By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

The two-week voting period for the Pacific Palisades Community Council area and at-large representative election is now underway through Friday, August 30, at 8 p.m.

The electronic ballot is available on the PPCC website—which is “the only way to vote.” There is also a link to full candidates statements, provided by each person running.

Residents of Pacific Palisades may vote for the area representative in which their primary residence is located (a map is available at the PPCC website) and for the at-large candidate. Property owners and business operators may vote for the at-large representative. Voters must be 18 years old as of August 30, 2024.

Candidates are vying to represent Areas One to Eight of Pacific Palisades, as well as an at-large seat, for a two-year term.

Running uncontested are JoAnna Rodriguez (Area One), Steve Cron (Area Two), Karen Ridgley (Area Four), Kimberly Bloom (Area Five), Sharon Kilbride (Area Seven), Andrew Wolfberg (Area Eight) and Chris Spitz (at-large).

There are two contested seats: Area Three (with candidates Joe Layton and Julia Nilsen) and Area Six (Lorie Cudzil and David Schwarz).

All candidates—contested or not—participated in a Candidates Forum on Thursday evening, August 8, at Palisades Branch Library.

Election winners will be announced at the next PPCC meeting on Thursday, September 12.

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

The deadline for the Summer Creative Writing Contest 2024—open to students in grades one to 12—is Tuesday, September 3.

The contest is put on each year by Pacific Palisades Library Association, also known as Friends of the Palisades Library.

“Entries should be family friendly and relate to this year’s theme: A funny thing happened on the way to … ” read the PPLA website.

Submitted pieces can be any literary style, according to PPLA. Contestants are limited to one entry, which is not to exceed two pages, double spaced.

Entries can be submitted online or in person at Palisades Branch Library, located at 861 Alma Real Drive.

Those who enter have a chance to win gift certificate prizes as well as participate in an awards ceremony on October 9. There will be first-, second- and third-place prizes awarded in five categories, which are based on age. First place will receive $100 to DIESEL, A Bookstore, second place will receive $75 and third place $50.

“Good luck,” PPLA wrote. “We look forward to reading your work.

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

If you’ve been holding on to books to donate to Friends of the Palisades Library for a future parking lot sale, the final day of the current chapter of the collection drive is Saturday, August 31, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“We can only accept books in very good condition,” Friends of the Palisades Library—also known as Pacific Palisades Library Association—wrote in a notice about the collection drive. “Books should not be written in or highlighted, or show signs of excessive wear and tear.”

Magazines, textbooks, CDs, DVDs, encyclopedias and library books will not be accepted.

Books collected during the drive will be sold at the next parking lot sale, which is slated for Saturday, September 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“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,” PPLA wrote about the sale. “Cash and credit cards accepted.”

Funds raised will go toward supporting various programming Friends of the Palisades Library helps put on, including speaker series, events at Palisades Branch Library and more.

Donations will be accepted inside Palisades Branch Library, located at 861 Alma Real Drive.

Voting in the Area and At-Large Representative Election is Underway Through August 30

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Pacific Palisades Community Council hosted a candidates forum for its 2024 area and at-large representative election at its most recent board meeting, which took place at Palisades Branch Library on the evening of August 8.

Candidates are vying to represent Areas One to Eight of Pacific Palisades, as well as an at-large seat, for a two-year term.

Running uncontested are JoAnna Rodriguez (Area One), Steve Cron (Area Two), Karen Ridgley (Area Four), Kimberly Bloom (Area Five), Sharon Kilbride (Area Seven), Andrew Wolfberg (Area Eight) and Chris Spitz (at-large).

There are two contested seats: Area Three (with candidates Joe Layton and Julia Nilsen) and Area Six (Lorie Cudzil and David Schwarz).

At the start of the candidates forum, each person—contested or not—had the opportunity to give a brief introduction of themselves, including about their time living in the Palisades, the issues that are important to them and their specific area, and their relevant experience to taking a position on the PPCC board.

Many candidates touched on topics like crime, people experiencing homelessness, fire safety and keeping the community clean.

“I want to feel safe,” Rodriguez—a mother of two teenagers—said during her introduction.

Spitz, who introduced herself last, said that everyone who spoke before her was “fabulous,” that they shared similar sentiments to how she feels.

Then, candidates in Area Three and Six were given questions from the audience and PPCC board to answer, including what local organizations of which they are a part, if they would consider serving in the alternate seat if not elected (all four contested candidates said they would consider it) and how they would reach their constituents.

When it comes to Area Six, which includes George Wolfberg Park at Potrero Canyon, the candidates were posed a question about what they would do when it comes to issues related to the park.

Cudzil said she is part of an email chain she could utilize to contact people in her area, that she has no issue with something being done, in terms of the forthcoming trail and/or bridge projects, but that it needs to be done safely.

Schwarz said he would listen to residents and help educate, pointing out that people get killed on Pacific Coast Highway, in terms of the importance of balancing the risk of doing nothing versus doing something with safety in mind.

The Area Three candidates were later asked what the three most important issues are for its residents, which includes Marquez Knolls and both sides of Sunset Boulevard from Palisades Drive to Bienveneda Avenue, as well as St. Matthew’s School and Bel-Air Bay Club.

Nilsen said the safety of kids after school, as well as in homes and at the beaches, citing additional police presence. She also mentioned monitoring the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power proposed distributing station near Marquez Charter Elementary School, which has been put on hold while the agency models options.

Layton spoke about public safety issues, including burglaries and fires, noting the importance of having a plan, including how to streamline getting the word out to the community when something is underway.

A two-week voting period began Friday, August 16, at 8 a.m. and will end Friday, August 30, at 9 p.m. The electronic ballot is available on the PPCC website—which is “the only way to vote.” There is also a link to full candidates statements, provided by each person running.

Residents of Pacific Palisades may vote for the area representative in which their primary residence is located (a map is available at the PPCC website) and for the at-large candidate. Property owners and business operators may vote for the at-large representative. Voters must be 18 years old as of August 30, 2024.

Election winners will be announced at the next PPCC meeting on Thursday, September 12.

For more information, visit pacpalicc.org.

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Sunset Boulevard bike shop Kruse and Company has elected not to renew its lease after nearly two years in Pacific Palisades, pivoting its operations to a mobile business, effective September 1.

“We love being a part of this community, and we see an opportunity to bring the neighborhood bicycle shop to wherever it’s most convenient for our customers,” said Andrew Grove, who owns and operates the store with Tara Grove. “The mobile business will offer e-bike sales, bicycle repairs and be active at community events.”

Kruse and Company will continue to be an authorized dealer of “premium electric bicycles” crafted by “the world’s leading bicycle brands,” including Tern, Royal Dutch Gazelle, Riese & Müller, Stromer, Velotric, Yuba and VanMoof. The company also provides services and repairs for the brands it sells, as well as Bosch-equipped e-bikes and “many non-electric bikes.”

The process for customers looking to buy a new e-bike will begin online or over the phone. Kruse will then bring electric bicycles to the customer for a “personal test ride experience.”

“We know that everyone enjoys the ease of online shopping, but customers should be able to try these bikes before they make a decision,” Andrew said. “The test ride experience has always been a core part of our business, and what better way to try out a new bike than on the streets where you plan to ride most often?”

The company was launched by El Medio Bluffs residents Tara and Andrew Grove in 2022, who were inspired by their own personal experience with e-bikes at the time. The store opened in December 2022, celebrating a grand opening in March 2023.

“The Groves first decided to try an e-bike when their oldest child began kindergarten,” a statement said, “but the choice offered more benefits than they ever even imagined. Soon they were riding their e-bikes more often than taking their cars. The benefits of riding electric bicycles quickly sparked a new lifestyle for the whole family.”

The name originated from the owners’ youngest son, whose middle name is Kruse. The history of “Kruse” dates back to his great-great-grandfather, who was born in Denmark.

“The name was chosen to reflect the owners’ belief in the importance of family and in the hopes that they could help create a piece of the Danish bicycle culture in the Palisades,” according to the statement. “‘And Company’ was added to recognize the rest of the family, and to highlight that cycling is more fun in a group.”

Kruse is pronounced with an “s” (like Chris) instead of a “z” like cruise—“but the pun is intentional, and the occasional slip-up is embraced.”

Those who wish to visit the store at 15121 Sunset Boulevard—the space previously occupied by Puzzle Zoo Toy Store—are invited to before August 31, to “take advantage of special sales and discounts on bicycles and accessories.”

For more information about the upcoming mobile operations and special events, visit krusebikes.com.

By LILY TINOCO  | Assistant Editor

The City of Los Angeles Fire Commission recognized a number of Los Angeles Fire Department members on Tuesday, August 6, for a rescue that took place in Temescal Canyon earlier this year in Pacific Palisades.

“Today we’re recognizing our talented members who rescued a hiker in Temescal Canyon,” LAFD Captain Erik Scott, speaking as a public information officer, said at the start of the presentation, “and due to their astute observations, ended up saving his life.”

Those who were recognized were Pilot IV Rickey Wheeler (now retired), Pilot I Scott Keelin, Captain I/Paramedic Michael McIndoe, Firefighter/Paramedic Jesse Beck, Firefighter/Paramedic Dominic Marquis, Firefighter Patrick Mandich, and Firefighter/Dispatcher Anthony Zermeno for their “dedicated efforts and skillful handling of a patient.”

In June, a group of three friends hiked the Temescal Canyon Trail, according to a statement from LAFD. One hiker began to feel “weak, dizzy [and] unable to continue walking,” due to the heat. The group became concerned and called 911, prompting a hiker rescue response.

Task Force 69 and its paramedic rescue ambulance RA69 made it through the canyon, while LAFD Air Operations dispatched two helicopters. Engine 69 and RA69 members arrived and hiked up the canyon with the necessary equipment.

According to LAFD, the topography made radio communication difficult, and the Metropolitan Fire Communications 911 call-taker stayed on the phone with the hikers and relayed information to the Incident Commander to help the team locate the group.

“Through their teamwork, the firefighters were able to locate their patient, a 55-year-old male complaining of dehydration, dizziness, nausea and difficulty walking,” LAFD reported. “Initially reluctant to allow a full medical workup, the firefighters took note of his low blood pressure (80/46), high heart rate (116) and his hot, pale and diaphoretic skin conditions.”

LAFD said these symptoms were indicators of a potentially significant heat-related medical emergency, and the firefighters and paramedics started an IV and administered fluids while initiating different cooling measures.

“Though patient’s condition improved and he wanted to just walk out, the crew recommended a hoist operation,” according to LAFD. “The Incident Commander and helicopter pilots assessed the situation and concurred.”

After the hoist, LAFD measured the electrical activity of the hiker’s heart, only to find the hiker was experiencing a ST elevation myocardial infarction, which LAFD described as a “silent heart attack.” He was then transported via air ambulance to a medical facility.

“A silent heart attack, known as a silent myocardial infarction, accounts for 45% of heart attacks,” according to LAFD. “They are described as ‘silent’ because the symptoms lack the intensity of a classic heart attack, such as extreme chest pain and pressure; stabbing pain in the arm, neck, or jaw; sudden shortness of breath. Instead, one may just feel fatigued or discomfort and attribute it to heat or lack of sleep.”

The LAFD crew identified the severity of his condition, and ensured his safety by hoisting him out and quickly getting him to advanced medical care.

“In recognition of your heroic courage, diligent efforts and expedient assistance in saving a man’s life during a hiker rescue emergency on June 22, 2024,” Scott read from one of the certificates given to the honorees, “ … The Los Angeles City Fire Department commends you for your bravery and exceptional efforts in saving a citizen of the City of Los Angeles.”

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

MUSE Santa Monica opened its West Channel Road doors on August 16, offering diners a culinary experience that blends contemporary French dining with “artistic sophistication.”

Situated next to Giorgio Baldi in Santa Monica Canyon, MUSE Chef and Owner Fardad Khayami aims to redefine traditional French cuisine with innovative techniques at the restaurant, crafting “lighter” dishes and making use of the “freshest” local produce.

“The vision behind MUSE is rooted in Fardad Khayami’s formative college years at the University of Southern California, where he and his roommates, including David Gelland—now bar director for MUSE—created ‘Museum,’ an exclusive underground restaurant featuring rotating cuisines and gallery installations,” according to a press release. “This campus speakeasy quickly became a sensation, serving 3,000 students and amassing a waitlist of 6,000. The commitment to enhancing the dining experience in flavor and ambiance continues to shape MUSE.”

MUSE showcases “beautiful” produce, wine, cocktails and art in its “chic” restaurant, designed by Los Angeles- and Paris-based Marc Ange Design Studio. In a statement, Marc Ange described the restaurant as an “intimate experience” and “ode to art” that Angelenos crave.  

“The space stands out for its artistic integration, featuring unique sculptural lighting, millwork, furniture and accessories designed by Marc Ange that harmoniously complement a rotating display of museum-quality artworks,” the press release read. “The artful impact extends beyond just the food and wine—every element of the interiors contributes to an immersive dining experience.”

The debut exhibition showcases the works of Catalan-Spanish painter Joan Miró. 

Khayami has curated an à la carte four-course menu for the restaurant in collaboration with Executive Chef Jason Gonzales, formerly of Juliet in Culver City, and guided by General Manager and Wine Director Matthew Rogel, formerly of Evan Funke’s Felix Trattoria.

The dining experience—designed to be “intimate,” with seating for 35 guests, including four at the bar—kicks off with canapés and salads, followed up with pasta and risotto dishes, and finishes with a selection of main courses. 

“We cannot wait to serve our guests,” Khayami shared in a statement. “It is going to be very apparent that this restaurant is an undiluted expression of our love for food, wine, cocktails, art and hospitality.” 

MUSE—located at 108 West Channel Road—is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 5 to 10 p.m. Reservations can be made through Resy.