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What Is New and Happening on Catalina Island: 2024

By
the Palisadian-Post
-

Catalina Island is a place like no other.

Consistently named one of the best island getaways by media outlets and digital influencers nationwide, Catalina Island—located just 22 miles off the Southern California coast—is a unique blend of laid-back vibe, rich and historic past, features water and land activities to suit any taste, and modern-day amenities and services for every budget.

The Island is constantly evolving to offer visitors the best experience, whether it’s to relax and rejuvenate or rev up the action. Following are some of the most exciting new happenings on the Island this year, from new restaurants, hotels, cultural attractions and retail stores.

Spend about an hour aboard Catalina Express, which offers up to 30 departures daily and year-round service to Avalon and Two Harbors from San Pedro, Long Beach and Dana Point. The vessels offer comfortable airline-style seats, and a galley with a full bar and light snacks. Traveling to Catalina Island in as little as one hour, each vessel was designed and built specifically for comfort and speed. What do you say? C’mon and visit!

Boat and Hotel Packages: Visitors who book a boat and hotel package enjoy savings and value-added amenities at nearly 20 hotels in Avalon and Two Harbors. With a variety of hotels to choose from, visitors can discover the perfect vacation package for a Catalina Island getaway.

Restaurant News

Flx Biergarten: Prepare for a unique and memorable experience on Catalina Island at Flx Biergarten, the Island’s first and only biergarten located in Avalon. Paying homage to the Island’s rich history, Flx takes its name from the iconic ’50s Flxible buses that carried curious tourists on the streets of Avalon and along the Island’s interior. Enjoy an open-air atmosphere that includes charming string lights and cozy firepits.

Lobster Trap reopened mid-June after a five-month renovation that more than doubled the dining space and added a sushi bar. A local favorite, the clam chowder, pancake “shot” and the term “daily catch” has real meaning at Catalina Island’s Lobster Trap restaurant, owned by commercial lobster fisherman Caleb Lins since 2008. Lins plies the fertile waters off the Channel Islands in his 40-foot boat, Money Matters, bringing in local fish and California spiny lobster to his casual eatery in Avalon, the Island’s main town. Or try the ceviche made from local white sea bass, traditionally prepared and incredibly fresh. Look for other indigenous eats such as sand dabs and yellowtail—and wash it all down with some Lost Coast Brewery pale ale. The restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Sunset Bar & Grill held its grand opening on May 9. The restaurant is located at the Catalina Canyon Inn, and is open daily serving breakfast, lunch and dinner offering a variety of American and Mexican cuisine. A full bar is available—a must try is the specialty michelada. The new restaurant operators are Fransico and Veronica Bravo and Miguel Chavolla, all veterans of the restaurant business on Catalina.

Catalina Cantina is under new management and is a sister restaurant to Cafe Metropole, the Pancake Cottage, Airport in the Sky Restaurant and Scoops. Feast on tacos, burritos and tortas with carnitas, quesabirria, carne asada, or soyriza and papas. Enjoy aqua frescas and handmade margaritas. Located right on Crescent Avenue, grab a seat at the street front bar and look out at the Avalon Bay.

Original Antonio’s is under new ownership, and its nearly half a century of serving Catalina Island residents and visitors will continue, thanks to new owners Mike and Cinde Cassidy. They plan to honor the tradition of Antonio’s with few changes to its business operations or menu. Original Antonio’s is located at 114 Sumner Avenue, in Avalon. It is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner.

Transportation

In addition to the Catalina Taxi service and Catalina Island Golf Carts & Tours, the City of Avalon has launched a new on-demand, point-to-point public transportation service called COAST. The public can now enjoy rides to and from anywhere within Avalon’s city limits with fares starting at $2 per rider.

The new, 100% electric, transit system is a total re-design from the previous fixed route Garibaldi bus and dial-a-ride system. Users can ride the new transit system by downloading the Ride Circuit app in the Apple App or Google Play Store.

Activities

Explore El Rancho Escondido tour: Venture into Catalina’s picturesque interior to view the beautiful, recently renovated “hidden ranch” known as “El Rancho Escondido.” Experience the Arabian Horse Ranch built by Philip Wrigley in 1930, which today serves as a home for the family’s horses and is used to grow grapes for Rusack Vineyards. Visitors will enjoy a horse exhibition, view a selection of one-of-a-kind saddles, trophies and Western memorabilia, and see “The Bishop’s Chapel” with its awe-inspiring views. Learn the history of “JORY’s Bell,” the 130-year-old Baptismal Font and the original stained-glass windows of the chapel.

The newly opened Kelp Forest is home to Catalina Island Mermaids and Diving Catalina. The store offers gifts, souvenirs, jewelry, mermaid tails, snorkeling, scuba diving and beach equipment to enhance your Avalon vacation. A new offering fun for all ages is the Pearl Discovery Experience where participants pick out an oyster, open it to find a pearl and then pick out the perfect necklace to house the pearl.

Catalina Backcountry, now under new ownership, offers guests the opportunity to explore Catalina’s interior backcountry. The company offers private guided hikes and customized day experiences like picnic dinners at secluded beaches, sunset drive cruises and more. Hike the Trans-Catalina Trail with ease, utilizing services like gear haul, camp set up and customized meal preparation.

Island Events

47th Catalina Classic Paddleboard Race | August 25: The event is organized and conducted by the Catalina Classic Paddleboard Association, Inc., a volunteer 501c4 nonprofit organization. The Association promotes a traditional and original paddleboard race from Catalina Island to the pier of Manhattan Beach. Established in 1955, the Catalina Classic is the oldest and most celebrated endurance paddleboard race in the world. This historic 32-mile marathon, which starts at Catalina’s Isthmus cove and ends at the Manhattan Beach Pier, attracts paddlers from all over the world and is known as the “Grand-Daddy of all paddleboard races.” This is a race by paddlers for paddlers.

Two Harbors Brew Fest | September 14: Catalina Island Company and the Avalon Lion’s Club are partnering to bring you the best brew fest on Catalina Island. Enjoy live music and a huge selection of microbrews at the 22nd Annual Two Harbors Brew Fest on the beach in Two Harbors. Admission includes: souvenir beer glass, complimentary light and hearty appetizers, live music, tastings of all participating breweries, access to the silent auction, Giant Games, and photo booths.

Catalina Island Film Festival | September 25-29: Catalina Film Institute hosts its 14th Annual Catalina Film Festival. Voted by filmmakers as one of the top 50 film festivals in the world on the FilmFreeway.com, the Catalina Film Institute celebrates IMAGINATION – EDUCATION – DESTINATION with year-round film workshops, industry panels and inspiring events. Catalina Film Institute’s Annual Catalina Film Festival features almost 200 films, nightly events and entertainment. The Catalina Film Festival is in Long Beach September 25 to 26 and on Catalina Island September 27 to 29.

34th Buccaneer Days | October 3-6: Argh, mateys! Come celebrate the 34th Annual Buccaneer’s Weekend. Guests are encouraged to don their best pirate attire and set sail for Two Harbors for a weekend of treasure hunts, costume contests, great food, live music and a lot of fun. Getting to Two Harbors: Catalina Express ferry from San Pedro or Cyclone from Avalon.

Oktoberfest | September 27: The Catalina Museum for Art & History is bringing Bavarian culture to Avalon during Oktoberfest on Friday, September 27 from 6 to 9 p.m. The family-friendly event features live music, traditional singing, food, an Oktoberfest-themed art project for kids and German beer for adults. In the true spirit of Oktoberfest, guests are encouraged to dress in their finest lederhosen and dirndls, and B.Y.O.S. (Bring Your Own Stein) to enjoy a drink.

36th Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival | October 10-13 and 17-20: Since 1987, Catalina Island has hosted one of the most respected and recognized music festivals: The Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival. Founded by Art Good, Catalina Island JazzTrax Festival has been attended by audiences from all of the United States as well as a few foreign countries. Each October this festival hosts some of the top entertainers from the smooth jazz genre as well as exciting new break out up-and-comers.

About Catalina Island and Catalina Express

Located 22 miles off the coast of Southern California, Catalina Island is accessible by boat from three ports via Catalina Express: San Pedro, Long Beach and Dana Point. Catalina Express offers up to 30 daily departures and year-round service to Avalon and Two Harbors, transporting nearly one million passengers annually. It offers comfortable airline-style seats and a galley with a full bar and light snacks. Traveling to Catalina Island in as little as one hour, each vessel was designed and built/purchased specifically for comfort and speed. Catalina Express is an unparalleled resource in Southern California, and one of the world’s most respected ferry fleets. For information and reservations, call 800-429-4601 or visit Catalina Express.

Catalina Island’s clear blue waters and Mediterranean climate and ambiance are a Shangri-La. This laid-back Island town is chock full of places to eat, drink and shop. Catalina has a wealth of natural and cultural resources, unique animals and plants found nowhere else on earth. Sightseeing opportunities are numerous and varied from escorted tours around town, adventure rides into the interior, jeep eco tours, hummer rides, to zip lines, rock climbing and undersea adventures. Independent activities are plentiful, camping, hiking, snuba, diving, snorkeling, kayaking, spa treatments, beach lounging, golf, motor boating, parasailing, fishing, boat rides down the coastline and more.

The Legendary Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Debuts All-New Reimagined ‘The Greatest Show On Earth’

By
the Palisadian-Post
-
Photo courtesy Ringling/Feld Entertainment

The American Icon Has Launched a Spectacular Nationwide Tour that Brings Comedy, Thrills and Artistry to “Children of All Ages.” Tickets On Sale Now for SoCal Performances Playing Ontario, Anaheim and Los Angeles this Summer from August 9 to 25.

Feld Entertainment, the worldwide leader in live entertainment experiences, is excited to welcome “Children of All Ages” to the highly anticipated North American tour of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey “The Greatest Show On Earth.”

The immersive, live, family entertainment experience is unlike anything audiences have ever seen, filled with incredible acts that push the limits of human potential. This reimagined American Icon will surprise families as they come together to witness a fast-paced, action-packed production with modernized acts on a scale never-seen-before creating real connections between audiences and performers.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey – The Greatest Show On Earth returns to SoCal debuting at Toyota Arena in Ontario from August 9 to 11, then playing at Honda Center in Anaheim from August 16 to 18 followed by Crypto.com Arena in DTLA from August 23 to 25.

Packed with explosive excitement, “The Greatest Show On Earth” begins and ends with a bang. Lauren Irving, Alex Stickels and Jan Damm join forces as Aria, Stix and Nick Nack who are the soul, rhythm and funny bone the show and guide audiences through an interactive and music-filled journey filled with new, modern twists to classic circus acts.

The music-filled journey is bursting with catchy rhythms, beats, songs and laughter that will have audiences clapping, tapping, singing and laughing along. With action everywhere, audiences will see never-before-seen stunts, acrobatic displays and comedic acts from a globally diverse cast that includes 75 performers hailing from 18 countries, including Argentina, Canada, Cuba, Ethiopia, Italy, Mongolia, Spain, Ukraine and the United States, will inspire audiences through a variety of unbelievable circus acts, including:

Never-Before-Seen Stunts

The Triangular Highwire, led by The Lopez Family, introduces a modern twist to a classic with three very thin wires connected in a triangular formation, creating the ultimate chandelier in the air 25 feet above the ground. Four performers take on incredible feats, including jumping over their partner’s shoulders and riding a bike on the thin wire—all while another performer does a handstand on top of the moving bike. The Double Wheel of Destiny is even more extreme with four daredevil performers leap and somersault on top and across two spinning wheels that hang 30 feet in the air and move at incredibly high speeds.

Criss-Cross Trapeze

Nine trapeze artists take on the ultimate swing set as The Flying Caceres soar in every direction in an action-packed act nearly missing each other in the air by just seconds and inches. It is an incredible act of timing with several amazing performers going in every possible direction in sequence with each other. They also attempt a never-before-seen trick with performers completing two complete flips while flying from one bar to the next.

Hilarious Comedic Performances

Delivering humor in a new, laugh-out-loud, unexpected way are Nick Nack and the Equivokee Trio. Together they introduce a modern take on clowning that leaves the makeup behind and focuses on delivering moments of laughter for Children of All Ages through a comedic blend of juggling, acrobatics, dancing and balancing skills.

The Ultimate Playground

The 360-degree stage is the ultimate playground with bright colors and designs that resemble a toy box that has come to life with something new to discover around each corner. The stage transforms into the ultimate skatepark as a combination of BMX bikes, a trial bike and extreme unicycle soar through the air during a high-adrenaline extreme sports act with double-sided ramps and a one-of-a-kind trampoline that is a launching pad for tricks and flips.

Record-Breaking Heights

Wheeling at incredible heights will be Wesley Williams, the One Wheel Wonder, a Guinness World Record-setting performer who takes on a daring new challenge as he attempts to set a new world record. He will ride 10 different unicycles around the show floor—with the tallest at a shocking height of over 34 feet.

Aerial and Acrobatic Spectacle

Every seat at “The Greatest Show On Earth” has an impressive view when fans witness a combination of solo and group aerialists showcasing skills from straps and hoops all at the same time and some, in unison. Jumping, diving and tumbling across the show floor, skilled acrobats performing hoop diving, Chinese poles and jaw-dropping hand-to-hand skills will leave audiences in awe as they perform their inspiring acts. Closing the show with a bang is the Ringling Rocket, which will launch Skyler Miser across the entire arena at 65 miles per hour.

Dynamic Musical Performances

Audiences will dance along to big, exciting musical numbers incorporating original music, pop cover tunes and live rock-inspired drumming to help shape the audience’s emotional journey throughout the show. Argendance, an energetic dance troupe from Argentina, presents a fiery fusion of Argentinian-style dance that creates rhythm and tempo alongside show guide Stix.

Ontario
When: Friday, August 9 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, August 10 at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Sunday, August 11 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Where: Toyota Arena – 4000 Ontario Center Parkway, Ontario, CA 91764

Tickets:  Family friendly ticket pricing available—tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com or in-person at the venue box office.

Anaheim
When: Friday, August 16 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, August 17 at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Sunday, August 18 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Where:  Honda Center – 2695 E. Katella Ave. Anaheim, CA 92806

Tickets: Family friendly ticket pricing available—tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com or in-person at the venue box office.

Los Angeles

When: Friday, August 23 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 24 at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Sunday, August 25 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Where: Crypto.com Arena – 1111 S. Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90015

Tickets: Family friendly ticket pricing available—tickets can be purchased online at AXS.com or in-person at the venue box office.

For more information on upcoming shows and tickets are available on Ringling.com. To follow along with the fun and excitement as Ringling hits the road, fans can sign up for the Ringling Insider newsletter via Ringling.com and follow @Ringling on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube plus watch the fun  “Club Ringling” behind the scenes episodes.

Pacific Palisades Community Council Area, At-Large Candidates Sought

By
Sarah Shmerling
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Courtesy of PPCC

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Pacific Palisades Community Council invites eligible candidates to apply to run for area and at-large representative seats on the board for the 2024-25 term, which will begin October 1.

“The Palisades-wide public election of PPCC area and at-large representatives takes place every two years in the summer, with residents voting for area representatives, and residents, property owners and/or business operators voting for an at-large representative,” according to information shared by PPCC. “Voting in the election will commence later this summer.”

Incumbents are running in Areas 2, 4, 5 and 8 as per the PPCC area map, as well as the at-large seat. There are no incumbents running in Areas 1 (including Castellammare, Paseo Miramar, Pacific View Estates), 4 (including Marquez Knolls, Bel-Air Bay Club), 6 (The Huntington, Via Mesa/Bluffs) and 7 (including Santa Monica, Rustic and Lower Rivas Canyon, Will Rogers State Historic Park).

“All seats are open to new candidates, whether or not the incumbent is running,” PPCC wrote.

Those who wish to run must submit candidate statements to info@pacpalicc.org no later than July 25 at 5 p.m.—which is one hour before the start of the Thursday, July 25, PPCC meeting at 6 p.m.

“The statement shall not exceed 200 words and must include the candidate’s email address, the number of years as a resident of the Palisades, the number of years residing in the area in which the candidate is seeking election, as well as the number of years at the current principal residence and the address (area representatives),” PPCC said. “At-large representative candidates running as business or real estate stakeholders in the community must provide the current business address or address of real property owned in the Palisades. In addition, the statement shall include a position statement on issues the candidate believes are important to the community and/or to his or her area.”

The candidates will be announced during the July 25 meeting, with campaigning beginning after. Voting will commence August 16 and end on August 30.

“All candidates must be at least 18 years old when voting commences in September; candidates for area rep must live in the PPCC area that they seek to represent; candidates for at-large rep must either live, own real property or operate a business anywhere in Pacific Palisades,” according to PPCC. “Area and at-large representatives will be the voice of their constituents, bring issues to the PPCC board, learn first-hand about policy and land-use topics affecting the Palisades, and vote on matters of community-wide interest.”

For more information, visit pacpalicc.org.

Pacific Palisades Library Association Resumes Collecting Donations

By
Sarah Shmerling
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PPLA volunteers at a previous Parking Lot Book Sale
Photo courtesy of Laura Schneider

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

For those who have gently used books on hand to donate, Pacific Palisades Library Association resumed its collection drive Wednesday, July 17.

Donations will be collected by PPLA—also known as Friends of the Palisades Library—every Wednesday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. inside Palisades Branch Library, located at 861 Alma Real Drive. Donated books will be sold at future Parking Lot Book Sales to support PPLA endeavors, including programming at the library.

“Please note that we can only accept books in good condition,” according to the PPLA flyer. “Books should not be written in or highlighted, or show signs of excessive wear and tear. We cannot accept magazines, textbooks, CDs, DVDs, encyclopedias or library books.”

Volunteers will be accepting books on July 17, 20, 24, 27 and 31, as well as August 3, 7, 10, 14, 21, 24, 28 and 31.

“Please do not leave book donations at the library at times other than those specified or drop donations when volunteers are not present,” the flyer continued.

For more information, including how to volunteer, email friends@friendsofpalilibrary.org.

Ciela to Host ‘Health and Wellness Fair’ in the Highlands

By
Lily Tinoco
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Ciela
Photo by Sarah Shmerling

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

Ciela Senior Living—located at 17310 West Vereda De La Montura in the Highlands—will be hosting a Health and Wellness Fair on Thursday, July 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“Nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains, Ciela is redefining aging,” according to the event poster. “Designed around the promise of optimal health, happiness and the blue-sky potential of every age, we welcome you to the best part of your life.”

The Health and Wellness Fair includes a lineup of fitness workshops, wellness talks, health booths and local vendors. Attendees can also look forward to food and drinks, free giveaways, and the opportunity to win raffle prizes. Admission is free.

Ciela offers independent living, assisted living, memory care and short-term stays.

“We believe in providing seniors with an environment that fosters joy and rejuvenation as they age,” Ciela Founder and President Rony Shram said in a statement in 2023. “Our location overlooks the beautiful Santa Monica Mountains from every corner of the property, providing a connection to nature that’s vital for residents’ well-being.”

For more information or to RSVP to attend the fair, call 310-310-8218 or visit liveciela.com.

Performances of ‘Grease: School Version’ Continue at Pierson Playhouse

By
Sarah Shmerling
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Photo by Katherine Mossman

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Theatre Palisades Youth will continue its two-weekend run of “Grease: School Version” with performances at Pierson Playhouse Thursday, July 18, through Sunday, July 21.

“Travel back in time to the summer of 1958, when good girl Sandy and greaser Danny fall for each other during a carefree summer,” read a synopsis provided by TPY. “But when the school year begins, Danny is torn between his feelings for Sandy, and his image with the Burger Palace Boys and the Pink Ladies.”

The Theatre Palisades Youth iteration of the show—directed by Lara Ganz—features more than 45 actors, ranging in age from 8 to 18. It is choreographed by Rebecca Barragan and Aaron Jung.

“Grease is, absolutely without a doubt, the word,” Jung said in a statement. “Whether you fell in love with the movie or this is your first time watching ‘Grease,’ you will love this nonstop joyride of dance, song and a small taste of classic Americana. There’s a reason this was a favorite movie for so many of us growing up, and TPY will make you fall in love all over again.”

Performances are set to take place on Thursday, July 18, at 7 p.m.; Friday, July 19, at 5 and 8 p.m.; Saturday, July 20, at 2 and 5:30 p.m.; and Sunday, July 21, at 1 p.m.

Tickets are $22 for general admission and $17 for students/seniors. All performances take place at Pierson Playhouse, located at 941 Temescal Canyon Road.

“Come hear your favorite songs from the movie and Broadway musical, including ‘Hopelessly Devoted to You,’ ‘Greased Lightnin‘’ and ‘All Choked Up,’” the synopsis concluded.

Getty Villa to Present ‘Ancestral Connections: Yanculia/Restoration’

By
Lily Tinoco
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Photo courtesy of Getty

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

Getty Villa will present “Ancestral Connections: Yanculia/Restoration” on Saturday, July 20, at 3 p.m. in the auditorium.

The performance will mark the culmination of the Youth Theater Summer Intensive program’s five-week workshop, built around the Getty Villa exhibition “Picture Worlds: Greek, Maya and Moche Pottery.”

Throughout the course of the program, Latinx students worked with professional teaching and guest artists at Plaza de la Raza Cultural Center for the Arts and Education in Lincoln Heights. Led by Eddie Ruiz, students explored performing art forms and storytelling “through a global cultural lens,” according to Getty.

As part of developing the production, students took field trips to Getty Villa to explore “Picture Worlds: Greek, Maya and Moche Pottery” and met with David Saunders, associate curator of antiquities at the Getty Villa and co-curator of the exhibition.

The performances integrate poetry, movement, video projections and music. Professional video designer Ly Eisenstein enhanced the performance with student-created images, handmade masks and photos of pottery from the exhibition.

Admission to the performance is free, but advance tickets are required. Getty Villa is located at 17985 Pacific Coast Highway in Pacific Palisades.

For more information or to reserve tickets, visit getty.edu/visit/cal/events/ev_4214.html.

Local Artist to Lead Adult Painting Class at Palisades Branch Library

By
Sarah Shmerling
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Photo by Sarah Shmerling

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Pacific Palisades-based painter Martha Meade will lead an adult painting class at Palisades Branch Library on Saturday, July 20, beginning at 2 p.m.

“We will be using acrylics on canvas to do some LA Dreaming, and producing a masterpiece each of you can take home and hang on your wall,” read an event description. “If you came to the last class, come again. The content is different.”

Meade—a “long-time resident of Pacific Palisades and a member of the Pacific Palisades Art Association”—works primarily in oils on canvas. The program is sponsored by Friends of the Palisades Library (Pacific Palisades Library Association).

Space in the class is limited, so attendees are asked to RSVP to palsds@lapl.org or at the reference desk at the library, located at 861 Alma Real Drive.

Historic Run Ends for PPBA All-Stars

By
Steve Galluzzo
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The PPBA’s Mustang 9U All-Stars finished with a 23-6 record this summer and advanced to the PONY West Zone Tournament.
Photo by Steve Galluzzo

By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor

In the 70-year history of the Pacific Palisades Baseball Association, this year’s Mustang 9U squad will be remembered as one of the best All-Star teams the local youth league has ever put on the field. 

The summer came to an end Saturday, July 13, after a second defeat in the double-elimination PONY West Zone tournament, but that did not diminish a magical run that saw the Palisades-based team win 23 of 29 games and advance to the Zone playoffs—only the second PPBA team to ever do so.

Head coach Taylor Talt and assistants Matt Underwood and Joe Layton were proud to coach a roster consisting of 12 talented players: Will Feil, Carter Bergman, Tristan Kawasaki, Cabe Talt, Anthony Layton, Axl Moody, Bennett Underwood, Dylan Morrow, Jack Hetherington, Owen Tyler, Nate Underwood and Maddox Martin.

Palisades opened the eight-team Zone bracket in Walnut by beating Rodeo 12-3, but lost to Cypress 8-5 the next day. On Saturday afternoon, Palisades avoided elimination with a 10-9 come-from-behind victory over Hawaii.

A few hours later, the boys changed from their white uniforms to blue to face Tecolote Red of San Diego and battled to the final out of an 8-5 loss that ended their dream of being the first PPBA team to make the International World Series.

The only other PPBA All-Star team to reach the Zone playoffs was Coach David Hoffman’s Mustang 9U “Nachos” in 2022. That team won 28 of 37 games and finished 2-2 in the Zone playoffs, just like this year’s squad.

‘Happy Days in the Palisades’: Fourth of July Brings Annual Festivities

By
Lily Tinoco
-
Photo by Steve Galluzzo

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

Palisadians gathered along the route for the 76th annual Fourth of July parade, a beloved community tradition presented by Palisades Americanism Parade Association.

This year’s parade led with a theme of “Happy Days in the Palisades,” which was entered into the parade theme contest by longtime Palisadians Dean Grinsfelder and Vicky Collison, and selected by PAPA.

“In a family brainstorming session, it was my wife, Vicky … who actually came up with the theme,” Grinsfelder said to the Palisadian-Post. “It was a simple quest to create a short rhyme, but it truly represents our family’s experience of living in the Palisades. We have so much appreciation for the people, beautiful environment and relaxed character of the town. Every day we spend in the Palisades is a happy day for us.”

Grinsfelder revealed this year marked the first time the family entered the contest. He has been living in the Highlands since 1989.

The parade, headed by Grand Marshal Steve Guttenberg and Parade Marshal Rich Wilken, featured a number of local organizations and familiar faces from around town. Thousands rallied along Via De La Paz, Sunset Boulevard and Toyopa Drive for the bevy of festivities.

Paws ’N Claws’ Patriotic Pups of Pacific Palisades marched the streets with red, white and blue bandanas and accessories, the girls and boys of Troop 223 waved hello from different boats turned into floats, followed by Pacific Palisades Woman’s Club, Optimist Club of Pacific Palisades, Palisades-Malibu YMCA, Los Angeles Fire Department Station 69, and plenty more. Parties and parade observers cheered as each float passed by.

Local environmental organization Resilient Palisades’ float commemorated its Clean Air and Water team’s campaign that helped local gardeners purchase electric blowers in place of gas blowers. The team shared messages promoting gas-free gardening and celebrating the Highlands Summit HOA for being “100% gas free.”

“At the parade, we marched alongside dozens of additional RP members, including our newest member, recording artist and producer Redfoo, who brought his solar-powered golf cart,” according to the organization. “A great time was had by all, and we’re confident we raised the awareness of thousands of parade attendees who otherwise might not have given a second thought to how their gardeners are maintaining their lawns.”

Other parade highlights included music from the Palisades Oom-Pa-Pa Band, Lake Arrowhead’s Mountain Fifes & Drums, and New Orleans Traditional Jazz Band, as well as demonstrations from Gerry Blanck’s School of Yoshukai Karate.

Community members shared some of their favorite moments with the Post, including the Palisades-Malibu YMCA float, which was adorned with greenery and bountiful hand-painted butterflies.

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