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Psychologist, Woolsey Fire Survivor to Speak at Resilient Palisades Virtual Meeting

A previous Resilient Palisades event.
Photo courtesy of Resilient Palisades

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Resilient Palisades will host a virtual community gathering on Wednesday, February 19, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Zoom.

“Please join us as we gather together as Resilient Palisades, to process our loss and grief, and navigate our way forward in community,” read information about the event. “We will hear from a psychologist, a Woolsey Fire survivor, and we will learn about our recent and upcoming efforts to promote and support a green and resilient buildback.”

Jeff Hunt—who lost his home in the Woolsey fire in 2018—will share “reflections and advice” for Palisadians “based on his experience.” Psychologist Lezlie Scaliatine will share “an emotional roadmap for the journey ahead.”

“We will also be sharing information and ideas about the current and future role of Resilient Palisades in the community as we invite you to join us in this critical work,” the information continued. Presentations will be followed by Q&A.”

The meeting can be joined at this link, or with Meeting ID: 829 9531 8472. More information can be found at the Resilient Palisades website.

‘Stronger Together’ Palisades Gathering is Planned

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

“Stronger Together”—A Gathering of Palisades Neighbors will take place on Monday, February 17, from 5 to 8 p.m. at St. Monica Catholic Church.

“We’re bringing the Palisades fire neighbors together for a community gathering—an opportunity to reconnect, share time together and enjoy each other’s company,” read an event description. “St. Monica Catholic Community in Santa Monica has generously opened its Grand Pavilion for us to gather, and we’re excited to welcome everyone for this interfaith event—all are welcome.”

The event is free to attend, but RSVPs are requested through Eventbrite for a headcount. Light refreshments and beverages will be served.

“This is purely a social gathering—no town halls, just good company,” the description concluded. “We hope to see you there.”

St. Monica Catholic Church is located at 725 California Avenue in Santa Monica.

One-Stop Rebuilding Center Now Open for Residents, Business Owners

Photo courtesy of the office of Mayor Karen Bass

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

A One-Stop Rebuilding Center was opened at 1828 Sawtelle Boulevard on Wednesday, February 12—designed to help “Palisades homeowners and business owners rebuild faster.”

The LA One-Stop Rebuilding Center—which was opened at the executive order of Mayor Karen Bass—“creates a single place for Palisadians to go for anything they need from the city when rebuilding their homes or businesses under the expedited and streamlined process.”

“If you’re ready to begin rebuilding, the permits you need are all available here,” Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin—who represents Pacific Palisades—wrote in a statement.

There will be 10 city departments on site that can answer questions and address needs of residents and business owners as they navigate the rebuilding process. City departments have been directed by Bass’ emergency executive director to expedite building permit review/inspections, bypass state CEQA discretionary review, allow building “like for like” and waive city discretionary review processes.

Councilmember Traci Park confirmed in a statement that permits, inspections and approvals are all accessible at the center.

The departments available at the center include Bureau of Street Services, Bureau of Sanitation, Department of Transportation, Department of Water and Power, Housing Department, SoCalGas, Department of Building and Safety, Department of City Planning, Los Angeles Fire Department, Bureau of Contract Administration, and Bureau of Engineering.

“My priority and promise is to help people rebuild their homes and businesses as quickly and safely as possible,” Bass said in a statement. “Our One-Stop Rebuilding Center is a key part of our emergency executive action to streamline and expedite how families can rebuild their homes and their lives.”

The One-Stop Rebuilding Center is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Woolsey Fire Survivors to Host Panel Discussion

Woolsey fire 2018, seen from the Palisades
Photo courtesy of Al Alicea

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Woolsey fire survivors and others will host a panel discussion to share information with residents affected by the Palisades fire on Saturday, February 15, with doors opening at 10:30 a.m. at Santa Monica Public Library, located at 601 Santa Monica Boulevard.

“Please join community groups, local representatives and neighbors for a conversation in which fire survivors who have navigated recovery and rebuilding offer their experience and support to those who have recently lost their homes or otherwise ben impacted,” read a statement about the event.

Panelists will share “practical information” about how the managed the initial recovery stage in an “interactive format,” including debris removal, insurance, FEMA, finding community resources, temporary housing, protecting physical and mental health, school disruption, and permitting and rebuilding.

“Whether you have lost your home and are personally impacted by the wildfires, or would like to offer support to those who are, you are invited,” the statement continued. “Refreshments and coffee will be served.”

For those who cannot attend in person, there will be a virtual Zoom: tiny.cc/MDCevent.

Questions can be directed to 310-924-0591.

LA County Disaster Recovery Centers Remain Open to Support Residents

Services available at the Disaster Recovery Centers
Information courtesy of LA County Recovers

FEMA Assistance Deadline Approaches March 10

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

Disaster Recovery Centers are open and continue to offer support to Los Angeles County residents who have been impacted by the recent wildfires.

Disaster Recovery Centers are currently open to the public from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days per week. There is a West Los Angeles location at UCLA Research Park West (10850 West Pico Boulevard) and a location in Altadena (540 W. Woodbury Road).

There are multiple county departments, as well as state agencies and federal partners, on site to provide support and resources.

“LA County survivors who have damage to their home, personal property or disaster-caused emergency needs due to the wildfires can get in-person assistance at a Disaster Recovery Center,” according to LA County Recovers. “At DRCs, survivors can get help applying for federal assistance, speak to representatives from state and federal agencies, receive updates on the FEMA application for assistance and learn about the appeals process.”

Representatives from different LA County departments are available on site, including the Assessor’s Office, Emergency Response Team, General Relief, Medical Examiner, CalFresh, CalWorks and MediCal. Additional departments include the Department of Public Social Services; Aging and Disabilities; Child Support Services; Children and Family Services; Consumer and Business Affairs; Department of Economic Opportunity; Public Health; Public Social Services; Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk, and more.

State agencies available on-site include the Department of Motor Vehicles, Employment Development Department, California Department of Social Services, California Department of Insurance, California Department of Public Health —Vital Records, California Department of Housing and Community Development, and others.

While parts of the Palisades remain closed to the public, access passes for authorized personnel, including contractors, insurance adjusters, etc., can be obtained at the parking lot of the Disaster Recovery Center between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily.

“We are speeding the state’s recovery from the LA fires in every way we can, including mobilizing state technology experts to help survivors get the help they need from state and federal sources,” Director of the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services Nancy Ward said in a statement.

Residents seeking financial support can request FEMA assistance. The deadline to apply is Monday, March 10—fire victims will lose aid unless they apply by the March 10 deadline.

FEMA is offering individual assistance with its Serious Needs Assistance Grants, a $770 one-time payment for immediate needs “like food, water, hygiene and transportation.”

FEMA is also offering housing assistance.

“The maximum amount a homeowner can receive through the FEMA Individual Assistance grant program for home repair and replacement, and for temporary housing, is up to $43,600,” according to FEMA. “Depending on your situation, substantial rental assistance may also be available.”

Additional assistance may be available “for other needs,” where another $43,600 may be available in the form of a grant from FEMA to cover medical expenses, damage to a vehicle, household items/property, funeral expenses, moving/storage, childcare expenses and more.

Congressmember Brad Sherman is currently urging FEMA to extend its deadline until the end of the year. Updates will be available at palipost.com as they become available.

To apply for FEMA assistance online, visit disasterassistance.gov. More information about the DRCs is available at recovery.lacounty.gov/recovery-centers.

Pacific Coast Highway Remains Closed to Public Ahead of Storms

A map of the closure
Courtesy of Caltrans

Sections of the Palisades Also Remain Closed to the Public Following the Fire

By SARAH SHMERLING and LILY TINOCO

Pacific Coast Highway was closed from Chautauqua Boulevard in Pacific Palisades to Carbon Beach Terrace in Malibu in response to and ahead of storm systems in the area.

The highway reopened one lane in each direction at reduced speeds to the public on February 3 for the first time since the Palisades fire started on January 7 before closing again on February 4 at 3 p.m. ahead of storms in the area that week.

“Out of an abundance of caution, the highway must be closed due to soft soils on both the hill and ocean sides of the road,” Caltrans wrote in a statement. “Mud and debris flows may occur and canyons may overtop, blocking the road or causing further damage.”

Assessments of the road and the potential to reopen were made on Friday, February 7, by Caltrans and Los Angeles County Public Works Department when it was determined that PCH would remain closed “until further notice for safety.”

“Debris flows occurred during this week’s storms, including a significant slide north of Big Rock Drive,” Caltrans reported February 7. “A geotechnical assessment observed slippage along the hill below Porto Marina Way. Slides may also occur in between storms, after the soil has been softened. Additionally, the National Weather Service has predicted moderate risk of heavy rain for February 12 through 14. LACPW’s debris basins are 80% full and must be cleared in advance of next week’s storms.”

Due to the rain, from Thursday, February 13, at 7 a.m. to Friday, February 14 at 2 p.m., the Palisades area will be limited to residents only, according to an emailed statement from Mayor Karen Bass: “Contractors with passes will not be allowed entry, and contractor access passes will not be distributed on Thursday of Friday.

Otherwise, throughout the closures, essential workers—including first responders, recovery agencies and utility companies—have been able to access PCH, with Palisades residents able to access their properties via Chautauqua Boulevard with access passes.

“The following work will be taking place along PCH during the closure: Contractors must place steel plates to protect the slope along Porto Marina Way,” according to Caltrans. “LACPW is hauling out debris. Emergency workers continue clearing debris from the highway. Placement of k-rail at key locations.”

The Palisades fire was declared fully contained on Friday, January 31, and damage inspection teams have completed inspections for all structures within the fire footprint, according to the CAL FIRE website.

The fire started on January 7 at 10:30 a.m. in the Highlands. It is now reported to have burned 23,707 acres.

A total of 6,831 residential and commercial structures have been destroyed as a result of the fire, and an additional 973 have been damaged, according to CAL FIRE.

The Palisades fire prompted evacuation orders the Palisades. Remaining evacuation orders were adjusted on Monday, January 27, so that all residents were able to return to the area.

After community members and stakeholders across the Palisades pushed back against a plan to reopen the area and PCH to the general public on Sunday morning, February 2, at 8 a.m., Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass announced that the plan was amended and PCH’s reopening was delayed one day.

Bass and other city officials first reported during a virtual town hall on Friday, January 31, that the Palisades and PCH would reopen to the general public following the Palisades fire—though “local traffic only” was still encouraged.

Following the meeting, the California National Guard was going to begin winding down its operations over the next 72 hours, being replaced by a “true surge” of six Los Angeles Police Department. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said the department was working to balance the needs of the Palisades with the rest of the city, as they have been in “citywide tactical alert” since the start of Palisades fire on January 7—meaning calls are being answered in the Palisades, but routine calls are not being responded to in other parts of the city. With the departure of the National Guard and its support at places like checkpoints, LAPD was reassessing where to place its resources.

Newsom reported on Saturday, February 1, that additional state law enforcement resources would be deployed to Los Angeles to maintain checkpoints and keep the Palisades closed to non-residents. He also directed the National Guard to remain on standby for rapid deployment—“if conditions require.”

Editor’s note: This story was updated a Thursday, February 13, at 10:15 a.m. with information regarding contractor access on February 13 and 14. 

PPCC, Councilmember Park Host Meeting With Information for Residents With Homes Still Standing

Councilmember Traci Park
Photo courtesy of PPCC

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

Pacific Palisades Community Council hosted a virtual meeting with Councilmember Traci Park on Friday, February 7, with a focus on issues pertaining to residents with homes that are still standing after the Palisades fire.

The meeting—which marked the third in PPCC’s series of special meetings—had over 1,000 attendees. Agency representatives and local officials were invited to provide answers to Palisadians, responding to a sequence of questions.

Assistant Deputy of Monitoring and Analysis at South Coast Air Quality Management District Andrea Polidori addressed air quality in the Palisades, noting that an air-monitoring campaign is currently in the works, pending weather conditions. The first phase of the campaign includes mobile monitoring of air toxins, using different mobile platforms that are capable of measuring toxic metals, such as lead and arsenic.

“The idea is to drive around the repopulation and … measure the concentration of these pollutants in real time,” Polidori explained.

The mobile monitoring will be in place for approximately four weeks, and will help the team determine ideal locations for two to three stationary monitoring sites that will continue to monitor the concentration of different pollutants in the Palisades.

Park addressed clusters of homes that are still standing in the Palisades, but are in close proximity to fire damaged properties—residents had questions about how safe it is to return to their home if it is surrounded by rubble and debris, and how long they may expect to be away from their home.

Colonel Eric Swenson of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which is leading the charge for Phase 2 of debris removal, said the answer is dependent on the residents’ “personal acceptance of risk in [their] neighborhood.”

“If you’re in a situation where you are in a neighborhood, your home is still standing, but you want more clarity about how long it’s going to be until the lots around you are cleared, I would say stay in touch with your other neighbors who live on that street … and work with them,” Park said. “My recommendation to everybody is to sign up for the government program … Help Colonel Swenson spot clusters of complete communities that are demonstrating an interest to get back in … and then you can use their timelines, hopefully, to make some decisions for yourself based on your own personal risk factors and preferences.”

Park then went on to explain that a number of apartment buildings, condos and townhouses in the Palisades are still standing, but residents want to know who is responsible for cleaning and remediating individual units and common areas.

Director of Code Enforcement for the LA Housing Department Robert Galardi said the department is inspecting and following up on complaints for all multi-family rental properties in the city, but to answer residents’ questions: Renters are responsible for their unit’s interior, while landlords and property owners are responsible for common areas and the exterior of the property.

For individuals handling fire-damaged furniture or items, Alex Helou with LA Sanitation advised wrapping furniture in plastic-wrap, calling LA Sanitation—at 1-800-773-2489—and placing it on the curb for it to be picked up free of charge.

On the topic of utilities, Park said Los Angeles Department of Water and Power has been on the ground and making “steady progress” with power in the Palisades. However, Park explained that water is taking more time because of state-mandated testing that has to be completed every 72 hours.

Jonathan Leung with LADWP said there is a system of flushing and testing that needs to be done, which could take weeks, as samples need to be inspected and arising issues need to be addressed.

“I hope you all understand the logic in how we’re trying to progress,” Leung said. “To get all the initial testing done will take about four weeks … We have had a few low-level detections, we’re working with the state regulator on how to address those. We’re hoping those can be addressed at a very localized level that won’t create extensive delays.”

Park concluded the meeting by letting attendees know they are welcome to reach out to her and her team directly with any concerns.

“We’re always happy to help,” she said.

To watch the February 7 special meeting, visit youtube.com/watch?v=WJpafqDSZP8, also available via PPCC’s website: pacpalicc.org.

Pali High Pivots Annual Gala to Fire Relief Benefit, Seeking Sponsors and Donations

Courtesy of Pali High Booster Club

Principal Magee Reports Latest Updates on Campus Reopening 

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

Palisades Charter High School is preparing for its annual gala and auction on Saturday, March 29—this time, with a “new purpose.”

“This year’s event is being reimagined as a ‘benefit’ to provide critical support for students whose resources have been severely impacted,” read a statement shared by the school’s Booster Club, which organizes the event.

The benefit will take place at Luxe hotel  in Brentwood from 6 to 10 p.m., with hors d’oeuvres, a buffet and open bar, as well as a performance by comedian Maz Jobrani and music by DJ Puffs.

“In the wake of the recent fire that has displaced our Pali students and families, we invite the Pali High community to come together for an evening of connection, reflection and support,” read the Booster Club statement. “This community benefit dinner is a chance to reunite, share a meal and find comfort in laughter. As March ushers in spring—a time of renewal—Pali indeed will rise from the ashes.”

This year, funds raised will go toward supporting Pali High’s students and programs, as well as damaged equipment and computers, musical instruments, and more.

“Additionally, the current online learning format lacks critical human-to-human interaction,” the Booster Club explained. “The booster club recognizes the need to offer in-person activities that bring the students together for a sense of normalcy, healing and connection.”

Pali High Booster Club is asking for the greater Los Angeles community’s support: Individuals can help support this year’s event by sponsoring the fundraiser or donating auction items, such as services, gift cards, unique experiences, sport or concert tickets, private lessons, or gift baskets.

“This event is a vital opportunity to come together as a community to support the nearly 3,000 Pali High students from over 100 zip codes who rely on Booster Club-funded programs in arts, academics, athletics, technology and more,” the statement continued. “Now more than ever, your support can make a lasting impact.”

Auction items will be available for bidding beginning March 1 at the gala website. The auction will conclude on March 29.

Tickets for the benefit are also on sale for $195 at the website. There are options available to sponsor teacher and parent tickets, for Pali High teachers and parents who have been directly impacted by the Palisades fire to attend.

In an update posted February 4, Principal Pamela Magee announced that a number of damage assessments and campus walk-throughs have been taking place, and there is a “clearer understanding” of when students and staff may be able to reoccupy the campus.

According to Los Angeles Unified School District’s environmental team, outside consultants and experts, a fall 2025 return to campus is “likely.”

“The extent of the damage to the school, the regulatory process in dealing with the asbestos and lead contamination, the removal of debris, the cleansing of the entire campus, including buildings that did not burn, the athletic fields, and even the surrounding vegetation … all of this must be removed and done so meeting regulatory standards to protect the health of anyone stepping onto our campus,” Magee explained.

Additionally, Magee said it is a goal to have graduation on campus, “so the class of 2025 can walk the green of their home campus in June.”

“However, if this is not an option for any reason, we will find a way to take the class of 2025 to an exciting and memorable site,” Magee said. “These are the stakes in the sand that we have struck to meet, that we are doing all we can to meet … We do not control some factors and may have to adjust timelines. Just know we are committed to an ASAP schedule.”

For more information on this year’s gala and auction, or to make a donation, visit palihighboosterclub.com/gala2025.

Chamber Music Palisades to Present Free Matinee Concert

Courtesy of Chamber Music Palisades

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Chamber Music Palisades will host its next free matinee concert of the season on Sunday, February 23, beginning at 3 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of Santa Monica, which is located at 1008 11th Street.

“Chamber Music Palisades presents ‘An Afternoon Concert’ with music for all ages, featuring piano, flute and violins, introduced by the musicians,” read a flyer.

The concert will feature Hui Wu (piano), Stephanie Yu (violin), Pierre Long-Tao Tang (piano), Susan Greenberg (flute) and Suzanne Snizek (flute). The program is set to include excerpts from Ludwig Van Beethoven’s “Violin Sonata No. 7 in c minor, op. 100,” Francis Poulenc’s “Sonata for flute and piano,” Antonín Dvořák’s “Slavonic Dances, op. 46 for four hands” and more.

The concert is sponsored in part by the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs. Though admission is free, Chamber Music Palisades welcomes donations in person or at cmpalisades.org.

Palisades Symphony Fire Recovery Benefit Concert

Courtesy of Palisades Symphony

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Palisades Symphony will present a Fire Recovery Benefit Concert on Sunday, February 16, at 7:30 p.m. at Westwood United Methodist Church, located at 10497 Wilshire Boulevard.

“Join us for a heartfelt evening as we stand with our neighbors recovering from the devastating fires,” read a statement from Palisades Symphony. “Some Palisades Symphony members lost their homes, making this free Fire Recovery Benefit Concert all the more meaningful. Alexander Wasserman has donated his performance for this cause and will be playing on a grand piano generously provided by Kawai. Donations will help musicians, singers and organizations affected by the fire as we aim to bring hope and healing through music. We invite you to come to this special benefit concert at this challenging time to support the victims of the fire.”

The program is set to include Mykola Lysenko’s “Overture to Taras Bulba,” Edvard Grieg’s “Piano Concerto in A Minor,” Wasserman (soloist) and César Franck’s “Symphony in D minor.”

“Our main concert venue, Palisades Lutheran Church, miraculously survived the fire that surrounded it,” read a statement. “It is being used for relief efforts and may need some repair, so we anticipate performing in alternative venues for some time.”

For more information, visit palisadessymphony.org.