In January 2025, devastating fires swept through Pacific Palisades and Altadena, leaving a trail of destruction and loss. Among the many buildings affected, the Westside Waldorf School, which had taken over the site of the historic Santa Ynez Inn, was completely destroyed. This inn was once a popular getaway for celebrities, known for its charming bar and beautiful terrace where many couples celebrated their weddings.
The fires, known as the Palisades and Eaton fires, ravaged the area, taking not only the Waldorf School but also the Altadena K-8 campus. The Waldorf School had moved to its Sunset Boulevard location in 2005, transforming the inn’s legacy into a new educational space. The Santa Ynez Inn, which had operated since 1957, was a low-key hideaway for Hollywood’s elite until it closed in 1976.
Another significant loss was the Pacific Garden Apartments, built in 1956 on the site of the once-celebrated Bernheimer Chinese Gardens. These gardens, created in the 1920s by Adolph Bernheimer, showcased rare Asian artifacts and offered the public a glimpse into a different world. Unfortunately, the gardens fell victim to neglect and natural disasters, leading to their eventual demise and redevelopment into apartments.
Will Rogers State Historic Park also suffered damage, with the ranch house and several historic buildings succumbing to the flames. Will Rogers, a beloved humorist and actor, had built his ranch in the 1920s, and much of the property was later designated as a state park. This area was a significant part of L.A.’s history, reflecting the life and times of one of its most cherished figures.
While many landmarks were lost, some survived the fires. The Serra Retreat in Malibu, a spiritual retreat that was once part of the Rindge family’s vast coastal property, remained intact, although it is currently closed due to utility damage. The Allen Bungalow in Altadena, built in the early 1900s, also survived, showcasing the Prairie-style architecture of its designer, Frank Shaver Allen.
In Altadena, the Lourdes of the West shrine at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church was spared, despite flames coming dangerously close. This shrine, which opened in 1939, has been a place of pilgrimage for many, replicating the famous grotto in Lourdes, France.
The fires have left a profound impact on the community, not just in terms of physical loss but also in the memories tied to these places. As residents begin to rebuild, the stories of what once was will continue to resonate, reminding them of the rich history that shaped their neighborhoods.