𝗔𝗙𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗙𝗟𝗔𝗠𝗘𝗦: Palisades Highlands Largely Spared Amid Scattered Destruction

On Monday, January 13, 2025, Santa Monica Closeup photographer Fabian Lewkowicz toured Palisades Highlands to document the aftermath of the devastating Palisades Fire. Unlike other severely impacted neighborhoods, The Highlands, for the most part, escaped significant destruction. While a few isolated houses were reduced to ashes, the majority of homes in this elevated community were spared, leaving residents relieved yet cautious amid ongoing fire risks. Nestled high in the Santa Monica Mountains, Palisades Highlands—often referred to simply as "The Highlands"—is a serene residential enclave known for its picturesque surroundings and peaceful atmosphere. Located a few miles up Palisades Drive from Sunset Boulevard, the neighborhood offers a mix of single-family homes, condos, and gated communities, making it a highly desirable area for those seeking a blend of modern living and nature’s tranquility. Encircled by expansive parkland and scenic mountain ranges, The Highlands provides residents with access to an abundance of hiking trails and breathtaking views of the ocean, canyons, and nearby peaks. Despite its resort-like ambiance, the development of this community was initially met with controversy. Plans for the neighborhood, envisioned as a large-scale residential development, faced intense environmental opposition for nearly two decades before construction finally began in 1972. Today, The Highlands is home to approximately 1,600 to 1,700 housing units, all connected by a single main road, giving the area a secluded and exclusive feel. During his visit, Lewkowicz observed that while the fire came dangerously close to parts of The Highlands, swift action by firefighters helped prevent widespread destruction. The neighborhood’s residents, who are accustomed to enjoying nature’s beauty in a peaceful setting, were grateful that much of their community was preserved. However, with high winds and dry conditions continuing to pose a threat, they remain vigilant as emergency crews monitor the region. As one of the newest neighborhoods in Pacific Palisades, Palisades Highlands stands as a testament to modern development harmonizing with nature. Its history of environmental challenges and eventual transformation into a tranquil, sought-after community underscores its unique character. In light of the Palisades Fire, The Highlands now faces the dual challenge of maintaining its serene lifestyle while preparing for future wildfire risks in an increasingly fire-prone region. City officials have reiterated the importance of fire preparedness and community cooperation as recovery efforts continue. Residents are encouraged to remain alert and adhere to any further evacuation or safety directives as conditions evolve. ,,,,,,,,,,, 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: [email protected] 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.