One Year Later: Reflecting on the Pacific Palisades Fires and the Strength of Our Community

By Hays Westbrook & Jocelyn Kelley | Kelley | Westbrook Group

It has been one year since the Pacific Palisades fires, a moment in time that forever changed lives, homes, and our sense of normalcy. While the physical flames were extinguished long ago, the emotional impact and the journey toward recovery continue for many families across the Palisades.

As local real estate professionals who live, work, and serve this community, we feel it’s important to pause—not just to remember what was lost, but to honor the strength, resilience, and unity that emerged in the aftermath.

A Community Forever Changed

The fires touched every corner of Pacific Palisades. Homes were damaged or destroyed, families were displaced, and cherished neighborhoods faced uncertainty. Beyond real estate, this was a deeply personal event for residents, first responders, and neighbors who stepped up without hesitation.

What stood out most during those difficult days was the extraordinary sense of community—people opening their homes, offering resources, and supporting one another in ways that defined what it truly means to live in the Palisades.

Rebuilding Beyond the Structures

One year later, rebuilding has taken many forms. For some, it has meant reconstruction and returning home. For others, it has involved navigating new housing options, reassessing long-term plans, or choosing a different path forward.

From a real estate perspective, we’ve seen:

• A renewed focus on fire-resistant building practices

• Increased awareness of insurance coverage and preparedness

• Homeowners taking a more thoughtful approach to renovations and rebuilding

• A continued commitment to staying in the Palisades despite challenges

The desire to remain part of this community remains strong.

The Pacific Palisades Real Estate Market One Year Later

Despite the tragedy, Pacific Palisades real estate continues to reflect the area’s long-term desirability. Demand remains steady for thoughtfully rebuilt homes, well-located properties, and neighborhoods with strong infrastructure and community engagement.

Buyers today are more informed and intentional, asking deeper questions about safety, construction quality, and long-term resilience—trends that are shaping the future of the local market in a positive, proactive way.

Honoring the Past, Supporting the Future

Today is not about statistics or sales. It’s about acknowledging loss, honoring recovery, and recommitting ourselves to this community we care so deeply about.

We continue to stand with:

• Families who are still rebuilding

• Neighbors who supported one another during evacuation and recovery

• First responders who risked everything

• Local organizations that continue to provide resources and support

A Message from Hays Westbrook & Jocelyn Kelley

Pacific Palisades is more than a place to live—it’s a community defined by care, connection, and resilience. One year later, we remember those difficult days with humility and gratitude, and we look forward with hope.

If you are rebuilding, considering your next chapter, or simply need guidance navigating the evolving Palisades real estate landscape, we are here—not just as agents, but as neighbors.