Community Council Names “Golden Sparkplugs”

By DAYNA DRUM | Reporter

The Pacific Palisades Community Council (PPCC) named three Palisadians as Golden Sparkplugs to be awarded on Dec. 10 at the PPCC Holiday Dinner and Awards Gala. The Golden Sparkplugs are awarded based on work done to benefit the community. For more information about the Holiday Dinner and Awards Gala, contact info@pacpalicc.org

LAUREL GARVER

The bookstore in the Palisades Branch Library was established last year as a result of Laurel Garver’s efforts.

“I am thrilled to be a Sparkplug,” Garver said.

Although she appreciates the recognition, she is just happy that people like the bookstore, Garver said.

Garver initially got the idea for the bookstore when she went to a volunteer event at the central library downtown and heard that other libraries had similar stores.

From there she took all of the extra books from library book sales and set up the bookstore on the back patio of the building.

Going forward, Garver isn’t working on any other community projects, but she hopes to promote the bookstore further.

For the bookstore’s hours visit friendsofpalilibrary.org.

LAURIE SALE

Longtime resident Laurie Sale is being recognized for leading the efforts to create the Palisades Business Improvement District (BID) and stepping in as executive director of the BID.

The organization will be made up of businesses in the Village that will pay a fee to the City.

The money will then be used for beautification efforts that benefit the BID members and ultimately the entire community.

“I am very humbled by this,” Sale said.

Even as a resident of the Palisades for almost 40 years, Sale said she would never have thought she would be on the short list for this award.

Sale noted she is just one of the many people that worked to form the new BID.

“It took a lot of work and a lot of dedication,” she said.

The organization will officially launch in January.

DOUG SUISMAN

Architect Doug Suisman is being recognized for his work on the Palisades Charter High School campus to make design improvements and renovate the main entrance.

A resident of Santa Monica Canyon for 22 years, Suisman said he was completely surprised to receive the award.

“I am delighted because it brings attention to the Gateway Project,” said Suisman, who is the principal of Suisman Urban Design.

The beautification project is community driven and will be available for everyone to use, he said.

Suisman promised his daughter, who is a student at Pali High, that he would do everything he could to complete the project by the time she graduates.