One year after the January 2025 wildfires devastated Pacific Palisades, Altadena, and surrounding communities in the Santa Monica Mountains, local and county officials are highlighting progress in recovery efforts while acknowledging that many families are still struggling to rebuild their lives.
Los Angeles County officials say rebuilding is actively underway, supported by faster permitting, financial assistance, and major infrastructure investments. Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, whose district includes much of the fire-impacted area, emphasized both the resilience of residents and the long road ahead.
“One year after the fires, I am continually inspired by the extraordinary strength and resilience of our communities, even as so many families are still carrying the weight of loss and uncertainty,” Horvath said. “Recovery is not a straight line, and while we’ve made real progress—from the fastest cleanup in U.S. history to streamlined permitting—residents are still hurting and in need of support.”
According to the county, building permits are now being issued in an average of 28 days—roughly three times faster than before the fire. New tools, including AI-assisted plan checks, permit self-certification, and a resilient rebuild resource guide, are aimed at easing the rebuilding process. The tools were informed by recommendations from the Blue Ribbon Commission on Climate Action and Fire Safe Recovery, which Horvath convened to guide long-term recovery efforts.
Los Angeles County has also reduced or deferred rebuilding fees, saving some households up to $30,000, and has distributed more than $51 million in direct cash assistance to households, businesses, and workers. An additional $30 million in rent relief for fire-impacted tenants and small landlords was approved this fall, with applications currently open.
Infrastructure projects are moving forward as well, including a new Disaster Relief Financing District for the unincorporated Santa Monica Mountains to reinvest local tax dollars in public infrastructure. County priorities include a five-year, $200 million plan to strengthen Waterworks District 29, underground utility lines, and accelerate roadway repairs such as work on Topanga Canyon Boulevard.
Santa Monica Mayor Caroline Torosis marked the anniversary by emphasizing regional solidarity with fire survivors.
“Today marks one year since the January 2025 wildfires that devastated Pacific Palisades and Altadena,” Torosis said in a statement. “For many families, the loss of home and a sense of place is still deeply felt.”
Torosis said Santa Monica has worked to support displaced residents in the months since the fires. “In the months since the fires, Santa Monica has stepped up by welcoming displaced families and schools and helping people stay connected to the places and routines that ground them,” she said.
“Recovery doesn’t end when the fires are out,” Torosis added. “Rebuilding homes, reopening businesses, and returning to school takes time and steady support. As recovery continues, our commitment to showing up for our neighbors remains. We will continue to be with you every step of the way.”
To commemorate the anniversary, county officials are inviting residents and media to attend the “One Year Community Rising Picnic” on Saturday, January 10, at Pepperdine University, celebrating community resilience and the ongoing recovery process.
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