𝗧𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗢𝗙 𝗗𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗨𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡: Palisades’ Alphabet Streets Reduced to Rubble and Ruin

Today, Sunday, January 12, 2025, Santa Monica Closeup photojournalist Fabian Lewkowicz toured the devastated Alphabet Streets neighborhood in Pacific Palisades, an area historically known for its charm, tight-knit community, and prime location near Palisades Village. The once-picturesque neighborhood has been reduced to rubble and ashes, with nearly every home destroyed by the Palisades Fire. Firefighters were seen working tirelessly to control remaining hot spots and manage the aftermath, while technicians from gas and electric companies were on-site turning off gas lines and addressing safety hazards. The area remains closed to the public and residents as officials continue to assess the damage and ensure safety. The Alphabet Streets neighborhood, established in 1921, holds significant historic and cultural value in Los Angeles. Originally founded by Methodist ministers, the streets—Albright, Bashford, Cary, Drummond, and so on—were named after Methodist bishops, reflecting the area’s religious heritage. Over the past century, the modest two-bedroom homes that once lined these narrow streets evolved into larger, modern residences, making the neighborhood one of the most desirable and exclusive in Los Angeles. Despite the high property values, the area retained a family-friendly, small-town atmosphere, with children walking to school and families enjoying nearby shops and restaurants. The neighborhood’s close proximity to Palisades Village, a popular shopping and entertainment destination developed by Rick Caruso in 2018, made it especially appealing to residents. The Village offers boutique stores, cafes, and a movie theater, providing a vibrant hub for locals. Additionally, outdoor enthusiasts were drawn to the area’s convenient access to hiking trails in the Santa Monica Mountains and the nearby beach, offering a perfect balance of urban convenience and natural beauty. In recent years, real estate prices in the Alphabet Streets skyrocketed, with lot sizes ranging from 5,200 to 7,500 square feet and land prices averaging $468 per square foot. Many homes sold for up to $12 million, making it one of the priciest neighborhoods in the city. The area’s walkability, proximity to high-end amenities, and unique blend of history and modern luxury contributed to its status as a top choice for affluent homebuyers. Now, in the aftermath of the Palisades Fire, the future of the neighborhood remains uncertain. Officials continue to monitor fire conditions, and safety remains the primary concern as winds and dry conditions pose ongoing risks. As Lewkowicz captured the grim scene of burnt homes and charred streets, it was clear that this once-thriving community faces a long and difficult road to recovery. City officials have pledged to support affected residents and are working closely with emergency services to manage the crisis. As the fire response continues, authorities urge residents to remain patient and follow evacuation orders. The city remains on high alert with a Red Flag Warning in effect through Wednesday, January 15, as wind gusts of up to 75 mph in the mountain regions could pose additional dangers. Residents are advised to stay updated and adhere to guidance from public safety officials as emergency teams work around the clock to protect lives and property. ''''''''''''''''''''''' Santa Monica Closeup is a visual chronicle of the vibrant and diverse community of Santa Monica, brought to life through Fabian's seasoned lens. With deep roots in the city, he offers an authentic and intimate glimpse into everyday life, crafting compelling videos that resonate with both locals and visitors alike. Support Santa Monica Closeup by making a One Time Donation via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/fabianlewkowicz Make a One Time Donation via Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/santamonicacloseup Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/santamonicacloseup Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SantaMonicaCloseup Follow us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/smcloseup Join this channel to gain access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqrlnKSQlVU42TEn_-PAtWw/join For licensing this video email: press@santamonicacloseup.com TAGS: Photojournalism, Photojournalist, Documentary, Cinema Verite, Fly-on-the-wall, Observational Photography, Press Photography, SMCU, SM©U 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗼 𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘂𝘀𝗲. 𝗔𝗻𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗼𝗽𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗿𝗲-𝘂𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘂𝗻𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱 𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗵𝗶𝗯𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱. © 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗙𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝘄𝗸𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗰𝘇/𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲𝘂𝗽. 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗱.