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Why Aren’t More Sites Being Built and Lots Selling in the Palisades?

By
the Palisadian-Post
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By MICHAEL EDLEN | Special to the Palisadian-Post

Nearly a year after the wildfire destroyed more than 5,400 homes in Pacific Palisades, the pace of rebuilding remains far slower than many expected. Instead of hundreds of lots flooding the market and rapid new construction, the process has stalled at multiple points, leaving thousands of families in limbo.

Permits Slower Than Promised

In February and March, the city assured residents that building permits would be fast-tracked and approved within weeks. Officials anticipated a surge of applications and even brought in outside staff to handle the workload.

Yet by mid-September fewer than 400 permits had been fully approved—about 7% of the total vacant lots. While some progress has been made, the average wait for full plan approval is now closer to 70 days, as reported by Pali Builds, far longer than first promised. And yet, the volume of new applications is still relatively low.

A Surprisingly Balanced Market

Despite early predictions that more than 600 lots might be on the market by summer, the inventory has remained relatively steady. New listings have been offset by steady buyer demand, bringing what was once a 15-month supply of unsold lots down to about six months by mid-September.

Fewer than 200 lots are for sale and nearly the same have sold since January. In real estate terms, that’s a level considered relatively balanced between buyers and sellers.

Still, this balance masks deeper challenges: a rebuilding process slowed not only by permits but by financial, legal and emotional obstacles.

Insurance Delays: The Biggest Roadblock

The single greatest factor holding back recovery is the widespread gridlock in insurance settlements. The majority of property owners I have spoken to remain stuck in prolonged negotiations, despite having paid premiums for decades with the expectation of fair compensation in the event of disaster.

Although insurers did release partial payments and Alternative Living Expenses funds quickly, many owners were left with misleading information about expiration dates. Some went through $20,000 to $40,000 a month in rent, only to discover that ALE coverage could have been far longer.

Today, thousands remain uncertain about how much they will ultimately receive, leaving them unable to commit to architects or builders. The battle between insurance adjusters and the policy holders seems never-ending for thousands of people.

Emotional and Legal Challenges

Beyond financial setbacks, psychological trauma continues to weigh heavily. Most owners are still grieving the loss of homes, memories and community. Many have been advised by attorneys to delay any action until lawsuits are resolved. The result is widespread paralysis: people unwilling to sell, unable to rebuild and increasingly weary of temporary housing.

Families in Limbo

Some displaced families have relocated to the South Bay, San Fernando Valley or other areas while waiting for clarity. Months later, their children are in new schools and new roots are being established. Faced with diminished property values—down as much as 40 to 50%—and shifting family priorities, they question whether returning to the Palisades even makes sense.

Some residents report that their friends and neighbors have already decided not to rebuild. Few want to be the only family in their circle moving back, especially if completion may not happen until 2027 or later.

Investor Takeover Risk

The longer delays persist, the more vulnerable the community becomes to outside investors who are acquiring lots at discounted prices. While this will accelerate new construction, it reduces the likelihood that former residents will return, changing the fabric of the community for decades to come.

What Lies Ahead

Until insurance carriers resolve claims more fairly and efficiently, progress will remain slow. Each month of delay increases frustration, lowers property values and weakens the chance that families will return.

For now, what was once hoped to be a rapid wave of rebuilding has instead become a slow and uncertain recovery, shaped as much by legal and financial barriers as by the trauma of loss.

The Edlen Team has counseled hundreds of local property owners following the fire. Online updates regarding recovery and the real estate market are available at edlenteam.com. Contact them at team@edlenteam.com or 310-600-7422.

A Look at Palisades Real Estate Since the Fire

By
the Palisadian-Post
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By CHRISTINA WAGNER | The Edlen Team

As of September 30, 187 land parcels (aka lots) are currently available, ranging from $599,000 for a 4,567-square-foot lot on Palmera to $10,599,000 for a 14,534-square-foot lot on Via De Las Olas. Twenty-seven lots are in escrow and 230 lots have sold since January 7, ranging from $500,000 for a 7,503-square-foot lot on De Pauw to $5.6 million for a double parcel on Las Lomas. Additionally, at least 25 lots have sold off-market since January.

At the start of October, 66 single-family Palisades residences were listed in the Multiple Listing Service, ranging from a two-bedroom, three-bathroom home on Marquette asking $2.15 million to a seven-bedroom, 12-bathroom on Paseo Miramar asking $39 million (reduced from $54 million).

A total of 76 homes were sold in the Palisades in the first three quarters of 2025, ranging from a four-bedroom, three-bathroom on Akron, which sold for $1.4 million, to a five-bedroom, six-bathroom on Napoli Drive, which sold for $25.75 million. Median sale price was $4,144,000. There are currently 10 standing-home escrows open in the Palisades.

There are 22 condominiums/townhouses on the market as of October 1. They range from a two-bedroom, two-bathroom on Palisades Circle being offered at $1.05 million to a three-bedroom, three-bathroom on Palisades Drive for $2,295,000.

Five condos are in escrow and 11 have sold since the January 7 fire. They range from a two-bedroom, two-bathroom on Sunset, which sold for $575,000, to a three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom on Tramonto, which sold for $2.25 million. The median sales price for condos at the end of the third quarter of 2025 was $1,599,000, which is the same as it was at the end of the second quarter.

There are currently 82 available leases in the Palisades, starting at $3,150 per month for a one-bedroom, one-bathroom unit on Castellammare and asking as high as $125,000 per month for an eight-bedroom, 12-bathroom house on Amalfi Drive. There have been 82 Palisades leases done in the first three quarters of 2025, ranging from a two-bedroom, two-bathroom townhome on Antioch in the Village, which leased for $3,740 per month, to an eight-bedroom, 11-bathroom house on Casale in the Riviera, which leased for $95,000 per month.

The Edlen Team has been the
leading Pacific Palisades real estate team
for over 25 years and has been closely tracking all post-fire activity, as well as counseling property owners on various ways to navigate their next steps. They can be reached at: 310-220-9494 (Christina Wagner), 310-600-7422 (Michael Edlen) and 310-433-3124 (Tatiana Weiss).

Q&A: Greg Econn

By
the Palisadian-Post
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Greg Econn
Photo courtesy of Michelle Edgar

By MICHELLE EDGAR | Special to the Palisadian-Post

As Los Angeles continues its rebuild in fire-affected neighborhoods, one challenge remains: ensuring homeowners, developers and lenders are protected during the construction process.

I sat down with Greg Econn, chair of the insurance board at Steadfast LA and executive vice chairman of Venbrook Insurance Services, to discuss the latest on builder’s risk insurance, homeowner engagement and environmental compliance—offering insights for anyone navigating the complexities of rebuilding.

Econn has five decades of experience in insurance broking and is known for his industry knowledge in all facets of real estate coverage and construction insurance. He leads Venbrook Real Estate Practice, focusing on product innovation, market agility, customer service and strategic partnerships.

Edgar: Why is builder’s risk insurance so important for rebuilds?

Econn: Builder’s risk insurance is typically required for anyone using a construction loan to finance a new build or rebuild. The policy protects against risks during construction—including wildfires, water damage, theft, etc.—before a homeowner’s standard insurance takes over. Without it, both homeowners and banks face palpable exposures.

Edgar: Can you give an example of how this plays out?

Econn: Absolutely. Imagine a homeowner with a $2 million loan on a property where the land is valued at $3 million. If their house is lost and they start rebuilding without builder’s risk insurance, they take a serious and unnecessary risk. This not only leaves the homeowner economically vulnerable but also jeopardizes the bank collateral.

Edgar: How about the policies on the market—are they sufficient?

Econn: That’s a key point and a complicated answer. Policies vary widely both in terms of price and coverage. Cheaper options may exclude wildfire, flood, water damage, theft, etc. during construction. Homeowners and developers must review policy terms, not just price … you get what you pay for.

Edgar: Who else is involved in this rebuild effort?

Econn: We are informed that numerous builders and developers are developing multiple homes. For example, developers, including Thomas James Homes, Samara, PacQuest, etc., including numerous general contractors, are predicting costs of around $500-plus per square foot, depending on scale, amenities and specific locations.

Edgar: Beyond insurance, what other strategies are being implemented?

Econn: An Owner Controlled Insurance Program is being developed to cover liability for all parties, including a 10-year construction defect component after project completion. Being fire safe as a community effort, identifying home ignition zones and making the conditions of the neighboring homes and vegetation a part of the wildfire reduction effort and strengthening community connectedness. Additionally, we are working on data-driven safety frameworks, predictive analytics, including roof sprinklers (which are not currently required by permit).

Earth Analytics Group is a perfect example of addressing a loss before it occurs. Its predictive fire ignition modeling could be an invaluable tool to identify the most at-risk zones, prioritize brush-clearing activity, heat and wind detection monitors thereby providing automated alerts to the public (think schools and hospitals, for example) and even including private firefighting units, etc.

Edgar: Environmental compliance is another concern. What’s the status there?

Econn: Environmental soil testing is not mandatory under state, city and county guidelines. Banks rely on these standards, and contamination coverage is typically not included in homeowner policies. In some cases, a pollution policy may be required even if FEMA handled the debris removal. Legal teams are reviewing internal protocols to ensure compliance.

Edgar: Any urgent risks that homeowners should be aware of?

Econn: Yes. First, many homeowners haven’t yet secured builder’s risk insurance. Second, low-cost policies may leave homeowners exposed to major hazards.

Edgar: What’s the most important takeaway for homeowners and developers navigating this rebuild?

Econn: Don’t assume past insurance coverage is enough. Review terms carefully, secure builder’s risk insurance early and stay engaged with your developer or bank. This is about protecting your home, your investment and the broader community during a critical rebuild phase.

Greg Econn is executive vice chairman of Venbrook Insurance Services and a nationally recognized leader in real estate and construction insurance. At Venbrook, Econn leads the Real Estate Practice, developing innovative programs for property owners, developers and contractors. He also founded a real estate program called Real Estate America Property Association: reapa.org. Econn lectured for 30 years at UCLA’s Anderson School extension program and has made presentations to leading law firms, accounting firms and trade associations. He is also the Steadfast LA insurance chair, advancing insurance standards and supporting resilient rebuilding across
Los Angeles.

Karin Mae Plaskett Fintzy

By
the Palisadian-Post
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Karin Mae Plaskett Fintzy was born May 20, 1937, in St. Petersburg, Florida. She proudly called herself a Florida woman born and bred. As was typical of her, this was a bit of hyperbole. She actually spent some years with family in Minnesota as a youth, but we’ll give it to her.

She adored her younger brother Carl, although there was the one time she pretended to be kidnappers outside his window when he was very young. Carl was traumatized and her mother said, “You’d better not have ruined that boy.” (He was fine and grew into an amazing man, so perhaps the scare was good for him. Who can say.)

She received an English degree from the University of Florida and went on to Harvard/Radcliffe business administration graduate school.

She married Robert T. Fintzy in 1963. Surprising since she was late to their first date and he considered punctuality a moral imperative. On the other hand, she was very beautiful.

She worked at a management consulting firm until her children (Rachel and Katherine) were born. After the kids were less of a handful, she returned to school to get a UCLA’s landscape architecture degree and then worked as a landscape architect/designer and later as a Palisades Coldwell Banker Realtor. The family moved to Pacific Palisades in the late 1960s and she resided there for the rest of her life.

She loved reading, theatre, gardening and years ago could twirl a baton. (The amateur version of an EGOT perhaps.) In her later years she was very involved in the PLATO Society and was a docent at the Getty Center and Getty Villa for over 30 years.

She passed away at the end of September. She was loved by many and will be missed by all.

Stoppage Time

By
the Palisadian-Post
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Ali led Stanford to one NCAA semifinal and one final from 2006-09.

Soccer Star Ali Riley Announces She Will Retire at End of NWSL Season 

By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor

One of the hardest decisions every professional athlete has to make is when to retire. On September 30, Angel City FC captain Ali Riley announced she will be hanging up her cleats at the end of the season—and what an extraordinary career it has been for one of the most successful and beloved sports figures ever to hail from Pacific Palisades.     

Soccer has been Riley’s passion since she was a young girl growing up in the Alphabet Streets but a chronic nerve injury to her left leg sidelined her from the middle of the 2024 campaign until July 29 when the veteran defender was taken off the NWSL’s season-ending injury list.

“Because of the complicated nature of my injury, I didn’t think I’d ever return to the field,” Riley told the Palisadian-Post. “I went so many months without seeing any improvement that I’d begun to process the fact that my career was coming to an end. Returning to soccer has been one of my proudest accomplishments and I’m enjoying every moment with my teammates, but it’s not something I can physically sustain for another season. It’s important to me to be able to be healthy and active in my next chapter and I’m looking forward to spending more time with my husband and my parents.”

Five days before she and longtime boyfriend Lucas Nilsson were to be married in Ventura County, the Palisades Fire destroyed the house she was raised in by John Riley and Bev Lowe. 

“First and foremost, we’ll be rebuilding the Kagawa street house,” Riley said. “Lucas and I plan on staying in LA and hopefully starting a family. I’d love to stay involved in soccer through continuing the media work that I’m doing now.”

The international star, who turns 38 in three weeks, is now living in Canoga Park—not far from her favorite newspaper’s current office— and she had a message for all of her fans: “I can’t say thank you enough to everyone who has supported me and believed in me over the years. I feel so loved and celebrated right now. It’s really overwhelming! I’d like to be remembered as someone who gave it her all everyday. Someone who was intentional in her actions to make every environment better and used her platform to make a positive impact.”

Riley excelled in multiple sports at St. Matthew’s, played club soccer for Westside Breakers and SoCal United and earned All-CIF honors at Harvard-Westlake High, leading the Wolverines to the CIF Division 1 final her senior year. She went on to earn All-Pac-10 First-Team honors at Stanford and played one season with the hometown Pali Blues  before winning back-to-back WPS titles with FC Gold Pride and the Western New York Flash. A dual citizen of the USA and New Zealand (her dad is originally from Christchurch), Riley debuted with  the Football Ferns’ senior national team in 2007 and was named captain in 2017. She has played in five Women’s World Cups and four Summer Olympics in addition to her club career that has included stints with Rosengard (Sweden), Chelsea (England) and Bayern Munich (Germany).

Asked to name her proudest accomplishment on the pitch, she told the Post: “Winning the first-ever game for New Zealand at home in the opening match of the 2023 Women’s World Cup. A close second is Angel City’s inaugural match in 2022.”

Though she enjoyed spanning the globe playing the game she loves, Riley was ecstatic when she got traded to Angel City in January 2022 because it meant she could play on her home turf for the first time in more than a decade. Not surprisingly, given her positive attitude and ever-present smile, she became the face of the franchise, even appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live to promote the “Running with the Angels” music video. She started hosting an “Off the Ball” video series for Just Women’s Sports in 2021 and two years later published a cookbook titled “Girls Gone Veg” with a former teammate.

Through it all, she has never forgotten where she came from.

“I loved the Pali Rec Center—it’s where I’d climb trees and where my dad taught me how to ride a bike,” Riley recalled. “I did basketball, ballet, t-ball and tennis there. Until the fires it’s where I’d do my fitness and kick the ball around every offseason. My earliest memories of soccer are about picking the grass during games at Pali High, the park, Paul Revere or the polo fields, then eating at Greg’s Grill afterwards. Being a Palisadian meant I got to be a kid. I got to play in the driveway with my friends until dark. I could walk to the Village for Baskin-Robbins or froyo at Sparky’s. I ran races, walked in July 4 parades and roamed the Alphabets neighborhood on Halloween. Growing up in the Palisades makes me one of the luckiest people in the world.”

——- Click on any photo below to view slide show ——-

Comet Crashers

By
Steve Galluzzo
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Jack Thomas passed for 266 yards and two touchdowns Friday night at Westchester.
Photos by Steve Galluzzo

By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor

Having rallied from a 13-point halftime deficit to defeat Mary Star 35-28 in its nonleague finale one week before, the Palisades High varsity football team entered last Friday night’s Western League opener at Westchester full of confidence. After all, the Dolphins had prevailed in the last eight meetings between the schools and were heavily favored to extend that streak.

Demare Dezeurn scored three touchdowns, the second on an 83-yard kickoff return.

The Comets turned out to be a tougher opponent than expected, but in the end Palisades’ talent and speed proved to be too much in a 35-19 win that kept the Dolphins undefeated and on track for a City Section Open Division playoff berth.

The visitors were sloppy, committing eight penalties for 60 yards, and quarterback Jack Thomas threw his first two interceptions of the season, but he also tossed a pair of touchdown passes to wide receiver Demare Dezeurn, who added a third score on an 83-yard kickoff return.     Harrison Carter created separation on the scorebiard with touchdown runs of 10 and five yards in the fourth quarter and defensive back Maxwell Gayler’s interception at Palisades’ 5-yard line with under a minute remaining clinched the victory.

The Dolphins’ defense held the home team to six points in the final two quarters. Tavian Talbert and Jackson kaufman combined for seven pass deflections, Chean Flowers and James Tisdale each had eight tackles and a sack and Augie Evans assisted on 11 tackles.

Harrison Carter had scoring runs of 10 and five yards.

Dezeurn’s 76-yard touchdown catch produced the first points of the game late in the first quarter. His special teams magic tied the score midway through the second quarter and his 43-yard scoring grab (followed by the exra point kick by Carter Schwartz) put Palisades up by eight points just before halftime.

Through six games Dezeurn leads the team in catches (32), receiving yards (635), scoring catches (nine) and total touchdowns (11). Carter is averaging 5.0 yards per carry. Thomas has passed for 1,723 yards and 23 touchdowns. Westchester last beat Palisades in 2016, when those two schools and Venice finished in a three-way tie atop the standings.

Next up in the Dolphins’ quest to regain the league title is a trip Friday to reigning champion Venice (3-3, 1-0), which pulled out last year’s matchup 45-44 at Stadium by the Sea. Varsity kicks off at 7 p.m.

Chean Flowers had eight tackles, including a QB sack.

Myrow Hired to Head Pali High Baseball

By
Steve Galluzzo
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Former Notre Dame High and UCLA baseball player Jordan Myrow is the Dolphins’ new head coach.
Courtesy of Idaho Falls Chukars

A new era is dawning for the Palisades High baseball program and leading the transition is new head coach Jordan Myrow, who has Dolphin blood in his veins—his parents were prom king and queen as seniors at Palisades. His mother Tiffani was the varsity cheer captain and his father John played center field for the Dolphins’ 1989 squad that lost to Kennedy 4-3 in the City 4A final at Dodger Stadium under then coach Russ Howard. He went  on to attend UCLA and was drafted by the Colorado Rockies.       

While growing up in Culver City and Tarzana, Myrow played Little League at Ladera and Encino and he rollerbladed in the Palisades on weekends. He chose to attend Notre Dame High in Sherman Oaks, where he played outfield for four years and graduated in 2015. He playing one season at UCLA and two at Cal State LA.   

“My experience coaching at the high school level began while I was at UCLA when I did camps and clinics and I started coaching travel ball in 2021,” Myrow said. “I coached 9- to 18-year-olds, but was primarily with the 13-18us. I found it was easier to relate to them and pass down knowledge. That eventually opened the door to being the assistant varsity coach at Buckley, where I spent two years  before being hired at Pali.”

Myrow replaces Mike Voelkel who stepped down in July after 18 seasons and 316 victories.

“We have to pay to use fields that host different leagues, schools and activities,” Myrow said. “The high volume of activity limits our ability to buy, use and store necessary equipment like L-Screens and pitching machines… but none of that stops us from getting creative and doing what we need to.”

Myrow is thrilled to have the opportunity to pilot the Dolphins.

“I’d love to win ball games, but ultimately my goals are to develop these young men’s character and show them how to overcome the adversities they’ve been dealt,” he said. “I once was in their shoes, having a housefire of my own. Aside from that, these boys are going to learn how to fail but, more importantly, they’re going to learn how to bounce back from their failures and they’re going to have a lot of fun while doing it.”

Dolphins Duo First at Sage Hill

By
Steve Galluzzo
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The Palisades High girls tennis team has enjoyed great success in recent years at the Lightning Invitational in Newport Beach and that trend continued Sept. 27-28 as the Dolphins nearly swept the singles and doubles titles at Sage Hill High.

Players score points for their team in a round robin format and at the end of the two-day competition, Maria Kandinova found herself locked in a first-place duel against the No. 1 player from host Sage Hill. After dropping a marathon 11th game that went to seven deuces, Kandinova (a sophomore transfer from Village Christian) lost the pro set 8-4 to settle for second.

Anne Kelly
Photos by Steve Galluzzo
Nicole Nguyen

Meanwhile, three Pali High doubles duos advanced to the semifinals and in the championship match Anne Kelly paired with Nicole Nguyen to edge Dolphins teammates Anais Israels and Ella Engel, 8-6.

“Really good tennis!” assistant coach Rob Silvers said.

It was a repeat for Kelly and Nguyen, who captured the doubles crown as juniors last season when the Dolphins broke the tournament record by racking up a combined 236 points in singles and doubles.

On Sept. 20-21, the Dolphins traveled to San Diego for the Point Loma Invitational and placed 13th out of 16 schools, bouncing back from defeats to Canyon Crest and Peninsula to edge Los Osos (3-3, 7-6 in sets) and beat Redondo Union 5-1.

Arrest Made in Connection With Palisades Fire Start

By
Steve Galluzzo
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Photo courtesy Bill Essayli, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California
By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor
The U.S. Department of Justice announced Wednesday morning, October 8, that 29-year-old Jonathan Rinderknecht of Melbourne, Florida—a former Pacific Palisades resident—has been arrested on a federal complaint charging him with “maliciously starting what eventually became the Palisades fire of January 2025.”
“The complaint unsealed today charges the defendant with destruction of property by means of fire, a felony that carries a mandatory minimum five-year federal prison sentence and is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison,” Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said while addressing reporters at the Spring Street Courthouse in downtown Los Angeles. “The defendant was arrested yesterday [Tuesday, October 7] near his Florida residence and he is expected to make his initial appearance today in the federal court in Orlando, Florida.
Allegations are supported by digital evidence—including the defendant’s ChatGPT prompt of a dystopian painting showing in part a burning forest and a crowd fleeing from it.”
According to an affidavit filed with the complaint, law enforcement personnel determined the Palisades fire was a “holdover” fire—a continuation of the Lachman fire, which began early in the morning on New Year’s Day, January 1.
“Although firefighters quickly suppressed the Lachman fire, unbeknownst to anyone then the fire continued to smolder and burn underground within the root structure of the dense vegetation,” Essayli added. “On January 7, heavy winds caused the underground fire to surface and spread above ground in what then became known as the Palisades fire that caused widespread damage in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood.”
Rinderknecht, who does not have a criminal history, allegedly made false statements when interviewed by law enforcement January 24. He claimed he was near the bottom of a hiking trail when he first saw the Lachman fire and called 911, which contradicts geolocation data from his iPhone carrier that revealed he was standing in a clearing 30 feet from the fire as it intensified.
“He lied about where he was,” Essayli said. “The fire was ignited with an open flame. The suspect lived in the Palisades and was familiar with the neighborhood. This was arson.”
Kenny Cooper, special agent in charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Los Angeles Field Division, added: “The horrific loss of life and property was significantly felt by ATF members, and we’re honored to utilize our expertise to provide answers to this community. We remain committed to serving with integrity and distinction.”
The suspect, also known as Jon Rinder, was an Uber driver and had dropped passengers off in a residential area on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2024 (the fire was detected at 12:12 a.m. January 1).
“With clarity we know this was an incendiary fire and that the subject we arrested started it,” Cooper said. “We’re not making a probable cause arrest. We feel we’ve met the beyond a reasonable doubt standard and we’re confident that the burden of proof by the government on this presumed innocent person will be met at trial. I won’t speculate as to motive. People do evil things for whatever reason.”
Rinderknecht made his initial appearance Wednesday, October 8, in U.S. District Court in Orlando. No decision was mad, according to DOJ. A detention hearing for the defendant was scheduled for Thursday morning (6:45 a.m. PDT), October 9, in front of United States Magistrate Judge Nathan W. Hill.
Utilizing witness statements, video surveillance, cellphone data and detailed analysis of fire dynamics and patterns at the scene, law enforcement officers ascertained that the suspect purposely set the Lachman fire shortly after midnight on January 1 on land owned by the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, an organization that received federal funding. Six days later, the same fire—then known as the Palisades fire—burned federal property.
The affidavit detailed events starting late in the evening on December 31, 2024, when the suspect was working as an Uber driver. Two passengers whom he drove on separate trips between 10:15 and 11:15 p.m. that night later told law enforcement they remembered that the suspect appeared agitated and angry.
After dropping off a passenger in the Palisades, Rinderknecht—who once lived in that neighborhood—drove toward Skull Rock Trailhead, parked his car, attempted to contact a former friend and walked up the trail. He then used his iPhone to take videos at a nearby hilltop area and listened to a rap song—to which he had listened repeatedly in previous days—whose music video included things being lit on fire.
Twelve minutes after midnight environmental sensing platforms indicated the Lachman fire had begun. In the next five minutes, Rinderknecht called 911 several times but did not get through because his iPhone was out of cellphone range. When he finally connected, he was at the bottom of the hiking trail and reported the fire but by then a nearby resident had already informed the authorities about the fire.
Rinderknecht then fled in his car, passing fire engines driving in the opposite direction. He then turned around and followed the fire engines to the scene, driving at a high rate of speed. He walked up the same trail he had earlier that night to watch the fire and the firefighters. At approximately 1:02 a.m. he used his iPhone to take more videos of the scene.
In search of clues, in the last eight months hundreds of interviews have been conducted (including witnesses overseas), more than 200 leads pursued, 13,000 items of evidence collected, 500 scientific tests performed, 1.5 million phone records and data extractions checked, and hundreds of acres examined. After reviewing the evidence, Cooper said, it was determined that the Palisades fire was intentionally set near a view point along the Temescal Ridge Trail in Topanga State Park.
“A complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime,” DOJ wrote. “Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court. If convicted, Rinderknecht would face a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.”
ATF is continuing to investigate, with substantial assistance from the LAPD and the U.S. Forest Service. Assistant United States Attorneys Mark A. Williams, Matthew W. O’Brien, and Danbee C. Kim of the Environmental Crimes and Consumer Protection Section, and Assistant United States Attorney Laura A. Alexander of the Public Corruption and Civil Rights Section are prosecuting the case.
“I couldn’t be more proud—we had the best of the best working on it,” Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said. “Our detectives responded right away, we were relentless and that led to the arrest of this suspect.”

The Palisades fire, which began on January 7, reached 23,447 acres, according to CAL FIRE. It was active for 24 days—until it reached 100% containment on January 31. There are 12 confirmed civilian fatalities. The fire destroyed 6,837 structures and damaged 973 in Malibu and the Palisades.

“To every person who lost a loved one, a home or the place you built your life, please know that you are in my heart and thoughts given today’s news,” Supervisor Lindsey Horvath said. “Today’s arrest cannot erase the pain and unimaginable loss you have suffered but it is a step toward accountability. I am grateful to the public safety partners who worked tirelessly to bring us to this moment.”

California Governor Gavin Newsom released the following statement:

“Today’s arrest marks an important step toward uncovering the how the horrific Palisades fire began and bringing closure to thousands of Californians whose lives were upended. This tragedy will never be forgotten. Lives were lost, families torn apart and communities forever changed—and there must be accountability.

“We thank the U.S. Department of Justice and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for their thorough investigation into this fire and for confirming the indisputable facts on the ground. The state will continue to support this investigation and we look forward to the findings of the independent after-action report we’ve commissioned from the nation’s leading fire safety researchers.”

Editor’s note: A previous version of this story has been updated to reflect additional details. 

Week 6: Palisadian-Post Football Contest

By
Sarah Shmerling
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The annual Palisadian-Post Football Contest, giving readers a chance to predict upcoming game winners, is back in season.

“Every week, the Palisadian-Post will have a selection of NFL and college football games,” according to the contest rules. “Check the team you think will win each game. The person with the most correct picks wins. In the event there is a tie, the tie-breaker will be used to determine the winner.”

There is an online submission process, making it easier than ever to participate. Contestants can simply download or copy their entry form, fill in their picks, take a photo and email it back to footballcontest@palipost.com by the 5 p.m. Friday deadline. The contest runs through the end of the NFL regular season.

The deadline to enter for Week 6 is October 10 at 5 p.m. The entry form will be posted no later than Thursday each week on the Post website, Facebook and Instagram.

Only one entry per person per contest will be accepted. Winners will receive a $10 gift card by email from our new contest sponsor, The Yogurt Shoppe (located at 11726 Barrington Ct. in Brentwood Village). The Post thanks The Yogurt Shoppe for allowing us to continue this 30-year-old tradition.

Good luck to all participants and happy prognosticating!

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