Principal Magee Reports Latest Updates on Campus Reopening
By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor
Palisades Charter High School is preparing for its annual gala and auction on Saturday, March 29—this time, with a “new purpose.”
“This year’s event is being reimagined as a ‘benefit’ to provide critical support for students whose resources have been severely impacted,” read a statement shared by the school’s Booster Club, which organizes the event.
The benefit will take place at Luxe hotel in Brentwood from 6 to 10 p.m., with hors d’oeuvres, a buffet and open bar, as well as a performance by comedian Maz Jobrani and music by DJ Puffs.
“In the wake of the recent fire that has displaced our Pali students and families, we invite the Pali High community to come together for an evening of connection, reflection and support,” read the Booster Club statement. “This community benefit dinner is a chance to reunite, share a meal and find comfort in laughter. As March ushers in spring—a time of renewal—Pali indeed will rise from the ashes.”
This year, funds raised will go toward supporting Pali High’s students and programs, as well as damaged equipment and computers, musical instruments, and more.
“Additionally, the current online learning format lacks critical human-to-human interaction,” the Booster Club explained. “The booster club recognizes the need to offer in-person activities that bring the students together for a sense of normalcy, healing and connection.”
Pali High Booster Club is asking for the greater Los Angeles community’s support: Individuals can help support this year’s event by sponsoring the fundraiser or donating auction items, such as services, gift cards, unique experiences, sport or concert tickets, private lessons, or gift baskets.
“This event is a vital opportunity to come together as a community to support the nearly 3,000 Pali High students from over 100 zip codes who rely on Booster Club-funded programs in arts, academics, athletics, technology and more,” the statement continued. “Now more than ever, your support can make a lasting impact.”
Auction items will be available for bidding beginning March 1 at the gala website. The auction will conclude on March 29.
Tickets for the benefit are also on sale for $195 at the website. There are options available to sponsor teacher and parent tickets, for Pali High teachers and parents who have been directly impacted by the Palisades fire to attend.
In an update posted February 4, Principal Pamela Magee announced that a number of damage assessments and campus walk-throughs have been taking place, and there is a “clearer understanding” of when students and staff may be able to reoccupy the campus.
According to Los Angeles Unified School District’s environmental team, outside consultants and experts, a fall 2025 return to campus is “likely.”
“The extent of the damage to the school, the regulatory process in dealing with the asbestos and lead contamination, the removal of debris, the cleansing of the entire campus, including buildings that did not burn, the athletic fields, and even the surrounding vegetation … all of this must be removed and done so meeting regulatory standards to protect the health of anyone stepping onto our campus,” Magee explained.
Additionally, Magee said it is a goal to have graduation on campus, “so the class of 2025 can walk the green of their home campus in June.”
“However, if this is not an option for any reason, we will find a way to take the class of 2025 to an exciting and memorable site,” Magee said. “These are the stakes in the sand that we have struck to meet, that we are doing all we can to meet … We do not control some factors and may have to adjust timelines. Just know we are committed to an ASAP schedule.”
For more information on this year’s gala and auction, or to make a donation, visit palihighboosterclub.com/gala2025.
This page is available to subscribers. Click here to sign in or get access.
