The Saving California Issue 2025

THE MAGICAL RESILIENCE OF LOS ANGELES

COVER BY ALEX ISRAEL

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Protect the West

Three months ago, the fires that ravaged Pacific Palisades and Altadena forever altered the lives and contours and communities of Los Angeles and yet again brought to the fore the risks and rewards of living in the West, a region that reasserts its wildness when we least expect it. This issue is a memorial, an homage, and the beginning of a blueprint to protect and revive the California dream, which in so many ways is the dream of the West writ large. We’ve gathered survivors, heroes, thought leaders, and people from all walks of life to speak to the pain and loss, share hope, and provide a path forward. But fires aren’t the only thing threatening the Western dream. And while we can’t control the wind or the heat, we can protect what we love in the ways that are within our power. One of those places is Sunset ’s historic campus in Menlo Park, the former home of this storied publication. Built in 1951 by architect Cliff May, the campus isn’t just a collection of buildings—it’s a physical embodiment of the Western way of life. Open, adaptable, and seamlessly connected to the outdoors, it’s where Sunset redefined what it meant to live in the West. It’s where we tested recipes in the test kitchen, planted experimental gardens, and built an indoor-outdoor lifestyle that people across the country aspired to.

That history is in danger of being erased as the new owner of the campus is proposing to construct a multitower, mixed-use development, including more than 350,000 square feet of offices, a 130-room hotel, and 665 housing units. Without protection from the National Register of Historic Places, the campus could be altered beyond recognition or lost entirely. We can’t stop the forces of nature that reshape the West year after year, but we can take action to preserve the places that tell our story. That’s why we’re asking for your help. An application for listing in the National Register of Historic Places has been submitted, and by writing a letter of support to the members of the State Historical Resources Commission stating why you think the Sunset Menlo Park campus deserves official listing, you can help ensure the property and its gardens receive the recognition and protection they deserve. Perhaps you have fond memories of attending one of our legendary Celebration Weekends, maybe you’re a fan of Cliff May’s gracious ranch-style architecture, or maybe you simply can’t bear the thought of yet another one of our architectural treasures disappearing. Let it be known. Your voice can make the difference in safeguarding a place that has shaped the way we live, eat, and dream in the West for generations. We’ve lost too much already. Let’s save what we can. Send a letter or message to calshpo.shrc@parks.ca.gov by 9 a.m. on Wednesday, April 30.

—Hugh Garvey, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

CHAIRMAN & PUBLISHER

Michael A. Reinstein

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Hugh Garvey

DIGITAL DIRECTOR

Sarah Yang

DESIGN DIRECTOR

Brian Walker

PHOTO EDITOR

Christine Bobbish

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Thomas J. Story

Simmons

Guy

Lennon

Gross

Clausing

Jamie Elliott

Kara Peeler

Mort Greenberg VP,

Brittany Brombach

Craven

Pamela Coffey

Kelly Facer

DIRECTOR OF AD OPERATIONS

Mindy Morgan

HEAD OF CUSTOM EVENTS AND PROGRAMS

Tracy Seng

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Megan Giordano

A bird’s-eye view of the Menlo Park campus in 1951.

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BEST OF THE WEST

Forever Strong

Since its groundbreaking April 1906 earthquake issue, Sunset has chronicled the West’s natural disasters with an eye toward resilience, rebuilding, and the beauty that endures.

We’ve been here before. Disaster.

Resilience. Rebuilding.

When the fires struck Los Angeles, here at Sunset we immediately thought of the seminal edition of the magazine published immediately following the devastating 1906 San Francisco earthquake. An illustration by the great Western artist Maynard Dixon entitled “Spirit of the City” featuring a woman boldly rising above the city on fire graces its cover. Despite the fact that their offices were destroyed, much of the city leveled, and one-sixth of it further destroyed by fire, the editors took it upon themselves to publish a slim eightpage pamphlet. Over the coming year, the editors went on to champion the reconstruction, celebrate the heroes, mourn the losses, and suggest best practices for building a better West in another three issues. But that first issue already acknowledged that better times were to come. It included a letter from the staff that, despite the extreme destruction, carried a deeply felt message that was hopeful and captured the spirit of the West that still rings true as it did some 100 years ago:

“In this one day the accumulation and accomplishment of years were swept away. The fire spread over only about one-sixth of San Francisco’s total

area, but destroyed all the central business portion of the city and a large residence district. Business blocks, factories, palatial homes, modern hotels, apartment, and lodging houses disappeared. In this one day all class distinctions were leveled. And then here the great Lesson of Love was taught, and the best that is in Humankind rose above all pride of place and possessions. That was the flower that blossomed amid the city’s ruins, and for it Glory be. The men and the women and the children forget all personal loss, forgot their own sorrow in giving joy and comfort, coffee and buns and blankets, smiles and sturdy

The Song Remains the Same

California’s state song is an enduring celebration of what we hold dear.

words of brave sympathy and of glad promise. The spirit unconquerable and I-won’t-be-crushed rose quickly above all fearsome dread, with a blithe Good-bye to the Old and echoing cheers for the New. The sun shone through the lurid clouds of cinders and the City-That-isto-Be was planned even as the flames ran from hill to hill over the City-That-Was. Hope springs eternal, the outlook is bright, and aims are high. Committees have been organized and steps taken that are sure to lead to successful achievement. The spirit of men that was alive in California’s early days has asserted itself and is bound to force

WWritten in 1913 by Canadian immigrant Francis Silverwood (the owner of Silverwood’s Clothing Store in Downtown L.A.) and composed by Abraham Frankenstein (the director of the Orpheum Theater Orchestra), the song celebrates the state’s natural wonders and landmarks. According to the State of California Capitol Museum, while the song was under copyright, proceeds from the sale of the song went to charitable organizations. It was designated the state song in 1951, and given statutory recognition in 1988 after the copyright expired. The song and its iconic illustration are reminders of how fortunate we are as Californians to live in a beautiful state.

I.

I love you, California, you’re the greatest state of all.

I love you in the winter, summer, spring and in the fall.

I love your fertile valleys; your dear mountains I adore.

I love your grand old ocean and I love her rugged shore.

Chorus

When the snow crowned Golden Sierras

Keep their watch o’er the valleys bloom, It is there I would be in our land by the sea, Every breeze bearing rich perfume.

It is here nature gives of her rarest. It is Home Sweet Home to me, And I know when I die I shall breathe my last sigh

For my sunny California.

II.

I love your red-wood forests – love your fields of yellow grain. I love your summer breezes and I love your winter rain. I love you, land of flowers; land of honey, fruit and wine.

I love you, California; you have won this heart of mine.

III.

I love your old gray Missions – love your vineyards stretching far.

I love you, California, with your Golden Gate ajar.

I love your purple sun-sets, love your skies of azure blue.

I love you, California; I just can’t help loving you.

IV.

I love you, Catalina, you are very dear to me. I love you, Tamalpais, and I love Yosemite.

I love you, Land of Sunshine, half your beauties are untold. I loved you in my childhood, and I’ll love you when I’m old.

Sunset ’s 1906 Emergency Edition closed with Charles K. Field’s powerful poem “The Choice,” a rallying for the citizens of San Francisco to rise to the challenge with courage, altruism, and selflessness. Field went on to become editor-in-chief of the magazine in 1910.

rapid recovery and development. This magazine has won for itself a name and fame which no loss can force it to abandon. San Francisco will be rebuilt, and be made a City Beautiful on lines already adopted, and Sunset will rise to help to tell all the world, as it has in the past, of the progress and advancement of all the Far West, from the Mississippi River to California and the Islands of the Sea, from the tablelands of Mexico to the gold tundra fields of Alaska. In this vast section are resources unparalleled

and opportunities unequaled. The West is calling today, as it has in the past, for men of brains and grit to aid its development. In certain sections its climate lures the sick and the world weary; its charm of mountains, canyons, sea and forest attracts the painters and poets, and all skilled in arts creative. To tell of the work of such, to picture the West, to cheer and help the general upbuilding in all things that make for the best civilization—that has been the mission of Sunset and will so continue.

Smoldering Dawn

By Amanda Gorman

All our angels have gone; This smoldering dawn, we soldier on; We’ve proved ourselves strong; Not from how badly we’ve burned; But how bravely we bond.

Apocalypse does not mean ruin, but revelation; In devastation, this infernus has injured us, But it cannot endure us. Even in the surreal, we do not surrender. We emerge from the embers.

The hardest part Is not disaster, but the after Scorched earth is where the heart hurts; What we restore first, Where we start the work.

Today, we mourn, Tomorrow reborn; We end the burning, Befriend the hurting, Mend those who face the flame. We reclaim our city’s name; A revelation that only this place tells: To find our angels, all we need do Is look within ourselves.

Amanda Gorman is the youngest presidential inaugural poet in U.S. history, an award-winning writer, and cum laude graduate of Harvard University. Her books Change Sings , Call Us What We Carry, and Something Someday each debuted at number one on The New York Times , USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestsellers lists. Her home in Pacific Palisades was damaged in the fires. She wrote this poem during the fires to process her fears and raise funds for the California Fire Foundation.

Behind the Alex Israel Cover

Artist Alex Israel has become the contemporary art world’s standard bearer of LA culture. Here’s how the cover of this issue came to be.

When putting this issue together, we knew we wanted our cover to feature the work of an artist with a deep connection to the city, much as Western artist and illustrator Maynard Dixon had with San Francisco when he created the cover of the issue of Sunset published after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. We quickly landed on Alex Israel, who was born in LA and perhaps takes inspiration from this city more than any other contemporary artist. Israel is adept at mining and reframing LA iconography: whether he’s reimagining the tsunami warning wave, building miniature dioramas of a fantastical Sunset Strip, or producing multimedia escapist Southern California beach narratives, his love for LA is palpable, poppy, and transcendent. His Noir collection of paintings recently

Alex Israel; Photo: Jeff McLane

Alex Israel; Gas Station, 2024; Acrylic on canvas, 54 x 134 inches (137.2 x 340.4 cm); © Alex Israel. Photo: Josh White

Alex Israel; Sky Backdrop, 2013; Acrylic on canvas, 108 x 192 x 4 inches (274.3 x 487.7 x 10.2 cm), Museum of Modern Art, New York; © Alex Israel. Photo: Josh White

We Love You, Los Angeles.

Our hearts and minds remain with those that have been impacted by the recent wildfires in LA County this January. House of Rohl is supporting relief efforts by contributing to Rebuilding Together, one of our longstanding partners with a strong reputation for disaster support, focusing on long-term recovery and community resilience.

Project by Tomlenovich Design

Photography by Giorgio Locatelli

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exhibited at Gagosian ennoble establishments that are beloved by locals but not necessarily fixtures on the Hollywood bus tours: concert halls, gas stations, tattoo parlors. Much like Maynard Dixon’s cover, Israel’s cover can also be seen as a metaphor for a city at a pivot point. “There used to be a mural on Sunset Boulevard right below the old Spago with lavender eyes with stars in them,” says Israel. “It’s something I’ve always remembered from childhood as a kind of LA version of the Dr. T.J. Eckleburg billboard from The Great Gatsby, but here in our own backyard looking over The Strip. I referenced this idea in the past when I had a billboard of my Self-Portrait, in sunglasses, up in the sky above the site of the old House of Blues (2013-15). The sky in the cover image is ambiguous. You can’t really tell if it’s a beautiful sunset or a terrifying fire, or maybe it’s both. The arch is a reference to Spanish revival architecture. The earliest colonial buildings here were the missions, and they all have arched loggias, and these openings framed the view and turned our landscape into a picture long before it was ever captured on film. I was also inspired by the history of Sunset magazine. We looked at old issues and found some that have an arch frame composition on their cover. Above the fiery sunset is a very celestial, almost spiritual fantasy night sky that reminds us of the incredible fantasia of this place, the dreams this place holds, the wishes that are granted, and all the things that we love about our city.”

Alex Israel; Self-Portrait (Wheel of Fortune), 2017; Acrylic and Bondo on fiberglass, 96 x 84 inches (243.8 x 213.4 cm); © Alex Israel. Photo: Jeff McLane

The original Alex Israel cover painting, before the logo, coverlines, and other design elements were added. Photo: Thomas J. Story

True to the topic of the LA of our fantasies, the painting was fabricated at Warner Brothers Studios.

Why California Is Still Worth Fighting For

By Michael A. Reinstein Chairman and Publisher, Sunset M a gazine

This artwork, which also appears on our back cover, was created by Michael A. Reinstein in the days immediately following the fires. It takes its inspiration from the iconic image of a bear hugging California that first appeared on the 1913 songbook for “I Love You California,” the official state song.

From the foothills of Altadena to the coastal slopes of the Pacific Palisades, nature reminded us of its unbridled and overwhelming power in a single, sweltering afternoon in early January. In the weeks since the devastating fires, I’ve wondered whether it’s still worth it: worth staying, rebuilding, and holding on to the faith I have in this heartbreaking place where I was born and raised. Yet even under hazy skies and the faint smell of smoke, California’s magic remains—a defiant promise in the face of destruction—reminding us, even now, why this broken yet remarkable place is still worth fighting for.

In the aftermath of such devastation, questions loom: Can we afford to rebuild? Should we hold on to what remains of the California Dream? The fires, of course, are a stark reminder of the precariousness of it all. Nature is a force both magnificent and merciless, a constant reminder of our own fragility—our own limitations. We build our homes and carve out our lives in the face of these elemental powers, sometimes forgetting just how small we are in the grand scheme of things.

Yet California has always been a land of trials and triumphs. In recent years, we’ve faced raging wildfires, droughts, earthquakes, incessant crime, and rolling blackouts. I have watched friends and family pack up and leave, driven away by high costs and a sense of uncertainty. Each challenge leaves scars: burned landscapes, homes lost, communities tested. But each time, we band together. Neighbors offer shelter to evacuees, volunteers bring food and water to those in need, and entire communities rebuild from ashes. This resilience is woven into California’s identity. Like the ancient redwoods that withstand storms, Californians bend but do not break.

Of course, resilience is more than just enduring hardship—it’s a commitment to rise again and improve. We clear brush to prevent future fires, rally for better infrastructure after earthquakes, and innovate during droughts to save water. Sometimes, those innovations come directly from individuals and community groups. In places like Montecito, for example, the tragic 2018 mudslides spurred local firesafe councils to strengthen evacuation protocols and partner with environmentalists to restore hillsides. Stories like these reveal the spirit of California: not just surviving, but striving to overcome.

Beyond the struggles lies an enduring magic. This state is blessed with a dazzling diversity of landscapes and people. On the same day, you can watch the sunrise over desert sands and see it set beyond Pacific waves. Snow-capped Sierra Nevada peaks feed lush valleys below, while coastal forests whisper ancient secrets. This natural grandeur inspires a sense of wonder that no hardship can extinguish.

California’s true gold, however, is in its people and culture. For generations, California has been the land of dreams, the place where fortunes are made and remade, and where reinvention is not just possible but expected. From the Gold Rush pioneers to Hollywood storytellers, from the tech innovators of Silicon Valley to artists seeking inspiration in desert landscapes, California has always been a magnet for those seeking something more—something bigger, something brighter.

And dreams, even when singed by fire, have a remarkable capacity to regenerate. They may lie dormant for a time, buried beneath ash and debris, but the spark remains, waiting for the right conditions to ignite anew. This is the essence of the California spirit, this unwavering belief in the future.

We also celebrate creativity and diversity: you hear dozens of languages in our cities, taste the world in our food, and see art and technology drive each other forward. Every wave of newcomers—whether

from another state or across an ocean—carries the hope of a better life and adds to our rich tapestry. That California Dream of opportunity and freedom still lives, renewed by each generation that believes in it.

With so much beauty and potential, California is still worth fighting for. But fighting for it means not accepting the status quo. We can love our home and still insist it lives up to its promise. That means facing our problems head-on with the same ingenuity and courage that built California in the first place.

Part of this renewal involves finally calling for competence and vision—not just from our leaders, but from ourselves. For far too long, we have tolerated mediocrity and even outright corruption in our political class. One of the most puzzling aspects of living here is the lack of outrage over California’s broken and toxic politics. Ultimately, the sole purpose of state, county, and municipal governments is to provide the essentials of life.

We need a government that fixes roads and manages forests effectively and ensures public safety and quality education—all without stifling innovation or burdening future generations with mismanagement and debt. It’s not about partisanship; it’s about pragmatism. Good ideas can come from any side, but they mean little without effective action.

The best solutions often start at the community level: neighbors forming local councils, businesses devising creative, cost-effective housing solutions, and engineers and environmentalists collaborating on water-saving technology. When everyday people step up—mentoring youth, creating jobs, or simply caring for their block—they embody the can-do ethos that made this state thrive.

Renewing the California Dream also means embracing a lighter, smarter approach to governance. Our state has vast resources of talent and treasure; we must use them wisely. Sometimes that means government getting out of the way where it hinders progress— streamlining regulations that make it so hard to build a home or start a new venture. Other times it means focusing on core duties: maintaining infrastructure, protecting communities from fire and crime, and preserving the natural beauty that surrounds us. A lighter but more effective touch, one that empowers individuals and communities, will let Californians themselves drive the revival of our state.

Every sunset that turns the California sky gold and orange reminds us of why we stay and persevere. This place sparks our imagination and dares us to dream bigger. Yes, the challenges are real, and at times they can be discouraging. But giving up on California would mean giving up on a part of the American story that is still being written.

In the end, California’s greatest strength has always been the people who remain steadfast through every trial. We carry the legacy of those who rebuilt San Francisco after the great earthquake, who replanted forests after devastating fires, and who forged gleaming cities from barren deserts—making the state better for the next generation. Now it’s our turn. We owe it to those who came before and those yet to come to keep that torch burning.

California is more than a place on a map; it’s an ideal, a beacon of possibility. We stand on the brink of challenges that test our resolve, but if we come together with the same fearless optimism that built California, our next chapter can be as radiant as our golden sunsets. The spirit of California—bold, innovative, and fundamentally hopeful—is what Sunset has always championed. California is indeed still worth fighting for, and the fight itself will help bring about the brighter future we know is possible.

The work begins now.

From Tragedy to Triumph in Los Angeles

The Palisades and Eaton fires in Los Angeles are a reckoning for this city and for all of the West. In this issue, we mourn our losses, celebrate our heroes, and offer a blueprint for surviving and thriving in this place we cherish and call home.

Over a brutal 24 days in January of this year, Los Angeles and its citizens were forever altered by the devastating wildfires that leveled the better part of Pacific Palisades and Altadena, threatened Hollywood, and erased so many lives, so much culture, and so many historical homes. It’s a nightmare we will never forget. In these pages, you’ll hear firsthand from Angelenos about the disaster itself, grief, loss, heroism, and grit, as well as learn practical steps for building safer, more intelligent homes and preserving the cultural treasures we now know are so fragile. It’s these doers, thinkers, creators, artists, architects, preservationists, and public officials who give new meaning to the phrase “The City of Angels.”

May we learn from this tragedy and soar anew.

What is RV insurance?

How can RV insurance protect you?

Do you really need RV insurance on your travel trailer?

As RVers, we know the allure of the open road and the freedom it offers. However, with freedom comes responsibility, including the important decision of securing insurance.

RV insurance is designed to cover various types of RVs, including travel trailers, toy haulers, motor homes, fth wheels, and camper vans. While liability insurance is not required for most travel trailers, having RV coverage could bene t you and your adventures.

• Protection against accidents: May provide nancial protection for repair costs, medical expenses, and liability in case of an accident.

• Coverage for theft and vandalism: Could help with repairs or replace your trailer with less out-of-pocket expenses if it’s lost or stolen.

• Natural disasters and weather events: May cover the cost of damage from storms, oods, or other natural disasters.

Is your travel trailer covered under your home or auto insurance?

While your home or auto policy can protect your trailer in certain instances, it can also leave you with gaps in your coverage.

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For example, your auto policy may only cover your trailer while you’re on the road, not if you’re parked or at a campsite. The same goes for home insurance—if you’re on your home’s property it might be covered, but damage from a storm at a campground wouldn’t be.

What specialized coverages does Progressive offer?

Progressive offers a variety of specialized coverages that aren’t included on a standard auto insurance policy like:

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Con dence on the road

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The Devastating Toll of the LA Fires

A visual record of the impact on LA County.

Burned down beach houses line the PCH in Malibu, 2025

In a few horrible weeks, 57,000 acres of LA burned, the largest urban fire in the history of the West. That’s the equivalent of four Manhattans. 12,000 homes were destroyed. 200,000 people were displaced. 29 people died. $250 billion in property and capital losses have been tallied so far. Businesses small and large were decimated. Seaside mansions, humble apartments, multigenerational bungalows, diners, shopping malls, schools, nursing homes, churches, art collections. The list is eternal, the toll incalculable. Here is just one partial and heartbreaking visual record of the destruction.

DOWNTOWN

LOS ANGELES

HOLLYWOOD

PASADENA

TORRANCE

MALIBU

SANTA MONICA

PACIFIC PALISADES

ALTADENA

Swaths of neighborhoods are leveled in Altadena, 2025

A LESSON FROM THE PAST

As anyone who’s lived long enough in California knows, there is an inevitability to the fires, but these two photos taken nearly 90 years apart are a stark reminder of nature’s fury and the topographical reality that we must now address with better land management and better building practices. They’re also a statement of our steadfast refusal to cede our place on these perilous, beautiful bluffs and this coastline like no other.

After the Topanga Fire of 1938

Opposite (clockwise from top): The charred shell of Altadena Community Church. Pools and chimneys are all that remain on thousands of lots in Pacific Palisades. The twisted vestiges of Pacific Palisades Bowl Mobile Estates. Pylons are all that are left of beach houses along the Pacific Coast Highway.

Opposite: All that’s left of Gelson’s in Pacific Palisades (top). Homes in Altadena burned in the Eaton Fire (bottom). This page: Destroyed homes in Marquez Knolls in Pacific Palisades (top). A single home stands intact on a fire-ravaged street in Malibu (middle). Torched beachside homes flank the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu (bottom).

North of Yellowstone

This year-round vacation destination beckons with wild things and wild places, thriving communities and incredible adventures. Discover exceptional lodging, farm-to-table dining, arts and cultural treasures and more. Arrive at the height of happiness in Montana’s Yellowstone Country.

Fly-fish a blue-ribbon trout stream and stargaze the clearest night sky you’ll ever see. Drive the spellbinding switchbacks of the Beartooth Highway and be awed by Paradise Valley. With three entrances into the park, Montana is the perfect place to set up base camp.

WEST YELLOWSTONE

The all-American town of West Yellowstone is a vibrant hub of outdoor adventure and a picture-perfect gateway to Yellowstone National Park. Experience breathtaking landscapes plus world-class hiking, fly-fishing and more. West Yellowstone is your home base for the adventure of a lifetime.

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RED LODGE

Immerse yourself in genuine western hospitality in this idyllic mountain town. Discover renowned recreation and family-friendly activities amid epic natural beauty. Whether you’re exploring the stunning Beartooth Highway or enjoying the year-round wonders, Red Lodge serves as your base camp to the Beartooths. RedLodge.com

GARDINER

In Gardiner, Montana, Yellowstone’s North Entrance, the only crowds you’ll find are those of local wildlife roaming freely throughout our streets. Stay with us to experience the best of what Yellowstone offers – rich wildlife, small-town hospitality, jaw dropping scenery, and activities fit for any outdoor enthusiast. VisitGardinerMT.com

Plan your Montana’s Yellowstone Country getaway now at: VisitYellowstoneCountry.com/Summer

Ranger TIP

Know before you go. (Having a lay of the land is handy out here.)

BEARTOOTH HIGHWAY

Palisades for Life

Armed with a garden hose and a lifelong love of the Palisades, Sam Laganà stayed to fight the fires. This is his story.

As told to ADAM SKOLNICK

It is no exaggeration to call Sam Laganà a pillar of the Palisades community. He’s been anointed as a Hometown Hero by the local CBS affiliate and a Neighborhood Hero by the Los Angeles City Council, but he’s best known for his voice. A Hall of Fame announcer of beach volleyball in its heyday, Laganà is the beloved public address announcer for the Los Angeles Rams, and he’s been the emcee of the Pacific Palisades Fourth of July Parade for 40 years and counting. He was at home when the Palisades Fire broke out on Jan. 7, 2025. Within days of the fires, Sam was back on the mic announcing that Rams home playoff game against Minnesota, which had been moved to Arizona. The Rams won.

I was preparing for the Minnesota game when I first smelled it. At 10:37 a.m., I took a picture of the fire up the hill from me. There are 1,400 homes up there, and everyone is trying to come down three little “no outlet” streets that converge right in front of me. So I got my car loaded, backed it into the driveway—just going through the drill we’d gone through a million times before. Then I was trying to help direct traffic and get people out. No one who left thought they weren’t coming back.

The fire was attacking vegetation, and embers were blowing in off Palisades Drive. Canadian water-dropping planes came in, flying right over my house, maybe 75 yards up.

There’s a fire off the front of my house. There’s fire to my west. There’s fire to my north, to my south, probably 500 yards. Then it’s 300 yards, 200 hundred yards. The winds were blowing, and we were just dealing with the spot fires. This is all up through, you know, 4:00, 5:00. One of my neighbors had a spot fire in his yard. I got that. Then we were carrying buckets from my Jacuzzi up to other people’s houses to put water on their little spot fires in the front of their houses.

I linked my hoses and grabbed other people’s hoses. I was hosing down the school, hosing down the eucalyptus on the hillside. I wore a mask and goggles.

I carried buckets up. Some neighbors and some people from Councilwoman Traci Park’s office were helping. They totally showed up. The wind was blowing 80, maybe 100 miles per hour, and I set in my mind, if the school catches on fire, then I’m out of there. At 11:22 p.m., I saw a tornado of fire coming down the street. When it hit the portable classrooms, that’s when I shut it down.

The next day, I borrowed bikes from a friend in Santa Monica, and my neighbor and I rode up to our house to check things out. The fire had come back around. It was blowing into our community at 60 miles per hour, toward my house and my neighbors’ houses. It had burned probably 70 homes on my street. When I left the night before, they were all still there.

My little house was still standing. A couple of neighbors were already defending it because my next-door neighbor’s house was catching fire, and that fire was blowing at my house. I stayed until I felt my house was safe, which was at about 8 p.m. that night.

I’ve lived in the Palisades my whole life. My mom and dad had a house. We moved to another house when my dad died. Then my wife and I bought a condo, and we bought the house 20 years ago. It was a town built during World War II. The houses were like 1,200, 1,400, 1,800 square feet. Mostly defense workers and school teachers back in the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s. A lot of those people never moved. My neighbor recently passed away, but he was 98 years old. My neighbor across the street, she’s in her late 80s.

There are 80 lots on my street alone, and eight are possibly going to be able to stand. I don’t know if mine is going to have to be gutted with all of the toxic smoke and ash that’s in it. We have no power, no power lines. I can’t live in it for probably a year or so.

One friend called about her cat when I happened to be there. This is somebody I’ve been friends with for 40 years. I got into her house. No cat. Then I remembered the day before, a fireman had stopped me and asked about how to get to a particular address on her street. It was one digit off her address. And so they’d got it, and she found her cat. They’d gotten the cat. Those are little wins, right? They’re little wins.

An Artist Remembers Altadena

Painter Salomón Huerta recalls the harrowing moments of escaping his home and haven.

As told to ADAM SKOLNICK

Salomón Huerta has been a fixture in the Los Angeles art community for decades. A native of the infamous Ramona Gardens housing projects in Boyle Heights, he took art classes at Pasadena City College and earned a bachelor’s in fine arts from ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena and a master’s at UCLA. He’s had solo shows in New York, Italy, Shanghai, Mexico City, and galleries across Southern California. Recently, he’s become renowned for his ethereal paintings of pools. Snapshot memories from when he was a teenager and would tag along to Malibu with his father, hoping to find work as a day laborer. He was often hired to clean backyard pools. Huerta is the anti-Hockney. Instead of the bleary-eyed ecstatic, what you see is sterility and stillness, but the colors pop, and the overall effect is penetrating.

In the early morning hours of Jan. 8, the Eaton Fire destroyed the Altadena home where Huerta and his wife, the artist Ana Morales-Huerta, had been living for three years. They lost nearly all their belongings and were left with minimal savings to restart their lives.

We were eight houses surrounded by trees in a little cul-de-sac in Altadena, and the night before the fire started, the winds were really bad. Trees were already falling in the park and in the street, and we had a warning that on Tuesday, it was gonna be worse.

I went to my studio [in Westwood] that morning. It takes me an hour to get there, and there was no sign of any fires. I was working on a painting, and once I’m in Westwood, the only time to come home is after 8 p.m. when traffic has cooled down. I don’t get any alerts on my phone, so at 8 o’clock, my wife Ana called me, and she goes, “Don’t you know there’s a fire? I can see it from the doorstep. It’s big!”

Everyone who knows me knows that I drive like an old lady because I don’t wanna get a ticket, but I have a fast car, and I floored it on the freeway. When I was driving up to our little house, people were coming down the hill really fast, and I was thinking about the people in the Palisades who had to evacuate their cars. There was

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some smoke, a lot of debris, and the wind was horrible. My wife was waiting for me. She was really nervous, but once I got home, it took me less than five minutes to grab what I needed. Like a David Bowie Diamond Dogs record one of my collectors gave me. It’s worth $10,000.

I was just grabbing whatever was of value that would be easy to sell, but I wasn’t able to think straight. I left a lot of valuable stuff behind. Stuff that cannot be replaced. I had an art collection, other artists. A bag of childhood photos—really old photos of my parents. In

that same bag were my archives. Transparencies, and slides I was gonna digitize.

My neighbor called me the next day. They have a 2-year-old, and he just grabbed the kid and they left. They didn’t take anything. There was a neighbor next to me, Juan. He didn’t leave until 3:30 a.m. when the fire was already at the houses. He told me that when he drove down to the intersection and made a left, there was a wall of fire blocking the whole street, so he made a U-turn and was able to get through the other way.

I was born in Tijuana, but at the age of three, I came over here to L.A. I spent 26 years in the housing projects in Ramona Gardens. From there, I jumped around. I lived with my sister in Van Nuys. Ten years off and on. I’ve only been in Altadena three years. But, you know, it’s the first time I’ve felt a sense of community.

Everyone knew each other. My friend Patricia Valencia is also an artist. I’ll call her at 7:30 and ask, “Girl, you having coffee?” And she’s like, “Yeah, I’m coming over.” If we want some wine and don’t have any in the house, I’ll call her and go pick it up. It was the first time in my life where I’d go for walks. If I walked to the gym, which was a 25-minute walk, I would literally highfive my neighbors all the way down. That doesn’t happen in most places. All the places I lived, I never went for a walk. It would never even cross my mind.

We were happy there. We were only paying $1,900 a month for that little house. In the evening, you could hear coyotes. You could hear the owls. In the morning, you wake up to roosters and different kinds of birds. There’s a block with more than 20 peacocks. It was a hidden gem.

It’s all gone, and I don’t want to go back. If I think about Altadena, I want to think about the good moments that we had and how it felt. I have PTSD from being raised in the projects. Altadena made me feel at peace.

Adam Skolnick spoke to Salomón Huerta by phone on Jan. 22, 2025. He was staying in his sister’s home in Van Nuys, searching for a new place to live. Three days after the fire, he was back in his studio, preparing work for a new show scheduled for May in New York City.

A View from Above

A Cal Fire Battalion Chief describes the harrowing first days of fighting the L.A. fires from the cockpit of a state-of-theart helicopter just 50 feet above the flames.

As told to ADAM SKOLNICK

Battalion Chief Sean Ketchum has been with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, also known as Cal Fire, since 2001. He’s worked on the ground as a firefighter, driven fire engines, and for the last 10 years, he’s been a front seat captain in a helitack crew. He works in a helicopter known as a Firehawk, which has the same basic frame as a military Black Hawk, but instead of weaponry, it’s loaded with firefighting equipment, including a 1,000-gallon water tank. He worked the night shift for two weeks during the Palisades Fire. He was in the air for five hours each night, and he was part of a team that turned the fire back when, after decimating the Palisades and parts of Malibu, it had spread east, threatening Brentwood, The Getty Center, Encino, and the San Fernando Valley. He and his crew operate out of Los Gatos in Northern California. That’s where he was when he got the call.

The fires started on a Tuesday. I was off duty, driving to go play hockey on Wednesday morning, when my partner called and said, “Hey, we’re going to Southern California.” I drove home, grabbed a couple of things, and we left within about a half-hour.

We were assigned to the Palisades Fire, so our helicopter went out probably about 4 o’clock to get a bit of recon of where we were working that night. Came back, got some fuel, put our night vision goggles on, and went back out, right into the Malibu Canyon area. The newer aircraft has more complex mapping and communication systems, so the front seat captain takes a lot of that load off the pilot. Coordinating with our crews, knowing where they’re at and where we can make water drops to assist them because it can be hazardous, especially at night. Drop 5,000 pounds of water on somebody, that can do some damage.

We were assigned to that Pepperdine dip, a reservoir at least 300 feet long by a couple hundred feet wide. We lower down a 12-foot retractable snorkel as we get close to water level. As we’re in the dip trying to pull the water, we’re getting pushed back. Our personnel were telling the pilot, and he’s like, “I know. I’m trying to hold it straight.” That was our first experience of the winds.

Then, trying to fly up and over that first ridge with 800 gallons of water, the winds

were intense, just hammering us. Worse than anything I’ve been in, and I’ve been in some fairly turbulent aircraft. That Wednesday night, we only flew about an hour and a half because the winds were so strong. By that time, the fire had burned all the way to the coast. Friday there was a little bit of an onshore wind, which pushed the back end of the fire in the direction you didn’t want it to go. We probably had six helicopters working together near the Mandeville Canyon area on Friday night. Everyone’s flying from the reservoir to the fire, then from the fire to the reservoir. An oval flight path, almost like a racetrack.

All four personnel on board were wearing white phosphor night vision goggles. When you’re looking at an actual flaming front, it can be so bright you don’t need goggles, but then it’s kind of crazy because if you’re looking at a hillside, with a little bit of active fire, but a lot of smoldering, you can see every little ember, and barely see anything with the naked eye.

You definitely get emotionally attached. Because we want to do the best we can, and if we miss … Let’s say we make a drop, and all of it blows into the black, it’s a bummer. That’s a missed opportunity to put out a little more fire, but sometimes, it takes a miss like that to understand what the winds are doing or how the terrain is affecting our drop.

We’re working the edges. You come from the side and work your way toward the head of the fire. If you put a drop in the very center of the head, and extinguish that portion, you’ve created two heads that could burn in different directions. We call that “splitting the head.”

When we’re coming in for a drop, we can get to within 100 feet of the ground, and if you have 30- to 50-foot flame lengths, you can definitely feel the heat. The pilot can’t look straight down as he’s coming in, but our personnel in back can judge the exact moment to make a drop. The operations supervisor may say, “Come a little right.” Then use a countdown, “Three… two… one… drop.”

When you’re looking through the goggles, and you make a good hit, it really darkens down so you can tell, and it definitely feels good. Then you get another tank of water and do it again.

Obviously, a normal winter… We wouldn’t be fighting these kinds of fires in January.

Reflections on Loss

Los Angeles history expert, TV personality, writer, and lifelong Angeleno, Alison Martino mourns the loss from the fires.

Story by ALISON MARTINO

Alison Martino is an L.A. historian, writer, television producer, on-air news reporter for Spectrum News Channel 1, lifelong resident of the city, and founder of Vintage Los Angeles, which celebrates the vintage homes and haunts of L.A. across social media and at alisonmartino.com.

As we reflect on the recent devastation, I’m in disbelief. Seeing the aftermath is like standing in a war zone from every direction. It just doesn’t seem real. Los Angeles is my hometown, and I am heartbroken, especially for my fellow Los Angeleans. Some of the best times of my life were spent in places that are now rubble and ash. The sheer amount of property loss is devastating, and the loss of culture it represents is immeasurable. These charming and historic structures can never be replaced. Craftsmanship that we’ll never see again. Thousands of homes and endless businesses lost overnight in such a horrendous and

gut-churning way. On top of people being displaced, they are feeling despondent, depressed, angry, terrified, and unaware of their futures and the uncertain impact it’s had on these beautiful communities. I can’t help but think of all the jobs lost: nannies, cooks, housekeepers, gardeners, and handymen. Other job categories range from security guards to caterers to florists, servers, baristas, food truck operators, and designers. Their livelihoods also went up in flames. What I witnessed will haunt me forever. In the Palisades, reporting on fire’s aftermath, I saw crews lifting cars burnt to a crisp off of the streets, a charred spiral staircase on a charred lot leading to nowhere, the vestiges of the iconic coastal restaurant Moonshadows Malibu with the M of its sign charred onto the sidewalk like a brand, a statue of a circle of friends hugging each other, the only item to survive a fire at a mobile home de-

stroyed along with all its neighboring homes. This is what we sometimes refer to as “stuff.” The stuff of life, the significance of things, the traces of our lives, and of those that have gone before us. To think all your preserved memories can be extinguished overnight. I weep for all the family photos, scrapbooks, school yearbooks, and children’s artwork. We are all archivists of our own lives, and in those homes was a palpable diary of their entire history. It is things and mementos that you collected for decades. All irreplaceable.

The loss of museum-quality historical artifacts, Hollywood memorabilia, etc. … is also incalculable. The entertainment industry is a huge part of our culture and is globally known for one-of-a-kind pieces, rare art, and historic memorabilia. Not just the valuables, where we may recognize the artist’s name, but so many paintings and antiques that have been inherited by loved ones who have since passed away. I think of all the beautiful costumes and classic cars that have been lost, too. It underscores the importance of the work of archivists, and their homes have become a graveyard of Hollywood memories.

And the homes that were destroyed that symbolize so much of what we love about L.A. and the California dream: The Will Rogers estate, with its old California charm and barn and polo fields, and the brutalist Robert Bridges House built on cement pillars 100 feet above Sunset Boulevard. If ever a custom-built home reflected the dreams and aspirations of a California architect and a city, this was it.

On the heels of the pandemic, this cuts deep. I have dozens of friends who’ve lost it all. It feels like a dystopian movie about the apocalypse. Many people’s lives and futures have vaporized overnight. Lives are lost, and their beloved pets’ lives are lost. It’s truly gut-wrenching, but Angelenos are survivors. As hard as it is to imagine, L.A. will rise from these ashes. We’ve had earthquakes, fires, and unrest, but we’ve come back. It’s amazing to be a part of something so devastating and to then be part of the community coming together. Los Angeles (and its surrounding areas) is going to be a very different place for a very long time. My heart is with everybody affected by this endless heartbreak. Our collective mourning will last a long time for families, homes, and memories. I love you L.A., and I will be here for you always and will continue to honor what we’ve lost and celebrate what we still have.

Build Back Better

On Adversity and Creativity

Designer Amber Lewis shares her thoughts on rising to the challenges of rebuilding the California dream home.

As

told to SARAH YANG

Amber Lewis is an interior designer and author who grew up in Malibu. Known for her laidback, approachable, and definitively California style, she is the founder of her eponymous firm and owner of Shoppe Amber Interiors, which has an online store and brick-and-mortar boutiques, one of which was lost in the Palisades Fire. She and her team have started a Wildfire Relief Program, offering discounts and services to help people rebuild.

When I was in high school, there was a terrible fire in 1993. A ton of my friends lost their homes. Then, of course, we had the Woolsey Fire in 2018. And our office is in Calabasas, so unfortunately, wildfires are something I’m used to. You can always tell when a fire is big because of the color and structure. We told everyone to go home because it seemed pretty bad. I remember walking into my house and saying, “I have a really bad feeling about our store.” Everyone was like, “Are you sure? It’s so inland, there’s no way they will let that burn.” But I had a pit in my stomach and just knew. I was watching the news, and that’s how I found out the store had burned. I sent some texts to other business owners and neighbors, like Elyse Walker and Jaimie Geller. It’s like I was almost accidentally breaking the news to them.

As humans, we need food, shelter, and water. When you don’t have shelter, it feels like your survival and stability are gone. Your home is not just the walls around you—it’s your North Star. It’s what makes you feel safe. I’ve always cherished my surroundings. The things that we collect all have some type of meaning to us. Even if it’s a fork, you need it. There are things that you take for granted, and to have them taken away, it’s such an emotional, traumatic event, even if it’s the stuff that you thought didn’t really matter to you. I

had a friend and client say, “I lost the blankets that I loved from the Shoppe, and that makes me so sad. I didn’t even think I knew how much I loved them. I just want them back.” It’s things that we take for granted, the things that make us feel safe and loved.

I’m an optimist, 100 percent. Humans are resilient. People survive all kinds of things: death, divorce, disease, devastation. This won’t redefine what the dream home is. I believe that ultimately, if people want it and are not too damaged or too traumatized from what has happened, they will continue to strive for that dream home. If you wanted it from the beginning, fire or no fire, your dream home really is just whatever you wanted, whatever you make of it.

I can only talk about my business and what I lost, so to me, I believe in the community main street. I believe in the retail experience.

I believe in getting out and shopping and not doing everything online. And I think the same kind of theory can be made for communities and neighborhoods. We have to rebuild, right? We want to raise our children in this city. This is the city we chose. You have to figure out your new beginning, your new starting point, but you’ll never replace the old in the same way. It is going to be about curating things that make you feel comfortable. So if it is a blanket or a book or something else that will make you feel comfortable, I think that’s going to be the number one thing to just at least have as a starting point.

One of the hardest things will be how to recreate all the charm and the character of century-old homes that were lost, like those old, beautiful 1920s Spanish-style homes. How do we as designers avoid creating really soulless, empty boxes in these towns that still have so much character? For my design firm, that’s been something we’ve been focusing on very heavily—re-creating charm, character, and history. We want to rebuild in a way that feels purposeful again because the biggest disservice we could do for our communities is to just create fail-safe, fast-fashion homes that don’t have soul. It’s just going to have to be a very concerted effort to try to get as many people on board with that mentality as possible. If we’re rebuilding in such a tragic loss, the only way that I feel good about doing it is to do it with character and charm and integrity. How we can avoid how fast these fires spread is now always going to be an ask for the design community. There are ways for us to be innovative, use technology to our advantage, and work with architects and professionals to rebuild homes that can stand the test of what will be inevitable in the future. If it’s not five, 10, or 15 years, it’ll be 100 years from now; this will happen again.

I find that people are the most creative and most innovative in their lowest times. When the biggest growth happens, it doesn’t always grow when you’re at your best. Even back in our parents’ and grandparents’ age when the Depression was happening, that’s when a lot of the greatest art and music was created. In tragedy and in the darkest times, some of the brightest moments are made. So I’ve got faith. I’ve got faith in people, and there’s a lot of people wanting to do a lot of good things right now. L.A. can be a very spread out place, but it’s never felt so small, and it’s never felt more special to be a part of than it has now in the wake of this tragedy. We will rebuild—it won’t be the same, but it will still be special.

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Why I’m Never Leaving Malibu

Rich Roll on impermanence, uncertainty, and not giving up on the land he loves.

As told to ADAM SKOLNICK

Ultra athlete turned bestselling author and podcast star, Rich Roll, lives, works, and plays in the mountains of Malibu, where fire is a natural part of the ecosystem. He and his family have been forced to evacuate at least five times in the past seven years—a somewhat alarming ritual that has deepened their relationship with impermanence. Last January, as the Palisades Fire morphed and sprawled, chewing up parched chaparral from Mandeville Canyon to Saddle Peak, Rich and his family left their plant-based lasagna on the table, dirty dishes in the sink, and piled into their cars and fled to a Residence Inn. He had booked one night. They wouldn’t return home for weeks. Yet despite the risks, there is no other place he’d rather be.

In the past, the fires were either too far away, or we were never in a situation where there were strong winds blowing the fire toward us. This was different. The winds were just insane, and where we live is not densely populated. It’s not necessarily a high priority when firefighting resources are limited, and it’s pure bush from the ridge, where the fire was ultimately held in abeyance, all the way to our house. So we got lucky. The winds died down, and they had enough control over the other fronts of the fire that they could dispense air support to our side when we needed it. In a parallel universe, like if the winds had continued to stay high, it would have blazed right through to us.

But where we live has been devastated. How does Malibu recover? Not just economically, but spiritually? What makes Malibu so special is that while people think of it as the land of the ultra-rich, there’s a middle class that has lived in this area for generations, and the fear is that developers will start buying up tons of land, sell it at a premium, and force out anybody less than the uber-wealthy. The Palisades, same thing. There are families who have been living there for generations, and many either didn’t have fire insurance or are underinsured. Those people are going to get cleared out in the same way

that the Woolsey Fire cleared a lot of people out of the Trancas area and other parts of Malibu. So there’s a sadness, bordering on despair, over the future of Malibu.

But I think the piece that I spend the most time thinking about is just the impermanence and uncertainty of this area that we love, and impermanence in general. We, as human beings, are always desperate to control our lives, or to delude ourselves into believing that we’re in control, and nature just levied a massive dose of reality. Which is that everything is uncertain. There’s very little that we have control over, and we can either indulge the despair and anxiety that produces, or we can seize it as an opportunity to deepen our surrender to that truth.

I think this fire has made hundreds of thousands of people reframe their relationship with their possessions and what’s really important, and there’s something healthy about that. I say that as somebody who didn’t lose everything. So there’s a certain privilege layered on top that I recognize because I didn’t lose my home. But living in this area, you’re always kind of connected to that idea of impermanence. Because these fires have become much more ferocious and more frequent.

It’s 2025. Everything is up in the air. All these institutions and systems of government that we’ve come to rely upon, and to some extent, have been taking for granted, are all in upheaval. This is more upheaval on top of that, and I think the key is to develop a healthy relationship with all of it at arm’s distance. Otherwise, you’re going to succumb to chronic anxiety and fear.

We happen to live in a truly unique and irreplaceable corner of the world, and, no, I don’t think we would ever just pull up the stakes and relocate completely. Like, that isn’t even on the table.

Rich spoke to Adam Skolnick from his Malibu home on Feb. 16, 2025, where he has lived with his wife, Julie Piatt, and their four children for more than 20 years.

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Our journey began in the heart of Northern California, where a powerful dream — to create a tea company committed to healing both people and the planet — took root 50 years ago. We support those communities affected by wildfires and hope for healing and harmony as we create a more sustainable future together. Support

“You’re Living in a Fireplace”

Architect Doug Burdge knows from experience: He’s lost homes to fires in Malibu and has helped numerous clients rebuild after losing theirs. He’s learned from loss and is creating and demanding change. Here’s his blueprint for building better.

That headline might be stark, but it’s a reality for so many people who’ve lost their homes to fires in the West over the past decade or more. Architect Doug Burdge’s life and career have been shaped by the beauty and promises of Malibu—and by the wildfires that have come through the area for centuries. For more than three decades, he has lived and worked in this stunning coastal community, creating architecture that harmonizes with its natural beauty in some 300 homes and businesses. Along the way, Burdge has lost his own homes to fires and built homes for others who’ve lost theirs. His decades of learnings from loss have given him an intimate understanding of the risks and of the resilience and architectural intelligence required to live where fires are an inevitability. “You’re living in a fireplace,” says Burdge. “Whether it’s tomorrow or next year or 10 years from now, the fires will return.”

Burdge’s story begins in Encino, where he grew up surrounded by the orange groves and open spaces of the San Fernando Valley. As a child, he found his love for the outdoors through scouting, earning the rank of Eagle Scout and learning the importance of conservation. “We camped every weekend,” says Burdge. “I was taking conservation classes when I was an 8-year-old.” After studying architecture at USC, Burdge’s early career took him through Los Angeles to Cabo San Lucas, where he learned about hurricane-resilient design, but it was in Malibu that Burdge faced his first encounter with wildfire devastation.

In 1993, the Old Topanga Fire swept through the area, destroying more than 200 homes. Despite the risks, Burdge and his wife bought the lot on which an unfortunate casualty of that fire once stood and built his first Malibu home there for his family. It was an ode to classic Spanish haciendas. From custom light fixtures forged in Guadalajara to handmade tiles sourced from local artisans, every detail reflected their vision. “That house was more than a home,” Burdge explains. “It was a testament to what thoughtful design could achieve.” They moved out of that house and built another home, this time a modern interpretation of a red Vermont-style farmhouse. The red farmhouse burned down in the Woolsey Fire in 2018. So did a vintage Airstream Burdge used as an office, along with a lifelong collection of Airstream memorabilia. Then, the hacienda burned down earlier this year when the Palisades Fire surged for days, destroying thousands of structures in the conflagration of a scale and ferocity the city had never seen. “When you’ve spent countless hours perfecting every detail of a home, only to watch it burn, it changes you,” he says. “But it also drives you to do better—to build smarter, stronger, and more in tune with the environment.” He points to the 1933 Long Beach earthquake as a tragic reckoning that caused the earthquake codes in California to be hardened. “It took a disaster, unfortunately, to create a new road to be built and a new avenue forward.”

Burdge is passionate about creating a “Malibu Standard”—a global benchmark for fire-resistant design. “Why shouldn’t Malibu lead the way?” he asks. “This is a world-renowned community. Let’s make it a model for

Story by HUGH GARVEY

resilience.” His approach is as pragmatic as it is visionary. He combines lessons from his personal experiences with insights from other fire-prone regions like Australia and Mexico. He’s also a strong advocate for community-based solutions, emphasizing that resilience starts at the neighborhood level. “Your community is your first line of defense,” he says. “We need to empower people to protect their homes and support each other.”

As Malibu and other parts of the West face increasing wildfire threats, Burdge’s vision offers a roadmap for living

Burdge’s Airstream, filled with a lifetime’s worth of baseball memorabilia, was destroyed in the

in harmony with nature while mitigating risks. On the following pages, we’ve distilled his wisdom into “The New Rules of Building”—a guide for architects, homeowners, and anyone committed to building better.

Burdge’s second Malibu home, a modern take on a Vermont farmhouse, was also burned in 2018’s Woolsey Fire.

2018 2012

Woolsey Fire.

An Idea House Born From the Fires

Our 2022 Sunset Idea House was a Doug Burdge rebuild of Andrea Tennant’s home that was lost to the Woolsey Fire in 2018. It incorporates heatresistant windows, metal roofing, and flameretardant siding. “We honored the original home in a style we refer to as ‘transitional.’ It isn’t too modern or too traditional. It’s a family home that’s made for entertaining and enjoying the beautiful Malibu climate,” Burdge says. “And in many ways, it’s better and more resilient than the original home.”

The New Non-Negotiables for Fire-Resistant Homes

Burdge Architects’ work has led it to adopt and advocate for a series of best practices to “harden” homes against wildfires. Here are the new best practices.

Exterior Wildfire Protection Systems

Automated sprinkler systems on both roofs and eaves, incorporating fire retardent foam, remote monitoring and activation, and battery back-up, such as Frontline Wildfire Defense.

Fire-Resistant Features

Fire-rated caulking, non-combustible decking, and onsite water sources, like ponds or tanks.

Strategic Landscaping and Defensible Space

Choose low-risk plant material and space planting away from structures to avoid direct flame contact.

Class A Roofing

Use fire-rated materials, like metal, tile, or asphalt shingles.

Ember Defense

In new builds avoid crawl spaces and attic vents. Without vents, the chances of ember

intrusion, a leading cause of house fires during wildfires, is greatly reduced. Use non-combustible siding (fiber cement, stucco, stone). On existing structures, install fine mesh screens on vents, and seal eaves, and soffits.

Fire-Resistant Windows

Dual-pane tempered glass with fire-rated frames and optional shutters or screens. Avoid vinyl, which can melt and combust.

Consider Alternate Building Systems

Traditional wood framing is not your only option. Concreteclad Blue Planet BP2 panels are an energy-efficient and fireresistant option.

These steps, paired with meticulous design and construction, can make the difference between losing and protecting a home during a wildfire.

A striking Woolsey Fire rebuild from Burdge Architects.

The New Rules of Building

1. Take the Long View With Legacy

When you design a home, you’re creating more than a structure—you’re building a legacy. Homes should stand the test of time and nature, honoring the effort and emotional investment that go into their creation. Having built numerous houses for clients who lost their homes to fires, as well as losing his own, Burdge has intimate knowledge of the emotional and psychological toll of loss and rebuilding.

2. Change Your Attitude

“You’re living in a fireplace,” Burdge says. “Stop thinking of fires as rare events and start designing for their inevitability.” This mindset shift can save lives and homes. Incorporate fire-resistant materials, prioritize designs that protect against fire’s impact, and actively maintain

a defensible space.

3. Learn from the Past

Learn from other communities’ successes and failures to improve your own fire resilience. “Every fire teaches us something,” says Burdge, pointing to lessons from Australia, which has faced its own devasting fires, referred to as bushfires. “If you really want to do this right, there are already many case studies out there.” Burdge staff architect Carmel McFayden has worked with contacts in Australia to incorporate their learnings into the California builds.

4. Bring in the Private Sector

Governments can’t do it alone. Private architects and builders bring innovation and efficiency to the table. Public-private partnerships can accelerate the adoption of fire-resilient practices. Without architects involved in refining codes, “It’s like the generals making plans without talking to the soldiers,” Burdge says.

5. Get Rid of the Kindling Look around your property,

Burdge advises, and get rid of what he calls the kindling. “The kindling is all the wood fences and railroad ties and all the things that we see burning up. And that goes for that little shed your neighbor has next to your property line.” Replace them with fire-resistant materials and create defensible space. Small changes can make a big difference in reducing risk. But it needs to be a collective effort, or else the outliers will weaken the defenses of the whole neigbhorhood. Flammable materials next to the house can combust and then burn the adjacent structure. Don’t store plastic bins, lumber, or anything flammable near your house.

6. Communities Should Have a Civil Defense Mindset

“The formation of a community brigade is one of the most important things any neighborhood in the wildland urban interface (WUI) needs to locally implement. Not just to help fight the actual wildfires but also to implement fire hardening practices during ‘non

disaster’ everyday normal living times.”

7. Work with Nature

“You can move next to an area with flammable chaparral, but you need to manage that chaparral and coexist within it,” Burdge says. Responsible vegetation management and thoughtful building placement can reduce fire risk while preserving ecological balance.

8. Build Better, Even Without a Fire; Treat Resilience as a Year-Round Priority

Fire safety isn’t just for disaster recovery. Treat resilience as a year-round priority. Proactively implement designs that protect against fire, ensuring safety and longevity for future generations. “Malibu is one of the most world-renowned cities. Why don’t we create a Malibu Standard of fire resiliency? If we don’t have a fire today, it could be next month, or every 10 years, but it will happen.” Of all the towns to have the most hardened Malibu resiliency program, it should be Malibu.

This Burdge fire rebuild is very different from what the client had before. With an all-stucco exterior, flat roof, and no eaves and plenty of defensible space, it’s extremely fire-resilient.

“Stop thinking of fires as rare events and start designing for their inevitability.”

The next Sunset Idea house from Burdge Architects is a home in Malibu for author Camille Styles and will feature the latest in fire resilient and protective technology.

Another beautiful example of a “vent-free” home, clad in fire-resistant materials with abundant defensible space.

In the wake of the Woolsey Fire, Burdge Architects designed a prefab structure in partnership with Plant Prefab and Sunset to provide temporary on-site housing during rebuilds.

Protect Our Architectural Treasures

An 8-point plan for preserving and redefining L.A.’s architectural legacy.

Story by JAIME RUMMERFIELD

Jaime Rummerfield

“I drive on her streets because she is my companion. I walk through her hills because she knows who I am.” These words, sung by Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, encapsulate the unique, almost living relationship many Angelenos have with their city. Los Angeles is more than just a place—it’s a spirit, a presence, an identity that we, in turn, mold and are shaped by. To know her is to be swept into a world of complexities, contradictions, and, above all, a vibrant energy that rewards those who engage with her wholeheartedly.

But Los Angeles is more than just its magnetic energy. The city is adorned with a rich and diverse architectural heritage that tells the story of her evolution and spirit. We see the fingerprints of pioneers like Wallace Neff, Myron Hunt, and Elmer Grey, who crafted the Spanish colonial revival homes that define some of LA’s most coveted neighborhoods. We see the refined lines of Paul R. Williams’ colonial revival style, or the sweeping ranch estates that blend seamlessly into California’s natural beauty. We look at the works of Richard Neutra, Pierre Koenig, and Rudolph Schindler, whose modernist innovations challenged convention and forever changed the way we think about architecture. We see John Elgin Woolf’s Hollywood regency glamour, Ray Kappe’s sleek, forward-thinking designs, and A. Quincy Jones’ timeless modern masterpieces.

Yet, this incredible heritage is not being given the respect and protection it deserves. Unlike other cities with robust preservation programs, Los Angeles lacks the resources and leadership to safeguard its architectural legacy. Los Angeles’ architecture is not just a series of buildings—it is the story of who we are and where we came from. It is as much a part of our identity as the people who call this city home.

The devastating wildfires that ravaged the Palisades, Altadena, and Pasadena weren’t just natural disasters—they were cultural catastrophes. Alongside the heartbreaking and devastating loss of life, home, and communities, we witnessed the destruction of irreplaceable architectural treasures. The Freedman, Hees, and Kesler Houses, all designed by Neutra, exemplified his philosophy of merging indoor and outdoor living. Ray Kappe’s Keeler House, with its bold cantilevered forms and warm materials, was a triumph of structural ingenuity and livability. Altadena suffered profound losses, including the Andrew McNally House by Frederick Roehrig, a Queen Anne treasure and testament to the grandeur of turn-of-thecentury design. The Zane Grey Estate, a landmark steeped in literary history, and Scripps Hall, a spiritual and architectural icon, were beacons of the area’s rich cultural heritage. Closer to the coast, the Bridges House, visible from Sunset Boulevard, stood as a quiet sentinel of craftsmanship, designed and built by Robert Bridges himself. And the Will Rogers Ranch House was not just a home but also a living symbol of community and storytelling.

We must act now to preserve what remains. We need a dedicated effort to protect the memory of our past to ensure future generations can experience the same sense of wonder inspired by these architectural marvels.

A city without its art, culture, and history loses its identity.

Lost: Will Rogers ranch house, one of the great examples of a 1920s Western-style ranch house, was destroyed in the Palisades Fire.

As we plan to rebuild, we have an opportunity to not only restore what was lost but to reimagine it with reverence and care. Without a bold plan, we risk replacing our city’s soul with mediocrity. By rallying architects, designers, and community leaders, we can create a future that both honors our past and propels us forward. We can create a new era of California

Classics—architecture that reflects the city’s resilience and respects its legacy. This eight-point plan is our blueprint for healing, rebuilding, and preserving the spirit of Los Angeles.

1. Tap the Experts

To rebuild with integrity, gather the top creative minds in LA design, preservation, and innovation to establish a coalition.

LA area architects like Tim Barber, Marc Appleton, and Barbara Lowenthal. Dynamic and quality builders such as I-Grace and Taconic. Preservation leaders like Russell Brown of FORT: LA and Adrian Scott Fine of the Los Angeles Conservancy. Palisades and Altadena preservation committees and historians such as Charlie Fisher and Katie Horak. Network

organizations like the Design Leadership Network, in addition to top shelter publications.

2. Involve the Community

The homes we’ve lost were more than structures—they were the keepers of memories, traditions, and lives. As we rebuild, we must listen to the communities who lived there, preserving the essence of what made these spaces special. Architecture can be a bridge between the past and the future, carrying forward the spirit of those who called these places home. Pacific Palisades was built with an emphasis on integrating structures into its dramatic landscape of ocean views, rugged cliffs, and lush canyons. Development in the 1920s was influenced by Mediterranean and Spanish colonial revival styles. Altadena, a picturesque multicultural community nestled in the foothills of the San Gabriel

Lost: Robert Bridges House, a brutalist marvel that towered over Sunset Boulevard.

Lost: Eric Owen Moss’s 708 House, Pacific Palisades.

Designed by Milton H. Caughey with a popular Deconstructivist remodel by architect Moss.

Lost: Mid-century modernist Ray Kappe’s Keeler House, Pacific Palisades

Mountains, has a rich architectural heritage, vibrant artistic community, and deep African American history. Its architectural styles reflect the evolution of Southern California design, with Craftsman bungalows, Tudor revivals, and Spanish colonial revivals.

3. Raise the Standard

Reject the soulless, cookie-cutter developments that diminish our city’s character. Demand quality materials, fireproof engineering, and meaningful design that blends beauty with safety. Design review boards and higher community standards are essential to ensure that what is built reflects LA’s creative legacy.

4. Look to the Landmarks

Only about 3% of LA buildings have landmark status, as the process requires building owners to navigate extensive bureaucratic hoops to achieve HistoricCultural Monument designation. Identify and protect the architectural treasures that are the North Star for how we build going forward. Encourage citywide acknowledgment of these treasures’ status and fast-track landmarking efforts. Expand programs like the Mills Act, which provides tax incentives to preserve historic properties. Promote these programs broadly and make them more accessible and more easily navigable.

5. Empower Preservation Leadership

Look to cities such as Charleston, New York City, and Savannah that take their architectural and historical significance with departments and officials that mandate preservation. Create a Chief Preservation Officer position and a wellfunded Preservation Department to ensure LA’s architectural treasures are prioritized alongside other civic needs. Advocate for leaders like Ken Bernstein from the Office of Historic Resources and City Council members such as Traci Park in neighborhood jurisdictions to take more prominent roles and push for actionable preservation and designminded policies.

6. Stop Blind Demolition

Policies must bridge the gap between SurveyLA documentation of historic

Lost: The Queen Anne-style Andrew McNally House in Altadena was destroyed.

The stunning interiors were a testament to the craftsmanship and artistry of the turn of the century.

properties and the permitting process to prevent reckless demolitions. Utilize SurveyLA, a comprehensive documentation of notable properties in LA that highlight the city’s rich architectural resources. Creative solutions, such as tying demolition permits to a database of historical properties flagged by the Office of Historic Resources, could help prevent further losses.

7. Raise Awareness and Funds

Organizations like Save Iconic Architecture and the Los Angeles Conservancy are vital to raising public awareness and funding preservation efforts. Until the city commits budget to preservation, community-led initiatives are essential to protect LA’s heritage.

8. Democratize Historical Design

Professional organizations of architects and interior designers should work together to develop free practical guides for homeowners, developers, and architects to design with the legacy of LA architecture in mind. Provide floor plans, elevations,

material lists, and resources to obtain finishes, lighting, fixtures, and other decorative materials that reflect the principles of Mediterranean revival, Spanish revival, California ranch style, midcentury modern, colonial revival, and Tudor style that define our landscape. Together, we can ensure that Los Angeles remains a beacon of creativity and architectural excellence—an exemplar for the world and a haven for idea-makers who call this city home. The New California Classics are waiting to be

imagined. Let’s build them.

Jaime Rummerfield is the owner of Jaime Rummerfield Interior Design and co-founder of nonprofit organization Save Iconic Architecture, dedicated to safeguarding Southern California’s architectural and cultural treasures. Jaime has worked on the restoration of landmark properties by Richard Neutra, Gordon Kaufmann, and Paul R. Williams. Through SIA, Jaime has successfully championed efforts to save the Standard Hotel on Sunset Boulevard and Marilyn Monroe’s Brentwood home.

Lost: Gregory Ain’s Park Planned Homes were an experiment in affordable housing. Many of the structures were destroyed in the Altadena fire.

Lost: Considered fire-proof at the time of its construction in 1907, the Zane Grey Estate was destroyed in the Altadena fire.

11 Things California Can Do Better

Thought leaders share ideas for building a better path forward and reviving the California Dream.

California has long been a beacon of culture and innovation, a place of invention and reinvention where people of every stratum come to live, work, build, and dream. We reached out to thought leaders across the spectrum to find out what they believe we can do better to preserve our communities, stay safe, support our businesses, and build better so we can survive and thrive.

1. Create Affordable, Inclusive Neighborhoods

“The California I was born in was a place where artists, CEOs, tradespeople, and teachers all lived in the same neighborhood. Sure, some people’s houses were bigger, but what made our neighborhoods great was that they were mixed-income and inclusive. My dream for California is that we get back to where most communities have plentiful housing at the full range of affordability—which leads to richer lives as we engage with our neighbors. Tragically, Altadena was a modern example of that ideal before so much of it was lost in the fires—mixed-income, mixed in race and culture, with very special enclaves of opportunity for artists, construction workers, and public service alike. Too many Californians must live too far from work or school and must make tough choices about surviving rather than thriving. Research shows that kids and the elderly are better served in mixed-income communities. When we look to recover, we must find ways to replace what we have lost over decades and to create mixed-income neighborhoods through zero- or low-interest investments and expedited construction and design from start to finish, with our North Star aimed at building strong communities.”

—Sarah

Dusseault, Co-Chair LA County Blue Ribbon Commission on Homelessness

2. Draw a Bright Line

“The wildfires showed the best and the worst of Angelenos. On the best side, you had firefighters putting their lives on the line to save our lives and save our homes. You had law enforcement working literally 24 hours a day to keep us safe. You had over 200,000 people willing to cooperate in an unprecedented evacuation and trust that their homes would be there when they got back. And then you had the people who lost their homes now trusting the system to work to re-establish their lives. And you had the community really rallying around everyone in order to deal with an unprecedented crisis. On the other hand, it also brought out the worst of a small segment of Angelenos who looked at this crisis as a time to exploit the situation when people are literally at their lowest moment. It was important for myself as District Attorney to take a very strong and unequivocal line that if you want to engage in any crimes in connection with the wildfires, whether that’s looting, arson, impersonation of a first responder, whether that’s price gouging, charity scams, government benefit scams, or the like, the question wasn’t if, but when you would be arrested, prosecuted, and punished to the maximum extent of the law. The idea was not to fill our prisons to the breaking point. If anything, that’s when the criminal justice system is not working. The idea is to deter the criminals from committing the crimes in the first place because they know where the bright line is and they know there will be real consequences if they cross the line. So that was the goal. Will it eliminate all crime? Of course not. But will it make criminals who otherwise might have committed these crimes pause and decide otherwise? And will it let the public know that if someone does harm them, there will be justice for the harm they suffered? The answer to that is yes.”

—Nathan Hochman, Los Angeles County District Attorney

3. Expedite the Recovery

“Los Angeles is facing its greatest crisis. Amidst all the challenges and unknowns, the biggest concern I hear from people is a fear that these communities won’t come back the way they were before January 7th. I refuse to accept that. That’s why I founded Steadfast LA—a coalition committed to rebuilding faster and stronger by cutting through red tape and leveraging the private sector’s best minds, resources, and technology.

The government can’t do this alone, so we’re acting. We’ve already outlined several key initiatives to expedite the rebuild that include: Using AI-driven construction planning and fire-resistant materials. Preventing future disasters by burying power lines and modernizing zoning regulations. Speeding up approvals to reduce permitting delays. Securing realistic options for families to return to their communities in the face of financial obstacles.

Time is critical. If a particular initiative is supposed to take a year, we want to offer ideas to get it done in six months. The longer we wait, the harder it will be to preserve these communities. Together, we will show the rest of the country how we can come back stronger from this adversity and usher in a new era of optimism and prosperity for LA.”

—Rick Caruso, real estate developer and Founder of Steadfast LA

“The 2025 wildfires devastated thousands across Los Angeles County. As usually happens in times of crisis, the disaster also exposed and exacerbated deep inequities that could threaten our region’s recovery. As we move full speed ahead toward recovery, we need to ensure the most vulnerable are not left behind.

4. Rebuild for All

Rebuilding must prioritize those most at risk of falling through the cracks. People like underinsured homeowners who face massive financial barriers and, in many cases, have larger shares of their family’s wealth tied to their homes. Renters who now must rebuild their lives while looking for a home in an already crowded market. And the thousands of service workers—nannies, housekeepers, gardeners, and hospitality staff—who lost their livelihoods with no formal safety net.

Immediate relief came from trusted community organizations, proving local leadership is the fastest, most effective way to reach those in need and ensure long-term, equitable recovery. That’s why the California Community Foundation has committed more than $30 million in grants to more than 200 local organizations that are on the front lines, bridging the gaps for individuals who lack access to traditional aid. This is also why we advocate for a trust-based model of philanthropy that empowers those closest to the challenges or harms to tell us how best to meet their needs.

Recovery isn’t just about rebuilding homes—it’s about restoring stability, dignity, and opportunity for all Angelenos. We must invest in policies and programs that ensure every survivor can recover, rebuild, and reimagine a future where climate disasters don’t determine who gets to stay and who is forced to leave.”

—Miguel Santana, President & CEO California Community Foundation

5. Do Better By Our Restaurants

Born in Washington, D.C., Jay Luchs moved to LA to work in the entertainment industry only to become one of the city’s most prolific real estate agents. Now Vice Chairman at Newmark, he’s represented brands including Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Club Monaco, James Perse, Fred Segal, Craig’s, and Madeo. Luchs regularly posts impassioned videos about his love for the city on Instagram and believes restaurants and other hospitality venues need our special attention because “they help define the culture and character of a city at street level for both locals and tourists. Places like the Troubadour, the Rainbow, Dan Tana’s, The Roxy, The Chateau Marmont, The Tower Bar. These are the places that make people excited when they come to LA.” He says that public officials need to create a more business-friendly environment for the legacy restaurants and to attract and retain new restaurant groups. “Restaurateurs are seeing much higher profits in more business-friendly markets like Miami. We need them in the mix. They’re bigger, they bring in a lot of people, and that’s good for the economy.” Luchs sees expedited permitting, landlords that understand the cultural significance of elevated brands and see tenants as partners, and new development that’s respectful of the neighborhood as an ideal to aim for. “Local politicians should know that restaurants are what get people out and make this great city so exciting and vibrant.”

—Jay Luchs, Vice Chairman at Newmark

6. Practice Prescribed Burns

“In California, fire is as natural and necessary as rain, snow, or sunshine. Many of our most beloved ecosystems—our giant sequoias, oak woodlands and grasslands, the forests of the Sierra Nevada—actually need frequent fire in order to persist. For millennia, people have used fire to shape the landscapes around them, and even now, beneficial fire remains one of our most important tools for restoring biodiversity, creating resilient landscapes, and protecting our homes and communities. Prescribed fire— the planned use of fire under specific conditions—is one of the most ecologically appropriate and cost-effective strategies we have in California. We’ve made significant progress on these issues in recent years, passing key legislation and increasing state investments, but we need to maintain and grow that momentum. We know we have an increasingly fiery future ahead of us, but with prescribed fire, we get to decide what that future looks like. We can’t control if our landscapes burn, but we do have some power over when and how they burn; let’s use it.”

—Lenya Quinn-Davidson, Director, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources Fire Network

7. Be Employer and Employee Friendly

Peter Garland is the owner of Porta Via Restaurants, with locations in Beverly Hills, Calabasas, and Palm Desert. At the time of this writing, the Pacific Palisades location, which employed 55 people, is closed as a result of the fires. A lifelong Angeleno, Garland is inspired by feeding his community. “It’s the little things that keep our guests coming back. It’s a relationship that our guests have with us and vice versa. It’s really special to be a part of that on both sides. As an owner and as a server and as a guest, it feels good when somebody comes that you recognize and have an exchange. It just feels good on both sides,” he says. “California is an employee-friendly state, as it should be,” says Garland, “but it’s not an employer-friendly state. I love my employees and without them I’m nothing, but plaintiff attorney firms— which advertise during Lakers games!— have marked employers, and California law doesn’t help us, so it’s kind of left a bad taste in the mouth for many businesses.” Garland also believes California should implement a tip credit, which allows employers to pay tipped employees less than the minimum wage, as long as the employees make up the difference in tips. “This would help operators pay back of the house staff a more equitable wage,” says Garland. Nearly three years ago, Garland started working on a complicated build out of the Porta Via Palm Desert location. “The city is business-friendly, and they wanted to see us succeed, and they made themselves available, and we worked together. Los Angeles needs to ensure that they’re working for us. We pay our taxes, and so they should be working with us in a timely manner so we can open up our businesses and put people to work.”

Peter Garland, Owner Porta Via Restaurants

8. Partner With the Police

Attorney David Hochman founded the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Foundation in 2020 to help support the sheriff’s departments serving the 88 cities in Los Angeles County during budget cuts to the Los Angeles Police Department. Since then, the foundation has raised more than $2 million for training, resources, education, and equipment, including a thermal drone for rescuing lost hikers, motorbikes and other gear tailored to navigating mudslides, duffel bags of toys for children in emergency situations, as well as community outreach programs. “I think the private sector needs to engage with law enforcement, with public safety in any way that we can,” says Hochman. “The five words to say to first responders, firefighters, and police is, ‘Thank you for your service,’ which is usually during disasters.” With the Sheriff’s Foundation, that support is around the clock, with “How can we help?” as Hochman’s stated mantra. “We help fund the Sheriff’s Department Youth Activity Leagues, which host spaces where kids can go and do their homework on computers and exercise and have a meal and have a safe place. One station asked me about autistic sensory kits. These are kits deputies can have on hand so that if they come across a situation where someone might be on the spectrum and having some type of issue, they’re trained on how to communicate better.” In addition to heritage months, community partnerships include the Freddie Roach Youth Boxing Academy, which boasts a Sugar Ray Leonard ring. “Kids can come and have a place to box and be with their friends. And it’s a perfect example of the Sheriff’s Department engaging with the community with something that’s very positive. The partnership between the department and the community is crucial. It needs to be fluid. It needs to be authentic. And if I’m able to help with that, it’s a blessing.”

—David Hochman, Founder and President Los Angeles Sheriff’s Foundation

9. Invest in Sustainable Resilient Technology

Matt Petersen runs Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator, or LACI, which works with startups to accelerate the commercialization of clean technologies, transform markets through partnerships with policymakers and innovators in clean energy, and enhance communities through workforce development. One of LACI’s startups, Delphire, specializes in remote wildfire detection using cameras and AI technology. “Why should we have to depend on visual sightings of wildfires?” asks Petersen. Among other critical questions: “How do we help homeowners understand the benefits of integrating solar storage and water storage systems that can provide more safety for them and their neighbors? We need technology that captures stormwater and rainwater as we get more extreme precipitation, which can help with landscaping and provide backup water to douse rooftops, which are built atop homes that have less ventilation and that embers can’t get into. How do we integrate engineered wood, which is less susceptible to fire?” Sound business acumen and smart policy are required to provide opportunities for homeowners, business owners, and real estate owners. “We can use this moment to help families rebuild better and more resiliently while keeping costs in mind and affordability at the core,” says Petersen. “Not just in the construction costs, obviously, but also in the long-term operating costs.”

—Matt Petersen, President and CEO Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator

10. Engage Californians

“Government works better when we build it together—and that means making it easier for everyone to be involved. After years of development, we recently launched a new pilot program called Engaged California, designed to create a modern-day town hall where Californians can share their perspectives, concerns, and ideas to find real solutions. Our first use case for this new tool is the Los Angeles fires. Engaged California allows us to involve Californians more directly in firestorm rebuilding and recovery, particularly survivors of the Palisades and Eaton fires. In California, we know that a strong democracy requires effort and direct connections with the people. Engaged California empowers Californians to engage in honest, meaningful discussions that shape more responsive, peopledriven policies and programs. As we recover, reimagine, and rebuild Los Angeles, we will do it together—and California will be stronger for it.”

—Gavin Newsom, Governor of California

—Karen Bass, Los Angeles Mayor 11.

Be Bolder

“To build a better Los Angeles, we must break with the old ways of doing things while holding tight to what connects us as Angelenos. We will build back rapidly and more resiliently in the Palisades, and doing that requires bold innovation—from reforms to eliminate red tape, to embracing new construction materials and methods for private homes and city utilities and infrastructure alike. There is no reason why the innovations spurred by the recovery effort cannot be applied across Los Angeles—and that’s exactly what we are going to do.”

A Love Letter to California

Sunset staff photographer Thomas J. Story has spent the past 25 years photographing the West. Here, he shares some of his favorite photographs of this place that we cherish with all of our hearts.

I remember the first time I drove across the San Francisco Bay Bridge at night in my 1964 Karmann Ghia after driving across the country from the East Coast. Recently married in 1992, my wife and I wanted to start something new, so we chose California as our new home. I remember the feeling of the warm summer air (it was August) as it blew through the open windows in my non-air-conditioned little car. “Wow,” I thought. “I’m living in California now.”

I imagine most people remember their California first time. First time driving down the Pacific Coast Highway and having Big Sur open up to you. The first dip in warm (Southern California!) ocean waters. The first trip to Yosemite. Tahoe. Eastern Sierra. Mono Lake. Mulholland Drive at twilight. Seeing the bison herd in Golden Gate Park. The first time realizing just how much more of California there is north of the Golden Gate Bridge. California is an incredible state. The diversity of people, scenery, and cuisine is second to none. When any of this is threatened, it is heartbreaking for all of us. Living here, people always ask “What about the earthquakes? Aren’t you afraid of those?” I think at this point in our current situation, we can all agree the destructive forces of untamed wildfires are probably our biggest fear. The loss of culture, history, monuments, and locations that are not easily replaced can be staggering. We need to appreciate what we have when we have it. I have been lucky enough to make my living documenting our life here in the West for Sunset magazine for 25 years now. I promise you, I will never take anything for granted in this beautiful state ever again.

Los Angeles Needs You to Visit

Summer is on the horizon, and recovery efforts from the January wildfires in Pacific Palisades and Altadena are underway, making it even more important to prioritize responsible travel. While it’s natural to question if now is the best time to visit L.A., the majority of the city’s neighborhoods are safe, open, and ready to welcome visitors. And in fact, a trip can be a great way to support residents as they rebuild.

“Much like the critical role the entertainment industry plays in L.A.’s economy, tourism is one of the most significant drivers of employment, local business sales, and tax dollars that provide essential services for all Angelenos, including public safety,” says Adam Burke, president and CEO of the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board. “More than 540,000 Angelenos and 1,000 local businesses depend on tourism for their livelihoods.”

Here are Burke’s tips for doing so intentionally and mindfully in the months to come.

1. Stay Informed About Wildfire Recovery and Safety: While many of L.A.’s main attractions remain unaffected by wildfires, certain residential areas like the Pacific Palisades and Altadena are actively recovering. Respect local advisories on road closures, detours, and other safety guidelines. For the most updated information on road impacts, check the L.A. County Public Works Road Closures website, where you will find closures and alerts on a map. For beach areas, always check water quality and safety at the Department of Public Health.

2. Respect the Community and the Emotional Landscape: Many Angelenos are coping with significant trauma and loss due to the fires. Approach your visit with empathy.

3. Support the Local Economy Responsibly: Tourism plays a vital role in sustaining the livelihoods of so many Angelenos. Support local businesses where you can, especially those that are actively assisting in recovery.

4. Avoid Affected Areas and Stick to Open Neighborhoods: Plan activities in neighborhoods like Venice, Santa Monica, Downtown L.A., Culver City, Silver Lake, Koreatown, and the Valley, where you’ll find great food, culture, and vibrant activities in areas that don’t interfere with recovery efforts.

5. Engage in Volunteer or Donation Opportunities: If you want to do more than just visit, consider giving back before or during your trip. Organizations like L.A. Works offer volunteer opportunities to support the city’s recovery, and you can always donate to wildfire relief efforts.

—Krista Simmons

HOME & GARDEN

Safe House

Two architects with extensive knowledge of fire-resistant building practices share their expertise and their hopes for rebuilding communities that are stronger, safer, and more resilient than before.

Story by CHRISTINE LENNON

Photographs by MATTHEW MILLMAN

Like most

Californians,

fire-resistant home design is a topic of interest and fascination for me, regardless of the fact that I’ve never lived near a tinder-dry hillside or hard-to-reach canyon. Fires have always reshaped the landscape and threatened communities across the state, and I’ve watched them burn in horror from a safe distance. Unlike other natural disasters, like the random strikes of a tornado or the spontaneous jolt of an earthquake, I foolishly felt that “fire zones” could be avoided—as long as you didn’t build along a mountain ridge and lived tucked in among neighbors in densely populated, semi-urban communities.

That false perception changed this January when the Eaton and Palisades Fires started to incinerate beloved, long-established neighborhoods on opposite sides of town, and evacuation warnings were issued from Malibu to Pasadena to the Hollywood Hills. More than 12,000 structures were lost. Wide swaths of the largest county in the U.S. were blanketed in ash. Tragically, over two dozen people perished. And the devastation of the Los Angeles fires was a reality check for millions, including me. When the evacuation warnings started screaming from my phone, it was a wake-up call. If you live in the modern West, you live in a fire zone.

Over the last handful of years, blazes have torn through wide swaths of Oregon, New Mexico, and the Rocky Mountains. Dense smoke is a regular health hazard for the entire region. This is our collective reality.

“One-third of the U.S. population lives in the WUI—the wildlife/urban interface. It’s actually far, far more common than you’d think that we’re building or have built homes in vulnerable

Left: A series of trails were carved into the steep hillside, both to create firebreaks and allow easy access to all 15 acres of land surrounding the home. Top right: Outdoor dining chairs and table, JANUS et Cie. Bottom right: Flexform sofas and an aluminum table from RH furnish the outdoor living room.

areas when it comes to fire,” says Christopher Roach, one of two principal architects at Studio VARA, a San Francisco-based firm. Roach and his partner Maura Fernandez Abernethy regularly design projects for the rural areas around the Bay Area and implement comprehensive plans to “harden” the properties they build. “There is really no true distinction between urban and wild land. For sure, there are places that are much more truly remote. But it’s an issue that’s not isolated to ‘out there.’”

Just days before 200,000 residents of my community were forced to leave their homes and the city was blanketed in smoke and ash, I’d been admiring photos of a vacation home Studio VARA designed near Healdsburg, California, dubbed “Fire Country Lookout.” It’s an off-grid paradise with crisp, minimal lines and a simple, organic elegance. There are breezeways, smooth concrete floors, and outdoor living rooms bathed in golden light. Its beauty is matched only by its practicality and an awareness of the increasingly volatile landscape it resides. And the property could serve as inspiration for anyone who wishes to build, or rebuild, with the threat of fire in mind. Abernethy and Roach describe the home’s multi-prong defense systems as “layers of an onion,” a process that began when they helped their clients select the 15-acre parcel, with an established well and septic system, to build on.

“One critical element is that there were two ways out of the property, which was at the top of a hill, for evacuation and access. It was not on a dead-end street,” says Roach. “We did a pretty thorough analysis of the land and made improvements to the driveway, which was not up to Sonoma County fire standards. After we did a survey, we came up with a plan to clear trees and brush from around the building site and mapped out a series of trails coming down from the top of the hill. That gave the clients access to the full property, which has all these different and beautiful landscapes and created necessary firebreaks.”

They found evidence on the land that it had burned relatively recently, and there were many young coniferous trees that had grown in the years since. Those young pines, Roach says, are like “matchsticks” and need to be removed.

“Essentially, we started with a forest and turned it into a park,” says Abernethy. “We limbed all of the trees to remove the lower branches, which is considered ladder fuel, and exposed the beautiful trunks of the coast live oaks, which are critical habitat and essential to the landscape.”

From the beginning of the design process, durability was top of mind.

“We conceived of the house as being wrapped in a kind of protective shell,” says Roach. “Zinc, which is the metal on the home’s exterior, became our material of choice. It’s lightweight. You could wrap a house in concrete for ultimate protection, but it’s heavy and expensive. So by creating a more lightweight structure with a wood frame covered in stucco and plaster that’s wrapped in zinc, it has that effect of being noncombustible and also very low maintenance. The natural finish weathers and ages in time and doesn’t need a coating or a finish.”

For the interior, Abernethy chose a limited material palette of polished concrete floors, oak cabinetry, and glass.

“Everything inside of the metal cocoon is made of noncombustible materials,” she says. “Even if it was smoke-tainted, it would not require much effort to repair and restore it.”

The homeowners, at their architects’ urging, also invested in a rooftop fire retardant foam dispersion and sprinkler system from Frontline to create a 30-foot protection zone around the home. In lieu of more conventional landscaping, gravel pads surround the building to create a protective five-foot “ember zone” without vegetation.

Roach and Abernethy emphasize that the home’s systems, which include concrete cisterns for water storage, photovoltaic solar panels, whole-house Tesla batteries to store power, and a backup diesel generator, increase the property’s true fire resistance exponentially and demonstrate the intersection of sustainability and resilience.

“The building is connected to the local Pacific Gas & Electric power grid, but in the event of a windstorm or a fire event, they turn the power off,” says Roach. “They have solar with batteries to provide clean power to the house, but they also provide a redundancy, so if the power is cut off, the pumps to the sprinklers still work, and firefighters can access the well water.”

After they poured the foundation of the house, their extensive research and planning proved prescient. Fire broke out in a nearby canyon, and their site supervisor sent them a video of the construction site with a glowing orange sky in the distance.

Most of us do not have the luxury of building a home from the ground up with state-of-the-art materials or have acres of volatile forest-like grounds that need management. But we can take cues from properties like this one to improve existing structures, and, in the bigger picture, encourage city planners and municipal developers to rebuild communities in safer, more thoughtful, and resilient ways.

“You might not need to build fire trails on your land, but you can think outwardly. You can think about your neighbors and coordinate and cooperate and encourage each other to manage the landscape, remove brush, and limb trees. You can retrofit vents under the eaves of your house so they close off with heat and create a five-foot ember zone right around your house. You can avoid combustible plantings and wood decks right next to your house,” says Roach.

Roach also stresses the importance of installing multiplefunction backup power systems, like solar panels with battery storage, so when power is shut off, water pumps can still function.

“People often think and act in ad hoc ways, replacing siding and trimming trees, but thinking a little more holistically and understanding the interactions between each of those components is the key,” says Roach. “That’s the definition of resilience, really. If you take away one part, the whole thing still holds together.”

The outpouring of support in Los Angeles has not gone unnoticed by our neighbors up north and in surrounding states.

“It’s been unbelievable to watch from afar,” Abernethy says. Her wish, as an architect who grew up in Pasadena, is that the focus and supportive spirit remains intact long after the literal smoke clears.

“Our hope is that the city can continue this tremendous community spirit when it comes time to rebuild.”

“ We started with a forest and turned it into a park.”

Top left: In the powder room, a vessel sink rests on a stone counter from Fox Marble. Decorative hardware, Sun Valley Bronze. Bottom left: The exposed interior “skeleton” of the home, composed of angular beams, is designed by Canadian firm Spearhead. They build the frame in their warehouse first, then disassemble and number the parts to be shipped to the building site. Top right: Spearhead also built the yellow cedar screens featured on the home’s exterior. The home is clad in Rheinzink, selected both for its durability and its beauty. Bottom right: A large Dedon swing rest is the ideal spot to laze away an afternoon.

Build Different

Architect Nicolò Bini designed Robert Downey Jr.’s Malibu house to be a marvel of human-centered design. Here, he proposes a sustainable, disaster-ready model for the California home.

As told to HUGH GARVEY

Downey’s innovative and sustainable biophilic concrete house in Malibu is a radical example of how we can rethink the idea of what a modern California home can be. The concrete form construction requires no internal load-bearing walls so that one living space bleeds into another, establishing a family-friendly, whole environment.

Frank Lloyd Wright was once asked, “What was the matter with the typical American house?”

Well, just for an honest beginning, it lied about everything.” This stark observation encapsulates the fundamental flaws in how we design and construct our homes. From stylistic misreferences to inefficiencies in materials and construction methods, the ways we build often fail us at very basic levels. It is time to reimagine our approach to architecture and shelter, grounding it in principles of resilience, harmony with nature, and efficiency.

LIVING IN A LIE

Stylistically, many American homes speak the wrong design language. They are filled with orthogonal lines, sharp corners, and unnatural geometries. The notion of “coming home” has been reduced to inhabiting a

mathematical construct of our own making—cold and impersonal. In contrast, humans are instinctively drawn to soft, curving shapes, as studies have shown. For example, a psychological experiment found that most people preferred an organic, rounded sofa to a boxy one, reflecting a deep psychological attraction to natural forms. Our current homes fail to cater to this innate preference, leaving our living spaces disconnected from what feels truly like “home.”

A WASTE OF RESOURCES

The inefficiency of modern construction is staggering. Homes, which are meant to provide shelter and a sense of belonging, consume enormous amounts of resources while delivering subpar safety. The construction industry is responsible for 39% of CO₂ emissions, 25% of solid waste, and more than 50% of resource use. Transportation, often cited as a major polluter, pales in comparison to the environmental impact of building practices.

Opposite: The off-center pivot door expresses the uniqueness of the architecture upon entering. This page, clockwise: A step-down office with an asymmetrical window; low-water native yucca; a womb-like bedroom; a window seat with screen influenced by Islamic screens.

The view-side of the house is oriented toward onshore breezes, with the pool providing evaporative cooling. The curvilinear building and its reflection present a softened position in the landscape.

Despite these inefficiencies, we continue to build as we have for decades, perpetuating the same mistakes. Insurance policies and building codes encourage rebuilding exactly what was there before, even if it was inadequate or unsafe.

LEARNING FROM NATURE

Every great thinker—from Newton to Aristotle—has looked to nature for solutions. Nature is the ultimate designer, having perfected systems over millennia. When we examine natural structures like eggs, seeds, and shells, we see forms that are efficient, resilient, and beautiful. Double-curved surfaces, for instance, transfer loads more effectively, offering massive structural and environmental benefits. These principles have already been applied in structures like Binishells, which are used worldwide as shelters against fire, floods, earthquakes, and high winds.

By embracing natural principles, we can create buildings that are safer, greener, and more efficient. Monolithic structures, like Binishells, eliminate the thermal leaks caused by multiple connections in traditional construction. They are aerodynamic, fire-resistant, and use fewer materials. With half the material and a third of the labor, we could build homes that are not only more resilient but also stunningly sculptural, evoking the comforting enclosures of caves or wombs.

TOWARD A BETTER FUTURE

The responsibility for this transformation lies with architects and builders. We must stop lying to ourselves about what makes a good home. Homes should prioritize safety, sustainability, and harmony with nature. They should inspire us, nurture our psyches, and provide spaces that feel inherently right.

This isn’t just a dream—it’s achievable. Innovative designs that align with natural forces and use materials efficiently can deliver immense benefits. In Malibu, our Binishells System A prototype was permitted in a record six months, reportedly the fastest approval in the area’s history. This demonstrates that change is possible when we challenge outdated norms and embrace innovation.

Our current approach to building homes is fundamentally flawed, but the solutions are within reach. By looking to nature and leveraging modern advancements, we can create homes that are safer, more beautiful, and far more efficient. It’s time to scrap the old model and start anew, building not just structures but spaces that truly reflect the needs and aspirations of the people who live in them. In California, the most innovative place in the world, there’s no excuse not to lead the way. Let’s build greener, safer, and smarter—for ourselves and for future generations.

Nicolò Bini is an architect and CEO of Binishells, a construction technology company that builds houses using pneumatic formwork over which concrete is poured. He has designed homes and projects for Cara and Poppy Delevingne, Sir Elton John, and the Binishells home for Robert Downey Jr. in Malibu shown on these pages.

Top: Rebar is placed over pneumoform fabric before concrete is poured. Middle: After the concrete sets, the fabric settles to the ground. Bottom: A raised floor accommodates mechanical systems.

Fire Season Is Now Year-Round Here’s How to Protect Your Home with a Safer Garden

The team at FormLA explains everything you need to know about fire-defensive landscapes.

Story by KRISTIN GUY

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With Southern California communities facing the devastation of recent wildfires, the importance of fire safety has never felt more urgent. As dry conditions and late-season heat continue, now is a good time to reconsider fire safety and how that aligns with your garden and landscaping choices. The team behind FormLA designs authentic, beautiful native habitats in Los Angeles, but it also builds and maintains “fire-defensive” landscapes, which address a home’s distinctive vulnerabilities by strategically choosing emberresistant materials and placing and spacing plants to prevent embers from reaching them. Designing for fire defense doesn’t mean you can’t still have an enjoyable entertaining paradise. In fact, FormLA’s work reflects the best of both worlds, with lush, leafy, fragrant gardens that are fire-resilient. Here, the team shares advice on clearing critical areas and the types of plants it prefers for a more fire-safe landscape.

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Fire-defensive landscapes can be lush and leafy.

Know Your Zones

When it comes to breaking down the defensible zones within your landscape, FormLA encourages using landscape to provide a final layer of defensive strategy. The most important space is the five-foot area closest to the home. It is even more critical where homes are close to one another. To prepare this area for wildfire, we:

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Place only ember-resistant materials (cement pavers, flagstone, gravel, decomposed granite) at ground level.

Keep any well-established and healthy tree canopy from the five feet closest to the roofline and 10 feet from chimneys.

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Encourage coordination between neighbors to create mutually defensive ember-resistant zones.

Additionally, creating a five-foot, emberresistant “zone zero” composed of permeable hardscape or concrete provides a walking path that is both attractive and easy to maintain. By using four-inch black steel edging around zone zero, you can create a clean and aesthetically appealing border that can also prevent mulch from spilling into this ember-resistant zone. The combination of organic mulch and native foliage outside of zone zero provides shade, cooling, and hydration, and it inhibits windborne embers.

A 5Consider double- or even triple-pane glass for maximum protection.

Secure Structures

The most easily ignitable, hottest burning, most ember-casting aspects of our properties are manufactured. Our homes themselves are the greatest danger to our neighbors. On petite properties with close neighbors, it is essential to make the structures themselves less receptive to both radiant heat and embers. Do a quick checklist of the following, and consider making replacements and/or updates:

Vents: Replace vent mesh with a fire-resistant mesh.

Windows: Add double- or triple-pane glass and install reflective film.

Roof: Have a Class A roof and stay on top of maintenance, repair any damage, and consistently remove litter.

Eves and Gutters: Replace wood with a fire-resistant material, such as Hardie Board. Keep gutters free of litter by covering them with ember-resistant metal mesh.

Siding: Evaluate siding and fill any niches or holes where embers could lodge or gain access. Consider more resistant siding materials (e.g. stucco vs. wood), particularly near the foundation.

An abundant oak tree canopy protects this space from potential nearby home fires, and the mix of patios and trails offers a safe space where firefighters can defend structures, should they ignite.

Plant Considerations

Plant Native Foliage: While there is no fireproof plant, choosing varieties that maintain health and hydration in high, dry heat and whiplash weather has an advantage. The plants native to a given region will have this advantage and are unlikely to add fire danger to surrounding wildlands in the way that non-native grasses have, such as Fountain Grass in Hawaii. In sloped conditions, FormLA also suggests choosing plants with deep roots, as rainfall on burned areas can destabilize soil. For many of its Los Angeles projects, FormLA incorporates slope holders like Dwarf Coyote Brush for full sun and Snowberry for shadier spots. Planting in clustered drifts with space in between each drift can be beautiful and leave space for vertical specimens, like Manzanita or Toyon that break up the clusters.

Place Large Foliage at a Distance: It is fire-defensive to invert the typical landscape. Rather than placing large shrubs near the home and low growers toward the street, place large, ember-catching trees and shrubs at a distance and lower foliage as you near the home. This makes it easier for you to evacuate and provides more defensible space for firefighters to safely defend your home. This strategy also addresses desires for privacy.

Space Plants for Full Size: When planting foliage, check the maximum full size. Give it space to grow to maturity without interference from other plants or structures. This, as well as clustering, will support foliage health and save you countless hours of maintenance time, as well as reducing fire danger.

6 Things to Remove Now

Clutter and extra debris are always a hazard, but you might have other items in your landscape that are increasing your risk during a fire incident:

Attached Gates & Fences: Once ignited, wood gates and fences build heat great enough to ignite a home.

Synthetic Turf: Fake grass is a petroleum product that creates heat islands and will eventually ignite and burn. Once ignited, it releases toxic gasses, making a home more difficult to escape and defend.

“Little Gas Cans,” Junipers and Cypress: These are often the shrubs planted near homes or as monoculture privacy screens between properties. The oils in these plants ignite easily and burn hot.

Fire-Bomb Palms: When palms ignite, they explode, casting embers like sparklers. Lit fronds can travel four to five miles to ignite structures far from a firefront.

Arson Grasses (Mexican Feather, Fountain, and Pampas Grass): These grasses escape our gardens, traveling to wild spaces unsupported by irrigation, where they become easily ignitable fuels for fire, as we saw in the Maui fires.

Flammable Mulch: Mulch is marvelous for so many things. However, most mulches can ignite, and some have substantial flame heights. Within five feet of the home, we replace combustible mulch with noncombustible materials, such as gravel. We use compost-grade mulch elsewhere, and never deploy mulch made of petroleum products (e.g. tire mulch, plastic “fabrics”), even outside high fire severity zones.

Keep the five feet closest to the home emberresistant, as well as free of flammable objects, obstacles, and litter.

Trees placed on a slope can intercept embers en route to the home.

Slopes and oak tree canopy are protected by a mix of Dwarf Coyote Brush, Prostrate California Lilac, and Toyon and Hummingbird Sage accents.

Preferred Plant List

Trees: COAST LIVE OAK: If you have space, there is no better ember blocker than this dense, expansive tree canopy. Even when cured as firewood, oak is notoriously slow to ignite and burn. TOYON: Better fit for small spaces, Toyon and Catalina Cherry can be limbed up to form small trees. Shrubs: LARGE: Lemonade Berry, Catalina and Hollyleaf Cherries, California Lilac. All have dense, leathery foliage, great for intercepting embers and providing privacy. Clustered, they can form a lovely, biodiverse, ember-blocking hedge. MID-SIZE: Coffeeberry, (California Native) Oregon Grape, Manzanita. While they have all the qualities of the larger shrubs, these shrubs will catch embers bouncing or rolling at a lower trajectory. ACCENT: Yucca Whipplei. A great fireresistant, deep-rooting slope retainer.

Groundcovers: Dwarf Coyote Brush (one of the best possible deep-rooting slope retainers), Manzanita (incredibly fire-resistant and resistant branching with hard, dense leaves), Ceanothus, and Oregon Grape.

Ongoing Maintenance

Store: Among the most critical suggestions we give clients is to store human-made materials (e.g. umbrellas, cushions, some furnishings, toys, tools, exposed propane or gas tanks, garbage cans, hoses) in enclosed, emberresistant areas (inside the home, garage, or designated storage—not under decks) when not in active use.

Clean: Winds will drive embers to the same places they drive leaves. It’s wise to establish a habit of regularly clearing debris and litter that collects in the five feet nearest the home.

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Inspect and Repair: Shingles, seals, vents, gutters, siding, and fencing can all degrade with time and incur damage as they function. Fixing problems as you see them is easier and safer than taking seasonal or once-a-year action.

Check Tech: Working irrigation keeps foliage hydrated and healthy, and well-directed, functional landscape lighting can help with evacuation and defense. As you inspect and repair problems on the home, keep these on your list.

Pre-Hydrate: When high heat and winds are forecast, fuel the ability of foliage to resist ignition with deep watering in the days before heat arrives.

FormLA’s Team of Experts

Cassy Aoyagi, president, FormLA Landscaping: Cassy has spent decades researching and advocating for firedefensive landscaping strategies. Patrick Barrett , enhancements manager, maintenance division, FormLA Landscaping: Patrick has worked to prepare tens of L.A. area preparation grant recipients for wildfire.

Clark Stevens architect, executive officer, Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains (RCDSMM).

Pauline Allen, community resilience project manager, RCDSMM.

Fear comes from uncertainty, but with Frontline, you stay in control. The Frontline Wildfire Defense System is a whole-home soaking system that activates when wildfire is in the area, blanketing your home with water and biodegradable foam to help prevent ignition.

With the Frontline App, you get real-time wildfi re alerts, interactive maps, and emergency checklists. Whether you are home or away, you can monitor fire activity and activate your system remotely.

Visit FrontlineWildFire.com to learn more.

FOOD & DRINK

For over 10 years, Rodolfo Barrientos has fed the Palisades from his taco truck, Gracias Señor. After the fires struck, he returned to feed first responders.

As told to HUGH GARVEY

Photographs by THOMAS J. STORY

Gracias, Rodolfo

For years, Rodolfo

Barrientos’ food truck Gracias Señor was more than just a place to grab a meal in Pacific Palisades—it was a community staple. Locals knew his name, and he knew theirs. His tacos, made with hand-pressed tortillas, weren’t just food; they were a connection. But despite his popularity, Rodolfo found himself in the crosshairs of a powerful adversary: the Ralphs grocery store on Sunset Boulevard, which sued him and other food trucks and even sought a restraining order against them. Despite the challenges, Rodolfo remained steadfast. The attempt was ultimately denied and Rodolfo prevailed. “I didn’t pick the Palisades. The Palisades picked me,” he says.

A decade ago, when he first started

vending in the area, food trucks were not yet fully embraced by the community. Loncheras were seen as something for workers, not locals. But Rodolfo was determined to change that perception.

“The Palisades is a tight-knit community,” he says. “It’s hard to penetrate the trust of the community, but when they begin to trust you, they become loyal customers.”

Then the fires hit. “We got into the Palisades at 9:40. We literally saw the fires start. We left around 2:33,” he recalls. When he got home, he saw the news, and his first thought was, People are going to need help. Rodolfo reached out to World Central Kitchen, the nonprofit that provides food in disaster zones. “I wrote about my relationship with the community and how I wanted to help,” he says. By the next day, they asked if he could be on-site. He spent the following days feeding first responders— National Guard members, law enforcement, firefighters covered in soot, exhausted from battling the flames. “The most grateful individuals I’ve ever had the pleasure of serving,” he says. Running on little sleep, he returned home, where his mother had made him caldo de res—beef soup. The moment he tasted it, something shifted. “It hit me. It gave me the energy to go to work,” he says. The next day, he made the same meal for first responders. “I felt so comforted by my mom’s meal I knew other people would too,” he says. “That’s the beauty of food. No matter who you are, food connects with every human on a primal, spiritual, and intellectual level.” Through it all—the lawsuit, the opposition, the long days and nights—Rodolfo never stopped giving back. No legal battle or fires could take away what he had built. The Palisades picked him, and he never let them down.

Rodolfo’s secret to a perfect taco is to keep it simple. Season the meat, make tortillas with good masa, serve it “con todo,” as in with onions and cilantro. But the real secret is the salsa. Here, he shares his recipe for the salsa verde that fed the Palisades, from residents to first responders.

2 lbs. green tomatillos, husked and rinsed

2-3 jalapeños (adjust based on spice preference)

½ small red onion, peeled and roughly chopped

4 garlic cloves, peeled

1–2 sprigs fresh cilantro

1 cup chicken broth (or water for a lighter version)

Salt and pepper, to taste

1. Roast the vegetables: Preheat a dry skillet or griddle over mediumhigh heat.

2. Add the tomatillos, jalapeños, and chopped onion. Roast until the tomatillos and jalapeños develop a charred, blistered skin and turn a deeper, pale green color. Stir occasionally to ensure even roasting.

3. Remove from heat and transfer to a bowl to cool slightly.

4. Blend the salsa: In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted tomatillos, jalapeños, and onion with the garlic cloves, cilantro, and chicken broth.

5. Blend until smooth, adding more broth if needed to reach your desired consistency.

6. Season and serve: Taste and season with salt and pepper, as needed.

7. Good for use as dipping sauce on tacos, enchiladas, or chilaquiles.

Sunset is now producing a limited line of apparel and accessories.

Profits go to organizations having a meaningful impact on wildfire recovery efforts. Visit sunset-store. printful.me or scan the QR code

Protect yourself and your loved ones when minutes count

Receive real-time wildfire notifications sent right to your phone

Consolidated evacuation maps, zones, and shelters

Monitor firefighting efforts and conditions with satellite, wind, and air quality

TRAVEL & ESCAPES

The island is welcoming visitors with vibrant experiences that express the local culture and a spirit of resilience.

Photographs by THOMAS J. STORY

Mindfully Maui

It’s been twenty months

since fires ravaged Lahaina and caused immeasurable loss of life and property. Today, tourism is still down some 20%, and the economy is struggling. We recently traveled to Maui to talk to locals, visit businesses, and learn from them about how to mindfully experience the island in a way that benefits locals. Visiting Hawaii with respect and spending your tourism dollars there can help fuel the economic recovery, but it’s essential to embrace the spirit of mālama—to care for and respect the land, culture, and people. Start by supporting local businesses: Dine at family-owned eateries, shop at craft fairs, and book eco-friendly tours guided by locals who share authentic knowledge of their homes. When exploring Hawaii’s natural wonders, stay on marked trails to

protect fragile ecosystems, and never remove rocks, sand, or coral as souvenirs—it’s not only frowned upon but often considered deeply disrespectful. Practice ocean mindfulness, too: Reef-safe sunscreen is a must, and avoid stepping on coral reefs to preserve marine life. If you’re lucky enough to join a cultural experience, such as a hula performance or lei-making workshop, approach it with gratitude and curiosity, listening more than speaking. Most importantly, give back. The state’s tourism initiative Mālama Hawai‘i offers opportunities to volunteer—whether it’s planting native trees, participating in beach cleanups, or restoring ancient fish ponds, your efforts can help sustain this island paradise. (Visit gohawaii.com/malama for details.) Finally, embody aloha wherever you go. Smile at strangers, show patience, and leave places better than you found them. Here are just a few stories about businesses that are welcoming visitors back.

Notes from a Cultural Ambassador

Aunty Wendy Tuivaioge shares her thoughts on how to travel mindfully.

“Aunty Wendy” Tuivaioge, a native Hawaiian and the director of Hawaiian programs at the Four Seasons Resort Maui, is a trained hula dancer and chanter who spearheads the resort’s weekly cultural activities. Having danced with Hālau O Ka Hanu Lehua since 2012, she teaches true hula (no coconut bras or grass skirts here!). Aunty Wendy helms the resort’s “Behind the Scenes of Hula” program, inviting guests to the practices of one of the state’s top competitive hula groups, Hālau o Ka Hanu Lehua. Here are her tips for visiting Maui with care:

Just Go

You can do all the research you want in advance of visiting a destination, but no research will do it justice. You’ll only know what a culture is when you’re there. You have to come and experience it and m ingle with the locals.

Shop Local

Go to the farmers’ market. Talk to and buy from local vendors. During the pandemic, farmers’ markets were hosted to support the local vendors and to allow visitors to the resort to meet and support them in turn.

Talk Story

Make leis. It’s as much about the conversation that happens when you’re making leis. The only way you’ll learn the traditions and stories is by talking.

Practice Aloha

Don’t put up your guard. Smile at locals. If they smile back, that’s your opening. Just say “Aloha.” It’s as simple as that.

Centering Culture

The Fairmont Kea Lani’s cultural center opens up island traditions to all.

When it came time to redesign the mezzanine that greets guests at Maui’s Fairmont Kea Lani, the property decided to do something atypical in the slim-margin world of hospitality: Instead of turning it into a revenue-producing bar, it dedicated half the space to a beautiful cultural center rich in Hawaiian artifacts, traditional clothing, and a library full of history books, and ramped up daylong programming so guests and locals can linger and learn about the foodways, music, and traditions practiced

throughout the Islands. The open-air Hale Kukuna is cooled by ocean breezes, is outfitted with ukeleles, contains textiles and headdresses, and is staffed by local educators (such as Ke’ala Pasco, pictured above) who run lei-making, music, and Hawaiian language lessons. It’s open to the public, so anyone can visit and learn.

A ROYAL EVENING

EVENT of the YEAR! EVENT of the YEAR!

Insider

BRITISH COLUMBIA

It’s hard to turn a corner in Vancouver without stumbling upon one of Angus An’s restaurants. The chef and restaurateur currently operates four concepts with his group, Full House Hospitality: the Michelin Guide-recognized Maenam, a Thai-style noodle bar called Fat Mao Noodles, a modern street food eatery named Longtail Kitchen, and Granville Island’s Sen Pad Thai. An is also the operator and culinary director of Whistler’s hottest new Southeast Asian restaurant, Mekong. Here, he shares some of his favorite haunts in the booming city that’s been dubbed “Hollywood North” for the proliferation of film creatives that now call it home.

EAT

This month: Vancouver, BC

The insider: Angus An, Chef-Owner, Maenam

HK BBQ Master is the place most of my chef friends request to visit as soon as they get off the plane. Located just minutes away from YVR Airport , this restaurant is in the corner of a parking lot of a busy grocery store, but it is legendary. Chef Eric Leung’s barbecue is second to none in my opinion, even better than Hong Kong! We truly have the best selection of Chinese restaurants in North America, and any city outside China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Located in Richmond, The Fish Man is currently one of my staples. Chef Bo Li does an amazing job with his charcoal and seafood dishes. My favorite is the salted duck yolk whole crab, and recently, the

Seasonal diversions and secret travel tips from local experts.

sea cucumber and tofu claypot blew my mind. The chefs at Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar, Roger Ma and Alex Chen, are probably the best culinary duo at any restaurant. From custom dry aging steaks to beautiful seafood platters, Boulevard has it all. Get the charcoal-grilled Loong

Kong chicken. I visit at least once a month!

DRINK

Located in Fairmont Pacific Rim, Botanist Bar is a great place for a drink or two with friends, especially because the cocktails are so creative and well-balanced—truly a world-class experience.

Both Meo and Kissa Tanto are located in Vancouver Chinatown, but you wouldn’t know it once you step through their doors. Go for a doubleheader by doing cocktails and snacks at Meo, then heading to Michelin star JapaneseItalian fare at Kissa Tanto.

Botanist Bar

Boulevard

Fairmont Pacific Rim

STAY

Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre is located in the downtown core, just minutes away from Yaletown and the West End. It also houses one of my noodle bars, Fat Mao Noodles

Rosewood Hotel Georgia , renowned for its beautiful architecture in a heritage building, is centrally located across the street from the Vancouver Art Gallery and CF Pacific Centre shopping mall.

Located right by the water, Fairmont Pacific Rim is close to Vancouver’s beautiful seawall, perfect for daily walks.

DO

Vancouver is known for its

great outdoors, and the Grouse Grind is one of its most popular activities.

Located on Vancouver’s North Shore, guests are in for a very Vancouver experience. Grouse Mountain is a tough

2.5-kilometer trail that will test your limits, but it’s totally worth it when you reach the top. On the way down, it’s always worthwhile to stop at the Capilano Suspension Bridge for a visit. The Museum of Anthropology at UBC is filled with global artifacts and has an extensive collection of First Nations art. The building itself is also stunning. One of the most iconic stops in Vancouver is Granville Island . It can get touristy, but it’s really a must-hit. Start with the Public Market and check out all the food stalls filled with local fruits and inseason produce. There is usually a lineup at Lee’s Donuts. There are amazing art studios, craft shops, artisans, and even a sake maker.

Cliffwalk at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Vancouver Art Gallery

The Fish Man

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Born and raised in California, Emily Stacy brings that effortlessly sophisticated West Coast attitude to her multidisciplinary projects at Wool Design Studio. The mother of two is particularly passionate about creating beautiful custom furniture pieces that blend artistry with functionality. When she’s not in the workshop or art directing, she and her husband Tyler produce wine under their brand, Commune Regional Wines. Here, she shares her tips for what to do while in their home city of Sacramento, the vibrant capital located in the region’s agricultural heartland that’s undoubtedly amid a cultural renaissance.

This month: Sacramento, CA

The insider: Emily Stacy, Creative Director and Founder, Wool Design Studio

EAT

For an authentic taste of France, head to Moonbelly Bakery, whose pastries

and artisanal baked goods are crafted with care and tradition. They also host a delightful weekend storytime for kids with local librarians— a perfect family outing. Canon offers a chic dining experience in the heart of Sacramento. The sleek and modern space designed by Wool is the perfect backdrop for a memorable, seasonally driven meal punctuated by impeccable service.

DO

Start your day with a coffee and immerse yourself in the inspiring collections at the Crocker Art Museum . Then, head to the vibrant Sacramento’s Sunday Farmers’ Market It’s overflowing with fresh, seasonal produce, artisanal goods, and an array of local meats and cheeses, and it showcases a true taste of the region’s rich agricultural heritage and farm-to-fork culture. You’ll find a serene break in city life at

Effie Yeaw Nature Center, which is just a few minutes outside downtown, nestled along the American River. With trails winding through oak woodlands and plenty of spots for a picnic, it’s the perfect place to relax, bird-watch, and view local wildlife.

DRINK

Now under the new ownership of Sacramento’s Michelin-starred chef Chris Barnum-Dann, Betty Wine Bar has an elevated experience for oenophiles. Enjoy its charming patio and exceptional selection of wines from around the world. And Franquette boasts a delightful fusion of French-inspired pastries and small plates that transport you straight to the heart of Paris.

SHOP

Jam is a charming children’s boutique with unique, beautifully designed, sustainable clothing and toys created for little ones. Rosen Vintage features a selection of retro clothing and timeless treasures—from unique home decor to one-of-akind accessories, each piece has a story.

Canon

Rosen Vintage

BAJA CALIFORNIA

Celebrated Mexico City architect Michel Rojkind is no stranger to great design. His latest hotel project, the highly anticipated Banyan Tree Veya, Valle de Guadalupe, integrates luxury and well-being into the local Baja California landscape. Having spent plenty of time in this stunning south-of-the-border wine country over the years, Rojkind is the ideal expert to share some of his favorite spots.

EAT

Manzanilla is an iconic restaurant by Benito Molina and Solange Muris, and it’s a must-visit for its creative, seafood-centric dishes that highlight the flavors of Baja. The oysters and the signature smoked marlin tacos are unforgettable. Humo y Sal is a hidden gem that combines smoky flavors with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Its grilled octopus

and wood-fired vegetables are excellent choices. Deckman’s is a true classic that embodies the essence of Valle de Guadalupe, showcasing an honest connection to the land and its produce. The setting, open to the elements, creates an authentic experience where every detail feels intentional. Don’t miss the lamb when it’s on the menu.

DRINK

Pictograma Vinícola holds a special place for me, as it’s a project we had the honor of designing. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how the architecture and the winemaking process come together to enhance the experience. Another exceptional option is Bruma It’s more than a vineyard— it’s an experience where design, nature, and craftsmanship come together seamlessly. Every detail, from the iconic water feature to the way the spaces flow into the landscape, feels intentional and rooted in respect for the environment. The wines at Bruma are a reflection of this harmony, too. Each sip tells a story of the land, the climate, and the care that goes into their creation.

STAY

The Banyan Tree Veya, Valle de Guadalupe, has

This month: Valle De Guadalupe

The insider: Michel Rojkind, Founding Partner, Rojkind Arquitectos

modern villas flowing naturally into the surrounding terrain, offering an almost meditative connection to the land. Bruma Wine Resort is another extraordinary place that perfectly captures the spirit of Valle. From walking through the vineyards at sunrise to enjoying a quiet moment by the reflective water feature, everything here feels curated yet organic.

DO

I enjoy exploring the Valley’s natural beauty, whether it’s through scenic hikes or simply taking in the breathtaking sunsets along the Ruta del Vino. The creative energy of the region is also inspiring, with local art galleries and workshops offering a glimpse into the vibrant cultural fabric of the Valley.

Deckman’s

Banyan Tree Veya

Bruma

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Preserve the Parks

“ W E ALL HAVE TO CHANGE OUR BEHAVIOR TO SEE THE CHANGE IN THE WORLD WE WANT TO CREATE.”

How do you hope to inspire a sense of awe through Parks Project?

I have been fortunate to get exposure to a lot of parks at a young age and really want others to have this opportunity, too. Everyone should have access and be encouraged to explore so they can find a deep connection with our natural lands. That doesn’t have to be a long trip to a national park; it can also be in our backyard parklands, too.

Why are the trail systems that were impacted by the wildfires so integral to our local landscape?

At the end of the day, our trail systems are portals into the wilderness. They provide a glimpse at an ecosystem that doesn’t exist in many of our nearby cityscapes. Now, with many of my local trails closed until further notice, it means the places that provide sanctuary, exploration, recreation, and transportation for my day-to-day life are devastated. Of course, I’ll try to fill these gaps in other ways, but part of my livelihood is a connection to these mountains and natural places, so that creates another layer of loss that runs much deeper for me around this big fire event. It reminds me to be grateful for the time I get to spend in all the parklands because things can change in an instant like it did with the Palisades fire.

Your house was damaged by smoke and you’re currently unable to move back. Are there any lessons we can take away from this event as we rebuild?

Keith Eshelman has created a successful lifestyle brand that helps protect our beloved national parks. Here, he shares his learnings from being displaced by the L.A. fires.

Interview by KRISTA SIMMONS

Extreme weather has become a new norm, and I think we have to look at our relationship with the planet and respective ecosystems with a new lens that focuses less on how we use places and extract resources but rather on how we can create integrated sustainability as a species with everything around us. It’s pretty obvious that we have to do a lot of repairs to make healthy ecosystems that can sustain wildfire, as it is a natural cycle and is often very healthy for ecosystems to burn. Some species even rely on fire to survive and propagate—we don’t need to be scared of it! But when you have intense windstorms after long dry spells in an area that hasn’t burned for a long time, it creates the perfect storm, and this is what we are left to deal with.

If you’re into the outdoors, chances are you’ve seen the dopamine-inducing psychedelic prints from Parks Project on the trails. The purpose-driven lifestyle brand is headed by Keith Eshelman, a passionate outdoorsman aiming to make habitat restoration and conservation both accessible and cool. Eshelman was formerly one of TOMS’ earliest employees and used that experience to get Parks Project into retailers like REI and Urban Outfitters, ultimately contributing $2.7 million to more than 50 park conservatories since its founding 10 years ago. Here, he shares insights on this month’s National Park Week, which runs from April 19 to 27, and on how the fires are a reminder of essential work that needs to be done. SUNSET (ISSN 0039-5404) publishes 6 issues per year in regional and special editions by S. Media International Corporation, P.O. Box 15688, Beverly Hills, CA 90209. Periodicals postage paid at Beverly Hills, CA, and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send all UAA to CFS. (See DMM 507.1.5.2.) Nonpostal and military facilities: Send address corrections to Sunset Magazine, P.O. Box 680, Lincolnshire, IL 60069. Vol. 248, No. 2. Issue: Apr/May 2025. Printed in U.S.A. Copyright © 2025 S. Media International Corporation. All rights reserved. Member Alliance for Audited Media. Sunset, The Magazine of Western Living, The Pacific Monthly, Sunset’s Kitchen Cabinet, The Changing Western Home, and Chefs of the West are registered trademarks of S. Media International Corporation. No responsibility is assumed for unsolicited submissions. Manuscripts, photographs, and other material submitted to P.O. Box 15688, Beverly Hills, CA 90209 can be acknowledged or returned only if accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. For 24/7 service, please email support@sunset.com. You can also call 1-800-777-0117 or write to Sunset Magazine, P.O. Box 680, Lincolnshire IL, 60069. U.S. subscriptions: $24.95 for one year.

What are some fun and unexpected ways that folks can get involved with National Park Week?

Get out and explore a park! Parks need us, and we need parks. That’s a beautiful harmony that exists in our symbiotic relationship. This week includes Earth Day, so grab one of our cleanup kits and a few friends and go “Leave It Better!”

All of us at Trex extend our heartfelt condolences to those whose lives have been a ected by the California wildfires, and our deepest appreciation to the first responders whose dedication and selflessness have been second to none.