Westside Councils Tell U.S. Attorney They’ll Help the Investigation

Posted on May 14, 2025 by Sue

Money intended to help the homeless has seemingly disappeared.

Pacific Palisades belongs to the Westside Regional Alliance of Councils (WRAC), and that group has offered to assist the U.S. Attorney in the investigation of the “disappearance” of homeless money.

WRAC which includes 14 (Neighborhood and Community) Councils requested an investigation in the use of homeless funds in December 2024. They asked (1)   the federal government to intervene and conduct a federal investigation into the use by the city of Los Angeles, the county of Los Angeles, the state of California and all city, county and state agencies of federal funds received to address homelessness; (2) the state government to investigate the use of state funds for such purpose; (3) the county government to investigate the use of county funds for such purpose; and (4) the city government to investigate the use of city funds for such purpose, due to the mismanagement and non-accountability of taxpayer dollars being squandered while leaving a humanitarian crisis on our streets.

WRAC may finally have an “ear” with Bill Essayli the new interim U.S. Attorney for Los Angeles.

Essayli announced at the beginning of April, the formation of the Homelessness Fraud and Corruption Task Force, which will investigate fraud, waste, abuse, and corruption involving funds allocated toward the eradication of homelessness within the seven-county jurisdiction of the Central District of California.

The U.S. Attorney said, “California has spent more than $24 billion over the past five years to address homelessness. But officials have been unable to account for all the expenditures and outcomes, and the homeless crisis has only gotten worse. Taxpayers deserve answers for where and how their hard-earned money has been spent. If state and local officials cannot provide proper oversight and accountability, we will do it for them. If we discover any federal laws were violated, we will make arrests.”

In October 2024, Pacific Palisades Community Council had already sent a letter, asking for accountability to the U.S. Attorney General, state and city officials “Pacific Palisades Community Council (PPCC) urges (1) the federal government to intervene and conduct a federal investigation into the use by the city of Los Angeles, the county of Los Angeles, the state of California and all city, county and state agencies of federal funds received to address homelessness; (2) the state government to investigate the use of state funds for such purpose; (3) the county government to investigate the use of county funds for such purpose; and (4) the city government to investigate the use of city funds for such purpose, due to the mismanagement and non-accountability of taxpayer dollars being squandered while leaving a humanitarian crisis on our streets.

“PPCC further calls upon our city Councilmembers to communicate this request to the relevant respective federal, state, county and city authorities, including our U.S. Senators, Congressmembers, the U.S. Attorney General and Dept. of Justice; our Governor, state Senators, Assemblymembers and state Attorney General; our county Supervisors and District Attorney; and our Mayor and City Attorney.”

WRAC sent a similar letter on December 14, approved by the Council and written by WRAC Chair Robin Greenberg, WRAC Co-Chair Chris Spitz and WRAC’s HOA Vice Chair Jay Handal www.westsidecouncils. https://westsidecouncils.com/

Federal Judge David O. Carter of Los Angeles had ordered an audit in March of the homeless spending and found a lack of data and financial systems to track the programs in L.A. City, L.A. County and LAHSA  (and Los Angeles Housing Service Authority).

“Nobody is asking our providers what they did or what services they performed. We may have providers who committed fraud, and we may never know. We may have providers that provided excellent services, and we’ll never know,” said Judge Carter. “If we’re so short on money, why aren’t these providers being sued…These parties owe you that money. Are they waiting for us to get senile or die? Go and get that money.”

Drugs and alcoholism are a problem for many of the homeless.

Posted in Homelessness | Leave a comment

Palisades Residents Take Garbage Seriously

Posted on May 13, 2025 by Sue

Bruce Schwartz, representing PRIDE and Cindy Kirven, president of the Village Green helped with the town cleanup on Saturday.

A portion of the commercial district has burned in Pacific Palisades, mostly buildings on Antioch between Swarthmore and Via de la Paz. Storefronts have burned on Via and both grocery stores are shells.

Despite that fact, there are a group of residents that take pride in the town. They find overflowing garbage cans and  litter from  workers, contractors and residents distasteful. Additionally garbage encourages rodents.

On May 10, Palisades Beautiful handed out gloves, grabbers and trash bags and about 35 people fanned out across Pacific Palisades to pick up trash left in streets and on the sidewalks.

Ronald Reagan Post 283 provided lunch, and the event was organized in conjunction with Palisades PRIDE, The Palisades Village and Palisades Beautiful.

Palisades Beautiful Noah Martin said he was working mostly by Palisades High School and collected 10 bags of trash, with help from his sister Racheal.

“Those bags were picked up by Mike Sosa with ECC who saw us working and volunteered his truck to brings the bags to their trash, “ Martin said. ECC Construction is the prime contractor working with the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers in the Palisades. (Look for a future story about Palisades Beautiful and Noah Martin.)

Now, the streets are noticeably cleaner as garbage was stacked up, but who is responsible for picking up trash? The City of Los Angeles has not picked up trash in the Palisades Village for years.

The Palisades Business Improvement District (BID) formed in January 1, 2016, to take over tasks the City was not doing, such as sidewalk cleaning, tree trimming and of course, trash pickup.

Local businesses pay an assessment (tax), which then goes to the BID, which specifically paid Chrysalis for trash pick-up, sidewalk cleaning and graffiti removal.

On the BID website, it is explained that “Normally Chrysalis works three days a week, but because of the Palisades Fire, they have not had access.

“Chrysalis now has a group of employees who completed the HAZWHOPPER 40 training (requirement to clean in areas post-fire) but needed a Site Supervisor.”

Grace Davis, the Assistant Vice President at Chrysalis Enterprises, reported that on May 1, the supervisor was completing training and now “a team of 10 people will be cleaning the business district the remaining Wednesdays in May. Beginning June, a team of two to three will clean two times a week.”

At a March Zoom meeting, the BID voted to continue its operations. The next meeting is June 4, and people are invited to join click here.

Posted in BID--Business Improvement District, Community | 1 Comment

Krishna Thangavelu “Angel Art” Exhibition

Posted on May 13, 2025 by Sue

The city of Santa Clarita’s latest art exhibition, “Angel Art,” by Krishna Thangavelu, is on view at The Main through July 21.

Tahitian resident Krishna Thangavelu’s paintings are being featured in art exhibition “Angel Art” by the City of Santa Clarita May 15 to Monday, July 21.  The community is invited to a special reception on Thursday, May 15 from 7 to 10 p.m. at The MAIN, 24266 Main Street. The art reception will provide an opportunity to meet Thangavelu and gain insight into her creative process. The event is free and open to the public.

“Angel Art is a collection of paintings that survived the Palisades Fire,” Thangavelu said, “all the paintings that could fit in my compact car.”

The art reception coincides with the City’s Senses Block Party on Main Street, with food trucks, live music and outdoor activities.

The exhibition showcases pieces from Thangavelu’s Floral and Oceanscapes series, including vivid portrayals of blooming landscapes, moonlit waters and radiant sunsets. Created on canvas and wood panels, these paintings invite viewers to reflect on the beauty of the natural world, as well as the strength found in transformation.

Thangavelu’s process is deeply intuitive and rooted in the natural world, “I bring home leaves, flowers, rocks, twigs and driftwood from the beach. I paint them, I’ve painted on them, and, sometimes, wrestling with a painting, the sun visits my studio and guides me.”

In addition to being an artist and writer Thangavelu long advocated for public safety in Pacific Palisades. She was named a Sparkplug by the Pacific Palisades Community Council in 2021 for organizing grassroots opposition to a proposed plan to build a homeless shelter at Will Rogers State Beach. She started the Facebook group “Protecting Parks and Beaches” and then helped with the formation of the nonprofit “Beaches and Parks 4 All.”

The youngest of six children, she calls herself an “accidental activist.”

Posted in Arts | Leave a comment

TPY Presents a Cabaret “Things We Found in the Fire”

Posted on May 13, 2025 by Sue

Theatre Palisades Youth (TPY) was invited to present a cabaret Things We Lost in the Fire at 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 18, at Harvard-Westlake School Rugby Auditorium,3700 Coldwater Canyon Studio City, CA 91604

The show will highlight the incredible talent of the Palisades youth community in solo and small group performances, with vocal and instrumental music, dance, improv and stand-up comedy.

The show was the brainchild of Harvard-Westlake almnus Gaba, who also serves as the TPY’s music director. She spoke to HW’s performing Arts Director, Aaron Martin. Several of his students were impacted by recent fires and wanted to support others who had been impacted by fires.

The idea of producing a TPY cabaret seemed to be a fantastic way to show their support. Additionally, Harvard-Westlake high school students are also mentoring TPY performers.

“When the TPY community lost the physical space that had become their second home, I was immediately reminded of my own second home as a teenager—my high school theater,” Gaba said “The incredible teachers and students at Harvard-Westlake didn’t hesitate to step up—not only to help raise the funds needed to keep our program alive, but to give our kids a space to express themselves and share their stories. I’m deeply grateful to both the TPY and HW communities for turning this wild idea into a beautiful reality!”

TPY Director Lara Ganz said, “It is truly humbling to be on the receiving end of such a beautiful gesture from Harvard Westlake’s inspirational young leaders. Our fragile TPY is so fortunate to be supported, lifted and united in song, service and laughter with the brilliantly talented and empathic Harvard Westlake theater community!”

Tickets for TPY/Teen Cabaret – Things We Found in the Fire will be available for purchase through the Theatre Palisades Youth webpage: https://theatrepalisades.org/youth/ or tickets may also be purchased on-site at the Harvard-Westlake School on the day of the event.

Posted in Arts, Kids/Parenting, Schools | Leave a comment

Pacific Palisades Historical Annual Meeting May 18

Posted on May 13, 2025 by Sue


Rustic Canyon became the choice location for gatherings of the pioneering Marquez family, holding an annual picnic reunion, as far back as the 19th Century–long before the Uplifters and the Methodists both came to discover it. 
Clearwater Collection Photo

The Pacific Palisades Historical Society annual general membership meeting will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 18, at the Rustic Canyon Recreation Center. There will be light refreshments, and there is no need to make a reservation.

Many may remember that the location of this meeting was original site of the Uplifters and is located at 601 Latimer Road. One doesn’t have to go through Palisades security  checkpoints to access the meeting. As a point of information, Canyon Elementary is hosting its annual School Fiesta from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. the same day, so plan on possible traffic.

The program will feature a presentation on the fire’s impact on Palisades locations imbued with historical importance and the challenge of salvage and restoration. The vast majority of the PPHS collection of historic photos, documents, postcards and clippings was in storage, where it remains.

The program will also feature a slideshow chronicling the history of Rustic Canyon, including California’s first experimental forestry station and the exploits of the Uplifters, presented by the inimitable Randy Young. There will also be an announcement regarding some of the much sought-after books on Palisades history that have been out of print.

Current members will vote on the board officers to lead the organization the coming year.

Posted in History | Leave a comment

FIREAID Concerts Net $100 Million: Fire Victims Ask Where’s the Money?

Posted on May 12, 2025 by Sue

Tahitian Terrace and Palisades Bowl mobile homes parks were destroyed.

What do El Nido, Home Grown, Vision y Compromiso and L.A.’s Home for Native People have in common? They all received FireAid Grants.

On April 21, this editor received a query from a reader, “Do you have any information as to where one can apply for the Fire Aid Concert Funds?  I never could figure out where to apply for those funds?”

To support those residents in Pacific Palisades and Eaton who had lost homes – and in some cases – all their earthly possessions in the January 7, 8 and 9 Fires, a Fire Aid Benefit Concert was held on January 30, 2025. FireAid raised an estimated $100 million – and, if they want, people can still donate at https://fireaidla.org.

The Annenberg Foundation was tasked with administering the funds. This editor emailed that organization after the reader’s inquiry and asked, “How much of the funds were spent specifically for the Palisades and which nonprofits in that community are receiving money?”

There was no reply. I sent several subsequent emails. Still no reply. CTN called the Annenberg on April 25, and repeated the request. The person answering the phone tried several extensions, but no one answered. She took down my information and said someone would call back.

No one did, so this editor called again. It was the same drill, someone thought it was Phillip I needed to talk, too, (no last name given), but he did not respond, nor did anyone at any of the other extensions. My information was once again taken down. No one called.

CTN phoned and emailed again, and on April 30, received the following email from Barbarra Chen, Annenberg Foundation Media Strategist.

“With apologies for the delayed reply – I want to provide you with details published previously by FireAid re: grantmaking. (See the screenshot included and button “See our grantees,” which will lead you to this: https://fireaidla.org/grants/)

“For further [stet], please contact Chris Wallace, Chief Communications Officer.”

CTN replied “Thank you for responding. I had gone to that website and saw the assortment of nonprofits that had received grants. It seemed like Pacific Palisades was mostly ignored or forgotten, which is why I reached out to the Annenberg and asked specifically for the grants awarded. Many of the nonprofits receiving money such as the People Concern or St. Joseph’s do not help Palisades families.

“I saw that the Chabad, KI, Metro YMCA, LAUSD and Palisades High received grants, but what about Palisadians who lived in apartments on rent control, or the nearly 700 people who lived in the mobile home parks, who received no aid?

“What about the middle class, who might have had high mortgages, lack of insurance coverage (due to no fault of their own – Fair plan), lost all of their belongings and have no money to rebuild on their property? And these people have either had to rent, borrow or buy furniture, and that includes dishes, pots/pans, bath rugs, towels–

“Of all the grants awarded, which ones targeted Pacific Palisades residents” and “Why were individuals not considered for fire aid?”

No response.

CTN asked Tim Campbell, who managed a municipal performance audit program and conducted an audit for the L.A. Alliance for Human Rights (homeless spending), if there was a way to see the amounts that nonprofit organizations (NPO) receive.

He responded “NPO’s don’t have the reporting requirements that government agencies do, but they should be able to give you a breakdown of how much went to each NPO for use in the Palisades.  That seems like a reasonable request, and if I were their auditor, I’d expect them to be able to produce the data.”

Campbell concluded “It would certainly be in the community’s best interest to know where donations went.”

The FireAid website explains that with nonprofits  “Our intention is to strike a balance, geographically and organizationally, assisting both large funds and organizations with longstanding experience navigating moments of crisis, and community groups with deep knowledge of impacted neighborhoods.”

The site noted that community nonprofits could apply for grants ranging from $10,000-$50,000.”

There are ten categories listed, and in each are the nonprofits that received grants. Below is a sample.

Children and Family:

El Nido continues to build healthy families by providing community-based social services in some of the most underserved communities in Los Angeles County, including; Pacoima and surrounding communities, South Los Angeles, Compton, and the Antelope Valley.

Home Grown – Our mission is to build a more inclusive childcare system that values and supports home-based childcare (HBCC) as a quality option for families and children.

Pathways LA – based in downtown “works to make sure that children in our most vulnerable communities have access to high-quality and affordable childcare services. And on that site, the NPO recommend reaching out to L.A. County Emergency Services, American Red Cross and 211 L.A. County for fire aid.

Health and Housing:

St. Josephs– In a 2022 Westside Current Story “Almost Half of $5M Venice Boardwalk ‘Encampment to Home’ Funding Used for Staffing, Operations” the money used by St. Josephs went to staffing, operations and indirect costs.

The People’s Concern also received a fire aid grant. People in Pacific Palisades had made donations to the Pacific Palisades Task Force on Homelessness. That group in turn gave the money to the People’s Concern to hire social workers to reach out to the homeless.

Another grant recipient was the L.A.’s Home for Native People, located at West Temple Street, whose mission is to promote and support the physical, behavioral, and spiritual well-being of American Indian/Alaska Natives in Los Angeles and Orange counties. If you go to the calendar of events, most are done Mondays and Thursdays on Zoom.

Pacific Clinics “offer a continuum of services for all ages, including behavioral health treatment and culturally responsive programs, such as the Asian Pacific Family Center, the Latina Youth Program and the Armenian Hye-Wap program,” and is at Western Avenue, New Hampshire Street and El Centro Ave. in Los Angeles and at three sites in Pasadena.

Visión y Compromiso “is committed to community well-being by supporting promotores and community health workers. And what is a promotore? Because they share the same language, culture, ethnicity, status and experiences of their communities, Promotores are able to reduce the barriers to health education and services that are common for native-born and immigrant communities.”

It appears that the FireAid concert was a boon to nonprofit organizations, but for the ordinary fire victim, they’re left to sift through the ashes.

This house on Earlham in Pacific Palisades is one of 5,419 homes, 135 multi-family homes, and 158 commercial structures destroyed. Additionally, 1,017 structures were damaged. 

Posted in FireAid, Palisades Fire | 25 Comments

Gerry Blanck Celebrates 43rd Anniversary

Posted on May 12, 2025 by Sue

Beloved Sensei Gerry Blanck will host the 43rd Anniversary of his dojo at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 17 at the Santa Monica Hilton. Palisades honorary co-mayors Gigi Rice and Ted McGinley will be on hand to help with the “From Fire to Future” festivities.

Ted McGinley and Gigi Rice attend the gala. Photo by Greg Grudt/UPI

There will be dinner and music. A silent and live auction will be available, and awards will be made.

Blanck’s dojo offers group classes as well as private instruction in Yoshukai Karate, Kick Boxing, Jiu-Jitsu, Judo and Self Defense. His space, located on Marquez Avenue, burned during the January 7 fires.

He has temporarily relocated to 1828 Lincoln Boulevard in Santa Monica at the MuDo Dojo.

Blanck, a former WKA world kickboxing champion, an 8th degree black belt, was a major martial arts force in Pacific Palisades.

Tamar Springer, who has worked out in Blanck’s dojo for 18 years, said ‘Gerry is a hero in Pacific Palisades. He has helped countless children and families with the many benefits of martial arts, including mental, emotional and physical well-being. He is as friendly as can be and real light in our community.

“We need to help him rebuild and stay in business so he can continue doing what only he can do,” Springer said. “It’s magical.”

After initially teaching in five different clubs at 881 Alma Real, La Sante, Tech Fitness, Pritikin, Century and Pacific Athletic Club – which moved to Sunset and PCH), he and Emily Kay Tillman of Fancy Feet Dance Studio, in 1994, took the lower level  spaces that had been occupied by health clubs. They added flooring and mirrors for dance and martial arts.  In March 2022, Blanck moved to his dojo to Marquez Avenue.

“For over four decades, Gerry Blanck’s Martial Arts Center has instilled discipline, confidence, and resilience in our children. The fire may have taken our training space, but it could never take away our spirit. Seeing the dojo reopen is a powerful reminder of our community’s strength and unity—our kids are finally coming home,” said Alan Savoian, father of 10-year-old Eden, a bronze medalist in an international karate tournament in Las Vegas in February—just weeks after losing her home.

Blanck’s message to students is simple: “Discipline. Focus. No excuses.”

He has always been active in the community, routinely marching in the July 4 parade with his students, giving exhibitions at events and annually sponsoring a Pacific Palisades Baseball Association team.

In March, the MuDo Dojo, and Ace Aikido communities, joined Blanck for a fire relief and community rebuilding event.

Now residents have a chance to support him by attending the gala. Call (310) 428-0110. For tickets, click here.

 

Posted in businesses/stores, Palisades Fire, Sports | Leave a comment

Alcohol Must Be Drunk in a Non-glass, Non-metal Container

Posted on May 11, 2025 by Sue

In order to walk around on the Santa Monica promenade with alcoholic drinks they would have to be put in a non-glass, non-metal container.

Alcoholics rejoice. One may start drinking publicly at 8 a.m. seven days a week, if the Santa Monica City Council approves a full-time entertainment zone on May 13.

The entertainment zone, permitted under California Senate Bill 969 signed by Governor Newsom last September, allows patrons to purchase alcoholic beverages from licensed establishments and consume them while walking through designated public areas.

The Santa Monica City Council is asking for a full-time entertainment zone that would allow public alcohol consumption between 8 a.m. and 2 a.m. seven days a week.  Alcoholic drinks would also need to be served in containers that are not made of glass or metal. Does that mean the environmentally-sensitive Santa Monica will be using plastic?

The reason for promoting this zone according to Santa Monica Mayor Pro Tem Caroline Torosis is “If we want to bring our tourists and regional visitors back downtown, I think we need to make it worth their while.”

Many residents have argued for years that the way to bring tourists back to the Promenade is to clean up the homeless some of whom are mentally ill and lay in front of doorsteps, defecate on the streets. People have argued that there should be help for the addicts who also frequent the promenade and leave drug needles (supplied by the L.A. County of Public Health) in public places.

Perhaps to get tourists back, the City should address the theft, assault and vandalism on and around the Promenade and public parking structures, which is well documented by the Santa Monica Coalition click here.

If it passes, Santa Monica would implement the program in early June, with the Pride on the Promenade event on June 21.

Patrons who are of legal drinking age will be able to purchase alcoholic beverages at a business on the Promenade that has a license to serve alcohol. People can then consume that drink outside within the designated zone, which will run three blocks of the Promenade.

Is Santa Monica aware that alcohol is considered a carcinogen? Studies have shown that alcohol contributes to about half a dozen types of cancers, including breast and colorectal, and heart and liver.

An April 2024 study from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention researchers showed that about 16,800 deaths could be prevented annually, if people limited their alcohol consumption.

And bathrooms? Will there be special porta-potties set up for those consuming booze – or does this mean there will be increased public urination. Who will be responsible for cleaning up the vomit of those who over consume?

How will Santa Monica track those drinking to make sure they don’t drive afterwards? Will that City be responsible if a drunk driver kills someone?

It remains to be seen if the City Council answers any of these questions at its Tuesday meeting.

Posted in businesses/stores, City, Health | 5 Comments

No Trespassing. Protecting Your Burned Property

Posted on May 11, 2025 by Sue

A reader wrote that their home, which burned to the ground has now been cleared, “But our garage is still standing.”

The homeowner’s insurance agent advised them to install a temporary construction fence. They have done that under a two-year contract.

They were also informed that “No Trespassing” signs had to be posted in compliance with Los Angeles law. The  City is very specific with the wording and size (2 inch letters and must have the code). The link to the code click here.

In order for LAPD to arrest trespassers, residents are also required to file a Letter of Agency (LOA), known as a No Trespassing form, at LAPD’s West LA station.

The readers said, this form “authorizes” the LAPD to arrest trespassers. If the form is not filed with LAPD, police cannot make an arrest. The form cannot be submitted online. To view the form click here.

The reader wrote, “Before the lot was cleared, we were visiting the property frequently. Now, I don’t know how often I need to check on my property while we continue to navigate insurance issues and architects and construction.  Is it daily? Weekly? Do I need to hire a patrol service when the checkpoints are gone?

“I read horror stories about people presenting fake leases to police, and police then say their hands are tied and it becomes a civil matter for eviction,” the reader said.

The family was also told  by the agent if they didn’t fence the property, they could be liable if someone is injured on the property, despite the “No Trespassing” sign.

The resident expressed what many are thinking, “I wish that our neighborhood would not be opened in a few weeks, but I also feel for the residents who have the ability to live in the neighborhood.”

There are often long lines at checkpoints. On Saturday, this editor, while waiting to access the Palisades saw the National Guard/LAPD turn away three cars, trying to gain access. While those “intruders” argued with officials, the wait grew

Like many, the resident said, “I hate everything about this entire situation.  I’m angry, I’m grieving and cry almost every day about the loss of my home and my neighborhood.”

Posted in City, Crime/Police, Palisades Fire | 5 Comments

Phenom Ruhman Composes Opera “Nannerl”

Posted on May 11, 2025 by Sue

(Editor’s note:  Mia Ruhman sang Oh Holy Night, one Christmas Eve at the Palisades Methodist Church, I described her voice as listening to an angel sing. I was thrilled to hear about her latest endeavor, an opera she composed.)

Mia Ruhman in Salzburg, the home and birthplace of Nannerl Mozart and Wolfgang Mozart, where she traveled to finish her research.

While at UCLA, Mia Ruhman wrote the lyrics and composed the score for a two-and-a-half-hour pop opera, Nannerl, for a 20-member cast. The opera’s premiere will be June 5 and 6 at 7 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Santa Monica, 1008 11th Street. She has also been selected to be the undergraduate commencement speaker at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music graduation ceremony.

The show is about the remarkable life of musician Nannerl Mozart, Wolfgang Mozart’s older sister. A prodigy herself and five years Wolfgang’s elder, Nannerl’s musical prowess was comparable to that of her famous brother, yet she has largely been forgotten by history.

“At first I was pulled towards Nannerl’s story because what I learned about her life from surface level research broke my heart,” Ruhman said, and noted that the popular narrative called Nannerl a victim. “However, as I dove deeper into Nannerl’s life through her diary, letters, cross examining articles and biographies, as well as the footnotes of letters the Mozart’s would send to one another, I learned quickly how truly strong and successful Nannerl was within the restrictive and sexist ideas of the time.

“She was able to earn her own income as a music teacher and had a solo career headlining for royalty in Salzburg,” Ruhman wrote, and added that when the young woman turned 18, she was forbidden from touring.

“I believe that Nannerl’s story can remind people that achieving fame, which so few people do, is not what is important,” said Ruhman, who used historical records to keep the opera as accurate as possible.  “Nannerl exemplifies what it means to push through struggle and constraints, not a victim to her circumstance, but the ultimate master of her own fate. Her story reveals that every human has the power to change a life and do amazing things – no matter how small or grand the scale.”

With director Matthew Deegan, casting was completed in December 2024. Rehearsals were set to begin on January 18. She has planned for the Nannerl premiere to be in the Palisades church on Via de la Paz.

“All of those plans changed on January 7, when my home and the Palisades Methodist Church burned,” said Ruhman, who is a soprano in UCLA Chamber singers. “It also destroyed the home and church of one of the major leads of the show, Ross Chitwood, the music director of the Palisades United Methodist Church, who plays Leopold, in the opera.

After the fire, Ruhman said the opera was the last thing on her mind. But, “once I got back to school however, I realized that I still had a story to tell – one of community, sacrifice, and the resilient nature of the human spirit.” Rehearsals started February 1.

Ruhman sees parallels between what residents face and Nannerl’s life, pushing through struggle and constraints, not a victim to circumstance, but the ultimate master of her one’s own fate.

For tickets and bios of the performers click here.

This talented young woman has grown up in the Palisades, participating in Theatre Palisades Youth, a member of the Palisades Methodist church, graduating from Palisades High School, and a long-time participant in the 4th of July parade and last year the National Anthem singer for the Will Rogers 5/10K Run. She is also a 2019-21 fellow in the LA Phil’s composer fellowship program, the LA Phil YOLA Sue Tsao composer fellow in 2020, the winner of a global music award (2024), and serves on the speaking panel of the 77th National League of American Orchestra conference.

Posted in Community, Music | 1 Comment