The Department of Angels and USC CLEAN have postponed their Palisades Community Soil Testing Day to a future date to be determined. It was originally scheduled to take place on Sunday, November 16, from 12 to 4 p.m. at Will Rogers State Historic Park in the Polo Field, but was delayed due to the rain.
The event will include free soil testing and education: “Learn how to collect soil samples and submit them for free lead testing, plus connect with trusted experts ready to answer questions about soil health,” read a flyer for the event.
There will be free refreshments, as well as all-ages activities and “more fun for everyone.” Attendees will be invited to “connect with local health, wellness and recovery resources at information booths.”
Level UP LA will host “Shop For a Cause” at BOCA on Saturday, November 15, from 12 to 3 p.m.
“This event is especially significant as it is our first one back to the Palisades with our longtime local partner, BOCA,” Level UP LA shared ahead of the event. “Attendees will be able to shop for BOCA’s products as well as the various vendors who will be attending, all to support our partnered under-resourced schools in Los Angeles.”
BOCA is located at 970 Monument Street. Participating vendors include Lisa Smith Jewels, Robin Terman Jewelry, La Pizzeria Co and more.
Team Palisades has partnered with WestEdge Design Fair to secure free access for all fire survivors from Pacific Palisades, Altadena and Malibu to the 10th annual iteration of the fair, which will take place in Santa Monica from November 20 to 22.
“WestEdge features 150-plus premium design brands in Santa Monica’s Barker Hanger venue, showcasing the latest products and ideas,” read information about the event, which will be open to the public on November 21 and 22 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The fair will include design seminars and panel talks, culinary demonstrations, book signings, and special events, including an Opening Night Party.
“Team Palisades is collaborating with WestEdge to bring fire-resilient building products for everyone’s rebuild and hosting a panel with local speakers on Saturday, November 22, at 3 p.m.,” said Team Palisades Steering Volunteer Lee Ann Daly.
For more information, including a link to RSVP for a free pass, visit teampalisades.org.
Pacific Palisades Community Council: ‘Supporting Fire Recovery with Care and Transparency’
When the fires devastated our community, families, businesses and organizations in Pacific Palisades faced an uncertain road to recovery.
In response, Pacific Palisades Community Council was honored to be entrusted with generous donations specifically for fire recovery. We take that trust very seriously. These contributions came from neighbors, local organizations and supporters outside our community—all wanting to help the Palisades not just rebuild, but emerge stronger.
Founded in 1973, PPCC is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit and one of the oldest organizations of its kind in Los Angeles. Our board includes elected representatives from every residential neighborhood, an at-large representative and appointed members from key community organizations.
For 53 years, PPCC has provided a forum for community discussion and advocacy, and we are proud to continue that work as we help the Palisades recover from these fires.
To ensure donations are used effectively, PPCC President Sue Kohl formed a Grants Committee to review requests and make recommendations to the full PPCC board. The goal is simple: get funds to organizations that can make a real difference for those affected by the fires.
Volunteers, Guidelines and Fairness
Everyone serving on the PPCC Board and Grants Committee is a volunteer. We are neighbors, parents, business owners and friends. None of us benefits personally from these grants; we do this because we care about our community.
To keep things fair, we follow clear rules:
Grant Guidelines: explaining what the funds can be used for, who can apply and how applications are evaluated.
Conflict of Interest Rules: requiring members to disclose any personal or professional ties to applicants and step aside from discussions or votes where conflicts exist.
These safeguards protect the integrity of the process, and we follow them closely.
Making Thoughtful Decisions
Not every grant decision will make everyone happy. People have different ideas about which organizations deserve support and the amount of each grant. But every recommendation is made after careful consideration of the guidelines, the needs expressed in applications and the goal of helping the Palisades recover.
While donations have been generous, community needs are great. That means we can’t fund every worthy request. Our responsibility is to use the funds wisely, balancing immediate recovery with long-term community support.
We know how lucky we are to live in the Palisades—a place where neighbors look out for each other, families can grow up safe and connected, and the beauty of the ocean and hills is always within reach. That awareness guides us in our efforts and reminds us of the importance of using these funds thoughtfully.
Get Involved
We welcome applications from organizations helping the community recover—nonprofits, school groups, service providers and others with projects that fit the guidelines. Application details are available on the PPCC website. The more thoughtful proposals we receive, the more effectively we can spread support across the Palisades.
Moving Forward Together
Recovery takes time, patience and collaboration. Healthy debate is natural, but neighbors should remember that PPCC members act in good faith, guided by the trust placed in us. The generosity of donors gives us the chance to make a real difference—and that generosity deserves to be honored with care.
We encourage anyone interested—applicants, volunteers or donors—to visit our website, review the guidelines and join us in helping the Palisades rebuild stronger than ever.
For more information about the Grants Committee and its work, visit, pacpalicc.org/index.php/ppcc-grants-committee.
PPCC Grants Committee Chair Quentin Fleming; Members Janet Anderson, Steve Cron, Lorie Cudzil, Chris Spitz, Andrew Wolfberg and Maryam Zar
The Palisadian-Post accepts letters to the editor and guest editorials via email at mypost@palipost.com or mailed to 21201 Victory Boulevard, Suite 267, Canoga Park, California 91303. To be considered for publication, letters must be signed, and are subject to editing for length and clarity. Opinions expressed in letters do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Post.
Upcoming Concerts Include Handel’s ‘Messiah’ and the Continuation of the 29th Season of Chamber Music Palisades
By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
From St. Matthew’s Music Guild to Chamber Music Palisades and beyond, community members have several opportunities to catch a concert or performance before the end of 2025.
St. Matthew’s Music Guild
With its 41st season underway, St. Matthew’s Music Guild will host Bach Collegium San Diego for a concert on Friday, December 5, at 7:30 p.m. at St. Augustine by-the-Sea Church in Santa Monica.
“Following the Palisades fire in January, concerts are temporarily relocated to St. Augustine by-the-Sea Church,” read a statement from Music Guild, which is anticipating a return to St. Matthew’s Church in the near future.
The annual holiday-time concert will feature Bach Collegium San Diego in George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah.” Bach Collegium San Diego is led by Artistic Director Ruben Valenzuela, and “known for their historically informed performances” that have “thrilled national and international audiences.”
“Handel’s great oratorio ‘Messiah’ springs to life by way of the fruitful collaboration of Charles Jennens’ carefully conceived libretto and Handel’s supreme skill as a composer of the theatre,” read information on Bach Collegium San Diego’s website. “BCSD’s performance of ‘Messiah,’ delivered by a dynamic cast in the manner of Handel’s dramatic operas, has become one of its crown jewels.
Soloists will include Estelí Gomez (soprano), Jay Carter (countertenor), Angela Young Smucker (mezzo-soprano), Jacob Perry and Michael Jones (tenors), and Jonathan Woody (bass).
“Liner notes,” a “casual, pre-concert feature,” will offer conversation with the evening’s artists, as well as insight into “Messiah,” beginning at 6:45 p.m. It is free to all ticket holders.
St. Augustine by-the-Sea Church is located at 1227 Fourth Street. Parking is available “directly across Fourth Street” in the Santa Monica city parking structure, according to Music Guild.
“The community of Pacific Palisades has been devastated by the January 2025 fires,” Music Director and Conductor Dwayne Milburn said. “Our subscribers and patrons know how powerfully music heals and brings people together. We look forward to the coming season and our return to St. Matthew’s Church soon.”
Tickets are available for the December 5 concert for $45 at musicguildonline.org. There are also season passes available.
Susan Greenberg Photo courtesy of Chamber Music Palisades
Chamber Music Palisades
Chamber Music Palisades will host a concert on Wednesday, December 3, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Brentwood Presbyterian Church as part of its 29th annual season.
“Founded in 1997 by four citizens of the Los Angeles coastal community of Pacific Palisades, including two professional musicians, Chamber Music Palisades is a nonprofit, public benefit corporation dedicated to the promotion and support of classical music,” read its website. “CMP produces professional chamber music concerts, commissions new works and provides educational opportunities for young people by performing free concerts in local schools and venues for community families.”
The concert, with Alan Chapman as host, will feature Chamber Music Palisades President and Artistic Director Susan Greenberg (flute), Cristina Montes Mateo (harp), Maya Magub (violin) and Rob Brophy (viola).
The program is set to include Federigo Fiorillo’s “Trio” for flute, violin and viola,Camille Saint-Saëns’ “Fantasie, Op. 124” for violin and harp, Sergei Prokofiev’s “Prelude Op. 12, No. 7” for harp, Manuel de Falla “Danza española” from “La vida breve” for harp and Alessandro Rolla’s “Duo Concertanto” for violin and viola in Eb ( “1st Movement”).
The program will also include Bruce Broughton’s “There is Always Something To Do” for flute, viola and harp and Maurice Ravel’s “Sonatine” for flute, viola and harp.
Brentwood Presbyterian Church is located at 12000 San Vicente Boulevard. Tickets are available online at cmpalisades.org or at the door for $35. Students with current ID can attend for free.
Photo courtesy of Team Palisades
Music in the Park
Following the success of its The Longest Table event at the start of October, Team Palisades is gearing up to present Music in the Park, which was originally supposed to take place on Sunday, November 16, but has been postponed to a future date and time due to rain. The Post will publish an update when that is known.
The concert, featuring Palisadian musicians Matty Gottesman, Addie Costain and Tallulah Younger, will take place at Palisades Recreation Center (851 Alma Real Drive) near the bocce courts in Veterans Gardens.
“Join us for an outdoor concert featuring talented young musicians from the Palisades community,” Team Palisades said ahead of the concert. “After so many months of stress and isolation, live music and gathering with neighbors in a familiar place are essential for our collective wellbeing.”
Team Palisades is a “neighbor-led support network” that was formed following the Palisades fire. It is built on the Block Captain framework.
Pali High
The Visual and Performing Arts Department at Palisades Charter High School will host a series of winter-time performances from Saturday, December 6, through Thursday, December 11.
The performances will take place at Paul Revere Charter Middle School, located at 1450 Allenford Avenue. The Pali High campus remains closed, with a slated return in January 2026, and students are attending school at the Pali South campus at the former Sears building in Santa Monica.
Choir will perform on Saturday, December 6, and Monday, December 8. The band concert will take place Tuesday, December 9, and symphony on Wednesday, December 10. The series will conclude on Thursday, December 11, with dance.
All performances will take place from 7 to 10 p.m. Additional information can be found at palihigh.org.
Palisades Symphony
Palisades Symphony will present “Choral Concert: From ‘Carnival’ to ‘Sacred Service,’” the evening of Sunday, December 14, beginning at 7 p.m.
The program will include Antonín Dvořák’s “Carnival Overture, Op. 92” and Ernest Bloch’s “Avodath Hakodesh (Sacred Service).”
The December concert will include Palisades Symphony Orchestra and Brentwood Palisades Chorale. The concert includes Conductors Maxim Kuzin and Susan Rosenstein, as well as Guest Conductor Andrew Karatay.
Brentwood Palisades Chorale was founded in 1963 by Frances Cain. Rosenstein has served as its director since 1987. The Chorale performs twice per season with Palisades Symphony, appearing alongside in more than 60 joint concerts to date.
The venue for the event was still being determined at press time. For more information, visit palisadessymphony.org.
The Verdi Chorus Photo courtesy of The Verdi Chorus
The Verdi Chorus
The Verdi Chorus—which includes Palisadian members—will begin its 42nd season exploring Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s play “Faust” with two performances on November 15 and 16.
“Led by Anne Marie Ketchum, who is celebrating 42 consecutive years as artistic director of the organization, the Verdi Chorus is the only choral group in Southern California that focuses primarily on the dramatic and diverse music for opera chorus,” read a statement.
The program will include “operatic sequences” from Hector Berlioz’ “La Damnation de Faust,” Charles Gounod’s “Faust” and Arrigo Boito’s “Mefistofele.”
The 50-member Verdi Chorus, which ranges in age from 20 to 87, includes Palisadians Ethan Eliafan (tenor) and Board Member Julia Chang. Guest soloists for the performances include Jessica Tivens Schneiderman (soprano), Alex Boyer (tenor) and Gabriel Manro (baritone).
The concerts will take place at First Presbyterian Church in Santa Monica, located at 1220 2nd Street. Performance times are Saturday, November 15, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, November 16, at 4 p.m.
Tickets are $40 for general admission, $50 for priority seating, $30 for seniors and $10 for students aged 25 and under with ID. They are available at verdichorus.org.
Kat Edmonson Photo courtesy of Pepperdine
‘Holiday Swingin‘! A Kat Edmonson Christmas’
Pepperdine’s Lisa Smith Wengler Center for the Arts will host “Holiday Swingin‘! A Kat Edmonson Christmas” on Sunday, December 14, beginning at 5 p.m.
“With a voice as timeless as her songs, Kat Edmonson blends vintage charm with modern wit in a style all her own,” read a synopsis from Pepperdine. “A Songwriters Hall of Fame Award winner, she’s been featured on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts, Austin City Limits, “‘A Prairie Home Companion’” and the “‘Tonight Show.’”
The performance will take place in Smothers Theatre, located at 24255 Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu. Tickets range from $30.50 to $58, and are available at arts.pepperdine.edu.
“Her live performances weave original tunes and classic favorites with humorous stories and heartfelt musings,” Pepperdine wrote. “Whether on the stage at Carnegie Hall or featured in a Woody Allen film, Edmonson’s work is full of character, candor and cinematic flair.”
(Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect changes about the Music in the Park event.)
Allenford Avenue, October 12 at 8:57 p.m. Suspects climbed over victim’s front gate, walked over to victim’s garage door. Suspects used unknown means to force door open. Upon hearing the alarm, the suspects fled the location in grey Honda.
Enchanted Way, October 23 at 1 a.m. Suspects smashed window, unlocked door, entered and ransacked interior of vacant home. Information provided by ACS Security. Officers were unable to make contact with the homeowner.
The following updates were shared by Los Angeles Police Department Senior Lead Officer for Pacific Palisades Brian Espin on October 23 and 30.
On our last Community Police Advisory Board meeting, our captain mentioned the lessening of the LAPD footprint in the Palisades. This is due to the low volume and frequency of crimes in the area. We will still have our assigned Palisades patrol unit, our Beach Detail unit and one extra patrol unit from one of our neighboring stations. Our command has said they will definitely reevaluate the necessity for increasing resources if there is an increase in crime.
We had our hillside taskforce with our awesome volunteers of the Pacific Palisades Taskforce on Homelessness and our neighboring enforcement and outreach agencies (California State Parks Rangers, LA City Park Rangers, MRCA and The People Concern) on October 22. There were a couple locations where some debris was located and removed by our volunteers.
We had a small cluster of vehicle thefts located within a small area of Santa Monica Canyon. These vehicle thefts occurred on different days and times. Once we see the cluster, our detectives immediately start to look for any similarities or see if they can be connected in any way. As of now the detectives have not seen anything to connect the vehicle thefts, they appear to be isolated incidents.
Check your property often (or have someone check it for you) to prevent squatters or someone frequently entering your property.
Tell your construction crews to secure their tools and equipment to prevent theft. Do not leave tools lying in the back of trucks or unlocked vehicles.
Have construction crews GPS tag all high-end equipment.
Place and secure tools and equipment in well-lit areas of the property and monitored by security cameras.
Provided by LAPD Senior Lead Officer Brian Espin. In case of emergency, call 911. To report a non-emergency, call 877-275-5273.
The Palisadian-Post has partnered with locally founded environmental organization Resilient Palisades to deliver a “green tip” to our readers in each newspaper. This edition’s tip was written by Sara G. Marti, board member and communications director.
Recently, Resilient Palisades hosted a webinar with Rewiring America, where Zac Swank of Boulder County shared lessons learned from the Marshall fire. One thing he said stopped me in my tracks: “When stuff is in your head, that’s the cheapest time to change it.”
As a neighbor who also lost a home, I try to approach all of this gently.
“Do your best, you don’t have to be perfect, do what you can when you can.”
But Swank’s reminder hit home. Once rebuilding begins, every change costs more. Planning for electrification early, while ideas are still on paper, saves time, money and stress later on.
In Boulder County, 21% of rebuilds went all-electric, and those homeowners saved and continue to save money. 70% built above code minimum for energy efficiency, just for additional insight. But the lesson: building smarter from the start pays off. In comfort, health and resilience.
If you missed the webinar, the recording is available at resilientpalisades.org/electrify. And if you’d like to see electrification in action, join us on Saturday, November 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Paul Revere Charter Middle School for “Our Electric Future: A Community Rebuild Celebration.”
Test an induction stove, see a solar-powered roof sprinkler in action, talk to local contractors and enjoy free food. There will also be face painting, music, and family crafts and activities.
Free admission, RSVP encouraged at resilientpalisades.org/electrify.
Paliskates will host a grand opening on Friday evening, November 14, from 4 to 7 p.m. at its store at 212 26th Street in Santa Monica next to Brentwood Country Mart.
“Join us for an intimate evening of music, light bites and community,” read a description of the event. “Stop by our new store, say hello. We’ve got some very cool brand-new styles in stock, plus the classic Paliskates goodies.”
After losing her Swarthmore store in the Palisades fire, Erica Simpson began to welcome customers—and employees—back “home” to Paliskates at the end of October.
“The shop has become more than a retail space—it’s a second home for generations of skaters and surfers,” Simpson said. “What began as a hub for local kids has grown into a multi-generational community, with parents now bringing their own children to share in the vibe and values they grew up with.”
The store is currently open with limited hours from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. RSVP to the grand opening at: partiful.com/e/IdiP8FsyS5t5SXqb4mmx.
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.
Big Win
Wow, our Palisades High Dolphin football team is 10-0 with a big win over Fairfax High Halloween night. Way to stay strong and persevere. TRIUMPHANT EVERMORE! Oh and Go Dodgers. I remember seeing Vin Scully, poetic voice of the Dodgers, at church on Sunday mornings in the Palisades.
‘Save Our Trees’
Thank you to Jimmy Dunne for his piece in the last print edition. It is important that our trees remain cared for. They are part of what makes up the fabric of our town.
Traditions
I love seeing traditions, like Yee Haw Day, continue. Thank you to the organizers for making it happen.
St. Matthew’s
Great to read the news about St. Matthew’s returning to worship at home, and love that the school plans to return next year.
Survivor Palisades
What a special thing that Emmett created through Survivor Palisades. Sounds like memories that will last a lifetime for all involved in the project, which is an amazing feat!
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.
Jim McGinn, a 57-year resident of Pacific Palisades, died at the age of 93 after several years of failing health. He passed away painlessly, surrounded by family.
Born in Evanston, Illinois, to John T. and Mary (Kidney) McGinn, Jim grew up in Park Ridge, a suburb of Chicago. After graduating from Maine Township High School, he received a Navy scholarship which covered his years at the University of Wisconsin and Northwestern University. He graduated with a BFA degree in film & television and entered the U.S. Navy where he served three years as an officer. The young, wide-eyed voyager sailed the Mediterranean, beginning a life-long interest in international travel.
After finishing his Navy stint, Jim returned to Northwestern for an MFA degree, while also starting his long career as a producer and writer in film, TV and theater. His first series, “The Storyteller,” aired on WGN-TV in Chicago where he met his future wife, Patricia McMurtry. (Pattywas always his special name for her.) They were married on April 4, 1959.
While creating several new television shows in the early 1960s, he landed a job as a development executive at Young & Rubicam Advertising Agency in New York City. This presented him with the opportunity to move to Los Angeles with his family in 1967. It fulfilled a dream he had since visiting California as a teenager. He and Patty purchased their home in Pacific Palisades where they lived for 57 years.
Jim began working for Bristol-Myers Squibb in 1969. He was hired to supervise television and film projects sponsored by Bristol-Myers and Clairol. He rented an office above The House of Lee (now Pearl Dragon) and always enjoyed his 10-minute commute “walk” from his nearby home.
Jim and Patty became avid tennis players and were members of Riviera Tennis Club for many years. They were also devoted parishioners of Corpus Christi Church. Jim wrote several scripts for “Insight,”a Paulist Productions series that aired on network TV from 1960 to 1984.
After retiring in 1994, he and Patty traveled extensively, sparking a wanderlust for travel in all three of their children. In his later years, Jim joined a playwriting group and mounted several original plays while also teaching Intro to Screenwritingat USC. He retired in 2018 at the age of 86.
Besides tennis, Jim loved to ride his bike. He was often seen riding down Temescal to the beach and back, always dressed in his blue track suit. He loved living in Pacific Palisades and always spoke about how fortunate he was to have raised his family here. Tragically, their home on Toyopa Drive was lost in the Palisades fire on January 7 of this year.
Jim McGinn will be remembered as a person who impacted so many with his generosity, kindness and twinkly blue eyes. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Patricia, his daughter, Shannon, two sons, J. Michael and Sean (Janie), and his beloved grandchildren, Laney (15) and Perrish McGinn (12).
There will be a Celebration of Life in the coming months for family and friends.
