Palisades News: Mar 2026

Mayor Bass, Nonprofits Unveil Pre-Approved Home Designs to Speed Palisades Rebuilding

Data Shows Rebuilding Progress in PostFire Palisades

Foothill Catalog Foundation plans pair with Habitat for Humanity pledge to build 75 homes for survivors.

uncertainty for wildfire survivors.

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.

Mayor Karen Bass and leaders from nonprofit organizations announced a new set of pre-approved home designs Tuesday aimed at helping Pacific Palisades residents rebuild faster after the devastating Palisades Fire.

The numbers indicate a surge in permitting activity, particularly in recent months.

to Pali Builds’ September 1 analysis.

The new collection, developed by the Foothill Catalog Foundation, includes five initial designs ranging from 976 to 1,500 square feet, all pre-approved by the city and tailored to meet Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone requirements under California Building Code Chapter 7A.

Processing times for new building permits averaged around 63-77 days in summer months, up from 31 days in March, suggesting growing administrative demands as applications increase. Pali Builds, founded by locals to fill gaps in official data, continues tracking until the LA Mayor’s Office provides comprehensive figures.

Home sales data through August 1 reveals 160 lots sold since the January 7 fires, totaling $477.7 million.

The plans incorporate ignition-resistant features such as non-combustible exterior materials, ember-resistant vents, Class A fire-rated roofing, and protected windows, eaves and decks. Officials said the designs also aim to reflect the architectural character of Pacific Palisades and nearby coastal areas while remaining cost-efficient to build.

The initiative expands on a Standard Plan Pilot Program Bass launched last summer through Executive Directive 13, which provides a library of codecompliant, single-family home plans to reduce permitting delays, costs and

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

The market shows stark disparities by area: Area 8 led with 11 sales at an average $10.6 million and median $10.2 million, contributing $116.4 million in volume, while Area 2 had 16 sales averaging $1.7 million. Area 5 saw the most activity with 48 sales averaging $2.1 million. Buyer composition from January to July included 85 individuals (53%), 64 entities (40%), and 11 unknown (7%), pointing to substantial institutional investment in the recovery.

The plans are available to all affected homeowners through the city’s Standard Plan Pilot Program and the Foothill Catalog Foundation website at foothillcatalog.org. Habitat for Humanity applications can be submitted at application.habitatla.org or by emailing disasterrelief@habitatla.org.

Lawmakers Pass SB 79, Sparking Outcry

Over Local Control Loss

Palisades Rebuild Gains Momentum as Permits Rise, Land Sales Increase

Some decried the bill, now on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk, for ignoring traffic, infrastructure, environmental, and public safety concerns

By Zach Armstrong

Data tracking shows that about 683 lots are now active, in escrow or sold — representing nearly half of the expected inventory tied to the rebuilding process.

Rebuilding efforts in the Pacific Palisades are gaining momentum more than a year after devastating wildfires destroyed thousands of homes, with new data showing increasing permit approvals and strong demand for land.

About 5,900 homes were lost in the fires. Since then, roughly 650 homeowners have received rebuilding permits, with approvals now reaching as many as 100 per month, real estate broker Anthony Marguleas said in an analysis of local market activity.

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,

Permitting timelines have averaged

along with city leaders and officials, rallied against the bill. “SB 79 is 100 times worse than existing laws,” Pacific Palisades Residents Association President Jessica Rogers said, warning of risks in wildfire-prone areas like the Palisades, citing inadequate evacuation routes and infrastructure strain.

about three and a half months, faster than many expected in the aftermath of the disaster. However, delays tied to insurance claims — rather than government approvals — are slowing the pace of rebuilding, Marguleas said.

“The surprising part is permitting isn’t the issue,” Marguleas said. “We’re seeing approvals in about three and a half months. The real slowdown is insurance.”

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 dense housing in fire zones.

At the same time, land activity has accelerated. Approximately 475 burned lots have been sold since the fires, reflecting continued interest from both developers and homeowners looking to rebuild. Early buyers are expected to include end-users seeking to construct homes quickly, as well as investors testing pricing for new construction, Marguleas said.

“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.

Data tracking shows that about 683 lots are now active, in escrow or sold — representing nearly half of the expected inventory tied to the rebuilding process. Despite the increase in listings, supply remains tight. Newly available lots are being absorbed as quickly as they come to market, suggesting demand is keeping pace with rising inventory.

Days after its passage, Park introduced a motion directing city departments to conduct a comprehensive 90-day

Monthly listing activity has grown

steadily, while land sales have remained strong, indicating a competitive market for buildable properties.

Still, new housing supply is expected to remain limited in the near term. Only

assessment of SB 79. The motion instructs the Departments of City Planning, Transportation, and Housing, along with the City Attorney, to analyze the bill’s effects. The report will include

maps of areas within a quarter-mile and half-mile of transit stops subject to SB 79, impacts on rent-stabilized housing, historic districts, coastal zones, and high-risk fire and tsunami areas.

a small number of rebuilt homes are projected to be completed soon, meaning buyers may continue to compete for scarce inventory.

County Extends Wildfire-Related Price Gouging Protections for Renters and Services

Without the extension, families in short-term leases could face rent hikes of 50% or

households remain in temporary housing.

Surveys cited in the motion found that about 74% of Pacific Palisades residents and 65% of Altadena residents affected by the fires are still living in temporary accommodations.

Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, who introduced the motion, said the protections are intended to prevent steep rent increases for displaced residents.

Without the extension, families in shortterm leases could face rent hikes of 50% or more, according to the motion.

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has voted to extend price gouging protections tied to the 2025 wildfires, as thousands of residents remain displaced more than a year after the disaster.

The board approved the measure in a 3-02 vote this week, extending limits on price increases for rental housing, goods and services through April 28. The protections were set to expire March 29.

The action continues enforcement of California Penal Code Section 396, which generally prohibits price increases of more than 10% on essential goods and housing during a declared emergency. The law also bars landlords from evicting tenants and rerenting units at higher prices.

County officials said the extension is necessary as rebuilding continues and many

The measure also maintains prior adjustments to rental pricing rules for certain units not previously on the market. Under the policy, landlords may charge up to 200% of fair market rent, as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, for units that had not been rented within the year before the emergency declaration. That threshold was previously set at 160%.

At the same time, the board removed price restrictions on hotel and motel rates. Officials said few displaced residents remain in those accommodations — about 1% according to recent survey data — and that lifting the cap allows hotels to adjust pricing based on seasonal demand and major events.

Officials said the protections may be extended again if conditions warrant as recovery continues.

Palisades Hillside Stabilization Work Underway Above Pacific

The project focuses on repairing a damaged bulkhead along Posetano Road.

Efforts to stabilize a hillside above Pacific Coast Highway are ongoing as crews advance work on the Posetano Road Emergency Repair Project, according to Traci Park.

The project focuses on repairing a

Coast Highway

damaged bulkhead along Posetano Road in the Pacific Palisades area, where last year’s fires compromised critical lateral support for the roadway and nearby homes. Crews are working high above the highway to reinforce the slope and restore stability.

Park said the work is aimed at ensuring long-term safety for both the road and the residences situated above it.

“This work is restoring critical lateral support lost in last year’s fires to keep the road — and the homes above it — secure,” she said.

Park recently visited the site to assess progress, noting that construction is proceeding smoothly.

33-Year-Old Identified as Man Found Dead on Palisades Circle

The cause of death has been deferred pending further investigation. The case remains open.

Authorities have identified a man found dead earlier this week in Pacific Palisades as investigators continue to examine the circumstances of his death, which was initially believed to be a hitand-run.

The victim was identified by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner as

33-year-old Agustine Dela Cruz Misa.

Officers with the Los Angeles Police Department responded around 2 p.m. Tuesday to the 17100 block of Palisades Circle, where the man was found unresponsive in a residential driveway. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The case was first reported as a possible hit-and-run collision, prompting police to search for a driver who may have fled. However, detectives later said they no longer believe the death was caused by a traffic crash and have since reevaluated the initial classification.

According to the Medical Examiner, the cause of death has been deferred pending further investigation. The case remains open.

St. Matthew’s Parish School Brings “The Wizard of Oz” Home to the Pacific Palisades

St. Matthew’s recently marked a meaningful milestone in its 76-year history. The School performed their annual Spring Musical live on their home campus for the first time since the Palisades fire last January, creating a powerful moment of celebration and community.

This year’s production of The Wizard of Oz, with its timeless message, “There’s no place like home,” served as a joyful tribute to resilience, renewal, and the enduring spirit of the school community. The performance also carried special significance as St. Matthew’s prepares for a full return to its Pacific Palisades campus for the 2026–2027 school year.

The Spring Musical is one of the School’s signature programs and a cherished tradition that brings together students from multiple grade levels in a shared artistic experience. Every middle school student in grades 5 through 8 has the opportunity to participate in the theatrical production. Eighth grade students take on leadership roles both on stage and behind the scenes, while students in grades 5 through 7 contribute through ensemble performances that enrich the overall production.

“The eighth grade truly rose to the occasion, fully embodying their characters with heart, focus, and maturity while also supporting one another, encouraging their peers, collaborating thoughtfully, and

modeling leadership for the entire cast,” said Jean Gaskill, Middle School Drama and Performing Arts teacher.

The success of the spring musical program is a testament to the School’s commitment to fostering a vibrant, inclusive community that celebrates the transformative power of the visual and performing arts. Through a dynamic arts curriculum, the School cultivates creativity, imagination, and selfexpression, inspiring students to discover their unique voices and develop a lifelong appreciation for the arts.

“This is a unique opportunity for leadership during the eighth grade year,” said Middle School Principal, Marisa Soulios. “It highlights the value of a through eighth grade experience and reflects the confidence and preparation our students gain before moving on to top secondary schools across the country.”

Performing arts opportunities extend across the entire student body and reflect St. Matthew’s mission; to empower students to challenge their minds, grow in character, and lead with courage. Students are encouraged to explore performance from an early age. After-school enrichment programs beginning in Pre-Kindergarten provide opportunities for young learners to participate in theater and performance.

In Lower School, Kindergarten and first grade students each perform in a class play

where every student has a speaking role. The School also hosts an annual holiday program where students in Kindergarten through eighth grade perform together. All students sing while middle school students also participate in skits and instrumental performances.

This year’s Spring Musical marked the first time the production was opened to the public. The musical was held in the School’s Sprague Gymnasium, which has been fully remediated and is the original home of the Spring Musical, symbolizing an important step forward as the School prepares for its full return this fall.

Head of School and an alum of St. Matthew’s, Alley Michaelson, reflected on the significance of the moment, saying, “St. Matthew’s has proven through this experience that our community is a lively, collaborative, and creative environment that honors the School’s rich history and culture of academic, spiritual, and character growth, no matter where learning takes place. We are thrilled to be returning home while also creating new facilities that will serve generations of St. Matthew’s students to come, providing the academic excellence and safe, inspiring learning environment they deserve.”

To learn more about St. Matthew’s academic program, schedule a tour or visit www.stmatthewsschool.com.