Cassidy Krauch
Assistant News Editor
Jan. 11, 2026 marks one year since the devastating fires broke out in the Pacific Palisades, leaving countless neighborhoods in ruin. Through the efforts of many citizens of surrounding communities, affected families have begun their road to recovery.
After conducting school via Zoom from Jan. 21 to April 20th, 2025, Pali was able to acquire the abandoned Sears building on the corner of Colorado Avenue and 4th street in Santa Monica. This building, known as “Pali South,” served as a temporary campus and home for students who chose to remain at Pali High since late April.
“This old department store has turned into not only a high school, but like a home,” says Pali student Nathan Hall in a video conducted by the @CityofSantaMonica instagram account “It’s honestly amazing what they’ve done. It’s a miracle, I have no idea how they accomplished it.”
After being rebuilt since the fires broke out, Pali High School has officially reopened its doors for their students. The reopening marks a major milestone for the community and symbolizes resilience and hope after months of uncertainty.
“It honestly feels so surreal,” says junior Pali student Roxie Bhakatri. “Now I’m going to be here on campus as an upper classman getting to do all the classic Pali high events back at our campus.”
Many neighborhoods and structures have been restored and recovered, and families have been able to return home. While rebuilding is still ongoing, the progress made over the past year has brought renewed stability to the Palisades community.
“It’s cool to see how much progress they’ve made this past year, it’s given lots of people the opportunity to move back,” said sophomore Hutch Larson, a former Pali student now at Mira Costa. “The hard work and determination of so many people has paid off, and all the Pali residents are so grateful for that.”
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