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Cinque Terre West, DELIzioso Cinque Now Open at The Colony in Venice

By
Sarah Shmerling
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Photo courtesy of Cinque Terre West

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Chef Gianbattista “Gianba” and Marlo Vinzoni are now serving a full menu at The Colony in Venice through Cinque Terre West and DELIzioso Cinque, which opened on March 18.

“Our Palisades community’s resilience and strength continue to inspire us,” the Vinzonis wrote in a statement. “It’s the connections we share that keep us going, and we’re so grateful to all of you.”

The Vinzonis owned and operated Monument Street eatery DELIzioso Cinque, which was open at the time of the Palisades fire, as well as Cinque Terre West and Enoteca Cinque, which had previously closed in June 2024.

The menu includes items from DELIzioso Cinque and the previous Cinque Terre West iteration, including cornetti (chocolate and plain croissants), soups, salads, sandwiches, pasta and main courses, with items like Pollo al Limone and Branzino alla Mediterranea. Saffron Seafood Paella—“Chef Gianba’s special”—is also available with 48-hour notice.

“After a challenging time for us all, reconnecting with the Palisades through food has been our goal—and we couldn’t be happier to serve our friends, family and neighbors once again,” the Vinzonis said. “Whether you’re craving your favorite Cinque Terre West or DELIzioso Cinque dishes, we’re here to bring a taste of home to you.”

For anyone who would like to see Marlo at The Colony when picking up food or eating, she recommended emailing to let her know in advance. She envisions offering the space as a meeting ground for Palisadians.

“The people in town, those are the people I hold close to my heart,” Marlo said. “If somebody wants to meet, I’m happy to come and say hello.”

Cinque Terre West and DELIzioso Cinque are available for dine-in, pickup and delivery. In addition to the restaurant, Gianba also continues to be available for catering.

“Chef Gianba will collaborate with you to craft a personalized menu that perfectly reflects your tastes and fulfills your event’s needs,” read information about catering. “From dietary preferences to highlighting your favorite dishes, every detail is meticulously curated.”

They are also able to host catering event at The Colony—whether it’s a meeting, book club, etc.—for no additional charge.

Cinque Terre West, known for its “regional Ligurian dishes … reminiscent of the small Mediterranean coastal villages of the Cinque Terre region Gianba grew up in,” opened in May 2019. The wine bar—Enoteca Cinque by Cinque Terre West—followed in August 2021. DELIzioso Cinque opened in January 2023.

Cinque Terre West and DELIzioso Cinque are open Tuesday to Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at The Colony, which is located at 401 Lincoln Boulevard.

“Thank you for giving us the opportunity to do what we love—bringing you the flavors and experiences we’re passionate about,” the Vinzonis wrote. “We’re thrilled to be back and can’t wait to serve you again.”

Pali High Class of 2025 Graduation to Take Place at Hollywood Bowl

By
Sarah Shmerling
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The Hollywood Bowl
Photo courtesy of Hollywood Bowl

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Palisades Charter High School announced on March 28 that its graduation for the Class of 2025 will take place at the Hollywood Bowl.

“We are excited to share some amazing news with our school community,” Pali High wrote across social media. “After a thorough search and months of planning, we are proud to announce that the Class of 2025 Graduation will be held at the Hollywood Bowl.”

The ceremony will take place on Wednesday, June 4. Details like time, tickets and logistics will be announced closer to the date, Pali High wrote.

“Thank you for your patience and support during this process,” the post continued. “A special thank you to everyone who helped make this dream a reality. We look forward to celebrating our seniors and giving them the send-off they deserve at this iconic venue.”

The school, whose campus has been closed since the Palisades fire started on January 7, also recently announced that it had secured a lease for a temporary learning center at the former Sears building in Santa Monica.

“We plan to have an all-staff day on Monday, April 21, with students reporting for classes on Tuesday, April 22,” Principal Dr. Pam Magee wrote on March 29.

The build-out is “on schedule,” according to Magee, and “many classrooms have already been constructed.”

An informational town hall, “Transition to Pali South @ Sears Santa Monica,” is being planned for Wednesday, April 9, at 6 p.m. Additional details, including a link to the Zoom, will be available before the meeting, Magee confirmed.

Assemblymember Irwin to Host Rebuilding-Focused Webinar

By
Lily Tinoco
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Photo courtesy of Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin and the Contractors State License Board will host a live webinar to support people affected by the Southern California wildfires on Thursday, April 3, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

The webinar is designed to assist individuals navigate the rebuilding process, covering topics like hiring and working with licensed contractors; understanding contracts, change orders and protections; and fraud prevention and how to avoid project delays.

“Fire victims are understandably concerned about being taken advantage of by unethical contractors during the process of rebuilding of their homes and businesses,” Irwin said in a statement. “They have suffered enough already, and nobody wants them to be further victimized during the rebuilding process. The purpose of this seminar is to provide information that will further protect them during the process of engaging with and hiring a contractor.”

The Zoom capacity for the webinar is set to 500—those who receive a message that the room is full are encouraged to join the Facebook Live feed on Irwin’s page. The presentation in its entirety will be available on the assembly website in the days following.

“Rebuild with confidence,” Irwin said in a statement, “don’t miss this important discussion.”

To join the webinar or submit questions, visit a42.asmdc.org/event. For more information, contact the District Office at 805-370-0542.

Irwin is also hosting a Sidewalk Session in Thousand Oaks on Saturday, April 5, from 12 to 2 p.m. at The Five07 Coffee Bar + Eatery (2036 Avenida de los Arboles).

“Come join a discussion on local issues in a relaxed, informal setting,” read information about the session. “District Office staff will be available to take information to address questions or community concerns, and schedule future meetings as time permits. Be sure to sign in upon arrival to get on the list for a conversation with Assemblymember Irwin.”

St. Matthew’s Music Guild Season Continues With ‘Premiere Vocal Ensemble’ Stile Antico

By
Lily Tinoco
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Stile Antico
Photo by Eduardus Lee

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

St. Matthew’s Music Guild will continue its 40th anniversary season of concerts with a performance featuring Stile Antico—one of the world’s “most accomplished and innovative” vocal ensembles—on Friday, April 4, beginning at 8 p.m.

“The Golden Renaissance: A Journey Through Some of Stile Antico’s Favorite Music” is slated to present diverse styles of choral music that flourished around Renaissance Europe.

The program will feature masterworks by Englishmen William Byrd, Orlando Gibbons, Thomas Tallis and John Taverner, as well as seasonal and ceremonial music by Michael Praetorius, Francisco Guerrero, Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina, Gregorio Allegri, Josquin des Prez, Cristóbal de Morales and Tomás Luis de Victoria.

The concert will close with a new work, commissioned by Stile Antico from Huw Watkins: “The Phoenix and the Turtle.”

“‘Stile antico’ is an Italian term that means ‘old style’ or ‘ancient style,’ and describes a style of musical composition that was popular in the 16th century,” according to Music Guild. “Based in London, Stile Antico’s 12 members have thrilled audiences on four continents with their fresh, vibrant and moving performances of Renaissance polyphony.”

Stile Antico has been invited to appear at Europe’s leading festivals. Since the group’s 2009 debut, the ensemble has frequented the United States and Canada.

Stile Antico is celebrating 25 years as a professional ensemble in 2025 with gala performances at Wigmore Hall, The Boston Early Music Festival and AMUZ Antwerp.

“The group also marks the 500th birthday of Palestrina, the quintessential master of the ‘stile antico,’ with a series of concerts and the release of a new album for Decca Classics,” according to Music Guild.

Due to the Palisades fire, the April 4 concert will take place at St. Augustine by-the-Sea Church in Santa Monica—located at 1227 Fourth Street. Parking will be available at the Santa Monica Public Parking Structure 1, located across the street from the church. Tickets for the concert are $45.

Music Guild will return to St. Matthew’s Church in the Palisades—where it typically hosts its concerts—“when it is deemed safe to do so,” according to a statement.

Pali High Presents Second Weekend of ‘Legally Blonde the Musical’ Performances

By
Sarah Shmerling
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Photo courtesy of Pali High

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Palisades Charter High School will continue its two-weekend run of “Legally Blonde the Musical” with performances April 3 through 5 at Santa Monica High School in the Humanities Center, located at 601 Pico Boulevard.

“A fabulously fun award-winning musical based on the adored movie, ‘Legally Blonde the Musical’ follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams,” read a synopsis from Pali High. “Action-packed and exploding with memorable songs and dynamic dances—this musical is so much fun, it should be illegal.”

Woods’ life is “turned upside down” when her boyfriend, Warner, breaks up with her to attend Harvard Law.

“Determined to get him back, Elle ingeniously charms her way into the prestigious law school,” the synopsis continued. “While there, she struggles with peers, professors and her ex. With the support of some new friends, though, Elle quickly realizes her potential and sets out to prove herself to the world.”

Performances will take place April 3, 4 and 5 at 7 p.m., as well as 2 p.m. on April 5. Tickets are available on gofan.co at $10 for students, $18 for general admission and $25 for VIP.

Intergenerational Sages & Seekers Program Spring Enrollment Open

By
Sarah Shmerling
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Photo courtesy of Sages & Seekers

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Enrollment for the Sages & Seekers spring program—which begins in mid-April—is now open.

The intergenerational program is designed to help build meaningful relationships between Sages (adults 60 years and older) and Seekers (students ages 15 to 24 years old). The deadline to enroll for spring sessions is April 9.

“Sages & Seekers’ mission is to develop empathy, combat social isolation and dissolve age-related segregation within our communities, while meeting the universal and compelling need of both young adults and elders to make sense of their lives,” according to its website. “This is achieved by creating a sense of intergenerational community in our programs, through the art of authentic conversation.”

There are several online programs available, which each take place over the course of six weeks, including Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. A complete list is available at the Sages & Seekers website.

Previously, Sages & Seekers has offered in-person sessions at Palisades Charter High School. For its spring session, there is an in-person program available at ONEgeneration Senior Enrichment Center in Reseda on Tuesdays beginning at 10 a.m.

Sages & Seekers is also offering two one-day programs for Seekers to meet with middle school students on May 14 at Waverly School in Pasadena and May 22 at Wildwood School in Los Angeles.

“You will meet with middle school students, sharing your life story, life lessons and your experience as an older adult,” according to the program. “The discussions are designed to break down barriers between the generations and educate students about aging and ageism.”

FEMA Extends Deadline to Submit Right of Entry Forms for Debris Removal; Expands Eligibility

By
Sarah Shmerling
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USACE CA Wildfire Debris Mission update map, as of Friday, March 28
Courtesy of USACE

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

FEMA has extended the deadline to opt in or out of the government-run fire debris removal program to April 15, Supervisor Lindsey Horvath announced on Friday, March 28, and has expanded eligibility.

“FEMA has responded to our request—condos, townhomes and multi-family mobile home parks are now eligible for federally funded debris removal,” Horvath wrote. “The deadline to submit your right of entry form has also been extended to April 15.”

Residents have two options for Phase 2: opting in to the government-run debris removal program, which is being led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Colonel Eric Swenson, at no out-of-pocket charge, or opting out and hiring a private contractor.

Speaking with the Palisadian-Post Monday morning, March 31, Constance Farrell, communications director for Horvath’s office, confirmed that mobile home parks fit FEMA’s criteria for “case by case” basis, but she is “extremely confident” that they are going to be included.

Farrell reported that Horvath’s office has been in touch with the owners/managers of Tahitian Terrace and Palisades Bowl, as well as Councilmember Traci Park and the state, to advocate for their inclusion in the government-run debris removal process.

Phase 2 involves removing visible fire debris, such as chimneys, hazardous trees, ash and—if specified on a right-of-entry form by the owner—foundations.

The form can be completed online at recovery.lacounty.gov/debris-removal or in-person at a Disaster Recovery Center, with the Westside location at 10850 West Pico Boulevard.

The announcement to extend the deadline and expanded eligibility came one day after the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services urged FEMA on March 27 to expand the debris removal program.

“Regarding residential commercial properties, I have determined residential commercial properties that contain at least one owner-occupied home will be treated in the same manner as approved residential properties for the entire structure,” FEMA Regional Administrator Robert Fenton wrote in a letter dated March 28. “This will include most condominium and other multi-family buildings, even where there may be a mix of owner-occupied and rental units within the same building. This approval does not include multi-family rental properties entirely owned by for-profit entities, such as apartment buildings, which will continue to be treated as commercial properties.

“Commercial properties, including multi-family rental properties entirely owned by for-profit entities, will continue to be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Any requests to include commercial properties in Private Property Debris Removal operations must include a justification based on the following factors: An immediate threat to public health and safety due to debris; Barriers to the commercial entity completing debris removal independently; Insurance coverage and status of claim; Economic impact of debris removal on the commercial entity and community.”

When it comes to multi-family properties, according to Governor Gavin Newsom’s office, each owner of a destroyed unit in a condominium or duplex needs to submit an ROE form, as well as the homeowner’s association.

“This allows the county, state and FEMA to assess the property for eligibility,” the statement concluded.

Farrell confirmed that each tenant of the mobile home parks should fill out the ROE, as officials are working on “packaging” them for FEMA to review.

Editor’s note: This story was updated on March 31 to reflect information regarding mobile home parks.

Palisadians Share First-Hand Accounts of Phase 2 Debris Removal

By
Lily Tinoco
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Photo courtesy of Jordan Catapano

Deadline to Opt In or Out of County-Run Program Is April 15

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

With Phase 2 of debris removal for residential properties underway following the Palisades fire—and the deadline approaching to opt in or out of the county-run program—Palisadians have shared their first-hand experiences.

Phase 2 involves removing visible fire debris, such as chimneys, hazardous trees, ash and—if specified on a right-of-entry form by the owner—foundations.

Residents have two options for Phase 2: opting in to the county-run debris removal program, which is being led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Colonel Eric Swenson, at no out-of-pocket charge, or opting out and hiring a private contractor.

The deadline to opt in or out of the program has been extended from March 31 to April 15, Supervisor Lindsey Horvath announced on Friday, March 28. The form can be completed online at recovery.lacounty.gov/debris-removal or in-person at a Disaster Recovery Center, with the Westside location at 10850 West Pico Boulevard.

Residents who own condos, as well as their homeowner associations, should also opt in or out … Emiko Thompson with LA County Public Works explained during Mayor Karen Bass’ March 18 virtual town hall.

At the time of the meeting, the status of multi-unit parcels, which were not part of the initial USACE mission, were currently under discussion. FEMA confirmed on March 28 that now will be part of the mission.

Jenny Delwood with Bass’ office explained that the city would be asking FEMA to assign USACE with their clearance. Having the forms filled out puts the city in a “better position” to be able to make the “formal request to the federal government.”

USACE, in coordination with the state of California and FEMA, began Phase 2 debris removal for private residential properties in the Palisades in February.

There are a number of factors that determine when a lot will be scheduled for Phase 2 debris removal, which is not a “first-come, first-served process,” the county explained.

“To maximize efficiency, contractors schedule their work based on priorities set by the federal government with input from the county,” according to LA County. “As ROEs are collected and ownership is verified, the Army Corps of Engineers will batch properties together for clearing with the objective of moving as quickly as possible.”

Property owners will be informed three to five days before their property approaches the clean-up phase.

Once the removal process has begun, USACE aims for debris to be safely removed in two to three days per property. This can change depending on the size of the lot or parcel, the amount of debris, inclement weather and more.

“It will not be possible to estimate how long it will take to clean up your property until the contractor assesses the site,” according to LA County.

Palisadian Jordan Catapano told the Palisadian-Post that her property was cleared on Sunday, March 9, by USACE. It took the team one day to clear Catapano’s lot.

Catapano said the team was “very communicative” and gave her a call about three weeks after signing paperwork. She said they were easy to get a hold of when she had follow-up questions.

“They asked if we wanted to preserve any trees that weren’t severely damaged, protect any pet graves and if we wanted our pool drained,” Catapano said to the Post. “They were great. Feeling really good about this and am now going to spend my time imagining what our new home will look like.”

Palisadian Amy Horwath said USACE debris removal began on her property near Will Rogers State Historic Park on Monday morning, February 24.

The team reached out to Horwath a week prior to coordinate. Upon arrival, the team surveyed the property with Horwath, and discussed retaining walls and the septic system, so as not to damage them.

“The whole team appeared professional and clearly experienced,” she said. “We have a hillside lot, and they were able to navigate the excavator and dump trucks up the driveway with minimal damage.”

Horwath said debris removal was a three-day process.

A week before the then-March 31 deadline, Horvath urged residents to opt in or out of the program.

“Los Angeles County is calling on every property owner to partner with us to accelerate wildfire recovery by completing right of entry forms by March 31,” Horvath said in a statement March 24. “There’s only one week left, and we need everyone to make their choice—whether that is opting into our program or choosing to go private. Whatever you decide, please do so in the next seven days.”

Colonel Brian Sawser—commander of the USACE Pacific Palisades Emergency Field Office—said they are “rapidly increasing the number of crews to reduce the time needed to complete its mission.”

“This is an optimization challenge,” Sawser described. “Fewer constraints and fewer unknowns greatly assist the Corps in moving faster. The greatest unknown right now is whether the remaining 1,300 or so undeclared properties in the Palisades fire impact area will opt in or opt out of the Corps’ private property debris removal program.”

Owners who do not select a debris removal option by the deadline will be responsible for hiring qualified contractors, obtaining permits and clearing debris in compliance with local regulations by June 30, according to Horvath’s statement.

Editor’s note: This story was amended Friday, March 28, with the updated deadline to opt in or out, as well as information about multi-unit parcels.

Rec and Parks Board of Commissioners Approves Palisades Playground Project

By
Sarah Shmerling
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GameTime presented four project renderings to the Park Advisory Board, which provided feedback.
Photo courtesy of GameTime

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.”

Sam Laganà Sworn In as Honorary Town Sheriff

By
Steve Galluzzo
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Park (left) and Laganà
Photo by Steve Galluzzo

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.

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