You can feel it in the hum along Antioch, on Sunday mornings at the Farmers Market, in students returning to classrooms, and in neighbors pausing for coffee in the Village. The Palisades is reawakening—not in a rush, but in careful, steady increments.
After so much disruption, reopening isn’t just about returning. It’s about reimagining. In this moment, our goal is simple: to walk alongside this community, not as observers, but as neighbors committed to listening, learning, and helping build what’s next.
Schools in Session, Roots Re-anchoring
The school year is in motion again. Pali High is operating from its interim campus in the former Sears building in Santa Monica after damage to its main campus necessitated relocation.
A major milestone came on September 30, when Marquez Charter Elementary reopened on its original grounds in temporary modular buildings while full restoration continues. Roughly 60% of pre-fire enrollment has returned.
Before the fire, LAUSD had earmarked $725 million of a $2.2 billion district bond for rebuilding Palisades schools, including Marquez, Palisades Charter Elementary, and portions of Pali High.
Across all of this, the signal is clear: education is one of the first community systems to come back online post-wildfire. Families, teachers, and routines are rejoining the day-to-day life of the Palisades.
Where We’re Gathering Again
The Farmers Market is back every Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Antioch and Swarthmore, with parking validation available in Palisades Village, which is still closed for renovation but preparing to reopen in 2026.
The Recreation Center rebuild meeting was held October 7 to review early design plans and gather community input, led by city representatives and the LA Department of Recreation and Parks.
The Palisades Community Council Awards nominations, recognizing outstanding citizens and contributors to local life, ended October 17. The celebration event is planned for December 11.
The Longest Table returned October 5 along Pampas Ricas Boulevard with neighbors sharing one long table and a collective meal that reminded everyone what community feels like.
Chamber Music Palisades opened its twenty-ninth season on October 8 at Brentwood Presbyterian Church, featuring the New Hollywood String Quartet.
These are more than events, they are moments that restore connection and belonging, one gathering at a time.
What’s Back and What’s Still in Recovery
Already back or returning:
- Casa Gateway reopened after remediation, allowing residents to move back into this affordable housing complex.
- Local businesses are reopening steadily—from cafés and healthcare offices to boutiques and service providers.
- Palisades Village remains closed but is scheduled for a full reopening in 2026 after extensive repairs.
Still under restoration:
- Temescal Gateway Park remains closed while disaster recovery work continues.
- Will Rogers State Historic Park is still under repair and closed to visitors.
The return of these beloved spaces will take time, but every step forward adds momentum.
Rebuilding Together: How TJH Stands with You
At Thomas James Homes, we’re honored to be part of this rebuilding journey as the community rebuilds after the wildfires. We’re currently working with over 30 families on their Palisades rebuilds – each one unique, deeply personal, and rooted in resilience. From Castellammare to The Riviera, from Malibu to Rustic Canyon and Palisades Highlands, we’re helping families and neighborhoods move past the fire damage and rebuild.
Behind every address is a family rebuilding their future. Our role is to make that process easier, more transparent, and deeply respectful of the community fabric that makes the Palisades home.
“We’re not parachuting in. We live, build, and plan here.” – Jeff Sandorf, VP of Sales & 4th Generation Palisadian.
You’ll find us at the Farmers Market, at Recreation Center meetings, and in local forums, listening first.
We understand that rebuild decisions are emotional, financial, and deeply personal. Whether you’re considering remodeling, rebuilding, or selling, our goal is to help you make the choice that best fits your lot, your timeline, and your life.
What’s Next—and How You Can Plug In
- Watch for follow-up sessions from the October 7 Recreation Center meeting.
- Join us for Halloween candy at the YMCA Westchester Halloween Spooktacular October 24 from 6pm-9pm.
- Enjoy complimentary coffee and baked goods at Palisades Garden Café and get the answers you need at our “Ask a Builder” event on October 30 from 11am – 1pm.
- Save the date: Design Studio grand opening in Brentwood on November 15, from 1pm – 5pm.
- The Palisades Community Council Awards celebration, recognizing outstanding citizens and contributors to local life, is planned for December 11.
- Visit the Farmers Market on Sundays to reconnect with neighbors.
- Visit our Rebuilding Pacific Palisades page to see how TJH is helping families rebuild and return home with confidence. Contact us to start your rebuild journey.
The Palisades is waking up. Slowly, intentionally, and beautifully.
This is a place defined by its canyons, its views, its neighbors, and its enduring spirit. In all of that, we see not just what was lost, but what’s ready to be reclaimed, built with care, design, and purpose.
Let’s build the next chapter together, intentionally, beautifully, and resiliently.
— The TJH Team
