By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

AERIN—a luxury label founded by its namesake Aerin Lauder—opened its first West Coast store in Palisades Village on October 17.

The Pacific Palisades location marks AERIN’s third retail space nationwide, joining stores in Palm Beach and Southampton.

AERIN Palisades Village is designed to offer a curated selection of products from the brand, as well as pieces from different designers and artisans, “expressing the effortlessly elevated style and sensibility of the California destination,” according to a statement.

“The new store beautifully encapsulates Aerin’s passion for travel, fashion and artisanal design, offering a thoughtfully curated assortment of beauty products, home decor, fashion and accessories,” the statement continued. “All reflecting the effortless sophistication of Southern California.”

AERIN has taken over the space previously occupied by Bonjour Fête, which moved to an alternate location within the development earlier this year. Bonjour Fête is now located between McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams and Buck Mason.

The Palisades Village space was designed in collaboration with interior designer Stephen Sills, drawing inspiration from the Mediterranean style of the 1960s and 1970s.

“The charming, light-filled space exudes understated glamor, with furniture and decor sourced by Aerin from around the world, including unique finds from the Stork Club in Comporta, Portugal,” the statement read.

The space holds Arnold Madsen’s Sheepskin Clam Chairs—for “character and warmth”—complemented by vintage ceramics from Guido Gambone and photographs by Lachlan Bailey.

AERIN Palisades Village has a selection of vintage home decor and jewelry from the brand’s new Heirloom Collection, as well as in-store exclusives from the home collection, including Murano glassware in a variety of colors.

“The fashion offerings at AERIN Palisades Village will showcase a unique selection of feminine, coastal styles from designers such as Maria de La Orden, Alix of Bohemia, Julia Amory, Dovima Paris, Rebecca de Ravenel and Lizzie Fortunato, as well as exclusive products by Cala de La Cruz, Soler and Ten Thousand Things,” according to the statement. “The assortment and brands will change seasonally.”

Julie Amory and AERIN will launch a capsule collection this fall, inspired by a shared love of florals and vacation-ready wardrobe. The collection will be available beginning November 15.

“I have always been inspired by the effortless glamor and elevated simplicity of Southern California,” Lauder, founder and creative director of AERIN, said. “The charm and rich heritage of the Pacific Palisades aligns perfectly with the brand’s sensibility. Inspired by the beauty of its surrounding landscape, the store features soothing color palettes, natural textures and vibrant accents that capture the unique spirit of this sunny destination.”

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

Pacific Palisades Woman’s Club will host its annual Holiday Gift Bazaar on Saturday, November 9, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., which will also serve as a fundraiser.

The “carefully curated” marketplace will feature local artisans and artists, offering “one-of-a-kind” items, according to a statement. The sale will feature “beautiful housewares;” gold, silver, and handmade jewelry; mixed-media art; clothes and handbags; and linens, baskets, and candles.

“It’s time to kick off the holiday season in style,” the statement read. “Join us … for an unforgettable shopping experience at our Holiday Gift Bazaar Fundraiser. Whether you’re looking for unique gifts, handcrafted treasures or delicious holiday treats, this event has it all and more.”

The event will include the “famous bake sale,” with the “most delicious homemade goodies in town” available for purchase: “We’re proud to say our bake sales are always a hit—so come ready to enjoy.”

A percentage of all vendor sales will go toward PPWC’s 2025 Grant Program, which supports local organizations and initiatives that make an impact in the community. Past grant recipients have included local scout troops, Palisades-Malibu YMCA, Veterans Gardens, Meals on Wheels West and Palisades Americanism Parade Association.

“This isn’t just shopping, it’s shopping with a purpose,” the statement continued. “Every dollar spent goes toward helping local nonprofits continue their incredible work, so your contribution will have a lasting positive impact far beyond the holidays.”

The event will also include a “festive basket raffle.”

“This event is more than a fundraiser—it’s a celebration of our community’s spirit and generosity,” PPWC President Samantha Dale said. “We’re excited to come together for a day of joy, shopping and giving back. You won’t want to miss it.”

PPWC is an organization of “empowered” community members and leaders dedicated to making a meaningful impact, according to a description.

“Through diverse programming, philanthropic efforts and community outreach, PPWC fosters positive change while creating vibrant friendships and memorable experiences,” the description read. “With over $1 million funded to local nonprofits, schools, fire stations and health-related causes, PPWC continues to be a pillar of support for the community it serves.”

The November 9 Holiday Gift Bazaar will take place at PPWC’s Clubhouse, located at 901 Haverford Avenue. Admission is free.

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

The Pacific Palisades Recreation Center Park Advisory Board met on Thursday evening, October 17, to discuss a number of items on an agenda, including a restroom renovation project, the status of the playground update, and a new project designed to bring more shade and seating to the area.

In recent years, PAB has requested two updates at Palisades Recreation Center from city of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks: ADA-compliant restrooms at the small gym and an updated playground.

During a meeting on October 3, Rec & Parks approved a proposed restroom renovation project, including a commitment of funds to complete it. The scope of the work includes demolishing the existing restrooms, reconfiguring the interior spaces to accommodate new stalls and all-gender accessible restrooms, and install new plumbing chase, all new plumbing fixtures and lines, along with new sewer piping, according to the report.

Rec & Parks staff have been authorized to commit “a maximum of $883,187.23” in Park Fees for the proposed project—prompting a discussion by PAB on where funding for the playground would come from with this amount now committed to the restroom.

During a previous PAB meeting in July 2023, it was discussed that the Rec & Parks superintendent recommended using Quimby funds for both the restroom and playground projects, while Measure A funds would be used for the Pacific Palisades Dog Park project.

PAB Member Rick McGeagh noted that a previous estimate for the restroom project was $550,000—a number that he thought then was too high.

“This needs to be brought to [Councilmember] Traci [Park’s] attention,” McGeagh said.

Earlier this summer, Pacific Palisades Community Council collaborated with PAB to seek input from the neighborhood regarding three options for the redesign of the playground. An ocean/meadow theme, forest theme and desert theme were proposed by Rec & Parks and Council District 11 for the “revamp and upgrade of the Palisades Recreation Center,” read information shared by PPCC.

“The PAB, in conjunction with the outreach efforts of PPCC, has solicited community input for the suggested playground design schemes and has observed a community preference for the first choice of playground schematics, with the blue and green color theme,” read the final motion supported by PAB in July.

At the October 17 meeting, CD 11 Field Deputy for Pacific Palisades Michael Amster said there were “no updates at this moment” regarding the playground, that the office has the information collected by PPCC from the community on record.

In response to the playground discussion, members of the public provided additional input on preferences for the space, including the inclusion of sand (whether throughout or in a sandbox), as it was beneficial for the socialization of toddlers who are learning to share toys.

Palisadian Cindy Simon presented during the meeting about a potential project to bring additional shade and seating to the playground area in the meantime, citing a “serious health and safety” issue of leaving caregivers in the sun while kids use the park. Previous tree removals have left the area even more exposed, she added.

Simon said she reached out to a Rec & Parks vendor to get a cost estimate for bringing three tables with seating and umbrellas to the area, which came in at $10,400 for the materials, delivery and installation.

Two of the tables would be 46” across with four seats. One would have three seats, with a space open for ADA seating.

Simon received support from PAB to move forward with fundraising for the project to bring it to fruition. Once funds are secured, it was estimated to take eight to 10 weeks for arrival.

“I think everyone agrees it’s a great idea,” Simon said.

Commander Message

New Commander/CEO of American Legion Ronald Reagan – Palisades Post 283 Joe Ramirez wrote a message to the community when he began his position. It has been reprinted here with permission. More information, including a link to a six-minute introduction video by Ramirez, is available at alpost283.com.

I am extremely honored beyond words to serve as the commander of our post this year. First and foremost, I would like to thank outgoing Commander Jim Cragg, his wife Susie and daughter Charley for their time with us over the last four years.

Jim often spent countless hours at the post and at functions away from his family so that we could move forward into a new era—being one of the most influential posts in the country. Getting us through the pandemic and the renovation, Jim, with the help of our leaders and members, re-opened the post. Under his leadership, we moved aggressively in providing worthy events that included legionnaires, their families and the community.

Vision

Many of you have asked for my vision. As I thought and prayed, I realized we have only been re-opened for two years with several of our events and programs being new. However, most, if not all, of our programs and events were “homeruns” when it came to their success. Therefore, I would like to continue the momentum that Jim started with a vision statement of my own as follows:

“Building upon our legacy of excellence in service to veterans, their families and our community, Post 283 embraces media and technology to amplify our impact, foster connections, and engage the public through innovative programs and events.”

This means we will enhance our events and programs, and raise their awareness, our profile, the post and the legion through film content, social media, technology and distribution. More specific details will be released soon regarding this agenda.

Finally, I believe all our events and programs are special, but I would like to highlight a few on the agenda that are specifically pushing through previous barriers—The Women Veterans Forum, Legion Gaming and Chapel Sundays at 11:15 a.m.

Feel free to reach out to me anytime at a meeting or send me an email. Remember, if you have an idea, think of ways you can serve on the committee to make it happen. The only person who gets away with ideas alone is my father-in-law and legion member “Bucky” Schmidt.