By SARAH SHMERLING and LILY TINOCO

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 Tuesday morning, 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.

“CAL FIRE Incident Management Team 2 has transitioned command of the incident back to the Los Angeles City Fire Department,” according to CAL FIRE. “Cal OES will be overseeing the recovery effort of affected communities and restoration of services.”

A disaster recovery center is open for residents affected by the wildfire from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at UCLA Research Park West: 10850 West Pico Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90064.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

A portion of Pacific Coast Highway will be closed beginning Tuesday, February 4, at 3 p.m. ahead of upcoming storms due to possible debris flow, Caltrans reported.

“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.”

The California Department of Transportation is coordinating with Los Angeles County Public Works Department on the closure, which extends from Chautauqua Boulevard in Pacific Palisades to Carbon Beach Terrace in Malibu.

Throughout the closure, the road will be accessible by essential workers, including first responders, recovery agencies and utilities companies. Residents with “appropriate passes” will be able to access the Palisades via Chautauqua, according to Caltrans.

There are two storm systems expected to come through the area. Assessments of the road and the potential to reopen will be made on Friday, February 7.

PCH had reopened on Monday, February 3, to the public for the first time since the Palisades fire began on Tuesday, January 7.

” … It’s necessary to close during these storms due to hills made bare from the recent fires and to protect motorists,” the agency wrote. “Caltrans aims to to allow people to return to their properties to continue their work on slope restoration and property repairs that allows for safe rebuilding.”

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Pacific Palisades Community Council will host a special virtual meeting regarding the recovery process following the Palisades fire on Tuesday, February 4, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Guest speakers include city of Los Angeles Chief Recovery Officer Steve Soboroff and Congressmember Brad Sherman. Councilmember Traci Park has also been invited to speak, according to the email PPCC sent February 2.

“The speakers will each provide information on the recovery process going forward,” PPCC wrote. “There will be an opportunity for attendees to submit written questions in the meeting Q&A.”

PPCC hosted a special meeting with various local officials on January 23 that quickly reached a 1,000-person capacity. The organization has since increased attendance capacity for its Zooms, and now there is no limit.

For more information, including a link to the Zoom, visit the PPCC website.

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

After community members and stakeholders across Pacific Palisades pushed back against the reopening of the area and Pacific Coast Highway to the general public on Sunday morning, February 2, at 8 a.m., Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass announced that the plan has been amended and delayed one day.

Bass and other city officials first reported during a virtual town hall on Friday, January 31, that the Palisades and Pacific Coast Highway 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.”

Beginning on Monday, February 3, LAPD will transfer responsibility for the Palisades checkpoints to CHP and the National Guard, which will allow LAPD to “increase its service citywide while also keeping the Palisades secure.”

Bass sent a statement on Saturday evening, February 1, with information about what residents can expect:

• “Checkpoints and proof-of-residence or entry pass will still be required to enter the Palisades.
• On Sunday, February 2, resident and contractor access passes can be obtained at 1150 Pacific Coast Highway (Lot 3) in the City of Santa Monica between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
• Contractors are allowed in the fire area and are required to provide identification and proof that they have been hired by specific residents within the impacted areas.
• Contractors must report to the check-in area (Lot 3) each day to be granted access and will be provided a pass to enter.
• PCH will reopen one lane in each direction at reduced speeds on Monday, February 3. Local traffic only is encouraged. New locations to obtain resident and contractor access passes will be announced Sunday, February 2.”

Passes for residents and authorized contractors can now be picked up at the Disaster Recovery Center parking structure in Westwood (10850 Pico Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90064) and West LA Civic Center second floor (1645 Corinth Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90025) between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Councilmember Traci Park pushed back on the reopening of the Palisades during the meeting, citing that increased traffic in the area could lead to an increase in crime and difficulties for residents who are just now beginning to return to their properties, but agreed that PCH needs to be reopened for residents and workers to be able to navigate the city.

“This still feels premature,” Park said. “From the toxic environment and damaged roads and infrastructure to roads and landslides and debris flows to the need to keep our roadways clear for all of the utility workers and the hundreds more who will be on the ground in coming days. It seems to me that this area remains a disaster zone, and I don’t think anyone should be up there without a legitimate reason.”

As news spread of the amended plan, community entities shared their gratitude to Park for her efforts.

“Thank you Councilwoman Traci Park for going to bat for our community,” Pacific Palisades Residents Association said on Instagram. “Palisades residents are so grateful to you for being our voice.”

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Pacific Palisades and Pacific Coast Highway will reopen to the general public—though “local traffic only” is still being encouraged—effective Sunday, February 2, at 8 a.m., Mayor Karen Bass and other city officials reported during a virtual town hall on Friday, January 31.

(Editor’s note: The plan was amended on Saturday evening, February 1, with updates available at the Palisadian-Post.)

Over the next three days, the National Guard will be winding down its operations, being replaced by a “true surge” of six Los Angeles Police Department supervisors and 66 officers present for every 12-hour shift, in addition to 31 license plate readers.

LAPD, District Attorney Nathan Hochman and City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto confirmed during the town hall that there will be a “zero tolerance policy” for crime, including looting and price gouging, and people will be prosecuted and sentenced to the full extent of the law, which they collectively hope will serve as a deterrent for criminals who would otherwise be attracted to the area at this time.

Councilmember Traci Park pushed back on the reopening of the Palisades during the meeting, citing that increased traffic in the area could lead to an increase in crime and difficulties for residents who are just now beginning to return to their properties, but agreed that PCH needs to be reopened for residents and workers to be able to navigate the city.

“This still feels premature,” Park said. “From the toxic environment and damaged roads and infrastructure to roads and landslides and debris flows to the need to keep our roadways clear for all of the utility workers and the hundreds more who will be on the ground in coming days. It seems to me that this area remains a disaster zone, and I don’t think anyone should be up there without a legitimate reason.”

LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said the department is working to balance the needs of Pacific 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 is reassessing where to place its resources. Critical infrastructure sites, like banks and Palisades Charter High School, will continue to be closely monitored, McDonnell said, and an incident command post will remain at Will Rogers State Beach.

McDonnell said he spoke with Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, as Malibu and other areas have been open for a week. He said the department has not seen an uptick in crime or non-resident/hired services in the areas they serve.

Speaking on behalf of Caltrans, Lauren Wonder explained that PCH would be open with one lane in each direction between Carbon Teach Terrace and McClure Tunnel, with an adjusted speed limit of 25 MPH and red-flashing lights at signals. She said she expected “highly congested traffic,” and for those who do not need to be in the area to avoid it so that residents have easier access.

Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Director of Water Quality Jonathan Leung confirmed that pressure has been stable for a week, so there should be running water service, but the “do not drink” notice remains in effect.

Hundreds of samples from all corners of the area will need to be tested, Leung explained, with possible further remediation efforts, which, in total, could take a “few weeks.” He said the department is “working to restore as soon and as safely as possible.”

LADWP’s John Vanacore reported that over 4,000 customers have had power restored, with 700 poles fixed and 600 to 1,000 more estimated to be repaired next week. He noted that residents may notice poles in places where they were not previously, which he said are temporary to get power to more customers as quickly as possible. 

Once PCH and the Palisades reopen on Sunday, a curfew will no longer be enforced and those coming to the area—whether residents or contractors, cleaning services etc.—will not need a pass.

The Palisades fire first began on Tuesday, January 7, prompting evacuation orders across the community. Some residents were first able to return to the area as of Monday, January 27.

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass will host a virtual community meeting the afternoon of Friday, January 31, beginning at 3 p.m. regarding plans to “safely lift restrictions in the Palisades.”

Bass will be joined by Councilmember Traci Park, City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto, District Attorney Nathan Hochman and Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell.

“I am committed to providing you with accurate, up-to-the-minute information as we move forward on recovery,” Bass wrote in an emailed statement, “and I hope you will join us this afternoon.”

Those who are interested in signing up to receive a link to the meeting can register here.

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

Pacific Palisades Community Council hosted a special meeting on Thursday, January 23, inviting local officials to speak regarding recovery following the Palisades fire.

The three-hour meeting quickly reached capacity—with 1,000 people joining the Zoom and many more in the waiting room. A full recording of the meeting is available through the PPCC website.

“We are working on different options to increase attendance capacity at future fire recovery meetings,” PPCC confirmed.

PPCC President Sue Kohl began the meeting, speaking on the profound loss of homes and community due to the Palisades fire.

“It’s completely heartbreaking and devastating for all of us, our town has been decimated,” Kohl said. “The fire might destroy our homes and our buildings, but there is no way that our Palisades community could ever be destroyed. We are too strong, too resilient and too intent on coming back. We will support each other every step of the way, and we will stand together in this enormous effort to rebuild, and to bring back everything we lost and everyone we love.”

Kohl then introduced the first speaker, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who expressed her condolences before stating her commitment to rebuilding the Palisades “completely.”

“I am committed to making sure that Palisades comes back, and that we’re going to stand together as a community,” Bass said.

Bass said she is dedicated to being a part of community conversations, and to answer any questions residents may have.

“I think one of the most important things that I can do—and we can do—is to be in constant communication,” she said. “It is so easy for misinformation and confusion and rumors to take over, and if we stand strong with your organizations, we will be able to overcome that. I will always be accessible to you.”

Councilmember Traci Park shared a similar message, and encouraged attendees to be vigilant and aware of predatory practices.

“You may get calls or texts from businesses you’ve never heard of … take advice from people you know [and] you trust, if you need help,” Park said. “You need to know your rights and your benefits. Don’t make hasty decisions right now.”

Park explained that city offices will “eventually” be set up in the Palisades to get permits issued quickly. If individuals decide to build “like-for-like”—meaning rebuilding their house similar to the original footprint—they will be given a “rubber stamp” of approval for their plans.

Park also emphasized a focus on getting Palisades Branch Library, Palisades Recreation Center and parks rebuilt as soon as possible.

She also confirmed during the meeting that she has stepped away from her role of chair of the city’s Olympics committee, instead leading an ad hoc committee for LA Recovery: “That work, and the work ahead, is where my heart is now.”

Palisades Charter High Principal Dr. Pamela Magee provided updates about the school, which has temporarily shifted instruction online. She reported that the school hopes to have a satellite location secured in the “short-term future.”

“Students really do want to be together,” Magee said.

Additional speakers included Los Angeles Unified School District Board Member Nick Melvoin, Chief of Los Angeles Police Department Jim McDonnell, County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, District Attorney Nathan Hochman, Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley, Congressmember Brad Sherman’s office, State Senator Ben Allen and CAL FIRE.

The speakers also responded to questions that were collected ahead of the meeting, delivered by Chris Spitz, PPCC at-large representative. Spitz said that 50 or so questions—14 pages worth—were forwarded to the speakers ahead of time so they could incorporate answers into what they reported.

Spitz read a text she received ahead of the meeting to begin the Q&A portion of the meeting.

“We need to hear, when can we go back?” Spitz started. “When will the utilities be fixed? When are the lots going to be cleared? What are we going to do to get the schools rebuilt? And when can the businesses start rebuilding? That is fundamentally what a lot of people want to know.”

Park first responded, saying that her office has received many of the same questions, but certainty was “difficult to come by,” saying that she shares the frustration, but that the city was “still really very much in emergency response mode at this time.”

Looking to the future, PPCC said it plans to hold a series of additional special meetings “very soon” with “more information from key agencies related to the fire and recovery.”

“These meetings are in the planning stage,” according to the organization. “Stay tuned for more information.”

For additional information, including links to future meetings, visit the PPCC website.

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

Remaining zones under evacuation orders following the Palisades fire were amended on Monday, January 27, to allow all Pacific Palisades residents to return to their properties for the first time since the fire broke out on January 7.

Residents can now pick up an entry pass from Los Angeles Police Department and enter the Palisades independently between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. at Lot 3 Beach Access (1150 Pacific Coast Highway). A curfew remains in place from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“Thanks to the tireless efforts of our public safety, public works and utilities partners—as of … [Monday, January 27] all of the Pacific Palisades will be opened for resident reentry,” Councilmember Traci Park said in a statement. “This is a watershed moment, and I want to thank you all for your patience to allow these workers to clear major hazards.”

Access along Pacific Coast Highway will be limited to residents only. Law enforcement will verify residency at the traffic control point on PCH at Carbon Beach for residents traveling east/south on PCH, as well as Chautauqua Boulevard and PCH.

Individuals in the Highlands were asked to be patient as there may be delays re-entering, as Palisades Drive only had one lane of traffic open, due to the rain.

The 23,448-acre fire destroyed over 6,800 structures and damaged over 1,000 others, according to CAL FIRE. The fire was at 95% containment as of Wednesday, January 29.

Contractors will also be allowed in the fire area to conduct assessment work.

“Contractors will be required to provide identification and proof that they have been hired by specific residents within the impacted areas,” according to CAL FIRE. “Contractors must report to the check-in area—Lot 3—to be granted access and will be provided a pass to enter.”