Government & Politics From Ashes to Action: Elaine Culottiās Plan for the Palisades to Rebuild and Break Away from Los Angeles After losing 20% of her real estate portfolio in the Pacific Palisades fire, developer Elaine Culotti is spearheading a movement for the community to secede from Los Angeles, citing the city's inadequate disaster response and structural failings. By Michelle Edgar / 23 Dec 2025