Events Commemorating the January 7, 2025, Palisades Fire

On January 8, when Mayor Bass toured Pacific Palisades the “Chase” building was standing.

This was the start of the Palisades Fire, captured around 10:30 a.m. January 7  from a building on Sawtelle in West L.A..

(Editor’s note: I’ve compiled the events I’m aware of and if there are changes or other events, please email me at editor@circlingthenew.org. I plan to print this a few more times so that everyone is aware of the day’s events. Palisades residents we need to support one another and stay united so that the cause of the Fire and the unnecessary destruction it caused is not forgotten. People across the nation have already moved on, we need to remind them. Numerous media outlets will do stories on the anniversary of the fire. Two talking points: we need help for rebuilding and those that are responsible should be held accountable, so it doesn’t happen to others.)

8:15  Calvary Christian School:

A special program to acknowledge and remember the January 7 Palisades Fires for children and school families.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine

“A Day of Remembrance and Renewal.”  Self-Realization Fellowship “will open our gardens and our hearts to you. Come to our sanctuary in peace to reflect and contemplate your next chapter. We stand together as a community in our recovery, rebuilding and renewal.”  Residents are invited to see the restored lakeside gardens, a moment of reflection is offered each hour, visit the gazebo and offer a memory and take in the Lakeside photo area. Refreshments will be provided.

8 to 11 a.m. Remembering Those Who Died:

A “White Glove Flag Presentation and Remembrance Ceremony” will be held to honor those who perished in the January 7, 2025. This event is led by the American Legion and sponsored and organized by a group of Palisades recovery organizations and established community groups.

8 to 10 a.m. There will be breakfast and a private white glove presentation of flags for the families of those lost and for invited guests. The event will be live-streamed outside of the Ronald Reagan American Legion Post 283 on La Cruz Drive for public viewing. There will be a special invocation for those lost, with accompanying music by the Palisades Symphony.

The lit American flag above the Post, which flew during the fire, survived. There will be a dedication of that “survivor flag” to be preserved and includes retirement of Palisades Post Office flag and raising of replacement flag, with an accompanying bugler.

Around 10:20 a.m., led by local clergy and a Color guard, a procession to the Village Green, will include featuring representatives from the American Legion, the Army National Guard, U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, special government officials and select relief organizations. There will be accompanying bagpipers.

All fire survivors are welcome to walk respectfully in the memorial procession. Families of those who passed will be part of the procession present and will place flowers at the memorial.

Around 10:30 a.m. there will be a ringing of the bells, wreath presentations, and moment of remembrance on the Village Green honoring those lost.

11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. there will be a community lunch at Palisades American Post 283.

Also planned is a flyover and possibly there will be high-ranking government officials at the wreath laying in the Village Green.

10:30 a.m. Protest to Hold Those Responsible for Fires

At around 10:30 a.m. there will be a protest “They Let Us Burn” to hold those responsible for the death and destruction of the January 7 Palisades Fire. Residents are invited to attend the rally, which will be held on Antioch to demand accountability for a total breakdown in prevention, precaution and leadership – from the City of Los Angeles, State of California, LADWP, LA Fire Officials, California State Parks, California Natural Resources Agency, State / Local Agencies, Governor Newsom and Mayor Bass.

Jeremy Padawer, local resident, rally speaker, and publisher of PacificPalisades.com.  “On this one-year anniversary, families are emotionally and financially crushed. Until there is a plan of action, transparency and settlement, we will speak truth to power.” Other speakers will include (Heidi Montag, Jeremy Padawer, Elissa Ashwood), business owners (Jaimie Geller) and local experts addressing failures during the fire (Mike Kureth, Shawna Dawson Beer).The devastation didn’t end when the flames were out. A year later, families are running out of rental coverage. Entire blocks remain as empty lots, some with rebuilds stalled and others with families unsure whether they can even afford to start. This protest isn’t politically motivated, but a call for fairness, accountability and a vision for the rebuild. Yard signs will also be available but feel free to print your own. https://www.theyletusburn.com click here

NOON- Corpus Christi School

There will be a gathering of parishioners and friends at the Corpus Christi School steps at tk. Monsignor Liam Kidney will offer prayers at the steps to commemorate the devastating Palisades Fire and the Loss of our Church and Palisades Community. There will be a 7 p.m. mass of Remembrance and Reflection at St. Monica Parish. Fr. Kidney is the celebrant. All are invited.

NOON, 1, 6, and 7 p.m. Prayers and Music at St. Matthews

“Healing and Renewal” prayers and a Remembrance Concert. will take place at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 1031 Bienveneda Ave. Tickets are not required, but $45 donation is suggested for the concerts. Prayers will be held prior to the 1 and 7 p.m. concerts.  There will be a brief interlude with refreshments on the patio, before the concluding concert. The 1 p.m. concert features violinist Anne Akiko Meyers and members of the Los Angeles Master Chorale, conducted by Grant Gershon. The 7 p.m. concert also features Meyers, with the Pacific Strings, conducted by Lucinda Carver. All proceeds will benefit four Palisades-based performing arts organizations: Chamber Music Palisades, Palisades Symphony and Chorale, St. Matthew’s Music Guild and Theatre Palisades.

3 P.M. Bel Air Bay Club

A tree planting will be held at the upper Bel Air Bay Club. There will be participatory commemoration with refreshments.

Resident Matt Rodman sent this striking photo after the January 2025 fire.