Middle-class families at risk of displacement amid Palisades fire aftermath

As Pacific Palisades residents grapple with the aftermath of a devastating wildfire, some fear their hometown may become unrecognizable amid commercial development and soaring property values.

Tim Golden reports for ProPublica.

In short:

• The wildfire destroyed homes, including properties owned by longtime residents, while the upscale Palisades Village mall was protected by private firefighting resources.
• Wealthier new residents had built large homes in fire-prone areas, reshaping the town and increasing wildfire risks.
• Many displaced families are considering whether they can rebuild amid fears of gentrification and more generic development.

Why this matters:

Wildfires fueled by climate change are displacing communities and worsening economic divides. As rebuilding begins, the shift toward luxury developments is likely to raise housing costs and further erode the sense of community in places like Pacific Palisades, leaving fewer options for middle-class families.

Read more:

• Wildfires rage in Los Angeles. Why are they so bad?
• Wildfires in Los Angeles region set to become most expensive in U.S. history
• Wildfires threaten Altadena’s diverse communities and Black homeownership