Councilmember Traci Park (center – red shirt), joined L.A. Strong founders Maxi Kozler Koven and Drew Koven (second and third) from right and volunteers to celebrate “Galentine’s Day,” on February 13 at the Palisades Garden Cafe.
This editor was among many Palisadians who received an intriguing invite “Lattes & Love” on February 13 at the Garden Café from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.
The email invitation came from L.A. Strong and went to about 150 Palisades and Altadena women. “Galentine’s Day,” with lattes and a little gift was promised. Women were encouraged to bring their friends to the Café, for what turned into a social gathering and reunion for many women who had not seen each since last year’s fire.
L.A. Strong was created by philanthropists and venture capitalists Maxi Kozler Koven and husband Drew. They come from consumer products businesses background and have helped provide products for those in need since 2012.
Maxi explained that in January 2025 after the Palisades Fire, the two have focused on fire survivors. They have hosted several events for those affected, but this event was different.
Drew, who was handing out white shopping bags that included a fruit cup, madeleines and lip gloss said, “What we found is everything has been meetings” and a decision was made to “do something social.”
Roseanne Landay, who is one of the Pali Condo Captains said, “I jumped out of bed this morning feeling so much lighter, knowing that I was coming to something social and not another recovery meeting.”
As Drew handed out another bag, he said, “I’m here to make sure everyone is happy.”
Maxi said, “We talk to nonprofits and long-term recovery groups to find out what people need,” which has changed over the months following the fire.
As people are moving back into homes, LA. Strong co-founders have asked, “What’s the next round of items you need?”
Based on what they’ve learned, the next event will be a “mattress event.” Many people, who had homes still standing had to throw out mattresses, towels, sheets and blankets and need to replace them.
Maxi said the “Galentine’s Day,” came about for women because they received T-shirts and sweatshirts from rag & bone and products from YSE Beauty.
Based on the tables of women sitting around, drinking coffee and chatting with friends and meeting new people, this event accomplished everything it set out to do. To find out more about L.A. Strong click here.