After the Flames: Pacific Palisades Rebuilding, Resilience & Recovery

This past week, I found myself deep in the Palisades, navigating a project unlike any I’ve taken on in years. As many of you know, Los Angeles has faced one of its worst natural disasters in recent memory. Neighborhoods were upended, homes lost, and entire communities displaced. Before I could even begin my work, I had to make a trip to the old Westside Pavilion—now acting as a FEMA processing center—just to get a pass. I stood in line with contractors, paperwork in hand, waiting for clearance. The National Guard manned several roadblocks, and each checkpoint was a reminder of just how fragile—and precious—our daily routines are.

When I finally reached the property, I walked into a home I designed over 20 years ago. There it stood, worn by smoke and ash, but standing. It was like stepping into a time capsule—the same limestone floors, the same custom millwork, the same light filtering through the windows in just the right way. I was struck by how the quality of craftsmanship and thoughtful design had endured. Even in damage, it looked elegant perched on the hill, like it belonged there.

It was more than a house—it was a resurrection.

With Passover now behind us and Easter fast approaching, I can’t help but feel that this season of rebirth has taken on a new meaning. Cleaning soot from stone and polishing smoke-dulled surfaces has become a sacred act. Rebirth doesn’t always come in the form of something brand new—it can be the revival of something we thought we lost.

This experience reminded me that we must be patient. We must be thankful for what survived. We must forgive the chaos, hold tight to our faith in each other, and help rebuild—not just structures, but spirits.

I want to give a heartfelt thank you to FEMA, the National Guard, Mayor Karen Bass, and Rick Caruso for stepping up in a time of crisis. Their leadership and quick response are helping countless Angelenos start to rebuild.

I saw neighbors helping neighbors, sharing power tools, offering food, comforting each other. That’s what makes this city great. That’s what makes us #LAstrong.

With love and gratitude,
Donna