Palisades Council Weighs Opposition to Sunset Boulevard Development Proposal
Data Shows Rebuilding Progress in PostFire Palisades
Concerns over density, parking and evacuation safety was discussed at April 9 meeting
The numbers indicate a surge in permitting activity, particularly in recent months
New data from Pali Builds, a community platform tracking recovery from the January wildfires, shows significant rebuilding momentum in Pacific Palisades, with 179 new home permits approved since the fires and 160 lots sold generating nearly $478 million in sales, highlighting a robust but uneven housing market.
The Pacific Palisades Community Council considered opposing a proposed mixed-use development along Sunset Boulevard during its April 9 board meeting, citing concerns over density, parking and public safety in a high firerisk area.
The project, planned for 15113 Sunset Blvd., would rebuild a structure destroyed in the Palisades Fire. The proposal seeks multiple waivers from city development standards, including increased building height, reduced parking requirements and significantly less open space.
The numbers indicate a surge in permitting activity, particularly in recent months.
From January to August 2025, Los Angeles approved 179 new homes in the 90272 zip code, with approvals accelerating over time: only two in March but jumping to 76 in August, according (53%), 64 entities (40%), and 11 unknown (7%), pointing to substantial institutional investment in the recovery.
650 square feet to 50.
The council’s Land Use Committee has recommended opposing the project, pointing to community concerns raised during a February public meeting.
and mass as key issues.
Lawmakers Pass SB 79, Sparking Outcry
According to council documents, the developer is requesting permission to build up to 40 feet —exceeding the 30foot limit under the Pacific Palisades Commercial Village and Neighborhoods Specific Plan—and to eliminate all required commercial parking. Plans also call for reducing residential parking and shrinking open space requirements from
Residents and committee members cited the lack of commercial parking, limited residential parking due to mechanical lift systems and the project’s increased size
Council leaders also expressed broader concerns about cumulative impacts as more property owners seek to rebuild along the Sunset Boulevard corridor following the fire.
Over Local Control Loss
While acknowledging the importance of rebuilding and revitalizing the area, the council maintains a longstanding
position against increasing housing density in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. Officials warn that higher density could worsen evacuation challenges in emergencies, noting that residents were forced to abandon vehicles during the 2025 fire due to congested roads.
Some decried the bill, now on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk, for ignoring traffic, infrastructure, environmental, and public safety concerns
along with city leaders and officials, rallied against the bill. “SB 79 is 100 times worse than existing laws,” Pacific Palisades Residents Association
Armenian-Inspired K Bakery to Open at Palisades Village
President Jessica Rogers said, warning of risks in wildfire-prone areas like the Palisades, citing inadequate evacuation
By Zach Armstrong
The business is led by founder Kim Kedeshian, who brings a background in law and a personal history rooted in food
A new bakery is slated to join the lineup at Palisades Village, with officials announcing that The K Bakery will open in August.
California lawmakers approved Senate Bill 79, a controversial housing mandate some have decried for ignoring infrastructure and public safety concerns, in mid-September, prompting fierce opposition from Los Angeles leaders. The legislation, authored by Sen. Scott Wiener (D–San Francisco), allows for more multi-family housing development near transit stops, permitting taller and denser buildings closer to major transit hubs and allowing transit agencies to build on their own land. The bill also requires a share of affordable housing units in new projects.
In late August, a crowd of Palisadians,
In August, the Los Angeles City Council voted 8–5 in opposition to SB 79, led by Councilwoman Traci Park and Councilmember John Lee. Park, whose district includes the Palisades, called it a “Sacramento attempt to hijack local planning,” silencing residents. The Pacific Palisades Community Council also urged Newsom to veto the bill, referencing his emergency order limiting
Kedeshian said the idea for the bakery grew from creating cakes during the holidays, eventually leading her to pursue the project more seriously when an opportunity arose to lease a former restaurant space in the Palisades.
The K Bakery will be located at 1061
The business is led by founder Kim Kedeshian, who brings a background in law and a personal history rooted in food and family traditions to the venture. In a video shared by the shopping center on social media, Kedeshian said her Armenian heritage and early experiences in the kitchen helped shape her interest in baking. Although she pursued a legal career, she said she continued to develop recipes and experiment with baking over time.
“This bill opens the floodgates for developers, displacement, and gentrification, with no regard for our neighborhoods,” Park said in a Sept. 13 statement, noting that Los Angeles has thousands of housing units under construction. SB 79, she argued, would undermine years of planning to place housing along transit corridors. Days after its passage, Park introduced a motion directing city departments to conduct a comprehensive 90-day the bill’s
Swarthmore Ave., according to the business’s social media page.
Representatives for Palisades Village described the bakery as a “thoughtful addition” to the community, emphasizing its focus on quality ingredients and a detail-oriented approach to baking.
9
Palisades Residents Warned of Illegal Dirt Dumping Scam During Construction
Multiple reports have surfaced of vendors dumping dirt on properties and then billing contractors for travel and city dump fees
Residents in the Pacific Palisades area are being warned about a scam involving illegal dumping of dirt on private lots during ongoing construction, according to a community update from Team Palisades.
Multiple reports have surfaced of vendors dumping dirt on properties and then billing contractors for travel and city dump fees while pocketing the money. The contractors, in turn, bill the homeowners, leaving property owners responsible for removing the illegally dumped material.
Property owners who discover illegal dumping should report it to the Los
Angeles Sanitation Department through the city’s MyLA311 system. However, the owner remains responsible for arranging removal of the dirt from their lot.
Community leaders recommend that homeowners currently under construction **not pay invoices** for debris or soil hauling until the contractor
provides a valid dump receipt proving proper disposal. Residents are advised to discuss the issue with their contractors immediately.
The update also strongly encourages installing fencing, “No Trespassing” signage and solar-powered security cameras with cloud storage to deter unauthorized dumping.
A note shared from the Marquez Knolls Property Owners Association cautions residents to first check with neighbors before reporting suspected dumping, as one recent incident turned out to be authorized work approved by the property owner.
NOW ENROLLING TK - KINDERGARTEN
WESTSIDE LIVING SPRING 2026
As the Palisades continues the important work of rebuilding, Westside businesses in the home improvement and construction industries are stepping up in a big way. From roofing specialists and flooring providers to suppliers of fireresistant materials, local companies are not just offering services—they’re offering support, urgency, and a deep commitment to restoring the community they call home. Many of these businesses have been
working around the clock to meet increased demand, prioritize local projects, and provide guidance to homeowners navigating the rebuilding process. Whether it’s helping families choose safer, more durable materials or expediting timelines to get people back into their homes, these professionals are playing a critical role in the recovery effort. But as residents begin to rebuild, there’s an important choice to keep in mind: hire local.
Choosing local contractors, suppliers, and service providers doesn’t just ensure a higher level of accountability and care—it keeps dollars circulating within the community. These are the same businesses that sponsor local events, support schools, and employ our neighbors. When you invest in them, you’re investing in the long-term strength and stability of the Palisades. Rebuilding isn’t just about homes—it’s
about community. Every roof installed, every floor laid, and every improvement made by a local business contributes to a stronger, more resilient neighborhood. As we rebuild the Palisades, let’s also rebuild our business community. Supporting local isn’t just a recommendation—it’s a responsibility we share in creating a vibrant, connected future for everyone who calls this place home.
Building Smarter: Fire-Safe Upgrades For Westside Homes
For homeowners in Brentwood, Bel Air, Santa Monica and the Palisades, rebuilding and remodeling now come with a new non-negotiable: planning for the next fire before it starts. In neighborhoods surrounded by canyons, open space and coastal winds, fire safety is no longer an afterthought—it is part of smart home design. Whether you are rebuilding in the Palisades or simply upgrading an older home elsewhere on the Westside, the choices you make today can dramatically improve your home’s chances of surviving a future wildfire. The best place to start is at the top. Roofs are often the first point of vulnerability, as wind-blown embers land on shingles, gather in valleys and collect in gutters. Upgrading to a Class A fire-rated roof—such as composition shingles, metal, clay or concrete tile— provides a much more durable barrier than older wood shakes. Sealed edges, metal flashing, and non-combustible gutter guards help keep embers from slipping under the roofing or smoldering in debris. Adding ember-resistant attic vents, along with boxed-in or soffited eaves, closes off the small gaps that often become entry points for sparks. From there, attention should turn to windows and exterior walls. In intense heat, single-pane glass can crack or fail quickly, allowing flames and embers inside. Dual-pane windows, especially with at least one pane of tempered glass, are far more resistant to heat and impact. On the walls, non-combustible materials like stucco, fiber-cement boards, brick, or masonry create a tougher skin for the house. Even on wood-framed construction, combining these exterior finishes with fire-resistant insulation and upgraded interior drywall can buy precious time if flames approach. The ground level is just as important as the structure itself. Creating “defensible space” means managing the landscape so that fire has fewer opportunities to reach the building. The first five feet around the home should be treated as a non-combustible zone: concrete, pavers,
gravel, and carefully placed planters instead of wood mulch, stacked firewood or dense shrubs. Beyond that inner ring, regular pruning, removal of dead plants and leaves, spacing between shrubs, and the use of more fire-resistant plant species all work together to slow a fire’s spread and keep flames on the ground. Finally, routine maintenance ties all of these upgrades together. Cleaning gutters and roofs, clearing under decks, checking vents and seals, and keeping irrigation systems
in good working order are simple tasks that strengthen your investment. As Westside communities rebuild and harden homes against future fires, these improvements do more than protect structures—they provide peace of mind. Each step, from a safer roof to smarter landscaping, helps ensure that Brentwood, Bel Air, Santa Monica and the Palisades are not just beautiful places to live, but better prepared for whatever comes next.
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Alpine Floor and Home: A Family Flooring Legacy Serving the Westside Since 1968
Founded in 1968, Alpine Floor and Home has proudly served the Westside of Los Angeles for more than 58 years, earning a reputation as one of the area’s most trusted and established flooring companies. Built on quality craftsmanship, honest guidance, and long-standing customer relationships, Alpine Floor and Home continues to thrive as a proud family business.
Johannes van Ierland, the owner of Alpine Floor and Home, has played a central role in guiding the company through decades of growth and change. His leadership, experience, and commitment to high standards have helped shape Alpine into the respected Westside institution it is today. While Johannes now works primarily in the back office, his presence and oversight ensure that the company’s core values remain firmly in place.
Today, Alpine Floor and Home is led by a true father-and-son team. Jani van Ierland, Johannes’ son, runs all sales operations and serves as Vice President of Sales and Marketing. In this role, Jani oversees day-to-day sales, customer relationships, and marketing strategy. By combining modern design knowledge and forwardthinking sales practices with the traditions of a family-run business, Jani continues to
build on the company’s strong foundation.
For over five decades, Alpine Floor and Home has served homeowners, designers, builders, and commercial clients throughout the Westside of Los Angeles. The company is known for offering the largest inventory of carpet, wood, laminate, and luxury vinyl tile, providing customers with unmatched selection in styles, colors, and price ranges. In addition to traditional flooring, Alpine Floor and Home also specializes in concrete refinishing, offering durable and contemporary solutions for residential and commercial spaces.
A point of pride that truly sets Alpine Floor and Home apart is its installation team. All installers are full-time employees on payroll—never subcontractors. Many members of Alpine’s installation crews have been with the company for more than 20 years, bringing unmatched experience, consistency, and accountability to every job. This long-tenured team ensures highquality workmanship, reliable scheduling, and peace of mind for customers from start to finish.
At its heart, Alpine Floor and Home remains a family-owned and operated business. Many customers are long-time and multi-generation clients, a testament to
the trust and relationships built since 1968. Personalized service, attention to detail, and integrity continue to define every project, large or small.
As Alpine Floor and Home looks toward the future, its mission remains unchanged: to provide exceptional products, expert guidance, and dependable service to the
Westside community. Or, as the company’s long-standing slogan proudly says, “Let us floor you.”
Alpine Floor and Home 3961 S. Sepulveda Blvd 310-390-7639 alpinecarpetoneculvercity.com
FIRE REBUILD & RECOVERY – PALISADES & WEST L.A.
Palisades Fire Recovery Hub
Central information on rebuilding, safety and assistance for Pacific Palisades and nearby neighborhoods.[recovery.lacounty]
• Website: recovery.lacounty.gov/disasters/palisades-fire
• General help line: Dial 2-1-1 in Los Angeles County LA City & County Rebuilding (West L.A. & Palisades) One-stop locations for rebuilding questions, permits and inspections. [recovery.lacounty]
• City of L.A. One-Stop Rebuilding Center (West L.A.): 1828 Sawtelle Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025
• LA County rebuilding info and permit guidance: recovery.lacounty.gov/rebuilding
LADWP – Power & Water Restoration (Palisades) Power and water restoration updates plus local inspection support. [recovery.lacounty]
• Restoration & rebuilding hub: ladwp.com (search “Restoration and Rebuilding Efforts”)
• Palisades Inspections & Permitting Support Center: 16925 Marquez Ave., Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
• LADWP customer service: 1-800-DIAL-DWP (1-800-342-5397) Palisades Recovery Coalition & Local Support Community-led help with long-term recovery, case management and neighborhood resources.[recovery.lacounty]
• Palisades Recovery Coalition: palirecovery.org Westside Disaster Recovery Center – In-Person Help In-person assistance for Westside residents on housing, insurance and local services. [recovery.lacounty]
• UCLA Research Park (formerly Westside Pavilion): 10850 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064
Sunset Mesa Residents Launch Group Rebuild Effort After Palisades Fire
The initiative aims to construct 21 homes using a shared design and construction approach intended to reduce expenses and speed up timelines
Construction has begun on the first homes in a coordinated rebuilding effort in Sunset Mesa, a coastal neighborhood of unincorporated Los Angeles County heavily damaged by the 2025 Palisades Fire.
The project, known as Seaview Homes, is an attempt by residents and builders
to address the high cost and complexity of rebuilding after the wildfire. The initiative aims to construct 21 homes using a shared design and construction approach intended to reduce expenses and speed up timelines.
The effort grew out of discussions among homeowners who lost properties in the fire and found that rebuilding individually would be financially difficult. Residents Francesca Cohn and Glen Beer helped organize neighbors and connect with architects and a builder to develop a collective plan.
Los Angeles-based Clive Wilkinson Architects worked with homeowners over several months to design a set of standardized but adaptable house plans. The firm said it conducted the design phase as a pro bono effort, holding community meetings to gather input. Construction is being led by Comstock Homes.
The plans include four main home types, ranging from single-story to multi-
Chef Behind
level designs, with varying sizes and layouts. The homes are intended to meet updated fire-resilient building standards while fitting the coastal terrain of Sunset Mesa.
Construction on the initial phase is
expected to continue through 2026, with the first homes projected to be completed in 2027. Additional Sunset Mesa property owners may join later phases of the development.
Upcoming Palisades Steakhouse
Named in TIME’s 100 Most Influential People
The recognition comes as Silverton prepares to debut Spacca Tutto, an Italian-American steakhouse slated to open in August at Palisades Village
is preparing to open a new steakhouse in Pacific Palisades later this year, has been named
to the 2026 TIME 100 Most Influential People list.
Silverton, a longtime figure in the Los Angeles culinary scene, was recognized for her decades-long impact on American dining, from pioneering artisanal bread baking to shaping modern restaurant culture. Food writer Ruth Reichl, who authored the profile accompanying the honor, credited Silverton with helping redefine the role of American chefs and influencing generations in the industry.
The recognition comes as Silverton prepares to debut Spacca Tutto, an Italian-American steakhouse slated to open in August at Palisades Village. The restaurant is part of broader efforts to revitalize the area following damage
from the 2025 wildfires.
Silverton, a four-time James Beard Award winner, first gained national attention in 1991 when she became the inaugural recipient of the foundation’s Outstanding Pastry Chef award. She later founded La Brea Bakery, helping popularize artisan sourdough bread in mainstream markets.
Her upcoming restaurant will blend Italian culinary traditions with a classic
American steakhouse format, featuring steaks, seafood, seasonal dishes and an extensive wine program. The project is a collaboration with developer Rick Caruso and the River Jetty Restaurant Group.
Silverton has said the Palisades opening represents both a professional milestone and a chance to contribute to the area’s recovery.
Chef Nancy Silverton, who
