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.
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.”
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.
A total of five defendants, including two doctors, have been charged in connection with actor Matthew Perry’s fatal ketamine overdose in October 2023 in his Pacific Palisades home, according to a statement from the United States Department of Justice on Thursday, August 15.
The individuals are charged with distributing ketamine to Perry leading up to his death.
Perry died on Saturday, October 28, 2023. He was found in the hot tub at his home on Blue Sail Drive in Castellammare. Los Angeles Police Department continued its investigation into the circumstances of Perry’s death, based on the Medical Examiner’s findings.
Perry died from “acute effects of ketamine,” the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office reported in December 2023. The autopsy report also cited drowning, coronary artery disease and the effects of buprenorphine as contributing factors in his death.
Two defendants were arrested Thursday, August 15: Jasveen Sangha, also known as “The Ketamine Queen” of North Hollywood, and Dr. Salvador Plasencia, also known as “Dr. P” of Santa Monica, according to the U.S. DOJ.
Sangha and Plasencia were charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine. Sangha was also charged with one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute ketamine and five counts of distribution of ketamine.
Plasencia was charged with seven counts of distribution of ketamine, and two counts of altering and falsifying documents or records related to the federal investigation.
A superseding indictment alleged that Sangha’s distribution of ketamine on October 24, 2023, caused Perry’s death.
Three other defendants—charged separately—are Eric Fleming, who admitted in court documents that he distributed the ketamine that killed Perry, after obtaining it from Sangha and distributing it to Perry’s live-in personal assistant Kenneth Iwamasa; Iwamasa, who admitted to repeatedly injecting Perry with ketamine without medical training, including multiple injections on the day Perry died; and Dr. Mark Chavez, who agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine.
“We allege each of the defendants played a key role in [Perry’s] death by falsely prescribing, selling or injecting the ketamine that caused [his] tragic death,” Drug Enforcement Administration Administrator Anne Milgram said in a statement. “Matthew Perry’s journey began with unscrupulous doctors who abused their position of trust because they saw him as a payday, to street dealers who gave him ketamine in unmarked vials.”
If convicted of all charges, Sangha would face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Plasencia would face up to 10 years in federal prison for each ketamine-related count and up to 20 years in federal prison for each records-falsification count.
When sentenced in their federal cases, Iwamasa and Fleming would face up to 15 years and 25 years, respectively.
Chavez has been charged in an information pursuant to a plea agreement and will be arraigned on Friday, August 30. At sentencing, Chavez will face up to 10 years in federal prison.
Sangha and Plasencia made their initial appearances on Thursday, August 15, in U.S. District Court in downtown Los Angeles. Both defendants were arraigned and pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges against them.
Plasencia’s trial date is set for October 8, and Sangha’s trial date is October 15.
The Palisadian-Post presents an homage to Will Rogers’ column, “Will Rogers Says,” with a column by Palisadian Jimmy Dunne—on life in the “greatest town in America.”
‘Teachers’
Six months ago at Veterans Gardens, the plants weren’t green enough. Weren’t full enough.
We brought in a new landscaper. An artist’s soul. We walked through the garden. He put his weathered hands deep in the dirt.
He said our garden didn’t need new plants. We needed better soil. He said it’s all about the soil. He said with great soil, plants can blossom beyond their wildest dreams.
——–
This morning I walked through that same garden. It’s now beaming with green, lush, full-of-life plants.
I was pulled back in time to the soil in a different garden. Grade school days.
When my parents went to year-end parent-teacher conferences at St. Francis Xavier, my brother and I preemptively layered on a thick stack of underwear under our pajamas, covering our rumps—preparing for the bad news that was sure to walk in that door.
My third-grade class? Three classrooms. Forty-six kids in each one. They hadn’t invented air conditioners yet.
My parents sat me down at home.
They told me my teacher, Mrs. Husfield, said she moved my seat across the room so I’d stop staring out the window all day long.
She told my parents she didn’t know what to do with me.
She said she was on the fence about either recommending holding me back a year—or having me skip a grade.
A few days later in class, in a quiet moment, Mrs. Husfield came up behind me at my desk.
She whispered in my ear, “You keep looking out that window. I have a feeling you’re going to find what you’re looking for.”
Never forgot that.
——–
My creative writing teacher in high school, John Wheeler, gave me an F on my first paper. He told me safe gets me an F in his class.
Told me to write something that looked like a mirror. Opened my eyes to the essence of creativity.
——–
Down the river at college at the University of Kentucky. A sophomore biology professor stood in front of our class and said he was a teacher so he could tell this one story a year.
Showed us a picture of a scab.
Told us how it worked. How you cut your arm and an army from your body somehow, some way, all gather on that very spot to do its work.
First, the army builds a tent over the scab. Then they get to work. They call in the “medics” squad in your body. They see what’s wrong, talk about it, fix it and stitch up the cut. No medicines necessary.
After they’re all done, they bring back the crew to tear down the tent over the scab.
Down comes the tent, and you’re good as new.
He said, “There, right there. There’s the wonder of life. There’s a Picasso. Right on your arm.”
He was a doorway to a lifetime gift of searching for that wonder in the boundless treasure chest of science.
——–
And the richest bed of soil? Right in my own childhood home, selflessly tilled by my mom and dad.
The lover and the boxer.
A dad who would look us seven kids in the eyes as we walked out the back door—and say like he was Russell Crowe in “Gladiator,” “Be a Dunne.”
And a mom who would walk me to my bike, kiss me on the head and tell me to “be kind.”
My mom said that the greatest two gifts a parent can give their child are love, and greatest of them all—respect.
——–
Teachers sure come in all shapes and sizes. Brothers, sisters, friends, coaches, co-workers, authors, bosses, gardeners.
The great ones steer our lives.
Just enough that we barely know it, but just enough to make all the difference.
It seems to me most teachers teach nouns.
You know, like the names on the doors and books. The main thing they make you do is memorize stuff. The better you memorize it, the better grades you get.
The great teachers teach you verbs.
To dream. To find the wonder. To open your eyes—and reach. They take a book and make it about you. Your story.
And the rare, really great ones make you discover someone in you—who you didn’t even know you were.
——–
If you wouldn’t mind, I hope you take a moment right now.
Thirty seconds.
I’ll start my watch.
Try to look back at those teachers—in your remarkable journey.
And give thanks for our rich, rich soil—right under our feet.
Jimmy Dunne is a modern-day Renaissance Man; a hit songwriter (28 million hit records), screenwriter/producer of hit television series, award-winning author, an entrepreneur—and a Palisadian “Citizen of the Year.” You can reach him at j@jimmydunne.com or jimmydunne.substack.com.
Converting an entire yard to native plants is a worthy goal, but it can be intimidating. Why not try converting a very small non-native plant or grass section of your yard to a California native plant section first? You can search online for “California Friendly Landscaping,” attend a free LADWP native plant workshop, or visit Merrihew’s nursery in Santa Monica. When your eyes feast on your beautiful new foliage, your lower water bill, and your greater amount of wildlife, you’ll be hungry for more.
Marquez Coffee
Please stop asking “Coffee shop in Marquez Knolls anyone?” There aren’t enough patrons in Marquez Knolls to support one.
Adults
People complain about kids and teens. Time to complain about the adults. Today, at the Farmers’ Market, a man took one toothpick and speared a sample, put it in his mouth and continued with the same toothpick down the line. A woman grabbed a basket of fruit, lifted it to her nose, inhaled, put it down. She picked up a second, inhaled, a third etc., adding germs and grossness to each box. Another man took a peach from the display and stood there eating it before walking off without paying. Please respect other market shoppers and the vendors.
Leaf Blowers
Get rid of gas leaf blowers.
Dogs
It’s time to do something about our town’s reputation for entitled behavior and the dog problem at the Farmers Market. In a recent OpEd piece by Nadav Ziv in the LA Times, he aptly writes: “The best place to see rich Angelenos act as if the rules don’t apply to them is the Pacific Palisades Farmers Market. Amid beautiful heirloom tomatoes and jumbo avocados that I wish I could afford, dozens of posted signs make clear that non-service dogs are prohibited. And yet everywhere I look … dogs, dogs, dogs.”
Parking
Be careful of people parking on Temescal by Pali High. People are almost hitting employees.
Got something to say? Call 310-454-1321 or email 2cents@palipost.com and get those kudos or concerns off your chest. Names will not be used.
As the country and the rest of the world experience another year of scorching heat waves, private for-profit utility companies—who we rely upon for our basic necessities like heating, cooling and electricity—are keeping us reliant on climate-wrecking fossil fuels while reporting record profits.
When they work well, utilities exist in the background of our lives: They power our homes, cool us down when it’s hot and give us heat when it’s cold. But too often, they are sources of aggravation: The power goes off when it’s dangerously hot or cold out, our bills skyrocket, and these for-profit companies threaten to shut off services when we’re unable to pay.
We know that climate change raises those stakes even higher, and utility companies themselves play a massive role in exacerbating the climate crisis: 80% of electric utilities in the U.S. run on fossil fuels.
Shifting utilities to clean energy is integral to working toward a safer climate, but these private, for-profit companies would rather maintain the status quo and keep the public in the dark. Utility companies are charging us more while they get paid off by the fossil fuel industry to block the transition to renewable energy.
Utility companies have gotten away with profiting at the expense of people and our planet for too long. It’s time we hold them accountable and demand they stop using our money to burn our future while individuals and families struggle. We deserve an energy system that allows everyone to have access to clean and affordable energy.
The following includes two weeks of reported incidents.
Burglary
600 Palisades Drive, August 2 at 10:30 a.m. Suspects pried sliding glass door, entered, ransacked, and removed jewelry and money from safe valued at $317,000.
1100 Embury Street, August 3 at 10:04 p.m. Suspects used ladder to smash second-story window. Suspects entered and removed designer handbags and safe valued at $60,500. Suspects fled in black Chevy SUV.
1100 Embury Street, August 4 at 4 a.m. Suspects smashed rear door, entered, ransacked and removed designer purses (unknown value).
500 Las Casas, August 8 at 2 p.m. Suspects pried sliding glass door, entered, ransacked, and removed jewelry and collectibles valued at $23,000.
600 Enchanted Way, August 9 at 12:30 p.m. Suspects entered residence through unlocked rear door, and removed money and jewelry valued at $5,500.
Hot Prowl
15900 Alcima Avenue, July 26 at 5:37 p.m. Suspects entered through unlocked rear door. The housekeeper was home at the time and hid in the pantry. Suspects ransacked interior, and fled with jewelry and designer handbags valued at $143,500. Suspects fled to awaiting black Chevy Suburban with cold plates.
Attempted Grand Theft Auto
14900 Camarosa Drive, August 10 at 3:30 a.m. Suspects in newer white Dodge Charger smashed victim’s Jeep window, entered and attempted to steal victim’s vehicle.
Bike Theft
17000 Sunset Boulevard, August 9 at 7:40 a.m. Suspect entered victim’s apartment and stole victim’s electric bike. Victim was able to locate the suspect and demanded bike back. Suspect stepped off the bike and walked away.
Provided by LAPD Senior Lead Officer Brian Espin. In case of an emergency, call 911. To report a non-emergency, call 877-275-5273.
Board of Directors Election | Palisades Village Green
Palisades Village Green will host its annual election of its Board of Directors during a meeting on Thursday, September 12, at 5 p.m. at Palisades Branch Library.
“All interested members of the community in attendance at this annual meeting are eligible to vote,” according to information provided by the board. “All candidates for the board will make an introductory statement, after which, ballots will be cast. The number of directors will be at least nine and not more than 15, and each will serve until the next annual meeting of members.”
Those who are interested in running as a new candidate on the board can send their name, how long they have lived in the Palisades, a brief background statement, and their interest in or prior activity with the Village Green to current President Cindy Kirven at cindykirven@aol.com by September 2.
Fifteen directors currently sit on the board, with two long-term members retiring this year: Betsy Collins and Ann Smith, who have agreed to stay on as “consultants.”
“They have each served for many years and have been instrumental in the ongoing care needed to keep the Green in such beautiful shape,” according to the board. “The community owes them a debt of gratitude for their years of service.”
—SARAH SHMERLING
‘Summer Fun’ | The Huntington
Westside Voices will present its next concert, “Summer Fun,” at Corpus Christi Church on Sunday, August 25, beginning at 3 p.m.
“Enjoy listening to this award-winning a cappella group for an hour of great music, fun and some surprises,” read a flyer. “You might even learn other uses for eating utensils. ‘Here Comes the Sun,’ but we ‘Ain’t Misbehavin‘,’ for the ‘Longest Time.’”
The group was established in 2006, bringing together “professional and top amateur singers.” There is a suggested donation of $15 to attend.
“‘Summer Fun’ will delight you with familiar and funny selections,” said a concert organizer. “We look forward to seeing you there.”
Corpus Christi Church is located at 880 Toyopa Drive. For more information, go to westsidevoices.com.
—SARAH SHMERLING
Annual Estate Sale | Upper El Medio
Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church will host its annual estate sale on Saturday, August 24, with doors opening at 8:30 a.m.
“Donations are welcome,” a flyer for the event read. “Drop off [began] Sunday, August 18.”
Items that will be available include clothing, small furnishings, collectibles, home and holiday decor, toys, and more, according to a list compiled by the church.
Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church is located at 15821 W Sunset Boulevard. For more information, visit palipres.org.
—SARAH SHMERLING
Palisades Symphony | Upper El Medio
Palisades Symphony will host a concert of “opera arias and overtures” on Sunday, August 25, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Palisades Lutheran Church, located at 15905 Sunset Boulevard.
“Join us for a concert of favorite arias from opera, sung by a group of outstanding soloists,” according to Palisades Symphony. “The orchestra is given a chance to shine, too, with famous opera overtures. The remarkable opera conductor Alan Medak will preside.”
Admission to the concert is free, with open seating. The program includes “Vesti la giubba,” “Nessun dorma,” “Una voce poco fa” and “Fin ch’han dal vino.”
For additional information, visit palisadessymphony.org.
Pali High Seniors Launch Global Educational Initiative VIVAIO EMPOWER
By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
Heading into their senior year, a group of Palisades Charter High School students are looking to make a global difference through a recently launched education initiative.
VIVAIO EMPOWER—which was originally established by Alexios Stamatelopoulos and has since grown to include several of his peers—operates with a mission to “empower young minds, ignite creativity and foster global connectivity.”
“VIVAIO EMPOWER was an idea that came to me in December of 2023,” Alexios explained to the Palisadian-Post. “At the age of 5, my parents chose a non-conventional birthday present, sponsoring a child’s education in Africa … Witnessing this action for many years has developed a silent and profound education for me.”
Several years later, Alexios said his parents started a family business, VIVAIODAYS, which donates a portion of annual total global sales to support educational partners through its Schooldays Program.
“VIVAIODAYS started, in essence, when our family did,” founders Elina Lampaki and Marios Stamatelopoulos wrote. “When our first child was born, we made a family commitment to funding education in communities less privileged than ours.”
Today, VIVAIODAYS is an organic product line, designed with ingredients and recipes collected from around the world, like India, Borneo and Southern Africa, for babies and kids, including balms, shampoos, lotions and more.
“VIVAIO, or ‘nursery’ in Italian, has two meanings,” read the VIVAIODAYS website, “it’s a place where young plants grow and a place where little kids learn as they grow.”
Alexios, now a senior who resides in Santa Monica, said that growing up in a home where education is “idolized” has allowed him to see the “impact education makes on one,” leading to the launch of VIVAIO EMPOWER, alongside five friends.
James Ball serves as curriculum coordinator, Nikhil Bhasin is the school contact, Alexi Baski is finance manager, Jonny Fuhrman is social developer and Juan Cotom Lopez is a mentor.
“Our project … is a testament to the transformative power of education and the boundless potential residing within every child, regardless of geography or circumstance,” read the VIVAIO EMPOWER website.
The project intends to accomplish this through “the establishment of cutting-edge computer labs and the implementation of comprehensive digital sessions.” In fact, Alexios took a trip to Uganda to set up a computer lab at VIVAIO EMPOWER’s first partner school, Greenfield School in Kabale, Uganda—a primary school with a population of 500 students in kindergarten through sixth grade, run by 19 teachers.
“The school provides meal and board if necessary, where 35% of the school stays at the school during the school year due to living too far from the school,” according to the VIVAIO EMPOWER website. “The rest of the students walk anywhere from 30 minutes to three hours to get to school and back home everyday.”
The team said Greenfield was the “test school” for the project, trialing things like the success rate of the lessons, as well as picking and choosing the “best methods for transferring the information over to the students.”
“We aim to equip students with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate a rapidly evolving world,” the website continued. “Our vision extends beyond the confines of traditional education, embracing a holistic approach that nurtures the mind, body and spirit.”
The VIVAIO EMPOWER team offers a range of things to program participants, including weekly mentoring, exposure to “diverse career paths,” and a “promotion of health and wellness practices.” They also ship projectors and computers to the schools in order to communicate with students and complete the curriculum.
“The biggest way we think that we can impact children is through the dispersion of knowledge,” Ball explained to the Post. “We’ve created a curriculum plan with different branches that encompass enriching topics.”
Lessons are customized for each school. VIVAIO EMPOWER works with the school to address its specific needs, selecting what lessons they will cover. The school can also determine whether or not they want the students to complete homework assignments.
Some of VIVAIO EMPOWER’s lesson offerings include Geography and World Culture, Public Speaking and Presentation Skills, Science and Technology, and A Day in My Life.
Science and Technology aims to provide “insights on the evolution of technology and its effects on society,” as well as how to use it to their advantage.
Careers shows the students “different professions around the world,” covering “diverse career paths” and skills needed. The students are shown the “diversity of the world they live in” through lessons on music, language and landscape in the Geography and World Culture course.
“Health focuses on promoting medical knowledge and hygiene practices among children,” Ball described. “Public Speaking and Presentation Skills aims to arm students with the necessary communications skills to become a leader and inspire others.”
A Day in My Life is a once-per-month connection made between one of the schools participating in VIVAIO EMPOWER and an elementary school in Los Angeles, designed to show “both schools what life is like 9,000 miles away.”
“We aspire to cultivate a generation of empowered changemakers poised to shape their communities and transcend boundaries,” according to the website. “Central to our ethos is the belief in the power of connectivity to bridge divides and cultivate empathy. By offering an unfiltered glimpse into diverse lifestyles and cultures, we strive to foster understanding, empathy and mutual respect among global citizens.”
VIVAIO EMPOWER currently works with about 2,100 students at two schools in Uganda, according to Bhasin, with plans to partner with an additional four schools by the end of September.
“As a team we see the future of VIVAIO EMPOWER as something we can pass down to the next generation of Pali High schoolers,” Baski described. “As for shorter term goals, we plan on having an impact on over 10,000 children throughout the world. As for expanding, we are in the pipeline with more schools to come across Uganda and Cambodia.”
For those looking to support VIVAIO EMPOWER’s endeavors, the team has launched a gofundme, with a goal of raising $30,000 to extend their services to 10 schools (10,000 students) across Africa and Cambodia via at least nine additional schools by December. At press time, more than $8,500 had been raised.
“Being involved in the project has made me realize the importance of knowledge and has made me appreciate the schools that I’ve been lucky to attend,” Ball said.
Ball said that he finds being involved with VIVAIO EMPOWER “extremely rewarding,” that he is grateful to share knowledge he has acquired “over the years to other people across the world.”
“With a clear roadmap and a commitment to our values, we invite you to join us on this journey towards a brighter tomorrow,” the VIVAIO EMPOWER team wrote on its website. “Together, let us pave the way for a world where every child has the opportunity to thrive, and where the transformative power of education knows no bounds.”
By continuing to use our site, you understand that we use cookies to improve your experience and collect analytics data. To find out more, read our privacy policy here.
