Every year on the anniversary of my father’s death, I write a letter to him. The last time we did this, I did it there. And there were four deer that were there in the park with us.
Juan: Walking the trail was something we’d do sporadically when we were staying in the Palisades. After we moved, we would still go back from time to time to the Recreational Center and take walks in the canyon.
Antioch Street
Melissa Rivers
TV host, producer, and author, Pacific Palisades
On Sundays, we’d head to Café Vida, but it wasn’t just about the restaurant. Antioch Street was closed for the farmers market, buzzing with familiar faces popping into shops like my friend Jaimie Geller’s jewelry store and Marc Michel Eyewear Studio—the only place I’ve bought glasses in the past 25 years. Then, there was the iconic Elysewalker; I’ve known Elyse since her store was just one room. At Café Vida, I found comfort in my usual order: the brown rice pancakes. Every Sunday, I’d have brunch with Steve, my fiancé, and we’d often go for errands, appointments, or to visit friends’ businesses throughout the week. It was a constant in my life.
I also cherish the moments when my mother would take my son Cooper to the corner Starbucks for his favorite treat: the lemon loaf cake. Those small, heartfelt experiences made Antioch Street truly special.
Enchanted Way
Courtesy of JJ Martin
J.J. Martin
Creative director, Milan, Italy
Enchanted Way, in the heart of the Pacific Palisades, is the street where I grew up. There were so many families on that street, and a band of kids that all played together: War in the canyon, flag football on the pavement—obviously, I was the only girl in the group.
I have been living out of America for 22 years now, but Enchanted Way was always such a beautiful anchor point, a point of reference for myself. The street itself looked not so remarkable, but as soon as you went into everyone’s backyards, you were stepping off into this Eden overlooking the valley and the ocean. In my home, we had a huge pine tree in the backyard and a beautiful garden with flower beds. The trees in our backyard all carried so much memory, so much wisdom, so much grace. That’s really what we’ll miss.
Tuna Canyon Park
Courtesy of Evelynn Escobar
Evelynn Escobar
Nonprofit founder and activist, Mid-City
