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Public Health Reports Preliminary Results of Soil Sample Testing in Palisades Fire Area

By
Lily Tinoco
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Courtesy of Public Health/Roux

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

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.

For more information or to find testing locations, visit ph.lacounty.gov/wildfires.

Public-Private Partnership Set to Rebuild Palisades Recreation Center After Fire Damage

By
Lily Tinoco
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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.

Palisades Recovery Coalition Presents Draft Plan at PPCC Meeting

By
Sarah Shmerling
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Logo courtesy of Palisades Recovery Coalition

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

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.

Marquez Knolls Residents Describe ‘Significant Financial Stress’ of Rebuilding, Pen Letter to Request Relief From Officials

By
Sarah Shmerling
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Courtesy of P.A.L.I.P.O.W.E.R.

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

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 as  implement “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.

County Assessor, City Councilmember to Host Westside Disaster Relief Resource Fair

By
Sarah Shmerling
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Courtesy of LA County Assessor

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.

—SARAH SHMERLING

Crime Report

By
the Palisadian-Post
-

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.

Chamber Music Palisades Season Continues

By
Sarah Shmerling
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Courtesy of Chamber Music Palisades

Chamber Music Palisades will continue its 28th season of concerts on Wednesday, April 30, at First United Methodist Church of Santa Monica with an “evening of French composers.”

“Our talented performers are Bernadene Blaha and Kevin Fitz-Gerald returning again this year for a spectacular four-hand piano performance, Jonathan Davis (San Diego and Pacific symphonies) on oboe, Judith Farmer (Los Angeles Opera) on bassoon, Sergio Coelho (Long Beach Symphony) on clarinet, Amy Jo Rhine (Los Angeles Philharmonic) on horn, and Susan Greenberg (formerly LA Chamber Orchestra and now Santa Monica Symphony), flutist and co-founder/artistic director of Chamber Music Palisades,” read the program.

The program will feature works by Jacques Ibert, Maurice Ravel, Camille Saint-Saëns and Francis Poulenc, as well as a world premiere by American composer Adrienne Albert titled “Cross Talk,” Gustav Holst’s “Jupiter” from “The Planets” and Sergei Rachmaninoff’s “Six Pieces.”

Tickets for the concert are $35, or free for students with current ID. The concert will begin at 8 p.m. at 1008 11th Street in Santa Monica. For more information, visit cmpalisades.org.

—SARAH SHMERLING

‘Jimmy Dunne Says’

By
the Palisadian-Post
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The Palisadian-Post presents an homage to Will Rogers’ column, “Will Rogers Says,” with a column by Palisadian Jimmy Dunne—on life in the “greatest town in America.”

Routines

When we run into our buddies and old neighbors reminiscing our days before the fire, we talk about the places we miss. Certain comfortable restaurants. Stores.

Things like that.

I think what we’re really saying is that we miss something else.

Our routine.

Our wonderful “habits” in life. Before the fire, those routines that just kind of happened every day.

Before the fire, maybe it was waking up in that bed that was just the right size and feel, and rolling over and giving your better half a little peck on the top of their head—to say it sure is nice waking up knowing you’re right there.

Maybe it was making a cup of coffee just the way you like it, and taking your pup for a quick hello to the morning sun and the neighbor’s choir of birds—on that always wonderfully-the-same stroll down your block.

Maybe it was the best, most beautiful sound in the world; that creaky back door opening when your kids came home after school.

Leslie Wilson, one of the sweetest peas on the planet earth, reminisced about stopping at the bakery at Gelson’s, always asking Daniela if there were any fresh cookies in the back for her grandson—with the creamy icing. I can just picture Leslie’s smiling face standing at that counter.

That little, everyday moment that had so little to do with cookies, and so much to do with a tender reminder about how gentle, and caring and comfortable her town was, and how happy she was to be right where she was.

Our everyday routine.

We’re missing that.

And, in missing those moments, it’s made us realize how much we loved our town. Our neighborhood. Our friends. Our lives.

I’ve talked to so many folks, of every age, that miss going to the bocce courts in Veterans Gardens in the park at sunset once a week, putting on their fantastically tacky team’s bocce “uniform” and laughing away the day with great pals on their team. How the winning or losing meant so little, and how being with buddies meant the world.

How they not only can’t get together with their team right now at the park, but that they lost their uniform and everything else under the sun that night in the fire.

Routines.

———–

One of my favorite actors, Popeye, always found a can a spinach to go into the battle of the day. Maybe our “spinach” is right there in front of us. Finding the joy and comfort in our new routines.

As we’re putting one foot in front of the other, we’re pushing ourselves to be “comfortable with being uncomfortable.”

And, sure enough, beautiful things are happening.

Just like seeds in a garden, new routines are starting to bud.

And we’re finding, in the quiet of the day, those buds are so lovely, and so uniquely us.

And this liminal chapter in our life is sprouting flowers we never, ever expected.

One thing we’re finding we all share in common.

How we’ve been touched by so many people’s extraordinary, unexpected gifts of kindness and selflessness.

Just the “water” we’re so thirsty for right now—showering us with a love that inspires us to see a bigger picture. That promise ahead.

And maybe, just maybe, when we look back in a handful of years, when we remember these days, maybe we won’t remember the moving, the apartments, and all of that.

Maybe we’ll remember our comforting routines in these days. That blanket us. That give us confidence. And hope.

The ones, unknowingly, that are taking a little more shape every single day.

Ones that wondrously remind us how blessed our rich journey is.

Jimmy Dunne is a modern-day Renaissance Man; a hit songwriter (28 million hit records), screenwriter/producer of hit television series, award-winning author, an entrepreneur—and a Palisadian “Citizen of the Year.” You can reach him at j@jimmydunne.com or jimmydunne.substack.com.

Allied Artists to Participate in King Gillette Ranch Exhibit and Sale

By
Sarah Shmerling
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Photo courtesy of Allied Artists

Allied Artists of the Santa Monica Mountains and Seashore will participate in the 12th annual Art Exhibit and Sale on Sunday, May 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas.

“Please join us for a day of art in this beautiful outdoor location,” Allied Artists Board of Directors President Barbara Freund said. “Meet the artists, see paintings of your favorite local areas, share stories and enjoy refreshments.”

Participating artists include Freund, Sherri Ruzicka, Donna Goldstein, Inchol Kim and Ruth Askren. A portion of sales will be donated to nature conservancies.

The event will take place at the Santa Monica Mountains Interagency Visitor Center in King Gillette Ranch, which is located at 26876 Mulholland Highway.

For more information, visit allied-artists.com.

—SARAH SHMERLING

Your Two Cents’ Worth

By
the Palisadian-Post
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Dreams

Dreams don’t work … unless we do. Palisades Strong!

California

After 45 years in the Palisades I moved to Florida. I missed the fire by months but otherwise California here I come, so much better there!!

Congratulations

Congratulations to Resilient Palisades for being honored as a California Nonprofit of the Year. Throughout the fire, despite its own members being displaced, they have continued to post and advocate for the community. Consider following along.

Eggstravaganza

There is so much we are all missing about the Palisades, but one thing I thought about this weekend was what would have been Eggstravaganza at the park. Missing that fun tradition and seeing the bunny arrive in style on a firetruck.

Got something to say? Call 310-454-1321 or email 2cents@palipost.com and get those kudos or concerns off your chest. Names will not be used.

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