CA, US & World
Pacific Palisades Residents Begin Returning Home Amid Wildfire Aftermath
Pacific Palisades Residents Return to Assess Fire Damage
Residents of Pacific Palisades are taking their first steps back into their wildfire-devastated community after weeks of evacuation. For many, it’s a bittersweet return, filled with relief, uncertainty, and heartbreak.
Evacuees lined up Monday to have their IDs checked and were escorted by law enforcement to their homes between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. The neighborhood remains under strict curfew from sunrise to sunset to prevent looting and ensure safety during the recovery process.
Sarah and Liam Kamdar were among those who returned to salvage what they could. While their home survived, the couple faces challenges like unclean water, poor air quality, and no electricity. “It’s hard to breathe inside, and everywhere is burnt. There’s no more green left,” Sarah shared. The Kamdars are currently staying with friends in Venice but have no timeline for when they can return permanently.
Nearby, the Fan family retrieved clean clothes and medication. “We’re lucky our street didn’t burn, but it feels like the twilight zone,” one family member remarked. Like many others, they remain uneasy with strong winds in the forecast.
Despite the lingering dangers, some residents feel compelled to return, but logistical challenges like a lack of power, gas, and drinkable water prevent them from staying overnight.
As Pacific Palisades rebuilds, the emotional and physical toll of the fire is evident. Residents are grateful for their safety but remain cautious, knowing that the threat of wildfires in Southern California is far from over.
By: NBC Palm Springs
January 21, 2025
Latest Instagram Posts
Alice B. has announced it’s closing its doors. It’s cozy atmosphere and unique seasonal menu made it a must try and even landed it in the Michelin guide. @susanfeniger and @marysuemilliken left their mark on the desert over at Living Out and it will be missed. Here’s a clip from one of our last interviews with Susan.
Cathedral City City Council votes to rename “LGBT+ Days” to “Cathedral City Pride”. The council approved the change in a 5-0 vote during its latest meeting, updating the official name of the city’s annual celebration. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs to see what this means to the Coachella Valley Community #CathedralCity #pride #CityCouncil #CoachellaValley #LocalNews
Discover the Coachella Valley with the Everything Palm Springs app. From iconic attractions and hidden gems to local restaurants, shops, entertainment and even filming locations, the map-based app is designed to help both visitors and locals find more of what the desert has to offer. Creator Lindsay Kinkle is also expanding the app with video tours and narrated guides, giving users another way to explore Palm Springs and the surrounding communities. Local businesses like Buena Matcha are also getting a chance to connect with new customers through the platform. As Lindsay says, there’s so much to do and enjoy here — you just have to know where to look. #PalmSprings #CoachellaValley #EverythingPalmSprings #PalmSpringsApp #VisitPalmSprings DesertLife LocalBusiness CoachellaValleyBusiness NBCPalmSprings
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
What’s next for Palm Desert? Join community leaders, local businesses and regional stakeholders for the 2026 State of the City Address. Topics: • Economic Development • Infrastructure • Public Safety • Community Programs • Palm Desert’s Future CTA: Friday, September 18 | 11:30 AM JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort
Former Silvercrest CEO, William Rodriguez is expected back in court today in connection with the deadly 2024 Cathedral City hit and run that killed a woman. The murder charge was dismissed, but Rodriguez still faces felony hit and run and suspended license charges.
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
Murder suspect Vicky Kim has once again not been cleared to appear in court. Kim is accused of killing her husband at their Palm Desert condominium complex. Her arraignment has now been delayed three times. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs as we track the latest developments in this case. #VickyKim #PalmDesert #CoachellaValley #BreakingNews #CourtUpdate NBCPalmSprings
Palm Springs is mourning the loss of beloved entertainer James “Gypsy” Haake, who has died at 94. Haake began his entertainment career at just 19 years old as a Broadway chorus dancer. After retiring from the stage, he returned to performing at 82, becoming the host of Carnival Cabaret at Oscars in downtown Palm Springs. A longtime friend of our station, Haake was a familiar and beloved figure in the Palm Springs entertainment community — and his contributions were recognized with a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars. His career spanned more than seven decades, proving that the spotlight never truly left him. ❤️ Rest in peace, James “Gypsy” Haake. Your legacy will live on in Palm Springs. #JamesGypsyHaake #PalmSprings #PalmSpringsWalkOfStars #CarnivalCabaret #PalmSpringsEntertainment #OscarsPalmSprings #PalmSpringsHistory
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry