A Weekly Newsletter on Rebuilding Our Community
by Kambiz Kamdar
Dear Neighbors,
It has been just over eight months since the tragedy that forever changed our community. While my home survived, I wouldn’t call myself lucky—because the truth is, none of us who lived in the Palisades have felt fortunate through this experience.
Between moving from rental to rental before finally returning home, watching our kids adapt to temporary classrooms in office buildings or retrofitted stores, and dealing with the day-to-day realities of loss, these past months have been incredibly challenging for everyone.
But now, it’s time to turn the corner and begin the process of rebuilding—together.
Challenges We Face & Topics I’ll Cover
Here are some of the key issues I’ll be tackling in upcoming newsletters:
- Low Insurance Estimates – Many residents are still negotiating with insurance companies for the funds needed to rebuild. What’s an Xactimate report and why does it matter?
- Cost to Build Confusion – Is it $500 or $1,500 per square foot to rebuild? Why do numbers vary so much? What’s the real cost and what are “hard” vs. “soft” costs?
- How to Build a Home – Most of us weren’t planning to build a house from scratch. I’ll break the process into digestible steps. Who do you hire first? How can you save money?
- Uncertainty About Community Resources – From schools and grocery stores to evacuation plans and police presence—what do we know so far?
- Construction Concerns – Many hesitate to be the first to rebuild, worried about traffic, parking, and living amid construction zones. What will it really be like?
Progress So Far
Most of the homes currently under construction—or with permits already pulled—were newer homes with plans recently on file, making permitting easier.
The next wave will come from homeowners with older properties who need new plans drawn before breaking ground.
Progress may feel slow, but every permit pulled and every home started brings us one step closer to restoring the neighborhood we love.
Newsletter Goals
For those who have decided to rebuild, my goal is to:
- Guide you through each step of the process
- Share updates on permitting, construction, and city planning
- Provide resources for insurance, financing, and design support
Almost no one rebuilding today expected to be in this position. My goal is to make the journey as clear, organized, and manageable as possible.
About Me
I’m Kambiz Kamdar “Beez”, owner of Pali Construction and a longtime Highlands resident. I’m a fourth-generation contractor and developer, a founding member of the Palisades Builders Coalition, and I serve on both the Pacific Palisades Baseball Association Board and the Park Advisory Board.
My wife and I are raising our three children here—two at Pali High and one at Calvary—and like you, we want to see our community come back stronger than ever.
You Tell Me!
What topics would you like me to cover in future newsletters?
Get Involved
If you’re ready to rebuild—or simply want to stay informed—sign up for the Weekly Rebuild Newsletter. Together, we can share resources, track progress, and support one another as we bring the Palisades back to life.
Sincerely,
Kambiz Kamdar “Bees”
p.s. – I’m always here if you need help, Kambiz@PaliBuilds.com.
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