Latest news with #PacificPalisades
Fox News
2 days ago
- General
- Fox News
'FireFraud!': Palisades resident rips benefit concert organizers for missing relief funds
Pacific Palisades resident Rachel Darvish criticizes FireAid for their handling of benefit concert funds after victims have yet to receive aid.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
California bill to turn lost Pacific Palisades homes into affordable housing paused after locals call it ‘a land grab'
When devastating wildfires swept through California earlier this year, many buildings were destroyed beyond repair. In fact, the Eaton and Palisades fires alone destroyed 40,000 acres of properties, and 6,800 buildings were damaged in the Palisades fire, affecting the Santa Monica Mountains. Now, the rebuilding process is leading to some conflict. Specifically, many residents of Pacific Palisades have recently expressed serious concerns about Senate Bill 549, which would create 'Resilient Rebuilding Authorities" funded by the government through property tax collection. These concerns were recently raised in a Fox 11 LA news report. These authorities would be given the power to purchase lots where homes had been destroyed by fire, and to build low-income housing on a significant percentage of those lots. However, residents of Pacific Palisades, where reports the median home listing price is $4.9 million, are not happy with what they see as a "land grab." Many have voiced opposition, and, in response, Senate Bill 549 has been put on hold until at least 2026. Don't miss Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) You don't have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here's how What would the California affordable housing bill do? Senate Bill 549 explains that existing law gives the government the authority to establish an "infrastructure financing district to finance public capital facilities or other specified projects of communitywide significance" and to "allocate tax revenues… to the district, including revenues derived from local sales and use taxes." Lawmakers now want to use this power to create Resilient Rebuilding Authorities, which would use some of the money to buy lots in Pacific Palisades and build homes for people with incomes between 60% and 30% of the median income, as well as homes that would be occupied by people with incomes below 30% of the area median and permanent supportive housing aimed at finding homes for the homeless. Governor Gavin Newsom also separately allocated $101 million in taxpayer money for the construction of more low-income housing to "accelerate the development of affordable multifamily rental housing so that those rebuilding their lives after this tragedy have access to a safe, affordable place to come home to." Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says — and that 'anyone' can do it Why is the California housing bill causing so much controversy? While lawmakers may want to build affordable housing in Pacific Palisades, residents are not so sure they want this to happen. Jessica Rogers, Pacific Palisades Residents' Association president, wrote a letter expressing her objections to lawmakers, which over 2,300 other local residents signed onto. "[Lawmakers are] asking for a land grab," Rogers said. "This is a rebuild, this is not a politicians get to decide a pet project on what they're going to decide in the Palisades. This is residents of this community get to decide what happens in our rebuild phase, period." Rogers also stated that while there was some affordable housing in the area in the past, residents don't want more of this housing built because they don't want things to change — they want their neighborhood back the way it was. "We had some low-income housing, and we had affordable housing," Rogers explained. "We want what we had on January 7 [the day of the Palisades Fire]. Nothing more, nothing less." Another resident was also upset about the idea of the government coming in and making sweeping changes without the consent of those who already lived there. "It does sound quite a bit like Big Brother deciding what's good for all of us," commented Aileen Haugh, another local resident. "It's irritating to think that other people [not local residents] are going to make decisions of what gets built and how it gets built." Misinformation may have also played a role in stoking opposition, as the LA Times reported that Spencer Pratt, a reality TV star, had shared information on social media about his opposition to the bill, who claimed that the government was focused on dense reconstruction and wouldn't be abiding by local zoning rules. The LA Times has also said that some of the other posts opposing the legislation were based on prejudiced views towards affordable housing and distrust of the government, as well as fears that the character of Pacific Palisades would change. Some even floated the conspiracy that the fires were set on purpose to replace the wealthy community with one where homes were more affordable. Regardless of whether the objections are based on conspiracy theories or fact, however, lawmakers have taken notice, and the controversial bill has now been put on pause. "I appreciate the input of the folks who have weighed in about the bill, and along with legislative colleagues have decided that it would be best for us to pause the bill until next year to give us more time to see if we can get it right," State Senator Ben Allen said in a recent statement. "For me to feel comfortable proceeding, the bill will have to be deeply grounded in community input, empowerment, and decision-making, including the support of the impacted councilmembers." What to read next Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Accredited investors can now buy into this $22 trillion asset class once reserved for elites – and become the landlord of Walmart, Whole Foods or Kroger without lifting a finger. Here's how Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Solve the daily Crossword
Fox News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Fox News
California wildfire victims left wondering where $100M went following FireAid benefit concert
The star-studded benefit concert that raised more than $100 million dollars for wildfire victims in California is itself under fire for how the money was spent. "I have not seen any benefit from the FireAid money, and I am very involved here and neither have my neighbors," said David Howard, who lost two homes in Pacific Palisades. FireAid billed itself as "a benefit concert for wildfire victims." Aside from music by the likes of Lady Gaga, Jelly Roll, Katy Perry and Olivia Rodrigo, the five-hour show featured multiple stories from victims of the Altadena and Palisades fire who'd lost their homes. "My house is gone," Altadena fire victim Mark Jones told the audience. Six months later, Jones told Fox 11 in Los Angeles he expected someone to reach out and provide help, but that didn't happen. Did Jones believe he would receive money? "I did, and I am sure with most Altadenians. The fire aid was for us. So, we figured where is the money? Where is it going?" Fox News asked that question Wednesday of FireAid and the Annenberg Foundation, which helped put the concert together. We have yet to receive a response, but officials acknowledged receiving our inquiry. The FireAid website says the concert raised an estimated $100 million designated for "direct relief". During the concert, host and actor Miles Teller told viewers "all the money raised will go directly to people who need it now and long-term efforts to build it back." That was echoed by host and actor Samuel L. Jackson, who said, "Go to the website and give what you can. All the money will go directly to people who need help in the short term and the long-term effort to get this city back on its feet." But last week, in a statement to the Fox affiliate in Los Angeles, the charity said, "FireAid does not have the capability to make direct payments to individuals and that was never the plan. We partnered directly with trusted local reach communities in need." Fox News contacted more than 70 of those non-profits. Some replied. Others declined. Some are well known like the Boys and Girls Club, YWCA and Meals on Wheels. Others are more obscure or promised to help specific ethnic groups or artists. One that promoted "self-determination in the Latino community" vowed to use their FireAid grant to create "a more humane and democratic society by responding to the needs and problems of disenfranchised people." Another claimed to use natural helpers or 'promotores' to "cultivate egalitarian relationships based on trust and respect." At least $6.5 million in donor money also went to the County of Los Angeles. All told, FireAid says it has granted $75 million so far to 188 non-profits. The remaining $25 million should go out in August and will focus on "long-term wildfire mitigation, environmental resilience, and sustainable rebuilding," according to the group. The LA Times this week published an extensive piece on FireAid funding, contacting 100 non-profits receiving aid. It said the money provided a lifeline to many groups, allowing them to provide food, shelter, mental health services and animal care. So who exactly who is responsible for how the money is spent? That's not entirely clear. The Annenberg Foundation helped organize the concert but claims only an advisory role in how the money is spent. An Annenberg spokesperson says spending decisions are made by the FireAid Advisory Committee made up of respected philanthropists. They make recommendations to the FireAid Board of Trustees. It includes several executives from the LA Clipper basketball team, a businessman and wife of a prominent media executive. While there is no evidence of fraud, California Congressman Kevin Kiley wants U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate "where these donations went and who benefited." We asked fire victim David Howard if the thought that was necessary. "100%," he said. "No question. We need to get to the bottom of where the money is going. A lot of money is going to non-profits in a lot of different areas and it's not going to where it needs to."
CBS News
6 days ago
- General
- CBS News
Treasure chest hidden inside Pacific Palisades' Skull Rock persists through fire, brings hope to hikers
A treasure chest once hidden by a father and son years ago inside Skull Rock in the Pacific Palisades persisted through January's devastating fire, now giving hope to hikers who stumble upon the symbol of hope and resilience. Blake Mallen and his son Greyson lived just hundreds of yards from the popular hiking trail before their home was destroyed in the Palisades Fire. They returned to the area to see if their secret slice of joy survived, surprised to find that despite the scorched earth surrounding the rock, their treasure chest made it. "We hid a treasure chest, physical treasure chest, inside the eye of what is known as Skull Rock, which is a unique location, because it's not something you can see unless you crawl through a hole and look to the left," Mallen said. Since they hid the chest three years ago, dozens of hikers have stumbled upon the chest, leaving messages of love, hope, grief and healing, lending to the tiny community built through anonymous gestures of kindness. Even on Jan. 7, the day that the Palisades Fire erupted to quickly torch more than 23,000 acres and destroy thousands of buildings, an eerie message written in a notebook inside the chest. The blaze was fueled by an extremely powerful windstorm, causing embers and flames to whip through the area. "May the wind blow gently on your back," the note reads. "I had no clue if it was going to make it or not, but nothing burned," Mallen said about the chest, which contains a notebook and other items left by visitors. The notebook entries then stop until Jan. 22, weeks after the fire started and people began to make their way back to the area. "And then the story continues. Now you have people after the fire finding their way to this chest, leaving amazing messages," Mallen said. Those messages include some from local firefighting crews and out-of-state firefighters who rushed to help Southern California crews battle the fire, Now, the Mallens see the chest as more than a symbol of kindness, quickly turning into one of resilience, like hope rises from the ashes. "There's just something about this place that brings the best out of people," Mallen said. "One thing that has come from the ashes is a realization of what a fire can never burn — community, love and connection can never be burned."
Yahoo
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Eames House Reopens Post-L.A. Wildfires, Family Announces New Foundation and Fire Resilience Efforts
It was a close call for the Pacific Palisades, Calif., home of legendary American designers Charles and Ray Eames. After five months of closure due to smoke damage from the Palisades fires, the Eames House has finally reopened to the public, representatives of the Eames family told WWD on Friday. The 1.4-acre site sits adjacent to a meadow of eucalyptus trees just north of Santa Monica. Its materials, interior collections and landscaping are maintained as they were during Charles' and Ray's lifetimes; all three elements tell the story of the couple's life and work, which includes the famous galaxy pendant lamp and their iconic Eames chair. More from WWD Miu Miu Taps Kylie Jenner, Lou Doillon, Rila Fukushima and More for Its Fall 2025 Campaign Immersive K-beauty Pop-up Lands in Hollywood Tariffs at 30 Percent Would Be a Tipping Point for European Furniture- and Lighting-makers The home, which was completed in 1949, was spared from the Los Angeles wildfires earlier this year, but sustained considerable smoke damage. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 2007. The midcentury modern landmark known as Case Study House No. 8 has undergone a meticulous process of restoration and cleaning. For the first time, the couple's studio, adjacent to the main living space, will be open to the public. It will now serve as a site for exhibitions, workshops and meeting space. A New Foundation In tandem with the reopening of the Eames House, the Eames family launched the Charles and Ray Eames Foundation, an initiative dedicated to preserving and advancing the legacy of the two American international creative visionaries. Today, their studio, the Eames Office, is still in operation and owns the intellectual property for all of the Eames' designs and assets. It continues as a cultural and commercial entity and is the main benefactor of the new Charles and Ray Eames foundation also announced that it will convene the first Eames Conference in Los Angeles in 2026, creating a new forum for professional dialogue between Eames scholars and institutions like the Library of Congress, the Vitra Design Museum, The Henry Ford, the Eames Institute of Infinite Curiosity and The Museum of Modern Art. The Eames' grandson said the family is focused on carrying on Charles' and Ray's legacy for future generations. 'As grandchildren, it has been our honor to ensure that Charles and Ray continue to make a global impact. Their work extended far beyond their most recognizable contributions in furniture and architecture — it was philosophy, photography, art, exhibition design, toys, lighting design, architecture. It is our responsibility to ensure those contributions are not lost. This next chapter is about succession planning and looking ahead to future generations,' said the couple's grandson Eames Demetrios, who is the director of the Eames Office, and chairman of the Charles & Ray Eames Foundation. Non-family member Eckart Maise, former chief design officer at Vitra and fourth generation Eames family member Jackie Cassel were appointed to its board of directors, which includes Charles and Ray's five grandchildren. Fire Resilience Is Key The board also appointed Adrienne Luce as executive director of the foundation. Luce was formerly executive director of the HMC Designing Futures Foundation in Los Angeles. Luce said ensuring fire resilience is imperative to the survival of the estate for years to come and is central to the foundation's long-term vision. As part of the foundation's 250 Year Project to conserve this historic landmark, it will implement a holistic, multilayered strategy that balances preservation with innovation. This includes a robust landscape management plan to fire-harden the site, restore native vegetation, install an underground cistern to support emergency response, and embrace emerging exterior fire protection technologies. 'These efforts are complemented by community convenings and research initiatives that advance broader wildfire recovery and long-term regional resilience,' she told WWD. The foundation already hosted two gatherings in the studio — one with neighbors, wildfire survivors and community leaders, and another with architects from Case Study: Adapt, a union of 10 of Los Angeles' leading architecture firms, which work together to redefine residential design for a changing climate and address challenges facing the Palisades and support broader wildfire recovery efforts.
