A Community in Flames

Nearly six months have passed since the January 2025 wildfire swept through Pacific Palisades, leaving a trail of devastation that the community is still struggling to navigate. What began as a fast-moving blaze in the hills above Sunset Boulevard became one of the most destructive wildfires in Los Angeles history—burning 23,448 acres, destroying 6,837 structures, and claiming 12 lives.

For many residents, the fire didn’t just destroy buildings. It shattered routines, erased memories, and left families untethered from the place they once called home. Now, as summer begins, the road to recovery remains daunting—marked by delays, uncertainty, and emotional fatigue.

Where Rebuilding Stands Today

While images of smoldering rooftops and ash-covered hills have faded from the headlines, the rebuilding process has only just begun—and at a pace that many find painfully slow.

According to the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety, fewer than 100 permits for reconstruction have been issued as of early June. This number is dwarfed by the scale of destruction: over 6,800 properties were lost. Even with Mayor Karen Bass’s Emergency Executive Order No. 6, which launched a Self-Certification Pilot Program aimed at expediting approvals, progress has been sluggish. Many residents describe navigating the bureaucracy as a second trauma.

One homeowner, Walter Lopes, whose fire-damaged property was used in city promotional materials, told the New York Post:

“I’ve made more progress by pushing myself than through anything the city did. And I still don’t know when I’ll be able to move back.”

Underinsurance: A Silent Second Crisis

For thousands of homeowners, the greatest barrier to recovery is financial. A 2025 hearing by the California State Board of Equalization revealed that between 40% and 80% of wildfire survivors are underinsured. Their policies simply don’t cover today’s rebuilding costs—let alone the temporary housing, legal fees, and mental health toll that come with starting over.

The situation is compounded by a wave of pre-fire policy cancellations across California. As insurers withdrew from high-risk markets, many families found themselves with stripped-down coverage or none at all—just months before the disaster hit. An affected homeowner recently shared:

“It’s not just about losing your house. It’s about being told you can’t afford to come back. That this community you’ve invested in is no longer yours.”

To Stay or to Go?

This financial uncertainty is pushing families to make impossible decisions. Some are selling their properties and leaving the Palisades for good. According to a Santa Monica Daily Press report, nearly 300 homes in the area are now listed for sale, while fewer than 100 owners have begun the rebuild process.

“We want to come home, and our homes are gone. We've all been uprooted and scattered to the wind.”

Glimmers of Progress

Still, there are signs of resilience. The Pacific Coast Highway, once closed due to landslides and debris, reopened ahead of Memorial Day, restoring vital access to and through the region. In neighboring Malibu, city officials hired private security to monitor fire-damaged zones and protect vacant properties—an unusual but telling move reflecting the ongoing tension between rebuilding and retreat.

“It feels like we’re living in the outline of our old life, with the center missing.”

A Path Forward: Phoenix Equity Partners

While the public sector works to catch up, organizations like Phoenix Equity Partners are helping homeowners take control of their future. Founded by local professionals and residents, Phoenix offers a unique partnership model that helps underinsured homeowners:

- Rebuild without taking on new debt
- Retain equity through a joint venture structure
- Access experienced developers and investor capital
- Share in future upside when the home is sold or buy back the remaining equity and move back in

We’ve spoken to dozens of families who want to return—but feel stuck. With our model, you don’t have to walk away from your land or your community. You can be part of the recovery—on your own terms.

Let’s Rebuild, Together