Sunset Boulevard Fire Safety Work – This week, the LA Conservation Corps (LACC) launched a project along Sunset Boulevard to clear brush and reduce fire danger. These efforts are critical for protecting our hillsides and neighborhoods, and I'm grateful for their continued partnership here in the Palisades. This is the second project in a series that LACC will be doing throughout the Palisades over the next several weeks.
Swarthmore Tree Planting – This Saturday, Palisades Beautiful and the CD11 Foundation will be planting new trees along Swarthmore. So many of our shade trees were lost in the fire, and we all feel the difference - streets that once felt cool and welcoming are now bare and exposed. Rebuilding our tree canopy isn't just about beauty; it's about resilience. Healthy trees improve air quality, lower neighborhood temperatures, stabilize our hillsides, and help us recover from the trauma of what was lost. This planting is an important step in bringing life back to the Palisades.
Visit to Avocet Assisted Living – This week I joined longtime Palisadian Joe Halper (95) and his wife Arline for dinner at Avocet, where I also had the chance to meet with many of the residents. Joe’s recovery after the fire was recently featured in the LA Times .We talked about neighborhood recovery, local concerns, and the importance of making sure every voice in our community is heard – especially those of our seniors. I'm grateful to Joe, Arline, and the Avocet community for their warm welcome and thoughtful conversation.
Rustic Canyon PAB – This week we held our first in-person meeting of the Rustic Canyon Park Advisory Board since the fire. We recognized Rustic Canyon’s Park Director, Paige Barnes, with a certificate for her outstanding leadership and service during this community’s most challenging time in its short history. I also want to thank the Rustic Canyon Park Advisory Board for their dedication and leadership through these difficult months. Their commitment to the Palisades has been vital as we work together to restore and strengthen our community.
Shards & Chardonnay – This Saturday, Team Palisades is hosting Shards & Chardonnay, a special community gathering where neighbors will come together to share stories and help create a public memorial art piece made from shards of glass left behind by the fire. It's about resilience, healing, and rebuilding not just our homes, but our sense of community. Learn more here.