Stories of Hope

Demolition work began last month at the Palisades Recreation Center, which was lost in the recent fires. This marks a major step forward in the neighborhood’s recovery and future plans for community rebuilding. Over $25 to $30 million in funding has been raised to support the project through a public-private partnership. Key supporters include JJ Redick of the Lakers, Steadfast LA, Rick Russo, Fire Aid, and the City of Los Angeles, along with several other organizations and donors. This collaboration is helping accelerate the pace of reconstruction in the Palisades, with the new rec center expected to be fully rebuilt within two to three years. It is one of several efforts showing how community-driven partnerships can lead to real, lasting recovery.

💡 What’s That Green Stuff on Cleared Lots? You may be asking... It’s called hydroseed (or hydromulch) and is applied by the Army Corps of Engineers after a lot is cleared. It serves three main purposes: 1️⃣ Indicates the lot has been cleared 2️⃣ Controls dust 3️⃣ Supports soil regrowth with embedded seeds While it typically appears green, the color can also be light brown depending on the mixture.

There’s a common misconception that all housing in Pacific Palisades starts in the multi-millions. But the area also includes more affordable options — like three manufactured home communities along Pacific Coast Highway: Malibu Village, Palisades Bowl, and Tahitian Terrace, with over 350 homes total. Prices typically range from $300K to $1.5M, with a median around $500K. These homes have been part of the Palisades for decades and continue to offer ownership opportunities for a wide range of buyers. If you're looking to live in Pacific Palisades and thought it might be out of reach, this could be an option worth exploring.

A New Playground Rises at the Palisades Rec Center 🛝 The Rec Center is getting a major upgrade with a vibrant new playground made from recycled rubber — soft, safe, and sustainably built. Thanks to the Fire Aid concert, Steadfast LA (founded by Rick Caruso), Bank of America, and GameTime, this project is nearly finished. Just a bit more drying time and it’ll be ready for families to enjoy.

Volunteering time can be just as meaningful as giving. This year, Jack and Max from our team joined the Village Green Board, bringing fresh perspective and a hands-on commitment to helping care for this special space. The Village Green remains a place of connection and resilience for the Palisades. We are proud to support its restoration alongside so many dedicated community members of all generations.

The cleanup effort in the Alphabet Streets is nearly complete, with most lots already cleared. This is a major step forward in getting families back home and supporting local businesses in the heart of Pacific Palisades. We can’t wait to see even more progress as the community continues to rebuild.

The Army Corps of Engineers has made substantial progress, clearing over 3,200 of 6,500 lots in 4.5 months, significantly exceeding the original 18-month timeline. This rate of approximately 57 properties cleared daily demonstrates their effectiveness in the Palisades' rebuilding efforts. Our listing on Bollinger Drive is a prime example.

Catch the recap of June 19th’s Rooted in Resilience: a Palisades gathering event — a day that brought our community together in the best way. Again we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who came out to share the experience, reflect, and reconnect. It was a day full of positive energy, great music, and unforgettable moments we’ll always remember.

The Getty Villa property experienced direct fire impact, with flames reaching the site itself. Over 200 severely damaged trees have been removed in the past week alone. Linda Somerville, head of insurance and risk management for the Getty Trust, shared the site's extensive fire preparedness, including underground water tanks, hillside sprinkler systems, and fully sprinklered structures—even outdoor colonnades. Thanks to these proactive measures, no artwork was damaged by smoke. The Getty Villa is preparing to reopen by mid to late June, pending road repairs and restored infrastructure by the city and county.

Sunset Mesa, a neighborhood technically part of Malibu, is often considered by many Palisadians to be part of the Palisades. This area comprises approximately 550 homes and falls under Los Angeles County jurisdiction, not the City of Los Angeles, making it subject to county regulations rather than city ones. As a result, homeowners here face a longer permit approval timeline—often taking ninety days or more—compared to the city’s thirty-day expedited process. Despite these additional challenges, residents continue to move forward with determination. Due to utility issues, several homes are using temporary power generators to restore electricity. These efforts reflect the community’s resilience and commitment, even in the face of extra hurdles.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has just announced they will now assist with cleanup at three local charter schools—Palisades Elementary, Palisades Charter High School, and Marquez Elementary. Previously, their efforts were focused solely on residential properties, but this recent shift marks a significant step forward. With debris removal now extending to key educational institutions, it signals meaningful progress for the entire community. As schools prepare to reopen, it’s a powerful sign that full neighborhood recovery is on the horizon.

Cleanup efforts in Temescal Canyon has been the fastest and most efficient post-disaster cleanup in recent history. Instead of transporting debris offsite, concrete and steel from fire-damaged homes are being processed and recycled right here in the area. This on-location recycling reduces traffic, shortens cleanup timelines, and supports a more organized rebuilding process. A practical, well-coordinated effort to help the Palisades move forward sustainably.

Kaye Steinsapir, leader of the Molly Steinsapir Foundation, shares the story behind a mural created by The Goodness Tour and artist Benjamin. Designed in collaboration with local voices, the mural reflects the resilience and shared experiences of the Palisades community. It’s a meaningful way art is helping the community heal and rebuild after the tragedy, giving everyone a visual reminder of hope and strength.

⚡ Power Restoration Update in Pacific Palisades ⚡ The Department of Water and Power (DWP) is actively working to restore electricity to 1,000 homes affected by the recent damage. Crews are removing fire-damaged poles and installing new ones to reestablish power as quickly as possible. 🔧 Key Updates: ✅ Hundreds of DWP trucks are on-site working in phases. ✅ Repairs began at Pacific Coast Highway and are progressing uphill. ✅ While the long-term goal is to bury power lines underground, that process is estimated to take 6 to 9 months. In the meantime, these new poles are the fastest way to bring power back to the community. Thanks to the crews working tirelessly to make this happen! 👏

After the recent fire in Pacific Palisades, concerns are growing over emergency vehicle access in the neighborhood. 74 streets have been deemed too narrow for fire trucks, violating fire codes. These streets were originally designed in the 1920s for smaller homes and fewer cars. But with today’s larger homes and more vehicles, fire trucks may struggle to get through in an emergency. Possible solutions to improve access include: ✅ Widening streets by using portions of green belts. ✅ Restricting parking to one side of the street. ✅ Banning street parking during certain hours to allow fire trucks to pass. With fire safety top of mind, discussions on these changes are ongoing. What do you think should be done to improve emergency access in the Palisades?

Two key areas in the Pacific Palisades still face uncertainty in their rebuilding efforts—the rec center and the library, both essential to the heart of this community. The Palisades Library, located in the center of town near the park, was completely destroyed. Built nearly 15 years ago, it played a vital role in bringing the community together. The city lacks the funds to rebuild, meaning private fundraising will likely be needed. The hope? To rebuild stronger and better than before.

When a wildfire sweeps through an area, the damage doesn't end with the flames. Weakened trees can become hidden dangers, posing risks long after the fire is out. To manage these risks and protect communities, forestry specialists assess and mark trees based on their hazard level. Here’s what these symbols mean: ❌ – High Hazard: This tree is severely damaged and unstable. It poses an immediate risk and will be removed. 🟰 (Equal Sign) – Medium Hazard: The tree has sustained fire damage but is not an immediate threat. It will be monitored for further assessment. ⬆️ Upward Arrow – Overhead Hazard: A branch above could fall and cause injury or damage. This alerts crews to potential dangers overhead. These markings play a crucial role in post-wildfire recovery efforts, helping communities rebuild safely while preserving as much of the natural environment as possible. If you see these symbols in affected areas, they serve as a reminder of the ongoing work required to mitigate risks and restore the landscape.

Wildfire cleanup is underway in the Palisades, starting with the Alphabet Streets. In Phase 1, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in coordination with the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, is removing hazardous materials like asbestos, paint, and chemicals. This phase is free for residents. Phase 2 will focus on clearing debris within the ash boundaries, after which homeowners will need to remove driveways and trees, with guidance to help protect certain property features.

Palisades Fire: A Moment Frozen in Time

If you’ve been hearing talk of a ‘mass exodus’ from Pacific Palisades, let’s set the record straight. While the recent wildfires caused significant damage, the vast majority of homeowners are committed to rebuilding—not leaving. History shows that after major wildfires, property values recover, and that’s exactly what we expect here. Within the next 5-6 years, Pacific Palisades will be stronger than before. This is not an exodus—it’s a resurgence.