Hello! I’m Cali, the Manifesting Mermaid & Mentor. This chapter of my story began at the end of 2013. I had been experiencing homelessness in the San Francisco Bay Area when my soul decided to lead me to L.A. I didn’t understand the calling nor the strong pull to go, but I listened, and I’m so glad I did. It was the BEST decision I ever made. I met my very first friend at Lifeguard Tower 15 and learned he worked in the Palisades. The following summer, Will Rogers Beach became my happy place, and I was introduced to all the different places that made Pali so welcoming and special. Soon Pali became my community, and it was the people who showered me with kindness and hospitality from Day One.
Let’s Share Your Story
Tell us a little about yourself. Where did your story begin, and what led you to the Palisades?
Hello! I’m Cali, the Manifesting Mermaid & Mentor. This chapter of my story began at the end of 2013. I had been experiencing homelessness in the San Francisco Bay Area when my soul decided to lead me to L.A. I didn’t understand the calling nor the strong pull to go, but I listened, and I’m so glad I did. It was the BEST decision I ever made. I met my very first friend at Lifeguard Tower 15 and learned he worked in the Palisades. The following summer, Will Rogers Beach became my happy place, and I was introduced to all the different places that made Pali so welcoming and special. Soon Pali became my community, and it was the people who showered me with kindness and hospitality from Day One.
How long have you lived or worked here — and what do you love most about it?
12 years, and there’s so much to love, but I’d say THE PEOPLE. Everyone I’ve met has been so warm and welcoming.
Tell us about your work or your passion — past, present, or future. What lights you up?
I consider myself an ARTIST – author, photographer, filmmaker, painter. I’m a 10x international bestselling author and about to publish my 15th book, the third book in my historical fiction series. I write in various genres. I’m the Founder & CEO of Tower 15 Productions where I write and direct social impact documentary films. I’m currently working on three film projects including PALIstrong: Women Rise to Rebuild Pacific Palisades. I’m an award-winning photographer and my camera goes everywhere with me, and in 2016 I began painting which I love. My medium in Mixed-Media where I combine photography, graphic design, and acrylic paint on canvas. Creating to me is like breathing. I NEED to do it, and I love every moment.
Tell us a little about your family, community or what “home” means to you.
L.A will always be “home”. It’s where I first found true love, shared the first kiss with my love on the Santa Monica Pier, and where I truly flourish as an artist. It’s my soul’s happy place. At the end of 2023 my Mom passed away and I became a full-time caregiver for my 84-year-old father. He’s a 20-year military veteran having fought in Vietnam and Desert Storm. After selling the family home in Maryland I moved him across the country and in with me. I wanted to stay on the Westside but couldn’t find anything that would work for both of us, so we end up in San Diego for a spell. My dream is still to have a home in the Palisades, and I’ve set a goal date of 2028 for that to happen. In the meantime, Dad and I are living a daily adventure in various locations while spending as much time as we can in Pali.
What’s something unique or special about the Palisades that you’ve experienced firsthand?
Those special moments that stay with you forever. Whether it was celebrating Memorial Day with friends at the Reel Inn, sitting in silence amongst the swan and turtles at the Lake Shrine, or just basking at the glorious hillsides on a hike through Temescal Gateway Park, there were so many MOMENTS that I’ll treasure always.
Community Favorites
Is/Was there a local business that makes you feel nostalgic or rooted here?
Tower 15 Productions – I named my business after where my L.A. story began and I see it now as a beacon of hope for rebuilding our beautiful community.
Who’s the most interesting or inspiring person you’ve met here in the Palisades?
Oh, my goodness. It’s impossible to choose just one. My partner for one was my biggest cheerleader when I was starting over. Just everyday people. Hearts of gold.
Fire Reflection
What stands out most from your experience?
The strength of our community. It was apparent from Day One. Just people coming together, knowing everyone was going through their own unique grief, but still showing up and being there for one another. It warmed my heart so much.
Was there someone — a neighbor, local hero, or group — that really made a difference for you during or after the fires?
The crew from Station 69 – Captain Kits and his amazing crew. They were the first ones we visited when we returned to the Palisades after the fires and we just saw them today and said hello on our way to an event. I’ve known Captain Kits for many years and they’re all just good people.
What did the experience teach you about the Palisades or about yourself?
Those first couple of days were filled with so many emotions – shock, disbelief, anger, sadness, grief, and then knowing I needed to do something to help. Tower 15 Productions is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. In addition to producing films, we also support women via entrepreneurship mentoring and training. We immediately created the Pacific Palisades Rebuilding Fund to support women who had lost homes and businesses in the fires. We have a three-year plan and documenting their journey for our film PALIstrong: Women Rise to Rebuild Pacific Palisades. The fires also provided that extra motivation to go after my BIGGEST dream which is to create a Cultural Arts Center as the centerpiece of the rebuild. As an artist I’m envisioning a beautiful space with an art gallery, small independent bookstore for local authors, small auditorium for events, and workshop space where we can teach classes in art, photography, publishing, and filmmaking. I’ve held this dream for years, but after the fires, I knew it needed to be located in Pali. I see it so clearly in my mind’s eye and can’t wait to see it come to fruition.
A Few Fun Ones
What advice would you give to others — in life, work, or being a good neighbor?
Understand we are ALL ONE. We’re the human race. Each of us is experiencing our own journey, looking at the world through a unique filter, yet doing the best we can at every moment. Kindness is so simple. Imagine the world we could create if we chose to live each day from a space of love and light?
What’s something about you that would surprise most people?
When I was 10 years old I could switch-hit and throw a nasty curveball. I wanted to be a major league baseball player. There wasn’t that opportunity at the time, but it absolutely THRILLS me today to see that young girls and women now have a path towards that dream.
Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Living in my beautiful home in the Palisades overlooking the ocean. Continue to do what I love via my creative endeavors. Welcoming neighbors to our brand-new Cultural Arts Center and just doing my part to help make this world a better place for ALL.
Business Link
Business Link 2
https://www.tower15productions.com/
