By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

The parking lot at Will Rogers State Beach in Pacific Palisades will be used as a temporary site for household hazardous materials to be processed, multiple agencies announced in a statement on Wednesday, February 5.

Under executive orders, EPA has been tasked with conducting the first phase—Household Hazardous Waste Removal—of what is being described as a two-phase cleanup process. The first phase involves “assessing and safely removing hazardous materials,” including paints, cleaners, pesticides, fuel, propane tanks, batteries and more from impacted parcels.

“The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is working with the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, the California Environmental Protection Agency, the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, California State Parks, and the city and county of Los Angeles to assist in the safe removal of household hazardous materials from properties damaged by the Palisades fire,” according to the February 5 statement. “This necessary action helps speed up debris removal on properties destroyed by the wildfire and will enable residents to rebuild their homes faster.”

Household hazardous materials will be collected and transported from nearby properties to the parking lot at Will Rogers State Beach to be “consolidated, securely packaged and safely loaded” to be transported to either a permanent disposal or recycling facility. The parking lot was selected because it is “flat, open land close to the damaged properties that require debris removal.”

“All agencies are working closely to complete this critical recovery work safely and efficiently,” according to EPA. “The temporary processing site is closed to the public, and EPA is using best management practices to process any hazardous household material and keep it contained within the facility. Throughout this process, EPA will conduct air monitoring to ensure that operations in and around the site are health protective.”

The parking lot at Will Rogers State Beach is owned by California State Parks and operated by Los Angeles County for over five decades through an agreement.

Councilmember Traci Park—who represents Pacific Palisades—shared a statement following the announcement about the site.

“The EPA has decided to use Will Rogers State Park as a sorting, staging and storage site for hazardous materials from the Palisades burn area,” Park wrote. “While cleanup is crucial, we must protect our fragile coastal ecosystems. No beach or coastal waterway—Palisades, Topanga or anywhere else—should be used to sort, stage or store toxic debris. I have called on the EPA to hold an informational session so you can get answers about this decision and what safeguards are in place.”

The announcement about the parking lot being used as a staging area came two days after a special Malibu City Council meeting, during which residents and elected officials expressed concern after EPA was considering opening a site on a lot in Malibu, as reported by The Malibu Times.

“The City of Malibu is grateful to California State Parks and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for working together to accelerate wildfire recovery efforts,” Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart said in a statement. “The addition of a second temporary EPA processing site at Will Rogers State Beach parking lot is an important step in ensuring hazardous materials are removed safely and efficiently, helping impacted residents move forward in rebuilding their homes. As recovery efforts progress, we remain committed to advocating for safeguards that protect our coastal environment and the health of our residents. We will continue working with our federal, state and local partners to ensure this process is carried out with transparency, safety, and care for our community.”

The Will Rogers State Beach parking lot site joins a staging area located at the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Topanga Canyon Boulevard, which is also owned by California State Parks.

Assessments of parcels by EPA began on January 16, with removal beginning the week of January 27. Residents can check the status of their homes and verify if the first phase is complete by visiting epa.gov/ca/2025-california-wildfires or calling 1-833-798-7372.

Phase two—Comprehensive Debris Removal Program—can begin at a parcel when phase one is complete. Residents have two options for phase two: opting-in to the county’s debris removal program, which is being led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Colonel Eric Swenson at no cost, or opting-out of the county-run program and hiring a private contractor.

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

The California Department of Insurance and Commissioner Ricardo Lara hosted a Los Angeles County Virtual Wildfire Insurance Town Hall on Thursday, January 30.

Lara told attendees his focus has been to ensure wildfire survivors get the insurance benefits they are entitled to as soon as possible.

“All eyes are on the insurance companies, and I want all claims to be paid fully, fairly and quickly,” Lara said.

Insurance companies have been ordered to provide advance payments on insurance claims to speed up the process, according to Lara. At the time of the meeting, Lara said over 14,000 claims had been partially paid—amounting to $4.2 billion paid to wildfire survivors.

Additional actions in place include a one-year non-renewal moratorium for residential policies within or adjacent to wildfire perimeters; a request to all insurers to forego any pending residential policy non-renewals/cancellations received by homeowners before the fires started; and a request to all insurers to exceed a current 60-day grace period law for all affected policyholders to pay their home insurance premiums.

Lara also explained that, effective January 7, State Farm suspended non-renewals for homeowners and commercial policies of all its LA County customers, with pending non-renewals or cancellations.

“This pause of non-renewals and cancellations, we know, is a temporary band-aid, but it gives breathing room to survivors while they work on rebuilding their lives and recover from these devastating fires,” Lara said. “It is also representing another step forward in helping address the insurance availability crisis currently facing our state.”

Deputy Commissioner of Consumer Services Tony Cignarale then discussed the different stages of the claims process, including where individuals should begin.

Individuals should review their insurance policies and understand what they cover. Cignarale advised individuals to make their claims—and quickly.

“The sooner you file your claim, the sooner you get put into the queue … and go down the path of getting all your benefits paid,” he said.

Cignarale also advised individuals to track all living expenses for the duration they are displaced.

“Make sure you save all your receipts for everything: extra transportation, extra food costs … hotels, Airbnbs, whatever it may be,” he said, “and turn them in to your insurance company.”

Additionally, individuals should be documenting all conversations with their insurance companies or adjusters—including calls, emails and letters. Doing so will help keep a timeline of the claim.

Individuals should be wary of fraud, and cautious of people or companies offering quick settlements.

“Some precautions you can take is to verify credentials, check licenses of anyone you consider hiring, including public adjusters and contractors,” Department of Insurance Regional Supervising Investigator Amy Madrigal said during the meeting. “Read contracts carefully, and take your time to understand any fees and services included. Try to take your time. This is a very stressful event.”

Lara said future workshops and more town halls will be planned as the rebuilding process continues.

For more information, visit insurance.ca.gov. A complete recording of the town hall is available here.

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.