By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

The office of Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin—who represents AD 42, which includes Pacific Palisades—hosted a Wildfire & Disaster Insurance Online Town Hall on April 4.

The town hall was co-hosted by Irwin, Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara and Las Virgenes-Malibu Council of Governments. Guests that took part included Calabasas Mayor Alicia Weintraub, Agoura Hills Mayor Pro Tem Penny Sylvester, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, and United Policyholders.

The town hall came on the heels of news that State Farm General Insurance Company would “non-renew” approximately 30,000 homeowners, rental dwelling and other property insurance policies (residential association and business owners) across California, including in the Palisades. The non-renewals will occur on a rolling basis, State Farm said in a statement, beginning July 3.

“Throughout the past year, the insurance industry has been in a state of flux,” Irwin said at the start of the town hall. “Many constituents have contacted my office, worried and upset about this issue.”

“Major companies” are “refusing” to write new homeowner policies in California, Irwin continued, and non-renewal notices are being issued—affecting homes in very high fire zones and beyond. Homeowners have turned to “non-admitted” insurers and the California FAIR Plan, which was “supposed to be the insurer of last resort,” providing “less coverage for more money.”

“While insurance companies are private businesses and they’re not obligated to write policies, the commissioner, along with our governor, have put together a plan for a sustainable insurance strategy that they will now implement,” Irwin explained.

Lara spoke next, explaining California Department of Insurance’s goal is to “safeguard the integrity of the state’s insurance market.”

“As the insurance commissioner,” Lara explained, “I hold insurance companies accountable, and make sure that they’re financially solvent and that they meet the needs of the consumers.”

Lara assured attendees that if a non-renewal notice is issued, consumers would not be dropped from policies immediately and left without coverage, which is against consumer protection laws. Customers must be given time to explore options and find alternate coverage, Lara said, and the department has “experts ready to assist” consumers find that coverage, whether that is through the FAIR Plan or competitive market.

He addressed the fact that prices have “increased nationally” and that “we need to get back to a point where insurance companies are competing for your business to drive down the cost.” California prices are “way lower” than Texas and Florida, but as “the risk continues to increase,” “insurance is becoming unaffordable for many Californians.”

The department’s goal, Lara explained, is to create a “modern, sustainable insurance market,” which “incentivizes safety and reduces risks,” that “does not retreat from high risk areas,” but instead “utilizes long-term strategies to continue to provide coverage to consumers.”

This approach includes three components, according to Lara: streamlining the rate application process (the insurance department reviews rates to make sure consumers are “getting the best value” for their money), introducing risk management tools (including catastrophe modeling instead of historical data, and factoring in discounts for home hardening efforts), and strengthening and depopulating the FAIR Plan.

“The way we’re going to get availability and increased access to coverage is by finally addressing these tools that we keep talking about that the insurance companies need to be able to better assess the risk that currently they don’t have access to,” Lara said.

Lara said later in the meeting that he committed to the legislature and to the governor that the department would get these regulations done by December 2024, which means they will “hopefully [be] fully implementable by the end of the year.”

There will be public hearings on the regulations in the coming months. He encouraged residents to “join the conversation” and share their insurance experiences.

“Under this really historic agreement, working with the insurance companies, they have committed that if we get these regulations done, they are going to write 85% of their business in areas like your communities,” Lara said. “We are currently mapping that out per zip code, so that if your community has a penetration rate of 15% of the FAIR Plan, you are a priority zip code.”

Amy Bach, director of United Policyholders (uphelp.org)—a “consumer advocacy nonprofit”—spoke next.

“We offer trustworthy plain language info and expertise on buying home insurance and navigating claims after a loss,” Bach explained. The group “closely monitors the property insurance marketplace.”

“A lot of my goal here is to try to help stave off panic, I hope you got that vibe as well from the commissioner,” Bach said. “We’re not here with a smiling face, but we’re here to say that you do have options. His sustainable insurance strategy aims to increase those options.”

Bach said United Policyholder’s advice when it comes to securing an insurance policy is to work with a “good agent or broker,” someone who is “hustling, finding options and staying on the case.”

“The market has little pockets here and there of availability,” Bach explained, “it’s just a matter of figuring out what’s a match for you.”

For those who are being dropped from their policies, Bach explained that insurers are required to give at least 75 days notice. The insurance company also must tell consumers their risk score as well as offer an appeal process for improving the score.

“Start shopping right away is probably one of the most important things I can say about what to do when you get non-renewed,” Bach said. “If the FAIR Plan is your only option, then you can put the policy in place but keep shopping because the market has still got some play in it.”

There are four types of insurance companies: admitted/licensed (name brand, like State Farm), non-admitted/surplus/excess, government sponsored (the California FAIR plan), and forced/lender-placed.

“This is always, of course, your best option if you can,” Bach said of admitted/licensed insurers.

Non-admitted insurers do not participate in the CA Insolvency Guaranty Fund (so there is a risk of them running out of funds), and their rates and policy forms are not regulated by California Department of Insurance.

“For a lot of people, it’s the best of the worst option right now,” Bach explained.

Lender-placed policies are used when residents have a mortgage and their insurance lapses. Bach explained these policies are “very expensive for the coverage” and they typically only cover the amount of the loan.

Bach then touched on different things homeowners could do, including reducing/eliminating non-essential coverages while staying properly insured, creating a home inventory and helping make communities Firewise/fire safe.

“I think there’s better skies ahead,” Bach said of the future of insurance in California, “but there is no question that we are going to be paying more for home insurance going forward. The question is we need to keep it fair and reasonable.”

A recording of the April 4 town hall will be available on Irwin’s website: a42.asmdc.org. Irwin’s website also has a list of non-renewal resources and tips: a42.asmdc.org/non-renewal-homeowner-insurance. Additional information can be found at insurance.ca.gov, or by calling 800-927-4357 or emailing crob@insurance.ca.gov.

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

Though a number of familiar faces were out on spring break, Pacific Palisades Community Council met on Thursday, March 28, to cover a variety of topics—including officer election and crime updates.

PPCC Vice President Sue Kohl spearheaded the March 28 meeting and gave attendees a rundown of what would be expected in the coming months.

Regarding PPCC officer elections, April 11 marked the appointment of the nominating committee. On May 9, the committee nominations are slated to be announced and nominations will be open for board members. Board nominations will remain open until 15 minutes before the end the PPCC meeting on May 23.

A candidates forum—if needed—will take place during the PPCC meeting on June 13, as well as the election of officers. The new officers will officially begin their term July 1.

Though PPCC President Maryam Zar was not in attendance, she sent a message for attendees, reporting that she has continued to work with the city of LA Department of Recreation and Parks, in hopes of engaging their technology team to come out to Palisades Recreation Center, and reassess existing buildings and electrical infrastructure for cameras, which would “assist park staff, LAPD, and monitoring deterrence and law enforcement.” PPCC first discussed camera installation to boost security in the Palisades in January.

“We’re working on … trying to get cameras on the buildings that we already have,” Kohl explained. PPCC is also considering obtaining foot patrols for the rec center through a RAP-certified vendor.

“While I’ve received a quote for a monthly service for two patrolmen, I do not have the specific parameters of service and hope to bring that to PPCC when I do,” Kohl said on behalf of Zar. “I have a call scheduled now with the RAP GM on April 9 and hope to report back at our first April meeting. I must admit that it [has] been difficult getting the city’s attention on this manner and having them work with us towards … doable solutions.”

Los Angeles Police Department Senior Lead Officer for Pacific Palisades Brian Espin then spoke, thanking attendees who were present for the March 20 communitywide virtual town hall, which had almost 300 people in attendance.

The meeting addressed several community concerns regarding behavior of juveniles in the Village and park areas, including fights, fireworks and riding of e-bikes.

“It was pretty successful,” Espin reported. “Being able to relay a lot of info to the community, offsetting … the rumor mill that was going on.”

He reminded attendees that if they are a victim of a crime to file a police report.

Espin also spoke on burglaries in the Palisades, reporting that this year’s count-to-date was 16, versus 15 at this point in 2023.

“In the beginning of the year, I thought our burglary numbers were going to be much higher, based on the crews that were hitting the area,” Espin said.

He also explained that theft is up in the community. He said this may be due to an online reporting system, which allows individuals to report items lost or stolen.

“Our theft numbers are higher than they were last year, we’re about 10 more than last year,” Espin concluded.

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

The ribbon was cut on a new butterfly garden at Winding Way in Simon Meadow during a ceremony on the morning of Friday, April 5.

The butterfly garden marks the most recent addition to the area, joining several upcycled treasures, including a collection of colorful birdhouses. The garden was made possible with a donation by Colleen Morrissey, who was celebrated during the ceremony.

“Last December 2023, Colleen attended the ribbon cutting for the YMCA’s new quarter-mile walking path: Pali Path,” Cindy Simon, who has helped steward the land over the years, said. “She engaged [Palisades-Malibu YMCA] Executive Director Jim Kirtley in a tour and along the way said, ‘Jim, I’d like to contribute to the beauty of this place.’”

A few years ago, Simon explained, the area where Winding Way now stands had a “huge eucalyptus tree” which “one day toppled over.” That is when she installed the birdhouses (brought in a suitcase from Cape Cod: “But that’s another story,” Simon joked). The birdhouses were recently moved to a different part of Winding Way to make space for the butterfly garden.

“Colleen has always been an admirer of beauty,” Simon said. “Her front lawn is pretty much the Arboretum of the Huntington … with roses, fruit trees and tall sycamores. When you pass by her house, you feel like you are in a Jo Malone commercial … this butterfly garden is yet another ‘special kiss’ of Colleen Morrissey to our community. Thank you, Queen Colleen.”

Tracey Price, who grew up in the Palisades, married her high school sweetheart, David, and built their landscape company, American Growers.

“Without Tracey’s expertise as a landscape designer and the incredible work of her landscaping team, Simon Meadow would look nothing like it does today,” Simon said. “Tracey basically took four acres of ‘misha-masha’ and created this oasis of natural beauty.”

Simon Meadow, which is located at the corner of Sunset Boulevard and Temescal Canyon Road, is operated by Palisades-Malibu YMCA. It is home to the annual pumpkin patch and Christmas tree lot, as well as used throughout the year by schools and camps. It has hosted several communitywide events, including the 50th anniversary jubilee of Pacific Palisades Community Council and the centennial celebration of the Palisades.

Price brainstormed ideas for the butterfly garden design, Simon said, finding boulders and a plumber (for the fountain), as well as plantings. The next question was how to keep kids from “over-loving” the space.

“As if the good Lord above was listening to us, days later, another tree fell over and Tracey had the brilliant idea to use its branches to form a protective fence around the garden,” Simon explained.

Simon thanked Kirtley, for saying “Let’s go for it” to her and Price’s ideas, and Dorothy Miyake, who hand-crafted the origami butterflies that are now placed in the garden.

“Thank you Colleen for this gift, Tracey for your artistic vision and thoughtful implementation,” Simon said, “Dorothy for the decor, and Jim for your ‘Let’s do it’ attitude.”

Attendees then sang “Happy Birthday” to Colleen’s husband John, before the ribbon was cut. The ceremony concluded with people walking around to check out the newly opened space, which was also available to visit the next day during the Palisades-Malibu YMCA Spring Festival & Egg Hunt.

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

Friends of Marquez hosted its annual fundraiser at the Jonathan Club in Santa Monica on Saturday evening, March 16, raising more than $70,000 for Marquez Charter Elementary School.

“The auction is Marquez’s ‘not-to-miss’ fundraising gala of the year, and it is our second biggest fundraiser,” according to Friends of Marquez. “A large team of parent volunteers work together to organize the entire event, from all aspects of event planning to soliciting auction item donations.”

Friends of Marquez is a nonprofit organization run by parent volunteers who fundraise and work with the Marquez Governing Board and school leaders.

The Caruso Foundation was this year’s lead sponsor of the event, alongside The Law Office of Alexander T. Gruft and The Rehabilitation Center of Beverly Hills.

This year’s theme was Marquez Music Festival. The event included silent and live auctions, dinner, and dancing with live music by Marquez parent Dan Stein and his band, Shambala.

Adam Wolfson and Shoshana Himmel served as live auctioneers. This year’s catalog featured a stay at the Four Seasons in Maui, as well as experiences like learning how to brew beer and creating a custom brew.

The most anticipated live auction items included the chance to choose the school’s logo on the lower yard basketball courts and a reserved spot in the Marquez parking lot.

The event was led by Himmel and Marquez alumni Haley Greenberg, with co-chairs Tiffany Ashrafi, Michelle Oles, Sarah Goldsmith and Jamie Wolin.

“Some of my fondest childhood memories are from my time at Marquez,” Greenberg said. “Many of the staff and teachers that were at the school when I attended in the ’90s are still there today, which speaks to their unwavering commitment to these kids. It has been such a privilege to be able to send my daughter to this magical school, and watch her enjoy the same incredible community and teachers I was able to enjoy as a kid.”

Matt Plume—on behalf of the American Legion-Ronald Reagan Palisades Post 283—presented a $10,000 donation check.

In total, the event garnered more than $70,000 to support the school. Funds raised will go toward lowering class sizes, paying for additional teachers and any other school needs.

“Immersing myself in the community now as a parent and working with a superstar group of moms to throw together this year’s auction was a joy,” Greenberg said after the event. “We are so fortunate that everything went off without a hitch, and that we were able to raise money to support our incredible kids, teachers and staff that keep this school special.”

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

Bruce Lurie Gallery will host Alphabet Streets resident Lisa McCord as she presents her recently published book, “Rotan Switch,” as well as an exhibition of her work, April 16 to 18.

Her work will be on display April 16 to 18 from 12 to 6 p.m. A viewing of the exhibition and book signing event will take place Thursday, April 18 from 6 to 8 p.m.

McCord is a fine art and documentary photographer who lives and works out of Los Angeles and Arkansas. “Rotan Switch” is McCord’s first monograph, documenting life on her grandparents’ cotton farm in the Arkansas Delta community of Rotan.

“I was 21 years old when I began photographing Rotan Switch,” McCord said to the Palisadian-Post. “This project spans 45 years—from 1978 to present day—following five generations of a community.”

McCord said though she has lived in many places, home for her remains “firmly rooted” in the Arkansas land and people.

“I developed close relationships with the people who worked on the farm,” McCord explained. “They welcomed me into their homes, we’d share fried chicken and black-eyed peas, meet at the cafe where they relaxed at the end of a hard work week, and at church on Sundays, we’d sing ‘Sweet Jesus, Carry Me Home.’”

She described the photographs she captured as “complicated,” and her ability to observe and document them reflects “a position of privilege.”

“These photographs … exist in the context of the socioeconomic structures of the rural South,” she said. “The images are coupled with my own memories, as well as reflections by the people in the photographs. These images are a record of my story of Rotan and the Arkansas Delta, a story that is specific to my and my family’s role in a place where inequities exist to this day. I have done my best to acknowledge this complicated history.”

Printed and bound in Germany, “Rotan Switch” is 204 pages of McCord’s analog photographs, family snapshots and monochrome photographs, color polaroids and recipes. It is available for purchase for $64 on McCord’s website.

She invited the community to her exhibition and book signing at Bruce Lurie Gallery—located at 873 Via De La Paz.

For more information or to purchase “Rotan Switch,” visit lisamccordphotography.com/rotanswitchbook.