With the recent Palisades fire, people across the globe are quick to criticize. They politicize the devastation and curb their empathy for those suffering in the Pacific Palisades because of its wealth. But as someone who is their poor neighbor, I’m here to undo that (the only way I know how) through the people of the Palisades and their cars.
Palisades People Love Cars
Like you and I, the residents of Pacific Palisades love their automobiles. Unlike you and I, they may have more resources to indulge in their past times. But who can hate on someone who uses their cash to buy an FJ40 and an H1 Hummer only to park them on the street? That’s rad. Oh, and this entire street burned in the 2025 Palisades fire.
Palisades People Have A Sense Of Humor
I spotted this bad boy parked in front of the (now destroyed) Gelson’s market. If you see eyes in the passenger seat, they had a stuffed animal buckled up in front. Is this fancy? I dunno, but it sure is funny.
Pali Kids Aren’t All Spoiled Brats
The Palisades Charter High School (where my kids went) is a magnet school that attracts kids from all over LA. Some get a brand-new car with a bow on top for graduation. But there are also the brave and brilliant few who scrape together their cash to buy a glorious Honda CRX to roll around like a boss. Well played, young person!
Pali Is Home To One Of LA’s Best Beaches
Will Rogers Beach is one of LA Couty’s best and biggest beaches in the Pacific Palisades. It’s where every kid learns to surf (including my own), where the LBGTQ volleyball games happen (affectionately called Ginger Roger’s beach), and where you’ll see pre-dawn AA meetings, daytime birthday parties, and sunset weddings. It is also home to one of the juicest parking lots, where car spotting is some of the city’s best.
The Palisades Is All About Families
I dunno what your mom drove you to preschool in, but mine certainly didn’t drive a Rolls Royce. I wouldn’t be sad if she had put my booster seat in the back of her convertible Roller. This is typical Palisades. Sure, it oozes wealth, but with a bit of tongue and cheek. It’s hard to hate that.
The Palisades Has Heart
If you watch my videos, you may recognize this spot. It’s near the Bluffs in the Palisades. Despite how often I shoot, I’ve never received a dirty look, a request to leave, or even a side-eye. I have gotten high fives, people asking for car buying advice, and plenty of “wow, that’s what you do? That’s so cool.”
So, as the Internet blazes with reasons for you to subdue your empathy for this wonderful town during this horrific time, I implore you: Think Again. These are just people, just like you and me, who may not need your money, but they deserve your compassion.