PALISADES RECOVERY COALITION MEETING NOTES

JUNE 19, 2025

JUNE 3, 2025

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🏗️ Coordinating the Rebuild

PRC founder Maryam Zar convened the meeting to break down barriers in the rebuilding process and encourage collaboration across sectors. Attendees included representatives from Thomas James Homes, Homebound, Crest Real Estate, and local developers Ceci Clark and Reza Akef.

Pooja Bhagat, President of Architecture for Communities Los Angeles (ACLA), presented the “Ask an Architect”program, connecting homeowners with volunteer architects for free design consultations. She proposed a town hall event where residents could meet design professionals in a supportive setting.

👉 Sign Up for Ask an Architect

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🔨 Builder Highlights

• Ian Bishop (Homebound) shared lessons from post-disaster projects and highlighted their shift to semi-custom homebuilding suited for Palisades’ uniform lot sizes.
• Reza Akef outlined plans to begin construction on 3–4 homes by September, with more in 2026. His team is using standardized plans and tiered pricing, maintaining flexibility while reducing costs.
• Both Reza and Ian emphasized early coordination between architects and builders to avoid expensive design mistakes.

Maryam reminded homeowners to review applicable CC&Rs, and Ian explained how Homebound includes these reviews in their planning.

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🏡 Design Diversity & Fire Resilience

• Kim Diamond (Thomas James Homes) and Ian Bishop reiterated their commitment to architectural diversity while delivering fire-safe, code-compliant homes.
• Steven Sommers (Crest Real Estate) introduced Case Study 2.0—featuring 53 customizable home designs by 40 architecture firms. The initiative reduces costs via discounted services, supplier partnerships, and scalable construction.

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💡 Addressing Key Challenges

Maryam identified three core rebuilding challenges:

1. Limited construction resources
2. Funding gaps
3. Terrain-based logistical constraints

To address funding, Larry Kosmont presented the concept of a Climate Resilience District, using tax increment financing (TIF) to reinvest property tax increases into infrastructure and home hardening. 

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📣 💰 Funding Recovery Through Climate Resilience Districts

Maryam introduced Larry Kosmont, an expert in municipal finance, who discussed creating a Climate Resilience District in Pacific Palisades. This would allow the community to reinvest increased property tax revenues from recovery-related improvements into infrastructure, fire hardening, and emergency preparedness projects using Tax Increment Financing (TIF).

Larry suggested that such a district could qualify for early funding from California’s proposed Prop 4 climate bond, and Maryam noted that ongoing advocacy efforts are working to expand eligible uses of TIF to include private rebuilding measures and community wildfire resilience.

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🔌 Undergrounding Utilities & Infrastructure Planning

Justin Skaggs, a dry utility consultant, shared that around 30 dedicated construction crews would be needed to execute undergrounding efficiently in Palisades. He advocated for granting the proposed Climate Resilience District authority to negotiate directly with contractors, which would require state-level approval but could reduce project timelines and costs.

May Sung provided updates on LADWP’s undergrounding efforts, emphasizing the importance of block-by-block coordination and collaboration with telecom providers. Residents noted the growing risk of landslides and erosion, and several referenced the newly released geohazard risk maps.

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🔥 Fire Safety, Inspections & Brush Clearance

Maryam shared that LAFD Brush Clearance Inspectors expect to complete all delayed inspections in Pacific Palisades and Brentwood by late July or early August. A long-time resident raised concerns about unmanaged vegetation on state-owned land, and Maryam noted that state fire mitigation budgets have declined, highlighting the need for stronger advocacy.

She also introduced the idea of reimagining fire station infrastructure—with smaller, more mobile stations and vehicles designed for hillside terrain—and better monitoring of burn scars and risk zones post-fire.

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🏗️ Potential Local Concrete Plant

The group discussed the idea proposed by the PRC to establish a temporary local concrete batch plant to reduce material transport delays and cut rebuilding costs. Maryam made it clear that no specific location is being proposed at this time and that any such effort would involve significant community input and regulatory review.

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📺 Full Meeting Recording Available

You can view a full recording of the meeting here:
▶️ Watch the PRC Community Meeting

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🚜 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Debris Removal Update

We also toured USACE operations at Will Rogers Park, now the central sorting location as Temescal Canyon Road cleanup wraps up.

Debris Removal Stats:

• Over 3,400 properties cleared
• 1+ million tons of debris removed
• Multifamily properties currently underway
• Temescal Canyon operations are complete, with road restoration beginning (estimated to take a few months)

Neighborhood Progress:

• Alphabet Streets: 88% complete
• Marquez: 74%
• Highlands: 51%
• El Medio/Via Bluffs: 74%
• Tahitian Terrace: 100% expected by next week

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👮 Public Safety Update

During this week’s Community Advisory Group call with LAPD and other law enforcement, we discussed traffic management, patrolling, checkpoint enforcement, and security around construction staging areas. A detailed readout is attached.

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Thank you to everyone who participated and continues to support the rebuilding of our community. We are stronger when we rebuild together. Please stay engaged, spread the word, and let us know where you get your community updates—we want to ensure everyone stays informed.

MAY 27, 2025

The Army Corps reported significant progress in debris clearance with reduced truck activity and an expected mission completion by late summer, while LAPD confirmed the deployment of 68 officers over the Memorial Day weekend, which saw PCH reopen with minimal incidents due to effective checkpoint enforcement. The group emphasized the importance of traffic control points in preventing unauthorized access and crime, including a notable copper theft arrest, and discussed coordination between LAPD and private security
teams. Additional topics included surveillance strategies using solar-powered trailer cameras, refining checkpoint logistics, improving resident access, and sustaining community engagement. The meeting reiterated LAPD’s defined need for checkpoint monitoring as recovery and rebuilding efforts move forward.

PRC, along with other community members, has been advocating for debris removal on select HOA and multifamily parcels in the Highlands and along PCH. This week, we were informed that USACE received clearance to begin debris removal at 1383– 1473 and 1267–1337 Palisades Drive (the upper and lower Woodies). As repopulation accelerates in areas with surviving homes, this cleanup effort is a key step
toward recovery. We thank our state, federal, county, and city leaders for working in alignment with the community to move this forward.

Senior Lead Officer, Brian Espin, clarified key points today about recent security procedures in Pacific Palisades. First, Trespass Authorization forms are optional tools—not required—for LAPD to take action on suspicious activity; officers can still investigate or arrest based on probable cause. The forms and signs simply allow for added enforcement without needing the property owner present. Second, checkpoint and license plate reader (LPR) camera locations are intentionally not being shared publicly for operational security, to prevent outsiders from bypassing them. Finally, the City of Los Angeles has contracted three security companies (GSG, Allied Universal,
and Absolute) to support LAPD patrols, not compete with private security. These companies operate in rotating shifts, are armed, and report directly to the LAPD command post. Palisadians may still hire private security agencies to patrol private property. (See his update attached.)

Earlier today, Rick Caruso held a press conference at Palisades Village, announcing the return of the annual Christmas Tree and Menorah lighting. Rick affirmed plans to remediate and restore the public green space and reopen the Palisades Village shopping area by early to mid-2026, with Elyse Walker taking over the former Yves Saint Laurent space. The revitalization effort will extend beyond Palisades Village to invigorate the broader downtown area. “The Palisades,” Caruso declared, “will come roaring back!”

From the Office of Councilwoman Traci Park: Palisadians are encouraged to complete the Palisades Recovery Survey to help inform city priorities and better understand community rebuilding needs:
📋 Recovery Survey

Additionally, residents should complete the Trespass Intake Form to support security enforcement:
📝 Trespass Intake Form

From LA County Assessor Jeff Prang: Assembly Bill 1253, which would have aligned property tax assessments with expedited rebuilding allowances, failed to pass out of the Assembly Appropriations Committee. Without a legislative fix, homeowners expanding more than 10% beyond their previous structure size may see that added area assessed as new construction—triggering a property tax increase. Assessor Prang is exploring alternative solutions but urges the community to be ready to advocate when necessary.Additionally, Assessor Prang reminds Palisadians to update mailing addresses so refund checks can be delivered (not returned undeliverable to Palisades addresses). There are two options: the best is to register your property and set up an online profile. This lets property owners do many things online, including mailing address update. The second option is a simple change of mailing address. Links to both are below:

1.     Register Property & Create Owner Profile (for broader online access):
🔗 Register Property

2.     Submit a Change of Mailing Address:
🔗 Change Address

MAY 13, 2025

Anticipating that the Governor calls the National Guard away from this deployment at the end of May, LAPD will take over the lion’s share of Pacific Palisades security, with the support of county and state law enforcement partners. We were told they have prepared to deploy five additional cars in Pacific Palisades with ten officers, in shifts that would cover the entire Pacific Palisades, which they’ve divided into five areas. Our basic car and beach detail (which has been helping in the village and neighborhood streets) would remain in place. In addition, 50 license plate reader cameras (which do more than read license plates) are already in use and at least 5 solar powered trailer cameras would soon come online. Additionally, CHP said they deploy 10 cars in two shifts, and while it may seem their focus is on traffic violations, they also aid in law enforcement.

Please see the readout from the call attached, as well as a report of the incredible work of the Army Corps of Engineers, who reported their remarkable progress at our meeting. Many thanks to Col Palazzini for joining our call and sharing what he knew about the logistics challenges we are likely to face once the debris clearance is done, and rebuilding begins in earnest.

A handful of Palisadians met with City Attorney, Hydee Feldstein-Soto, following the public safety, logistics and security briefing last week and asked her several questions related to Palisades security. The City Attorney made clear that the Trespass Arrest Authorizations Forms would be needed for police to be able to enforce trespass laws on private property (some have asked if those are necessary in a disaster area). Those forms can be downloaded, signed and emailed to the Council Office, or dropped off at the American Legion location in Pacific Palisades or at the West LA police station. There is also a link to an informal survey launched by the Council Office around the security concerns of the community, as we prepare to see the closure of National Guard operations in Pacific Palisades. PRC asked the City Attorney if private security agencies can conduct checkpoints under an emergency order (currently in place). We were informed that private security
agencies would likely not be able to man checkpoints, as these are located on the public right of way (roads), but the inquiry would be made. The City Attorney pledged robust enforcement of laws and a collaborative posture with the District Attorney, who handles violent crimes. PRC asked the City Attorney about permit streamlining and the reason why only “like for like” building is streamlined, versus what many of you have asked, which is, why not offer streamlined permitting to all rebuilding that is code compliant. The City Attorney noted that as early as January 8th, she and other City leaders began envisioning and implementing strategies to help the Palisades recover and rebuild swiftly. The adopted permit streamlining rules were in response to the Governor’s emergency order which “safe harbored” 10% growth. We asked that she consider the suggested extension of streamlining, particularly in light of the use of AI to assist the permitting process. She stated that permit applications continue to flow and further informed us that Palisadians may rebuild without conforming to all gas appliances – the conversion ordinance will not immediately be enforced.

Lastly, PRC held a call with Blue Ribbon Commissioners, Senator Ben Allen, and others, including Larry Kosmont who has been instrumental in many Enhanced Infrastructure Finance Districts, to discuss the recommendation made by the Blue Ribbon Commision for an Authority to manage the Pacific Palisades Recovery, as well as state money that might be available for resilient rebuilding. The Blue Ribbon Commission’s initial recommendations can be found on their website and graphic notes from the briefing the Commissioners gave to a group of Palisades leaders is attached.

APRIL 15, 2025

I gave a presentation of our plan to the community through the PPCC. It went well and the Plan was very well received! See the video of the presentation here. Hagerty also presented a slide show (they did not take questions).  It is interesting to see their presentation and the community’s reaction. 

This week, I also met with City departments including Public Works, BOE, LA SAN and Bureau of Contract Administration. They have pledged their support for our work, and spur us to continue vetting the ideas we’ve included in our draft plan. They have expressed support for a street overlay proposal that would include one way or rush hour street flows as well as an RFI to get more information regarding a batch plant. Councilwoman Park has also pledged her support after having reviewed the plan with her team. 

Since the presentation at PPCC last night, we have many people with specific expertise coming forward to join our coalition and help develop a systemic structure to rebuild an entire community, solving for some of the foreseeable perils ahead, and preventing people from getting discouraged. We also have new stakeholders at the table such as condo owners, small business operators, renters and more. I have already begun to have conversations about how we can address the unique needs of new subsets of people who join our coalition, and I am confident we can. The Red Cross has reached out with resources and, based on conversations just today, financial institutions vested in Pacific Palisades are beginning to realize they must also be part of the solution. 

Finally, last week, a group of us were invited by RAND to attend the VerdeXchange conference. The RAND folks set up a specific charette for the Palisades where we were asked to envision Pacific Palisades 20 years from now when it has been rebuilt, and then look back on achievements and impediments. I have attached the graphic results, compiled by a real time AI system provided by RAND (non-scientific results). We hope to hold more charrettes in Pacific Palisades for people to consider what they may want their neighborhoods to look like as they rebuild for the 21st century.

I thank everyone who helped bring us to this point, and I know we have many more ideas and conversations to share at the table that has now been set for great ideas to percolate. Please see our new website, if you haven’t already, and please share your feedback on the working plan we have begun to present to the community, and to the city for assistance in bringing together experts and departments to help fill in the blanks. I commend this community for coming together as we have. We  will rebuild Pacific Palisades and while we know there are tough days ahead, I know we can engage the necessary stakeholders to keep solving the issues we identify as we move forward, and make the road as smooth as we can for recovery.

For those of you who haven’t read Jimmy Dunne’s poem, post-fire, please read it here – it says all that needs to be said!

Best,

Maryam Zar

MARCH 25, 2025

After four months of collaboration, we’ve drafted a recovery logistics plan focused on speeding up and coordinating rebuilding efforts. Key strategies include establishing local material staging sites, creating temporary workforce housing, enhancing security, managing traffic, and exploring a local concrete plant to control costs and boost sustainability. We’ve shared the plan with Councilmember Park’s office, and it will soon be presented to the broader community. Thank you all for being part of this incredible, forward-thinking effort to ensure the Palisades rebuilds quickly, safely, and resiliently.

MARCH 18, 2025

The group emphasized improving communication through block captains, a contractor coordination platform, and a Palisades-specific survey on repopulation plans. Early focus areas include Marquez, Alphabets, La Casas, and Via Bluffs, where destruction was greatest. Key infrastructure concerns include ensuring utilities are ready for early rebuilders and considering a local concrete plant to save costs and speed construction. Other next steps include evaluating extended work hours, securing staging areas, clarifying agency roles, and continuing community outreach to encourage ROE participation and clarify misinformation. The next meeting, scheduled for March 25, will include Mayor Bass, Councilmember Park, and Hagerty.

MARCH 4, 2025

Additional discussions included Councilmember Park’s legislation impacting recovery, such as creating Climate Resilience Districts and linking density bonuses to evacuation safety. Philanthropy groups like Steadfast LA and Department of Angels were invited to aid communication, advisory structuring, funding gaps, and rebuilding public spaces. The Council emphasized the need for State involvement, including the creation of Recovery Districts, addressing insurance gaps, and securing fire-safe construction practices. The next meeting is set for March 18, focusing on logistics, state legislation, and fundraising efforts.

FEBRUARY 11, 2025

The group also discussed legislative efforts at the city, county, and state levels to secure funding and infrastructure improvements, including forming disaster recovery districts and reviving Enhanced Infrastructure Finance Districts (EIFDs). Other ideas included using charitable funds to close rebuilding gaps, setting up community resource centers, and establishing a common communication platform. Future priorities include rebuilding the library and park with support from public and private partners, creating staging areas for building materials, developing modular fire-resistant housing options, and revising local businesses to serve residents and workers. The coalition plans to meet regularly moving forward.