Palisades Neighborhood News

A home invasion incident at the 16000 block of Charmel Lane in Marquez Knolls led to a pursuit and arrest Friday evening, February 2, according to Los Angeles Police Department Senior Lead Officer for Pacific Palisades Brian Espin.

The suspect reportedly entered the home through an unlocked rear door, drew a gun at the victims, and demanded money and property. The suspect also was reported to demand property from the victim’s safe, before fleeing in a black SUV.

“The suspect was being monitored by a regional surveillance taskforce for other alleged burglaries … committed along the Westside,” Espin wrote. “The surveillance group requested assistance from LAPD West LA to conduct a stop on the suspect to affect an arrest. Once LAPD units were able to get behind the suspect and vehicle, the suspect took off, ensuing a pursuit by LAPD patrol officers down PCH and onto the 10 freeway.

“Due to the unsafe speed and reckless driving of the suspect, for the safety of community members out on the road, the pursuit was called off and our LAPD air unit (helicopter) was able to track the suspect vehicle to an apartment in the city of Torrance.”

The suspect fled into an apartment unit where they barricaded themselves and “refused to come out,” later voluntarily giving up and being taken into custody, Espin said.

“Due to the suspect using force or fear (using a handgun) to coerce the victims into giving up property,” Espin explained, “the suspect was arrested for robbery.”

The victim’s property was returned, and detectives are now working with other agencies to determine if the suspect is connected to additional burglaries, Espin concluded.

—LILY TINOCO

The fourth annual Palisades Animal Shelter Donation Drive, hosted by Nancy Jackson and Leslie Buck to benefit the six Los Angeles County animal shelters, began on February 5 and will last three to four weeks, depending on the influx of donations.

Items like dog and cat beds, toys, food, blankets, clothing, collars and leashes, as well as cash donations, can be dropped off Tuesdays to Saturdays at Paws N‘ Claws, located at 16634 Marquez Avenue. In 2023, 18 “massive loads” were donated to the shelters.

“Nancy Jackson started the Palisades Donation Drive four years ago to help bring comfort to the animals stuck in the shelters,” according to a statement. “Leslie Buck of Paws N‘ Claws was kind enough to offer her dog grooming salon as a drop off location for the donations.”

Items that will not be accepted are pillows, expired food, fitted sheets and stuffies with holes. There is also an Amazon Wishlist set up: amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/ACB7BWOVCAGN?ref_=wl_share.

“Together, the drive has proven to be a huge success the past three years,” the statement continued. “This year we hope to double what we were able to do last year. Your donations play a pivotal role in enhancing the lives of these animals in need. Please join us in making a difference and helping our four-legged friends.”

For donation inquiries or to volunteer to transport donations to shelters, contact Jackson at athlete1@msn.com or 310-570-6714.

—SARAH SHMERLING

Singing Valentines are now available for purchase from The Oceanaires A Cappella Chorus: “the perfect gift for your favorite person.”

“A quartet from The Oceanaires A Cappella Chorus will personally deliver two songs with a balloon and a personalized card from you,” read a flyer.

Those who order before February 10 will receive a discount and guaranteed delivery on February 14. Orders will be $50, or $75 after February 10. The Singing Valentines “sell out every year,” according to The Oceanaires website.

For more information, including a map of delivery range, which includes the West Los Angeles area, visit oceanaires.org.

—SARAH SHMERLING

Community members are invited to save the date for Irene Dunne Guild’s 18th annual Think Pink for Women’s Wellness fundraiser on May 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Upper Bel-Air Bay Club in Pacific Palisades. The event serves as a fundraiser for Saint John’s Health Center.

“Think Pink is a popular event that focuses on health education and awareness for women and their families,” according to a statement about the event. “The Irene Dunne Guild, a support group of Saint John’s Health Center Foundation, raises funds for women’s health, nursing scholarships, new medical equipment, programs for care givers and family support services.”

This year’s event chairs are Lorena Craven and Suzanne Caldwell. For more information, visit irenedunneguild.org.

—SARAH SHMERLING