The Palisades: An Unbroken Community
It’s easy to fall apart when your house turns into a pile of ashes. But for Lila Hernand, the thing that’s helped her hold on is the one thing fire can’t touch: community.
Lila has always dreamed of staying in the Palisades as she got older. And honestly, who could blame her? It’s a stunning coastal town, full of life, beauty, and a close-knit vibe that’s hard to find anywhere else in the world. It is truly a unique place. While many remain skeptical that the rebuilding efforts will bring back this one-of-a-kind city, Lila’s faith never wavers. She explains that the recovered Palisades “will be great” and believes the fire did not burn down the strong spirit of the community.
Yet in the face of it all, what’s kept Lila’s hope burning? Her people. Her friends. Her family. The ones who remind her of what the Palisades once were.
Lila’s not going through this alone. Two of her closest friends also lost their homes, and instead of letting the sadness pull them under, they’ve leaned on each other. “It’s been sad, obviously,” Lila says, “but it’s been great having friends to rely on.” And they’ve shown up for her in every way: sharing their space, their time, and even their closets. Lila lost almost all of her clothes in the fire, but her friends made sure she didn’t go without them. Even huge brands like Tank Air stepped up and donated clothing, proving that community goes beyond just neighborhood borders.
“It’s been really hard,” she admits, and no one could blame her. But Lila doesn’t give in to the sadness. She stays positive. She stays grounded. She stays assured that she will live out her dream of continuing her life in the Palisades.
Lila’s optimism isn’t naïve - it’s resilient. It’s the kind that refuses to be buried in the rubble. It is true bravery to see your life in shambles and still say that things will get better.
This story serves as a reminder that despite all the negative news surrounding the destruction on January 7th, the Palisades will rebuild. And with people like Lila at its heart, it’s already beginning to heal.
