Malaga Cove Park once again came alive with patriotic spirit during this year’s Fourth of July celebration, drawing families and neighbors together for a morning of festivities, remembrance, and community pride.
This year’s Kenneth T. Norris, Jr. Heritage of Freedom Award was presented to Pete Villani, an award-winning cinematographer and real-life hero from Altadena. In January, during the devastating Eaton Canyon fire, Villani returned home to find flames threatening his neighborhood. Armed only with a garden hose and buckets, he bravely saved his home and seven others, fighting the fire street by street until the water pressure gave out. His selfless actions earned him recognition as this year’s keynote honoree.
The community also paid tribute to the late Les Fishman, a beloved local leader who passed away earlier this year. He was posthumously honored with the Van Dine Family Americanism Award, which was accepted by his wife, Virginia Butler, in a heartfelt moment during the formal ceremony.
Held on the playing fields of Malaga Cove School at 300 Paseo Del Mar in Palos Verdes Estates, the morning kicked off with apple pie entries at 8:30 a.m., followed by judging at 9:30 a.m. Face painting and line-up for the Children’s Patriotic Bicycle Parade also began at 9:30 a.m., with the parade itself rolling out at 10:10 a.m. and a lively magic show beginning shortly after at 10:15 a.m.
At 10:30 a.m., the formal program began with an invocation and presentation of colors, followed by recognition of the armed services and a community welcome. The winners of the Herbert Albright Essay Contest were announced, along with the apple pie contest winners. The Van Dine Family Americanism Award was presented to Les Fishman, and the Kenneth T. Norris, Jr. Heritage of Freedom Award was given to Pete Villani, who also delivered the keynote address. The program concluded with a drawing for a U.S. Flag flown over the State Capitol and a closing benediction.
From 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., attendees enjoyed a spirited SousaPalooza Band Concert with vocals by Brenda Lynn. At noon, families gathered for a community picnic and lawn games, bringing a festive close to a heartfelt morning celebrating courage, service, and togetherness.
The event was made possible by a dedicated team of volunteers. Co-chairs Devon Hardwick and Peter McCormack led a hardworking committee that included Dee Dee Barry, Nancy Black, Stacey Branger, Garrett Burke, Judy Daugherty, Meg Greenwood, Erick Gutierrez, Veronica Gutiérrez Barrera, Kristen Jo, Milt Lane, Cindy Maxwell, Carol Murin, Sharon Ryan, and Mike White.
