Latest news with #PacificPalisades
Yahoo
4 days ago
- 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.
CBS News
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- CBS News
The Getty Villa Museum returns to regular full schedule after Palisades Fire closure
The Getty Villa Museum in Pacific Palisades is resuming its regular public schedule on Wednesday after the museum launched a soft reopening three weeks ago following a Palisades Fire closure. The museum had been closed for six months because of wildfire damage and has been open to the public with a limited schedule since June 27. As the wind-driven Palisades Fire took off on Jan. 7, museum executives ultimately credited and thanked the Los Angeles Fire Department for saving the museum from destruction during the wildfire. "The Villa was spared through the valiant efforts of the LAFD firefighters in the surrounding neighborhoods and targeted water drops," Getty representatives said. Museum officials stated that while the flames didn't damage any galleries or collectibles, trees, plants, and the irrigation system on the grounds were destroyed. Cleanup and deep cleaning of indoor and outdoor spaces were done while the museum was closed, which included flushing the water system, replacing all air and water filters, and removing more than 1,300 fire-damaged trees. "Museum galleries and library archives were sealed off from smoke by state-of-the-art air handling systems," J. Paul Getty Trust President Katherine Fleming said earlier. "The double-walled construction of the galleries also provides significant protection for the collections." Museum representatives said the site may look different to returning visitors, with less vegetation and some burn damage to the outer grounds. The Getty Villa's website asks guests to "step into the ancient world," to explore the Greek and Roman art, tranquil gardens and ocean breezes." Starting Wednesday, July 16, the museum will be open from Wednesday to Monday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and has also increased the number of daily reservations available. A new exhibition, The Kingdom of Pylos: Warrior-Princes of Ancient Greece, welcomes visitors, showcasing over 230 art pieces and artifacts from Messenia. While admission is free, a reservation is required. Make reservations online or at (310) 440-7300. Parking is $25, and $15 after 3 p.m.
The Independent
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Miles Teller reveals the LA fires brought him closer to wife Keleigh
Miles Teller and his wife, Keleigh Sperry, are rebuilding their home after it was destroyed in the Los Angeles wildfires earlier this year. Their $7.5 million property in the exclusive Pacific Palisades area was among many celebrity homes lost during the January fires. Teller told ET that he and Sperry are navigating the aftermath with insurance, noting the experience has brought them closer together. Sperry expressed regret on Instagram for not saving her wedding dress but affirmed their resilience, stating they would 'come back stronger'. Teller also shared that friends offered significant emotional support and practical help following the devastating loss.
CBS News
07-07-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Palisades Fire survivor still overcome by emotions 6 months after losing family home
It's been six months since the wildfires erupted across Los Angeles County. KCAL News has been committed to staying in touch with the people we met during those difficult times as they rebuild. A reporter met Pacific Palisades resident Rob Hoover on Jan. 8 while his 3-bedroom home on Jacon Way was still burning. "I don't understand how this could happen here," Hoover said at the time. He was visibly shaken, after spending hours biking up the hill, praying he'd find an heirloom or anything to take back to his daughter. "All of her stuff from when she was born is just gone," he said as he watched his house still burning. "I came back to see if I can get a tool or something out of here, nothing." In the last six months, half his property has been cleared. Walking up to what was the front door, he took a moment to absorb it all, noticing the Christmas lights somehow survived, but nothing else. As Hoover walked around the empty lot six months later, the emotions were still heavy. Hoover knows the winds were strong and he knew the risks, but he still wonders why he didn't see any help. "Not one truck, not one fireman up my street and up Enchanted, not one," he said with anger in his voice. "I mean that's ridiculous. Come on." His temporary home is now a 40-minute drive south. It's a small furnished apartment, costing almost three times his monthly mortgage where his dog Oakley wasn't welcome. "Finding a place that accepts pets really narrows it down," he explained. Oakley is staying at Hoover's parents' home while they rebuild their lives. But he said their to-do list is seemingly endless. "Getting our lot cleared, getting it tested by the EPA, getting our mail forwarded, getting school figured out," Hoover said. On top of all of the other expenses and issues, he still has to pay property taxes and battle with his home insurance company. "The fact that we're getting nickel and dimed, it's unacceptable," he said. Hoover puts on a brave face for his now 13-year-old daughter who he said is taking the situation surprisingly well. Desperate to find a sense of normalcy, he searched for her very first stuffed animal. "We were actually looking for a stroller and I saw this and so I ended up buying for her and they don't make it anymore so I found it on eBay so that she could have something to remember," he said. Some days the reality is too hard to bear and it's difficult to look ahead into the future. Many of his neighbors have had to sell their land. Hoover hopes to rebuild one day but wonders if it's even worth it. "Best case scenario we have to live somewhere else for four years then my daughter is out of high school so what's the point," Hoover said. If this calamity has taught him anything, he said it's to trust your gut, be proactive and love your family. "Go find everything that means something to you and make sure you know where it's at. If you can put it all together one place that's great, because when the time comes, and you have to leave and you don't have time to go and get the stuff you're going to regret it," he said. "Number two is take care of your children because this is really hard. It's hard on me and it's got to be hard on them.
The Sun
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
How Hollywood hangout has become apocalyptic ghost town of crumbling mansions & burnt supercars 6 months after wildfires
IT'S known as a glamorous neighbourhood where millionaire movie stars live it up in luxury mansions and tourists flock to the beach all year round. But driving down The Pacific Coast Highway, six months on from the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, Malibu feels more like a post-apocalyptic ghost town. 17 17 Along the scenic coastal road, which was shut for months after the fires ravished LA, the view is still one of total devastation. Damaged structures and piles of debris are all that is left of many of the high end buildings and a burnt Porsche, along with various other vehicles, lie abandoned on the side of the road. The devastating fires, which broke out on January 7 and raged for three weeks, claimed dozens of lives and destroyed thousands of homes - including those belonging to celebrities such as Mel Gibson and Billy Crystal. Standing at the site of Paris Hilton's former Malibu beach house, the huge impact is clearly visible. All that remains is a section of the home's foundations, part of a wall and two doors with weeds now growing around the concrete. It feels as though it will be a long time before Malibu is back to being a magnet for visitors and bustling with big names. But less than 10 miles away in the Pacific Palisades, one of the neighbourhoods hardest hit by the inferno, residents remain optimistic and are hard at work rebuilding their community. It was home to many Hollywood stars, including Anna Faris, Miles Teller, Anthony Hopkins and Adam Brody, whose properties burnt to the ground. Months on, the neighbourhood is only open to residents, construction workers and members of the media. It still looks like the set of a war movie after the fire destroyed more than 6,000 structures, including homes, businesses, and community landmarks. 17 17 The historic Starbucks building, which was 100 years old and commissioned in 1924, is in ruins with the remaining walls still covered in black smoke damage. Firefighter controversy Hollywood actor Dennis Quaid, famous for his roles in The Parent Trap and The Substance, has several friends who lost their homes, including his agent, and has been vocal about the City's response to the disaster, slamming Mayor Karen Bass for her failure to "hit the ground running" as the fires raged. He compared the state of the affluent neighbourhood to the early 20th Century, before studio expansions in the area prompted a building boom. As we stood close to the rubble in the town centre, he told The Sun: 'Right now, looking at it, it's almost like it was in 1907. 'It's beginning [the rebuild]. There are a lot of lots for sale publicly, which I think is a good thing. 'It's a tragedy for people who have lost [everything] but the community needs to come back. 'There is a ray of hope I think. We're as strong as ever. The City just needs to get out of the way.' Quaid was in the area to greet billionaire real estate developer Rick Caruso who has announced plans to invest. 17 17 17 He hired private firefighters to save his shopping centre which is one of the only large buildings to remain intact. But his actions sparked controversy, with some saying private crews draw resources away from public firefighters. Quaid thinks he did the right thing. 'He had his own fire department here because he wanted to take pressure off the City in case there ever was a fire so they could handle it,' he said. 'This is a guy who thinks of things.' He also insisted it's 'not just movie people' who lost their homes, adding: 'I know they're considered rich people and all that but these are also people with mortgages, and they've been under hardship. 'And all the people who supported the community; the store owners, small businesses, gardeners, it's had its impact.' Caruso, who lost the Los Angeles Mayor's race in 2022, is reportedly investing around $50million to rebuild and upgrade the area. Rebuilding from ground zero Despite the backlash he has previously faced, he was met with positivity from residents this month as he announced that Palisades Village will reopen in mid-2026. He told The Sun: 'We've got construction starting now, we're bringing everything back. 'We're rebuilding inside of all the stores, the restaurants, the apartments are all getting redone, we're going to rocking and rolling within a year. 'You did have tourists in the summer time because people were visiting Malibu, the beach, and whatnot, and they will come back, they just need a place to go. And that's what we need to do, give them that.' The tragedy also affected the area of Altadena in east Los Angeles, where a fire burnt for more than 20 days. Asked if there is any hope for the other areas, Caruso said: 'Absolutely. That's what I think is really important about this announcement because what's happening here, it will happen in Malibu, it will happen in Altadena. 17 17 'When a retailer says, 'I'm willing to invest in a community that has basically been devastated' that means they believe it's coming back. 'Malibu is open this summer. The highway is open. Go support those businesses, the beaches are as beautiful as ever.' During this year's holiday season, the Palisades Village will bring back its annual Christmas tree lighting and Menorah celebration so the community can reunite. Caruso will also reconstruct the public park and fund the revitalisation of the streetscapes, including the sidewalks. Corinne Verdery, CEO of Caruso's business, said the announcement "reinforces our long-term commitment to the Palisades.' She explained, 'Our goal is to restore Palisades Village and the surrounding area as a vibrant and welcoming destination once again for residents, workers, and visitors – a place that reflects our community's resilience and optimism for the future." Fashion designer and business owner Elyse Walker tragically lost her original store after 25 years to the fires but is rebuilding her flagship. She said: 'I opened the first elysewalker location in the Pacific Palisades because I saw the huge opportunity to bring fashion retail to the area. 'I knew that I wanted a store to feel like a home base within the community. 'More than a store, it was where friends and family got together to connect, celebrate, and of course, shop, elysewalker Pacific Palisades epitomized that. 'Re-opening in the Palisades and moving to the Village is incredibly exciting and important as we focus our efforts on rebuilding and supporting this incredibly strong and resilient community.' 17 17 Five years of misery Over in Malibu, it's likely to take a lot longer to get things moving, while local police are still trying to protect the community from squatters. Jeff Schmucker, senior superintendent with Santa Barbara-based Clear Construction, spoke to The Sun as he was working on site. Despite Caruso's optimism, Schmucker feels it could be up to five years until Malibu is thriving once again, as he believes only 50 per cent of homeowners will rebuild, while the rest will sell their lots. He told The Sun: 'We're already submitting plans to build but I don't know how fast that process will be. We've got seven maybe eight houses signed up now. Malibu is open this summer. The highway is open. Go support those businesses, the beaches are as beautiful as ever. Rick Caruso 'We'll start the first one by October, as soon as we get permits we'll start. It would take anywhere between a year and a half to three years depending on the size.' It can take up to 18 months to just get a building permit in Los Angeles, which home owners are pushing to be reduced as many are refusing to wait years to return. Asked if he's seen any construction work in Malibu so far, he said, 'Nobody's even started yet. I saw one going up in the Palisades and that guy had just built. 'As soon as it burnt down they just resubmitted the exact same plans that they'd just finished.' 17 17 17 He said many of the residents were underinsured and are being left thousands of dollars out of pocket. Many of the iconic restaurants and cafes in Malibu remain closed, while some have burnt down completely and will not reopen. But there are still a few local owners who are pushing forward and are adamant business will one day be booming again. Joel Auiz is the owner of The Country Kitchen on Pacific Coast Highway, which has been a popular spot for four decades. £200k loss He said despite the business not burning down, there was a lot of damage and with the Pacific Coast Highway being closed for months it's been a huge struggle. 'When I saw the situation 11 days after the fires there was no electricity and I had to throw everything away,' he said. 'We reopened in March but business has been down about 60 per cent. It got better this past weekend when the PCH reopened but it's slow. 'Hopefully things get better. I don't know how long it's going to take to rebuild, everyone has to get new permits, septic tanks, so many things. 'I hope tourists do show up this summer, people from other states and other countries help a lot. We've already lost more than $200,000, we were closed for 50 days. 'It's sad to see the destruction and the lives lost. To rebuild all this is going to take a while. But thank God we are still here, it could be worse. 'We are grateful and ready to serve people. Our breakfast burritos, we serve those all day, the burgers are good, good sandwiches, homemade salsas as well.' While all of the communities affected by the wildfires have a long road ahead, it's clear so many do not want to give up hope. But they can't bring life back to some of the most beautiful areas of the city alone. The message is clear; they need help from the City, investors with big pockets, and they need tourists to take a chance on them.
