Los Angeles Fire Department knocked down two “small fires” near Murphy Ranch in Pacific Palisades at 2200 Sullivan Fire Road that were first reported on Monday, December 16, at 4:43 p.m.
“LAFD Air Ops located two small fires (each less than 30’ by 30’) located near Murphy Ranch in medium to heavy brush,” according to spokesperson Margaret Stewart.
The fires were located in “difficult to reach areas,” according to Stewart, but there was no wind at the time.
“LAFD Air Ops conducted water drops, which knocked out the bulk of the flames,” Stewart continued. “Meanwhile ground firefighters [worked] to gain access and cut lines around the perimeter.”
After the water drops knocked back the fire, Stewart wrote, firefighters were able to reach the burn area by ground. They conducted mop up operations during the two-hour operation to ensure that all hotspots were out.
No structures were threatened, according to the report.
Pacific Palisades skate shop Paliskates will celebrate its 25th anniversary with an event on Friday, December 20, from 6 to 9 p.m.
“Founded and owned by Erica Simpson, Paliskates offers a curated collection of on-trend products and merchandise, reflecting the independent spirit of skate and surf culture and the unique style of young adults,” read a statement from Malibu Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce. “This is a momentous occasion, as Erica is a pioneer, being the sole women business owner in the skateboarding industry across all of USA.”
Paliskates—located at 1021 Swarthmore Avenue—will host a celebratory event on December 20 with festivities to include a DJ, food and a “chance to reminisce about the store’s journey.”
“Paliskates has always been more than just a retail store in the Palisades,” the statement continued. “It quickly became a space where young adults could connect, hang out and learn from one another.”
Throughout the years, Paliskates has hosted events, including pop-up concerts, and has partnered with area nonprofits to help fundraise, most recently with Palisades-based Level UP LA, donating a portion of proceeds from an event to support the organization. The store has also launched a podcast series, which is available on Instagram and TikTok (@paliskates).
Prizes will be awarded in three categories: Best Decked Out Hall, Best Theme and Greenest Decor, which was launched in 2023 to honor a home with environmentally sustainable decorations.
This year’s sponsors include McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams, Alfred, Theatre Palisades, Porta Via Palisades, Palisades Gas & Wash, and Roku Sushi.
Voting is set to begin on December 23 and will continue through January 3, with winners announced in the January 9 print edition of the Post.
Palisades Gift Shop is offering gift wrap services for any product this holiday season, not just items purchased from the shop.
“We love to make gifts look beautiful and special, and we are excited to offer gift wrapping services for the holiday season,” according to Palisades Gift Shop. “Drop your gifts off with us, and pick them up wrapped and ready to go.”
Pricing for gift wrapping services range from $5 to $25 per gift, which is based on number of packages, size of package and style of gift wrap. Turnaround time is typically 24 to 48 hours.
“When you drop off your gifts, you will select gift wrap for each item and be charged at the time of drop off,” Palisades Gift Shop explained.
Bookings can be requested online via the Palisades Gift Shop website.
Palisades Library Film Society two screenings of holiday-time movies on upcoming Saturday afternoons.
The first is a 1970 musical film that was directed by Ronald Neame and starred Albert Finney as its titular character, which will be presented on Saturday, December 21, beginning at 2:30 p.m. The film received four Academy Award nominations, including Best Original Song.
The next screening—a “classic romantic Christmas movie”—will take place on Saturday, December 28, at 2 p.m. The second film stars Hugh Grant and “many other British stars,” according to an event description.
“Take a break from the holidays,” read the description. “Snacks will be served.”
Both shows will take place in-person at the Palisades Branch Library, located at 861 Alma Real Drive.
Photo courtesy of Pacific Palisades Art Association
By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor
Pacific Palisades Art Association will host a holiday celebration at Palisades Branch Library on Saturday, December 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The event will feature artwork by Annette Alexakis, Krishna Thangavelu and Teresa Bernadette.
“Join us for gathering and refreshments,” PPAA wrote. “We hope to see you there.”
The event will take place at the Palisades Branch Library Community Room.
Founded in 1947, Pacific Palisades Art Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to informing and showcasing art in the Palisades.
“Our mission: Creating a safe environment for artists to share and explore their journey through group discussions, critiques, guest speakers and events,” according to its website. “The Pacific Palisades Art Association has invited artists and creative souls to share their art and knowledge … We serve as a community gathering for local artists.”
February landslide on PCH Photo by Chuck Larsen Photography
By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
Although they were on the agenda for the December 3 Planning and Land Use Management Committee of the Los Angeles City Council hearing, four homes proposed to be built in Castellammare on Tramonto and Revello drives were not discussed due to a loss of quorum.
The meeting—scheduled to begin at 2 p.m.—was delayed more than an hour as the committee waited to have a quorum, which was lost when members left before several items on the agenda were reviewed and discussed, including the proposed homes, which are formally called the Revello Drive and Tramonto Drive Residential Project.
The purpose of the hearing was for the city of Los Angeles to reach a decision on the EIR requirement for the project, according to a letter sent by Castellammare Mesa Home Owners Association, which is collaborating during the hearing process with Pacific Palisades Residents Association. The community groups have engaged with Victor De la Cruz of Manatt, Phelps and Phillips for their legal representation, according to PPRA President Jessica Rogers.
A Housing Element EIR, which addresses “only the lots on the project site” while not assessing the “impact on the surrounding environment and cannot be appealed,” is being considered by city of LA, while multiple entities across Pacific Palisades are requesting a Site-Specific EIR, which “addresses the environment surrounding the project site, is required by CEQA law for a project of this size, scope and in this location,” according to CMHO.
“If a Housing Element EIR is approved this would set a dangerous precedent for all of LA,” the letter continued. “This includes Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, hillsides and landslide areas, including active landslide areas. We are opposing the use of a Housing Element EIR and requesting that a decision to use a Site-Specific EIR be made.”
Residents who made the trip to Downtown LA for the December 3 hearing gave one-minute statements during the public comment portion.
“Because two councilmembers left after 5 p.m., a quorum was lost and no other cases could be heard,” CMHO explained. “[Victor De la Cruz of Manatt, Phelps and Phillips] was never able to speak, and our case was continued. This means our case will be heard at a full City Council meeting. If we are not placed on an agenda this coming week, then our hearing will be delayed until January 2025.”
The proposed development has previously been the subject of several meetings and hearings, including a West Los Angeles Area Planning Commission hearing on November 15, 2023, and special meetings hosted by Pacific Palisades Community Council on May 23 and October 1.
The project area Photo courtesy of Demos Development
The PPCC Board reported in May in a background summary that in April 2023, it learned about the proposed construction of four homes over 12 existing lots along the 17500 blocks of Tramonto and Revello drives at the top of the Tramonto landslide, ranging from 2,619 square feet to 7,695 square feet (each with 2,428 to 6,292 square feet of basement space).
At the time, the PPCC Board was informed of concerns related to the “scale of the project” and the “unstable geology of the underlying slide at the foot of the property to be developed.” The board passed a motion in 2023 calling for the EIR, as well as urging the city to “ensure the preservations of the public’s safety throughout construction and mitigating any construction impact on local roadways.” The PPCC Executive Committee sent a supplemental letter in October 2023.
A landslide that occurred in February of this year blocked the right lane of Pacific Coast Highway at the base of the Tramonto landslide, reported then-PPCC Area 1 Representative Murray Levy, raising “urgent and immediate concerns about the planned construction.”
All of the sites of the proposed development project, Tony Russo of Crest Real Estate—speaking on behalf of the applicant, Springhouse Hamilton Park LLC—explained at the November 2023 hearing, are located within the Tramonto landslide. The city requires the project “must remediate the landslide per code to ensure the safety of the development in the area.”
In the late 1960s, Russo continued, Tramonto was restored to its pre-landslide condition through the construction of a bulkhead, which was later reinforced in 1981. In February 2021, city engineers concluded the bulkhead and tie-back system appear “structurally sound,” according to Russo.
“Ultimately, the project proposes the four residences on piles that will stabilize the landslide and achieve the required factors of safety,” Russo said at the time.
Councilmember Traci Park wrote a letter ahead of the December 3 PLUM hearing “to express concerns regarding” the proposed development. “Key issues raised” by community members include “safety risks due to landslide activity,” “partial slope stabilization concerns,” “inadequate mitigation measures,” “infrastructure capacity” and “unfinished construction.”
“After consulting with community members, different agencies, including our review of the existing record in this matter, our office believes that a fair argument of a potential significant impact from this proposed project exists related to the items we discussed above,” read the letter. “We recommend this project be remanded back to the West Los Angeles Area Planning Commission to ensure the proposed project be reviewed with the benefit of a new CEQA clearance. We further recommend that City Planning be instructed to require that a new CEQA clearance be prepared in light of our concerns that complies with CEQA and is supported by substantial evidence and transmit it to the WLA APC for its consideration along with its reconsideration of the project in light of any new CEQA clearance prepared for the project.”
Diners Are Invited to Visit Through December 31, Sunset Trattoria and Westlake Locations to Remain Open
By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
Casa Nostra Ristorante is set to close its Highlands location at 1515 Palisades Drive, effective December 31.
“This wonderful hidden restaurant in the hills has been a cherished place for countless memories for us all,” read an emailed statement from Malibu Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce, which reported the news of the restaurant’s closing. “Birthdays, school fundraisers, anniversary celebrations and too many too mention.”
Described by Owner Giovanni Zappone as “my first baby,” the restaurant has offered a selection of “classic Italian cuisine” since 2009, served in “a cozy, relaxed atmosphere,” according to its website. The menu includes a selection of antipasti options, like Prosciutto e Burrata and Calamari Fritti, to Paste e Risotti, including Spaghetti alla Bolognese and Papardelle al Cinghiale. There are also Pizze options, including Pepperoni, Prosciutto Parma, and Burrata and Pesto.
“We love bringing our passion for the tastes of Italy to your table in every dish, using high-quality, imported Italian products and the freshest locally grown produce,” the website continued. “Our knowledgeable staff prides itself in providing a simple, flavorful dining experience and making your visit to Casa Nostra both delicious and special.”
The space has also been host for area events, including Chamber Mixers and the upcoming Pacific Palisades Community Council Holiday Dinner & Awards Gala the evening of Thursday, December 12.
The restaurant faced an almost-two-year closure from April 22, 2021, to its reopening on April 15, 2023, following a fire that broke out on the first story of the two-story shopping center. Zappone said at the time of its reopening the damages to the restaurant were “not very bad,” but getting clearance from the city during the COVID-19 pandemic “was taking forever.”
He expressed gratitude to the community for its support of the Sunset location during the Highlands closure and after its reopening.
“Fear not,” the statement from the Chamber continued. “Giovanni and his incredible staff are not leaving the Palisades. Their Sunset location will continue to serve up their many signature dishes, and always warm and friendly hospitality.”
Zappone owns and operates the Sunset location, Casa Nostra Trattoria, as well as a location in Westlake Village.
“Please enjoy meals at Highlands this month,” the Chamber’s statement concluded. “And keep the Sunset location in mind for your future dining options.”
The menorah lighting in 2023 Photo by Sarah Shmerling
By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor
Chabad of Pacific Palisades and Palisades Village are partnering together to “spread the light” with a pre-Hanukkah celebration on Thursday, December 19, from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
“Join Chabad [and] Caruso as we celebrate the upcoming holiday of Chanukah as we light up the Palisades,” according to an event flyer. “This will be an evening of light and Jewish pride.”
Festivities will take place outside Bay Theater on Swarthmore Avenue beginning at 5 p.m. The menorah lighting ceremony will begin at 6 p.m.
Throughout the event there will be live music, holiday crafts, treats and more. It is free to attend and open to the entire community.
Those who plan to attend are invited to RSVP to receive a Hanukkah beanie at the event, while supplies last.
Chabad explained that Hanukkah candles are lit in the evenings preceding each of the eight days of Hanukkah, beginning this year Wednesday night, December 25, through January 2, 2025.
Chabad Palisades Jewish Enrichment Club will also be hosting a pre-Hanukkah party for the young ones—inviting JEC members and friends, ages 5 to 12 years old, to celebrate on Tuesday, December 17, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Children are invited to engage in different activities that “embody the spirit of Chanukah,” according to the website.
“They’ll experience dynamic twists on traditional festivities,” the website read. “One of the highlights of the event will be our special #ShareTheLight activity, where children will craft glowing LED sculptures.”
Chabad Palisades said this year is focused on lighting up the neighborhood “with pride, resilience and unity.”
“This party is all about spreading the light of Chanukah in a bold, fun and unforgettable way,” according to the website.
The Boy Scouts of America, Pacific Palisades Troop 223, celebrated an Eagle Court of Honor on Tuesday, November 26, which marked a “significant milestone” of the 1,000th scout to earn the rank of Eagle in the troop, the highest rank in the Scouts BSA program.
“This is a rare, if not the first ever, milestone for a Scouts troop to achieve,” according to a statement. “The milestone reflects the ongoing progress of the Scouts BSA in fostering leadership skills and character development across diverse communities. The Eagle Scout rank represents years of hard work, dedication, leadership and community service.”
The Eagle Scout rank is an accomplishment earned by only a small percentage of Scouts, according to the statement. Approximately 6% of those who enter the program achieve the ranking.
The event—which took place at Skirball Cultural Center’s Guerin Pavilion—brought together scouts, families, friends and supporters to celebrate the individuals and their service to the community.
“Newly minted Eagle Scouts … received their pins from their families and special scout neckerchiefs with the new Troop logo,” according to the statement. “They are the first Eagle Scouts to receive such scarves.”
The event featured a presentation of Eagle Scout awards to recipients, slideshows of the ranking scouts of their time throughout scouting, and influential community leaders and special guests were invited to share words of encouragement and celebrate the achievement.
“Commendations from some of our nation’s most prominent figures are presented and read to the Eagles,” the statement continued. “In past years, members of congress and senate—even past presidents—have sent in their congratulations.”
Longtime Scoutmaster and Palisadian Mike Lanning gave a tribute to the ranking scouts. He has been with the troop for one of the longest tenures in Boy Scouts history.
Lanning was gifted a plaque during the ceremony to commemorate and celebrate having 1,000 scouts to earn the rank of Eagle.
Troop 223, founded in 1952, has had over 2,000 young men and women go through the program. The scoutmasters for the boy’s troop and the girl’s troop are among the longest serving scoutmasters in America.
“Scouts BSA is a youth program of the Boy Scouts of America that provides young people with opportunities to develop leadership skills, build confidence and perform service projects that benefit their communities,” the statement concluded.
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