Pacific Coast Highway is slated to be reduced to one lane in each direction between Porto Marina Way and Temescal Canyon Road the night of Friday, September 6, and then each night Monday, September 9, through Friday, September 9, according to an alert from Caltrans sent Friday morning, September 6.

The closures are anticipated to take place between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. to “repave two sections of the highway north of Temescal Canyon Road.” The lanes would be reopened each morning.

“During construction, the speed limit will be reduced from 45 mph to 35 mph,” according to Caltrans. “Please drive safely through work zone areas.”

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

As temperatures begin to climb, Los Angeles County Health Officers has issued excessive heat warnings, including for West and East Santa Monica Mountains, which started September 4 and are expected to continue through Monday, September 9, at 8 p.m.

“Los Angeles is experiencing a classic setup for very high temperatures, possibly record temperatures, to occur from Thursday into Saturday,” wrote Craig Weston, who tracks weather data from the Huntington. “High pressure over the California Desert region, coupled with an offshore flow to keep the marine layer at bay, is creating conditions for temperatures to be as much as 25 degrees above normal.”

At the time this story published, Pacific Palisades was expected to see a high of 104 degrees on Thursday, September 5, and a high of 102 degrees on Friday, September 6. The temperature was predicted to reach 97 on Saturday, September 7, and 100 on Sunday, September 8. The last day of the excessive heat warning—Monday, September 9—was predicted to reach 98 degrees.

“Pacific Palisades is almost guaranteed to break its 82 degree high reading for this year set on January 28,” Weston continued. “Woodland Hills could see temperatures of 100 to 117 degrees. The highest reading for Woodland Hills occurred on September 6, 2020, at 121 degrees. Since 2014, the highest temperature recorded in Pacific Palisades was 107 degrees on July 6, 2018.”

Lows were expected to remain in the upper 70s on Thursday and Friday, predicted to be 78 and 76, respectively.

National Weather Service also issued a Fire Weather Watch beginning Thursday, September 5, at 12 p.m. through Saturday evening for “all mountains,” due to “extreme heat and dry conditions with locally gusty winds.” The watch had the potential to be converted to a Red Flag Warning, NWS reported.

Sports across Southern California are being rescheduled or moved to the early morning hours or later in the evening due to the high temperatures, Weston explained.

“Public Health reminds everyone to take precautions to avoid heat-related illness, especially older adults, young children, pregnant people, outdoor workers, athletes and those with a chronic medical condition who are more at risk for negative health impacts from extreme heat,” the department wrote in a statement.

Public Health issued a list of recommendations, including to stay hydrated, avoid going outside during the hottest hours, wear sunscreen, be aware of heat illness, check on at-risk people and prepare for power outages.

“If we make sure to stay hydrated and keep cool, we can protect ourselves and our loved ones, friends and neighbors,” said LA County Health Officer Muntu Davis, MD, MPH. “If you have an elderly or unwell family member or neighbor, check on them regularly to ensure they are safe and well.”

Editor’s note: The story was updated to reflect the extension of the excessive heat warning through Monday, September 9.

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

The Pacific Palisades Democratic Club has announced a lineup of guests and festivities for its 2024 Garden Party, which will take place on Sunday, September 8, from 2 to 4 p.m.

Community members are invited to enjoy food and drinks outdoors, and partake in a silent auction at a home in the Riviera, where doors will open at 1:30 p.m.

“Hear from and mingle with elected and VIPs,” PPDC said in a statement.

This year’s guest speakers are slated to include Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, Supervisor District 3 Lindsey Horvath, City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto, City Councilmember Traci Park, LA County Democratic Party Chair Mark Ramos and Bill Burton, senior advisor for former President Barack Obama and department press secretary. A video message from Representative Brad Sherman will also be presented.

Attendees will have a chance to “peruse and choose goodies” from the PPDC “swag store,” which includes items like T-shirts.

Tickets to attend the garden party begin at $25 for a virtual streaming of the speeches beginning at 2:15 p.m. for students or $35 for adults. For in-person attendance, it is $50 for a ticket for a student or $75 for an adult ($70 per ticket if purchasing two or more). The address of the party will be given upon purchasing of a ticket.

PPDC also celebrated the opening of a new Westside Democratic HQ space in Santa Monica on September 1.

“Why do this, and why in Santa Monica?” the club wrote. “To maximize the number of volunteers who come help … because we’ve made it fun and easy … and because it gives Westsiders outsized national influence.”

The headquarters will act as a space to train and equip volunteers, host candidates and ballot proposition forums, host debates, parties and events, and provide a gathering place.

A Debate Watch Party is slated to take place on Tuesday, September 10, beginning at 5 p.m., with the debate set to start at 6 p.m.

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Friends of the Palisades Library will host its next book sale on Saturday, September 7, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Due to the excessive heat warning in place, the sale will take place in the Palisades Branch Library Community Room, as well as in the shade in the colonnade.

“Books are in excellent condition, priced to sell and include a variety of genres, including contemporary fiction, nonfiction, art books, cookbooks, special interest, children’s and young adult books,” read information from Friends of the Palisades Library, also known as Pacific Palisades Library Association. “Cash and credit cards accepted.”

PPLA wrote there will be a “very large selection” for families with young adults and children.

“Bring your young readers,” PPLA wrote. “Stock up on all your books for the new school year.”

Books that will be sold at the sale have been “generously donated” by members of the community, which were received and sorted by “wonderful” volunteers. Any books that were received that cannot be sold will be donated to “various worthy organizations,” including other libraries, active military personnel, prisons and senior centers.

PPLA is slated to resume collecting books in October. More information will be published when it is available.

“Proceeds from the sale help the Friends continue to supplement library materials, host a wide variety of programs and classes, and provide special initiatives for youth creative writing and art,” according to PPLA.

Those who attend the September sale will receive a drink card for a free beverage at Caffe Luxxe, as well as a voucher for a book at the Friends of the Palisades Library patio bookstore.

The sale will take place at Palisades Branch Library, 861 Alma Real Drive.

Editor’s note: The story was updated to reflect the change of location from the parking lot to the community room, as well as a change in hours. 

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

The Pacific Palisades Village Green will conduct its annual meeting—which includes an election for its Board of Directors—on Thursday, September 12, at 5 p.m. at Palisades Branch Library

Candidates for the board will make an introductory statement, then ballots will be cast. All interested members of the community in attendance will be eligible to vote.

“The number of directors will be at least nine and not more than 15,” Palisades Village Green President Cindy Kirven said to the Palisadian-Post. “And each will serve until the next annual meeting of members.”

The Board is currently composed of 15 directors, and two long-term members will be retiring this year: Betsy Collins and Ann Smith. Collins and Smith have agreed to stay on as “consultants” to the new board.

“They have each served for many years and have been instrumental in the ongoing care needed to keep the Green in such beautiful shape,” Kirven’s statement continued. “The community owes them a debt of gratitude for their years of service.”

Palisades Village Green is a “small, privately owned park” located at 15280 Sunset Boulevard between Swarthmore and Antioch. It operates with a mission to “maintain, in the heart of the community, an attractive, comfortable space in which people can meet others, have a snack, or simply sit in the shade to read or relax.”

Members of the community who wanted to run for a seat on the board were invited to provide a background statement and their interest in or prior activity with the Village Green by September 2.

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

The Marquez Knolls Property Owners Association will host its annual Block Party, which is set to take place on Saturday, September 14, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the sidewalk of Marquez Avenue.

“This community event will bring together neighbors, local businesses and families for a day of fun, food and festivities,” read a statement about the event.

The Block Party will include free hot dogs from ACS Security, as well as live performances by Alper’s Young Musician, Gerry Blanck’s Martial Arts Studio, Palisades Dance Studio and New Vibes Gymnastics.

“Children will be entertained with a dedicated kids’ zone featuring a bounce house, balloon artist, magician and face painter,” the statement continued. “In addition, all store owners will participate in exciting raffle prize giveaways.”

Visitors can try a massage chair provided by Oasis Palisades, while Ronny’s Market will provide free coffee and Knolls Pharmacy will have flu shots available. Police cars and firetrucks will be available for guests to climb on and “take selfies.”

Additional participating vendors in the 2024 Block Party include TLC Hair and Skin Care and Beauty Salon, Prana by Lana, Palisades Plumbing, Palisades Screen and Glass, Max Impact Boxing Gym, Palisades Animal Clinic, Paws N Claws, Malibu Coast Pet Retreat, Vittorio’s Ristorante, Ronny’s Parlane Cleaners, Pacific Design Group, Palisades Heating and Air, Domino’s Pizza, Gray Dragon Children & Toy Store, Alicia’s Place, Michael Edlen Real Estate, Gordon Gibson Construction, Marie’s Mac and PC Outcall, Dan Urbach Realtor, Horusicky Construction, Holly Davis Coldwell Bankers and Ali Rassekhi Realty.

“We are excited to host another year of the Marquez Knolls Block Party,” said Haldis Toppel, past president of MKPOA and Block Party organizer. “This event is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together, support local businesses and enjoy a fun-filled day with neighbors.”

Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, email Toppel directly.