One year later, Palisades mobile home park still not cleared, residents locked out
PACIFIC PALISADES, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- One year after the Palisades Fire, Palisades Bowl Mobile Estates looks much as it did in the days after the fire.
There has been no cleanup here, and the owners of the park have locked residents off the property, terminated their leases to the land that once held homes residents owned, and have allowed zero cleanup of fire debris, sending untold toxins into the sands and waters of Will Rogers State Beach below.
"It's a beautiful place and it's ruined," said longtime resident Lisa Ross.
"They could do something though," says Rashi Kaslow, a resident of 19 years, "They've done nothing."
"We've heard nothing," said resident Zelda Lambrecht. "We're no better off today than we were exactly a year ago. Nothing. We're the only ones in the city who are completely in limbo."
Colleen Baker, who has lived there for 23 years, lost her dream home in the fire. It was 2,000-square-feet with an ocean view. She now lives in a tiny spot in Santa Monica, less than one-fifth the size.
"I'm by myself," Baker said. "I'm a senior, I'm 83 years old, and I had to figure out where I was going to go and what I was going to do for the rest of my life."
MORE: Palisades Fire survivors demand action and accountability at rally
There is a lot of sadness in this community and frustration.
Hundreds of people gathered on Wednesday in Pacific Palisades voicing their frustration, led by outspoken resident and former reality TV star, Spencer Pratt, who announced he will be running to unseat L.A. Mayor Karen Bass.
"I'm done waiting for someone to take real action," Pratt announced to the gathered crowd, who cheered. "That's why I am running for mayor."
Pratt's candidacy echoes the anger that can be found very easily around here.
Kaslow said he will work to make sure California Gov. Gavin Newsom doesn't become president and that Bass doesn't win a second term in office.
"I'm feeling different about our government today than I was when I was naïve," Baker said. "I see so much sadness, and I'm beginning to feel the sadness now that I have the time. And coming here today I'm noticing that it's more than I anticipated, it's very sad."
