By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

American Legion Ronald Reagan-Palisades Post 283 will host its second annual Halloween Spooktacular on Thursday, October 31, beginning at 5 p.m.

“Join us for a fun-filled, family-friendly Halloween celebration at Post 283,” according to an event description. “Our second annual Halloween Spooktacular is set to be bigger, better and more scary this year, with an exciting lineup of activities for both kids and adults.”

Event highlights include trick-or-treating, a magician show, a children’s costume parade and contest, and an adult costume contest. Attendees can also look forward to “devilish” drink specials, a dinner with pumpkin pie and cigars “with the Sons.”

The Children’s Costume Contest will run from 5 to 6:15 p.m.; Social Hour from 6:15 to 7 p.m.; Dinner with Pumpkin Pie from 7 to 8 p.m.; an Adult Costume Contest from 8:15 to 8:20 p.m.; and Cigars with the Sons from 8:30 to 9:15 p.m.

Admission to the event costs $5 per person after RSVPing through the American Legion website, or $10 at the door.

“Show off your best costumes, and enjoy the haunted atmosphere, delicious food and thrilling entertainment,” the event description read. “This is a fantastic community outreach event, and we hope to see you and your family there.”

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

A newly composed requiem by St. Matthew’s Parish Director of Music Dwayne Milburn will be performed during service on All Saints’ Day, November 3, at 9 a.m.

“Dr. Milburn has composed original music throughout his career as St. Matthew’s director of music, just as he has composed music during his time as a faculty member of the UCLA Herb Albert School of Music, as music director and conductor of the St. Matthew’s Music Guild, and during his lauded career as commander and conductor of the U.S. Army Europe Band and Chorus,” read a statement. “Dr. Milburn’s inspiration continues to flow through all of his musical endeavors.”

Milburn earned the Legion of Merit during his military service, which is given by Presidential Proclamation for “exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements.” For “furthering good relations” between the U.S. and Germany, Milburn was also awarded the German Army Cross in Silver.

A “talented orchestra and group of vocal soloists” are set to perform Milburn’s original composition in harmony with St. Matthew’s Choir. The Parish of St. Matthew is located at 1031 Bienveneda Avenue.

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

The office of Councilmember Traci Park and city of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks hosted their first Pacific Palisades Dog Park Community Engagement meeting on Monday evening, October 21, at Palisades Branch Library—sharing details of the proposed space and responding to questions from stakeholders.

Pacific Palisades Field Deputy for CD 11 Michael Amster began the meeting by speaking on the decades-long history of the dog park, inviting Pacific Palisades Dog Park Working Group members Carol Ross, Lynn Miller and Leslie Campbell up to talk on their involvement in bringing the park to fruition.

“The community has supported us from the get-go,” Ross said about the project.

Amster said the dog park has been a priority for the councilmember since she took office because it is a priority for the community. He said the project, which is a public amenity, aligns with the work that the office of CD 11 is focused on.

Next, Craig Raines, a landscape architect for Rec & Parks, explained details of the dog park, noting that at this point in the project, there is “some flexibility” as far as the design.

The dog park will be located on Temescal Canyon Road near Pacific Coast Highway on the east side of the road. It will be north (or to the left, if looking at the space) of the playground/bathrooms.

It will be fully funded by Measure A, Raines explained. Rec & Parks wrote a grant request, at the request of Park, to ask for the funding, with $1.5 million approved in September.

The 33,255-square-foot dog park will be split into two areas, one for small dogs and one for large dogs. There will be shade and seating, as well as agility features, hydration stations, fencing (at least six feet high, potentially Omega fencing), gates (at least a double gate, if not triple), and native landscaping. With its current timeline, the project is expected to be completed and open to the public in June 2027, according to Raines.

One topic that was discussed during the meeting was what kind of material to use for the dog park. Synthetic turf is being considered by Rec & Parks, but Raines said the department is open to other options.

Palisadians Lisa Kaas Boyle and Valeria Serna explained some of the potential issues synthetic turf could present (including introducing microplastics to the environment), pitching kurapia grass or another native option as alternatives.

Raines said “we can do whatever,” but “it’s hard” to find material that works in dog parks because of the use and maintenance. CD 11 and Rec & Parks said the conversation would continue at future engagement meetings.

Another topic was safety issues, including the potential for U-turns to be made along Temescal Canyon Road, people crossing the street with their dogs or coyotes in the area. Several options were discussed for the road, including designated parking (which might present an issue with California Coastal Commission, which works to keep parking free and open for beach access) or bollards. Coyote Rollers were suggested by one community member to keep them out of the fenced in area of the park.

When it comes to noise and odors, Palisadian Lou Kamer said the dog park group previously did an acoustic study, noting that most of the noise dissipated before reaching homes above the park space, as well as across the street. He explained that the breeze carried odors away as well.

“This site is the best site,” Kamer said.

Park spoke at the end of the meeting, thanking the community for attending.

“A lot of things we can talk about here,” Park said. “I’m just really excited for your community to be getting this … all things we can address [to] deliver an incredible asset.”

Amster noted that a future community engagement meeting would be slated for the near future.

October 24 Meeting to Feature Guest Speakers on Neighborhood Watch, Public Safety and Crime Prevention

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Pacific Palisades Community Council announced its new area and at-large representative alternates during a hybrid board meeting on Thursday, October 10, which took place virtually via Zoom and in person at American Legion Ronald Reagan-Palisades Post 283.

When it comes to the PPCC Board, the primary area representatives are elected by residents of their respective areas, with the at-large representative elected by “all community stakeholders.” They serve a two-year term, which began October 1 and will run through September 30, 2026.

“The area and at-large representatives’ alternates are first nominated by the Committee of Three Chairs and may then be elected by the PPCC Board at the first meeting in October (of those even years), and serve the same term as the primary representatives,” according to PPCC. “Alternates may also be nominated and elected at other times, should a primary representative or other alternate position become vacant.”

For this term, the Committee of Three Chairs was comprised of former PPCC Chairs: Maryam Zar, David Card and Steve Boyers.

“The elected representatives, which we call primaries, all get two alternates, so if the elected representative can’t be here, there will be one alternate to rely on,” PPCC Chair Emeritus Zar explained. “If that 1st alternate can’t make it, there’s a 2nd alternate.”

Per the PPCC bylaws, Zar continued, there was a one-month period of applications.

“We received quite a few,” Zar added. “I can let you know they were all excellent. We had a lot of great applicants.”

After PPCC Board approval during the October 10 meeting, Cindi Young will serve as 1st alternate and Joanna Spak as 2nd alternate for Area 1 Representative JoAnna Rodriguez. In Area 2, Carole White is 1st alternate and Diana Daniele 2nd alternate for Steve Cron.

Area 3 Representative Julia Nilsen has Robert Trinkkeller as 1st alternate and Joe Layton as 2nd, while Lee Ann Sanderson will serve as 1st alternate and Daphne Gronich as 2nd for Area 4, which is represented by Karen Ridgley.

In Area 5, Sharon Garrett will serve as 1st alternate and Allison Holdorff as 2nd alternate to Kimberly Bloom. The 1st alternate in Area 6—represented by Lorie Cudzil—is Cindy Simon, with 2nd alternate David Schwarz.

For Area 7, Rick McGeagh is 1st alternate and Alex Hoerner 2nd alternate for Representative Sharon Kilbride. In Area 8, there is a vacancy for 2nd alternate, but 1st alternate is Jan Shortz for the area represented by Andrew Wolfberg.

Serving as 1st alternate for At-Large Representative Chris Spitz is Michael Edlen, with Warren Jacob as 2nd alternate.

“PPCC is thrilled to have a such a diverse and strong board truly representing the voice of the community,” the organization wrote after the results were announced.

October 24 Meeting

The next PPCC meeting, which will take place virtually on Thursday, October 24, beginning at 6 p.m., will include “valuable and timely presentations” on Neighborhood Watch, as well as public safety and crime prevention.

Two experts—Cyndi Hench from Neighborhood Council of Westchester/Playa and Kathy Morgan from Brentwood Community Council—are slated to present during the meeting.

“Palisades HOA members, as well as residents of areas without an HOA (the Via Bluffs, El Medio Bluffs and Alphabet Streets in particular) are strongly encouraged to attend and learn about how to form a Neighborhood Watch to protect your neighborhood,” PPCC wrote ahead of the meeting.

Contributing Writer Jimmy Dunne Shares the History of the Space

By JIMMY DUNNE | Contributing Writer

This is really a story about what towns and families and passionate hearts bring to the table in people’s lives.

“Bring to the table”—we’ll come back to that.

Vittorio Ristorante & Pizzeria: We lived down the street from this neighborhood Italian family restaurant. On the evening of October 18—with a whole town of the dearest Palisadians—I was there to celebrate its 40th anniversary.

(The odds of a restaurant in LA pulling that off? About the same I’d give a tyrannosaurus rex crossing Wilshire at the La Brea Tar Pits.)

I knew the original owner, Giovanni Mazzola, a New York Italian. The real deal.

Back on the streets of New York, a guy called him “Vittorio.” Mazzola told him, “You’ll see, I’m gonna be a somebody, open a restaurant and name it ‘Vittorio.’”

And he did. Not exactly at an address that realtors would scream, “Location, location, location.” On Marquez Avenue, one mile outside of the village in the Palisades.

Enter Mercedes Pellegrini. Born and raised in a sweet little town in Brazil in a family of eight. German and Spanish blood.

Mercedes was as ambitious and smart as you get. Graduated from University of São Paulo with a carnival of dreams.

Blink, she’s married in a one-bedroom apartment in Van Nuys, can barely speak English and is raising two sweet-pea girls, Vanessa and Sabrina.

Her pal, the wife of the president of Gemco, tastes one of her dessert cakes and flips—telling her she needs to sell these things. Offers to be her free-of-charge sales team.

Next thing you know, Mercedes is baking up hundreds of them every day in her garage, driving her cakes and her two sleeping girls in her raggedy Datsun to Peppone and lots of other snappy restaurants all over the Westside.

Right out of her garage, she was making wedding cakes for Elizabeth Taylor, with folks like Robert Redford, Sylvester Stallone and Clint Eastwood loving on her cakes.

Here’s where our stories merge.

One of her clients—Giovanni Mazzola at Vittorio.

Mazzola offers to sell her the restaurant for a lot more than Mercedes had. She knew how long it would take just to break even.

She put everything—I mean everything—on the line. Took the deal.

Mercedes drove her 10- and 12-year-old daughters over the canyon to her new restaurant. Walked into the kitchen holding her daughters’ hands.

Looked her chefs and crew in the eyes. Promised them she’d treat them like family, with the respect they deserve.

That they’re all going to be on this ride together.

And, right then, they all made a pact that if they do this, they’re going to do it right.

“It’s all homemade,” Vanessa said so proudly. “Nothing, nothing comes out of a jar, a can, a bottle, a freezer. No microwaves. All fresh. We never, never, never skimp. And the cheese? Comes straight from Italy. When you step in here, you’re in your neighborhood kitchen.”

And the “neighbors” sure do love it. Ones down the street, ones all over the Palisades, ones from all over Los Angeles.

Families celebrating important events in their lives, couples having a dinner out and so many regulars stopping by for a glass of wine with those should-be-illegal garlic balls.

Everybody, every age, every walk of life. All walking out with garlic on their breath and a smile on their face.

“Celebrities love it here because we don’t treat them like celebrities,” Vanessa said. “We treat them like neighbors.”

Anthony Hopkins holds court with his pals at “Tony’s Table” in the corner. The Crystals, Guttenbergs, McGinleys, Keatons, Shorts, Sandlers—a handful of the three Musketeers’ “favs.”

Word has it Matt Damon is gaa-gaa about their chicken parmesan: “That’s a big nod since he’s from Boston,” Mercedes grinned.

About those amazing girls.

Vanessa started working after school at 12, cleaning the dishes, cutting lemons, bussing the tables—and she hasn’t stopped working there since. Sabrina followed behind her. They’ve been involved in the creative tapestry of every inch of this town treasure.

“I get to work right beside my daughters, my beautiful, talented daughters,” Mercedes said. “We’re best friends. How blessed am I?”

And giving back, they sure do.

During the holidays, they’ve gathered gifts for Children’s Hospital and Claris Health (helping challenged women all over the city) for 15 years. They’ve partnered with Schools on Wheels, Happy Trails and Sons of the American Legion.

They’ve served thousands of meals to kids and families in need—and handed out 12,000-plus toys and gifts to children throughout our city.

At Friday’s celebration, Mercedes and her daughters spoke about their respect for their landlord, John Wilson.

They told the full-of-love room that he is a part of their family, and he’s been in their corner through the thick and thin of COVID and every other life hiccup.

Vanessa called out all the chefs and staff from the kitchen, most of who had been there for decades. The crowd erupted.

Master Chef Jerry since day one—there for 40 years, missing only two days ever.

Superstar Chef Mario for 39 years. Pizza Chef Lazaro, 28 years (and who makes the garlic rolls). Seafood Chef Eliseo, 24 years. Chef Julian, 14 years (the Italian chopped salad is his creation).

How does this possibly happen in the incredibly transient world of restaurant employees? Or any other business? 

Friday night, I found myself standing at the back of the restaurant, taking it in.

Looking at neighbors bringing in flowers. Hugging and loving all over the place. Lots and lots of tears of joy.

I was looking through the menu at what they served. It listed the choices. The ingredients in each one.

It’s just not true. That’s not what you get when you’re there.

You get so much more.

You get served what family means. What friendships mean. What a town means. What passion means. What commitment means.

What making a difference means.

Cheers to all of you in the Vittorio family. How lucky and full you make us feel.

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.