Closure of the Palisadian-Post Marks a Community Shift After Devastating Wildfires

The Palisadian-Post, a community newspaper serving Pacific Palisades for 97 years, printed its last edition on December 11, 2025. The closure follows a year marked by the catastrophic Palisades Fire, which burned over 23,000 acres, resulted in 12 fatalities, and destroyed more than 6,800 structures. The fire displaced thousands of residents, many of whom are still grappling with the decision to rebuild or relocate. Alan Smolinisky, the paper's owner, attributed the closure to a drastic decline in readership and advertising revenue, stating, “Our reporters have chased their last stories. Our presses have printed their last copies.”

New York Times

The Palisades Fire profoundly affected the community, transforming it into what some residents describe as a “ghost town.” The loss of homes and businesses has led to a significant decrease in local engagement and support for community institutions, including the Palisadian-Post. Bill Bruns, a former editor of the paper, lamented the loss, emphasizing the vital role community newspapers play in preserving local history and connection.

New York Times

Despite the challenges, residents have sought ways to maintain community ties. Events like the Palisades Holiday Soiree have emerged as platforms for healing and connection. Hosted by Jimmy Dunne, the event featured performances and awards, fostering a spirit of optimism among attendees, many of whom had lost their homes in the fire. Dunne remarked, “This night is for all of us to take a moment to be reminded of how grateful we are to be in a town like the Palisades.”

In the aftermath of the fire, residents have expressed frustration over the slow recovery process and inadequate support from insurance companies. Many have reported receiving estimates for rebuilding that do not reflect actual costs. Local resident Michael Furnari developed ClaimArchitect, a program designed to provide accurate construction cost assessments to help homeowners navigate insurance claims. Furnari noted, “One of the biggest barriers for some people is the uncertainty around true rebuild cost.”

Claim Architect Provides Real Construction CostsNew York TimesPalisadian-Post Prints Last Edition December 11, 2025

Alan Smolinisky reflected on the paper's closure as a significant loss for the community, stating, “Losing this beloved institution feels like a final blow.” Meanwhile, community members have rallied around initiatives like ClaimArchitect to address the pressing need for accurate rebuilding estimates, emphasizing the importance of local resources in the recovery process.

Claim Architect Provides Real Construction Costs

• “Our reporters have chased their last stories. Our presses have printed their last copies. Our corner newsstands have opened for the last time. After the unimaginable sorrow and destruction of the past year, losing this beloved institution feels like a final blow.” — Alan Smolinisky, Owner of the Palisadian-Post

Palisadian-Post Prints Last Edition December 11, 2025

• “The night is for all of us to take a moment to be reminded of how grateful we are to be in a town like the Palisades and how unique it is and how incredibly unusual it is and how much we really love each other.” — Jimmy Dunne, Master of Ceremonies at the Holiday Soiree

• “One of the biggest barriers for some people is the uncertainty around true rebuild cost.” — Michael Furnari, Local Resident and Developer of ClaimArchitect

Claim Architect Provides Real Construction Costs

As Pacific Palisades continues to recover from the devastating fire, residents are exploring new avenues for rebuilding and community engagement. The closure of the Palisadian-Post marks a pivotal moment, prompting discussions about the future of local journalism and the importance of community connections in the face of adversity.

New York Times