Pacific Coast Highway is slated to be reduced to one lane in each direction between Porto Marina Way and Temescal Canyon Road the night of Friday, September 6, and then each night Monday, September 9, through Friday, September 9, according to an alert from Caltrans sent Friday morning, September 6.
The closures are anticipated to take place between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. to “repave two sections of the highway north of Temescal Canyon Road.” The lanes would be reopened each morning.
“During construction, the speed limit will be reduced from 45 mph to 35 mph,” according to Caltrans. “Please drive safely through work zone areas.”
NWS HeatRisk map for September 5 Courtesy of NWS/NOAA
By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
As temperatures begin to climb, Los Angeles County Health Officers has issued excessive heat warnings, including for West and East Santa Monica Mountains, which started September 4 and are expected to continue through Monday, September 9, at 8 p.m.
“Los Angeles is experiencing a classic setup for very high temperatures, possibly record temperatures, to occur from Thursday into Saturday,” wrote Craig Weston, who tracks weather data from the Huntington. “High pressure over the California Desert region, coupled with an offshore flow to keep the marine layer at bay, is creating conditions for temperatures to be as much as 25 degrees above normal.”
At the time this story published, Pacific Palisades was expected to see a high of 104 degrees on Thursday, September 5, and a high of 102 degrees on Friday, September 6. The temperature was predicted to reach 97 on Saturday, September 7, and 100 on Sunday, September 8. The last day of the excessive heat warning—Monday, September 9—was predicted to reach 98 degrees.
“Pacific Palisades is almost guaranteed to break its 82 degree high reading for this year set on January 28,” Weston continued. “Woodland Hills could see temperatures of 100 to 117 degrees. The highest reading for Woodland Hills occurred on September 6, 2020, at 121 degrees. Since 2014, the highest temperature recorded in Pacific Palisades was 107 degrees on July 6, 2018.”
Lows were expected to remain in the upper 70s on Thursday and Friday, predicted to be 78 and 76, respectively.
National Weather Service also issued a Fire Weather Watch beginning Thursday, September 5, at 12 p.m. through Saturday evening for “all mountains,” due to “extreme heat and dry conditions with locally gusty winds.” The watch had the potential to be converted to a Red Flag Warning, NWS reported.
Sports across Southern California are being rescheduled or moved to the early morning hours or later in the evening due to the high temperatures, Weston explained.
“Public Health reminds everyone to take precautions to avoid heat-related illness, especially older adults, young children, pregnant people, outdoor workers, athletes and those with a chronic medical condition who are more at risk for negative health impacts from extreme heat,” the department wrote in a statement.
Public Health issued a list of recommendations, including to stay hydrated, avoid going outside during the hottest hours, wear sunscreen, be aware of heat illness, check on at-risk people and prepare for power outages.
“If we make sure to stay hydrated and keep cool, we can protect ourselves and our loved ones, friends and neighbors,” said LA County Health Officer Muntu Davis, MD, MPH. “If you have an elderly or unwell family member or neighbor, check on them regularly to ensure they are safe and well.”
Editor’s note: The story was updated to reflect the extension of the excessive heat warning through Monday, September 9.
The Pacific Palisades Democratic Club has announced a lineup of guests and festivities for its 2024 Garden Party, which will take place on Sunday, September 8, from 2 to 4 p.m.
Community members are invited to enjoy food and drinks outdoors, and partake in a silent auction at a home in the Riviera, where doors will open at 1:30 p.m.
“Hear from and mingle with elected and VIPs,” PPDC said in a statement.
This year’s guest speakers are slated to include Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, Supervisor District 3 Lindsey Horvath, City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto, City Councilmember Traci Park, LA County Democratic Party Chair Mark Ramos and Bill Burton, senior advisor for former President Barack Obama and department press secretary. A video message from Representative Brad Sherman will also be presented.
Attendees will have a chance to “peruse and choose goodies” from the PPDC “swag store,” which includes items like T-shirts.
Tickets to attend the garden party begin at $25 for a virtual streaming of the speeches beginning at 2:15 p.m. for students or $35 for adults. For in-person attendance, it is $50 for a ticket for a student or $75 for an adult ($70 per ticket if purchasing two or more). The address of the party will be given upon purchasing of a ticket.
PPDC also celebrated the opening of a new Westside Democratic HQ space in Santa Monica on September 1.
“Why do this, and why in Santa Monica?” the club wrote. “To maximize the number of volunteers who come help … because we’ve made it fun and easy … and because it gives Westsiders outsized national influence.”
The headquarters will act as a space to train and equip volunteers, host candidates and ballot proposition forums, host debates, parties and events, and provide a gathering place.
A Debate Watch Party is slated to take place on Tuesday, September 10, beginning at 5 p.m., with the debate set to start at 6 p.m.
Due to the excessive heat warning in place, the sale will take place in the Palisades Branch Library Community Room, as well as in the shade in the colonnade.
“Books are in excellent condition, priced to sell and include a variety of genres, including contemporary fiction, nonfiction, art books, cookbooks, special interest, children’s and young adult books,” read information from Friends of the Palisades Library, also known as Pacific Palisades Library Association. “Cash and credit cards accepted.”
PPLA wrote there will be a “very large selection” for families with young adults and children.
“Bring your young readers,” PPLA wrote. “Stock up on all your books for the new school year.”
Books that will be sold at the sale have been “generously donated” by members of the community, which were received and sorted by “wonderful” volunteers. Any books that were received that cannot be sold will be donated to “various worthy organizations,” including other libraries, active military personnel, prisons and senior centers.
PPLA is slated to resume collecting books in October. More information will be published when it is available.
“Proceeds from the sale help the Friends continue to supplement library materials, host a wide variety of programs and classes, and provide special initiatives for youth creative writing and art,” according to PPLA.
Those who attend the September sale will receive a drink card for a free beverage at Caffe Luxxe, as well as a voucher for a book at the Friends of the Palisades Library patio bookstore.
The sale will take place at Palisades Branch Library, 861 Alma Real Drive.
Editor’s note: The story was updated to reflect the change of location from the parking lot to the community room, as well as a change in hours.
The Pacific Palisades Village Green will conduct its annual meeting—which includes an election for its Board of Directors—on Thursday, September 12, at 5 p.m. at Palisades Branch Library
Candidates for the board will make an introductory statement, then ballots will be cast. All interested members of the community in attendance will be eligible to vote.
“The number of directors will be at least nine and not more than 15,” Palisades Village Green President Cindy Kirven said to the Palisadian-Post. “And each will serve until the next annual meeting of members.”
The Board is currently composed of 15 directors, and two long-term members will be retiring this year: Betsy Collins and Ann Smith. Collins and Smith have agreed to stay on as “consultants” to the new board.
“They have each served for many years and have been instrumental in the ongoing care needed to keep the Green in such beautiful shape,” Kirven’s statement continued. “The community owes them a debt of gratitude for their years of service.”
Palisades Village Green is a “small, privately owned park” located at 15280 Sunset Boulevard between Swarthmore and Antioch. It operates with a mission to “maintain, in the heart of the community, an attractive, comfortable space in which people can meet others, have a snack, or simply sit in the shade to read or relax.”
Members of the community who wanted to run for a seat on the board were invited to provide a background statement and their interest in or prior activity with the Village Green by September 2.
A previous Block Party Photo by Rich Schmitt/courtesy of Haldis Toppel
By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
The Marquez Knolls Property Owners Association will host its annual Block Party, which is set to take place on Saturday, September 14, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the sidewalk of Marquez Avenue.
“This community event will bring together neighbors, local businesses and families for a day of fun, food and festivities,” read a statement about the event.
The Block Party will include free hot dogs from ACS Security, as well as live performances by Alper’s Young Musician, Gerry Blanck’s Martial Arts Studio, Palisades Dance Studio and New Vibes Gymnastics.
“Children will be entertained with a dedicated kids’ zone featuring a bounce house, balloon artist, magician and face painter,” the statement continued. “In addition, all store owners will participate in exciting raffle prize giveaways.”
Visitors can try a massage chair provided by Oasis Palisades, while Ronny’s Market will provide free coffee and Knolls Pharmacy will have flu shots available. Police cars and firetrucks will be available for guests to climb on and “take selfies.”
Additional participating vendors in the 2024 Block Party include TLC Hair and Skin Care and Beauty Salon, Prana by Lana, Palisades Plumbing, Palisades Screen and Glass, Max Impact Boxing Gym, Palisades Animal Clinic, Paws N Claws, Malibu Coast Pet Retreat, Vittorio’s Ristorante, Ronny’s Parlane Cleaners, Pacific Design Group, Palisades Heating and Air, Domino’s Pizza, Gray Dragon Children & Toy Store, Alicia’s Place, Michael Edlen Real Estate, Gordon Gibson Construction, Marie’s Mac and PC Outcall, Dan Urbach Realtor, Horusicky Construction, Holly Davis Coldwell Bankers and Ali Rassekhi Realty.
“We are excited to host another year of the Marquez Knolls Block Party,” said Haldis Toppel, past president of MKPOA and Block Party organizer. “This event is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together, support local businesses and enjoy a fun-filled day with neighbors.”
Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, email Toppel directly.
A preview of one of the songs, as seen at the Theatre Palisades Awards Show. Photo by Sarah Shmerling
By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
Theatre Palisades next show—“tick, tick… Boom!”—is set to open on Friday night, September 6, at 8 p.m. at Pierson Playhouse.
“Before the revolutionary rock musical ‘RENT,’ Jonathan Larson had another story to tell … his own,” read a synopsis provided by Theatre Palisades. “‘tick, tick… Boom!’ is a three-chapter pop rock musical about facing the crossroads in life and holding on to your dreams that was first produced off Broadway in 2001.”
Book, music and lyrics for the production are by Larson. The Theatre Palisades iteration of the show is directed by Lindsey Johnson, with Alexander Tovar as musical director, and Martha Hunter and Laura Goldstein as producers.
“It tells the story of young Jonathan, a promising young composer on the eve of his 30th birthday,” the synopsis continued. “His girlfriend wants to get married and move out of the city (tick); his best friend is making big bucks on Madison Avenue (tick); and he’s still waiting tables and trying to write the great American musical before time; and life, passes him by (Boom!).”
The cast features Destin Bass (Jon); Anthony Galang (Michael); Bimei Flores (Susan), Charlotte Nevins (Karessa and Female #1), Katherine Rogers (Female #2) and Ian Riegler (Male #1).
The show will run through Sunday, October 13, with performances at Pierson Playhouse, located at 941 Temescal Canyon Road, on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., as well as Sundays at 2 p.m.
Tickets are available for $25 for students and seniors, or $27 for general admission.
“We are delighted to keep this amazing Palisades tradition alive, and the support has been incredible” said David O’Connell, event co-founder and organizer. “We had hoped back in 2013 that this event would be a convenient, family-friendly way to start the holiday season here in the Palisades. It has once again exceeded all of our expectations.”
The event, O’Connell reported, is on pace to have “another record-breaking turnout,” with an anticipated field of 2,500 runners and thousands of spectators.
The trot—which has both a 5K and 10K option—will begin and finish at Palisades Charter High School at Stadium by the Sea, with a course that weaves through El Medio Bluffs.
“This year, the route will not include Temescal Canyon Road,” O’Connell explained. “The 10K runners will do a second loop through El Medio and enjoy the spectacular panoramic ocean views a second time. This decision was designed to minimize the impact on holiday travelers.”
There is also a Pacific Palisades Kids Race, which is open to participants ages 5 to 16.
Sponsors that are returning in 2024 include Exela Technologies, which is “powering the event with their corporate energy and their team of orange-clad runners.” Palisades Village will also return to host pack pick-up in the days before the event. At the time of publication, additional sponsors were expected to be announced.
The event will benefit Los Angeles Fire Department Stations 23 and 69, as well as other charities.
The Pacific Palisades Turkey Trot Powered by Exela Technologies will begin promptly at 8 a.m. and end by 11 a.m.
For more information or to register, visit paliturkeytrot.com. Prices are set to increase after October 20.
The Pali High varsity football team will try to reclaim the coveted Charter Bowl trophy on Friday night, September 6, in Granada Hills. Photo by Rich Schmitt
By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor
Addressing his players minutes after the August 29 victory, Palisades Charter High School football coach Dylen Smith made it clear what the motivation would be at practice this week: “They took it away last year … now we have to go get it back!”
Smith was speaking about the bronze Charter Bowl trophy, which Granada Hills rode away with on the bus following last season’s 26-10 triumph over the Dolphins at Stadium by the Sea. It not only ended Palisades’ nine-game winning streak in the rivalry dating back to 2006, it marked the very first time Palisades lost the annual grudge game on home turf.
The rivalry is renewed Friday night, September 6 (varsity kickoff at 7:30 p.m.), when the two schools clash in the 17th Charter Bowl game. Palisades holds an 11-5 lead in the series (the contest was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 and again two years later because of extreme heat in the Valley).
Palisades and Granada Hills achieved independent charter status in 2003—the first two high schools in Los Angeles Unified School District to do so. The Charter Bowl was established three years later, and since then, it is a date players on both sides circle on the calendar at the start of camp.
Prior to last year’s loss, the Dolphins had won nine straight by an average margin of 25 points, but Granada Hills prevailed, thanks to the tailback tandem of Kanye Martin and Darrell Stanley, and a stout defense that came up with two fumbles and an interception. It was the Highlanders’ first win in the series since head coach Bucky Brooks took the helm in 2019.
Palisades enters Friday’s matchup at 2-0, having beaten Dymally and Roosevelt—teams which run a similar style offense to that of Granada Hills. The host Highlanders are 1-1 and will try to bounce back from last week’s 53-30 loss at Banning.
Granada Hills won four of the first six games. Palisades won the next nine in a row before the Highlanders stole the trophy back last fall. Palisades is 6-1 at home and 5-4 on the road.
The teams first met in 1977 when the Highlanders edged the Dolphins 28-27 in a California tiebreaker in the City 4A quarterfinals in a matchup between John Elway and Jay Schroeder. The future Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks faced off again in the same round in 1978, and Elway’s team again came out on top, 31-12. Granada Hills won three of four regular season meetings from 1980-83, losing only in 1981.
Including games before the Charter Bowl, Palisades has a 12-11 advantage in head-to-head meetings. Palisades is 12-8 in regular season matchups. Granada Hills is 3-0 in the playoffs, including a 44-7 rout in the City Division I championship game two years ago in Valley Glen.
Roosevelt running back Alan Ortiz is tackled behind the line of scrimmage by Palisades defensive end Mike Tobin in the second half. Photos by Steve Galluzzo
By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor
It took a while for the offense to get on track, but once it did, Palisades Charter High School’s varsity football team took control of the Thursday evening, August 29, nonleague game versus Roosevelt, winning 27-14 to improve to 2-0 in its second year under head coach Dylen Smith.
The Dolphins scored three touchdowns in a span of three minutes, 39 seconds in the second quarter to build a 21-7 lead and tacked on another score midway through the third quarter to go up by 20 points.
“They’re definitely a step up from the first week and ran their [Wing-T] offense much better,” said Smith, who improved to 9-3 all-time as the Dolphins’ coach. “I thought we could run the ball in an empty set to exploit them and I think we tired them out a bit as the game went on. There are six spots on the field to attack and they have to spread out to defend them all. We did a nice job moving left to right, not getting into any predicable pattern. Last year our offense was trying to catch up to the defense. So far this year it’s the other way around.”
Palisades entered the contest as one of the eight top teams in the City Section and stayed on track for an Open Division playoff berth.
Palisades failed to gain a first down in its first two possessions and Roosevelt drove 65 yards in eight plays to cap its second drive, taking an 8-0 lead on a two-yard run by Alan Ortiz on the opening play of the second quarter and a successful two-point conversion by Abraham Cardenas.
The Dolphins appeared to get on the scoreboard on the fourth play of their ensuing drive but an illegal block penalty nullified a touchdown. However, tailback Harrison Carter swept left on the very next play and ran eight yards for a touchdown at the 10:04 mark of the second quarter.
After forcing a three-and-out, Palisades got the ball back, and on the third play of the drive, quarterback Jack Thomas ran 19 yards on a keeper to put the Dolphins in front 13-8 and Jack Malloy added the extra point.
Pre-game honoree and Pali High alum Sam Lagana with the referees before the August 29 nonleague contest with Roosevelt.
Palisades alertly pounced on a bouncing ball on the ensuing kickoff, and on the second play, Thomas rolled to his right to buy time and found double-covered tight end Augie Evans in the corner of the end zone. Malloy’s extra point made it 21-8 with 6:35 left before halftime.
Jayden intercepted a pass near midfield to snuff out Roosevelt’s next drive but the Dolphins turned it over on downs at the Roosevelt 28.
The visiting Rough Riders got the ball first in the second half, but on their fourth play, cornerback Jackson Kaufman recovered a fumble and Palisades took over at its 35.
Six plays later, Thomas threw to King Demethris for a touchdown to extend the lead to 19 with 7:34 left in the third quarter but Malloy’s extra point try was wide—his first miss of the season.
Manny Madrigal’s one-yard quarterback sneak capped a 15-play, 69-yard drive that pulled Roosevelt (1-1) to within 13 points with 8:02 left in the fourth quarter, but after a missed 27-yard field goal, the Rough Riders got a chance to narrow the deficit even more.
Instead, they lost yardage and had to punt, and this time, the Dolphins kept the ball on the ground and gained two first downs to run out the clock as the home fans at Stadium by the Sea sang “Happy Birthday” to defensive coach Kelly Loftus.
“The defense really held us in there until the offense woke up,” said Thomas, a junior transfer from Loyola who has thrown for five touchdowns and run for two more in the Dolphins’ first two games. “Once we scored, got a quick stop, then scored again, we felt we were in command. Still, we know we can be a lot better.”
Thomas completed 10 of 18 throws for 140 yards, Carter finished with 95 yards in 12 carries, and LeHenry Solomon made three catches for 65 yards. Kenneth Sanchez led the defense with 13 tackles, Cash Allen added 12, and Mike Tobin and Jake Treibatch each had 11.
Palisades routed Roosevelt 42-14 in nonleague action last year on its way to earning the No. 6 seed in the Open Division.
Lifelong Palisadian and 1980 Pali High graduate Sam Laganà—now the stadium announcer for the Los Angeles Rams—was recognized before kickoff for his decades of service in the community. Afterward, he presented the game ball to the officials for the coin toss.
In the preceding junior varsity game Roosevelt scored 26 unanswered points to pull out a 34-28 victory. Palisades drove to the five-yard line in the final seconds, but a final pass was deflected away in the end zone as time expired.
The Dolphins’ JV hosts Granada Hills at 5 p.m. Thursday, September 5 while the varsity travels to Granada Hills for the schools’ annual Charter Bowl on Friday, Sept. 6.
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