LETTER-Saving Marilyn Monroe’s Home, Nice, But How About Saving Temescal

Posted on September 11, 2023 by Sue Pascoe

Traci Park pleading in L.A. City Council Chambers to stop the demolition of Marilyn Monroe’s Brentwood home.

Traci Park showed up in Council in a blonde wig asking The Los Angeles City Council to pass a motion on September 8 to save Marilyn Monroe’s former home from demolition by beginning the process of declaring it a historic cultural monument.

Resident Andrew Halpern wrote:

Dear civic representative who I voted for:

We were so impressed with how you were galvanized into action to save the Monroe House.

NOW HOW ABOUT GETTING TEMESCAL CANYON’S FOREVER LANE CLOSURE DEBACLE FIXED!!!!!!!

This neglect is inexcusable.

Still waiting and watching.

*************************

On August 28, Halpern had sent a letter to Councilmember Traci Park and to Palisades Field Representative Michael Amster about the ongoing issues with Temescal Canyon Road.

Now that Pali Hi and the various neighboring elementary schools are open again the inevitable de-evolution of Palisades society and safety has happened on Temescal Canyon near the PCH due to the City’s continued negligence on this documented major liability. As you already know this ongoing situation has been unresolved for well over a month.

In addition to predicted road rage situations, delays to thousands of commuters and potential for fender benders and accidents with students, pedestrians and bicyclists please now be warned of very real the risk of head on collisions caused by your current non-solution and neglect.

Under your latest failed Temescal Canyon traffic scheme, frustrated downhill facing drivers are driving around the City’s permanent lane closure pinch point onto oncoming speeding uphill facing traffic.

To be clear, now by practice, cars are deliberately crossing two rows of double yellow lines at the risk of life and limb just so they can get to where they are going.

Local journalist Sue Pascoe recently advised that your office has gotten approval for funding the repairs . .  . and with that update, perhaps on your behalf, she has suggested that we be patient.  Based upon the City’s past neglect, contempt and blatant disregard for our health and safety I am not, and neither are my neighbors feeling very trusting or patient. Let’s go!

There really can be no excuse for not fixing this ongoing, well documented, City created, prior to the recent rain-related, hazardous situation, by now.  It should be fixed yesterday, if not tomorrow.  And obviously, it bears pointing out, correctly, the third time.

I anticipate your response will be equally quick, cordial and sadly I fear, as meaningless as they proved to be before.

Halpern than asked, “If you can’t fix a hole in a road, how can we hope that you are the right people to deal with the City’s more complex and serious problems?”

(Michael Amster responded August 28, “Thank you for contacting the Office of Councilwoman Traci Park. It is my pleasure to share the latest update on the ongoing challenges and repairs at Temescal Canyon Road. 

“The road was resurfaced in November and again in April, at that time the Bureau of Street Services noticed a baseline failure and asked the Bureau of Engineering (BOE) to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the road and its need. The Bureau of Engineering has prepared a mitigation plan with an estimated cost of $800,000 to address the existing problems and fortify the roadway against future damage. Funding, however, must be identified. 

“On August 11th, Councilwoman Traci Park introduced a motion, asking the City Administrative Officer to identify  $800,000 to implement the Bureau of Engineering’s mitigation plan for Temescal Canyon Road to address water seepage and  roadway damage along its southbound lane between Pacific Coast  Highway and West Bowdoin Street. On August 25th, the motion passed the City Council.

“Additionally, the Department of Transportation conducted an emergency restriping job to mitigate the roadway conditions, as the deterioration was affecting the protected bike lane and posing a significant risk to riders. We are confident the recent reconfiguration will allow the road to remain open and accessible, and we’re in constant communication with neighbors and our department personnel to communicate any sudden changes that may happen to the road. 

“Thank you for your understanding and patience throughout this process, as we receive further information on the funding and repairs, we will continue to communicate this to our constituents. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out.”)

Posted in Letters | 2 Comments

Your Blood Is Desperately Needed!

Posted on September 11, 2023 by Sue Pascoe

Former Village Green President Marge Gold and Sotherby’s realtor Josie Tong hold up Red Cross signs to remind residents of the importance of giving blood and donating.

Every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood. And it could be you or a member of your family. There are two opportunities to give blood in the next few weeks in Pacific Palisades. The requirements to give are easy, be in good health, weigh at least 110 pounds and be at least 16 years old.

SEPTEMBER 19

There will be a blood drive from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, September 19, at the Ronald Reagan Post 283 American Legion, 15247 La Cruz Drive. To make an appointment,  click here and enter sponsor cord “Post283.” Before donating, eat a well-balanced meal and don’t forget to bring a photo ID.

When you register and donate in September, you will be given an email coupon for a free haircut from Sport Clips Haircuts. A donor (18 and older) will automatically be entered for a chance to win a trip for two and a VIP experienced to the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity Races at Darlington Raceway. The trip includes a round-trip airfare for two to South Carolina, up to a three-night hotel stay, entry to the Sport Clips racetrack hospitality tent, plus a $1,000 gift card for expenses.

 

OCTOBER 1

There will be a blood drive at Corpus Christi Catholic Church from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, October 1. The donations will take place in the gym, 880 Toyopa Drive.

“You’re just our type!” All blood types are needed.

To make an appointment, visit Redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code: CorpusChristi or email [email protected] with questions or call 866-236-3276. Anyone donating between October 1 to 20, will receive a $15 Amazon.com gift card by email.

Be a super donor and download the Blood Donor App!

Posted in Community, Health | Leave a comment

9/11 Remembered

Posted on September 10, 2023 by Sue Pascoe

Flags were placed on the Village Green to remember victims of 9/11.
Photo: Rich Schmitt/CTN

Members of the American Legion Auxiliary placed flags on the Village Green to remember the Americans killed in 9/11.

We remember American Flight 11, which was set to fly from Boston to Los Angeles, but was crashed into the north tower of the World Trade Center.

We remember United Flight 175, which was set to fly from Boston to Los Angeles and crashed into the south tower of the World Trade Center.

We remember American Flight 77, from Washington to Los Angeles, which crashed into the Pentagon.

We remember United Flight 93 from Newark to San Francisco, which crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

There were at least 2,996 fatalities and more than 25,000 injuries. At least $10 billion was lost in infrastructure and property damage. This was the deadliest attack in human history and the single deadliest incident for firefighters (340) and law enforcement officials (72) in the history of the U.S.

The 19 hijackers were affiliated with the militant Islamist group al-Qaeda: 15 Saudi Arabians, two United Arab Emirians, and one each Lebanese and Egyptian.

Please read the final transcript from United Flight 93 (below). The heroic efforts of Americans on 9/11 most surely stopped a plane from being crashed into the U.S. Capitol or the White House.

The call was between Todd Beamer and Lisa Jefferson, a telephone supervisor for GTE.

Todd: Hello… Operator…listen to me…I can’t speak very loud. – This is an emergency. I’m a passenger on a United flight to San Francisco.. We have a situation here….Our plane has been hijacked…..can you understand me?

Lisa: (exhaling a deep breath to herself) I understand… Can the hijackers see you talking on the phone?

Todd: No

Lisa: Can you tell me how many hijackers are on the plane?

Todd: There are three that we know of.

Lisa: Can you see any weapons? What kind of weapons do they have?

Todd: Yes…. they don’t have guns….they have knives – they took over the plane with knives.

Lisa: Do you mean…like steak knives?

Todd: No, these are razor knives…like box cutters.

Lisa: Can you tell what country these people are from?

Todd: No…..I don’t know. They sound like they’re from the mid-east.

Lisa: Have they said what they want?

Todd: Someone announced from the cockpit that there was a bomb on board. He said he was the captain and to stay in our seats and stay quiet. He said that they were meeting these men’s demands and returning to the airport… It was very broken English, and… I’m telling you…it sounded fake!

Lisa: Okay sir, please give me your name.

Todd: My name is Todd Beamer.

Lisa: Okay Todd….my name is Lisa…Do you know your flight number? If you can’t remember, it’s on your ticket.

Todd: It’s United Flight 93.

Lisa: Now Todd, can you try to tell me exactly what happened?

Todd: Two of the hijackers were sitting in first class near the cockpit. A third one was sitting near the back of the coach section. The two up front got into the cockpit somehow; there was shouting. The third hijacker said he had a bomb. It looks like a bomb. He’s got it tied to his waist with a red belt of some kind.

Lisa: So, is the door to the cockpit open?

Todd: No, the hijackers shut it behind them.

Lisa: Has anyone been injured?

Todd: Yes, ..they…they killed one passenger sitting in first class. There’s been lots of shouting. We don’t know if the pilots are dead or alive. A flight attendant told me that the pilot and copilot had been forced from the cockpit and may have been wounded.

Lisa: Where is the third hijacker now Todd?

Todd: He’s near the back of the plane. They forced most of the passengers into first class. There are 14 of us here in the back. Five are flight attendants. He hasn’t noticed that I slipped into this pantry to get the phone. The guy with the bomb ordered us to sit on the floor in the rear of the plane………. Oh, Jesus … Help!

Lisa: Todd….are you okay? Tell me what’s happening!

Todd: Hello…..We’re going down….I think we’re going to crash……Wait – wait a minute. No, we’re leveling off….we’re okay. I think we may be turning around…..That’s it – we changed directions. Do you hear me….we’re flying east again.

Lisa: Okay Todd…. What’s going on with the other passengers?

Todd: Everyone is… really scared. A few passengers with cell phones have made calls to relatives. A guy, Jeremy, was talking to his wife just before the hijacking started. She told him that hijackers had crashed two planes into the World Trade Center……Lisa is that true??

Lisa: Todd…..I have to tell you the truth…..it’s very bad. The World Trade Center is gone. Both of the towers have been destroyed.

Todd: Oh God —help us!

Lisa: A third plane was taken over by terrorists. It crashed into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. Our country is under attack….and I’m afraid that your plane may be part of their plan.

Todd: Oh, dear God. Dear God……. Lisa, will you do something for me?

Lisa: I’ll try…. if I can ….Yes.

Todd: I want you to call my wife and my kids for me and tell them what’s happened. Promise me you’ll call.

Lisa: I promise – I’ll call.

Todd: Our home number is (201) 353-1073. You have the same name as my wife…Lisa….We’ve been married for 10 years. She’s pregnant with our third child. Tell her that I love her…….(choking up)…I’ll always love her…(clearing throat). We have two boys…David, he’s three and Andrew, he’s one…..Tell them……(choking) tell them that their daddy loves them and that he is so proud of them. (clearing throat again)… Our baby is due January 12…..I saw an ultra sound…..it was great….we still don’t know if it’s a girl or a boy………Lisa?

Lisa: (barely able to speak) I’ll tell them, I promise Todd.

Todd: I’m going back to the group—if I can get back I will.

Lisa: Todd, leave this line open…are you still there?

Lisa: (dials the phone.) Hello, FBI, my name is Lisa Jefferson, I’m a telephone supervisor for GTE. I need to report a terrorist hijacking of a United Airlines Flight 93….Yes, I’ll hold.

Goodwin: Hello, this is Agent Goodwin… I understand you have a hijacking situation?

Lisa: Yes sir, I’ve been talking with a passenger, a Todd Beamer, on Flight 93 who managed to get to an air phone unnoticed.

Goodwin: Where did this flight originate, and what was its destination?

Lisa: The flight left Newark, New Jersey at 8 a.m. departing for San Francisco. The hijackers took over the plane shortly after takeoff, and several minutes later the plane changed course – it is now flying east.

Goodwin: Ms. Jefferson…I need to talk to someone aboard that plane. Can you get me through to the plane’s phone?

Lisa: I still have that line open, sir. I can patch you through on a conference call…hold a moment…..

Todd: Hello Lisa, Lisa are you there?

Lisa: Yes, I’m here. Todd, I made a call to the FBI, Agent Goodwin is on the line and will be talking to you as well.

Todd: The others all know that this isn’t your normal hijacking. Jeremy called his wife again on his cell phone. She told him more about the World Trade Center and all.

Goodwin: Hello, Todd. This is Agent Goodwin with the FBI. We have been monitoring your flight. Your plane is on a course for Washington, D.C. These terrorists sent two planes into the World Trade Center and one plane into the Pentagon. Our best guess is that they plan to fly your plane into either the White House or the United States Capitol Building.

Todd: I understand…hold on…I’ll…….I’ll be back.

Lisa: Mr. Goodwin, how much time do they have before they get to Washington?

Goodwin: Not long, ma’am. They changed course over Cleveland; they’re approaching Pittsburgh now. Washington may be twenty minutes away.

Todd: (breathing a little heavier). The plane seems to be changing directions just a little. It’s getting pretty rough up here. The plane is flying real erratic….We’re not going to make it out of here. Listen to me….I want you to hear this….I have talked with the others….we have decided we would not be pawns in these hijackers’ suicidal plot.

Lisa: Todd, what are you going to do?

Todd: We’ve hatched a plan. Four of us are going to rush the hijacker with the bomb. After we take him out, we’ll break into the cockpit. A stewardess is getting some boiling water to throw on the hijackers at the controls. We’ll get them…and we’ll take them out. Lisa, will you do one last thing for me?

Lisa: Yes…What is it?

Todd: Would you pray with me?

They pray: Our father which art in Heaven

Hallowed be thy name,

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

And forgive us our trespasses

As we forgive our trespassers,

And lead us not into temptation

But deliver us from evil

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory

Forever…..Amen

And

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want…

He makes me to lie down in green pastures

He leads me beside the still waters

He restores my soul

He leads me in paths of righteousness

for His name’s sake

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death

I will fear no evil, for thou art with me.

Todd: (softer). God help me…Jesus help me…(clears throat and louder). Are you guys ready?……..Let’s roll!!

All 44 passengers and crew aboard the aircraft (including the four hijackers) were killed when the plane, west of Cleveland, abruptly turned southeast towards Washington, D.C.  and started to descend. When it crashed into Shanksville, Pennsylvania, it was about 20 minutes flying time from the nation’s capital.

Photo: Rich Schmitt/CTN

Posted in History, Holidays | 7 Comments

VIEWPOINT: Placing American Flags on the Green

Posted on September 10, 2023 by Sue Pascoe

Flags are placed on the Village Green to remember victims of 9/11.
Photo: Rich Schmitt/CTN

Pepperdine annually places an American flag for the almost 3,000 people who were killed on the 911. The view is breathtaking, but then I wondered why Pacific Palisades couldn’t have its own memorial.

Auxiliary President in 2021, I went to Marge Gold, who was the president of the Village Green Board and asked if we could place flags on the little park in the middle of town.

She received permission from the board and the first year, we placed 300 flags. One representing 100 victims.

This year, under auxiliary President Ruth Kahn, the auxiliary placed nearly 600 flags—one representing each five victims.

On Friday, we worked steadily on the Green for several hours. To place the flags, one first has to pound a stake in the ground, pull it out and then put the flag in the hole.

As I worked with six other people, it became meditative to pound the ground and place a flag. I wondered if the souls of those who were killed knew we were honoring them 3,000 miles away.

Did they know I was praying for them and their families in this beautiful little spot? Did they know I was thinking about them? That I hoped that by seeing the flags, other people in town would think about them, too, and pray for the families.

Then I wondered, could I be as brave as those people on the United Flight that fought the hijackers? Would I, could I be brave enough not to sit by, and to try and face evil, even though I knew it would be a certain death.

Would I be as brave as the 340 firefighters and 72 law enforcement officials and walk into one of the towers of the World Trade Center, even as it was collapsing? Would I walk up – or would I run and hide – would I go the other direction?

I would like to think I would be brave, that I would stand up to evil and wrong.

But I don’t know. It is so much easier not to do anything and hope that it will all be okay.

9/11 was not okay. Someday you might be called to do the right thing, even if it means death. What will you do?

Posted in Viewpoint | 1 Comment

Dolphins Defeat St. Genevieve 35-10

Posted on September 10, 2023 by Sue Pascoe

Teralle Watson scored the first touchdown of the game with a run.
Photo: Rich Schmitt/CTN

Palisades High School pulled out a 35-10 victory over Panorama City’s St. Genevieve on September 8 at the Stadium by the Sea. The team is now 3-1 for the season.

The home crowd was energized and welcomed the Class of 1983, who was holding a reunion. Cheerleaders from that class gave a lovely half-time dance presentation.

Football was a different story.

It wasn’t a pretty first quarter.

The Dolphins received the ball on kickoff but failed to move beyond their own 36.

St. Genevieve blocked the punt and were able to take over on the Palisades 18. Unable to move the ball, the Valients attempted a field goal, which was no good.

With about a minute left in the first quarter, the Dolphins were on the 5-yard-line with what looked like a sure touchdown, but instead there was a fumble and the Valients took over on their own 9-yard-line.

At the start of the second quarter, St. Genevieve couldn’t move the ball, and punted. The Dolphins started on the 35, and sophomore Harrison Carter ran it to the 20.

La Scala completed a 19-yeard pass to senior Jaden Williams and then Teralle Watson ran it in for the first touchdown of the game. Kellan Ford’s PAT was good, and the Dolphins led 7 -0.

Going into this game Watson, a junior, was averaging 7.5 yards per carry, and was a key factor in this win. This was the first of his two touchdowns.

Coach Dylen Smith said after the game that “running the ball was the focus this week in practice. The running game definitely got us going.”

With less than four minutes left in the half, senior Matthew Spoonamore intercepted a pass on the Palisades 35 and made a 65-yard run into the end zone for Pali’s second touchdown. Ford’s PAT was good.

Because of a prior penalty, Pali kicked off from its own 25. The Valiants wasted no time in scoring on the “shorter field” and were aided with a pass interference call on the Dolphins in the end zone. The PAT was good, and the half ended 14-7.

In the third quarter, the Dolphins piled on the penalties, holding, face mask and two personal fouls, which took the Valiants from their own 35 to the Palisades 20. The Valiants made a field goal attempt to pull the score to within four points.

The Dolphins worked their way down the field, but a pass into the endzone was intercepted by St. Genevieve.

St. Genevieve’s Noah Samayoa intercepts a pass in the endzone.
Photo: Rich Schmitt/CTN

Unable to move the ball, the Valiants punted to start the fourth quarter. In excellent field position, Watson was able to move the ball in for his second touchdown. Ford’s PAT was good.

The Dolphins next touchdown came with about five minutes left in the game. Carter made the run into the endzone, on plays that started on the Valiant 36-yard line.

Harrison Carter, with agile running, scored a touchdown.
Photo: Rich Schmit/CTN

A 30-yard pass from LaScala to Williams scored the final touchdown and with Ford’s PAT, the final was 35-10.

Quarterback LaScala said after the game, “Our running game was really good.”

Smith said that the bye week will be used towards working with La Scala and the wide receivers. “We need to get them involved,” Smith said.

One of PaliHi’s top receivers, senior Braydon Sanford has been out with an injury and there is hope that after a Dolphin’s bye week, he will be able to play for the September 22 game at Brentwood.

“I hope he’ll be back for the next game,” La Scala said. “I think we’ll get our rhythm going.”

League starts on September 28 with an afternoon game at Hamilton and Pali’s next home game will be on October 6 against Fairfax.

PaliHi’s class of 1983 held a reunion on Friday. Former players, cheerleaders and classmates attended the game on September 8.
Photo: Rich Schmitt/CTN

Posted in Sports | Leave a comment

PALISADES CRIME UPDATE: Arrest Made, Individual Crimes Reported

Posted on September 7, 2023 by Sue Pascoe

A person was arrested for camping illegally in a very high fire severity zone.

Senior Lead Officer Brian Espin, with the LAPD Beach Detail and local volunteers from the Pacific Palisades Homeless Task Force discovered a campsite on September 2.

Located above the Rotary Corner, near Pacific Coast Highway and Temescal Canyon Road, the area, which is in a very high fire severity zone, has prominent “no camping” signs posted. During the last week of August, a campsite, which had been found on L.A. City Recreation and Park land, amidst heavy, dried and dead brush, had been found. It was cleaned out by August 31.

Two days later a campsite was once again discovered in the area. The person was arrested, and PPTFH volunteers cleaned out the accumulated garbage.

The LAPD beach detail continues to be a valuable resource for the community, aiding the task force. Members of the task force continue to offer assistance to anyone found camping, including appointments with social workers, but help is often turned down.

There is no camping in very high fire severity zones.

 

CRIME:

SLO Espin released the following report:

BURGLARY:

August 23, 5 to 6 p.m., in the 900 block of Fiske Street. The suspect entered victim’s open front door and took victim’s electric bike that was located near the door.

August 25, 5:30 p.m in the 1100 block of Las Pulgas Road. Suspect(s) smashed rear glass door, entered, ransacked and removed property.

August 25, 5 to 11:55 p.m., in the 14000 block of Evans Road. A second story balcony door was smashed and the suspects entered, ransacked and removed money and jewelry valued at $60,400. Evidence was recovered and fingerprints requested.

September 1 to 4 in the 900 block of Corsica Drive. A suspect smashed a window to enter residence, took property and fled.

BURGLARY THEFT FROM VEHICLE:

August 27, 10:30 to 11 a.m., in the 400 block of Los Liones Drive. Suspect entered victims secured vehicle and fled with property.

August 277:30 p.m. at Pacific Coast Highway and Temescal Canyon Road. An unknown suspect smashed a passenger window, took victim’s purse and fled.

GRAND THEFT AUTO:

August 29, 6:45 to 7:30 p.m., in the block of 15800 Pacific Coast Highway. The vehicle was taken from the street.

GRAND THEFT PERSON:

August 27, 3 p.m. at Albright and Monument Street. The suspect tricked victim into putting on a fake gifted ring. The suspect then took victim’s jewelry and fled.

THEFT:

August 21, 6:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in the 100 block of Marquez Place. Suspect removed property from a multi-vehicle garage. The suspect then fled.

August 15, 2:30, at Channel Road and Pacific Coast Highway. Suspect took victim’s bike and fled.

Locations are labeled to the nearest hundred block and are not exact.

Posted in Crime/Police | 1 Comment

Participate in a Special Olympics Plane Pull Fundraiser

Posted on September 7, 2023 by Sue Pascoe

Help raise money for Special Olympics by pulling a jet plane.

Palisades Senior Lead Officer Brian Espin is raising money for Special Olympics Southern California by forming a team to pull a jet plane.

On Saturday, September 23, LAPD and other individuals are invited to test strength, stamina, and endurance during the Plane Pull fundraiser at the Long Beach Airport. The competition pits teams of 25 to see who can pull a 124,000-pound jet, 12 feet, the fastest.

“At the last in-person Plane Pull event in 2022, we raised over $250,000 for Special Olympics Southern California athletes,” Espin said.

People can create or join teams, come as an individual and be placed on a team, or just donate to LAPD WEST LA, whose team goal is to raise $5,000 for Special Olympics.

“Last year, our community supported the Special Olympics to the tune of $3,000. I want to surpass this mark and show these Special Olympics Athletes that our community supports them even more,” Espin said.  For more information,  click here.

If person wishes to donate, rather than pull, donate on behalf of team LAPD West LA . ​​

“Please pass this email around to friends and family who wish to help out the Special Olympics and the Athletes,” Espin said. “Every dollar raised by Special Olympics provides equipment, uniforms, and training for athletes.”

 

 

Posted in Community | Leave a comment

Roca Pizza on Swarthmore Now Closed

Posted on September 7, 2023 by Sue Pascoe

Roca Pizza was in the space next to Porto Via.

At the beginning of March, writers Bill Bruns and Kenny Turan were walking on Swarthmore when they noticed activity at 1061 Swarthmore Avenue, between Porta Via Palisades and Paige clothing store. A pizza restaurant had supposedly been in the works since 2021 and it appeared it was finally opening.

The co-owner of Roca Pizza, Rick Rosenfield, asked the two journalists, who have never been known to turn down free food, “Do you want to be our first customers?”

Though stuffed from lunch, Bruns and Turan polished off two pieces of barbecue chicken pizza and agreed, “This is really delicious!”

Customers could buy pizza by the slice, which ranged in price from $5.75 to $6.75, a half or full pizza, which ranged in price from $39 to $48, and served 8.

A ribbon cutting was held in April by the Palibu Chamber of Commerce.

Then came the summer doldrums in Pacific Palisades, when commercial streets are largely empty, and businesses seek customers.

In a September 5 Instagram post, owners Rick and Esther Rosenfeld wrote that the store would close.

“With great sadness, ROCA PIZZA is no longer operating at Palisades Village,” the owners said. “We loved serving this wonderful community and are grateful to our loyal customers and valued employees who displayed such passion to serve our guests the highest quality products. We will miss you.”

Prior to pizza, that was the site for SunLife Organics, which in addition to several southern California locations, such as Malibu West Hollywood and Century City, is also found in Austin, Bee Cave, Miami, Las Vegas and Chicago.

A worker at the Swarthmore site was asked what was going in that location next, and the person thought it was going to be a place that served desserts.

Posted in businesses/stores | 4 Comments

Village Green Board Members Sought

Posted on September 7, 2023 by Sue Pascoe

The Village Green is a private park in the heart of Pacific Palisades that is maintained with donations.

Village Green co-president Cindy Kirven wrote in an August 28 email to CTN to remind residents that all members of the community own the Palisades Village Green.

“If you live in Pacific Palisades,” Kirven said “You are a member of the nonprofit called the Palisades Village Green Committee.”

The Palisades Village Green Committee is having its annual member meeting on Wednesday, September 13, at 5 p.m. at The Swarthmore Room, which is upstairs from the concierge on Palisades Village Lane, in Caruso’s community room.

Currently, the Green’s Board of Directors is composed of nine people, but three will be retiring this year.

According to the nonprofit’s bylaws, between nine and 15 directors are needed to manage the Green.

At the board meeting, six returning and five new candidates must be voted. If you are interested in becoming a Board member, please email [email protected] and cc Kirven at [email protected].

“This is a valuable park,” Kirven said. “It is not owned by the City and it is the Heart of the community.  So please come vote for the people who will make up next year’s Board of Directors to make sure it is operated and maintained the way you, the community, want it to be.”

Posted in Parks | 1 Comment

“Flipping Boxcars,” a New Novel by Cedric The Entertainer and Alan Eisenstock

Posted on September 6, 2023 by Sue Pascoe

 

“Flipping Boxcars,” a novel by Cedric Kyles (aka Cedric The Entertainer) coauthored with Palisadian Alan Eisenstock, is available on Amazon, starting September 12 click here.

“It’s a crime novel,” Eisenstock said, and explained the book centers on Cedric’s actual grandfather–a flamboyant gambler, bootlegger, and fighter–his family, friends, and enemies and is set in Cedric’s hometown of Caruthersville, Missouri.

“It’s fast, furious, funny and full of heart,” Eisenstock said about the novel that takes place in 1948 over the July 4th weekend.

Publisher’s Weekly wrote: “Kyles and Eisenstock deliver stirring gambling scenes, strong characterizations, and vivid prose. The result is an energetic caper that’s more than meets the eye.”

 The book as been described as Cedric’s “most engaging best—a charming, fast-paced novel that pays homage to his beloved grandfather and a generation past, anchored by rich, multi-dimensional characters and oozing with irresistible charm.”

Want even more fun?

Listen as Eisenstock interviews Cedric at 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 14, at the Barnes & Noble at the Grove.

“I’ll interview Cedric, we’ll hang out, have some laughs, and sign some books,” Eisenstock said  click here. Everyone attending the event must have a ticket ($32.85). That ticket includes a copy of the novel, admission to the discussion, an audience Q& A and a book signing with Cedric.

“This book is completely different from anything else I’ve written,” Eisenstock said. He has coauthored numerous books including Elgin Baylor’s (Hang Time: My Life in Basketball), Theresa Larson (Warrior: A Memoir), Mark Borovitz (The Holy Thief: A Con Man’s Journey from the Darkness to Light) and Sonya Curry (Fierce Love).

Cedric the Entertainer was born Cedric Antonio Kyles. He is a comedian, an actor, a television host, a producer and author, who has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.  His first film appearance was in 1998 in Ride and he worked steadily through 2020 with The Opening Act. His first television appearance was in 1987 It’s Showtime at the Apollo and he just appeared in April on The Daily Show.

How did Cedric and Eisenstock team up? “My agent connected us,” Eisenstock told CTN. “It was ‘love’ at first sight, well, it was on Zoom, and I couldn’t see, but, yeah.”

Writing this was especially fun for Eisenstock because, “I’ve always wanted to write a novel.”

He said that he tries to write nonfiction books/memoirs as if they are novels. “I try to go for that kind of pace, urgency, storytelling, and, yes, dialogue, too.”

There were two things Eisenstock said were particularly fun working with the legendary Cedric.

Alan Eisenstock

“It was just having the freedom to make stuff up,” Eisenstock said. “So fun. But the book is a novel, a crime novel, kind of heist, so it was challenging to create the caper and make sure it made sense. That was a blast.”

Maybe Eisenstock’s greatest joy was “just working with Cedric. He is smart, funny, generous, very creative, an absolute joy. We’re talking about doing something again, maybe a sequel.”

 

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