Lost Landmarks

A devastating start to 2025 has seen more than 40,000 acres and 12,000 structures burned as a result of the Los Angeles wildfires that first erupted in the Pacific Palisades on Jan. 7. ABC News states that “the Los Angeles fires are already the costliest wildfires in history — not only in California, but in all of the U.S.” This is not only due to the wide range of the fires in a densely populated area, but also the damage done to iconic historical sites and cultural landmarks.

Many structures throughout Will Rogers State Historic Park were destroyed by the flames, most notably Actor Will Rogers’ 31-room ranch house and stable. Rogers owned the property until his passing in 1935, and the house was donated to the California Department of Parks and Recreation nine years after. Additionally, Topanga State Park will remain closed until further notice due to the risk of additional brush fires. The Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center, founded in 1920, was submerged by the fires. Fortunately, NBC Los Angeles reported that staff members were able to evacuate safely along with the properties Torah scrolls on Tuesday, Jan. 8.

While the Palisades mall remains standing, many neighborhoods and beloved structures in the area were taken by the fires. Palisades High School was affected significantly, with principal Pamela Magee saying at least “40 percent of the campus was damaged or destroyed.” The surviving parts of the main campus still remain unusable due to current safety conditions, which has educators looking for an alternative location for their 2,900 students. Along the coastline, Marquez Charter Elementary was entirely destroyed. Additionally, Palisades public library and car wash burned completely, along with the local Ralphs and Gelson's supermarkets.

Just blocks away from the village, the Palisades Tae Ryong Taekwondo School was also lost after opening just four years ago. Master Nickie Quan reflected on the legacy and culture that was beginning to flourish prior to the fire.

“I will miss the people in Pali being pumped and proud to be growing that location the same way we grew the one in Brentwood,” Quan said. “I remember opening it and putting Brentwood kids on the banner, until the large monument sign was installed. The sign is the only thing that withstood the fire and remains standing on that block.”

Expanding along the coast, countless other shops and eateries were lost. Cholada Thai Beach Cuisine as well as oceanfront restaurant and watering hole Moonshadows burned down on Jan. 8. Iconic seafood spot and celebrity favorite the Reel Inn was destroyed after 36 successful years. 69-year-old Altadena diner Fox's was also lost.

While not official landmarks, some of the most heartbreaking and large-scale losses came in the form of neighborhoods and scenic routes. Frequently traveled sections of the Pacific Coast Highway, particularly between the Pacific Palisades and Malibu, were demolished during the fire. The highway itself was built in 1934 and has remained a consistent viewpoint for residents ever since; large stretches of timeless homes and country clubs now appear as empty views of the coastline. Countless celebrity homes were lost, including those owned by the likes of Paris Hilton, Billy Crystal, Mel Gibson, and more.