After the Fire: One Man’s Mission to Help Rebuild the Palisades

When flames tore through the Pacific Palisades in early January, the damage wasn’t just measured in acres burned or homes lost. For many, it felt like losing a piece of who they were. The fire left physical scars, yes, but also left behind uncertainty, grief, and a daunting question: what happens now? 

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For Rod Aragon, a real estate agent in a long-time resident, that question wasn’t theoretical. It was personal. 

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Rod has worked in the real estate market for over 30 years, and much of that time has been spent helping families buy and sell homes in the Pacific Palisades. A place he and his family had called home for about 18 years. His connection to the community runs deep, and in the aftermath of the fires, he became a steady presence for families trying to figure out what to do next. 

 

A Deep-Rooted Connection to a Town Forever Changed

 

Rod’s ties to the Palisade stretch back decades. It’s where he raised his kids, built his business, and made countless friendships that blurred the line between clients and neighbors. Over the years, he watched the area evolve from a quiet coastal neighborhood into one of the most sought-after places to live in Los Angeles. Because he spent so much time walking the streets and getting to know the people who live in them, Rod has a unique understanding of the heartbeat of the Palisades. He’s not just familiar with property values and lot sizes; he knows which families live next door to each other, which streets host the best Halloween trick-or-treating, and which homes were built on a handshake and promises decades ago. So when disaster struck, he didn’t hesitate to step in.

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The Fires That Shook the Community and the Market

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The fire that hit Pacific Palisades moved fast. Fanned by dry winds and unrelenting heat, it ripped through neighborhoods in a matter of hours. Streets that had once been lined with tall trees and family homes were suddenly unrecognizable. Dozens of families were forced to evacuate. Some lost everything. Others returned to find smoke damage, scorched yards, or homes barely spared.

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For Rod and others in real estate, the usual playbook didn’t apply. The focus shifted overnight from buying and selling to helping people find temporary housing, navigating insurance claims, and starting to find out how to rebuild. The housing market in the area felt the shock too, and uncertainty loomed.

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But despite the challenges, there was something else, just a strong community. People showed up for each other, offering places to stay, food, support, or just a shoulder to lean on. Rod found himself doing less negotiating and more listening. The job became less about square footage and more about being there when it mattered most.

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Looking Ahead: Healing, Rebuilding, and Moving Forward Together

 

Now, months later, signs of recovery are everywhere. The cleanup crew has cleared lots, and new construction is underway. The rebuilding process has brought a mix of emotions: grief for what’s lost, but also hope for what’s ahead.

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Rod has continued to play an active role, helping both long-time residents and new buyers figure out the best path forward. His knowledge of the local market, combined with his personal investment in the area, has made him a go-to resource for families trying to navigate this difficult chapter.

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Despite everything, the Palisades continues to attract buyers. Many are drawn to the resilience of the community, the sense that even in the face of a disaster, this is a place people are proud to call home. Many people who live within the Pacific Palisades are determined to stay connected to the town that they love. The fires tested the Palisades in a way that nothing else has before. But they also revealed the strength of its people and their compassion, loyalty, and drive to come back even stronger.

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A Community That Rises

 

Rod Aragon‘s story mirrors the journey of the Palisades itself: grounded, resilient, and full of heart. His work over the past few months hasn’t just been about homes. It’s been about helping people find stability, rebuild memories, and start again. The road to recovery isn’t finished, but it’s well underway. As homes are being rebuilt and old connections are rekindled, the Palisades is proving that even in the face of devastation, a strong community can rise again. Thanks to people like Rod, who show up with experience, care, and deep roots in the town's story, that future is already starting to take shape.