INSIDE
Pedestrian fatally struck by vehicle on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu smmirror.com
May 8 – May 14, 2026 Volume CXXIII Issue 214
See Page 7
Prominent Volunteer in Palisades’ Wildfire Rebuild Commits Suicide at 60 In a public statement, Traci Park said Vein “brought people together, lifted others up, and helped guide the Palisades through its hardest days,”
Community members and local officials are mourning the death of Larry Vein, a prominent volunteer who emerged as a key grassroots organizer following the recent wildfire that devastated parts of Pacific Palisades. According to a statement shared on social media by a local community account, Vein died by suicide on April 27. He was widely known for his efforts to support residents in the aftermath of the fire, including cofounding the community initiative Pali
Strong. In a public statement, Traci Park said Vein “brought people together, lifted others up, and helped guide the Palisades through its hardest days,” adding that his leadership and commitment to the community would not be forgotten. Residents said Vein became a central figure in recovery efforts almost immediately after the fire, sharing updates through social media platforms and connecting residents with resources at a time when official information was limited. He also organized support efforts for first responders and volunteers, including distributing food and coordinating gatherings for those assisting in recovery operations. Vein later received a grant from FireAid intended to support the creation of a community resource hub for Palisades residents. According to accounts from community members, the funding and its restrictions became a source of public scrutiny and controversy, drawing criticism and, at times, personal attacks on social media. Supporters also noted that he faced personal challenges, including a custody dispute, during the same period.
Messages posted online in the days following his death highlighted the impact of his work. One tribute described him as “a kind and friendly soul” whose efforts had been “very helpful and encouraging to everyone.”
Vein had been part of the Pacific Palisades community since the early 1990s, according to the Pali Strong website, which describes the group as committed to supporting local residents and fostering resilience.
K-12 Students’ Artwork Honored with ‘Sustainable Santa Monica Student Poster Contest’ 16 winners were selected across four grade categories, with entries emphasizing solutions such as zero-emission transit, biking, electric vehicles and clean energy
City officials and a local nonprofit have announced the winners of the 18th annual
Sustainable Santa Monica Student Poster Contest, highlighting student perspectives on climate action and community resilience. The contest, organized by the city and Sustainable Works, invited kindergarten through 12th grade students who live or attend school in Santa Monica to submit artwork centered on this year’s theme, “Reducing Emissions While Creating Resilient Communities.” A total of 16 winners were selected across four grade categories, with entries emphasizing solutions such as zeroemission transit, biking, electric vehicles and clean energy. “As one of the first cities in the nation to create a Sustainable City Plan, Santa Monica is deeply committed to doing our part for the planet while caring for our community,” said Ariana Vito, a senior sustainability analyst with the city. She added that this year’s submissions
demonstrated a strong understanding of both climate challenges and potential solutions. Organizers said the program reached more than 650 students through dozens of classroom and after-school presentations, generating about 400 poster submissions. Judges included representatives from the city and Sustainable Works. Grand prize winners included Phoebe Kaiser of Grant Elementary School (K– 2), Daenerys Smith of Grant Elementary
School (3–5), Eloise Alexopoulos of John Adams Middle School (6–8) and Mia Patricio-Ramirez of Santa Monica High School (9–12). All winners will be recognized at a ceremony May 13 at the Annenberg Community Beach House. Winning posters are currently on display at the Santa Monica Main Library through May 8 and will also be featured at the awards event, which is open to the public.