Councilmember Mike Bonin Responds to Palisades Fire on Nov. 8

Dear Friends,

Your safety is my paramount concern and I take yesterday’s incident extremely seriously.

I am pleased to inform you that we have already made progress strategically improving the way we protect your neighborhood. As you know, a few weeks ago, we began installing no camping/no trespassing signage that allows enforcement in the area. Earlier today, I spoke with LAPD Deputy Chief Beatrice Girmala, Commanding Officer of Operations West Bureau, and asked that she work with the Fire Department to increase patrols of the canyons so we can ensure people are not illegally camping and we can prevent the next fire before it starts.

Deputy Chief Girmala sprung into action and working with West LA Division Captains Tina Nieto and Darryl Ito, as well as Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Pat Butler, LAPD is immediately taking the following actions to better protect our community:

– LAPD’s Air Support Division’s Special Flights Unit will photograph the area in detail so we can track enforcement efforts and develop actions plans.

– LAPD will patrol the area a minimum of twice daily. Deputy Chief Girmala has committed to me that she will personally review patrol logs to ensure these patrols are taking place.

– LAPD will prepare and distribute informational flyers warning of increased enforcement efforts to come and the LAPD’s intent to conduct a robust citation and arrest program for violators.

– LAPD West Division’s transient detail will increase focus on the area.

– Planning has begun for several LAPD Task Force operations to be conducted in conjunction with the Department of Recreation and Parks, Park Rangers, the Fire Department and social service providers. These operations will help connect people illegally camping in canyons with available resources.

In addition to these immediate actions by LAPD, I am also working with LAFD Deputy Chief Butler, the Pacific Palisades Homelessness Task Force, park rangers and private security to develop an even more robust system to patrol and keep these areas clear. The PPTFH and its chair Maryam Zar have been incredible partners, driving this process and making sure government agencies stay responsive to community needs and focused on solutions and problem solving.

Thank you for your partnership in putting the safety of our neighborhood first.

Regards,

Mike