriff over the past 20 years,” Laganà continued. “I extend my deepest reverence to Don Haselkorn, Rich Wilken, Townsend Bell, Mike Skinner, Mike Lanning and Roger McGrath. Their leadership, dedication and unwavering commitment to our community have set a high standard and laid the foundation upon which we continue to build. Their legacy reminds us that the strength of Pacific Palisades lies in our shared commitment to one another and to preserving the unique heritage that defines us.”

Wilken, who was the initial honorary town sheriff in 2003 and Citizen of the Year in 2010, attended the March 12 ceremony to congratulate his friend.

Laganà’s home in Marquez Knolls survived the Palisades fire, and he and his wife, Eileen, are temporarily staying in an apartment in Santa Monica.

“Today, as we embark on a new chapter—our ongoing rebuild following the January firestorms—we are presented with both a challenge and an opportunity,” Laganà continued. “Our goal is not simply to construct new structures and fix legacy homes, but to weave our future with the threads of our past. We aim to ensure that every new development, every restoration, every community initiative and every policy reflects the historic ethos of Pacific Palisades. Our mission is to preserve the quaint charm, the rich traditions and the heartfelt camaraderie that have defined our town for generations.”

Laganà is a beloved voice in sports and entertainment, having served as the stadium announcer for the Rams since the NFL franchise’s return to Los Angeles and chairing sporting events such as the John R. Wooden Award.

From being named Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce’s Businessman of the Year in 2007 to winning a Golden Sparkplug Award from PPCC in 2011, serving on the boards of organizations like Palisades-Malibu YMCA, Marquez Charter Elementary School, Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission, and Westcoast Sports Associates, Laganà has given back to his hometown in spades.

He was appointed to LA City Recreation and Parks’ regional planning group by Councilmember Cindy Miscikowski, served on the committee to build the new gym at Palisades Recreation Center and had two stints on the Board of the Chamber of Commerce.

Additionally, he was named honorary fire chief, recognized as Neighborhood Hero in 2018 and honored as Hometown Hero in 2023 by KCBS Los Angeles. That year, Laganà was inducted into the Beach Volleyball Hall of Fame in recognition of two decades of contributions to the sport.

He has announced the Palisades Will Rogers 5 & 10K on the Fourth of July and Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving. In January 2024 he spoke at the Palisades P.R.I.D.E. town clock dedication on the corner of Swarthmore and Sunset.

“I believe our strength lies in unity and positivity,” Laganà added. “On this journey, we will work hand in hand with residents, local businesses and community leaders to bring everyone together for our common good of committing to the Palisades. We will focus on aligning the best interests of our community—preserving our traditions, protecting our neighborhoods and prospering as one cohesive small town in mass society. Together, we can create an environment where every citizen feels valued, where the past is honored, and where our future shines brightly with the promise of growth, innovation and mutual respect.”

A 1980 Palisades Charter High School alum, Laganà helped grow the popularity of the AVP Tour, and was an announcer for Davis Cup tennis, CSUN football and the Arena League’s LA Avengers—all while raising two daughters.

“As your honorary town sheriff, I commit to being a guardian not only of our public safety, but also of the values that make our community special,” Laganà concluded. “I promise to work with an uplifting spirit, to listen to your voices and to act with integrity, ensuring that Pacific Palisades remains a place we are all proud to call home. Thank you for entrusting me with this role. Let us move forward with Sheriffs objectives to enhance the spirit of unity, honor our history and build a future that continues to preserve, protect and prosper Pacific Palisades.”

With that, Park put the custom-made badge around the honoree’s neck and the hat on his head before joining guests in attendance for sandwiches and refreshments.

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

Pacific Palisades Community Council President Sue Kohl was recognized with a Women of Impact award by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass on Friday, March 14.

“What an honor to be nominated to receive a ‘Women of Impact’ award from [Mayor] Karen Bass,” Kohl shared to social media. “As the president of the PPCC, I’ve found myself in the unique position of representing our community in a time of unprecedented crisis. My commitment to the Palisades, my friends, my neighbors and everyone who calls this place home is steadfast. It’s my privilege to serve my community, and this recognition is very much appreciated.”

Kohl is currently president of PPCC, having previously served as vice president and also years as an area representative. The Alphabet Streets resident has volunteered her time with Pacific Palisades Task Force on Homelessness. She has also supported the Westside Guild of Children’s Hospital, Union Rescue Mission and the Berkshire Hathaway Charitable Foundation.

“PPCC’s hardworking, respected President Sue Kohl was honored by Mayor Bass at City Hall as a Woman of Distinction for 2025,” PPCC wrote in an emailed statement after the ceremony. “We congratulate Sue, who well-deserves this special honor.”

Bass congratulated the city’s Commission on the Status of Women, and offered a “warm” welcome at City Hall to all those taking part in the 35th Anniversary Awards Program, which was launched with a new chapter and new name: The Women of Impact Awards.

“The Women of Impact Awards honors women who have demonstrated their commitment to advancing the well-being of Angelenos,” Bass said in a statement. “For nearly 50 years, the Commission on the Status of Women has dedicated itself to promoting gender equity, and advancing the status of women and girls in our city.

“This year, I am delighted to join the members of the Los Angeles City Council, Commissioners, staff and guests in celebrating our esteemed honorees for the progress they have achieved, and the examples they have set for future leaders, both male and female.”

Bass also took to social media to congratulate the Women of Impact awardees.

“It was an honor to recognize the many incredible women leaders who work every day to invest in the futures of LA’s women and girls,” Bass wrote. “Los Angeles is a better place because of your work.”

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

MySafe:LA presented on “The Safe Community Project” at the Thursday, March 13, Pacific Palisades Community Council board meeting.

David Barrett joined PPCC from MySafe:LA’s Safe Community Project, an organization with multiple divisions across Southern California, with a focus on developing wildfire resilient communities.

Barrett began by acknowledging his own personal connection to the Palisades: He previously lived in the area.

“I lived up there for a while, and the house I lived in is gone,” Barrett said. “I have some friends that live up there, and not just up in the [Alphabet] Streets, in the Highlands, but also in the home estates. And as you know, all of those are gone.”

Barrett said the March 13 presentation was designed to help point PPCC forward, covering fire safety topics that would be helpful in rebuilding.

He explained the concept of defensible space—that it is not designed to stop a wildfire from occurring, but to slow it down. Defensible space is described as the area surrounding a home or property, where vegetation is managed to reduce the risk of fire spread, according to CAL FIRE.

“The key is to slow them down enough so that firefighters can get ahead of the issue, so that they have a chance to set up defensible positions to attack the fire and prevent it from turning into something other than a wildfire,” Barrett said. “We want to make sure when we’re dealing with defensible space, that the objective is to prevent a wildfire from becoming anything other than a wildfire, so reducing the spread, the intensity, the heat, and protecting homes and structures from ignition. As everyone rebuilds, we want to keep that in mind.”

Defensible space methodologies include using hardscape—like gravel, pavers or concrete—instead of bark or mulch; limiting combustible items, fencing and gates; regularly clearing dead or dry vegetation; and trimming trees.

Barrett discussed two of the most flammable things: grass and buildings.

“Grass can move at up to 40 to 50 miles an hour, or more, depending on the wind,” he explained. “Grass turns into embers very quickly. [And] buildings will burn faster and are more likely to ignite than brush or trees.”

When rebuilding, Barrett said it is important to keep these two things in mind, and to consider home hardening.

“Home hardening is the term used to describe vegetation management compliance and building materials used to resist the intrusion of flames or embers projected by a wildland fire,” according to CAL FIRE. “It can be applied to new construction.”

Barrett said a lot of information regarding home hardening can be found on the MySafe:LA website. MySafe:LA also provides free wildfire assessments.

“If you are at a place where there is a structure that needs to be inspected, we can come and do that for you and give you a report, and that’s free,” Barrett said. “There’s no charge for doing that.”

The conversation then led to the development and benefits of developing a Fire Safe Council. Barrett said Fire Safe Councils empower local communities to reduce wildfire risk, will have access to grant funding for wildfire prevention, collaborate with fire departments and emergency agencies, and more.

“Currently in Los Angeles, we’ve got … four Fire Safe Councils that have already been established, and we’re working on another four, and hopefully the Palisades will be the fifth,” Barrett said. “We’ll get you across the finish line, being a Fire Safe Council. Our people will work to make sure that you have the support that you need to become one.”

Barrett expressed hopes in returning to PPCC to provide feedback on Palisades Fire Exposure, offer rebuilding expertise and to respond to community questions.

The next PPCC meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 27, at 6 p.m. via Zoom. The meeting is expected to cover information on the rebuilding of Palisades charter schools by Los Angeles Unified School District, as well as questions on debris removal by representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

For more information on MySafe:LA, visit mysafela.org. For a link to the March 27 PPCC meeting and agenda, visit pacpalicc.org.

LAUSD Updates

The Palisades fire has tested our resilience as a community, but together, we are making a strong recovery. As your Los Angeles Unified School District board member, I want to provide an update on how we are moving forward to ensure that our schools remain safe, open and ready to serve our students and families.

First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude to the educators, school staff, families and first responders who worked tirelessly to keep our students safe and supported during this crisis. Thanks to their dedication, we were able to respond quickly and effectively to minimize disruptions to learning.

When Marquez Charter Elementary and Palisades Charter Elementary schools were irreparably damaged by the fires, we immediately prioritized getting our students back into the classroom. Within a week, both schools were successfully relocated to nearby campuses, ensuring that students could continue their education in a stable environment. We are currently in the process of engaging with families to figure out plans for next year.

All other schools that had been evacuated and temporarily closed due to the fires have now reopened, and we are taking extensive measures to ensure their safety. Preliminary soil and wipe sampling data collected at both Canyon Charter Elementary and Paul Revere Charter Middle schools appear to show no impacts from the fire or are at levels that are above safety thresholds. We have also implemented several new health and safety measures, including extra cleaning, upgraded air filtration, and providing masks and bottled water as needed.

For Palisades Charter High School, the transition has been more complex due to its larger student population and the extent of the damage. While Pali High initially pivoted to remote learning, we worked closely with their leadership team to secure a temporary space at the Sears building in Santa Monica so students can return to in-person instruction in April. We are committed to supporting them throughout this entire process, and expect them to reopen on the Pali High campus once it is safe to do so in the next school year.

Beyond these immediate responses, we are leading with urgency and vision in our long-term recovery efforts. LAUSD has just announced a $725 million rebuilding plan that puts health, safety and sustainability at the forefront of these projects.

This investment is part of a larger, $2.2 billion plan to make all our schools more climate-resilient. As we think about the future, we are dedicated to ensuring that every student has access to a safe and modern learning environment.

We understand that this has been an unimaginable time for many in our community, but our commitment remains steadfast: ensuring the well-being of our students, families and staff. I want to personally thank everyone for their patience, resilience and collaboration as we navigate this recovery together.

We are not just rebuilding schools—we are strengthening our entire community. Together, we will make sure that our schools come back stronger than ever.

You can always find more information on my website at boardmembermelvoin.com and by following @nickmelvoinBD4 on Facebook, X and Instagram for the latest news and updates.

Nick Melvoin
Los Angeles Unified School District Board Member

Palisades Symphony will present a concert on Sunday, March 30, at 7:30 p.m. at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Santa Monica with works by “unique women’s voices.”

The program will feature Clara Schumann’s “Piano Concerto,” with soloist Xiao Chen, Maria Newman’s “Our Rights and Nothing Less” and Florence Price’s “Symphony No. 3.”

“Our normal concert venue, the Palisades Lutheran Church, miraculously survived the Palisades fire disaster,” read a statement from Palisades Symphony. “However, it will take some time for the building to be restored to normal use. We thank the Pilgrim Lutheran Church for providing us with an alternative venue.”

Admission to the concert is free and seating is open at the church, which is located at 1730 Wilshire Boulevard. For more information, visit palisadessymphony.org.