Eight members of the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary of Pacific Palisades—Gina Jakel, Lynn Beveridge, Julia Winter, Pat Borgeson, Fran Aponte, Terri Webb, Arlene Vaillancourt and Lorraine Holt—placed flags on the Village Green in honor of September 11. They thanked Anawalt Palisades Hardware for providing spikes that made it “much easier to put the flags in the ground” after discovering they did not have immediate access to the spikes they normally use.
Photos courtesy of Eileen Carry
Palisades Beautiful hosted a tree planting event at the end of September, placing four new trees along Swarthmore Avenue near CVS to replace palms that were lost in the Palisades fire, shared Noah Martin, president of the organization. Over 30 volunteers participated in the event.
Photos courtesy of Noah Martin
Providence hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for two new locations of Saint John’s Physician Partners and The Doctors of Saint John’s Palisades primary care and pediatric clinics in Santa Monica. The clinics were previously located at 881 Alma Real Drive, which was lost in the Palisades fire.
“These new state-of-the-art facilities underscore Providence’s ongoing commitment to addressing the healthcare needs of both the Palisades and Santa Monica communities,” read a statement. “Each clinic is designed to provide comprehensive and compassionate care with a focus on enhancing patient well-being. Our team of dedicated physicians and caregivers are ready to welcome both new and returning patients, ensuring they receive the high-quality care that our community expects and deserves.”
Photos courtesy of John Dlugolecki Photography
Palisadian Jamie Lee Curtis joined Happy Trails for Kids to launch a fundraising campaign to renovate a 133-acre camp in Acton, where the nonprofit will provide “life-changing programs to Los Angeles County foster youth.”
Curtis spoke at this year’s “Taste of Camp: An Evening Under the Stars in Support of Children in Foster Care” at Fairmont Miramar Hotel in Santa Monica. This year’s event was emceed by ABC7 anchor and foster parent Jory Rand.
“For years, Happy Trails has been a place where foster youth can belong, build confidence and be themselves,” said Lindsay Elliott, executive director of Happy Trails for Kids. “Now, thanks to the incredible support of friends like Jory Rand and Jamie Lee Curtis, we’re expanding that vision to Acton, building a place of hope and healing that will last for generations.”
Pictured, from left: Joseph “McG” Nichol, Nancy Silverton and Rick Caruso Photo by Laura Grier
Caruso Announces the Return of Holiday-Time Events at Palisades Village
By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
As rebuilding efforts are underway across Pacific Palisades, Caruso announced several updates regarding Palisades Village, including the addition of new Italian American steakhouse concept Spacca Tutto and return of two holiday-time events.
Spacca Tutto is a partnership between James Beard Award-winning chef Nancy Silverton, Caruso and River Jetty Restaurant Group. Silverton is the co-owner of Mozza Restaurant Group, which includes eight locations around the world, with Michelin-starred Osteria Mozza, Pizzeria Mozza, Mozza2Go and chi SPACCA in Los Angeles.
“Los Angeles has such a strong community, and the restaurant industry has always been a big part of that,” Silverton said of the space, which is slated to open in August 2026. “I wanted to bring a new concept to the Westside, pulling inspiration from the Italian flavors that Angelenos know well, alongside some new dishes inspired by a classic American steakhouse. I’m honored to be a part of the future of the Palisades.”
The restaurant will draw from its chi SPACCA roots, according to a first look, while “embracing classic steakhouse heritage and everyday dining.” The menu is set to include a “robust” steak program, alongside “American classics.” It will be designed by “global award-winning interior design firm” AvroKO.
It will be open for lunch, dinner or drinks, with lighter fare, including salads, seafood and seasonal vegetable dishes, making it a “natural fit” for both “daytime meals and evening dining.” A bar menu will include “smaller bites.”
There will be a wine program with nearly 250 Italian and domestic labels available, as well as a “fast craft” cocktail menu.
“The name Spacca Tutto reflects resilience, creativity and courage—the same qualities driving the Palisades community to come roaring back in 2026,” said Rick Caruso, founder and executive chairman at Caruso.
In Italian, spacca tutto is used to say “go for it” or “give it your all.”
“With Nancy and River Jetty, we’re creating something bold and unmistakably Palisades,” Caruso continued. “The arrival of best-in-class restaurant partners is yet another signal that the Palisades has a bright and thriving future.”
Partners Joseph “McG” Nichol and Jordan Otterbein founded River Jetty Restaurant Group in Newport Beach in 2007. Its portfolio includes A Restaurant and A Market in Newport, CdM Restaurant in Corona del Mar and A PCH in Long Beach.
“At River Jetty, we pride ourselves on creating spaces that bring people together through exceptional food and genuine hospitality,” Nichol said. “We’re honored to partner with Nancy and the Caruso team on a concept that brings that shared passion to life and celebrates the Palisades community we’re so proud to join.”
The group is known for bringing “extensive expertise” and a “passion for creating exceptional dining experiences to each of its distinctive concepts.”
A rendering of the space Courtesy of AvroKO
Spacca Tutto will occupy a 3,500-square-foot space, adjacent to The Park. It will “anchor the heart of Palisades Village, serving as a focal point for the property.”
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 to 9%, while one received “minor” damage (10 to 25%).
While the development has remained closed since January, Caruso has detailed ongoing remediation efforts, bringing things like The Residences at Palisades Village “down to the studs.”
Caruso announced on Monday, November 3, holiday-time events that would be taking place at Palisades Village in 2025.
A Tree Lighting Celebration will take place at Palisades Village on Saturday, December 6, marking the “meaningful return of a beloved tradition,” giving the community a moment “to gather, reflect and celebrate the season together.” The tree was slated to arrive at Palisades Village on Wednesday, November 12.
Then, on the first night of Hanukkah, Caruso and Chabad of Pacific Palisades will partner to host a Menorah Lighting Ceremony on Sunday, December 14. Those who attend will “gather and honor the tradition of Hanukkah with music, treats and community spirit.”
“We are going to create the most spectacular unifying experience together,” Chabad Rabbi Zushe Cunin said to the Palisadian-Post. “The community has been through so much, we need to find ways to bring everyone together and celebrate.”
Exact timing and additional details regarding the holiday events was anticipated to be available in the coming weeks.
Additional changes underway at Palisades Village for when the development reopens include a flagship store for luxury retailer Elyse Walker, which was announced in May. Walker lost her Antioch Street storefront in the Palisades fire, which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary.
“Reopening 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 at the time. “We fully intend to recreate the elysewalker experience at the Village and cannot wait to be back in our beloved Palisades community.”
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.
“Palisades Village will reopen in 2026 as the vibrant, welcoming destination you remember,” Caruso wrote, “a reflection of our community’s strength, resilience and shared vision for the future.”
Following the Palisades fire, Caruso also launched Steadfast LA, which is supporting Palisades and Altadena through fire recovery efforts.
“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.
The Steadfast LA Small Business Initiative recently partnered with Banc of California to distribute its second round of 10 wildfire recovery grants. The program was seeded by Banc of California, which contributed $1 million through its Wildfire Relief & Recovery Fund, with Steadfast LA providing additional financial and operational support.
“As the largest independent bank based in Los Angeles, with deep ties to local communities, we see firsthand how much small businesses mean to the neighborhoods we serve,” said Jared Wolff, chairman and CEO of Banc of California. “By helping local entrepreneurs rebuild after these wildfires, we’re strengthening the foundation of the communities that make Los Angeles such a dynamic place to live and work.”
Up to $50,000 in grants were given to area small businesses, including Beach Side Café/Upstage Catering, The Palisades Dentists, Palisades Garden Café, Juicy Ladies, Pacific Palisades Veterinary Center, Vittorio’s and Knolls Pharmacy in the Palisades.
“Steadfast LA, in partnership with Banc of California, distributed a second round of small business recovery grants through its Small Business Initiative, awarding a total of $400,000 to 10 cornerstone businesses in Altadena, Malibu, Pasadena and the Pacific Palisades to help them reopen, restore jobs and bring a sense of normalcy back to their communities,” read information about the program. “When combined with the first round of grants, this initiative has now disbursed $525,000 in direct support to small businesses in these communities.”
Rummy Goodyear with Rick Caruso Photos courtesy of Dana Goodyear
By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor
Rummy Goodyear was only 14 years old when he lost his home in the Palisades fire on January 7. Yet, he was determined to help his community heal.
Seeking a way to channel his grief into something positive for his community and the entire city, the eighth-grader recruited his friends and peers to help make seed bombs, tiny balls of native wildflower seeds, clay and compost to share and spread in fire-ravaged neighborhoods.
“It’s a small ball formed from seeds, oil, clay and water,” Goodyear described. “It’s about the size of a meatball. You scatter it, give it a bit of water and it sprouts into a patch of flowers.”
In its first six months, the Seed Bomb Project has distributed more than 3,000 seed bombs to stakeholders from Altadena to Pacific Palisades, helping heal Los Angeles one wildflower at a time.
“Our mission is to share native wildflower seeds with fire-impacted communities as a way to heal our neighborhoods and ourselves,” Goodyear said. “We use special ‘fire-following’ species, like California poppies and bush sunflowers, which restore the ecosystem, detoxify the soil and make our neighborhoods more resilient in the face of future disasters.”
It has been a busy fall for Goodyear and his team: In September they handed out seed bombs to Altadena neighbors affected by the Eaton fire at the Aveson School of Leaders. On October 1, they gave away more seed bombs in Pasadena at the launch of TREEAMS, a program, spearheaded by Margarita Pagliai, head of school at Seven Arrows and founder of both Seven Arrows and Little Dolphins by the Sea preschool, to plant 5,000 native trees in LA County.
One week later, they met nonprofit and civic leaders at the fourth annual LA2050 Grantee Showcase, and launched a mapping project so they can track their impact around the Southland.
Seed Bomb Project set up a booth at Palisades Charter Elementary School’s annual Yee Haw Day on October 18 at Brentwood Elementary Science Magnet.
“We made 591 seed bombs and gave away 200 more,” Goodyear said. “It was awesome.”
On October 26, they joined Steadfast LA to plant hundreds of seed bombs along Sunset Boulevard, south of Palisades Village, from Monument to Hartzell. At that event they also introduced Steadfast LA Founder Rick Caruso to seed bombing with the help of Los Angeles Fire Department Station 69.
“We also saw the first shoots from the seed bombs we planted at our cleared lot in the Alphabet Streets,” Goodyear added. “It rained on a Tuesday and by Friday we had growth. We sincerely thank Eli Johnson and Nicole Gyarmathy from Johnson Tree Company for helping make our dream of turning cleared lots into wildflower meadows a reality.”
Seed Bomb Project has received fiscal sponsorship from Malibu-based Creative Visions Foundation so it can get tax-deductible donations that will allow it to grow. The Goodyears are looking for volunteers to help package seed bombs at a home in Santa Monica on November 30. To help, email rummy@theseedbombproject.com and write “11/30/25 volunteer” in the subject line.
“We’ll be giving seed bombs to fire-affected families at Home for the Holidays, an immense winter wonderland experience created by our friends at Your Next Door Neighbor,” Goodyear said. “We’ll also be running a seed bomb making workshop, so come get your hands dirty with us.”
On December 16, Seed Bomb Project members will be handing out seed bombs while demonstrating best practices for planting.
Anyone interested in turning their lot in the Alphabet Streets into a meadow should meet at the corner of Hartzell and Carey from 1 to 4 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own trowel.
Goodyear grew up in the Alphabet Streets, attending kindergarten at Seven Arrows and playing basketball and tennis at the Palisades Recreation Center. He hopes his project creates a visual symbol of hope and a literal site of renewal for area residents.
Visit theseedbombproject.com or instagram.com/theseedbombproject
to learn more.
A look at three of the Sitrick family homes before the Palisades fire Photo courtesy of Nancy Sitrick
After Losing Four Family Homes in the Palisades Fire, Mike Sitrick Helps Launch Rebuild Organization
By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
For Mike Sitrick—a Palisadian of more than 40 years—rebuilding the community is personal.
His family lost four homes in the Palisades fire: his home, the homes of two of his daughters, Sheri Sitrick in Marquez Knolls and Jewlz Fahn in the Alphabet Streets, and a rental property on Haverford (previously the home of his third daughter, who moved to Hawaii to teach).
“It’s a generational collective trauma here,” Sheri shared about the community since the fire. “It wasn’t just our homes, it was our hometown … to lose everything myself, and then my kids losing everything and my sister … I think seeing my parents really broke me the hardest. They’ve been married 56 years … it was our family home.”
Mike’s personal losses, as well as his longtime connection to architect and builder John Kilbane, inspired him to launch Save the Palisades.
“We care very much about the community and wanted to do something to help,” Mike described. “After the fire, a number of friends and friends of friends contacted my wife Nancy, my daughters, Julie and Sheri, and me and expressed concern about knowing what to do and how to do it and who to do it with.”
Kilbane has designed and built five houses for Mike and Nancy Sitrick, including their first Palisades residence in 1985, then their home on Via Cresta 10 years later, which they moved into in 1995 and had remodeled a few times. He also built Sheri and Fahn’s homes.
After the fire, Mike described asking Kilbane to come out of retirement to rebuild his daughters’ homes and also help additional Palisadians. Over the course of his 40-year career, Kilbane has worked on over 200 custom houses in Malibu and the Palisades.
“Slowly but surely, what we determined was we wanted to figure out how we could help people get back in their homes,” Kilbane said.
Photo courtesy of Jewlz Fahn
With partner Scott Watt, they set up Watt Palisades, which is devoted “solely to rebuilding homes in the Palisades for people that want to return.” Mike is a partner, and Scott’s daughter, Nadine, is also involved.
“I do know that for the people that want to go back, we just want to go back,” Fahn said, “even if there’s not an entire town yet, and it’ll be piece by piece.”
Kilbane said that a number of his clients lost homes in the fire in both the Palisades and Malibu. He described a “real strong connection” with his clients in both communities, developing “lifelong friendships with clients that you design and build homes for.” When it comes to the Sitrick family, Kilbane said he has watched Sheri and Fahn grow up.
“We’re rebuilding two of the Sitrick family homes right now, and it’s personal for everyone involved,” described Kevin Webb, who serves as president of Watt Palisades and director of construction. “The Sitricks’ story gets right to the heart of what Watt Palisades is about: helping longtime residents work through the mess of rebuilding after losing their homes.”
As of mid-October, they were under contract with between eight and 10 people, describing fielding “more interest” but “being very careful in terms of not over committing.”
“One of our mantras is: ‘Don’t over commit and underperform,” Kilbane said, “and we plan on holding up to that.”
When working with potential clients, Kilbane said they are not turning people away, but are evaluating their needs with “a whole bunch of criteria that determine whether or not we can accommodate” on a case by case basis.
“We have very good bandwidth—bench strength—with the subcontractor pool that we control,” Kilbane said. “So our ability to build houses is limitless, really, in terms of, as Kevin said, we could jump up to 30 or 40 houses without a problem … We want to do as much as we can. I mean, we’re not going to make a dent … if we stay small, so we plan on expanding in the months.”
Webb said that their role is to make sure the process is “as organized, as affordable and as predictable as possible.” This applies whether their client has a “tight budget” or is looking to replace their “high-end home.”
“We handle everything: insurance coordination, design, engineering, permitting and construction, all under one roof,” Webb said. “One team, one process, start to finish.”
The Watt Palisades rebuild process begins with initial consultation and site evaluation, including meeting with the homeowner to understand insurance coverage, timeline and goals.
Photo courtesy of Sheri Sitrick
Then they enter pre-construction and design, pairing families with an architect or one of their pre-engineered plans. This step also includes managing survey, engineering, energy compliance and city coordination.
When it comes to picking an architect, Kilbane noted the importance of research, as well as finding someone who can do the type of work that is being sought.
“It’s like any other important decision you make, you have to investigate the person that you’re considering, and that means getting referrals and talking to those referrals,” he said, later adding, “An architect becomes a very, very long-term partner in the process. And if you don’t get along with that person or you don’t feel like they communicate with you properly, it’s going to be difficult.”
Next in the process is budget and bidding, including providing “transparent cost breakdowns and allowances.”
“For most folks, if the approach is we just want to get a house, we can improve or make it better later,” Webb said of budgeting, “you can really be careful in your finishes, do standard finishes, standard flooring, and get in the house … then, as time goes by, you can upgrade or update.”
Construction then begins, with weekly updates, including photos, draw schedules and progress tracking.
“We handle inspections, utilities and coordination, so owners can focus on getting their lives back,” Webb said.
The final stage is close-out and move-in, which includes conducting a “full quality inspection and final walk-through,” delivering warranties, maintenance documents and occupancy certification.
When it comes to rebuilding in the Palisades, Kilbane cited concerns about the length of time for permits to get approved by the city, as well as infrastructure, like traffic control as construction ramps up. He also mentioned unknown timelines for other amenities to return, like additional grocery stores.
“That’s the part of the community that we as builders don’t have any control over,” Kilbane said. “We’re going to help everybody get their homes rebuilt, but the city and other people are going to have to see that those other needs are met.”
He said that once 500 or 1,000 homes are underway, it will be “something unlike anything anybody’s ever seen before.”
“The Palisades is a magical, special, special place,” Kilbane said. “I spent 40 years of my life going out there, building houses, meeting people, going to Mort’s, getting coffee … It was like a small town in a big city, and I want to see it get back to that.”
Patrick Simmons of The Doobie Brothers with signed guitar Photos by Craig Weston
By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor
The 2025 Backyard Concert took place at the Kaplan family home in the Riviera the evening of Friday, October 3, raising funds for Teen Cancer America and hospital partner, UCLA Health.
Hosted by director and comedian Judd Apatow, the event raised $6.2 million. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Sugar Ray Leonard shared on stage auction items they donated.
The bands that performed were The Who, Cheap Trick, Def Leppard, The Doobie Brothers, Peter Frampton, John Fogerty and special guest Eddie Vedder, lead singer of Pearl Jam.
Eddie Vedder and John Fogerty
“Eddie Vedder, who met our Play It Back Artist, Letty, at a previous Backyard Concert, surprised Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend with a giant check for the charities,” Teen Cancer America wrote in an event recap.
Live auction items included vacation packages from the Montage; ticket packets for the Rams, Lakers and Dodgers; a FlyHouse private air travel package; “A Day with Ray” Golfing with Hall of Fame boxer Leonard (former honorary mayor of Pacific Palisades); autographed guitars; as well as The Who tour memorabilia.
The five-hour concert marked the 10th in a series started in 2006 at the three-acre property of Jordan Kaplan, a third-generation Palisadian who went to Canyon Charter Elementary, Paul Revere Charter Middle and Palisades Charter High schools and is now CEO of Douglas Emmett, Inc.
“This event is led by TCA Board Members and supported by our Advisory Board, staff and TCA/UCLA volunteers,” TCA wrote. “Thank you to all who came out in support. Special thanks to Jordan Kaplan, Rebecca Rothstein and Becky Mancuso-Winding. You have made a difference for the young people we serve.”
Peter FramptonSugar Ray Leonard and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Ten months after the devastating wildfire, the path toward recovery remains uneven—yet hopeful signs are beginning to appear. While emotional and financial challenges continue to weigh heavily on most owners, the real estate market for vacant lots has started to show encouraging signs of growing confidence.
From Shock to Adjustment
In the first few months following the fire, uncertainty reigned. We all had a flood of questions about insurance coverage, rebuilding requirements, environmental safety, concerns about the state of our infrastructure, difficulties in grappling with politicians and how to begin again.
Many are still emotionally unprepared to make major decisions, while others have hoped for clear guidance from city and county agencies that has been slow to come.
By late spring, a few buyers—primarily local residents or investors familiar with the area—began exploring opportunities among the newly vacant parcels. Early lot sales reflected slightly discounted prices, but by the summer prices were often 45 to 50% below pre-fire values. This initial wave of transactions helped establish a baseline for what the market would bear under such extraordinary circumstances.
A Market Finding Its Footing
Now, as we are at the 10-month mark, activity levels in some neighborhoods have shifted noticeably. More buyers are coming forward, and the volume of lots going into escrow has increased each month. Many are recognizing that today’s prices could represent the low point in the cycle.
With roughly similar numbers of new listings and pending escrows in recent months, supply and demand have begun to balance, helping prices firm up. While average lot values remain well below 2024 levels, the steep downward trend appears to have leveled off. In some sections of the community, multiple offers have even re-emerged—something unthinkable just six months ago.
Why So Many Still Haven’t Rebuilt
Despite this modest rebound in the land market, the pace of rebuilding remains slow. Less than 10% of property owners have yet submitted full plans for new homes, and the number of completed permits is still relatively low.
Several factors are at play:
Insurance uncertainty: Most policyholders are still negotiating final settlements or dealing with shortfalls between coverage limits and actual rebuild costs. Many have been advised to take no action until legal settlements for losses have been made.
Construction costs: Even with an ample supply of contractors, total build costs remain far higher than most of us anticipated—often exceeding $800 per square foot for quality custom work.
Emotional fatigue: After losing a home and facing months of bureaucratic and logistical challenges, many people are simply not ready to start the process again. Some are families who now have established roots in other communities and are questioning returning to the Palisades.
For many of us, there’s a confidence that the community will stabilize in several years—and that once enough homes rise from the ashes, confidence and momentum will return.
The Role of New Buyers
Meanwhile, new types of participants have entered the local market. Some buyers are investors with construction expertise, confident that by building now they’ll gain a strong return in several years. Others are new investors, hopeful that they will be able to build a few homes here and earn a good profit. Others are families who see the community’s long-term appeal—its views, schools and location—and are willing to endure short-term inconvenience for the chance to live here.
This infusion of new energy is helping to jump-start the recovery. Every new foundation poured restores a bit more of visible hope to the community.
Looking Ahead
Realistically, full recovery will take years. Infrastructure repairs, permit delays and the ongoing insurance crisis in California all present real obstacles. Yet market psychology can shift quickly. Once people see tangible progress—driveways being poured, landscaping returning, neighbors moving back—confidence spreads.
It’s important to remember that communities hit by catastrophic fires elsewhere have gone through similar cycles: initial despair, deep value declines, tentative optimism and eventually a resurgence. Within several years, we can anticipate that the rebuilt neighborhoods will experience a steady increase in values, thanks to modern design, safer infrastructure and renewed community spirit as the local population grows once more.
A Time for Realistic Optimism
For property owners still deciding what to do, this may be a good moment to reassess options with clear eyes. If rebuilding feels overwhelming now, holding the lot may still be viable—the downward pressure on prices seems to have eased. If selling, it’s worth understanding that buyer confidence is improving and competition is slowly returning.
Above all, this remains our community—one that will deal with challenges on the path to recovery. As rebuilding continues, each new home and business becomes a symbol of resilience and a reminder that even after devastating loss, neighborhoods can rise stronger than before.
Michael Edlen has been a local resident for 50-plus years and has already begun rebuilding. He and his team are available for consultation about the options property owners or potential buyers are considering. You can reach them at 310-600-7422 or team@edlenteam.com.
Written by THE HOME GALLERY, a local Malibu-based home builder helping families rebuild after the fires.
Q: What are the first steps homeowners should take when starting their rebuild?
A: The first and most important step is to obtain a new property survey. This establishes your lot lines and identifies any shared or adjoining structures, such as retaining or garden walls, that may affect responsibility for repairs. Many homeowners discovered after the fires that elevation differences between lots can create unique challenges, so a clear survey helps prevent boundary and drainage disputes later on.
Next, it’s helpful to map out your original home’s footprint and layout. This allows you to determine whether you’d like to rebuild to the same size or take advantage of the 110% rule, which allows homes to be slightly larger under California’s fire rebuild guidelines.
Finally, before committing to a custom design, it’s wise to gather preliminary cost estimates. Rebuild pricing can vary widely depending on materials, foundation type and construction method. Understanding realistic cost ranges early can help homeowners plan with confidence and avoid surprises down the road.
Q: How long is it currently taking to get a rebuild permit approved?
A: Once a complete submittal package is prepared—including your survey, soils report (if required), floor plans and elevations—homeowners are generally seeing permit approvals within two to four months.
Timelines vary depending on the complexity of the property and the type of construction chosen. Homes that stay within existing footprints or use previously approved plans often move faster, while hillside lots or expanded designs can take longer due to added reviews for drainage, grading or environmental factors.
Overall, local agencies have made meaningful progress in streamlining the rebuild process, and many families are finding that once their plans are complete, approvals are moving at a steady pace.
Q: Are homeowners rebuilding their original floor plans or redesigning entirely new layouts?
A: It’s a mix of both. Many families choose to rebuild the homes they lost, maintaining the same layout and feel that made those spaces special. For others, the rebuild process becomes an opportunity to reimagine their home—modernizing interiors, improving flow or adapting designs to today’s needs.
A key factor is whether the homeowner stays within the 110% size threshold allowed under the fire rebuild program. Rebuilding within that limit typically qualifies as a “like-for-like” replacement, which speeds up permitting. Going significantly larger or changing the structure’s footprint often requires a new construction permit, along with additional reviews such as drainage and grading compliance.
Whichever path homeowners take, the process represents more than just construction—it’s a chance to rebuild stronger, safer and with renewed optimism for the future.
Have questions about your project? Reach out to THE HOME GALLERY to discuss your project or get answers to any rebuild questions. THE HOME GALLERY provides free site plans, floor plans, elevations and estimates: thehomegallery.com or 1-800-444-HOME.
Left: Libero Karys Campos bumps against Sierra Canyon. Photo: Steve Galluzzo
The Marymount High volleyball squad nearly pulled off an upset of top-seeded Sierra Canyon in the Southen Section Division 1 semifinals November 1 in Chatsworth but ultimately fell 15-9 in the fifth set.
Defensive specialists Karys Campos, Declan Eastman and Gabrielle Bartle (a transfer from Palisades) all lost their homes in the Palisades Fire, as did head coach Cari Klein, but through it all they have endured and with the section playoffs in the rear view mirror they turned their attention to the Southern California Regionals. The Sailors were awarded the No. 5 seed in the eight-team Open Division when brackets were released Sunday. They traveled south to No. 4 Cathedral Catholic, the San Diego Section Open Division finalist) yesterday determined to prevail and advance to the semifinals Saturday and a potential rematch with Sierra Canyon.
Now in her 28th season, Klein passed the 700-win plateau in August and has guided the Sailors to eight regional crowns.
Right: Zach Cohen was second in the varsity race at Pierce. Photo: Steve Galluzzo
The City Section cross country championships are set for next Thursday in Elysian Park and Palisades High has a chance to sweep the boys and girls Division I races for the second time in three years. Based on results from the Western League Finals last week at Pierce College, the Dolphins will be hard to beat.
Palisades’ girls claimed the first seven spots while the boys took six of the top eight in the varsity competition. Senior Daila Harinck clocked 18:05.9—a career best for three miles. Maya Bhasin was second in 18:55.2, Zoey Morris was third in 18:56.2, Louisa Mammen was fourth in 19:35.2, Maribel-Henderson-Maclennan was fifth in 19:26.2, Eleanor Mammen was sixth in 19:53.8 and Kendal Shaver was seventh in 19:54.3. Theboys were almost as dominant. Jackson Taylor set the pace at 15:29.6, followed by fellow senior Zach Cohen (15:38.6). Theo Mayeda (15:55.8) was fourth, Lajus Collins (16:06.6) was sixth, Andrew Razo (16:13.5) was seventh and Justin Funk (16:19.9) came in eighth. They are vying for their fifth straight City title.
Tulah Block (#2) and Lila Hargrave (#10) jump in unison to defend Venice hitter Gaia Adeseun-Williams in the Open Division final Friday night at Southwest College. The Dolphins swept 25-23, 25-18, 25-18. Photos by Steve Galluzzo
Dolphins’ Girls Tennis, Golf and Volleyball Teams Win City Championships Days Apart
By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor
No school in the history of the City Section has more championships to its credit than Palisades and over a nine-day span it added three more as the girls tennis, golf and volleyball squads all raised trophies—proof that not even a devastating wildfire that damaged their campus and destroyed many of their homes could keep the Dolphins from doing what they have always done best: win.
Palisades’ latest surge of “girl power” began October 30 at Balboa Sports Center, where the tennis team clained its 30th City crown with a 25 to 4.5 victory over defending champion Granada Hills in the teams’ annual Open Division finals clash.
This time, the top-seeded Dolphins swept all seven matches in the first rotation of the round robin format to build a commanding lead. The teams have combined to win the last 24 upper division titles going back to 2002 and have met in 14 of the last 15 finals.
“There’s mutual respect… it’s always us and them,” said head coach Bud Kling, who has piloted the girls to 22 titles since 1985 and has also won 32 with the boys since 1979 for a mind-boggling total of 54. He has announced he is stepping down after the boys season in the spring.
Anne Kelly and Nicole Nguyen swept their three sets at No. 1 doubles and earned the title-clinching point while fellow seniors Ella Engel and Anais Israels swept 6-0, 6-0, 6-0, at the No. 2 position, duplicating their feat in the semifinals against El Camino Real two days earlier.
“We wanted it and we got it,” said Engel, who shares a special bond with her partner. “It’s my serving and her volleys… we’re yin and yang, peanut butter and jelly. We started clicking at the San Diego tournament and we’ve been on fire ever since.”
Shaya Jovanovic and Maria Kandinova swept their three sets at the No. 1 and No. 2 singles spots before being subbed out.
Seven days later and right across the street, the golf team continued its own dynasty with a 64-stroke triumph over Granada Hills in the City final at Balboa Golf Course. It was the Dolphins’ fifth consecutive title, one short of the section record. Freshman Lauren Song was third individually with a three-over par 75. Sylar Monahan was fourth with a 79, Ella Shuman (84) was seventh and Chloe Suh (85) was eighth.
Reclaiming its standard-bearerstatus as Palisades’ winningest girls program, volleyball collected City crown No. 31 and its first in five years with a 25-23, 25-18, 25-18 sweep of Venice in Friday night’s Open Division finale at LA Southwest College.
It marked the fifth meeting this season between the Western League rivals (Venice had taken three of the prior four) and it came after the second-seeded Dolphins (35-7) had posted four-set victories over No. 7 Granada Hills in the quarterfinals and No. 6 Taft in the semifinals, both at Brentwood.
Tulah Block ended the first set with her second kill and ended the match with her seventh, setting off a wild celebration.
“I just knew I had to do it for the team,” the senior outside hitter said. “I’m so proud of everyone.”
Anabelle Redaelli pounded a match-high 13 kills to counter Gondoliers top hitter Sam Lortie.
Venice built a 13-7 lead in the third set but Palisades answered with a 14-0 run behind accurate serving by Phoebe Messiha.
“Our slogan all year was ‘no gym, no problem,” senior libero Lucy Neilson said.
Palisades earned the 10th seed in the SoCal Regional Division II playoffs and traveled to No. 7 Carlsbad (the San Diego Section Division I runner-up) in the first round Tuesday night.
—– Click on any photo below to view slide show —–
Phoebe Messiha serves an ace in the quarterfinals versus Granada Hills.
Anabelle Redaelli hammers a kill in the semifinals against Taft.
Skylar Monahan watches her tee shot on the 10th hole last Thursday.
Lauren Song on the 18th green at the City Championships in Encino.
Shaya Jovanovic swept her three sets at No. 1 singles as the Dolphins beat Granada Hills 25 to 4.5 to capture their record 30th City girls tennis crown October 30.
Doubles partners Remy Trepanier and Ella Portugali hug after winning their first set in the Open Division final against Granada Hills at Balboa Sports Center.
Lynn Beveridge, Julia Winter, Pat Borgeson, Fran Aponte, Terri Webb, Arlene Vaillancourt and Lorraine Holt—placed flags on the Village Green in honor of September 11. They thanked Anawalt Palisades Hardware for providing spikes that made it “much easier to put the flags in the ground” after discovering they did not have immediate access to the spikes they normally use.
