The following letter was sent to FEMA and additional government officials regarding fire-related debris removal at Tahitian Terrace and has been reprinted here with permission from the author.
As a resident of the historic Tahitian Terrace neighborhood of Pacific Palisades—one of the few coastal affordable housing developments in Los Angeles County—I am writing on behalf of my community of 158 households. We seek urgent clarity on the decision-making process surrounding the Palisades fire debris cleanup efforts and the ongoing delay in determining our mobile home park’s eligibility for FEMA assistance.
At the Pali Strong Straight Talk Event on March 30, a FEMA representative confirmed that FEMA has received all of the required paperwork (all Right of Entry forms have been submitted by 158 households and the property owners) and that “it’s with the appropriate individuals to make a decision.” They also stated that while FEMA doesn’t typically assist commercial properties, an exception has been made for condominiums and townhomes.
What is the rationale for including condominiums and townhomes in the cleanup efforts while excluding our mobile home park? What specific criteria is preventing a decision about our community? The delay has left the Tahitian Terrace community in a state of limbo, unable to move forward with rebuilding or planning for the future.
Tahitian Terrace is a rare enclave by the beach, offering an affordable pathway to homeownership in a city where housing costs are increasingly out of reach. Residents of our park include teachers, artists, seniors, firefighters, retired entertainment industry professionals and county workers—many on fixed incomes who’ve lived here for decades.
As a longtime Los Angeles resident, it took me nearly 25 years to find a neighborhood where I could afford to own a home on the Westside of Los Angeles. And my story is especially poignant—I closed escrow the day before my home burned to the ground. I never even received the keys.
The historical significance of Tahitian Terrace cannot be overstated. For over 100 years, this land has provided affordable coastal housing, a rarity in Los Angeles.
Beyond the human impact, neglecting cleanup efforts in this fragile coastal ecosystem could have serious environmental consequences. The Mello Act protects affordable housing in coastal zones, and failing to assist in debris removal would not only displace 158 households but also sets a dangerous precedent for affordable housing protections in California.
FEMA, and all officials involved in this decision, I implore you to do the right thing—fund the cleanup of the most vulnerable among us and provide the support needed to restore our community. Set an example by ensuring swift remediation after one of the most destructive natural disasters in U.S. history, and allow displaced families to return to manufactured homes quickly.
The waiting is agonizing, and we cannot move forward with our lives until you act. Please include Tahitian Terrace in the debris removal efforts and give us the chance to rebuild our homes and our futures. Thank you very much for all of your efforts and your consideration.
Chris J. Russo
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