Home Blog Page 4

Rod DeDeaux Foundation Raises $100,000 in Charity Event at Riviera

Former Lakers guard and coach Byron Scott.
Photo: Neubauer Media

The Rod Dedeaux Foundation hosted its sixth annual Charity Fundraiser Golf Tournament “Legends on the Links” on November 3 at Riviera Country Club, preceded by a VIP Par-Tee the evening before. These exclusive events brought together current and former professional athletes, celebrities and local business leaders to raise critical funds for youth baseball and softball programs in underserved communities.

In light of the devastating fire that impacted Pacific Palisades in January, this year’s fundraiser focused on supporting the recovery and revitalization of local youth sports facilities, including the Palisades Recreation Center and the Pacific Palisades Baseball Association, as well as  Live like Braun, the foundation established in memory of Loyola High tennis player and Palisadian Braun Levi, who was killed by a suspected drunk driver in May only weeks before his graduation.“The ‘Legends on the Links’ tournament, hosted by NFL Hall of Famer and former USC Trojan baseball pitcher Anthony Muñoz, was a huge success and the VIP Par Tee at a nearby private estate was hosted by ac tor/comedians Anthony Anderson and Cedric the Entertainer.

Former six-time NBA All-Star Blake Griffin (right) wtih Heisman Trophy winner and former NFL quarterback Johhny Manziel.
Photo: Neubauer Media

Winning the Women’s Longest Drive challenge with a distance of 231.9 yards was Sam Stockton and winning the Men’s Longest Drive challenge was Jeff Farley (321.5 yards). Munoz won the Seniors Longest Drive (265 yards) and Chris Young won the Straightest Drive challenge at 1.3 feet. Munoz had the longest and straightest drive (265 plus 9.7 feet) while Pete Cassiano had the Most Offline Drive at 279.7 feet. The Million Dollar CTP winner was Ryan Knapp, Farley was the Longest Putt CTP winner; Ryan Gale won the $10,000 60-Foot Putt Contest and Chuckie Collins (seven feet, four inches) won the Men’s Closest to the Pin Contest. In the shotogun format 18-hole tournament, the two top teams were City National Bank at with a five-man score of 109 (33 under par), consisting of Byron Scott, David Cameron, Michael Speaker, Phil Hosp and John Sulentor; and Johnny Carson Foundation at 112 (30 under par), comnprised of James Lomey. Michael Weintraub, Ari Weintraub, Farley and Tony Behrstock).

Rod Dedeux Foundation Director of PR Kimberly Cosby reported that more than $100,000 was raised.

Pacific Palisades Baseball Association player James Kamdar on stage between actor Anthony Anderson and Cedric the Entertainer.
Photo: Neubauer Media

SoFi So Good

Demare Dezeurn is tackled in the end zone after his third touchdown catch October 30 at SoFi Stadium.
Photos by Steve Galluzzo

Pali High Football Beats Fairfax on Senior Night to Wrap Up Perfect Regular Season and Earn Open Division Berth

By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor

Every high school football player longs to play in an NFL arena someday and that became a reality for Palisades’ varsity team  October 30 when it hosted Fairfax on Senior Night at SoFi Stadium.

The primary concern for head coach Dylen Smith was keeping his players focused on the task at hand, not getting caught up in the moment. Two and a half hours later, the Dolphins left Inglewood with memories they’ll cherish forever and, as an added bonus, the Western League championship.

It was a struggle all the way against the team that entered the night in last place in the standings, but as it had done in nine previous games Palisades came out on top, 40-33, to finish the regular season undefeated for the first time since 2021, its first year under previous coach Chris Hyduke.    

“It’s amazing for this to happen my last year of high school,” senior defensive end Augie Evans said. “Talk about going out with a bang.. My phone’s been blowing up… I’ve taken all kinds of pictures. Practicing here a couple weeks ago helped us get used to the atmosphere and the field. We were going to do whatever it took  tonight. Every kid in LA dreams of playing at SoFi and look at us.”

Before kickoff Chargers President of Business Operations A.G. Spanos was presented with a football signed by all of the Dolphins prior to kickoff—their way of saying thank you for the franchise’s support of a program that has been unable to play or practice at Stadium by the Sea since the Palisades Fire. The Chargers who share the state-of-the-art venue with the LA Rams, donated $50,000 to help with equipment and operational costs, then in February the team was invited to the Chargers’ training facility in El Segundo for a workout.

Ex-actor and Pali QB Club’s own Stewart Wilson-Turner sang “God Bless America” after which fans in the lower level heard the familar voice of longtime Palisades announcer Steve Klima say: “Good evening Dolphins fans!”    

Once the action started, Pali High quarterback Jack Thomas picked up where he had left off six days earlier when he tossed a career-high seven touchdown passes in a 46-30 win at Hamilton.

This time, he had to wait a while to take his first snap because the  Lions marched 76 yards in 12 plays and took nearly eight minutes off the clock before scoring on their opening drive. It took Palisades six plays to answer as Thomas found Malachi Ross over the middle from 32 yards out to tie it 7-7. Fairfax regained the lead on its next possession but Thomas connected with Ross again on a three-yard slant to pull Palisades even and the teams headed to their locker rooms deadlocked 13-13.

The Dolphins came out on fire in the third quarter as Thomas and Demare Dezeurn hooked up on a 64-yard touchdown pass play. Thomas scampered 13 yards to complete a 97-yard drive on Palisades’ next possession. Two more touchdown passes to Dezeurn in the fourth quarter were enough to survive two late Lions scores as Thomas finished 14-0f-24 for 386 yards, upping his season totals to 3,147 yards, 42 touchdowns and only three interceptions. Dezeurn has 61 catches for 1,290 yards and 20 touchdowns and has two interception returns for touchdowns.   

Having won the league title the Dolphins now covet a bigger prize, their City Section title. They are seeded fourth in the Open Division and host No. 5 Garfield (8-2) in the quarterfinals Friday at 7 p.m. at Southwest College.

—– Click on any photo below to view slide show —–

City of LA Issues Evacuation Warnings in Pacific Palisades Ahead of Storm

A map showing evacuation warnings issues for November 13 at 6 p.m. through November 17 at 11 a.m.
Map courtesy of genasys Protect

The City of Los Angeles is issuing an evacuation warning for “possible debris flows” in the Palisades fire area, which will be in effect from Thursday, November 13, at 6 p.m. until Sunday, November 16, at 11 a.m., according to Los Angeles Fire Department Spokesperson Jennifer Middleton.

The zones included in the evacuation zone are: LFD-1081, 1083, 1085, 1087, 1089, 1091, 1092, 1093, 1095, 1096, 1097, and 0891 (Mandeville).

“The Los Angeles Police Department will go door to door to visit each high-risk home with additional information,” Middleton said.

The evacuation warning was issued ahead of a predicted “storm with heavy rain,” according to genasys Protect.

“A large storm system will move into the Central Coast Thursday afternoon and Friday farther south,” read information from National Weather Service – Los Angeles on Wednesday, November 12. “The storm will generate periods of moderate to heavy rain Thursday through Saturday, and possibly into early next week. Quite a bit of uncertainty in the progression of the storm exists, however, flooding of roadways and burn scars is possible especially Friday and Saturday.”

The City of Los Angeles – Emergency Management Department reported that parts of LA may receive one to two inches of rain, with two to four inches possible in the mountains and hills.

“There is a slight risk of thunderstorms and debris flow across recent burn scars,” the department wrote. “Get ready and take extra precautions.”

Free sand and sandbags are available at Los Angeles Fire Department Station 23, located at 17281 Sunset Boulevard.

Caltrans will close Topanga Canyon Boulevard in the Palisades fire recovery work zone at 10 p.m. on Thursday, November 13, and is “expected to remain closed until conditions improve.”

Caltrans crews will close a 3.6-mile stretch of Topanga Canyon Boulevard/State Route 27 (SR-27) between Pacific Coast Highway and Grand View Drive two hours early at 10 p.m. Thursday, November 13, in preparation for predicted heavy rainstorms overnight Thursday through the weekend,” a spokesperson for Caltrans said of a stretch of the road that is typically closed to the public between 12 and 5 a.m. daily.

Caltrans crews will monitor and reassess road conditions throughout Friday and the weekend. Motorists should expect the route to remain closed through the Friday morning commute and potentially through the weekend.”

As of Wednesday, November 12, at 3:45 p.m., there was a 55% chance of rain predicted in the Palisades for November 13, 100% chance predicted for November 14, 100% chance predicted for November 15, 85% chance predicted for November 16, 60% chance predicted for November 17 and 40% chance predicted for November 18.

Week 11: Palisadian-Post Football Contest

The annual Palisadian-Post Football Contest, giving readers a chance to predict upcoming game winners, is back in season.

“Every week, the Palisadian-Post will have a selection of NFL and college football games,” according to the contest rules. “Check the team you think will win each game. The person with the most correct picks wins. In the event there is a tie, the tie-breaker will be used to determine the winner.”

There is an online submission process, making it easier than ever to participate. Contestants can simply download or copy their entry form, fill in their picks, take a photo and email it back to footballcontest@palipost.com by the 5 p.m. Friday deadline. The contest runs through the end of the NFL regular season.

The deadline to enter for Week 11 is November 14 at 5 p.m. The entry form will be posted no later than Thursday each week on the Post website, Facebook and Instagram.

Only one entry per person per contest will be accepted. Winners will receive a $10 gift card by email from our new contest sponsor, The Yogurt Shoppe (located at 11726 Barrington Ct. in Brentwood Village). The Post thanks The Yogurt Shoppe for allowing us to continue this 30-year-old tradition.

11th Annual Palisades Turkey Trot Signups Are Open

Photo courtesy of David O’Connell

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Signups are open for the 11th annual Pacific Palisades Turkey Trot, Powered by XBP Global, which will take place on Thursday, November 27.

“The reception from the Palisades community has been nothing short of incredible,” Race Co-Founder David O’Connell said. “It is very clear that Palisadians, most of whom have relocated to temporary homes around Los Angeles, are eager to get back to our town and support the rebuilding efforts.”

Runners and walkers of all ages are invited to complete the 5K or 10K course, with more than 2,000 participants expected to join this year’s trot, with the race beginning at 8:15 a.m. and festivities wrapping by 12 p.m. There is also a Pacific Palisades Kids Race, which is open to participants between the ages of 5 and 10.

The Turkey Trot, which typically starts and ends at Palisades Charter High School, has been moved to start and finish near Palisades Village Green, as remediation efforts are underway at the campus, which is slated to open in January 2026.

“We hope to get back to Stadium by the Sea in 2026,” O’Connell said, “but for this year, the event will bring some much-needed positive energy to our downtown village.”

This year’s sponsors include XBP Global, Equinox, Palisades Village, Capital Group, Heyman Development, Borgese Construction, Beverly Hills Estates, Tide Cleaners, Caffe Luxxe, CHEKiT and Cal State Fire Defense.

Packet pick-up will take place at Vons (17380 Sunset Boulevard) November 24 to 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information or to sign up, visit paliturkeytrot.com.

Local Actor to Debut Solo Play, Fundraising for Theatre Palisades’ Rebuild

Courtesy of Mitch Feinstein

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Mitch Feinstein is preparing to debut his solo play on Sunday, November 9—and “100% of your ticket purchase goes directly toward Theatre Palisades’ rebuild efforts.”

“‘79 and a Half’ tells the story of what happens to a hard-driving, compulsive, high-power attorney when he retires and must suddenly figure out what to do with the rest of his life,” read a synopsis.  “The play chronicles his one-month journey as he faces a possible life-ending diagnosis. Told with true wit, humor and a resilient spirit, this is a powerful story about the lessons learned in life: acceptance and gratitude. It’s a journey that inspires others to embrace the cycle of life.”

Feinstein is an actor and “dedicated” Theatre Palisades board member. The theater lost its space, Pierson Playhouse, in the Palisades fire.

The show, written and performed by Feinstein, will take place at 2 p.m. at Zephyr Theatre (7456 Melrose Avenue). Tickets are available for $30.

“I hope you can come watch my play and share this experience with me,” Feinstein wrote of the show. “Follow my journey into retirement, where humor and heartbreak meet as I discover life’s most important lessons.”

Pali High to Present Six Performances of ‘The Diviners’

Photo courtesy of Cheri Smith

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

A six-performance run of “The Diviners,” presented by Palisades Charter High School, will begin Thursday, November 6, at 7 p.m.

By Jim Leonard Jr., “The Diviners” is presented in arrangement with Concord Theatricals on Behalf of Samuel French as Pali High’s fall play.

All performances will take place at Lincoln Middle School, located at 1501 California Avenue in Santa Monica. Performances are scheduled for November 6, 8, 13 and 14 at 7 p.m., as well as November 15 at 2 and 7 p.m.

Tickets are available at $10 for students, $18 general admission and $25 VIP. Watch a trailer for the play here.

Allied Artists, Malibu Art Association to Participate in Annual Autumn Artapalooza

Courtesy of Barbara Freund

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Works by members of Allied Artists of the Santa Monica Mountains and Seashore and Malibu Art Association will be showcased in the third annual Autumn Artapalooza, which will take place on Sunday, November 9, at Malibou Lake Mountain Club.

“The show is free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.,” read information about the show, which is hosted by Malibu Art Association. “All the artwork is for sale.”

Art media on exhibit, created by 18 artists, including several members with ties to Pacific Palisades, will include original paintings, photography and sculpture.

“Join us in celebrating the vibrant talents of local artists as they showcase their incredible works in a diverse range of styles and mediums,” read an event description. “Artists from the local prestigious art associations—the Malibu Art Association and the Allied Artists of the Santa Monica Mountains and Seashore—will be on hand with their paintings and sculptures for you to enjoy and purchase.”

Courtesy of Wallace Wyss

Featured artists include Barbara Freund, who will be exhibiting her “favorite Malibu scenes,” including the lake, beaches, Malibu Pier, and area trails and canyons. Freund is “well known for her paintings depicting how we interact with and enjoy our beautiful surroundings.”

Other artists include Pamela LeGrand (exhibiting paintings inspired by the Pacific Ocean), Carla Bates (exhibiting “Ocean Portraits,” depicting her vision of the “Malibu experience”) and Wallace Wyss (showcasing pictures of exotic cars in local settings, including Paradise Cove).

“Martha Meade will be exhibiting works of still life, botanicals and, of course, her highly sought-after hand-painted tote bags,” according to information about the event. “Ruth Askren will be showing her paintings that interpret the wilderness alongside the architecture that is Los Angeles.”

Additional exhibiting artists include photographer Tim Horton, colorfield artist John De Herrera and landscape painter Inchol Kim. There will be live music on the lawn during the sale.

“Malibou Lake Mountain Club is a charming, historic venue,” read information about the venue, which is located at 29033 Lake Vista Drive in Agoura Hills. “Nestled in the scenic Santa Monica Mountains, the location is surrounded by majestic sycamore and oak trees, and sits alongside a picturesque private lake.”

Lowe Family YMCA Seeks Community Feedback

Courtesy of Lowe Family YMCA

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

The Lowe Family YMCA is seeking community feedback through listening sessions and surveys regarding the future of its programming and services, as well an upcoming tree lot.

“The YMCA is rebuilding, and we want to hear from you,” Executive Director Jim Kirtley wrote. “Join us for one of our upcoming Community Engagement Listening Sessions and share your voice on what programs, services and support matter most to our families, youth and neighborhoods.”

Formerly Palisades-Malibu YMCA, Lowe Family YMCA is hosting a listening session on Thursday, November 6, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Calvary Christian in the Waterside Room. The next session will take place at Collins & Katz Family YMCA (1466 S Westgate Avenue) on Wednesday, November 12 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

RSVP to either of the listening sessions here. These sessions follow the first one, which took place on Tuesday, November 4, at Palisades Recovery Coalition.

Those who cannot attend in person are encouraged to complete an online survey.

“As part of the community engagement process, we are gathering insights on how the YMCA can support Palisades and surrounding area families,” the survey link read. “Your input is invaluable in shaping programs and services that meet the needs of our diverse community. Please take a few moments to complete this survey. Your responses will help ensure the YMCA is a welcoming and resourceful space for all.”

Kirtley is also seeking feedback through a survey for the Lowe Family YMCA’s upcoming Tree Lot, which is slated to run between November 28 and December 19 at Simon Meadow.

“Before we finalize preparations, we’d love your feedback,” Kirtley wrote. “We want to make sure this year’s Tree Lot truly meets the needs of our community. Thank you for being part of the Lowe Family YMCA family. Together, we can make this season bright for all.”

CD 11, Rec and Parks to Host Virtual Dog Park Meeting

Courtesy of CD 11

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Councilmember Traci Park will host a virtual meeting regarding the forthcoming Temescal Canyon Dog Park in Pacific Palisades on Thursday evening, November 6, from 5 to 6 p.m.

The meeting will be hosted in partnership with City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks.

“Join me and our partners at LA Rec and Parks for a virtual community meeting … to review plans for the Temescal Canyon Dog Park and share your input,” Park wrote on November 1. “Your feedback will help shape the final design and guide next steps as we move this long-awaited project forward.”

The history of the dog park dates back decades, with Pacific Palisades Dog Park Working Group members Leslie Campbell, Carol Ross and Lynn Miller involved with bringing it to fruition.

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.

As of a community engagement meeting in October 2024, draft designs of the 33,255-square-foot dog park featured two areas, one for small dogs and one for large dogs. The design included shade and seating, as well as agility features, hydration stations, fencing (at least six feet high), gates, and native landscaping.

Sign up here to receive a link to attend the November 6 meeting.