I was born and raised in LA and the only time I have lived in another state was during college and grad school at Northwestern University, outside of Chicago. My current story, starting with the birth of the first of 5 children, began in Brentwood. I lived there for several years, but all of my kids went to school and participated in sports in the Palisades, so I spent a lot of time driving on Sunset. I finally moved to the Palisades in 1994 and have been there ever since in the Alphabet Streets. Like pretty much everyone who has lived in the Palisades, we couldn’t have been happier anywhere else. What an idyllic place! You can walk to the beach, hike in the hills, walk to schools, churches, markets…greeting friends and neighbors all along the way. It truly is a community that feels like a small midwest town but in a much more beautiful location! I am using the present tense here, because I am totally confident that the Palisades we love will be back!
Let’s Share Your Story
Tell us a little about yourself. Where did your story begin, and what led you to the Palisades?
I was born and raised in LA and the only time I have lived in another state was during college and grad school at Northwestern University, outside of Chicago. My current story, starting with the birth of the first of 5 children, began in Brentwood. I lived there for several years, but all of my kids went to school and participated in sports in the Palisades, so I spent a lot of time driving on Sunset. I finally moved to the Palisades in 1994 and have been there ever since in the Alphabet Streets. Like pretty much everyone who has lived in the Palisades, we couldn’t have been happier anywhere else. What an idyllic place! You can walk to the beach, hike in the hills, walk to schools, churches, markets…greeting friends and neighbors all along the way. It truly is a community that feels like a small midwest town but in a much more beautiful location! I am using the present tense here, because I am totally confident that the Palisades we love will be back!
How long have you lived or worked here — and what do you love most about it?
I have lived here since 1994 and have worked here since 1995, having worked in a Brentwood office before that.
Tell us about your work or your passion — past, present, or future. What lights you up?
I have worked in residential real estate on the Westside for about 35 years, the most recent 25 with Berkshire Hathaway. Believe it or not, I still love it, even more so now that my daughter, Courtney, has joined me as a business partner. It’s been a joy to be able to work in a job that provides new experiences every day and so much gratification, not only from clients, but also from so many fellow real estate agents. My second job, which has grown exponentially since January 7th, is as president of the Pacific Palisades Community Council. While the PPCC has always worked alongside local and state government representatives on pressing local issues, our job changed dramatically overnight on January 7th. Since that day, I have been privileged to participate in the recovery and rebuilding efforts of the Palisades. We work closely with Traci Park, our CD 11 Councilwoman and also with Mayor Bass’ office, Governor Newsom’s staff, and our county and state representatives, working hard on issues that affect all of our residents. Our goal is to proceed with the quickest recovery possible, while providing guidelines for safety and resiliency on every level.
Tell us a little about your family, community or what “home” means to you.
My husband, Bob Benton and I raised 8 children in the Palisades, 5 of mine and 3 of his. The Palisades provided a safe and loving environment for all of our kids. Our large community of friends from school, work, sports and church became our extended family. While we all benefitted from the closeness of this community, it probably made it a bit harder for the kids to get away with anything….so many caring eyes on them no matter where they went!
What’s something unique or special about the Palisades that you’ve experienced firsthand?
The most special aspect of the Palisades for me is the feeling, every day, of being part of a close knit community. I like to walk, and my daily routine always started with a walk with my dog from my home down to the beach and then back up through the Village. We saw so many friends along the way and actually made many new ones through the years. I can’t think of a better way to start the day.
Community Favorites
Is/Was there a local business that makes you feel nostalgic or rooted here?
There are so many fabulous local businesses, from Gelsons to all of the wonderful restaurants, all within walking distance for me! If I have to choose a favrite one, it’s definitely BOCA! We were so excited when it reopened. It’s a place with beautiful clothes and even more beautiful people, including the owner, Denise.
Who’s the most interesting or inspiring person you’ve met here in the Palisades?
There is no way I can name a single most inspiring person I’ve met in the Palisades. There are way too many! I will say that the volunteers who make up the board of the PPCC – Community Council – inspire and amaze me every day, as do the leaders of the American Legion Ronald Reagan Palisades Post 283, who have been true leaders in our recovery efforts since Day 1.
Fire Reflection
What stands out most from your experience?
What stands out most, I guess, is the shock of realizing that literally everything can disappear in the blink of an eye – our home, everything with sentimental value accrued over a lifetime, our neighborhood, our scattered community.
Was there someone — a neighbor, local hero, or group — that really made a difference for you during or after the fires?
There were several local groups that sprang up after the fire, each with its own communication network, helping to keep residents informed. Neighbors helping neighbors -it is a beautiful concept! My favorite local hero is Traci Park, our CD11 Councilwoman. Traci and her staff, especially our District Representative, Arus Grigoryan, have been on the ground literally 24/7 since January 7th. There is no issue too small or too large for these local heroes. They show up and they produce solutions, every single day. Traci fights for Palisades residents at City Hall, in Sacramento and everywhere in between. How lucky we are to have her on our side!
What did the experience teach you about the Palisades or about yourself?
This horrendous experience has taught me about the incredible capability we Palisadians have of resiliency and of caring for those around us. Needless to say, I wish there could have been an easier, less horrific way to realize these capabilities. It has been a life-altering experience with many lessons for us all. Personally, I have had to learn how to consciously stop myself from going down a “rabbit hole” of negativity and to quickly refocus my thoughts toward a bright and positive future for our town, our friends and our families.
A Few Fun Ones
What advice would you give to others — in life, work, or being a good neighbor?
Just never forget to think about the “other guy” and the positive impact you can have on someone’s life with a simple gesture or act of kindness.
What’s something about you that would surprise most people?
I have a horrible fear of flying, although I do fly when necessary. I am living temporarily in Westchester now and hear planes in the air constantly, which gives me a weird sense of happiness at the thought that I’m not on them.
Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I hope to be living on Iliff and playing Bocce at the Rec Center with my team of Iliff neighbors.
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