High School Junior Colton Etheridge Aims to Connect Community Members Through the Recently Launched Pali Life Brand

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

One Palisadian is using his recently launched brand to help bring the community closer together—no matter where they are currently residing.

After launching in October 2024, Pali Life founder Colton Etheridge lost his home and inventory in the Palisades fire—but has since been focused on rebuilding the brand, as well as using it to give back through a fire relief initiative.

“Since the fire—I mean, we lost everything,” Etheridge, who lived on Galloway Street, described. “All of our inventory was gone.”

Etheridge said he originally launched the brand, which he began thinking about in summer 2024, to “bring everyone in the Palisades closer together”—a meaning that became even deeper following the Palisades fire.

“The whole reason I started it was because I used to play baseball with a ton of kids in the Palisades,” Etheridge explained. “Once we all grew out of the league, I didn’t really see any of them anymore.”

Then, the Geffen Academy junior said he had seen some of the friends he used to play baseball with last summer, recalling thinking to himself how nice it was to see them and wanting to have something that would reconnect them.

He originally started Pali Life with hats and thermals and hoodies, as well as a couple of pairs of jeans. When the full inventory is available, he now offers a line of men’s and women’s wear, as well as accessories, like socks and hats, with the red and white Pali Life logo. There is an assortment of vintage items available as well.

“The Pali Life has been bringing exceptional style to shoppers far and wide since our founding, and we don’t intend on stopping anytime soon,” read the brand’s website. “Our vision is fast-paced, forward-thinking and fashion-centered at its core, and all of our products reflect these ideals.”

When it comes to women’s wear, Pali Life has a Tower 15 Hoodie, as well as a half-zip jacket. Under men’s wear, there are items like a Wool Plaid Shirt, Waffle Long-Sleeve T, Indigo Jeans and the Fleece Hoodie.

Socks are available in white, black with white accents and white with black accents. There is a Pali Life sticker with the signature logo.

There is an option on the website to join Pali Life’s mailing list, which has the most up to date information about the brand. Community members are also invited to follow along on Instagram, where Etheridge will post where and when he will be popping up in the future.

After losing his inventory in the Palisades fire, Etheridge was introduced by a close friend to someone who “donated a ton of hats.” He also went downtown to make new connections with sellers in the area.

“So far we’ve only had enough time to get hats and hoodies, and we’ve also done some socks as well,” Etheridge said. “So kind of just staying with simple, easily appealing stuff.”

Prior to the fire, Etheridge was present at several events within the community, including Pacific Palisades Farmers Market and Palisades Charter High School’s inaugural Flea Market on October 20, 2024, the event where the brand was originally launched. He also did a pop-up in the Village area across from Cafe Vida in early December 2024.

Now, he operates a booth some weeks at the Brentwood Farmers Market, where he has been able to connect with community members.

“Seeing our friends and neighbors, sharing trials and smiles, is why we are here,” he wrote on March 16 following a market day. “Thank you for coming out to the Brentwood Farmers Market.”

Through Pali Life, Etheridge is raising money for One Voice: a fire relief fund that is dedicated to helping “service workers after the fires” by providing “rent, food and essentials.”

“We know that all of the people that helped make our community as beautiful and as friendly as it was by contributing their working hours to work in our neighborhood are also suffering a loss of income,” Etheridge wrote on the fundraising site. “ … We are grateful to have benefited from the beautiful community of the Palisades and the people who spent their days there. Thank you, One Voice LA, for recognizing this need.”

To date, the brand has raised more than $5,000 for One Voice.

When it comes to the future of Pali Life, Etheridge said he “really just [wants] to bring everyone from the Palisades closer together.”

“I know a lot of people have been dispersed across LA,” Etheridge said, “and I think it’s really powerful to have a brand that will bring everyone in Los Angeles closer.”

For more information, visit thepalilife.com or instagram.com/palilife.

Pop-Up Boutique Offers Free Shopping Service to People Impacted by LA Fires

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

With the hope of providing some sense of normalcy to those who have been impacted by the Los Angeles fires, friends Courtney Mizel and Erin Maggio launched Rebuild & Renew—a free pop-up boutique in Santa Monica.

Described as “a collaborative effort led by friends, fashion students, designers, stylists and volunteers,” the boutique invites people impacted by the Palisades and Eaton fires to “shop” for new or curated vintage clothing and essentials through the end of April.

Maggio said the inspiration behind Rebuild & Renew came “from a deeply personal place:” Her family lost their home in the Montana fires five years ago, and she witnessed the devastation of losing everything.

“When the fires struck the Palisades and California, I knew I had to act,” Maggio said to the Palisadian-Post. “I rallied my Montana community to donate new and gently used clothing, but I also knew there was only one person I could call who would understand the vision I had: Courtney Mizel.”

Maggio said she had a vision to create something more than a donation drop, but a space for individuals to “shop with dignity and experience a sense of normalcy amid chaos.”

“Courtney not only shared that vision, she brought it to life,” Maggio explained. “From securing a space, to building a team and being hands-on every step of the way in California, she truly spearheaded Rebuild & Renew. This boutique is a reflection of both our shared commitment—and her incredible ability to turn compassion into action.”

Individuals are invited to shop the boutique by appointment only, to ensure privacy and personalized attention. Volunteer stylists are available at the boutique to support individuals and assist them in choosing from its offerings.

To make an appointment, interested individuals need to fill out a “short registration form. After submitting the form,” a team member will review and approve it.

Individuals and families affected by the 2025 Los Angeles fires are eligible to shop. The service is entirely free.

Once approved, individuals can schedule an appointment to visit the Santa Monica boutique. During a single appointment, individuals are able to pick 10 items. Individuals are also able to return once per week, as needed, for additional items.

“When someone arrives at Rebuild & Renew, they’re welcomed with warmth, compassion and genuine care,” Maggio said. “Our team, made up of incredible staff and volunteers, has poured love into every inch of the boutique. We take the time to connect with each individual, learning about their needs, their work, their lives and their stories. We aim to create a deeply personal, joyful and empowering shopping experience. It’s about more than clothing. It’s about being seen, heard and uplifted.”

Of being able to help families and individuals affected by the fires, Maggio said the experience has been “incredibly meaningful.” The generosity has been “overwhelming”—with an abundance of donations being made, from clean beauty products to sunglasses, cookware sets and more.

“It’s not just about providing clothing or essentials,” Maggio said to the Post. “It’s about restoring a sense of joy, confidence and possibility. We’ve seen women use this moment to rediscover their style, take chances with fashion, and feel excited to make dinner plans or go on a date again because they have something that makes them feel good. Watching people from all corners come together with so much heart to support these families has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.”

For more information, including a link to make an appointment, visit rebuildrenew.org.

Las Madrinas hosted its annual meeting on February 12 at Valley Hunt Club in Pasadena, celebrating the “organization’s continued commitment to philanthropy, community impact and the dedicated individuals who help drive” its mission forward. The organization, which was established in 1933, marked the first affiliate group of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

Pictured right are Sheridan Russell Link (president of Las Madrinas) who presented Dr. Douglas Vanderbilt (Las Madrinas chair and division chief in Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics) and Bonnie Blackman McClure (chair of the Associates and Affiliates of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles) with a $1.4 million contribution to the Las Madrinas Endowment and Chair in Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics on behalf of the members of Las Madrinas: “The sizeable gift resulted from a year in which 26 families were honored at the 2024 Las Madrinas Ball,” read a statement.

Julia Hampson Lang of Pacific Palisades was introduced as one of the organization’s “newest members,” who are pictured above.

The Music Center named 113 high school students in Southern California as semifinalists in its 37th annual Spotlight Program, including Joshua Ho (classical instrumental, Palisades Charter High School), Aria Kamei-Oser (ballet, Pali High Virtual Academy) and Palisadian Bianca Iker (classical voice, Pacifica Christian High School).

The “nationally recognized arts learning program and competition” offers $100,000 in scholarships for “aspiring artists with performance opportunities and invaluable professional feedback,” according to a statement.

This year, more than 1,600 teens from 269 schools in 174 cities and eight counties auditioned.

Each semifinalist will receive $500. The Grand Prize Finalists, who will receive $5,000 scholarships, are set to perform in The Music Center’s Spotlight Grand Finale on Friday, June 6, at 8 p.m. at Ahmanson Theatre.

After Losing His Huntington Home, Daniel Shemtob Gives Back

By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor

Daniel Shemtob is proof that in times of tragedy and uncertainty, individuals can make a big difference—and when companies work together, they can have an even greater impact.

A celebrity chef and the co-founder of Snibbs, a Los Angeles-based work shoe brand, Shemtob lost his Huntington house in the Palisades fire, but the 36-year-old is using his ingenuity and resources to help the community he has grown to love recover.

Snibbs launched its first culinary collaboration February 7 with another LA-born kitchen and lifestyle brand, Hedley & Bennett, which is known for its apron line.

Their collaboration, the Orbit SE, is a sneaker designed to be multifunctional and lightweight. It is certified slip-resistant, water resistant, and made with 100% vegan and nearly 100% recycled materials. This newly imagined take on Snibbs’ bestselling Orbit design aligns with four core values the two brands share: functionality, comfort, durability and style.

“Helping, for me, is healing, and this charitable initiative is merely the latest in ongoing wildfire relief efforts from both of our businesses,” Shemtob said. “At the heart of this collaboration is the spirit of LA—resilient, creative and always looking out for each other.”

A percentage of proceeds from sales of the Orbit SE will be donated to Restaurant Care—a nonprofit run by California Restaurant Foundation that has established grants for food and beverage workers impacted by the Palisades and Eaton fires.

“This isn’t just about making great shoes, it’s about supporting all the hardworking chefs and service workers who keep this city running,” Hedley & Bennett Founder Ellen Marie Bennett added. “We’re proud to give back to the community that’s given us so much.”

The companies have mobilized by offering free shoes, food, aprons and kitchen gear to aid workers, volunteers and displaced individuals. Additionally, pairs of the Snibbs x Hedley & Bennett Orbit SE are being donated to the employees at Holy Smokes Kosher BBQ and Piccalilli, two catering operations that have been feeding firefighters and fire victims.

Bennett’s mom lost the home she grew up in, while Shemtob and his wife, Elyse, were just beginning to get comfortable in their home before everything changed January 7.

“We moved to the Huntington neighborhood in April … we liked the proximity to the Village,” said Shemtob, who grew up in Orange County but relocated to LA when he was 18. “My wife’s parents were building two blocks down on Toyopa. I was resistant at first, but about one month in, I fell in love with the Palisades.”

He recalled how January 7 unfolded.

“It was 11:07 a.m. and I was on a weekly call when my wife came running in to tell me that Lachman Lane was on fire,” Shemtob said. “Her parents were staying with us. I didn’t think the fire would get near us, so I went back to my call. They all packed up and left for my sister’s place at around 11:35. I walked outside to see my neighbor across the street putting paintings in his car, so I grabbed my laptop and homemade meatballs and left at 12:10.”

That night, his home burned to the ground. As shocking as it was for him, Shemtob’s instinct to assist however he could kicked in. A few days later, he posted this statement on Instagram:

“On January 7, my family and I lost our home in the 2025 Palisades fire—but even in the midst of heartbreak, I knew we had to step up. Partnering with World Central Kitchen, our team at The Lime Truck has been out there feeding first responders, evacuees and anyone who needs a hot meal. I’m so grateful to Eater for sharing our story with a wider audience, furthering our mission—because it’s partners like these that stand behind our city when we need it most. It’s in moments of great challenge that you remember how you showed up. I’ve been humbled by the kindness and support of so many … My footwear company is also doubling its giveback this quarter, giving away 1,000-plus shoes, and with a special release coming soon where profits will go directly to families and first responders.”

The Snibbs x Hedley & Bennett Orbit SE is a non-slip work shoe that features a high-stretch, breathable fabric and quick-lace technology on the top, with a strong support structure and wide toe box for extra comfort.

Two colorways are available that meld Snibbs’ modern approach to traditionally sturdy and functional footwear with the bold pops of color that have become synonymous with Hedley & Bennett—Illy, featuring deep saturations of black and dark blues with red accents; and Foliage, shades of sage, tan and cream inspired by raw vegetation and complemented by a dash of burnt orange.

This joint venture has been over a decade in the making, as Shemtob and Bennett both have chef backgrounds and established companies three blocks away from one another.

From riding bikes together through downtown to championing each other’s scrappy businesses—Daniel was launching his Lime Truck fleet and Ellen was hand-delivering aprons to chef friends—both were determined to make their mark on the industry. Today, they are each successful business owners, inspired to craft culinary attire that stands up to the chaos of a kitchen.

“Ellen’s one of my oldest friends in the industry, and we’ve always talked about collaborating someday,” Shemtob said. “It was simply a matter of timing and finding the right thing. As my team laid out our plans to update our popular Orbit shoe, we knew we had to partner with the best kitchen outfitter out there, and that’s Hedley & Bennett.”

“At Hedley & Bennett, we don’t just create gear—we craft tools that work as hard as you do,” Bennett said. “This collaboration with Snibbs is all about function at its core, designed for the hustle, in the kitchen and beyond.”

Snibbs is the brainchild of Shemtob (chef and two-time winner of Food Network’s “The Great Food Truck Race”), his high school best friend and entrepreneur Halik Zadoyan, and well-renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jason Snibbe (LA Lakers and Clippers).

Opened in 2015, Snibbs offers four styles–Spacecloud, Rovr, Orbit and Clog—and implements a Community Giveback Program, giving financial assistance and a free pair of shoes to those experiencing financial hardship.

Ellen founded Henley & Bennett in 2012. It has produced aprons and kitchen gear that are “stylish” and “built to last.” Pro grade and pro-chef tested, Hedley & Bennett was born out of a need for something better: an apron developed hand in hand with talented, obsessive chefs.

Shemtob launched The Lime Truck in 2010 with a simple mission: create the best possible dining experience for its guests, introduce a surprisingly elevated food truck concept and to have fun while doing it.

For three years in a row, it was selected one of the top five food trucks in America by Yahoo! Last year, the company started the Food Truck Mogul Academy—an online community for learning everything there is to know about building a successful food truck empire.

“It’s hard to put into words how these wildfires have changed my life,” Shemtob said. “I know I’ll be processing it for a long time. I’m deeply grateful for everyone who’s shown up with donations, volunteer help and kind words.

“Surprisingly, the toughest part hasn’t been losing the clothing or items I’ve collected over the last 35 years. Instead, it’s the dream my family and I had of living on the Westside together—walking to the market, strolling to local schools and enjoying nature just steps away. Now that dream is either gone or on hold, and it’s hitting me harder than I expected. Still, I’m committed to staying in service—running a purpose-driven business, caring for those around me and cherishing each relationship in my life.”

After a long family talk, Shemtob said he does plan to return to the Palisades and is looking for a lot to build on. He moved three times in the first month and a half after the fire, but he and his wife are currently staying in Beverly Hills, where Daniel used to live.

“I want to give back,” he said. “This is an opportunity to help people who are helping others … Our goal is to continue our aid as long as we can.”

By ALICJA MORAWIEC | Owls Patrol Leader

On Saturday, March 15th, the Owls Patrol from Scout Troop 223G got together for our third and final trip, the Good Turn Trip.

The Good Turn Trip is a service trip organized once a term by each patrol leader to give our Scouts opportunities to live out the BSA motto of helping others. For this, we volunteered for the Hand to Hand Hunger Project, run by Executive Director Kevin Glover.

Hand to Hand is an organization dedicated to caring for those who are unhoused in Santa Monica and surrounding communities to provide people with a better quality of life. It was first started in 1987 by Robert Myers and is currently run by Mr. Glover who has been involved with the organization for over 10 years. Many of the current volunteers were once guests and were assisted by the Hand to Hand Hunger Project.

As the Owls’ patrol leader, I chose the Hand to Hand Hunger Project for our Good Turn Trip because it connected me and my patrol to our community more than any other volunteer opportunity would. We get to talk to the people experiencing homelessness and we get to see the effect of our help firsthand.

Addison, who is my Assistant Patrol Leader, and I got to the Salvation Army building in Santa Monica where Hand to Hand holds their weekly Saturday volunteer event at 7:30am to help with set up. We wiped down tables and chairs in the dining hall before setting out flowers and hand sanitizer in the middle of each table.

Following that, we took boxes of crackers, assorted cookies, water, and apple juice to put into grab-and-go snack bags. We made over 100 bags in our assembly line.

By 8:30am, the rest of the patrol had arrived. Everybody helped sort out clothes by separating shirts, pants, and dresses in piles to hand out later when the guests arrived.

Tables were set out in a circle in the courtyard. UCLA Health came as well to give medical check-ups to those who needed it and set their own table. Other tables included the snack bags we had packed, personal hygiene products such as soap, toothbrush and paste, and a table for spiritual connection.

When all the preparation had been finished, Mr. Glover had all volunteers introduce themselves, and as an icebreaker, share their favorite actor. Duties and table assignments were made, and a prayer was shared.

At 9:00am, the front doors were opened and guests began filing in. They first went to the dining hall for a warm meal and coffee. Bread rolls, potatoes, scrambled eggs, and a sausage patty were served. However, if they preferred a vegetarian meal, there was roasted zucchini and avocado. I estimate that we served over 100 guests over the 2 hour time period.

While the guests ate, Addison and I walked around to pass out water and apple juice. Simultaneously, Alanna and Alaia offered coffee with cream and sugar if the guests wanted it. Avery and Alexis helped serve food to those eating there in the dining hall.

When the crowd had finally slowed down, Alexis and Avery stood by the door to hand out plates with food and water out when guests entered. At 10:30am, the dining hall was closed and we began to help with the clean-up.

We removed the flowers and hand sanitizers from each table, as well as cleaned all leftover trash. Then we wiped down all tables and chairs to make sure they were clean for next time. The chairs were then stacked up on the tables to let other volunteers wipe the floors.

We were all very satisfied and happy to be able to help within our community. I learned that there are so many people in Los Angeles and the surrounding area who are struggling with homelessness and many gather at Hand to Hand for a warm meal and a sense of family.