By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

A stretch of Pacific Coast Highway between Chautauqua Boulevard in Pacific Palisades to Carbon Beach Terrace in Malibu that has been restricted to residents, contractors, first responders and essential businesses will reopen to all drivers on Friday, May 23, at 8 a.m. Governor Gavin Newsom announced Thursday, May 22.

Newsom originally announced a plan to reopen PCH by the of the end of May, with one lane open in each direction. The Friday opening comes “ahead of schedule,” with “up to two lanes in each direction available to travelers.”

“A robust security presence will remain at the neighborhood level following the highway reopening,” according to Newsom. “Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has directed LAPD to continue its increased deployment in the Palisades, including staffing check points 24 hours a day.”

Newsom, Bass and Councilmember Traci Park confirmed in a joint statement sent May 22 that when PCH reopens, “access into the Palisades will remain restricted to residents, business owners, employees and contractors only.”

“With the reopening of Pacific Coast Highway, the number of checkpoints into the Palisades will increase from five to 16,” according to the statement. “The California Highway Patrol will also continue providing increased patrols of the Palisades.”

Park will hosted a virtual town hall on Thursday, May 22, to discuss “security” and “access transition.”

“I’m grateful to Governor Newsom and the state for their unwavering partnership in keeping the Pacific Palisades safe over the past four and a half months,” Park said. “The reopening of PCH marks an important milestone in our recovery, but the work is far from over. As we enter this next phase, safety must remain our top priority—for residents, workers and everyone traveling along the coast. I look forward to continuing this collaboration as we accelerate our rebuilding work.”

The checkpoints into the Palisades will be moved from PCH to the arterial streets. Bass confirmed a “very, very high deployment” of 100-plus LAPD officers, with seven California Highway Patrol officers responsible for patrolling PCH. LAPD Chief Dominic Choi said that 48 private security officers will also be added in about a week or so in three, nine-hour shifts.

Existing access passes will be accepted at the checkpoints, Choi explained during the town hall. Access passes will be available at the Disaster Recovery Center at UCLA Research Park, located at 10850 Pico Boulevard, Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. until May 30, when it closes.

A new location for pass pickup will become available starting June 2 in West LA on a city-owned property, with the exact address to be announced before then. To pick up a pass, an ID and proof of residency, business ownership, employment or contract is required.

Choi described this as a lifting of restrictions but not a full reopening of the highway, noting that there would be congestion: “If you don’t need to be on PCH, this is not a time to get on PCH,” he said.

Following the highway reopening, repair work will continue, according to the statement from Newsom, Bass and Park, with a 25 MPH speed limit between Temescal Canyon Road and Carbon Beach Terrace to remain in effect, according to Caltrans.

“Due to the volume of traffic expected over the holiday weekend and ongoing construction, drivers should expect delays on PCH,” the statement continued. “Please allow extra time for travel or find an alternate route to your destination. Caltrans and CHP remind drivers that traffic fines can be doubled in an active work zone.”

The following restrictions will also be in place, according to Caltrans:

• “On northbound PCH, the right lane is closed near Tuna Canyon, Pena and Las Flores Canyon roads to allow Southern California Edison to underground power utilities for further resiliency.
• On southbound PCH, the right lane is subject to closure between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily for debris removal and repair work.
• Signals will be turned on from the California Incline through Topanga Canyon Boulevard and from Las Flores to Carbon Canyon roads. The flashing red signal at Big Rock Road will remain to help drivers turning left.
• There will only be one lane through the McClure Tunnel from westbound I-10 to northbound PCH.
• There is no parking or stopping allowed in the work zone. Please remember that there may be slow vehicles moving in and out of the lanes. Law enforcement will be citing motorists.”

This is a developing story, as updates are available, they will be added. Information was added at 5 p.m. on May 22 from Councilmember Traci Park’s virtual town hall.

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Debris removal work continues in Pacific Palisades following the January 7 fire, with Mayor Karen Bass announcing on May 19 that “nearly 2,000 properties” in the city of Los Angeles have been cleared by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and received final sign off from LA County.

As of May 19, 54 permits had been issued for 40 addresses related to rebuilding efforts, with “hundreds of applications” in the “process of being reviewed,” according to Bass.

Sites cleared to date in the Palisades fire area, which includes the Palisades, Malibu and unincorporated county areas, by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was 3,107 as of May 19. Final sign offs were 2,404—which is 57% of the total rights of entry USACE received, according to Public Affairs Officer Melanie Peterson.

USACE announced on Tuesday, May 20, that it has cleared and received final sign off for more than 5,000 properties across the Eaton and Palisades fire areas.

The number of sites cleared on average for the last five days in the Palisades fire area as of May 19 was 42: “This number is going down as we get to some of the sites with greater complexity,” Peterson explained.

Debris removed from the Palisades fire area totals approximately 919,892 tons. There were 92 crews removing debris as of May 19.

When it comes to residential properties in the city of Los Angeles that have not opted in or out of the government-run debris removal program, the most recent number available as of May 16 was 36.

“Getting all of the debris picked up—and I do mean every last piece of it—as soon as possible has to be a top priority because the debris continues to present health and environmental risks to residents and workers, especially our waterways, our ocean and our wildlife,” Councilmember Traci Park said on May 15, noting the city would be starting an abatement process for non-responsive properties within its jurisdiction.

The abatement process will apply to residential properties in the city of LA that have not opted in or out, have opted out by not pulled permits for private debris clearance, or pulled permits but have not completed the work, Park described, “to make sure that all properties are being timely cleared.” For those unable to clear privately, Park said there is a process to have USACE do it before they depart the Palisades area.

Letters from the Department of Building & Safety were anticipated to go out to residential property owners that have not opted in or out this week, Park said. Later in May, letters will be sent to property owners that have opted out and have either not pulled permits to clear debris or have not received final clearance from the county confirming the removal is complete.

“I hate that we have to do this, I really do,” Park said, “but clearing this debris is necessary for you and for your neighbors to return and to rebuild safely … ”

For commercial properties in the Palisades fire area, a virtual webinar on the wildfire debris removal process took place on Wednesday, May 14, which included presentations and information from the Mayor’s Office, LA County Department of Economic Opportunity, City of Malibu and others.

Debris removal for commercial properties, similar to residential properties, is divided into two main phases: Phase 1 (Hazardous Waste Removal), managed by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and USACE, was completed at no cost. Phase 2 (General Debris Removal) includes “removal of remaining debris, including structural remains, ash and non-hazardous waste,” is, in most cases, handled privately.

“Commercial properties are not included in the government-run debris removal program being conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and must arrange for private debris removal,” according to the mayor’s office. “In rare cases, a commercial property may be granted a ‘special inclusion’ based on specific criteria, but this is not guaranteed. Even if owners are awaiting a special inclusion request, they should proactively begin the process of private debris removal.”

For “commercial properties in the unincorporated areas of the County, Los Angeles City and City of Malibu,” property owners are required to “hire a licensed contractor for Phase 2 debris removal,” according to information sent after the webinar.

Rights of entry forms for commercial properties “destroyed or damaged” in the fire were due on April 15. For the “rare cases” that are approved, USACE will complete the cleanup. Specific criteria for inclusion of commercial properties are “an immediate threat to public health and safety due to debris,” “barriers to the commercial entity completing debris removal independently,” “insurance coverage and status of claim,” and “economic impact of debris removal on the commercial entity and community.”

Those waiting for a decision are encouraged to “be prepared” to handle cleanup privately in the case of a denial by applying for the permit (available through epicla.lacounty.gov) and beginning the debris removal process.

“The permit turnaround time is immediate once all the appropriate documentation has been uploaded,” said Chris Sheppard (LA County Department of Public Works principal engineer) during the webinar.

The deadline to obtain a debris removal permit for unincorporated areas of the county is June 1, with debris removal required to be complete by June 30.

“Properties not complying with the deadlines (e.g. permit and removal of debris) are subject to applicable nuisance abatement procedures and associated penalties per local ordinance,” read the information.

The June 1 and June 30 deadlines also apply for private property owners who have opted out of the government-run debris removal program in unincorporated areas.

“If a property owner fails to meet the above deadlines, the county may take steps to remove fire ash and debris from the property; the cost of this debris removal will be charged to the property owner,” the county wrote. “If not paid, the cost may be recovered through a lien on the property.”

There is an appeal process in place for both residential and commercial property owners in unincorporated parts of the county.

An additional virtual webinar, “Wildfire Debris Clean Up for Commercial Property Owners,” will take place on Thursday, May 22, from 10 to 11 a.m. Those interested can RSVP at bit.ly/LAwildfirerecovery.

When it comes to commercial and residential properties in the city of LA, officials are “still evaluating what our deadlines are going to be” for its abatement process, a representative from the mayor’s office said.

More information is available at recovery.lacounty.gov. There is also an LA County Public Works Hotline: 844-347-3332.

Councilmember Traci Park Will Host a Virtual Town Hall to Discuss “Security” and “Access Transition”

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

As the end of May approaches, Governor Gavin Newsom’s plan to have Pacific Coast Highway partially reopen to the public by the end of the month draws near—sparking community concerns and questions about what that means for things like checkpoints and access to currently restricted areas of Pacific Palisades.

The highway, described as a “major artery,” serving “hundreds of thousands of Angelenos and visitors,” has been largely closed to the public since the Palisades fire began January 7, apart from a brief reopening in February that was soon amended. Residents who live in the Palisades burn scar area, essential businesses and repair crews have had access.

Following the reopening, according to Newsom’s April 12 announcement, one lane in each direction would be open for public travel.

Newsom expressed urgency to reopen ahead of the summer months and shared plans to work with the United States Army Corps of Engineers—which is leading the government-run debris removal program—to prioritize the cleanup of PCH by deploying additional crews to the area.

With the anticipated reopening of PCH, community members have expressed concerns regarding security and access in and around the Palisades.

“Pacific Palisades should be still [closed] to [the] public for many safety reasons,” Palisadian Gianba Vinzoni said. “Lately we learned about looting, home invaders … People that [have] no interest in there, should not be allowed to go there.”

Pacific Palisades Residents Association has asked that security checkpoints remain in place.

“PPRA urges you to insist the mayor and governor maintain all checkpoints into the Pacific Palisades until the city of LA can secure resources for transitioning to a more efficient system—one that ensures safety while facilitating smooth traffic flow essential for our community’s swift rebuilding,” PPRA stated.

Councilmember Traci Park will host a Virtual Town Hall on Thursday, May 22, beginning at 4 p.m. to discuss public safety and the highway’s reopening.

“Join us for an important conversation with LAPD, EMD and the Army Corps as we discuss public safety in the Palisades, the reopening of PCH, and our next steps for access, recovery and long-term resilience in the area,” according to a description of the meeting.

Park has also created a survey to hear from community members directly.

“With the re-opening of the Pacific Coast Highway to the general public soon, as well as the demobilization of the California National Guard, Councilwoman Park wants your perspective on public safety and access concerns in and around the Pacific Palisades, and how we can best continue to advocate for your needs,” the survey read. “This survey will help the CD11 team understand how we can best balance increased access with safety and security concerns.”

The Palisadian-Post reached out to Mayor Karen Bass’ office to request additional information regarding the reopening and plan for things like checkpoints to remain. Official plans had not yet been released as the Post went to print Tuesday evening, May 20. When received, this story will be updated online at palipost.com.

During a press conference in the Palisades on Monday, May 19, Bass said she is planning to “convene with the LAPD, CHP, the governor about the National Guard as well as the sheriffs.”

“As we see the area starting to slowly open up, when we see an increase in pedestrian traffic, we usually will see an increase in some crime,” LAPD Senior Lead Officer Brian Espin wrote on May 8. “We have been very good about being vigilant, and I would like us to keep up that momentum.”

After receiving “several emails” regarding Trespass Authorization forms that are available in the city of Los Angeles to enforce Municipal Code 41.24, Espin relayed information on May 17 about trespassing and posting signs on properties.

“The Trespass Authorization Form allows [LAPD] to go onto private property without a call for service,” he explained. “You do not need the form on file to make an arrest. The form needs to be on file if [LAPD] goes on your property and detains someone without a call for service.”

Private residences do not require “no trespass signs,” according to Espin, only under-construction or commercial properties.

“A person needs to be warned prior to a Private Persons Arrest for trespass,” Espin said. “This could be a verbal warning or posted signs that are clearly marked and visible to the public at all access points onto the property. If a person enters an area through unconventional means (i.e. jump a wall or gate that gives the expectation of privacy or separation from public area) the person could be arrested on a PPA for trespass.”

If officers arrive and the individual is still on private property that is not easily accessible to the public, like the backyard, they could “potentially be placed under arrest for trespass by officers,” Espin said.