In January 2025, devastating fires swept through the Pacific Palisades and Altadena areas of Los Angeles, leaving a trail of destruction and loss. The fires, known as the Palisades and Eaton fires, destroyed several significant sites, including schools and historic landmarks, while some places miraculously survived.
The Westside Waldorf School, located at 17310 Sunset Blvd., was one of the casualties. This school had previously occupied the site of the Santa Ynez Inn, a well-known hideaway for celebrities from the 1950s until its closure in 1976. The inn was cherished for its bar, which offered a respite from the Hollywood spotlight, and its terrace, which hosted many weddings. The Waldorf School had moved to this location in 2005, but it was lost to the flames.
Another significant loss was the Pacific Garden Apartments at 111 Marquez Place. Built in 1956, this apartment complex stood on land that once housed the Bernheimer Chinese Gardens, a popular destination in the 1920s. The gardens, created by the Bernheimer brothers, featured rare Asian artifacts and beautiful landscaping, but they succumbed to neglect and land erosion after World War II. The apartment complex did not survive the recent fires.
Will Rogers State Historic Park, famous for its ranch house and stables, also suffered damage. Will Rogers, a beloved humorist and actor, established this ranch in the 1920s. Much of the property was donated to the state after his death in 1935. The recent fires destroyed several historic buildings in the park, marking a significant loss for the community.
The Marquez Charter Elementary School, located at 16821 Marquez Ave., also burned down. The land it occupied has a rich history, once known as Inceville, where early Hollywood films were made. Thomas Ince, a pioneering filmmaker, established a studio there in 1912, creating elaborate sets for his films. The studio eventually fell into disrepair, and the area transformed over the decades into a residential neighborhood.
In contrast, some structures managed to escape the flames. The Allen Bungalow, built in the early 1900s, survived the Eaton fire. This historic building, designed by architect Frank Shaver Allen, is a reminder of the area’s architectural heritage.
Similarly, the Lourdes of the West shrine at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church remained intact despite the surrounding destruction. This shrine, inspired by the famous grotto in Lourdes, France, has been a place of pilgrimage since its opening in 1939. While the church and shrine survived, many nearby homes were not so fortunate.
The fires also affected the iconic Christmas Tree Lane along Santa Rosa Avenue in Altadena. This street, lined with deodar cedar trees planted over 140 years ago, is known for its festive decorations during the holiday season. Fortunately, most of the trees survived, although several homes along the street were damaged.
As the community begins to recover from this disaster, the stories of what was lost and what remains serve as a poignant reminder of the area’s rich history and the resilience of its residents. The fires have reshaped the landscape, but the spirit of the community endures as they work together to rebuild and honor their past.