By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

Though some people have been sipping on pumpkin spice lattes since mid-August, fall is now officially underway in Pacific Palisades, and with it comes the return of the Palisades-Malibu YMCA pumpkin patch.

The pumpkin patch will open for the 2024 season on Saturday, September 28, at Simon Meadow with two 18-wheeler semi-trucks full of pumpkins.

“Join us at our annual pumpkin patch for some fall fun,” Palisades-Malibu YMCA said in an event flyer. “See you at the patch.”

The patch will be open from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, through October 31.

Last year’s patch included pumpkins, corn and more—from knucklehead pumpkins, warty minion pumpkins, “show stopper” Big Mac pumpkins and, for the first time, white pie pumpkins.

Some of the pumpkins at the patch are grown in the Palisades by longtime resident Bruce Schwartz who donates them to be sold. He grows them in a space near Pierson Playhouse, as well as outside of a home on Almar Avenue.

The patch serves as one of YMCA’s biggest annual fundraisers, alongside the tree lot, which will return this year as well, Palisades-Malibu YMCA Executive Director Jim Kirtley previously explained to the Palisadian-Post.

“This goes to help all kinds of programs,” Kirtley said in 2023 of the fundraising efforts. “It helps provide financial assistance for [Youth & Government], it goes to senior memberships … everybody and anybody who is in need. [The patch] allows us to be able to do the impactful programming we have.”

Interested parties are invited to reserve field trips to the pumpkin patch between October 1 and 31, Monday through Friday, with three time slots available: 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m.

Palisades-Malibu YMCA will also be hosting a Graveyard Smash on Saturday, October 26, from 4:30 to 8 p.m. at Simon Meadow. Inviting the community to partake in some “fall spooky fun,” the event will include a costume contest, “ghoulish” games, face painting and trick-or-treating.

Santa Monica College will host its annual Glass Pumpkin Sale at the patch on Sunday, October 6, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

“The SMC Glass Pumpkin Sales are wonderful opportunities to buy handcrafted glass pumpkins,” read the SMC website. “Each pumpkin is a truly unique work of art that can enhance fall-season home and office decor, as well as satisfy holiday and year-round gift needs.”

Proceeds from the sale will benefit the SMC Art Department as well as Palisades-Malibu YMCA.

Simon Meadow is located at the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Temescal Canyon Road at 15551 Sunset Boulevard.

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Luxury retailer elysewalker has reached its 25th year in the industry—and has crafted a lineup of celebrations this fall to commemorate the occasion, including in-store events, charitable initiatives and the launch of an anniversary sweater.

“When I opened my first store 25 years ago, I knew that I wanted a store to feel like a home base within the community,” Founder Elyse Walker said. “More than a store, it was where friends and family got together to connect, celebrate and, of course, shop.”

Walker’s first store opened in the Palisades in 1999 on Antioch Street in a 900-square-foot space. It has since expanded to more than four times that size.

The next space to open was in Newport Beach in 2016, followed by Calabasas and Saint Helena. After that, the brand expanded to include towne by elysewalker, with a location in Palisades Village that opened in September 2018 alongside the development and Newport Beach.

“While we might have grown, two things have not changed,” Walker said, “our passion to deliver a curated point of view and unparalleled styling to our clients, and our commitment to give back in our communities.”

The most recent expansion was to the East Coast, where Walker opened a “flagship location” on the Upper East Side in June 2023, as well as Tribeca in November 2022, marking seven brick-and-mortar locations between the two states.

“No matter the location, elysewalker brings its highly curated perspective, mixing heritage brands with new and emerging designers to all clients,” read a statement about the anniversary. “Each location offers the unique elysewalker stylist program that delivers elevated fashion forward, head-to-toe looks directly to clients.”

To celebrate the anniversary, elysewalker has launched the “Fashion + Community” campaign, which will be comprised of in-store events, charitable partnerships and a “robust digital campaign,” designed to chronicle stories from the elysewalker community via testimonials by employees, clients and designers.

“Elysewalker has built a reputation as one of fashion’s most powerful retailers, creating a shopping experience that is unrivaled in the world of retail,” the statement read.

In-store functions will take place both in California and New York, including trunk shows, designer appearances and charitable events.

The elysewalker label also will release its “anniversary cardigan,” commemorating 25 years in the fashion industry with a “classic design of pure cashmere” available in four colors for $595. When it comes to the sweater, 10% of sales will be donated to charities that support women’s health, the brand confirmed.

“To commemorate 25 years, founder Elyse Walker renewed her commitment to not only fashion but to philanthropy,” according to the statement. “Both personally and professionally, she has made it a priority to give back to the communities where she does business and to cancer research, specifically. She is incredibly proud to have raised over $16 million for charities all over the country.”

For 10 years, Walker hosted an annual “Pink Party,” which supported the Cedars-Sinai Women’s Cancer Program at the Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute from 2005 to 2014, raising more than $11 million—nearly $500,000 in its first year.

For the latest information about upcoming events at the store, visit elysewalker.com.

By LILY TINOCO and SARAH SHMERLING

When Brianna Kupfer’s story is told, the family wants the focus to be on her legacy—not the man who was found guilty of her murder by a jury on September 10.

Kupfer grew up in Pacific Palisades, attended St. Matthew’s Parish School then Brentwood School. She went on to study at University of Miami, then, with an eye for aesthetics, was studying for a master’s degree in architectural design at UCLA. She was at work at Hancock Park furniture store Croft House when she was killed on January 13, 2022, at the age of 24.

Following her death, the Kupfer family launched the Brianna Kupfer Foundation, which “intends to improve conditions for mankind by supporting sustainability, resiliency, social and environmental betterment, and the protection and empowerment of women.” Her sister Mikaela is the foundation’s chair, mother Lori is the secretary, father Todd is the treasurer, and brothers Brandon and Tucker are directors. All of the funds raised go to three to four different organizations each year that support causes close to Brianna and the Kupfer family.

“Brianna was an incredibly creative, loving person,” Tucker previously said to the Post. “She made everyone she talked to smile because she was so full of love and empathy.”

In a story published on the foundation’s website, Mikaela described Brianna as “one of the most courageous, kind and loving people,” who “made an impact on everyone she interacted with; they were met with beauty and grace that was unmatched.”

“She loved deeply and strongly, and put others before her,” Mikaela wrote. “Brianna was an angel on and off this earth. It’s hard to find people like Brianna, who truly represent the good in this world.”

Shawn Laval Smith was found guilty of first-degree murder for the fatal stabbing of Brianna by a jury on Tuesday, September 10. They deliberated for just over an hour before finding him guilty of one count of murder and a special-circumstance allegation of lying in wait, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, which makes it possible for Smith to receive a sentence of life without the possibility of parole. The jury also “found that the defendant used a deadly and dangerous” weapon.

“It’s hard to live in a world where evil wins over good, but this foundation is meant to serve as a representation of the world Brianna deserved and wanted,” Mikaela wrote. “We will be championing causes dear to Brianna, such as environmental and social justice issues, as well as honoring victims like Brianna through the protection of women and social betterment.”

Smith was arrested in January 2022 after Pasadena police received a tip from a caller of a possible sighting, Lieutenant William Grisafe of the Pasadena Police Department said to City News Service previously. He was taken into custody on Wednesday, January 19, 2022. Smith was arrested without incident and transferred to LAPD’s custody, according to Grisafe, and was later charged.

“Brianna Kupfer was a promising young woman whose life was tragically taken far too soon,” LA County District Attorney George Gascón said in a statement. “I thank the jury for their thoughtful deliberation and dedication in finding the defendant guilty. A bright and talented 24-year-old UCLA student, Brianna was dedicated to her studies in architectural design, with her whole future ahead of her. Our hearts are with Brianna’s family, who have shown incredible strength and resilience throughout this harrowing ordeal.”

The trial will now move into a non-jury sanity phase, set to begin on October 2. A status conference was scheduled for Tuesday, September 24, at the Foltz Criminal Justice Center. Smith is currently being held without bail.

Following the verdict, Councilmember Traci Park introduced a motion on Wednesday, September 11, regarding the implementation of SB 553, a new California law that mandates workplace violence prevention programs and training.

“With employees serving on the front lines of homelessness, mental health, addiction and crime,” Park said in a statement, “it is imperative we safeguard workers and prevent future tragedies,”

For more information about the foundation, visit briannafoundation.org.

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Pacific Palisades Community Council hosted two guest speakers at its most recent board meeting on Thursday, September 12, who spoke about fire safety programs.

EMT/Wildfire Specialist Dante Cornejo spoke about the MySafe:LA program, while Gabriel Albarian, Jr. spoke about National Fire Protection Association’s Firewise USA.

MySafe:LA is a nonprofit partner of both Los Angeles Fire Department and Los Angeles County Fire Department with Operation Save a Life, Cornejo explained, which is tasked with public education and outreach.

Cornejo began his presentation by speaking about “Ready, Set, Go,” which he said is designed to help residents prepare themselves for wildfire.

“When you’re getting ‘ready,’ these are actions you can start taking today to better prepare yourself and your homes in terms of wildfire readiness,” he continued. “It all starts with a plan.”

The plan, Cornejo said, should include signing up for “the proper notification systems” that will alert when a wildfire is occurring, including through Notify:LA. It should also include building a “wildfire GO kit” and crafting a “family communications plan,” which should have handheld radios, especially in the case of cell service going down.

The “ready” portion also includes creating a “defensible space around your home and home hardening” efforts, like checking that vents are the proper size, and installing dual-pane tempered glass and a Class A roof, which is “non combustible.”

“By establishing a buffer zone, which is defensible space, you can create a better defense system for you and your family for if you have to shelter in place,” Cornejo said, “or if you have to evacuate, you have a higher chance of having a home to return to.”

Taking actions—even small ones—can reduce the chance of ignition up to 25% to 75%, Cornejo said, adding that is also helps responders by allowing them to focus on the “actual flame front,” while working to defend homes.

Cornejo described the defensible space in zones, beginning with things like cutting or mowing annual grass down to a maximum height of three inches, creating horizontal space between shrubs and trees, and removing fallen leaves, needles and more in excess of three inches deep in Zone 2 (from 30 feet out to the property line).

Zone 1—between zero and 30 feet from the home—should have all dead vegetation removed, trees trimmed regularly, branches that hang over the roof removed and dead branches kept at least 10 feet away from a chimney. It is “more restrictive, comparative to Zone 2,” Cornejo described.

The closest zone to the home—Zone 0—became a law in 2021, Cornejo explained: “The law is currently not enforced; insurance companies may have Zone 0 requirements,” according to the presentation.

MySafe:LA offers home inspections for those who want feedback on their defensible space.

The second part of the presentation was based on “set,” which is what to do when a wildfire is approaching. This includes having the “wildfire plan” ready, an emergency supply kit for each person and pet stored in the vehicle, and be registered for the notification systems.

When it comes to “go,” that is when a wildfire is approaching and it’s time to have an evacuation checklist and review it, check that the go bag is in the vehicle, make certain everyone is wearing proper clothing (long pants, long-sleeve shirts, hiking shoes or boots, a face covering).

Cornejo emphasized practicing what to do in case of an evacuation to ensure everything will run smoothly if it becomes necessary to leave.

Following Cornejo’s presentation, Albarian—a volunteer regional coordinator—spoke on Firewise USA. The benefits of the program, he explained, include educating and empowering homeowners, increasing a community’s resistance from fires, and possible homeowners insurance savings.

To participate in the program, an area must “create a boundary” (between eight and 2,500 homes) and “gather a group of passionate homeowners” (around three to five), then invite a fire official or qualified entity to provide “an understanding of your community’s level of fire resistance,” given in a percentage score.

Then, a three-year plan will be created to outline how to educate other homeowners and improve fire resistance within the area.

Albarian said he has committed himself to “all communities in Pacific Palisades,” alongside Cornejo, “to be your personal Sherpa.”

“As long as you help create a boundary and a passionate group of homeowners, Dante and I can help you with the assessment and have that completed,” he explained, “and then we can also help you with that plan and create it so that you are set up for success.”

For more information on the programs, visit mysafela.org or nfpa.org/education-and-research/wildfire/firewise-usa.

Here are the Palisadian-Post’s fall interns, who will help with tasks at the newspaper from writing to editing, interviewing, attending events and more.

Sophia Masserat

My name is Sophia Masserat, and I am a senior at Palisades Charter High School. A passionate writer since my childhood, I am now a second-year writer for Pali’s student-run newspaper, Tideline, where I discovered my love for journalism.

Although I have lived in Westwood my whole life, I have considered Pacific Palisades my home away from home since I started middle school at Paul Revere. I am ecstatic to join the Palisadian-Post as an intern this year, and I feel very fortunate to be part of a newspaper with such a rich history in the Palisades community.

Stories have always been very important to me, as I have been an avid reader since before elementary school, using books as a source of inspiration for my writing. I believe that journalism has the power to make change through stories.

This past year working at Tideline, I have learned valuable insights on creating influential writing, and I am really looking forward to applying these new skills as an opinion columnist there, as well as through my internship at the Post.

Beyond journalism, I am involved in Pali’s DECA chapter, where I use my writing abilities as an active member of our marketing cluster, competing in bi-annual conferences. I also actively participate in Link Crew as a mentor for freshmen, serve as a dedicated peer tutor and hold the position of secretary for Pali’s Italian Student Union.

When I’m not reading or writing, I love listening to music and cooking, along with reviewing food around Los Angeles. For the past three years, I have worked at an Italian restaurant near UCLA in the Westwood Village, an opportunity that allows me to share the joys of my culture’s cuisine. Whether it be new restaurant reviews or features on iconic Palisadian spots, I hope to be able to cover stories about food during my time at the Post.

I am excited to begin my internship at the Post, where I look forward to make new connections with people, refine my journalistic writing skills and become more involved in my community.

Michael Matlof

Michael Matlof is a sophomore at the Geffen Academy at UCLA. He loves to watch sports, ski, play tennis, act and, most importantly, write.

While GPS may indicate he lives in Pacific Palisades, Michael actually resides in the Brentwood Polo Fields, which border the area. He did, however, attend preschool at Kehillat Israel in the Palisades and has spent much of his childhood in the area. Michael has a particular affinity for the yogurt shoppe and playing tennis at Palisades Recreation Center.

Michael is a member of Congressmember Ted Lieu’s Youth Advisory Council and spends time volunteering at the Wende Museum of The Cold War in Culver City. He has performed in productions at his school and the Morgan Wixson Theater, and will be an assistant director on a production of “The Twilight Zone” at school for the first time this winter.

Michael’s interest in journalism began with his curiosity for all sorts of news, including sports, local and international events. He often gets lost in the various periodicals he reads daily. This love translated into writing for his high school paper and trying to improve his skills in the field with every piece.

Now, that passion has led him to the Palisadian-Post, where he hopes to grow his journalistic craft by covering stories in the places he has known his entire life. Specifically, he hopes to write articles on topics like high school sports and local restaurants.

He is grateful for this opportunity to learn from the esteemed journalists at the publication and use their guidance to write stories that the Palisades community will enjoy.