Sarah Shmerling

As a 22-year-old who grew up going to school amid climate protests and anxiety, I always knew that wherever I lived, my home and surroundings would have to change to withstand natural disasters of ever-increasing magnitude. I never imagined, though, that my beloved boomer neighbors would have to reckon with the same after a devastating wildfire took our homes from us.

Pali Calendar highlights this weekend include an Unmet Needs Workshop at Pali Hub, Family Storytime at Palisades Branch Library, a legal education series from Every Fire Survivor's Network, a gathering of Pacific Palisades Friends and Newcomers, the Pali High Homecoming football game at Stadium by the Sea, the Lowe Family YMCA Fall Community Picnic and Fire Relief Donation Giveaway at Simon Meadow, a Candidate Meet & Greet hosted by Palisades Recovery Coalition, and a classical music concert with the Palisades Symphony at Mount Olive Lutheran Church.

An $11 million competition proved machines can spot a wildfire within minutes. None of the finalists could put one out.

Jacob Soboroff brought a personal perspective to his coverage for NBC of the Pacific Palisades fire—it was, after all, his hometown.

This weekend's Pali Calendar highlights include an artist talk and workshop hosted by the Pacific Palisades Art Association, a legal education series from Every Fire Survivor's Network, Yee Haw Day at Palisades Charter Elementary School, Paul Revere Middle School's annual 5K run fundraiser, a Halloween version of the Resilient Palisades Veg Fest, and a performance by the Bob Baker Marionettes as part of the Spooky Sunset Picnic at Will Rogers State Historic Park.

Voters temporarily displaced by the Palisades Fire can still vote in their original districts in the general election on Tuesday, November 3, and do not need to change their registration.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass took questions from Palisadians at a community political forum held at the Palisades Recovery Coalition headquarters on Sunday, October 18. More than 50 attendees voiced a range of concerns during the hour-long session.

This weekend's Pali Calendar Picks feature several Halloween-themed events, including the Lowe Family YMCA Pumpkin Patch at Simon Meadow, Día de los Muertos crafting at the Palisades Branch Library, a Halloween Celebration at Palisades Village, as well as a haunted house for children, followed by a dinner and dance for adults, at the American Legion Ronald Reagan-Palisades Post 283.

As the Palisades Climate Demonstration led by Pali High's Environmental and Spatial Technology (EAST) students approaches on October 30, followed by National Native American Heritage Month in November, it is important to understand climate change as a product of colonialism.

I read a recent letter to the editor regarding city and local leadership. The writer acknowledged Mayor Karen Bass' lifetime of public service while suggesting that her record should not guarantee her an unchallenged future. On that point, I wholeheartedly agree. No elected official should be above scrutiny or competition.