Help Restore Lisa (Mrs.) Saxon's Beloved Classrooms

To say Lisa Saxon (to students, Mrs. Saxon) has Pali pride would be an understatement–and her license plate can prove it ('GO PALI'). A Pacific Palisades resident, she began her career as a journalist for the Daily News in Los Angeles, becoming only the second woman to cover Major League Baseball as a full-time beat writer. Following an incredible career in journalism, she started teaching at Pali High in 2006, focusing on media and English, and notably being the faculty advisor for Pali High's student-run newspaper, the Tideline, where she brought her kindness, insight, and experience to raise a new generation of journalists, photographers, artists, and documentarians. My name is Jonathan Gelfond (c/o 2022), and I am one of Mrs. Saxon's former students whose formative years were so indelibly shaped by her leadership and the Tideline.

On the evening of January 7, the Palisades Fire made its way to campus, tragically destroying dozens of classrooms, 2 of which are where Mrs. Saxon teaches; her Pali Academy classroom and Tideline's journalism classroom were both reduced to ashes. Despite being unable to relocate back to her beloved Palisades community and home for approximately the next two years, the only thing Mrs. Saxon has asked for help with is material support to repair what she lost at Pali High as the school navigates the challenging months ahead. Selfless, compassionate, and empathetic are only a few of the words that can describe such a beloved teacher and community member.

These structures provided a special place where she encouraged us, helped us grow, and, for many, shaped our future career aspirations. As it is unclear how much federal, state, and district funding will be available for building repair and technology and supply replacement (cameras, computers, AP style books, and love), if there is anything you can give to support this effort or share on social media, please consider doing so. On behalf of Mrs. Saxon's former students and Pali High alumni, thank you. #PaliStrong