In the wake of the Palisades fire that ravaged homes in Pacific Palisades on January 7, 2025, residents are grappling with the aftermath and uncertain futures. Clove Galilee, who lived with her wife in the Tahitian Terrace mobile home park, expressed a profound sense of loss, stating that while life has resumed for many in their community, their struggle continues. “It’s like a death in a family,” she remarked, noting the initial offers of help that have dwindled as time passes.
The fire destroyed over 300 mobile and prefabricated homes in both the Tahitian Terrace and the adjacent Palisades Bowl mobile home parks, which provided some of the few affordable housing options in the affluent area. Residents like Galilee owned their homes but leased the land, leaving them in a precarious position regarding rebuilding. The uncertainty surrounding the future of these parks has left many feeling abandoned and anxious about their housing stability.
Before the fire, the average home price in Pacific Palisades exceeded $3.4 million, while mobile home lots in the parks rented for about $1,300 per month. Many residents had paid off their homes, making the loss even more devastating. The owners of the mobile home parks have not provided clear communication about potential rebuilding plans, and local government officials have struggled to offer concrete answers regarding tenants’ rights and future housing options.
Steve Soboroff, the chief recovery officer for Los Angeles, highlighted the vital role these mobile home parks played in providing affordable housing. He emphasized that any attempt to rezone the land for larger, more expensive developments would be a lengthy and challenging process. Residents fear they may be priced out of their community if the parks are not rebuilt.
Galilee and her wife, who have lived in the area for over a decade, are among those left in limbo. They have been staying in a hotel in Marina del Rey, the same place they visited years ago when they first discovered Tahitian Terrace. Their emotional ties to the community are strong, and they yearn to return to their home and neighbors.
As residents await updates from park management, they are also dealing with the personal toll of the disaster. Many have lost not just their homes but cherished belongings and memories. Lisa Atkinson, a resident of Palisades Bowl, expressed frustration over the lack of communication from ownership and the emotional pain of not knowing if she would ever return to her home.
The fire’s impact extends beyond the immediate loss of housing; it has disrupted lives and livelihoods. Many residents are left to rely on limited federal assistance, as insurance policies may not cover the full extent of their losses. The situation remains fluid as the community seeks answers and support in the face of uncertainty.
In the coming months, city planners are expected to engage with residents and property owners to explore potential paths forward. However, the timeline for recovery and rebuilding remains unclear, leaving many residents to grapple with their uncertain futures in a community that has been their home for years.