Protests Mark Palisades Fire Anniversary as Residents Demand Action from Newsom and Bass

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A Community in Crisis: The Fight for Accountability and Rebuilding

As the one-year anniversary of the devastating Pacific Palisades and Altadena fires approaches, a growing movement is demanding accountability from state and local leaders. Gov. Gavin Newsom is set to face a wave of anger from residents who feel abandoned by government officials after the disaster that claimed 31 lives and destroyed over 16,000 homes.

The protest, titled “They Let Us Burn!”, is expected to draw more than 1,000 attendees. Organizers are calling out what they see as systemic failures in emergency preparedness, infrastructure, and transparency. The event aims to highlight the struggles of those still displaced and to push for legal updates on rebuilding efforts.

A Call for Truth and Justice

Jeremy Padawer, a Pacific Palisades homeowner and organizer of the protest, says the fire was not just an act of nature but a result of negligence and mismanagement. He emphasizes that the community has been left without clear answers about when or how they can return home.

Padawer founded PacificPalisades.com to document the ongoing challenges faced by residents. He believes the protest is a necessary step in holding leaders accountable. “We are speaking truth to power,” he said.

For many, the trauma of the fire hasn’t ended. Jessica Rogers, a survivor and organizer of a memorial event, describes the aftermath as a shift from physical destruction to financial and emotional devastation. She lost her home and now helps others navigate the complex web of insurance claims, temporary housing, and debt.

A Community in Limbo

Rogers highlights the reality that many residents are not part of the affluent image often associated with Pacific Palisades. “There are a lot of everyday hardworking people — teachers, nurses — with dependable jobs,” she said. However, even those with stable incomes are struggling to make ends meet.

Some families are paying multiple bills at once, including mortgages, rent, and HOA fees. As insurance money runs out, many are facing homelessness. Rogers sees the one-year mark as a critical point for the community, which is already stretched thin.

Despite the hardships, there is a sense of hope. Rogers works with the Pacific Palisades Long-Term Recovery Group (Pali LTRG) to provide support through wellness programs and community efforts. On the anniversary, she is organizing a White Glove Flag Presentation and Remembrance Ceremony to honor the victims and recognize those helping the community rebuild.

A Message of Unity and Resilience

While the protest is a platform for anger, it also serves as a reminder of the strength and resilience of the community. Padawer and Rogers believe that the fight for justice and rebuilding is not just about the past, but about the future.

Padawer invited Gov. Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass to attend the protest, urging them to listen rather than speak. A spokesperson for Newsom’s office mentioned the governor plans to visit the area and meet with survivors, but did not confirm attendance at the event.

Both organizers remain hopeful that the community will rise again. “This is about community,” Rogers said. “Even when everything else is gone.”