The Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce held their quarterly Members Only Networking Breakfast on Friday, January 20, 2012.  Barbara Allen, Enrolled Agent and Tax Professional hosted the event in the Palisades Charter High School Faculty Lounge.  The meeting began at 8:15am with a buffet breakfast of juice, coffee, omelets/eggs, sausage, bacon, muffins, fruit, and much more. More than thirty business people attended along with executives from Palisades Charter High School. After enjoying the breakfast catered by Palisades Charter High School Cafeteria, Chamber president, Greg Wood asked each business person attending to stand and give a short summary of their business.  New members attending were Marc Lasky (Lasky Coachworks- automotive repair and paint); Jasmina Agrillo Scherr (Our Miracle Heart); and Kimball Hall (Kimball Hall Photography).

courtesy of the Palisadian-Post - Katherine Lally, 2, told Santa everything--including her Christmas list--at last Friday's Holiday Ho!Ho!Ho!

Friday, at 5:00 pm Santa arrived via Pacific Palisades Fire Truck #69 and was delivered to the magical, lighted, Swarthmore Avenue.  His sled was waiting for him along with more than 300 children.  Parents and Grandparents were milling around the street, greeting neighbors and friends.  Popcorn was popping away, sponsored by Lisa and Tim Marschall, and hot chocolate, sponsored by Lenny’s Deli just kept coming.

Although the evening was a bit brisk and slightly windy, all who attended enjoyed the magical moment of the Holidays.  Fancy Feet Dance Studio performed and Norky the Penguin/Eagle was on hand for photos.

Santa talked with each girl and boy, listened to their ‘wish’ lists and gave them a bendable Elf toy. The Elves on Santa’s Sled were distributing discount coupons compliments of Scarlett’s Cupcakes and The Yogurt Shoppe.  TMC Construction and Tim Marschall assembled Santa’s Sled, decorated the Sled and Christmas Trees, donated by the YMCA, and disassembled the Sled when Santa left to return to the North Pole.

Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and valued volunteers were on hand to see that everyone had a good time. They put up barricades, poured hot chocolate, sold glow necklaces, answered numerous questions and enjoyed the evening. Miss Palisades was on hand to distribute glow necklaces and Holiday greetings. Because of the wind, the Giant Movie Screen could not be inflated and the continuous Holiday movie could not be shown.  The Om-pa-pa Band played traditional Holiday songs early in the evening. Amy the Face Painter delighted the children with her skilled artistry. Many Palisadians and friends brought a new unwrapped toy to be given to the Homeless Shelter in Santa Monica and/or the Fire Department collection.

As the line dwindled down and the last sleepy little heads were drooping, Santa sat on his sled listening to their wishes.  At 8:20pm, Santa, looking very tired, but knowing he must return to the North Pole and supervise the Elves in all the children’s toy requests, departed the Palisades.  With a “Ho! Ho! Ho! a Merry Christmas to all and Happy Holidays for everyone”…………..

Luc Robitaille - Retired Professional Hall of Fame Hockey Player c/o examiner.com

Friday, November 18, 2011 the Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce held their annual General Membership Meeting.  The meeting began at 8:00 am at the Riviera Country Club, Pacific Palisades.  Members enjoyed a buffet breakfast of fresh fruit, scrambled eggs with chives, bacon, lyonnaise potatoes, pancakes and a choice of several fruit juices, coffee and tea.  The George Thomas room was filled with Chamber members and guests.  Lee Calvert led the group with the American Flag Salute, Pastor Dan Hagmaier (Presbyterian Church), gave the invocation, Sam Lagana (Pepperdine University), was the Master of Ceremonies. Members were introduced and a short synopsis of their business was given.  Board members were introduced along with Past Presidents who were present. Sam Lagana conducted a Q & A session with guest speaker, Los Angeles Kings former NHL left wing, Luc Robitaille.  Mr. Robitaille was charming, well versed, cordial and spoke from his heart.  Everyone present was impressed with his knowledge and willingness to answer all questions presented. Mr. Robitaille is currently the President of Business Operations for the Los Angeles Kings. Some of the comments from those attending were “I loved the format of the meeting with the casual conversation conducted between Sam and Luc.”  “Fabulous!”. “Great breakfast, good meeting and good company.”  The meeting went a little over the time allotted, but the consensus by all “it was well worth it”.

HOLIDAY HO! HO! HO!

Santa Claus will be arriving on Friday evening, December 2.  He arrives via Fire Truck #69 and are delivered to North Swarthmore Avenue, in Pacific Palisades.

Santa will arrive at 5:00 pm – leaving (sharply) at 8:00 pm to return to the North Pole.

Expect to wait for Santa, as each child gives him their list for Christmas.  Movies in the Park-Pacific Palisades, Inc will provide on-going short holiday themed movies, hot chocolate will be provided, and the Palisades YMCA will have discounted Christmas trees for sale (quantity limited).  Come one, come all and visit with Santa, friends and neighbors. A donation of an unwrapped, new toy, book or game, for infant to 18 yrs old will be appreciated. Each year the Chamber collects these items and they are distributed to the needy families in the Westside area.