In the aftermath of the devastating Palisades fire on January 7, 2025, residents of the Tahitian Terrace and Palisades Bowl mobile home parks in Pacific Palisades are grappling with the long-term impacts of the disaster. The fire destroyed over 300 mobile and prefabricated homes, leaving many families without shelter and raising significant concerns about the future of affordable housing in an area known for its high property values.
Clove Galilee, a resident of Tahitian Terrace, reflected on the emotional toll of the disaster, likening it to a death in the family. "It’s like a death in a family," she said, lamenting how the initial wave of support from neighbors has faded as time goes on. While many have moved on, Galilee and her wife, Jenny Rogers, continue to face uncertainty about their future. They are among those who owned their homes but leased the land, leaving them in a precarious position regarding rebuilding efforts.
The mobile home parks, which provided some of the few affordable housing options in the affluent Pacific Palisades area, are now shrouded in uncertainty. Residents fear that the park owners may choose not to rebuild, effectively displacing them from the community they have called home. The parks have historically been rent-controlled, allowing many residents to live affordably in a region where the average home price exceeds $3.4 million.
Following the fire, communication from park ownership has been sparse, and residents have expressed frustration over the lack of clarity regarding their rights and the future of the properties. City officials are working with both residents and property owners to explore potential paths forward, but significant challenges remain. Steve Soboroff, the chief recovery officer for Los Angeles, emphasized the importance of maintaining affordable housing in the area and indicated that any attempts to rezone the land for more expensive developments would face considerable hurdles.
Residents like Lisa Atkinson, who lost her home in the fire, voiced their concerns about the lack of communication from park management. "We’re all freaking out," she said, highlighting the anxiety over whether they will be able to return to their community. Atkinson, like many others, is dealing with the financial fallout, as her insurance policy was recently canceled due to the fire risk associated with the hillside location.
The emotional and financial struggles of the residents are compounded by the loss of community. Many neighbors were drawn to the parks for their vibrant, creative atmosphere, which included teachers, artists, and municipal employees. The sense of belonging that characterized life in Tahitian Terrace is now under threat as residents face an uncertain future.
In the wake of the fire, Galilee and Rogers have taken refuge in a hotel in Marina del Rey, the same place they stayed when they first discovered Tahitian Terrace years ago. They are hopeful for a return to their home and community but recognize the challenges ahead. As they navigate this difficult period, their story reflects the broader struggle of many residents affected by the Palisades fire, who are fighting to reclaim their lives and homes in the face of adversity.