The devastating California wildfires have caused damage to or destruction of several famous structures in Los Angeles. Notable landmarks affected include Palisades Charter High School, where Brian De Palma brought Stephen King’s “Carrie” to life; Will Rogers’ Western Ranch House, a historic property with ties to the famed actor and radio personality; the Topanga Ranch Motel, originally built by William Randolph Hearst; and the Reel Inn Malibu, a popular seafood spot along the Pacific Coast Highway.
Palisades Charter High School, founded in 1961, sustained significant damage, though the main campus building remains intact. The school has a rich history, hosting various film and television productions, and counts filmmaker J.J. Abrams and actors Jennifer Jason Leigh and Forest Whitaker among its notable alumni.
Will Rogers’ Western Ranch House, situated on 186 acres in the Pacific Palisades area, was completely destroyed in the wildfires. This historic property, once owned by the beloved actor, featured 31 rooms, corrals, a stable, riding ring, polo field, and more. The ranch house was a popular filming location, appearing in the 1975 film “Funny Lady.”
The Topanga Ranch Motel, a bungalow-style motel constructed in 1929, was also lost in the fires. Despite being uninhabited for nearly two decades, plans for its restoration were in progress. The motel had appeared in various film and television productions, including episodes of “Mannix” and “Remington Steele.”
Additionally, the Reel Inn Malibu, a seafood restaurant on the Pacific Coast Highway, was destroyed in the wildfire. The owners expressed hope for rebuilding the beloved establishment, which had been featured on TV shows like “Man vs. Food” and “The Chew.”
Unfortunately, the Bunny Museum in Altadena, a unique attraction dedicated to all things bunnies, was also destroyed by the wildfires. This quirky Los Angeles-area landmark will be dearly missed by its visitors.
The museum known as um exhibited an extensive collection of bunny-themed items, ranging from Trix boxes and Nesquik bottles to Bugs Bunny memorabilia and magazine covers featuring the artist Bad Bunny. Among the displays was the Chamber of Hop Horrors, a section dedicated to documenting the historical mistreatment of bunnies with an age restriction of 13 years and older.
This unique establishment has garnered significant recognition, earning a place in the prestigious Guinness Book of World Records. Furthermore, um has been showcased in Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!, the esteemed Smithsonian Magazine, and even featured on an episode of the television program “Visiting…With Huell Howser.”
Visitors to um are treated to a diverse array of bunny-related artifacts and information, providing an educational and entertaining experience for individuals of all ages. The museum’s thematic focus on bunnies has captured the attention of audiences worldwide, solidifying its reputation as a one-of-a-kind destination for enthusiasts of these beloved creatures.
