Data Shows Rebuilding Progress in PostFire Palisades
First Permits Issued for Palisades Home Builds Under New City Program
Officials said the initiative has helped cut permitting times for singlefamily projects to nearly three times faster than pre-fire averages
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 first permits under a new city program offering pre-approved designs for single-family homes have been issued in Pacific Palisades.
The numbers indicate a surge in permitting activity, particularly in recent months.
to Pali Builds’ September 1 analysis.
over 600 addresses in the neighborhood, with 1,000 permits issued for about 515 sites. Construction has begun on more than 340 projects, according to updated dashboards tracking progress.
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 program stems from Executive Directive 13, one of several emergency measures enacted after the fire. Other steps include waiving fees for repairs, suspending certain environmental reviews and introducing AI tools to prescreen plans. Additional pre-approved designs are being added to the library on a rolling basis.
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 Standard Plan Pilot Program, launched earlier this year, provides a library of code-compliant home designs reviewed in advance by the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety. Officials said the initiative has helped cut permitting times for single-family projects to nearly three times faster than pre-fire averages, with more than 70% of required clearances now eliminated.
City officials also report accelerated debris removal — completed nearly a year ahead of schedule with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers — and faster restoration of utilities, with water and power back online for surviving homes within two months.
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.
Lawmakers Pass SB 79, Sparking Outcry
To date, city records show more than 1,200 rebuilding plans approved for
For commercial properties in the Palisades Commercial Village area, including coastal zones, emergency measures have streamlined approvals while adhering to local development standards. Community facilities like the Palisades Recreation Center are slated to break ground in January 2026 through a public-private partnership, with a temporary library planned for early next year.
Over Local Control Loss
Paliskates Finds New Home After Fire Destroyed Original Location
Female-owned skate shop plans return to Pacific Palisades
Some decried the bill, now on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk, for ignoring traffic, infrastructure, environmental, and public safety concerns
By Zach Armstrong
Paliskates, the Pacific Palisades skate shop that lost its flagship store in last year’s wildfire, has opened a new location in Brentwood at 212 26th St., across from the Brentwood Country Mart.
The business, founded by Erica Simpson in 1999, bills itself as the longest-running female-owned skate shop in the U.S. It served as a community hub for skaters, surfers and families for more than 25 years until the Palisades fire destroyed the original site shortly after a December 2024 anniversary celebration.
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,
Simpson said the Brentwood space represents a “fresh start” while the company remains committed to rebuilding in Pacific Palisades. Plans for that second location are “fully
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.
underway,” she said.
The shop gained national attention during the 2025 Grammy Awards when Avril Lavigne appeared in a Recording Academy commercial promoting fireaffected small businesses. Lavigne later modeled for Paliskates and collaborated on a limited-edition sweatshirt that raised reconstruction funds through online sales.
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.
After the fire, the store shifted to e-commerce and social media, maintaining ties with customers who called it a “second home” for generations of local skaters. Celebrities including Kate Hudson and other longtime supporters rallied behind the recovery effort.
“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.
A community opening event is scheduled Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. with music, light bites and skating camaraderie. The gathering marks the first in-person gathering since the loss of the original store.
Days after its passage, Park introduced a motion directing city departments to conduct a comprehensive 90-day
Paliskates began as a counter-culture
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.
hangout offering apparel, accessories and skate gear. It grew into a multigenerational space where parents who once hung out as teens now bring their own children.
The Brentwood address places the shop near high-end retail and dining, but Simpson emphasized the focus remains on community over commerce.
Photo: Instagram: @paliskates
School of Rock: End of Season Shows, Camps Coming Soon
2025 was a challenging year to say the least.
Many School of Rock students experienced upheaval due to the Palisades fires in January. While homes were lost, belongings scattered and instruments gone, music remained a constant.
School of Rock general manager Justin Salmons says despite the hard times, the music didn’t stop and that was a testament to the passion students have for music. When they are exposed to performance-based music education, the passion grows.
“We had over 200 students enroll or reenroll in our Back to School push, which is a huge milestone and achievement given the absolute peril our community had gone through early this year,” Salmons says.
“That’s what we are about, community and collaboration. As long as we can continue giving these kids an awesome, safe environment to make friends, grow their self-confidence and become awesome musicians, we are all winning,” he adds.
LOOKING FORWARD
As the year 2025 comes to an end, School of Rock has released information and registration for winter camps, spring camps and summer camps for the remainder of this
year and 2026.
“No previous experience is required for the camps. For all ages, our camps are a fun retreat during school breaks as they learn the fundamentals of music education in an uplifting, positive environment with peers,” Salmons says.
Heading into January, School of Rock West LA and Venice have exciting events scheduled in addition to the full complement of classes. Venice, this spring, will launch its adult program, inviting lifelong learners to try their hand at learning an instrument.
END OF SEASON SHOWS
School of Rock West LA is hosting its Fall/Winter 2025-26 Season Preview Party on Dec. 6 from 7-9 p.m.
The event features live music, an ugly holiday sweater contest and fall treats and free attendance. In addition to live student performances, School of Rock’s house band and staff band will play sets. During this event, end of season performance shows will be announced.
“We have so many end of season shows in January, we had to book two separate venues. We’re also teaming up with our South Bay sister school for another one,” Salmons says.
School of Rock Venice will host its season preview party Dec. 14 from 5-7 p.m. COMMUNITY EVENTS
This year, both School of Rock West LA and Venice house bands have participated in gigs that uplift the community.
Each year, students who have been involved in performance programs have an opportunity to audition for School of Rock’s house band. Top students from this audition are invited to play extra gigs throughout the year.
Recently, the band played at the Yee Haw Fest, a fundraiser for Pali Elementary, playing Western-themed music such as Dolly Parton. They’ve also done Palisades fire relief shows, which featured the X Ambassadors and Fitz and the Tantrums as headliners.
“That was an amazing event, just a perfect example of how we love to be part of the community, to bring joy and opportunity and share our love of music with our community,” Salmons says.
California Roadhouse will be opening at the Santa Monica Pier and School of Rock house bands are planning to host pop-up events to raise excitement for the new venue.
This fall, School of Rock house bands also played sets during the Run Travis Run 5K, a running event hosted by Travis Barker.
School of Rock Venice played in November at the Venice Fest, an arts and musical festival.
GET INVOLVED
School of Rock’s prolific song-first approach programming is available in several locations throughout Los Angeles for all ages as young as 4.
Musical proficiency is built by integrating thrilling stage performance and song-based learning. Music theory, technique, stage presence and confidence abound as students progress into higher levels of the program.
School of Rock’s tiers of programming include Little Wing, for ages 4-5; Rookies, for ages 6-7; Rock 101, for ages 8-13, and Performance for ages 8-18, in addition to AllStars, Songwriting and adult programming. .
To learn more about School of Rock or activate your free trial, visit Venice.SchoolofRock.com or WestLA. SchoolofRock.com.
Urban Jungle: Deck The Halls This Holiday Season With Plants
The holiday season is fast approaching.
To make your holidays more sustainable, Urban Jungle, an indoor and tropical plants nursery on Lincoln Boulevard, encourages people to avoid the artificial greenery and decorate with fresh, natural greenery instead.
Holiday plants are in full stock at Urban Jungle. Natural, meaningful and full of life, plants are the perfect way to brighten homes, lift spirits and transform both indoor and outdoor spaces.
During the calm or the storm of the upcoming holiday season, indoor and outdoor plants are a festive and sustainable way to deck the halls. Adorn and decorate your home with greenery that cleanses the air.
Deisy Moreno, a team member at Urban Jungle, says plants are the simplest way to invite nature into your holiday routines. As you prepare your home for festive celebrations, consider this list of holiday-favorite plants found at Urban Jungle.
Classic and Modern with a Festive Blend
Indoors, poinsettias, cyclamen and Christmas cactus make for an instant
seasonal charm with their rich reds, whites and soft pinks.
For something more modern, the redand green-variegated leaves of rubber trees and snake plants pair beautifully
with cozy winter decor and thrive in low-light conditions.
Added warmth can be achieved by grouping multiple plants together in Continue on page 7
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decorative pots for a layered, inviting display.
Adorning Your Outdoor Spaces
Pansies, violas and ornamental kale provide vibrant seasonal color all season long. Rosemary and dwarf cypress offer that classic holiday look and are great plants to continue nurturing post holiday season.
“You can never go wrong with a porch full of beautiful lush indoor and outdoor plants that liven the space and boost the
mood,” says Deisy.
Fresh greenery also pairs beautifully with twinkling lights, candles or seasonal ornaments, bringing texture, fragrance and natural charm to your porches, patios and entryways.
The Most Meaningful Gift Plants also make meaningful holiday gifts.
Deisy at Urban Jungle encourages people to think outside the box and give the gift that nobody returns: greenery.
As a gift, plants symbolize deep care and connection for the recipient. Although it may require some attention and care, plants improve air quality, reduce stress and create a sense of tranquility.
Unlike many holiday gifts, plants last and become part of the space, often for years. Representing growth, new beginnings and life, plants add a personal touch of nature to any space.
While naturally enhancing a room, they serve as a gift that isn’t forgotten after the holidays — a living, interactive and long-term expression of love.
“Plants are presents that don’t get put aside after the holidays end. They reduce stress and are a living reminder of your loved ones,” Deisy says.
Gift the gift of life, love and renewal this season, and adorn your space with richness and meaning. Urban Jungle offers guidance on low-maintenance options, seasonal favorites and combinations that suit any space or lifestyle.
This season, the nursery invites holiday decorators and gift givers to embrace natural, engaging and longlasting decor and gifts.
Urban Jungle also sells a variety of local and globally-sourced pottery essentials. Stop by the nursery located at 3113 Lincoln Boulevard in Santa Monica. Follow the boutique on Instagram.
Welcome to Urban Jungle
Immerse yourself in a sanctuary where nature’s tranquility meets the vibrancy of city life. Urban Jungle is more than a plant store it’s a communitycentered oasis bringing a lush slice of paradise to your urban lifestyle. Here, we passionately believe in the power of plants to transform spaces and
Family-Owned Jewelry Brand Elevates Everyday Style With Handcrafted, Made-in-USA Designs
When you say it is an e-commerce company, what does that mean?
Being an e-commerce company means our brand operates primarily online, giving our customers the convenience to explore and shop our pieces from anywhere. Our focus is delivering high-quality jewelry with a seamless digital experience — and while we thrive online, one of our biggest goals beyond quality is opening our first permanent physical location in the near future.
Every Piece
In a digital-first world dominated by mass production, one small family-owned jewelry company is carving out a distinct space by championing craftsmanship, durability, and meaningful design. Run by a mother, daughter, and son, the brand seamlessly blends old-world artistry with a modern e-commerce experience, offering timeless, handcrafted pieces made in the USA. Their mission stretches far beyond selling jewelry; they’re building a community centered on connection, intention, and everyday luxury. Our interview with the family shares insight into their work, their values, and the growing world of handcrafted jewelry.
What is your specialty? What types of jewelry do you specialize in?
We specialize in timeless jewelry designs that feel elevated yet wearable. Our pieces range from everyday essentials to statement pieces for special occasions, offering versatility, elegance, and intention in every collection.
You say that your company is familyowned. How does that affect how you do business?
Being family-owned means every piece truly matters. We pour care into our curation, our brand, and our community. We strive every day to build more than a jewelry company — we’re building a community of individuals who value meaning, craftsmanship, and connection. How is your jewelry made? Is it handcrafted?
Yes — our jewelry incorporates handcrafted elements and is thoughtfully made in the USA. We source our materials from trusted U.S. vendors to ensure quality, craftsmanship, and consistency, creating meaningful pieces designed to last.
Do you ever do pop-ups? If so, where are they located?
Yes, we do monthly pop-ups at Bluemercury in El Segundo. It’s an opportunity for our clients to connect with us in person, try on pieces, and experience the brand firsthand. We announce our pop-up dates monthly on our social media platforms, so our community always knows when and where to find us.
What do you think is the biggest trend in jewelry right now?
We see intentional jewelry leading the trend — meaningful pieces, timeless silhouettes, and designs that blend personal expression with everyday wear. To keep our community inspired and informed, we release monthly blog posts that highlight trending styles, material education, and the history and craftsmanship behind jewelry. Is there anything that you would like our readers to know about your company?
Our mission goes beyond selling jewelry. We are building a brand rooted in craftsmanship, emotion, and community. Each piece is chosen to empower
confidence, celebrate individuality, and bring beauty to everyday life. We’re growing, connecting, and expanding our presence both online and through monthly pop-ups. We’d love for you to follow our journey and be part of our story.
LADWP Delays Start of Palisades Water Regulator Replacement Project
Affected residents will receive advance notice before the shutdown occurs
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power has postponed the start of a major upgrade to a water pressure regulator station at the intersection of Via De La Paz and Sunset Boulevard due to weatherrelated delays, Councilwoman Traci Park announced Monday.
Construction, originally scheduled for
The way high school should be.
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earlier this fall, is now set to begin in early December and is expected to continue through spring 2026, weather permitting.
Work will generally occur Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., with occasional Saturday hours to accelerate completion.
Water service will remain uninterrupted for the vast majority of the project, except for one brief planned shutdown during the installation of a bypass connection. Affected residents will receive advance notice before the shutdown occurs.
For safety and to accommodate construction staging, Via De La Paz between Sunset Boulevard and the adjacent alleyway will be fully closed to through traffic for the duration of the project. Driveway access for residents and businesses will be maintained, and emergency vehicles and delivery services will not be impacted.
The project will replace aging infrastructure at the regulator station to improve water pressure reliability in the area.
Le Lycée Français de Los Angeles Campus 55
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MUST BE 2 YEARS BY DEC 31ST TO ENROLL
POTTY-TRAINED NOT REQUIRED 8:00AM - 2:30PM
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Executive Function Coaching Helps College Students Find Success
It goes without saying, college is hard.
The demands of a new and changing daily routine in addition to studying and maintaining grades, sometimes bears weight on college students — creating cycles of frustration, stress, procrastination and withdrawal of effort.
Students who have learning differences, undiagnosed or diagnosed ADHD or autism may experience an even larger barrier when it comes to the amount of sustained attention, time management and performance necessary for college success.
But no barrier is too large with New Agenda Coaching, an executive function coaching practice in Los Angeles, founded by Maria Del Corso and Amie Davies. New Agenda believes strong executive function skills lead to higher performance in addition to life-long benefits for children, teens and adults.
For college students that are struggling to meet their goals and achieve success, Del Corso says the outcomes of having 45 minutes per week of virtual executive function coaching session are positive and productive for individuals who — amidst a busy schedule — may not believe they have the time for it.
Taking time to speak with a professional about executive function struggles gives them back time when they learn simple, yet effective, strategies for success.
“Executive function coaching works, especially when students have challenges that are generated from ADHD or other learning differences, neurodivergent patterns, or those who are feeling that
overwhelmed, or cognitive drown, during college. This type of coaching supports increased graduation rates, improved grades and remarkably improved mental health and a greater sense of self worth,” Del Corso said. “It also supports post graduation readiness into the workforce or graduate school.”
With coaching, students are able to reorganize and reinvent themselves. New Agenda Coaching professionals work oneon-one with students to organize and unify their calendar system and create better study habits.
“Planning time for assignments and studying, working back from the due date and time blocking is part of our coaching. This practice is a lot more difficult than people realize, but it’s effective in helping students understand that unstructured time isn’t free time, and assigning time for high priority tasks and goals is an effective way to manage time,” Del Corso said.
New Agenda coaches look at the way students are studying and offer improvements to their “system of studying.” For example, study guides in high school were often provided, but in college, students are responsible for creating their own guides. New Agenda coaches help students create systems for studying, figuring out what works best from the concept of time management.
Maintaining health and wellness and socialization is extremely important for college students who struggle with executive function. They are often influenced by a negative self-talk, but New Agenda coaches help students “hear” through that voice and recenter with positivity.
“Some people find and create relationships with people automatically.
But some students have trouble building connections and finding activities and modes of health and wellness that relieves stress,” Del Corso said.
College isn’t about just getting to class on time, it’s becoming responsible for selfimposed structure, active prioritization and constant decision making. It’s mindfulness, both for students, and parents of college students, Del Corso said.
“There’s a lot in that transition for college
students as well as the parents. If their young adult has ADHD or neurodivergent patterns, there’s a lot of worry that goes on in their mind. When we focus on achieving mindfulness, that includes active moments in between semesters of rest, or preparing for the next semester and leaving the last one as it was,” Del Corso said.
To learn more about New Agenda Coaching or to schedule a virtual onboarding session, go to NewAgendaCoaching.com.
