Congratulations to all the grads—Upwards and onwards! The world is yours!
Students
As the end of the school year approaches and there are end of the year graduations and recitals and performances, it really is amazing to see the resilience of our students after a really hard five months.
Getty Villa
It was nice to read that the Getty Villa will be reopening. I look forward to planning a visit.
Teacher
In response to the “Keeping Traditions Going” story in the May 22 edition: Ms. Arevalo is a real treasure.
Paul Revere
Congratulations to all of the winners of the annual Paul Revere film festival. I am sorry to have missed the screenings, it sounds like a really great group of work was included this year.
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.
The following update was sent from Los Angeles Police Department Senior Lead Officer for Pacific Palisades Brian Espin on Wednesday, May 28.
I wanted to clarify some information that I believe has been miscommunicated throughout the neighborhood.
1. There appears to be information being passed around through several social media platforms that the Trespass Authorization forms are an absolute must for all properties. For private residences, the trespass authorization form is an extra tool. It is not a requirement to make a trespass arrest.
If officers are driving around and see suspicious activity, or somebody on property they believe is up to no good, the officers can stop the individual(s) and still conduct an investigation and/or arrest if there is probable cause without the form. The form additionally allows officers to make an arrest under the 41.24 LAMC without the property owner or agent of on premises.
The trespass signs are also an additional tool as a warning for trespassing. For residences that are still standing, signs are not required (due to the expectation of privacy) but, like the form, it is an extra tool. The forms are kept at the front desk in order for officers to call in or check for themselves.
2. As for the maps of the checkpoints, I reached out to the Incident Management Team at Will Rogers Command Post. The incident commander did not want to release the current map of the checkpoint locations and/or the locations of the license plate reader cameras due to operational security. They did not want the locations to be inadvertently disseminated through social media where people outside the Palisades may attempt to evade the checkpoints and cameras to get into the area.
3.You might have noticed some new security companies roaming around the Palisades. These companies have been contracted by the city to provide additional support for LAPD in keeping the area safe. Below is a summary of their expectations. There have been reports of security guards who have been privately contracted in this same area, telling our (contracted) guards to go away or following them around. The deployment of the city contract security guards is intended to be a supplement, not competition or solicit business.
The security guard staff are to be armed, in marked vehicles, patrolling specified sectors. During these patrols, they are to be highly visible and to report suspicious activity. A security supervisor is issued an LAPD radio direct to the Command Post for faster transmission of information. The below is the security company and their specified operational hours.
Watch Schedule:
A.GSG (security): 6:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
B. Allied Universal: 2:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
C. Absolute (security): 11:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.
Provided by LAPD Senior Lead Officer Brian Espin. In case of emergency, call 911. To report a non-emergency, call 877-275-5273.
Just 10 days after losing his Highlands home in the Palisades fire, Dr. Damon Raskin was helping patients out of an office in Santa Monica. Now, the doctor has returned to his Palisades office, seeing patients full-time from his Sunset Boulevard space.
“I was actually working in my office on that Tuesday,” Raskin said of the day the fire started. “We had just come back from a beautiful Christmas vacation with my two kids the day before.”
Students at Palisades Charter High School and Berkeley, Raskin’s kids were still on winter break the day of the fire, so they were at the Highlands home. He and his wife, who both work at the office, were at work.
After taking a couple of weeks off, Raskin said he was very busy that day, catching up and focused on seeing patients. He was looking for his wife at the office when someone told him she went up to go check on the fire.
She then called, describing to Raskin not being permitted to go up Palisades Drive to get to the house. They talked to their kids, told them to bring the dogs and “just get out.”
With fire on either side of Palisades Drive, Raskin said their kids were “really stuck and traumatized,” but they eventually made it out and evacuated to a friend’s house in the Riviera. When the fire started to head that direction, the were forced to relocate to a hotel in Santa Monica.
They found out the next day that their house had burned down.
“Seeing the house for the first time with all the dirt and rubble and the twisted metal, we really were not able to get anything out,” Raskin said. “My daughter just got our passports and the dogs and that was it … our whole block was decimated, all but one house on our block.”
While processing his own shock, Raskin said he started to get “call after call after call, non-stop” from patients who had lost their medicines in the fire.
“They all wanted their medicines replaced,” Raskin said, “I had no office, I had no staff … I did my best to replace everyone’s medicines.”
Then, through his practice, Raskin—an internal medicine practitioner, specializing in preventive medicine and rehabilitation—was able to find a temporary place to live and work: One patient was going to list their Santa Monica home for rent soon, allowing Raskin to rent it “very reasonably priced,” and then Dr. Bob Baravarian opened up his “big office” to allow Raskin and his staff to see patients at his Santa Monica space a few days per week.
“We couldn’t do all the normal things we did, but we were able to at least see patients and [do] refills and checkups,” Raskin described. “When patients had urgent needs, we were able to get them taken care of and that was a blessing.”
Then on Tuesday, May 27—nearly five months after the start of the Palisades fire—Raskin was able to return to his Palisades office at 17383 Sunset Boulevard in Suite B280. The office is “totally cleaned and fresh smelling,” Raskin described, and some things had to be replaced.
“It’s so nice because patients, when they come in here, they smile, they tell me, ‘Welcome home,’” Raskin said of reopening. “It’s really nice and touching and special that I’m able to be back in a community where people have all lost so much and we’ve all lost our town, but I’m able to be able to be there for them like I was before.”
To reach Raskin’s office, call 310-459-4333. They are open Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m.
Palisades Auxiliary Unit 283 places flags at Village Green. Photo by Eileen Carry
Post 283 Hosts Remembrance Ceremony, Continues to Serve as Wildfire Community Support Center
By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
Dozens of community members gathered at American Legion Ronald Reagan – Palisades Post 283 on Memorial Day for a remembrance ceremony followed by lunch.
“Remembering our brave heroes,” Post 283 wrote of the event. “Gone, but not forgotten.”
The May 26 program began with opening remarks by Post 283 Commander Joe Ramirez, followed by a prayer by Chaplain ST Williams. Ramirez then led a flag salute and recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
Next was a flag raising with Ramirez and Bill Walker, followed by a reading of the Gettysburg Address. Remarks were delivered from a representative of Congressmember Brad Sherman’s office, as well as Hank Elder.
Diane Elder then led the group by singing the national anthem, followed by a closing prayer delivered by Williams, with Ramirez ending the program.
The group then followed a bagpipe processional from outside Post 283 to Veterans Gardens at Palisades Recreation Center, where those who attended were invited to place red poppies on flags to honor those who died while serving in the U.S. military.
Photo by Julia Nilsen
The group then walked back to Post 283 for lunch.
Ahead of Memorial Day, Palisades Auxiliary Unit 283 had placed flags on Palisades Village Green on Thursday, May 22.
Post 283, which underwent a five-day mitigation process and environmental testing following the Palisades fire, has served as a Wildfire Community Support Center since February 11.
“As the Pacific Palisades seeks to rebuild, we stand with our community during these challenging times,” the website read. “Post 283 is here to provide support, resources and information for those impacted by the devastating Palisades fire. Whether you need financial assistance, recovery guidance or a place to regroup, our doors are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday.”
Services that have been available at the site include insurance and legal advice; FEMA, SBA and Red Cross stations; mental health counselors and clergy; distribution of PPE, food and water; and shovels and sifters for residents to go through their properties.
Post 283 was also the title sponsor for the inaugural Military Veteran Entertainment Awards, which took place on Saturday, May 24, at the Beverly Wilshire.
“With over 600 attendees, the evening celebrated the creative contributions of military veterans and service members in film, television and digital media,” according to Post 283.
Caruso Confirms Plans to Reopen Development in 2026
By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
Luxury retailer Elyse Walker announced plans to build a flagship store in Palisades Village, which Caruso confirmed will reopen in 2026, during a press conference on Wednesday, May 28.
Walker lost her Antioch Street storefront in the Palisades fire, which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary.
“I opened the first elysewalker location in the Pacific Palisades because I saw the huge opportunity to bring fashion retail to the area,” Walker described. “I knew that I wanted a store to feel like a home base within the community. More than a store, it was where friends and family got together to connect, celebrate and of course, shop. elysewalker Pacific Palisades epitomized that.”
Walker wrote that announcing the reopening of the space in Palisades Village was a moment “filled with joy and anticipation,” but also “a deep sense of reflection.”
“Just five months ago, our beloved Palisades community faced unimaginable loss—and with it, we lost our flagship store, our second home, and the heart of our brand,” Walker said. “That store had just celebrated its 25th anniversary—a milestone made possible only by the love and loyalty of this community. Through it all, I’ve held onto my belief in the strength and spirit of the Palisades. I knew that, in time, we would begin to heal and rebuild—together. Today is that first step.”
Caruso Founder and Executive Chairman Rick Caruso and Caruso CEO Corinne Verdery also spoke during the press conference.
“When a retailer chooses to invest here, it is a powerful voice of confidence in a bright future,” Caruso said. “Both Elyse and I have a shared determination to bring back the Palisades better and stronger, ensuring this community remains a place where families flourish, businesses succeed and neighborhoods thrive.”
Walker is moving to a space at Swarthmore Avenue and Sunset Boulevard, which was previously occupied by Saint Laurent and, prior to that, Amazon Books.
Caruso and Walker have worked together previously: towne by elysewalker has been at Palisades Village since the development opened, and there is an elysewalker location at The Commons at Calabasas, which is also owned by Caruso.
She also has storefronts in Southhampton, St. Helena, Tribeca, Upper East Side and Newport Beach. Each location offers a “highly curated perspective,” combining “heritage brands with new and emerging designers.”
“Re-opening in the Palisades and moving to the Village is incredibly exciting and important as we focus our efforts on rebuilding and supporting this incredibly strong and resilient community,” Walker said. “We fully intend to recreate the elysewalker experience at the Village and cannot wait to be back in our beloved Palisades community.”
The target date to reopen the development is “early to mid-next year.”
“Today’s announcement reinforces our long-term commitment to the Palisades,” Verdery said on May 28. “Our goal is to restore Palisades Village and the surrounding area as a vibrant and welcoming destination once again for residents, workers and visitors—a place that reflects our community’s resilience and optimism for the future.”
In addition to the new flagship store, Caruso reported a “fresh new dining experience” would be announced soon, as well as the return of “beloved holiday traditions later this year”—“even as recovery and reconstruction efforts continue.” Since it opened in 2018, Palisades Village has been host to Hanukkah menorah and Christmas tree lighting ceremonies, both in The Park and on Swarthmore Avenue.
“This announcement marks not just the beginning of reconstruction but the rebirth of Pacific Palisades,” Caruso said. “Accelerated work is already underway on restoring public spaces, including The Park, with a commitment to bringing people back together.”
The development remained largely undamaged by the fire, aided by private firefighters, water tenders that were brought in and fire-resistant material used to build it. Caruso told ABC7’s Josh Haskell during an on-site interview on April 1 that they protected their property and “freed up LA fire resources to go protect other properties.” He also said they loaned equipment to first responders when needed.
“We’re very much a part of the community,” Caruso said to Haskell. “It was the smart decision to do.”
On the CAL FIRE Palisades Fire Damage Inspection Status map, the inspections of Palisades Village’s 40-plus units were broken up into nine sections: three of which sustained “no damage.” Five were listed as “affected,” meaning they were damaged 1-9%, while one received “minor” damage (10-25%).
Caruso also reported the company will fund the “revitalization of the streetscapes” around the development, including sidewalks and landscapes, to “ensure the area is safe and welcoming for all.”
“Through Steadfast LA, private funding is being raised to revitalize other public spaces that are central to the community, including the rebuilding of the Palisades Recreation Center, aimed at reviving the heart of the community, creating a vibrant space for families to gather,” read a statement about the work. “In Altadena, Steadfast LA is working with Disney to reimagine parks and streetscape areas, using both private funding and Caruso capital.”
The Palisadian-Post is welcoming several summer-time interns whose work with the paper will include covering area events and speaking with Palisadians, writing and editing, and helping proofread.
Audrey Smith Photo courtesy of Audrey Smith
Audrey Smith
My name is Audrey, and I am so excited to be an intern for the Palisadian-Post. It is hard to believe, but I started writing articles for the Post when I was just 10 years old and in fourth grade at Canyon Charter Elementary School.
Before the fire, I lived in Pacific Palisades for 14 years. I have moved six times in the last five months and cannot wait until I can go back to the Palisades.
I am a junior at Palisades Charter High School and was thrilled to go back to school in person in April. I miss the Pali High campus, though, and hope we can go back soon.
At Pali High, I am the managing editor of the school newspaper, The Tideline. I enjoy creating graphics for the paper and writing for a variety of sections (my favorite is satire). I am also a varsity cheerleader, president of the chess club, attorney on the varsity mock trial team and an LA Youth Ambassador.
This summer, along with interning at the Post, I will be honing my writing skills as a Medill Cherub and attending The School of The New York Times for photojournalism. Writing and photography are two of my favorite activities, and I look forward to the opportunity to combine them. I am currently taking AP photography, and have documented the destruction and rebuilding of the Palisades through photography.
As an intern, I hope I can, in some small measure, play a role in bringing back a sense of community. Though so many of us are currently living throughout the greater Los Angeles area, I believe that once a Palisadian, always a Palisadian.
Arden Seretean Photo courtesy of Arden Seretean
Arden Seretean
My name is Arden Seretean, and I have lived my entire life in the Palisades.
Initially, I resided near the Highlands, where I have fond memories of walking my dogs with the ocean breeze in my hair and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. I could hear the waves crashing, mingling with the sounds of traffic from the highway. My childhood was spent here, running around trick-or-treating on Halloween with a bag bigger than I was, soon weighed down by an abundance of candy.
During high school, I moved closer to the area now known as Palisades Village. Swarthmore Avenue was home to a farmers’ market held every Sunday, where the delightful aromas of fresh produce, flowers, handmade oils and bread filled the air. The presence of local artisans selling food, spices, jewelry and soups brought the Palisades community together, creating a warm scene.
On Fourth of July, I danced in the parade and later marched with dogs I had rescued from a Palisades dog shelter. The Palisades was my home, and home to my favorite restaurant, Pearl Dragon, which I affectionately called “the belly” due to the emerald Buddha that greeted customers at the door.
In my spare time, I captured life here with my camera. Journalism is not just about presenting facts; it’s about weaving compelling narratives. Through my documentation, I sought to achieve this. I photographed familial relationships at Palisades Recreation Center and created a documentary for my mom before heading off to college. All my passions—poetry, photography, filmmaking and dancing—center on storytelling, which is my main goal for the Palisadian-Post.
I love journalism because it allows me to preserve memories, which is important right now. I, too, lost my home in the fires, but I remind myself that my home was not merely the furniture that filled it or the windows that illuminated it. It was the memories that gave it life, and this understanding will guide me as I seek out the stories of the Palisades.
Daila Harinck Photo courtesy of Daila Harinck
Daila Harinck
“We’re moving to LA,” my parents announced with excitement one random Tuesday morning.
At just 8 years old, I didn’t share their enthusiasm. Within what seemed to be the blink of an eye, my entire world was turned upside down. Everything familiar—my clothes, my shoes, my toys—was packed into nine large suitcases and sent to the airport. I stood by the baggage claim, wide-eyed and uncertain, wondering, “How is this going to go?”
Soon, my sister and I were enrolled at Canyon Charter Elementary School. I hardly spoke a word of English, and American customs seemed foreign and confusing. Naturally, I expected the first day of fourth grade to be overwhelming. But rather, I was met with warmth.
My new classmates greeted me with curiosity, smiles and handshakes. At lunch, a kind girl named Kylie waved me over to sit with her and her friends when she noticed me nervously scanning the yard. Her gesture made a world of difference to 8-year-old me.
My teachers were equally kind—particularly Ms. Goldstein, who almost single-handedly taught me English and patiently helped me understand American government during history class.
From the very beginning, the Palisades community embraced me. Not once did I feel like I didn’t belong.
Over time, LA didn’t feel so unfamiliar. By the time I walked into Palisades Charter High School, I recognized the faces around me. As a rising senior, the school has provided—and continues to provide—me with opportunities I never could have imagined. From the sports teams to various clubs and classes, Pali High has been one of the most rewarding chapters of my life.
But the most striking aspect of the Palisades community has been its resilience and compassion. The fires swept through and devastated the neighborhoods, damaging homes and part of our school. Though my house was spared, I felt the heartbreak of classmates who weren’t as fortunate.
Yet in the face of adversity, the community came together. Clothing drives emerged, support networks were formed and GoFundMes were started.
Looking back, I am incredibly grateful to be part of such a strong and empathetic community that lifts others up in the face of obstacles.
Nissara Shah Photo courtesy of Nissara Shah
Nissara Shah
My name is Nissara Shah, and I am a rising sophomore at the Archer School for Girls.
While I haven’t lived in the Palisades, I’ve spent a lot of time there over the years. My mom worked in the area, and I often visited close friends who lived nearby.
I got to know the neighborhood by going to the farmers markets, walking around the village and spending time at the parks. This helped me become familiar with the area and gave me a better understanding of how connected the community is.
My interest in journalism began this year when I took an Intro to Journalism class at my school. That course opened my eyes to the impact journalism can have—not just as a form of writing, but as a way to amplify voices, tell important stories and inform the public.
I learned about the laws protecting press freedom, how to write in AP style and how to write various types of pieces, including news reports, op-eds, reviews, features and sports articles. I also learned how to collaborate with editors and use feedback to grow.
What stood out most was that journalism allows me to combine creativity with seeking truth and creating meaningful stories. Writing has always helped me explore ideas and understand the world around me, and this class showed me how it can also serve a greater purpose.
I’m most looking forward to working with the Post because it gives me the opportunity to take what I’ve learned and apply it in a real-world setting. I’m excited to gain hands-on experience, strengthen my reporting and interviewing skills, and contribute stories that reflect the Palisades community.
I’m also looking forward to learning from professionals in the field, being part of a new environment, and continuing to grow as a writer and journalist.
By BETH GALANTY-BLANEY | Special to the Palisadian-Post
At Kids On Stage, we believe every child deserves a space to express themselves, be heard and—most importantly—have fun. Since 1987, we’ve been nurturing creativity, building confidence and helping young performers shine both on stage and off.
Our programs go far beyond memorizing lines and learning choreography. Whether your child is outgoing or on the shy side, our theater workshops are designed to meet kids where they are—through theater games, improvisation, brainstorming, storytelling and collaborative play. Every voice matters, every idea counts and every child leaves feeling empowered.
From musical theater productions to summer, winter and spring camps, private coaching and parties, Kids On Stage offers year-round opportunities for young people to explore their creativity. Our teaching artists are professional actors, educators and directors who know how to bring out the best in kids while making the experience joyful and inclusive.
Parents often tell us how surprised they are to see their actor grow in confidence, navigate transitions more easily or step into leadership roles—this is the magic of theater and the heart of Kids On Stage.
So whether your child dreams of Broadway or just wants to have fun, act out and make friends, KOS lets your actor take center stage.
For more information, follow us on Instagram @kidsonstagela or visit kidsonstage.com.
Pali High Principal Pam Magee with Valedictorian Annalisa Hurd (second from right) and Salutatorians Grace Hardy and Williams Schwartz Photo by Brooke Santos
By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor
The Palisades Charter High School annual Senior Awards Banquet took place on Thursday, May 29, at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica.
Organized by Pali High Director of College Advising Karen Ellis, the two-and-a-half-hour afternoon program opened with comments by Principal Dr. Pam Magee, who praised the Class of 2025 for showing bravery and resilience in the aftermath of the Palisades fire in January that caused significant damage to their school and community.
Annalisa Hurd was honored as valedictorian, Grace Hardy and Williams Schwartz as salutatorians, and Willa Browne, Davina Ephraim, Annika Johansson, Bailey No and Cloe Nourparvar as PCHS Ambassadors.
Recognized for their leadership roles in ASB were Charlie Speiser, Ava Friedman, Taylor Beljon-Regen, Jiwon Kim and Melanie Hernandez.
Receiving Booster Club Exceptional Visual and Performing Arts Awards were James Ball (Orchestra), Karina Chun (Visual Art), Ephraim (Dance), Tema Ferrene (Theater), Cyrus Hemmens (Choir), Jasper Hoegh-Guldberg (Filmmaker), Sophia Hoph (Tech Award), Johansson (Performance), Sloan Mayer (Ceramics), Jaron Paris (Writing), Madeleine Rothman and Ariel Port (Technical Theatre), Henry Sims (Photography), Ryan Vela Garcia (Visual Art), Avery Waxman-Lee (Band), and Jude Waxman Lee (Outstanding Film Award).
PTSA Community Service Scholarships went to Leena Adeli, Beljon-Regen, Ephraim, Arik Kraft and Shayan Naeim; Justice League for Excellence Awards went to Dalila Castillo-Gomez, Elijah Hamid, Jiwon Kim, Afoma-Kojo Onwaeze and Zyla McDowell.
Booster Club Suitcase Awards went to Vincent Lalonde, Ryan Lutz, Onwaeze, Itati Pelayo-Najar, Luis Ramirez and Casey Scaduto, and Booster Link Crew Leadership Awards went to Mitchel Ghotanian and Layla Johnese.
The Michele-Misetich-Friedlander Memorial Award was given to Sam Jacobson; the Pacific Palisades Historical Society Award was given to Zachary Shapiro; and the Dillon Henry Memorial Scholarship went to Beljon-Regen and Naeim.
The Resilient Palisades Environmental Advocate Award was shared by Brigitte Appelbaum, Ryan Carpenter, Kraft, Sienna Monnier and Daniella Traum; the M.A.T.H Award was presented to Logan Christopher and Brandon Lustgarten; the PCHS Community Service Scholarship went to Emily Kim; and the Woman’s Club Exceptional Young Women Award for Leadership went to Adeli, Beljon-Regen and Isabelle Kocher.
Receiving the Booster Club Environthon Award was Avery Waxman-Lee; the Booster Club DECA Award went to Theodore Brainard, Nicole Jamedor and Jada Michael; and the Booster Club Spec. Ed., Temescal award went to Amaris Diaz, Atlas Mancia and Luke Sunshine. The Anita Stephens Memorial Award Journalism Scholarship went to Lily Dair; Carpenter won the Booster Award for Foreign Languages; Lustgarten won the Physics Award; and Kiana Nikneshan, Abby Wallace and Ren Wohlschlegal won ACADEC Most Inspirational Competitor honors.
Hamid and Noelle Hardy won the Rose Gilbert Academic Promise Scholarship; Miranda Casas and Viktoriia Oberderfer won the Rose Gilbert Courage Award; Gianluca Martinez, McDowell, Ramirez and Bianca Tejada won First Generation Awards; Matin Fahangnia and Ella Kraynak won the Mama “G” Award for Excellence in English Literature; and Beljon-Regen won the Future Educator Award.
Hurd and Samantha Sonnett were National Merit Winners, and Piper Houghton and Jiwon Kim were recognized for having perfect attendance all four years.
Rebuild progress as of May 17 Photo by Sarah Shmerling
By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
The Rodeo Realty office in Pacific Palisades is aiming for a December 2025 reopening at 839 Via De La Paz after its rebuild is complete.
“We’re almost completely framed,” Syd Leibovitch told the Palisadian-Post on Wednesday, June 4. “We’re going to be completely framed probably Wednesday or Thursday of next week.”
Leibovitch—who has owned the building since 2013—described the rebuild process as “smooth.” They started work on May 1. The electrician, plumber and HVAC teams have begun their work, Leibovitch said: “So we’re moving along pretty quickly.”
He said working with the city, the permit process was “pretty good.” He said the “fees were expensive” but “less than they would have been normally,” estimating that he has paid about $30,000 for permits so far.
There might be a bit of a hold up, he added, because he said Los Angeles Department of Water and Power said it could take up to six months to get permitted electrical in the space. But when the building is open, he said it’s going to be “nicer” than it was before.
“It used to have a really cool deck,” Leibovitch explained, “but we took that deck out and we made a really neat pitch ceiling … so it’ll be a more modern look inside.”
With decades of experience in the real estate industry, Leibovitch founded Paramount Properties at the age of 25 in 1986—which evolved into Rodeo Realty. The company has since expanded to more than 1,200 agents across Los Angeles, Ventura and Orange counties.
Garnering several awards and recognitions in the industry, Leibovitch has sold more than 1,000 homes and supervised more than 150,000 real estate transactions.
Leibovitch lives in Beverly Hills, but has a home in the Highlands where his son lives with his wife and child, which is being remediated.
He detailed returning to the community the week of the Palisades fire, saying the first time he went up there “was really disturbing” because of the devastation. And though he is “sad” that rebuilding has been “going so slow,” there has been “tremendous progress in the last moth or so.”
“I was up there within a few days after the fire and it just was like total devastation,” Leibovitch said. “I’ve never seen anything like it, and I probably never will again.”
When the rebuild is complete, he said the Palisades is going to be “something we’ve never seen,” with 6,000-plus new homes in “the most pristine location.” In the meantime, he said as people move back, it will “repopulate pretty nicely.”
“We want to get back to serve the community and get the office open,” Leibovitch said of rebuilding. “I think the Palisades is a very special place, and I think it’s going to be better than ever, actually, when it gets all rebuilt.”
Complete concrete pour Photos courtesy of Cosmic Buildings
Initiative Launched to “Rapidly and Affordably” Construct Homes in the Aftermath of the Fire
By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor
In response to the Los Angeles fires, Cosmic Buildings has announced the launch of a robotic microfactory in Pacific Palisades—set to begin operations this summer.
Former Palisadian Kent Newmark, who grew up in the Huntington, works with Cosmic Buildings—a construction technology company that is “reimagining how homes are built,” especially after a disaster—and expressed his belief in the company and its mission.
“At Cosmic Buildings, our mission is to revolutionize the housing industry through developing groundbreaking technologies that enable us to deliver autonomous, fully sustainable homes 10 times faster and at half the cost of conventional methods,” according to Cosmic Buildings. “Our goal is to create homes that are good for the environment and good for us and our families—creating a cleaner and more sustainable infrastructure.”
Cosmic Buildings is deploying its first robotic microfactory to the Palisades to help “rapidly and affordably” construct homes in the aftermath of the January Palisades fire.
“[Cosmic] has always planned to deploy microfactories, but the fires really accelerated this process,” Newmark explained to the Palisadian-Post.
Rendering of a home exterior
Cosmic’s AI-enabled mobile microfactory will use ABB robotic workstations to fabricate structural panels, “eliminating one of construction’s most labor-intensive and error-prone steps,” according to a statement. “This process is 80% cheaper and 10 times faster than traditional methods.”
Each home will be built for climate resilience with “non-combustible materials, solar and battery systems for extended off-grid living, and water independence through greywater recycling and renewable water generation,” according to Cosmic.
“We’re not just building homes; we’re rebuilding the playbook,” Cosmic Founder and CEO Sasha Jokic said in a statement. “Our mobile microfactory is fast enough for disaster recovery, efficient enough to drastically lower costs and smart enough not to compromise on quality.”
Newmark said Cosmic is currently working with 30 families in the Palisades and Altadena—all at various stages—but is hoping to break ground on these projects “as soon as possible.”
“These are custom homes, and so you work with us to design the concept … and then we submit the permits, and our team prepares and submits the permitting package,” Newmark said about the process. “Then we get our mobile robotics to your site, build the wall panels, and at the same time, build the foundation, lay the foundation, then assemble the home from there. Then we hand over the keys to you … It really is an end to end, complete process.”
Newmark explained that the microfactory will stand as a temporary structure on a residential lot in the Marquez area. Newmark said it is expected to be operational in mid-July. The lot will also feature a showroom.
Palisadians will be invited to a launch event, currently slated for mid-July, where Cosmic will be demonstrating the robot.
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