LAFD reported ATF testing would take place between April 29 and May 1 along Temescal Ridge Trail between Skull Rock and Green Peak. Map courtesy of LAFD
By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives will conduct “controlled fire testing” in the Highlands area beginning the evening of Tuesday, April 29, through Thursday, May 1, the agency reported on Monday, April 28.
The ATF National Response Team was deployed on Monday, January 13, to investigate the Palisades fire, which began on January 7. ATF Special Agent in Charge (National Center for Explosives Training and Research) Brice McCracken said at the time that “NRT is committed to working closely with our partners to determine the origin and cause of the Pacific Palisades fire.”
Councilmember Traci Park wrote on April 28 that “federal investigators will conduct a controlled fire test … as part of the investigation into January’s devastating fire.” She noted that testing would “probably” begin around 11 p.m.
“While this scientific testing will periodically include open flame in a small area that may be visible at a distance, it does not involve the burning of vegetation,” Los Angeles Fire Department wrote in a statement regarding the testing. “Los Angeles Fire Department personnel will be present before, during and after all testing to ensure public safety and environmental protection.”
The testing will take place in the Santa Monica Mountains along Temescal Ridge Trail between Skull Rock and Green Peak, according to LAFD. ATF wrote “the public should avoid the area during this time.”
“During this time period, there is no cause for public concern or need to report the small testing flames that may be periodically visible near Temescal Ridge to 911,” the statement continued. “Due to the remote terrain and logistics, there are no provisions for media or public access, and aircraft/drone pilots are instructed to follow any FAA-issued restrictions for the area.”
The Palisades fire—which grew to 23,448 acres—was first reported near 1190 Piedra Morada Drive at 10:30 a.m. on January 7. It remained active for 24 days before being declared 100% contained on January 31.
A spokesperson for ATF confirmed to the Palisadian-Post on April 28 that its work in the Palisades “remains an ongoing investigation,” with “no timeline at the moment” for its estimated completion.
“ATF is committed to completing a thorough and detailed origin and cause report for the Pacific Palisades fire,” according to the spokesperson.
Senator Ben Allen speaks on April 17 at Will Rogers State Beach. Photo by Sarah Shmerling
Senator Allen speaks during a press conference on April 17 at Will Rogers State Beach. Photos by Sarah Shmerling
Mayor Bass Speaks on Waiving Permit Fees at State of the City Address
By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
With 100 days passing since the start of the Palisades fire, multiple officials provided updates regarding recovery work and legislation, including Mayor Karen Bass at her State of the City Address on April 21.
During the address, Bass announced three new actions regarding Palisades fire recovery efforts, including calling on City Council to pass an ordinance that would “waive all plan check and permit fees so that Angelenos can get home.”
“[The executive action will] direct relevant city departments to work with the City Attorney to prepare an ordinance to waive all permit-related fees to rebuild structures damaged or destroyed in the fires for Council’s consideration,” according to the mayor’s office. “This will be supported by a report by the City Administrative Officer and other relevant departments with recommendations to City Council.”
Bass also announced the city is “establishing a self-certification program,” which is designed to “reduce redundancy in the permitting process,” as well as launching an “initiative to start using innovative AI technology to accelerate and support the city’s permit process.”
“If successful, we will take both of these new initiatives citywide to accelerate building everywhere,” Bass said.
The mayor’s office confirmed they expected to make an announcement in the next week or sooner regarding next steps and availability for the actions.
During the address, Bass called upon several Palisadians to stand for their work as “heroes” through the fire and recovery efforts, including Larry Vein of Pali Strong, Maryam Zar of the Palisades Recovery Coalition, Pacific Palisades Community Council President Sue Kohl and Kevin Chin, who “single-handedly fought the flames and saved people’s lives.”
“The state of our city is this—homelessness is down, crime is down,” Bass said. “These are tough challenges, and they show that we can do so much more. We still have a long way to go. We need a citywide turnaround. We need a fundamental overhaul of city government to deliver the clean, safe and orderly neighborhoods that Angelenos deserve in the place they call home—and to reverse decades of failure on homelessness.”
On the 100-day mark of the fire, Senator Ben Allen facilitated a press conference at Will Rogers State Beach the afternoon of April 17.
Among those who spoke were Councilmember Traci Park, Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, Palisades Bowl resident Jon Brown, Bass, City Attorney Hydee Soto Feldstein, Malibu Mayor Pro Tem Marianne Riggins, County Assessor Jeff Prang, Executive Director of National Stewardship Action Council Heidi Sanborn and Senator Sasha Renée Pérez, who represents the 25th district, including Altadena and areas impacted by the Eaton fire.
Councilmember Traci Park on April 17 at Will Rogers State Beach
“It’s been 100 days of despair, of destruction, but also of resilience, of growth, of rebuilding,” Allen described. “It’s been 100 days of challenge. First of all, the challenge of governance and making sure that people from around the country—indeed, around the world—knew what we were going through, getting the support from leadership in Washington, D.C., and Sacramento.”
Lara spoke on legislation related to insurance that is in the works, noting that he is sponsoring “a comprehensive legislative package” that is “based on” years of insurance town halls, which took place in “every single county in California.”
“This package aims at fixing our broken system,” Lara described. “It expedites payments to survivors, strengthens our consumer protections and implements the most significant regulatory reforms to our insurance market in 30 years.”
One of the pieces of legislation that Lara is sponsoring is SB 495—the “Eliminate the List Act,” authored by Allen. In early February, Lara said he issued a notice to residential property insurance companies in California, urging them to waive detailed inventory requirements to receive pay-outs.
“Most insurers responded positively, offering at least 75% of contents coverage without requiring an itemization, with some even agreeing to 100%,” Lara said. “Well, this action is voluntary for insurers. After these LA fires, we need to ensure that everyone pays 100% of their contents coverage without a detailed inventory list.”
Another piece of legislation Allen authored—SB 749—is related to residences in mobile home parks, including places like Palisades Bowl and Tahitian Terrace, both of which burned down in the fire. Those who own homes in the parks face a different path to rebuilding, as they own the structure on the property, but not the property itself.
“Current law almost disincentivizes the rebuilding of a home park like this, so we are seeking to address this,” Allen said.
The bill, Allen explained, gives the homeowners who are living in the park “a mechanism for the right of first refusal” if the owner of the property wants to close or change its use.
“We want to give them the first opportunity to purchase the property at market or an agreed upon value to preserve the current use as an affordable mobile home park,” Allen continued.
If this is not achieved, the owners of the park would then give the same opportunity to “qualified affordable housing entities or nonprofits,” for a chance to purchase and preserve its use in its current form.
“This would [put] residents and affordable housing advocates … in the driver’s seat to preserve these precious places of land that have preserved affordable housing right here on the coast,” Allen said, “and indeed, hopefully return them to their homes here in the Palisades.”
Palisades Bowl Community Partnership Co-Chair Brown—who asked a few other Palisades Bowl and Tahitian Terrace residents to join him at the podium—spoke at the press conference on their collective experience since the fire began, detailing the difficulty of accessing their homes and not knowing what is next for the parks.
“For us, we’re on day one,” Brown described. “My kids ask me, ‘Dad, when can we go home? When are we going to go home?’ I can’t give them an answer. I have no—I can’t even tell them if we’re ever going to be able to go home, and we need that option.”
Phase 2 Debris Clearance Work Remains Underway, Approximately 60 Properties in City of LA Miss Deadline to Opt In or Out of Government-Run Program
By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
Debris removal at Palisades Branch Library was completed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, officials announced during a press conference at the site on Thursday, April 17—100 days after the Palisades fire started on January 7.
Among those who attended the press conference were Mayor Karen Bass, Councilmember Traci Park, Palisades Branch Library Senior Librarian Mary Hopf and Administrative Clerk Roberta Frank, Pacific Palisades Library Association President Laura Schneider, Colonel Brian Sawser (who was departing his mission in the Palisades, with his role as Commander of the Palisades Emergency Field Office to be filled by Colonel Jeffrey Palazzini) and City Librarian John Szabo.
Bass explained during the press conference that a space like Palisades Branch Library is not typically prioritized during fire debris clean-up, but at her request, along with Park, “We wanted this area prioritized, we made that request and the requested was granted.” Palisades Recreation Center is an additional space that has been prioritized by Bass and Park, with some buildings “partially destroyed” and others “severely damaged.”
Park spoke after Bass, explaining that she had just returned from Lahaina, where she met with officials to learn more about their own recovery efforts following the August 2023 fire.
“While the work is slow and the process often long and painful, it’s hopeful as well,” Park said. “I really want to thank Colonel Brian Sawser and Captain Sheldon Tausch and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Their work here on the grounds in Pacific Palisades has been phenomenal—not only here at the site of our beloved library, but across the entire Pacific Palisades, where now hundreds of lots have been cleared.”
Park spoke about the experience of her and her staff on January 7 and since in the Palisades, saying that in the days following the fire, “we learned that lives had been lost,” as well as “thousands of homes and buildings.”
Mayor Bass at the Palisades Branch Library site on April 17 Photo by Sarah Shmerling
“This library itself is a symbol of what we’ve lost—yes—but more so of what we’re determined to restore,” Park said. “Recovery doesn’t happen overnight, and for the families who lost everything, this is not abstract. It’s navigating insurance claims, fighting to get permits, living in limbo and trying to rebuild from scratch, and that’s why we are all laser focused on removing every obstacle standing in the way. We do have a long road ahead, but step by step, we are clearing the way forward, and as long as it takes, I’ll be right here fighting for this community.”
Szabo explained that USACE was given a 30-day window to clear the library parcel, and it was done in six. He acknowledged and thanked Hopf, Frank and Schneider for their advocacy and support of the library and its programming.
Bass confirmed later in the press conference that rebuilding costs for the library are “100% reimbursable by FEMA.”
Szabo explained Los Angeles Public Library is working to bring an “architectural engineering team on board” to “begin the initial conversations about the building program for this facility.” They are also in talks with City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks to “coordinate a temporary location” to provide service in the interim.
Across the Palisades fire area as of Wednesday, April 23, 1,945 parcels had been cleared of debris, according to USACE. Properties with final sign off had reached 1,297.
There were 99 crews working in the Palisades fire area as of April 23, with a five-day average of sites cleared per day of 56 and the highest number of sites cleared in one day at 66. Tons of debris removed was at 556,026.
Parcels with no opt in or out submitted in the city of Los Angeles was 200 as of April 15—a number that was at 63 on Thursday, April 17, according to City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto in a report given during a press conference at Will Rogers State Beach.
“The federal government can’t just go onto your property without either the property owner’s permission or some kind of legal action,” Soto explained. “We are now down to only 63 properties—and we know what they are—that have not returned the form either allowing or disallowing entry onto the property.”
Those that have opted out, or disallowed entry onto their parcel, “have the obligation to clean up at their own expense,” Soto continued.
“My office is working on a plan to deal with recalcitrant properties who either have not cleaned up the debris correctly or who have not returned the form, and to get the requisite court order to allow us to go in and clean up by way of a nuisance abatement,” Soto said.
When it comes to unincorporated areas, like Sunset Mesa and Topanga, as well as the city of Malibu, at its request, Supervisor Lindsey Horvath introduced a motion that was approved at the start of April regarding next steps for properties that are not responsive to either public or private debris removal. A follow up motion with additional specifics is coming to the Board of Supervisors on May 6.
As of Tuesday, April 22, Constance Farrell, communications director for Horvath’s office, confirmed there are “zero unresponsive properties for unincorporated areas, which includes Sunset Mesa and Topanga.”
Editor’s note: This story was updated on Thursday morning, April 24, to reflect updated lot clearance data received from USACE.
Prima Cantina has reopened its Sunset Boulevard location, effective Thursday, April 24.
“After a long journey since the fires, our doors are finally reopening this Thursday,” Prima Cantina wrote. “Come celebrate with us—cocktails, good vibes and familiar faces await. We can’t wait to see you.”
The restaurant, located at 15246 Sunset Boulevard, has been closed since the Palisades fire started on January 7. Its Santa Monica location has been open and operating.
It is currently open Monday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. “until the party lasts” with a limited version of the menu, marketing specials and “hour hour all day,” including on beer, margaritas and wine.
“As we go, we will adjust the hours and days to be opened,” Prima Cantina General Manager Janne Peifer said, noting the restaurant has a “brand new AC unit with special filters.”
“Prima Cantina is a reflection of the spirit and essence of Baja, California,” according to its website. “Baja is a diverse region both in culture and geography, which inspires our cooking. Our menu blends elements of the deep culinary heritage of mainland Mexico with the lighter, ocean-inspired, unique coastal cooking of the Baja peninsula, fused with the natural, produce-driven approach of California cuisine.”
Prima Cantina is offering “pick up” food options for those who call the store and place a pick up order. When third-party partners inform the restaurant that drivers can return to the Palisades, the restaurant will become available for online ordering.
The restaurant can also host private events after 4 p.m. To schedule, call 424-413-1862.
—SARAH SHMERLING
Editor’s note: This story was updated on Thursday, April 24, to reflect additional information from Prima Cantina regarding its current hours and offerings.
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has released preliminary results from soil sample testing in and around the Palisades fire area, which revealed “localized chemical impacts” to soil above health-based screening thresholds are present in some areas of the Palisades, but widespread contamination from potentially fire-related chemicals is not evident.
LA County’s soil sampling and analysis—conducted by Roux Inc.—measured for levels of 14 substances that could be present after a wildfire on representative soil samples from different areas in the Palisades.
The provided data is based on the 90% of results available at the time of the report, which was distributed April 10. A final report and analysis is expected to become available in May.
So far the data is from parcels that were “minorly affected,” “not damaged” or “outside the fire boundary.” Data from destroyed properties is still pending.
“Over four weeks from mid-February to mid-March, soil samples were collected from destroyed, damaged and intact properties within the burn areas, as well as from properties just outside, and compared to current residential soil screening level thresholds,” according to Public Health.
Roux sampled soil from 780 parcels between the Palisades and Eaton fires, and reported differences between the two areas in the chemical types found in soil results, with low lead exceedances in the Palisades, but isolated areas of heavy metal and polyaromatic hydrocarbons soil sample exceedances above screening thresholds.
During a Public Health Town Hall on April 10, Dr. Adam Love explained on behalf of Roux that arsenic had the highest exceedance levels in the Palisades.
“A lot of the Palisades area didn’t have high arsenic exceedances at all, but … there was a high percentage of exceedances in a small area to the northeast,” Love said. “Those areas where we see higher arsenic levels don’t appear to be where we could expect to see impacts if it was related to a larger from wildfire smoke.”
Benzo(a)pyrene—a PAH that forms from burning organic matter—was identified in the same area.
“There is something locally in that area that is going on, that we don’t know the answer to yet,” Love said. “But it doesn’t look like something that is impacting the entire Palisades community.”
Love said cadmium was minorly detected throughout the Palisades—with “virtually no detections at all” of cadmium over the residential screening levels, but a hotspot “near the ocean” in the “southwest corner of the Palisades.”
“[Here] we see exceedances of cadmium above the residential screening levels in ways that we don’t see in any other part of the Palisades area,” Love explained. “But [it] doesn’t seem to be indicative of a larger wildfire impact.”
The overall exceedance for lead in the Palisades is approximately 5%, which Love said is “normal for an urban area.” There is no focus area where lead levels are higher than any place else in the Palisades.
“If levels exceed the screening thresholds, it does not automatically mean cleanup is required, but it suggests the need to consider additional evaluation,” according to Public Health. “This assessment provides a representative analysis of the soil in areas and under different conditions impacted by the fires. The reported results are not intended to imply cleanup or specific remediation is necessary; rather, the results identify areas potentially requiring additional evaluation.”
Individual parcels may have “unique factors” that would result in differences compared to the representative samples, according to Public Health. Residents with concerns about their specific property are encouraged to consult an environmental professional about evaluating their property.
“In all areas with on-going fire debris, residents are reminded to take precautions to not inhale, ingest or come into contact with ash, soot and/or fire debris by using appropriate personal protective equipment,” according to Public Health. “Additionally, community members are encouraged to review the soil sampling results and consider taking appropriate precautions if your home is in one of the areas where soil sample screening thresholds have been exceeded.”
Noting Public Health wanted to get the preliminary data out quickly, Love said a more detailed map of exceedances, potentially with street names, would be released in the future.
Public Health is offering free blood lead testing for individuals concerned about exposure to lead. Individuals can schedule a free appointment at a Quest Lab by calling 1-800-LA-4-LEAD.
“Testing is fast, free, confidential and does not require insurance,” according to Public Health.
Speaking at Palisades Recreation Center on April 10 Photo courtesy of the office of Mayor Karen Bass
By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass—along with LA Strong Sports, Steadfast LA and other groups—announced on April 10 the launch of a public-private partnership that will fund, redesign and rebuild Palisades Recreation Center following damage sustained in the January fire.
Built in 1947, Palisades Recreation Center was the first post-war civic building built in the area, designed by architects Bennett and Bennett. Throughout the years, Palisades Recreation Center has served as a hub of community and recreational activities, including several sports leagues, events like Eggstravaganza and Spooktacular, and Park Advisory Board meetings.
The facility faced “severe” damage during the Palisades fire, and Bass has pledged to “eliminate any and every obstacle in the way of rebuilding.”
“The Palisades Recreation Center, library and playground are each a vital piece of this community, which is why the city pushed for the Army Corps of Engineers to prioritize debris removal at these landmarks,” Bass said in a statement. “We will continue this progress, and I thank everyone—LA Strong Sports, Steadfast LA and key Palisades groups—for coming together for this new effort.”
LA Strong Sports was formed by JJ and Chelsea Redick, Charles and Jenna Jackson, and Kylee Kilgore to build and sustain sports, recreation facilities and programs in LA in the aftermath of the wildfires.
“We visited the Pali Rec Center the same day we decided to move to the Palisades,” JJ and Chelsea Redick said in a statement. “That visit showed us not only how important the park was as a physical space, but how the people and families who took advantage of it made up the beating heart of the community.”
“We’ve always felt strongly about taking action to create and support things that allow people to feel rooted and thrive in their communities,” Charles and Jenna Jackson added. “As Palisades residents, we know that the Pali Rec Center made that possible for us and for our neighbors and friends. Rebuilding it alongside these key community leaders so it can serve as a place to foster growth and opportunity is exactly the kind of initiative we’re excited to support.”
Steadfast LA—led by Rick Caruso—launched in February to assemble the “expertise, influence and power” of the private sector to expedite the rebuilding of the communities destroyed by the wildfires. Doing so will reportedly cut through delays and develop solutions with real estate, finance and construction departments, and others.
Steadfast LA reported it is currently working with a number of entities, including representatives from Gensler, CBRE, Parsons, Esri, Latham & Watkins LLP, and more—“all with experience building some of the most impactful places and spaces in the world,” according to a statement.
“This public-private partnership to rebuild the Rec Center with the city and in collaboration with civic leaders, local groups and industry experts demonstrates the vision of Steadfast LA in action,” Caruso said. “By bringing the public sector, the private sector and the community together to do this, we’re not only restoring an integral part of the Palisades, but we’re showing how we can effectively respond to this tragedy with the urgency that the moment demands. We intend to follow a similar approach on our projects in Altadena and Malibu as well.”
According to LA Strong Sports and Steadfast LA, early design plans have been created in collaboration with local groups—including the Pali Community Center Committee, LA Parks Foundation, Pali Strong, Pali 4 Pali, and Rec Center stakeholders Jimmy Dunne and Bob Benton.
“The coalition—which includes Gensler, a globally renowned architecture and design firm, and Latham Watkins LLP, one of the world’s leading law firms—has spent hours meeting with these groups and individuals to shape the preliminary vision for a revitalized Rec Center that honors its legacy and builds toward the future,” according to a statement.
Community input will continue to be solicited to refine and expand on the current plans.
Pacific Palisades Community Council Chair Emeritus Maryam Zar presented at the board’s most recent meeting on the evening of Thursday, April 10, on a draft plan from a recovery coalition that has been formed following the January fire.
“It’s going to be this community that has to come together for a response,” Zar said to the 200-plus attendees about the rebuilding efforts.
At the time of the PPCC meeting, Palisades Recovery Coalition had met four times since its formation in February, with the fifth gathering planned for April 15. More than 100 people had attended the meetings, with a full roster available on its website.
Zar explained she got in touch with then-Chief Recovery Officer Steve Soboroff early on in the recovery process, asking what she could do that would be helpful to him. He suggested getting 30 people at a table who were interested in rebuilding the community—which grew to what it is today, with a focus on rebuilding logistics.
“In the wake of the recent devastation, the Palisades Recovery Coalition has mobilized to address the urgent need for comprehensive rebuilding and revitalization efforts,” read the coalition’s overview. “This Pacific Palisades Recovery and Rebuilding Logistics Plan outlines a strategic framework for operations management, materials coordination, workforce housing, legislative advocacy and communication infrastructure. By implementing these recommendations, the coalition aims to ensure a streamlined recovery, minimize disruptions and foster a resilient, sustainable future for the Pacific Palisades community.”
Zar touched on what building looked like in the Palisades before the fire—giving an example of a street the could have had four homes under construction at the same time and how it would have been “incredibly inconvenient” when it comes to things like getting emergency trucks up, and getting to and from work.
“If you compound that by the breadth of the loss, you’ll begin to get your head around what it might look like to try to rebuild 5,000 homes, particularly in the Palisades,” Zar described, “when there are only two or three ways in and out … and many of our streets are hillside and they’re narrow.”
The four-page draft plan—which is subject to and will incorporate additional feedback from the community as it progresses—addresses several facets of the rebuild effort, including street overlays, staging areas in the Palisades, housing for those working on rebuilds and a concrete plant.
“The reason I’m here is to bring this to you all—not just to the people on this call, but to the entire community,” Zar said. “In the end, anything that we do, anything that’s systemic and broad-based, is going to involve some inconvenience. In order to build back this town, there are going to be big decisions that will have to be made, and Palisadians will have to agree with those.”
Ideas for traffic and road management include making certain streets one way temporarily to aid in ingress and egress, especially as rebuild efforts ramp up after more lots are cleared.
Staging areas, for items like lumber, are being considered to prevent trucks from having to leave and return to the Palisades for materials, helping to keep the road clear. One idea that was presented was splitting the Palisades into north and south (or east and west) with two staging areas to further tamp down traffic.
The plan also pitches having the rebuilding workforce stay within the community—possibly leasing lots that will remain empty for longer periods of time. Another benefit, Zar explained, was that it could supplement income as people work through their rebuild. The plan could also be to create a dorm-style place in a city- or county-owned property.
Another facet of the plan was the possibility of a concrete plant, which Zar said, after speaking with people in the field, could save “tens of millions of dollars” in concrete delivery charges. A site for a potential plant had not been determined at the time of the meeting.
The plan also calls for a “Public Space Compound” on city-owned properties to provide “critical support services” for the workforce and residents, with a hub to include things like plan check and inspection stations, community resource center, material and landscape showroom, and a builder’s hall.
“The coalition emphasizes that rebuilding must incorporate long-term resilience against future disasters through modern, sustainable construction methods and proactive legislative measures,” read the draft plan. These “key initiatives” include fire-resistant construction, legislative advocacy, insurance coordination, and sustainability and research.
The plan would also rely on “clear and continuous communication” between “residents, contractors and city officials,” which is described as “vital to the success of recovery efforts.”
“Without a structured, methodical approach, the Palisades risks repeating the slow recovery process experienced by Malibu, where only 40% of homes were rebuilt within six years post-[Woolsey] fire,” the proposed plan read. “Residents are eager to begin the rebuilding process, with lot clearances already underway and construction teams mobilizing. A clearly articulated logistics plan will maintain momentum, mitigate obstacles and set the Palisades on a path toward a stronger, safer and more resilient future.”
Zar said that when sharing the in-progress plan with various government officials and representatives, including the office of Councilmember Traci Park, City of Los Angeles Department of Sanitation and Los Angeles County Public Works, she has received a “thumbs up.”
When asked if there are people involved with the coalition who are representing those with homes still standing while rebuild efforts are ongoing, Zar confirmed that her home is standing, with several members of the coalition with still-standing homes adding in the chat that they have been participating.
“In the end, it’s going to be Palisadians standing here, continuing to rebuild this town,” Zar said. “ … I suggest you all engage. Please read the plan, send your input and start to think about what this really is going to look like.”
For more information, or to join a future meeting of the coalition, visit palirecovery.org.
When it comes to beginning the process to rebuild, two Marquez Knolls residents described the “significant financial stress” that is prohibiting them from moving forward—prompting them to write a seven-page letter that will be sent to public and private officials on behalf of families facing similar circumstances.
“Our letter clearly lays out all the reasons why we’re in distress, and includes concrete action steps for how the government and other organizations can provide relief,” Rachel Jonas said to the Palisadian-Post. “We’re collecting signatures from fellow Palisadians now to maximize the impact.”
In an initiative Jonas and her husband, Robert Fagnani, have named P.A.L.I.P.O.W.E.R.—which stands for Palisadians Advocating for Legislative Initiatives & Policies Offering Wildfire Emergency Relief—the letter laid out several of the things that put them in an “incredibly distressed financial situation” if they choose to rebuild. It is currently signed by 135 other households, from the Highlands to the Alphabet Streets, Castellammare and beyond.
“We love the Palisades and worked really hard to establish roots in Pacific Palisades,” Jonas said, noting the grief following the fire. Jonas said since putting the letter together, the response from community members has been “overwhelmingly positive,” that they know they’re “not alone” and “many people are facing the same concerns” that they are.
Jonas and Fagnani came to the Palisades from the East Coast, Jonas moving to the LA area in 2011 and Fagnani in 2013. They were living in Santa Monica when they had their first child and said they realized they needed more space.
They moved to the Palisades in December 2021, with the aspiration to “be here for a really long time.” They said they were “very fortunate to get the cheapest house on the block,” prioritizing “the future for [their] family and kids.” Jonas’ parents moved to the Palisades from New York around the same time, laying the groundwork for multi-generational roots in the community.
They noted the letter aims to represent “a group of young families,” many of which have “dual-working parents” who “made significant financial sacrifices to buy modest homes” in the Palisades.
“We are significantly underinsured,” the letter described. “ … Mortgage forbearance is insufficient … We are paying significantly high rents on top of our existing mortgage payments … Constructions costs are higher than ever … There is limited viability of a 110% rebuild cap … Those with ‘still standing’ homes are facing unique hardships.”
Fagnani said that when he and Jonas had conversations with neighbors and young families in the community, they “clearly saw that everyone that has signed the letter were having the exact same concerns.”
The letter said the “situation is unsustainable,” that those who have signed have “pursued every available grant, sought community support and explored all options for assistance.”
“Yet, without meaningful intervention, rebuilding our homes in the Palisades is simply not a responsible or feasible path forward for many of us,” according to the letter. “We urge local, state and federal leaders to enact the following measures to provide targeted relief to impacted families facing the financial stresses noted above. These actions are critical to preventing the mass displacement of families from the Palisades.”
Among the requests for financial relief includes mortgage relief (including extending forbearance periods to “align with actual rebuild timelines”), temporary housing assistance, property tax adjustments, permit fee waivers and insurance reform.
When it comes to environmental and safety measures, the letter requested to “accelerate the remediation of water and soil contamination,” as well asimplement “fire prevention and safety improvements.”
They have also requested private sector engagement, which they described as playing “a critical role in accelerating recovery efforts.”
“We urge businesses, philanthropic organizations and industry leaders to step up with targeted support that alleviates financial burdens and expedites rebuilding,” read the letter.
Toward the end of the letter, P.A.L.I.P.O.W.E.R. noted that those who signed it “do not have the luxury to ‘wait and see,’” as they have “sizable mortgages to service,” and “every month that passes without a solution” continues to “drain … financial resources” and push “further into an unsustainable position.”
“We once believed we were the future of the Palisades—a generation of young families eager to grow, contribute and build a strong, vibrant community,” the letter concluded. “Now, we face the devastating reality that we may have no alternative except to leave the place we love. Without urgent action, the Palisades risks losing not only its young families but also the diversity, energy and sense of community that make it so special. We have invested our lives here. Now, we ask you to invest in us.”
Fagnani and Jonas shared plans of sending the letter to the offices of Councilmember Traci Park, Mayor Karen Bass, Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, Steadfast LA and others.
To read the letter in its entirety, visit palipower.org.
Los Angeles County Assessor Jeff Prang and City Councilmember Traci Park are partnering to host an in-person Westside Disaster Relief Resource Fair on Sunday, April 27, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The fair will focus on “disaster relief programs” that are available to those impacted by both the Palisades and Eaton fires. It will give property owners “a chance to receive direct updates” from Prang and Park, as well as “subject-matter experts” from county and city departments about property tax and “other vital services.”
“This free, public event is designed to connect homeowners with county and city services, and provide guidance on property tax relief options, including Misfortune and Calamity claims for properties affected by natural disasters,” read information about the event. “Attendees will also receive information about navigating property ownership issues.”
The fair will take place at Los Angeles Airport Police Facility, located at 9160 Loyola Boulevard. For more information or to register to attend, visit assessor.lacounty.gov/events.
Los Angeles Police Department Senior Lead Officer for Pacific Palisades Brian Espin sent the following update, along with a crime map, on Thursday, April 10: “On the map you will see one potential burglary. The detectives working with the residents have not determined if this was a true burglary as nothing was documented as being taken from the residence and there were no obvious signs of forced entry. We have been on the lookout for trespassers getting into the area. Many encountered have been look-y-loos trying to see the area. Due to the large number of people flooding into the Palisades it is very difficult to stop every single person working to clean-up and rebuild our community. I ask everyone that is in the area or have security cameras to remain vigilant and call the police if you see criminal activity occurring.”
Burglary
720 Palisades Drive, April 2 at 4 p.m. Witness stated they heard noises coming from vacant home. Officers arrived and observed screen door off track and clothes laid out on a bed. No victim to confirm 459 [burglary]. Residence has been vacant since the fires.
Provided by LAPD Senior Lead Officer Brian Espin. In case of emergency, call 911. To report a non-emergency, call 877-275-5273.
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