Sue Kohl: Leading Pacific Palisades through fire recovery and rebuilding

Written By Jan Brzeski

Sue Kohl is President of the Pacific Palisades Community Council and a local realtor serving as Assistant Manager at Berkshire Hathaway Home Services. A top producer since 1989, she’s recognized as one of the best Realtors in Pacific Palisades, and has been effectively representing both sellers and buyers in sales and purchases of single-family homes and condominiums. Sue lost her own home in the January 2025 Palisades Fire. She's now navigating the rebuilding process firsthand while helping her community recover. Sue brings both personal experience and professional insight into what it takes to rebuild LA after the fires.

In this episode, Jan and Sue discuss:

  • The mission and structure of the Pacific Palisades Community Council

  • Insurance struggles, rebuilding costs, and utility infrastructure issues

  • Efforts to underground power lines and modernize infrastructure

  • City governance, emergency orders, and the role of local leadership in recovery

Key Takeaways: 

  • The Pacific Palisades Community Council serves as the voice of the community, advocating to the city and state government on residents’ behalf.

  • The community faces high costs and technical hurdles in efforts to underground utilities for future safety.

  • Concerns over housing density remain high due to evacuation and accessibility issues during emergencies.

  • Sue emphasizes the importance of preserving the Palisades’ character and community feel, even amid redevelopment.

“The main mission of the Community Council is really to be a voice for Pacific Palisades. A voice gathering info from the residents, a voice providing information for the residents, and most importantly, a voice in which we communicate to civic and government leaders.” - Sue Kohl

Connect with Sue Kohl:

Website: https://pacpalicc.org/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suekohl/ 

Connect with Jan Brzeski:

Website: https://scipfinance.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jbrzeski/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RebuildingLAafterthefires

Email: pr@scipfinance.com 

Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete

Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it. 

Jan Brzeski
Next

Leo Marmol: Rebuilding beyond bureaucracy