Collage

Shared Experiences & Loss - A Collage of the Palisades

• House loss: Many (Blake R., Ryan F., Ruben R., Matt D., Olivia M.) lost their homes completely and either intend to rebuild (Blake, Ryan, Matt) or not (Ruben, due to various reasons). Others (Rick M.) suffered partial damage, while some (Tom C.) had already moved away but still felt deep emotional ties.
  
  

• Emotional resilience: Across all accounts, residents emphasize family, friends, school, and community support as essential for coping with the devastation.
  
  

Community & Connection

• Deep roots: Some (Rick M., Tom C., Ruben R.) have long histories in the Palisades, either growing up there themselves or marrying into families with local roots. Others (Matt D., Lisa H.) highlight raising children in the community and building bonds through schools, sports, and local events.

• Regional and International Pull: Others, like Olivia M., came to the Palisades from international locations. Olivia moved from New Zealand when she was eight. Some individuals, like Alisa F. and Cathy S., came from around the country, with Alisa coming from New York City and Cathy from Massachusetts. Lots of people (Ninkey D. and Charles E., Ocean S., Tom C.) were captivated by the beauty that the Palisades holds and moved from surrounding areas like Santa Monica, Westwood, and Van Nuys.
  
  

• Neighborhood feel: All share an appreciation for the Palisades’ small-town charm, walkability, natural beauty, and neighborly connections. WhatsApp groups, texting, and in-person gatherings have been crucial post-fire (Matt D., Rick M.).
  
  

Favorite Memories

• Family and local traditions: Fireworks on the 4th of July (Eve F., Blake R., Olivia M.), coaching and playing in PPBA baseball leagues (Matt D., Max. D.), strolling the bluffs and enjoying ocean views (Marlo V., Rick M.), and dinners or casual walks to town (Ruben R., Rick M.).
  
  

• Special milestones: Bar Mitzvah at KI (Max D.), rec center basketball leagues and holiday lights (Blake R.), walking the bluffs or village with friends (Rick M.).
  
  

Lessons Learned

• Value of life over possessions: Many stressed that material things are not what define a person, rather that identity is not something that can be taken away, it’s something that survives through memory, change, and the self we continue to shape. (Blake R., Matt D., Ruben R., Olivia M.).
  
  

• Preparedness: Several noted the importance of readiness during disasters—keeping belongings accessible, making evacuation plans, and checking insurance (Marlo V., Ruben R., Rick M.).
  
  

• Appreciation for everyday life: Don’t take things for granted; treasure small moments, family, and community connections (Marlo V., Matt D.).

• Importance of having people who can relate: Many felt disconnected and lost after the fire, but were reminded of the power of interacting with those who suffered through the same event (Olivia M., Matt. D., Alisa F.)
  
  

Visions for the Future

• Preserve character: Rick M. and Tom C. want the Palisades to remain family-friendly, relaxed, and not overdeveloped, gentrified, or cookie-cutter style. They worry about increased wealth and multi-million-dollar rebuilds (Ruben R. echoes this concern).
  
  

• Balance old and new: Matt D. hopes the community will rebuild refreshed but still maintain its “Pleasantville” charm.
  
  

• Community spaces & activities: Blake R. envisions more events, accessible shops, restaurants, and recreation opportunities (rec center, movie theater, quick meal spots).
  
  

• Same as before: Ryan F. simply wants it to remain “the exact same” because, to him, the Palisades is already the most special of all towns.
  
  

Personal Anchors

• Careers & hobbies:
  
  

  • Rick M. – Retired City Planner/Realtor, active in community boards.
    
    

  • Ruben R. – Sales, enjoys golf and travel.
    
    

  • Matt D. – Management Consultant, enjoys running and family time.
    
    

  • Tom C. – Retired from data processing, sings in classical music choruses.
    
    

  • Blake R. & Ryan F. – Still in school, love basketball.
    
    

Overall Pattern

1. Resilience & Rebuilding: Most plan to rebuild and return, seeing the fire as devastating but not identity-defining.
   
   

2. Community Spirit: A strong consensus that the Palisades is not just about homes, but about people, traditions, and shared experiences.
   
   

3. Preservation vs. Change: Tension between wanting to preserve the small-town, community-focused identity and recognizing the likely shift toward wealthier, larger rebuilds.
   
   

The Palisades is remembered as a rare blend of natural beauty, close-knit community, and family traditions. Residents are determined to preserve its character, even as they rebuild and adapt after loss.