𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘: A Family's Search for Memories After the Palisades Fire

On Saturday, February 1, 2025, a family clad in white hazmat suits carefully searched through the remains of their home on Galloway Street in Pacific Palisades, hoping to salvage personal items from the rubble. The family, who had lived in the house for over 20 years, returned to the site for the first time since the devastating Palisades Fire destroyed their property, leaving only ashes and debris in its wake. The family intends to rebuild their home.

The Palisades Fire, which ignited on January 7, 2025, quickly escalated into a catastrophic event fueled by fierce Santa Ana winds and extended drought conditions. The wildfire ravaged more than 23,000 acres, reduced over 12,000 structures to ash, and forced the evacuation of approximately 150,000 residents across Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and sections of the San Fernando Valley. The fire claimed at least five lives and left many others injured.

Efforts to contain the blaze faced significant challenges due to strong winds that grounded aerial firefighting support and further spread the flames. While recent rainfall helped extinguish the fire, it also introduced new risks, including mudslides and debris flow in the already devastated areas. By January 27, evacuation orders were lifted, marking a crucial turning point in the recovery process.

As rebuilding efforts begin, scenes like this one on Galloway Street are a stark reminder of the fire's profound impact on the community. Utility crews and disaster recovery teams continue working tirelessly to restore essential services and clear debris, while residents like this family begin the painstaking process of piecing their lives back together.

Santa Monica Beaches Open for Non-Water Activities Amid Ocean Water Advisory

Santa Monica's iconic three miles of sandy beaches remain open for recreational and non-ocean activities, despite the recent Ocean Water Quality Advisory issued by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH). Visitors and residents are encouraged to enjoy biking, beach sports, and other activities on the sand, while staying informed about water quality updates.

The advisory, in effect as of this week, warns beachgoers to avoid ocean water at Surfrider Beach, Las Flores State Beach, Santa Monica State Beach, and Dockweiler State Beach due to fire debris runoff from recent wildfires. LACDPH also advises avoiding any fire debris on the beach and recommends checking the interactive map at PublicHealth.LACounty.gov/beach for the latest water quality updates.

“On top of the traumatic loss our neighbors have faced, the environmental impacts of the Palisades Fire are heartbreaking. We’re grateful that Santa Monica was largely spared from damage,” said Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete. “As always, Santa Monica remains a fun and beautiful place to visit and enjoy an escape, with great shopping and dining, gorgeous natural scenery and beaches, and mostly sunny skies. We want to thank all those who continue to come out to patronize local businesses that really need help in these trying times. Your support means everything.”

Local businesses, which have faced challenges due to the fires in the region, welcome the clarification from public health officials. The vibrant Santa Monica visitor economy continues to provide unique experiences for travelers and locals alike.

“Santa Monica, including our beautiful beaches and diverse attractions, remains open and fully ready to welcome visitors. Our city continues to offer a vibrant and unforgettable experience for all who come to enjoy its unique charm,” said Santa Monica Travel & Tourism President/CEO Misti Kerns. “With Dine LA running through Feb. 7 and a lineup of special events for Lunar New Year, Valentine’s Day, and Black History Month, there’s a lot to explore in our eight neighborhoods. We look forward to hosting travelers and ensuring they have an exceptional visit in Santa Monica.”

For residents concerned about health impacts from fire cleanup, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is hosting a virtual town hall meeting on Friday, Jan. 31, at 6 p.m. Details for the event are available online.

For more information about Santa Monica, visit santamonica.gov.

Shohei Ohtani Steers Fire Truck During Dodgers' Visit to Pacific Palisades Firefighters!

PACIFIC PALISADES, CA — Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, alongside teammates Emmet Sheehan and Ben Casparius, paid a visit to Los Angeles Fire Station 69 on Thursday, January 30, 2025, as part of the Dodgers Love LA Community Tour presented by Bank of America. The visit came in the wake of the devastating Palisades Fire, which ignited on January 7 and scorched over 23,000 acres across Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and sections of the San Fernando Valley. The wildfire, fueled by relentless Santa Ana winds and prolonged drought conditions, resulted in 12,000 structures destroyed, the displacement of 150,000 residents, and at least five fatalities. Though recent rainfall has helped extinguish the flames, it has also increased the risk of mudslides in the burned areas. With evacuation orders lifted on January 27, recovery efforts, including debris removal and utility restoration, are now underway. During their visit, the Dodgers players toured the fire station, met with firefighters and paramedics, and expressed their gratitude for their heroic efforts. Ohtani climbed into the tiller bucket of a fire truck, helping steer the massive rig through the Palisades, while his teammates rode along and jumped on fire engines for a closer look at the department’s operations. As part of their community outreach, the Dodgers also donated $350,000 and an additional $10,000 to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, providing critical support for firefighting resources, equipment, and training. The Dodgers Love LA Tour continues with stops across the city, honoring first responders and giving back to the community through various charitable initiatives.

California Conservation Corps Works to Protect Ocean from Contamination in Malibu Fire Recovery

On Wednesday, January 29, 2025, crews from the California Conservation Corps (CCC) were seen installing silt socks, straw wattles, and silt fencing around fire-damaged properties and vehicles at Malibu Beach. The effort is part of the CCC’s ongoing mission to protect local watersheds following the Pacific Palisades Fire.

The Palisades Fire, which broke out on January 7, 2025, in Los Angeles' Pacific Palisades, quickly escalated into a catastrophic event due to fierce Santa Ana winds and prolonged drought conditions. The wildfire burned more than 23,000 acres, destroyed over 12,000 structures, and forced the evacuation of approximately 150,000 residents from Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and parts of the San Fernando Valley. At least five lives were lost, and many others were injured. Powerful winds hampered firefighting efforts, grounding aerial support and allowing the flames to spread rapidly. While recent rainfall helped extinguish the fire, it also created new hazards, including the threat of mudslides and debris flows in the already devastated region. By January 27, 2025, evacuation orders were lifted, allowing recovery efforts such as debris removal and utility restoration to begin.

According to California Conservation Corps (CCC) Public Information Officer Chris Van Horne, the CCC has deployed 26 teams from across the state in collaboration with the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). Crews from the Tahoe and Solano centers are working to mitigate environmental damage caused by the fire. These measures aim to prevent hazardous contaminants from burned materials from entering watersheds and the ocean, a task especially critical in Malibu due to the proximity of fire-damaged properties to the coastline. With rain and runoff posing a significant threat to the area’s waterways, the CCC’s efforts are vital for safeguarding environmental and public health.

The CCC, an emergency response agency with nearly 50 years of experience, engages young adults aged 18 to 25 in paid service to the state. These crews, who typically focus on forestry and trail work, have been mobilized to assist in recovery efforts across Los Angeles County. Their efforts in Malibu are part of Cal OES’s Watershed and Debris Flow Task Force and represent an important first step in the region’s recovery.

For more information about the California Conservation Corps and its initiatives, visit ccc.ca.gov.

PALISADES FIRE AFTERMATH: Volunteer Ministers Assist Families in Salvaging Belongings

Volunteer Ministers Assist Homeowners in Palisades Fire Aftermath

Pacific Palisades, CA — On Tuesday, January 28, 2025, the Church of Scientology's Volunteer Ministers were on the ground assisting in the aftermath of the devastating Palisades Fire. Among those receiving aid were local residents Jarad Fisher and his wife Lara, who worked with the volunteers to sift through the remains of their home, searching for any personal items that survived the blaze.

The Palisades Fire, which ignited earlier this month, left a trail of destruction across Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and neighboring communities. Fueled by powerful Santa Ana winds and exacerbated by drought conditions, the wildfire scorched over 23,000 acres, destroyed more than 12,000 structures, and displaced approximately 150,000 residents. While recent rains helped quell the flames, they also brought new challenges, such as the risk of mudslides and debris flows in the affected areas.

In response, the Volunteer Ministers have mobilized to provide critical relief to those impacted. Operating from their base at the Church of Scientology of Los Angeles, they have delivered water, food, and essential supplies to affected families. Their efforts extend beyond immediate aid, offering hands-on assistance in the recovery process by helping homeowners salvage belongings and begin rebuilding their lives.

The Volunteer Ministers program, established more than three decades ago by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard, is rooted in the belief that individuals can make a meaningful difference in their communities. The group has become known for its humanitarian efforts, assisting in disaster zones and collaborating with public service organizations worldwide.

“Something can be done about it” is the motto that drives the Volunteer Ministers, whether they are responding to local disasters or global crises. From the aftermath of 9/11 to Southeast Asia’s 2004 tsunami and the 2010 Haiti earthquake, they have brought hope and practical assistance to those in need.

As the Palisades community begins to recover, the Volunteer Ministers remain committed to aiding residents through this challenging time. For more information or to seek assistance, visit their Los Angeles Fires Resource Center.

Recovery efforts in Pacific Palisades and neighboring areas are ongoing, with crews focusing on debris removal, utility restoration, and supporting displaced residents as they rebuild their lives.

Polish ‘Forrest Gump’ Completes Epic U.S. Journey with Police Escort at Santa Monica Pier

Tomasz Sobania, the 26-year-old Polish ultra-runner dubbed the "Forrest Gump of Poland," completed his monumental cross-country journey across the United States on Sunday, finishing at the iconic Santa Monica Pier. The 3,300-mile expedition, which began on September 15 in New York City, culminated in a grand finale escorted by Santa Monica Police officers, including Police Sergeant Woodham, an avid runner who joined Sobania for the final stretch. Sobania’s journey, which involved running a marathon (26 miles) every single day for five months, was designed to connect with Americans and experience the country in a deeply personal way. Along his route, he carried the Freedom Flag of the United States, which was presented to him in Washington D.C. by members of Congress. The final leg through Santa Monica was a celebration, as fans and followers gathered at the pier to greet and congratulate Sobania. The Santa Monica Police Department’s squad car led the way, ensuring a safe and triumphant conclusion to his epic journey. The runner, who has completed other major endurance challenges in Europe, called this adventure a unique opportunity to "get to know America coast to coast." “This was not just about running. It was about people, connections, and pushing beyond limits,” said Sobania, whose mantra, “Do More Than You Ever Thought Possible,” has inspired many along his route. His previous achievements include running 500 miles across Poland and completing 950 miles from Poland to Rome, where he met Pope Francis. Sobania’s commitment to endurance running and cultural connection solidifies his place as a global ambassador of perseverance and unity. Santa Monica, with its sunny coastline and vibrant atmosphere, provided the perfect setting for the culmination of this inspiring journey. Fans cheered as Sobania crossed the finish line, adding one final unforgettable moment to his extraordinary adventure.

Angel of Hope: Artist Honors Palisades Fire Heroes with Stunning Mural on Santa Monica Beach

On a rainy Sunday, January 26, 2025, artist Kuba Skrzypek (@skrzypekstudio) a wall at Perry's Beach Café into a powerful tribute to the resilience and heroism of Los Angeles firefighters. The mural, featuring a firefighter rescuing a woman with angelic wings, symbolizes the city's enduring spirit in the wake of the devastating Palisades Fire. Skrzypek, a visiting artist from Poland, took to the brush during his short vacation in Los Angeles. The wings on the woman are a nod to the City of Angels, while the mural serves as a poignant reminder of the bravery displayed during the fire, which ignited on January 7, 2025. Later that evening, Skrzypek was set to head to the airport to return to Poland. The Palisades Fire left an indelible mark on the community, scorching over 23,000 acres, destroying more than 12,000 structures, and displacing over 100,000 residents across Pacific Palisades, Topanga, and Malibu. As recovery efforts continue, this mural captures the hope and strength of a city still healing. Skrzypek’s artwork not only immortalizes the heroism of first responders but also provides a focal point for reflection and unity amid the ongoing rebuilding efforts.