Santa Monica offices get unexpected tenants: Children from five fire-ravaged schools

Los Angeles Times - Apr 1st, 2025

Following a devastating fire in January that destroyed nearly 7,000 structures in the Pacific Palisades, several schools have temporarily relocated to Santa Monica’s office buildings, including the iconic Water Garden and the former Sears building. This shift has unexpectedly benefited the Santa Monica office leasing market, which has struggled due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent rise of remote work. Schools like Calvary Christian School and Palisades Charter High School are utilizing the vacated office spaces, bringing a new vibrancy to the area while offering students a place to learn in person again.

The relocation of these schools not only provides a temporary solution for the displaced students but also highlights the adaptability and resilience of the community in the face of disaster. The swift action by Santa Monica’s city officials to facilitate these moves reflects a proactive approach to crisis management. This development underscores the ongoing challenges in the commercial real estate sector and the innovative ways communities are repurposing spaces to meet new needs. The presence of schools in these office spaces is a symbol of recovery and community spirit, offering hope for a swift return to the Palisades once it is safe.

Community Resilience Covid 19 Impact Santa Monica Pacific Palisades Fire Calvary Christian School Palisades Charter High School Office Leasing Market Seritage Growth Properties Bxp St. Matthew’s Parish School

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.2

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive and timely account of the relocation of schools to Santa Monica office spaces following a devastating fire. It is well-structured, engaging, and supported by credible sources, making it a reliable piece of journalism. However, there are areas where additional verification and perspective could enhance the depth and balance of the story. The article effectively highlights the resilience and adaptability of the affected communities while also addressing broader issues related to urban planning and disaster recovery. Overall, it is a well-rounded piece that informs and engages the reader on a matter of public interest.

Accuracy

The story presents a detailed account of the relocation of schools from the Pacific Palisades area to Santa Monica office spaces due to a fire. The claims regarding the number of schools relocating, the square footage they occupy, and the impact on the Santa Monica office market are well-supported by cited data and quotes from relevant stakeholders. For instance, the mention of the office vacancy rate increasing to 31% in the fourth quarter of 2024 is backed by data from JLL, a commercial real estate brokerage. However, some details, such as the exact timeline of the relocations and the specific financial arrangements, could benefit from further verification.

Balance

The article provides a balanced view of the situation by including perspectives from various stakeholders, such as school officials, city representatives, and parents. It highlights both the challenges and the positive aspects of the relocations, such as the community support and the vibrancy brought to Santa Monica's office spaces. However, the article could have included more viewpoints from the students themselves or from businesses potentially affected by the influx of schools to provide a more comprehensive picture.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and easy to follow, with a logical flow that guides the reader through the narrative of the school relocations. The language is clear and neutral, making it accessible to a general audience. The use of quotes and specific examples helps to illustrate the points being made, enhancing the overall clarity of the piece.

Source quality

The article relies on credible sources, including quotes from school officials, city representatives, and commercial real estate experts. These sources provide authority and reliability to the story. However, the article does not specify the methods used to gather some of the data, such as the office vacancy rates, which could affect the perceived reliability of the information presented.

Transparency

The article is transparent in its presentation of the situation, providing clear quotes and data points. However, it lacks detailed explanations of the methodologies used to obtain certain figures, such as vacancy rates and financial details of leases. Additionally, the article does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest, such as the relationship between the schools and the real estate companies involved.