Pali Tote Goes Viral, Preserving Memories of the Community So Many Love

As Pacific Palisades rebuilds, people want hope and reminders of life as it was

It has now been 18 months since the Pacific Palisades fire, yet the strength of this community continues to shine through. While most of the Palisades is currently a construction zone, the connections people have to Pacific Palisades remain as strong as ever.

That is why the response to the Palisades Tote has been so meaningful.

The Inspiration Behind the Tote

Throughout my career, I worked in a variety of industries, including more than 10 years at Condé Nast in New York. Working in the corporate division meant supporting 18 magazine brands, each had a branded tote bag as a merchandising item. Not only did I use the Vogue, Vanity Fair and Architectural Digest totes regularly, but so did employees throughout the company. The idea stayed with me.

Several years ago, I commissioned an artist to create a custom Palisades sketch celebrating Pacific Palisades. The sketch features many of the places that have shaped my life in the community, from my real estate business and the Village, where my office is located, to the Pacific Palisades Woman’s Club, which is depicted in the artwork.

The sketch also includes many of the iconic places that make Pacific Palisades special including the neighborhoods and community gathering places. It is a reflection of the community that so many of us know and love.

I later transformed that sketch into what became the Palisades Tote.

At the time, I simply thought it was a fun design for locals that celebrated Pacific Palisades. I gave the totes to clients, friends, longtime residents, and many of the seniors who participated in community programs I organized over the years.

The Post with an Overwhelming Response

Recently, an amazing Pacific Palisades, Community advocate, Firdosi Wharton Ali, who is a screenwriter, shared her tote on Nextdoor. The response was immediate and overwhelming. Now over 3500 have viewed the post and requests began arriving from residents throughout Pacific Palisades, including Marquez Knolls, The Highlands, Huntington, Via Mesa, El Medio Bluffs, Castellammare, and neighboring Westside communities.

The response was overwhelming. Many people reached out because they deeply missed the community they once called home. Some had lost their homes in the fires and are rebuilding, while others had relocated but still proudly considered themselves Palisadians. For many, the tote became more than a bag—it was a tangible reminder of the place they love and the memories they will always carry with them.

The messages were heartfelt. many shared that the tote brought back memories of neighborhood walks, community events, favorite gathering places, and friendships formed over decades. Others said it reminded them that while buildings may change, the spirit of Pacific Palisades remains strong.

What began as a simple gift has evolved into something much larger than I ever imagined.

More Than a Tote Bag

The tote has become a reminder of home, a connection to community, and a symbol of optimism for the future.

As a Pacific Palisades Realtor, I work closely with homeowners, families, seniors, and longtime residents every day. Some are rebuilding. Some are relocating. Others simply want reliable information about the Pacific Palisades real estate market, rebuilding activity, neighborhood updates, land values, and what is happening throughout the community.

Sometimes people need market information.

Sometimes they need guidance.

And sometimes they simply need a reminder of home.

That is exactly what these totes have provided.

The joy they have brought to people has been remarkable. What began as a small gift has sparked conversations, reconnected neighbors, and reminded many people that they are still part of the Pacific Palisades community regardless of where they currently live.

Free Palisades Totes for Current and Former Residents

To continue sharing that sense of community, I am giving Palisades Totes free of charge to current and former Pacific Palisades residents, including those who lost their homes.