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 DAMON RASKIN, M.D. | Special to the Palisadian-Post
Q:I was recently diagnosed with sciatic nerve pain. Most days I am able to do most of my regular things, but sometimes, like when walking, the pain seems to catch up with me. What are some things I can do to manage the pain?
I just saw a 53-year-old male patient last week who came to see me because of a sharp, shooting pain starting at his left buttock and traveling down his left leg all the way to his foot. This pain had been going on for the last two weeks, and he would get “electrical shock” sensations intermittently depending on his activity, with occasional numbness and tingling in the leg. This description is classic for sciatic nerve pain.
Sciatic pain is caused by compression of the sciatic nerve, which is the longest nerve in the body. It runs from the lower back through the hips, buttocks and down each leg.
Managing sciatic pain effectively requires a combination of treatments that address both the symptoms as well as getting to the underlying cause of the condition. This type of pain is a manifestation of a larger issue, such as a herniated disc in the back or other spine conditions, including spinal stenosis or degenerative disc disease.
I have seen many patients with this condition over the years, and the pain can range from mild to so severe that it impedes their activities of daily living.
For immediate relief, it is important to modify your activities to avoid aggravating the situation. Short periods of rest can help, but prolonged inactivity can worsen the pain.
Instead, engage in light activities, and avoid sitting or standing for extended periods. Use a comfortable chair with proper lumbar support and avoid lifting heavy objects, like your 6-year-old child.
Applying cold packs can reduce inflammation and numb the sharp pain associated with sciatica, but I find cold therapy works best in the first 48 hours after pain onset. After that, switching to heat therapy, such as a heating pad or a hot tub, can help relax tight muscles and improve blood flow to the area.
As far as medications are concerned, a good first step is to try over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines such as Advil or Aleve. Tylenol may also be a helpful adjunct, but always speak to your healthcare provider before taking anything to see if these medications are OK for you to try.
Long-term management of sciatic pain would include physical therapy and stretching exercises. A good physical therapist is adept at creating a personalized exercise program to strengthen the muscles supporting your spine, improve flexibility and reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve. Core strengthening exercises can also stabilize the lower back and help prevent future flare-ups.
Maintaining good posture is crucial in managing sciatic pain, and ergonomic adjustments in the workplace, such as using a standing desk or special chairs, may help reduce lower back strain.
While most cases of sciatica improve with conservative treatment, please seek medical attention if the pain persists more than a few weeks, worsens over time or is accompanied by severe symptoms such as severe weakness of the leg, or bowel or bladder incontinence. In these more severe cases, treatments may include steroid injections into the spine, nerve blocks or even surgery.
As you can see, managing sciatic pain effectively requires a balanced approach that includes both immediate relief strategies and long-term management techniques. Speak to your healthcare provider for the perfect plan for your case, as no two patients are the same.
A preview of one of the songs, as seen at the Theatre Palisades Awards Show. Photo by Sarah Shmerling
By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
Theatre Palisades’ next show, “tick, tick… BOOM!” will begin its Pierson Playhouse run on Friday evening, September 6.
The musical was penned by Jonathan Larson, who also wrote “Rent” before his death at the age of 35 in 1996.
“Before the revolutionary rock musical ‘Rent,’ Jonathan Larson had another story to tell … his own,” read a synopsis provided by Theatre Palisades. “‘tick, tick… BOOM!’ is a three-chapter pop rock musical about facing the crossroads in life and holding on to your dreams that was first produced Off-Broadway in 2001.”
The semi-autobiographical musical follows the story of Jon, an aspiring composer approaching his 30th birthday who lives in New York City, set in 1990. He, like the author, is questioning his career choice in the world of performing arts.
“His girlfriend wants to get married and move out of the city (tick),” the synopsis continued. “His best friend is making big bucks on Madison Avenue (tick), and he’s still waiting tables and trying to write the great American musical before time—and life—passes him by (Boom!).”
A film adaption, which was directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, starred Andrew Garfield and was released on Netflix in November 2021.
The Theatre Palisades show is directed by Lindsey Johnson, with Alexander Tovar as musical director. Martha Hunter and Laura Goldstein are the producers.
The cast includes Destin Bass (Jon), Anthony Galang (Michael), Bimei Flores (Susan), Charlotte Nevins (Karessa and Female #1), Katherine Rogers (Female #2) and Ian Riegler (Male #1).
Performances will run September 6 through October 13, on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., as well as Sundays at 2 p.m. at Pierson Playhouse, located at 941 Temescal Canyon Road.
Tickets, which are now available for purchase, are $27 for general admission, and $25 for seniors and students.
At the time of the annual Theatre Palisades Awards Show on Sunday, August 11, Theatre Palisades President Phil Bartolf reported that one Sunday matinee performance of “tick, tick… BOOM!” had sold out.
Those who attended the show also saw a preview of two musical numbers from “tick, tick… BOOM!” including the song, “Green Green Dress.”
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit theatrepalisades.org or call 310-454-1970.
Dennis Quaid is set to star as late Palisadian politician, actor and 40th president of the United States Ronald Reagan in the biopic “Reagan,” which is set to release in theaters on Friday, August 30.
“From dusty small-town roots, to the glitter of Hollywood, and then on to commanding the world stage, ‘Reagan’ is a cinematic journey of overcoming the odds,” according to the film description. “Told through the voice of Viktor Petrovich, a former KGB agent whose life becomes inextricably linked with Ronald Reagan’s when Reagan first caught the Soviets’ attention as an actor in Hollywood, this film offers a perspective as unique as it is captivating.”
Directed by Sean McNamara, and written by Howard Klausner and Jonas McCord, the film is based on the 2006 book “The Crusader: Ronald Reagan and the Fall of Communism” by Paul Kengor.
Quaid stars in the film alongside Jon Voight, Penelope Ann Miller, Mena Suvari, Lesley-Anne Down, David Henrie and Kevin Dillon.
“Dennis Quaid brings to life a story that transcends the boundaries of a traditional biopic, offering a profound exploration of the enduring impact of the power of one man who overcame the odds, sustained by the love of a woman who supported him in his journey,” the film description read.
Pacific Palisades holds the first home that Ronald and Nancy Reagan ever owned as a couple, the Palisadian-Post reported in 2014. After their March 1952 wedding, they spent a few months at Nancy’s Brentwood apartment before calling Amalfi Drive in the Riviera their home that same year. The couple paid $42,000 for the Cape Cod-style house.
“I loved that home,” Nancy once recalled.
The couple later made the move into a new house, located on San Onofre in the Riviera.
“Life on San Onofre was about a string of good money-making years, family experiences, a happy marriage and, of course, the start of a political career,” the Post reported.
It was on January 4, 1966, when Ronald Reagan gathered the press at the home and announced his candidacy for California governor. He would go on to win the governorship in that year and again in 1970.
Fast forward to the night of the presidential election of November 4, 1980, Ronald and Nancy were inside the San Onofre home when they heard newsman John Chancellor announce that Reagan had won the presidency.
Ronald Reagan’s election win that night would become the catalyst for the Reagans to sell their Pacific Palisades house in 1981.
The film “Reagan” will be released in theaters on Friday, August 30, with a runtime of two hours and 15 minutes. It is rated R.
Las Madrinas recently announced the 26 families and their daughters—including several residents of Pacific Palisades: Gable Catherine Gering, Channing Van Petten Pauley and Asher Rose Harris Rawlins—who will be honored for their service to the Southern California community and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles at the annual Las Madrinas Ball on Saturday, December 21.
Others to be honored include Elizabeth Adair, Kelsey Grace Babcock, Katherine Courteen Deardorff, Katherine Shea Dietrick, Ruby Wilhemina Elliott, Frances Louise Foy, Lucy Jo Griffin, Cornelia Scott Halferty, Annie Shea High, Grace Victoria Hutchins, Kathleen Duffy Keller, Alana Juanita Laurie, Julia Elizabeth Dillon Lokey, Penelope Lynn Nakasone, Grace O’Malley, Cecily Paige Rasmussen, Reilly Kathryn Robinson, Sarah Elizabeth Rocchio, Eliza Jane Sandifer, Hailey Nan Webber, Aubrey Rae Wendling and Talia Bahar Zafari.
Photos by Nick Boswell Photography
The American Legion Ronald Reagan-Palisades Auxiliary Committee of Judges recently voted to give $500 prizes to Resilient Palisades and Veterans Gardens for their floats in the Fourth of July parade. Resilient Palisades received its award for Best Incorporation of Parade Theme, which was Happy Days in the Palisades.
“They creatively interpreted the theme, incorporating elements that celebrated our local heritage and community spirit, captivating both participants and spectators alike,” read a statement about the prize. The funds will go toward Resilient Palisades’ scholarship program, which awards students who “choose to further their education in environmentalism.”
Photos courtesy of Sara Marti
Brentwood School’s Board of Trustees has appointed Dr. Tim Cottrell as the next head of school, which will be effective July 2025.
Photo courtesy of Brentwood School
“The search began in January, after current Head of School Dr. Mike Riera, who has led Brentwood School since 2011, announced that the 2024-25 school year would be his last,” read a statement from the school. “A Head of School Search Committee of nine trustees was led by Board of Trustees Chair Adam Cohn, Vice Chair Laura Dudley and trustee and former Board Chair Tom Gordon.”
Cottrell is entering his 13th year as head of school at Iolani School in Hawaii.
“We are delighted to welcome a leader of Dr. Cottrell’s talent and accomplishments, an experienced educator who readily came to understand—and embrace—Brentwood’s culture and core values,” said the Search Committee co-chairs in a letter to the Brentwood School community.
Palisadian-Owned Rosenthal Wine Bar and Patio Offers Tastings, Beach Views and More
By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor
For those looking for a unique wine experience, one Palisadian has crafted a space along Pacific Coast Highway offering just that, with roots in the business dating back several decades.
Rosenthal, the Malibu Estate Wine Bar and Patio, is situated across from the beach at 18741 Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu—just over a mile outside of Pacific Palisades.
Owned by a father and son team, George and Marquez Knolls resident Mark Rosenthal, the Wine Bar and Patio has been open since 2011, holding the title as “the only wine bar and tasting room on the Pacific Coast Highway.”
“George first planted grapes in the mid-1980s at the Newton Canyon vineyard in Malibu after finding that the soil and climate was on par with the best of Bordeaux,” the Rosenthal team shared with the Palisadian-Post. “Since the early 1990s, Rosenthal, the Malibu Estate Vineyard, has produced award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay and Viognier wines.”
Father and son, George and Mark Rosenthal
In homage to the “surfing heritage” of Malibu, the family also produces wine varietals under the Surfrider Wine label—from Sparkling Rosés to Sauvignon Blanc, with red varietals, including Grenache and Syrah.
“The Wine Bar and Patio is a Malibu institution that people enjoy for good friends, good wine and good music,” Mark said.
The space hosts different types of live music and events throughout the week, open to the public Wednesdays through Sundays. The month of August invited Comedian Shang, as well as performances by Notice of Intent and The Weasels.
This month, Palisadians can partake in a Paint and Sip event on Sunday, August 25, at 1 p.m., and Malibu Comedy Night on Friday, August 30, at 8 p.m.
The August 30 Comedy Night will feature comedians from Netflix, Comedy Central and more, including Sarah Tiana, Greg Santos, Craig Lowe and Anna Simeri, hosted by Sean Leary, with tickets for $28.52.
“Enjoy sips and giggles under the stars with an outdoor comedy event at the gorgeous Rosenthal Wine Bar and Patio in the heart of Malibu,” according to the event description. “Feel free to bring food [and] snacks. It’s a party.”
In September, Rosenthal will present “Music Under the Stars” on Friday, September 6, an outdoor concert featuring three surprise guests. Tickets are $34.
Dubbed “the rock gods of the Palisades,” The Weasels are set to return to Rosenthal on Sunday, September 15, from 1 to 5 p.m. No tickets are needed to attend.
On Saturday, October 26, Rosenthal will be hosting a Haunted Wine Run 5K, with three different start times at 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.
“This is a fun run that includes stairs and running, or walking, through sand along the beach,” the event description read. “If you like running or walking and love wine, this fun run is for you.”
Participants will receive a cotton T-shirt, shatterproof, collapsible and portable wine glass, and pour of wine. Rosenthal is partnering with The Autism Resource Project for the event.
Those visiting Rosenthal can expect different food trucks on Saturdays and Sundays. Visitors are also welcome to bring their own food or picnic, with the exclusion of outside alcohol. Saturdays and Sundays are strictly for guests 21 and over.
For parties of two or more over the weekend, reservations are recommended but not required. Walk-ins are always welcome.
For more information or to purchase tickets to the events listed, visit rosenthalestatewines.com.
I ran into Brendon in my kitchen. Brendon is a friend of my son, Charlie, who was in Amsterdam, so I wasn’t clear why Brendon was standing in front of me.
“Oh, I’ve been staying here for the week,” he said. “Didn’t Charlie tell you?”
I mumbled a fake, “Welcome,” and hobbled away.
Charlie—along with three of my other children, plus spouses, plus six grandkids—were all together in Europe. Without me.
Months earlier, I’d realized that my teenage grandson Gabriel needed exposure to another culture, any culture. We discussed Canada, Costa Rica, Japan. Since half our family was visiting Paris and Charlie wanted to show us Amsterdam, that became our trip.
All was well until I fractured my toe as I was lunging into my closet to tear open a new outfit for the trip. I couldn’t manage the cobblestones, as I could barely keep up with the grandkids on the uneven Palisadian sidewalks, so I had to remain home. Poor me.
Our house was so quiet it looked abandoned. I smelled the flowers in our front garden. Hmmm. We opened the front door, stepped inside and, for the first time in decades, faced an empty nest. A new experience awaited us—solitude.
Or not. Within minutes, an unexpected knock on the door and the entry of two vicious yet playful hounds broke our revere.
Surprise! Will, the original “ask for forgiveness rather than permission” kid, had not arranged placement for his rescued pitbull/Doberman/shepherd mixed mutts. They were ours, for 15 bitter days.
Since their adoption six months ago, the girls, Patty and Moo, have doubled in heft every two months. By the time of their surprise visit, they were the size of a 3-year-old “miniature” pig. We have two pet hogs ourselves, so they are our point of reference.
The first night wasn’t bad because the dogs were as terrified of us as we were of them. We have a small room off the back porch that leads into the yard, so we put blankets on the floor, food and water right outside, and left the door open to the elements.
The first few days, the dogs spent hidden in our patio bushes. Although the girls have shiny, black coats, because of the thickness of the hedges and the shadows from the trees, Patty and Moo were perfectly camouflaged. They were literally invisible, so, shattered toe and all (fear, old age), I forged my way into the brush, throwing shredded cheese and kibble everywhere, praying each pup got enough to eat.
Early on, Patty and Moo discovered screens covering glass doors. Quickly doing away with the screens, they used their snouts to open the doors and get inside the house. I believe the correct term is “breaking and entering.”
Besides us elders, the house was empty—literally the first time since 1990. Somehow the mutts found our upstairs bedroom, sat down and began emitting earth-shattering howls.
“What howls?” asked my husband—Joe “Braveheart” Edmiston—the next morning. (If you sleep through an attack, are you still a warrior?)
Joe went to Gelson’s and bought some costly meat/veggie loaves for the dogs. Over the next few days, we scattered the food like Easter eggs, relieved to know the mutts were eating something healthy.
I knew Patty and Moo had not been eating healthy because they devoured my red wooden shoes from Holland, bought for me by my parents on a family holiday when I was 13. These clogs had survived everything—high school, Berkeley, many moves, wretched roommates, innumerable pets, two husbands, seven children, earthquakes, storms and Covid, only to be destroyed by dogs who preferred balsa wood.
It was the same scenario every night: I’d open the door, smile broadly and say, “Hi puppies!” and Patty and Moo would become terrified, as if seeing a monster. They’d run away from me, racing through the upstairs hall, down the back staircase and out into the safety of the night.
Joe and I saw that the dogs desperately needed to be walked every day. It’s just, we couldn’t do it. My toe—broken in three places!—prevented me from walking slower than both the tortoise and the hare. Joe’s right foot was a mess, causing so much pain when he walked, he appeared to be standing still.
Will’s girlfriend, Tina, and Gabriel’s mom, Briana, each came a few times to play with and walk the dogs. As soon as the pups saw these beautiful young women, they turned into different animals—elated, tail-wagging, bouncing beasts who were bursting with dog joy. However, once the visitors left, the girls returned to “sick dog” (Moo) and “dying dog” (Patty).
Time moved on and we entered week two in relative peace, other than the four patio chair cushions that were eaten and destroyed. But it wasn’t a disaster; the cushions were moldy and needed to be replaced.
One night, at the beginning of the second week, I heard quieter noises. I went downstairs to discover Moo alone in the house. This did not make sense. We had finally hammered shut the broken screen entry, so how was Moo inside? The only answer—a robber let her in.
I put Moo out in the patio, then hobbled through the entire house, fearlessly. Nobody there. Only then did I limp up the stairs, screaming to Joe that there was an intruder.
Joe searched the house fully and there was nobody, aside from the two ancient fools. Finally, Joe realized he must not have shut the door correctly, allowing Moo to enter before the door shut Patty out. Duh!
Soon Will and Gabriel arrived home: “We never did the time change!” Gabriel said. “Dad and me stayed up all night making music.”
Sounded like a perfect trip. Will, Gabriel, Patty and Moo rolled around on the ground for 15 minutes. The mutts were so happy they actually jumped on me, licking me and messaging, “Now that we know you’re not our forever placement, we think you’re OK.”
We were thrilled with Will and Gabriel’s arrival, and their pups’ soon-to-be departure. Later that night, daughter Susan, her husband Keith and their children also would return home from Europe. Our multi-generational household was coming together.
Charlie wouldn’t stay in Amsterdam forever and someday would come back, bringing his girlfriend with him. And, soon, sons Jon, Matt and Ben would visit, herding their families toward us. Our people were coming home.
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