Spruzzo Palisades—located at 538 Palisades Drive in the Highlands—reopened on Thursday, May 1, after being closed for over three months following the Palisades fire.
“We’re reopening because we believe in showing up for the community that’s always shown up for us,” the Spruzzo team said to the Palisadian-Post. “After everything the Palisades has been through, we want Spruzzo to be a place of comfort, connection and great food for everyone rebuilding and moving forward.”
Spruzzo is a “family-friendly,” “Italian-American dining experience,” which serves a “variety of Italian and American dishes.” The full menu, which includes pizza, pasta, salads, chicken, steak and seafood, is available.
The restaurant—a sister location to the eponymous Malibu location—opened at the start of 2022. It is owned and managed by Ryan Gowhari, whose father, Ray, has run the Malibu iteration since 1994.
Following the Palisades fire, which started on January 7, Spruzzo Palisades had a statement available on its website noting that they were “thankful” the space did “not sustain any fire damage,” but, at the time, they were “awaiting the restoration of water and power services.”
They said they were in “ongoing communication with local authorities regarding the timeline for utility restoration” and planned to “provide immediate updates” once they had additional information when they could “safely welcome” customers.
“We appreciate your patience and understanding as our community navigates this difficult situation,” the statement continued. “Our thoughts are with all those affected by these fires.”
Spruzzo Palisades is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Additional restaurants that have reopened in the Palisades as of May 1 include Palisades Garden Café, Chipotle, Moku Sushi, Prima Cantina, Taco Bell, Caffé Delfini, The Golden Bull, MUSE Santa Monica, Giorgio Baldi and Canyon Square.
The Palisades Branch Library lot on April 17 Photo by Sarah Shmerling
By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
Pacific Palisades Library Association has launched a survey for community members to share their “vision for the new Palisades library.”
Some of the questions posed in the survey include “what did you like most about our library?” and “what would make the library even better than before?”
Palisades Branch Library—located at 861 Alma Real Drive—burned in the Palisades fire. Debris removal was completed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, officials announced during a press conference at the site on Thursday, April 17—100 days after the Palisades fire started on January 7.
“This library itself is a symbol of what we’ve lost—yes—but more so of what we’re determined to restore,” Councilmember Traci Park said during the press conference. “Recovery doesn’t happen overnight, and for the families who lost everything, this is not abstract. It’s navigating insurance claims, fighting to get permits, living in limbo and trying to rebuild from scratch, and that’s why we are all laser focused on removing every obstacle standing in the way. We do have a long road ahead, but step by step, we are clearing the way forward, and as long as it takes, I’ll be right here fighting for this community.”
City Librarian John Szabo explained that USACE was given a 30-day window to clear the library parcel, and it was done in six. He acknowledged and thanked Palisades Branch Library Senior Librarian Mary Hopf, Administrative Clerk Roberta Frank and PPLA President Laura Schneider for their advocacy and support of the library and its programming.
Officials are considering a temporary location for library services to resume in the Palisades while work to rebuild the permanent library is underway.
Senator Ben Allen speaks on April 17 at Will Rogers State Beach. Photo by Sarah Shmerling
By SARAH SHMERLING and LILY TINOCO
SB 749—authored by Senator Ben Allen to “extend affordable housing protections for mobile home park tenants in the wake of a natural disaster”—cleared the Senate Housing Committee, the senator announced on Wednesday, April 23.
SB 749 is related to residences in mobile home parks, including places like Palisades Bowl and Tahitian Terrace, both of which burned down in the Palisades fire. Those who own homes in the parks face a different path to rebuilding, as they own the structure on the property, but not the property itself.
“Current law almost disincentivizes the rebuilding of a home park like this, so we are seeking to address this,” Allen explained during a press conference that took place at Will Rogers State Beach on Thursday, April 17.
SB 749 will “expand and clarify” existing affordable housing law to protect against the conversion of land from affordable mobile home park units to market-rate units after a disaster.
“If a park owner is seeking to close or change use of the land, this measure would require the owner to provide notice of opportunities to purchase at fair market rates to resident organizations and qualified entities certified by the Department of Housing and Community Development,” according to a statement.
The qualified entities must have a mission of preserving affordable housing units across California.
SB 749 will next be heard in the Senate Judiciary in “the coming weeks,” according to Allen’s office.
“Mobile homes are the largest source of unsubsidized affordable housing in the nation, and provide important homeownership opportunities for many Californians,” read the statement. “Opportunities to preserve unsubsidized affordable housing are especially important today when the state’s affordable housing funding is oversubscribed and our existing housing stock is under increasing threat from climate disaster.”
LAFD reported ATF testing would take place between April 29 and May 1 along Temescal Ridge Trail between Skull Rock and Green Peak. Map courtesy of LAFD
By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives was slated to conduct “controlled fire testing” in the Highlands area beginning the evening of Tuesday, April 29, through Thursday, May 1, the agency reported on Monday, April 28.
Testing concluded on the morning of April 30, according to Los Angeles Fire Department Spokesperson Lyndsey Lantz.
“A systematic post-test walk-through confirmed all materials were cold and extinguished,” Lantz wrote.
The ATF National Response Team was deployed on Monday, January 13, to investigate the Palisades fire, which began on January 7. ATF Special Agent in Charge (National Center for Explosives Training and Research) Brice McCracken said at the time that “NRT is committed to working closely with our partners to determine the origin and cause of the Pacific Palisades fire.”
Councilmember Traci Park wrote on April 28 that “federal investigators will conduct a controlled fire test … as part of the investigation into January’s devastating fire.” She noted that testing would “probably” begin around 11 p.m.
“While this scientific testing will periodically include open flame in a small area that may be visible at a distance, it does not involve the burning of vegetation,” Los Angeles Fire Department wrote in a statement regarding the testing. “Los Angeles Fire Department personnel will be present before, during and after all testing to ensure public safety and environmental protection.”
The testing took place in the Santa Monica Mountains along Temescal Ridge Trail between Skull Rock and Green Peak, according to LAFD. ATF wrote “the public should avoid the area during this time.”
“During this time period, there is no cause for public concern or need to report the small testing flames that may be periodically visible near Temescal Ridge to 911,” the statement continued. “Due to the remote terrain and logistics, there are no provisions for media or public access, and aircraft/drone pilots are instructed to follow any FAA-issued restrictions for the area.”
The Palisades fire—which grew to 23,448 acres—was first reported near 1190 Piedra Morada Drive at 10:30 a.m. on January 7. It remained active for 24 days before being declared 100% contained on January 31.
A spokesperson for ATF confirmed to the Palisadian-Post on April 28 that its work in the Palisades “remains an ongoing investigation,” with “no timeline at the moment” for its estimated completion.
“ATF is committed to completing a thorough and detailed origin and cause report for the Pacific Palisades fire,” according to the spokesperson.
Editor’s note: This story was updated the morning of May 1 to reflect that fire testing concluded April 30.
Tickets on sale now to see the world’s most popular Monster Jam trucks and best drivers roar into SoFi Stadium once again for the ultimate action-packed event on May 17 to battle in the Stadium Championship Series.
Experience Monster Jam live and become a fan for life with an ultimate day of family fun with another epic action-packed event returning to SoFi Stadium on Saturday, May 17. Get ready to cheer, scream and be amazed as massive Monster Jam trucks and world champion drivers take over Anaheim for a weekend packed with high-flying action and jaw-dropping stunts.
This isn’t just any event—it’s As Big As It Gets where 12,000-pound trucks stand on two wheels and fly through the air in competitions of speed and skill. It’s all happening at Monster Jam, where every moment is unexpected, unscripted and unforgettable.
Feel the Thrill of Full-Throttle Fun Get ready for non-stop excitement as Anaheim roars to life with gravity-defying stunts, heart-pounding races and plenty of big air! The world’s best drivers tear up on the dirt as they battle for the Event Championship in three competitions: Racing, Skills and, everyone’s favorite, Freestyle, where Monster Jam trucks defy the laws of physics and do the impossible. Fans will be right in the middle of the action, helping to crown the Event Champion as they get to score the drivers in real time based on their skills, stunts and saves.
Start the Fun Early at the Monster Jam Pit Party The day of fun starts at the Monster Jam Pit Party on Saturday, where families can get up close and personal with these massive trucks, snap a selfie, meet their favorite drivers and collect autographs. It’s the perfect way to start a day of adrenaline-charged fun, packed with family-friendly activities.
Don’t Miss the Monster Jam Trackside Experience Arrive early and get revved up with Monster Jam Trackside, happening about an hour before the event. It’s packed with driver interviews, pit crew sneak peeks and epic giveaways that’ll get everyone pumped up before the action begins. Then, watch as the opening ceremonies set the stage for non-stop Monster Jam madness!
Meet the Superstars of Monster Jam! These aren’t just any drivers—they’re world-class male and female athletes who have mastered controlling these 12,000-pound beasts. Whether pulling off insane backflips, nailing vertical two-wheel tricks or tearing up the track in all-out racing, these drivers are ready to wow fans with the most mind-blowing live motorsports action around.
The competition is fierce as 12 top drivers battle it out for the Stadium Championship Series West title and a coveted spot in the Monster Jam World Finals in Salt Lake City, Utah, on July 4th weekend. Fans can cheer on their favorites, like Adam Anderson in the legendary Grave Digger; fierce and fearless Kayla Blood driving Sparkle Smash, a six-ton unicorn with a bold attitude; Tristan England driving JCB DIGatron, which was designed in conjunction with JCB’s engineering team and inspired by JCB’s iconic construction equipment.
WHEN: Saturday, May 17
Event Time – 5 p.m.
Pit Party open from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. (Event Ticket and Pit Party Pass required for entry)
WHERE:SoFi Stadium: 1001 S. Stadium Drive, Inglewood, CA 90301
TICKETS: Gravity-defying action, down-to-earth prices! Tickets and Pit Party Passes are now available for purchase online at Ticketmaster.com. Ticket prices subject to change— additional venue/ticketing fees may apply,
TRUCK/DRIVER LINEUP: Grave Digger driven by Adam Anderson; Sparkle Smash driven by Kayla Blood; JCB DIGatron driven by Tristan England; Son-uva Digger driven by Ryan Anderson; Megalodon driven by Todd LeDuc; El Toro Loco driven by Jamey Garner; Monster Mutt driven by Bryce Kenny; Wild Side driven by Zack Garner; Black Pearl driven by Cole Venard; Jester driven by Matt Pagliarulo; Kraken driven by Nick Pagliarulo; and Excaliber driven by Michael Pagliarulo
Senator Ben Allen speaks on April 17 at Will Rogers State Beach. Photo by Sarah Shmerling
Senator Allen speaks during a press conference on April 17 at Will Rogers State Beach. Photos by Sarah Shmerling
Mayor Bass Speaks on Waiving Permit Fees at State of the City Address
By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
With 100 days passing since the start of the Palisades fire, multiple officials provided updates regarding recovery work and legislation, including Mayor Karen Bass at her State of the City Address on April 21.
During the address, Bass announced three new actions regarding Palisades fire recovery efforts, including calling on City Council to pass an ordinance that would “waive all plan check and permit fees so that Angelenos can get home.”
“[The executive action will] direct relevant city departments to work with the City Attorney to prepare an ordinance to waive all permit-related fees to rebuild structures damaged or destroyed in the fires for Council’s consideration,” according to the mayor’s office. “This will be supported by a report by the City Administrative Officer and other relevant departments with recommendations to City Council.”
Bass also announced the city is “establishing a self-certification program,” which is designed to “reduce redundancy in the permitting process,” as well as launching an “initiative to start using innovative AI technology to accelerate and support the city’s permit process.”
“If successful, we will take both of these new initiatives citywide to accelerate building everywhere,” Bass said.
The mayor’s office confirmed they expected to make an announcement in the next week or sooner regarding next steps and availability for the actions.
During the address, Bass called upon several Palisadians to stand for their work as “heroes” through the fire and recovery efforts, including Larry Vein of Pali Strong, Maryam Zar of the Palisades Recovery Coalition, Pacific Palisades Community Council President Sue Kohl and Kevin Chin, who “single-handedly fought the flames and saved people’s lives.”
“The state of our city is this—homelessness is down, crime is down,” Bass said. “These are tough challenges, and they show that we can do so much more. We still have a long way to go. We need a citywide turnaround. We need a fundamental overhaul of city government to deliver the clean, safe and orderly neighborhoods that Angelenos deserve in the place they call home—and to reverse decades of failure on homelessness.”
On the 100-day mark of the fire, Senator Ben Allen facilitated a press conference at Will Rogers State Beach the afternoon of April 17.
Among those who spoke were Councilmember Traci Park, Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, Palisades Bowl resident Jon Brown, Bass, City Attorney Hydee Soto Feldstein, Malibu Mayor Pro Tem Marianne Riggins, County Assessor Jeff Prang, Executive Director of National Stewardship Action Council Heidi Sanborn and Senator Sasha Renée Pérez, who represents the 25th district, including Altadena and areas impacted by the Eaton fire.
Councilmember Traci Park on April 17 at Will Rogers State Beach
“It’s been 100 days of despair, of destruction, but also of resilience, of growth, of rebuilding,” Allen described. “It’s been 100 days of challenge. First of all, the challenge of governance and making sure that people from around the country—indeed, around the world—knew what we were going through, getting the support from leadership in Washington, D.C., and Sacramento.”
Lara spoke on legislation related to insurance that is in the works, noting that he is sponsoring “a comprehensive legislative package” that is “based on” years of insurance town halls, which took place in “every single county in California.”
“This package aims at fixing our broken system,” Lara described. “It expedites payments to survivors, strengthens our consumer protections and implements the most significant regulatory reforms to our insurance market in 30 years.”
One of the pieces of legislation that Lara is sponsoring is SB 495—the “Eliminate the List Act,” authored by Allen. In early February, Lara said he issued a notice to residential property insurance companies in California, urging them to waive detailed inventory requirements to receive pay-outs.
“Most insurers responded positively, offering at least 75% of contents coverage without requiring an itemization, with some even agreeing to 100%,” Lara said. “Well, this action is voluntary for insurers. After these LA fires, we need to ensure that everyone pays 100% of their contents coverage without a detailed inventory list.”
Another piece of legislation Allen authored—SB 749—is related to residences in mobile home parks, including places like Palisades Bowl and Tahitian Terrace, both of which burned down in the fire. Those who own homes in the parks face a different path to rebuilding, as they own the structure on the property, but not the property itself.
“Current law almost disincentivizes the rebuilding of a home park like this, so we are seeking to address this,” Allen said.
The bill, Allen explained, gives the homeowners who are living in the park “a mechanism for the right of first refusal” if the owner of the property wants to close or change its use.
“We want to give them the first opportunity to purchase the property at market or an agreed upon value to preserve the current use as an affordable mobile home park,” Allen continued.
If this is not achieved, the owners of the park would then give the same opportunity to “qualified affordable housing entities or nonprofits,” for a chance to purchase and preserve its use in its current form.
“This would [put] residents and affordable housing advocates … in the driver’s seat to preserve these precious places of land that have preserved affordable housing right here on the coast,” Allen said, “and indeed, hopefully return them to their homes here in the Palisades.”
Palisades Bowl Community Partnership Co-Chair Brown—who asked a few other Palisades Bowl and Tahitian Terrace residents to join him at the podium—spoke at the press conference on their collective experience since the fire began, detailing the difficulty of accessing their homes and not knowing what is next for the parks.
“For us, we’re on day one,” Brown described. “My kids ask me, ‘Dad, when can we go home? When are we going to go home?’ I can’t give them an answer. I have no—I can’t even tell them if we’re ever going to be able to go home, and we need that option.”
Phase 2 Debris Clearance Work Remains Underway, Approximately 60 Properties in City of LA Miss Deadline to Opt In or Out of Government-Run Program
By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
Debris removal at Palisades Branch Library was completed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, officials announced during a press conference at the site on Thursday, April 17—100 days after the Palisades fire started on January 7.
Among those who attended the press conference were Mayor Karen Bass, Councilmember Traci Park, Palisades Branch Library Senior Librarian Mary Hopf and Administrative Clerk Roberta Frank, Pacific Palisades Library Association President Laura Schneider, Colonel Brian Sawser (who was departing his mission in the Palisades, with his role as Commander of the Palisades Emergency Field Office to be filled by Colonel Jeffrey Palazzini) and City Librarian John Szabo.
Bass explained during the press conference that a space like Palisades Branch Library is not typically prioritized during fire debris clean-up, but at her request, along with Park, “We wanted this area prioritized, we made that request and the requested was granted.” Palisades Recreation Center is an additional space that has been prioritized by Bass and Park, with some buildings “partially destroyed” and others “severely damaged.”
Park spoke after Bass, explaining that she had just returned from Lahaina, where she met with officials to learn more about their own recovery efforts following the August 2023 fire.
“While the work is slow and the process often long and painful, it’s hopeful as well,” Park said. “I really want to thank Colonel Brian Sawser and Captain Sheldon Tausch and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Their work here on the grounds in Pacific Palisades has been phenomenal—not only here at the site of our beloved library, but across the entire Pacific Palisades, where now hundreds of lots have been cleared.”
Park spoke about the experience of her and her staff on January 7 and since in the Palisades, saying that in the days following the fire, “we learned that lives had been lost,” as well as “thousands of homes and buildings.”
Mayor Bass at the Palisades Branch Library site on April 17 Photo by Sarah Shmerling
“This library itself is a symbol of what we’ve lost—yes—but more so of what we’re determined to restore,” Park said. “Recovery doesn’t happen overnight, and for the families who lost everything, this is not abstract. It’s navigating insurance claims, fighting to get permits, living in limbo and trying to rebuild from scratch, and that’s why we are all laser focused on removing every obstacle standing in the way. We do have a long road ahead, but step by step, we are clearing the way forward, and as long as it takes, I’ll be right here fighting for this community.”
Szabo explained that USACE was given a 30-day window to clear the library parcel, and it was done in six. He acknowledged and thanked Hopf, Frank and Schneider for their advocacy and support of the library and its programming.
Bass confirmed later in the press conference that rebuilding costs for the library are “100% reimbursable by FEMA.”
Szabo explained Los Angeles Public Library is working to bring an “architectural engineering team on board” to “begin the initial conversations about the building program for this facility.” They are also in talks with City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks to “coordinate a temporary location” to provide service in the interim.
Across the Palisades fire area as of Wednesday, April 23, 1,945 parcels had been cleared of debris, according to USACE. Properties with final sign off had reached 1,297.
There were 99 crews working in the Palisades fire area as of April 23, with a five-day average of sites cleared per day of 56 and the highest number of sites cleared in one day at 66. Tons of debris removed was at 556,026.
Parcels with no opt in or out submitted in the city of Los Angeles was 200 as of April 15—a number that was at 63 on Thursday, April 17, according to City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto in a report given during a press conference at Will Rogers State Beach.
“The federal government can’t just go onto your property without either the property owner’s permission or some kind of legal action,” Soto explained. “We are now down to only 63 properties—and we know what they are—that have not returned the form either allowing or disallowing entry onto the property.”
Those that have opted out, or disallowed entry onto their parcel, “have the obligation to clean up at their own expense,” Soto continued.
“My office is working on a plan to deal with recalcitrant properties who either have not cleaned up the debris correctly or who have not returned the form, and to get the requisite court order to allow us to go in and clean up by way of a nuisance abatement,” Soto said.
When it comes to unincorporated areas, like Sunset Mesa and Topanga, as well as the city of Malibu, at its request, Supervisor Lindsey Horvath introduced a motion that was approved at the start of April regarding next steps for properties that are not responsive to either public or private debris removal. A follow up motion with additional specifics is coming to the Board of Supervisors on May 6.
As of Tuesday, April 22, Constance Farrell, communications director for Horvath’s office, confirmed there are “zero unresponsive properties for unincorporated areas, which includes Sunset Mesa and Topanga.”
Editor’s note: This story was updated on Thursday morning, April 24, to reflect updated lot clearance data received from USACE.
Prima Cantina has reopened its Sunset Boulevard location, effective Thursday, April 24.
“After a long journey since the fires, our doors are finally reopening this Thursday,” Prima Cantina wrote. “Come celebrate with us—cocktails, good vibes and familiar faces await. We can’t wait to see you.”
The restaurant, located at 15246 Sunset Boulevard, has been closed since the Palisades fire started on January 7. Its Santa Monica location has been open and operating.
It is currently open Monday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. “until the party lasts” with a limited version of the menu, marketing specials and “hour hour all day,” including on beer, margaritas and wine.
“As we go, we will adjust the hours and days to be opened,” Prima Cantina General Manager Janne Peifer said, noting the restaurant has a “brand new AC unit with special filters.”
“Prima Cantina is a reflection of the spirit and essence of Baja, California,” according to its website. “Baja is a diverse region both in culture and geography, which inspires our cooking. Our menu blends elements of the deep culinary heritage of mainland Mexico with the lighter, ocean-inspired, unique coastal cooking of the Baja peninsula, fused with the natural, produce-driven approach of California cuisine.”
Prima Cantina is offering “pick up” food options for those who call the store and place a pick up order. When third-party partners inform the restaurant that drivers can return to the Palisades, the restaurant will become available for online ordering.
The restaurant can also host private events after 4 p.m. To schedule, call 424-413-1862.
—SARAH SHMERLING
Editor’s note: This story was updated on Thursday, April 24, to reflect additional information from Prima Cantina regarding its current hours and offerings.
Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has released preliminary results from soil sample testing in and around the Palisades fire area, which revealed “localized chemical impacts” to soil above health-based screening thresholds are present in some areas of the Palisades, but widespread contamination from potentially fire-related chemicals is not evident.
LA County’s soil sampling and analysis—conducted by Roux Inc.—measured for levels of 14 substances that could be present after a wildfire on representative soil samples from different areas in the Palisades.
The provided data is based on the 90% of results available at the time of the report, which was distributed April 10. A final report and analysis is expected to become available in May.
So far the data is from parcels that were “minorly affected,” “not damaged” or “outside the fire boundary.” Data from destroyed properties is still pending.
“Over four weeks from mid-February to mid-March, soil samples were collected from destroyed, damaged and intact properties within the burn areas, as well as from properties just outside, and compared to current residential soil screening level thresholds,” according to Public Health.
Roux sampled soil from 780 parcels between the Palisades and Eaton fires, and reported differences between the two areas in the chemical types found in soil results, with low lead exceedances in the Palisades, but isolated areas of heavy metal and polyaromatic hydrocarbons soil sample exceedances above screening thresholds.
During a Public Health Town Hall on April 10, Dr. Adam Love explained on behalf of Roux that arsenic had the highest exceedance levels in the Palisades.
“A lot of the Palisades area didn’t have high arsenic exceedances at all, but … there was a high percentage of exceedances in a small area to the northeast,” Love said. “Those areas where we see higher arsenic levels don’t appear to be where we could expect to see impacts if it was related to a larger from wildfire smoke.”
Benzo(a)pyrene—a PAH that forms from burning organic matter—was identified in the same area.
“There is something locally in that area that is going on, that we don’t know the answer to yet,” Love said. “But it doesn’t look like something that is impacting the entire Palisades community.”
Love said cadmium was minorly detected throughout the Palisades—with “virtually no detections at all” of cadmium over the residential screening levels, but a hotspot “near the ocean” in the “southwest corner of the Palisades.”
“[Here] we see exceedances of cadmium above the residential screening levels in ways that we don’t see in any other part of the Palisades area,” Love explained. “But [it] doesn’t seem to be indicative of a larger wildfire impact.”
The overall exceedance for lead in the Palisades is approximately 5%, which Love said is “normal for an urban area.” There is no focus area where lead levels are higher than any place else in the Palisades.
“If levels exceed the screening thresholds, it does not automatically mean cleanup is required, but it suggests the need to consider additional evaluation,” according to Public Health. “This assessment provides a representative analysis of the soil in areas and under different conditions impacted by the fires. The reported results are not intended to imply cleanup or specific remediation is necessary; rather, the results identify areas potentially requiring additional evaluation.”
Individual parcels may have “unique factors” that would result in differences compared to the representative samples, according to Public Health. Residents with concerns about their specific property are encouraged to consult an environmental professional about evaluating their property.
“In all areas with on-going fire debris, residents are reminded to take precautions to not inhale, ingest or come into contact with ash, soot and/or fire debris by using appropriate personal protective equipment,” according to Public Health. “Additionally, community members are encouraged to review the soil sampling results and consider taking appropriate precautions if your home is in one of the areas where soil sample screening thresholds have been exceeded.”
Noting Public Health wanted to get the preliminary data out quickly, Love said a more detailed map of exceedances, potentially with street names, would be released in the future.
Public Health is offering free blood lead testing for individuals concerned about exposure to lead. Individuals can schedule a free appointment at a Quest Lab by calling 1-800-LA-4-LEAD.
“Testing is fast, free, confidential and does not require insurance,” according to Public Health.
Speaking at Palisades Recreation Center on April 10 Photo courtesy of the office of Mayor Karen Bass
By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass—along with LA Strong Sports, Steadfast LA and other groups—announced on April 10 the launch of a public-private partnership that will fund, redesign and rebuild Palisades Recreation Center following damage sustained in the January fire.
Built in 1947, Palisades Recreation Center was the first post-war civic building built in the area, designed by architects Bennett and Bennett. Throughout the years, Palisades Recreation Center has served as a hub of community and recreational activities, including several sports leagues, events like Eggstravaganza and Spooktacular, and Park Advisory Board meetings.
The facility faced “severe” damage during the Palisades fire, and Bass has pledged to “eliminate any and every obstacle in the way of rebuilding.”
“The Palisades Recreation Center, library and playground are each a vital piece of this community, which is why the city pushed for the Army Corps of Engineers to prioritize debris removal at these landmarks,” Bass said in a statement. “We will continue this progress, and I thank everyone—LA Strong Sports, Steadfast LA and key Palisades groups—for coming together for this new effort.”
LA Strong Sports was formed by JJ and Chelsea Redick, Charles and Jenna Jackson, and Kylee Kilgore to build and sustain sports, recreation facilities and programs in LA in the aftermath of the wildfires.
“We visited the Pali Rec Center the same day we decided to move to the Palisades,” JJ and Chelsea Redick said in a statement. “That visit showed us not only how important the park was as a physical space, but how the people and families who took advantage of it made up the beating heart of the community.”
“We’ve always felt strongly about taking action to create and support things that allow people to feel rooted and thrive in their communities,” Charles and Jenna Jackson added. “As Palisades residents, we know that the Pali Rec Center made that possible for us and for our neighbors and friends. Rebuilding it alongside these key community leaders so it can serve as a place to foster growth and opportunity is exactly the kind of initiative we’re excited to support.”
Steadfast LA—led by Rick Caruso—launched in February to assemble the “expertise, influence and power” of the private sector to expedite the rebuilding of the communities destroyed by the wildfires. Doing so will reportedly cut through delays and develop solutions with real estate, finance and construction departments, and others.
Steadfast LA reported it is currently working with a number of entities, including representatives from Gensler, CBRE, Parsons, Esri, Latham & Watkins LLP, and more—“all with experience building some of the most impactful places and spaces in the world,” according to a statement.
“This public-private partnership to rebuild the Rec Center with the city and in collaboration with civic leaders, local groups and industry experts demonstrates the vision of Steadfast LA in action,” Caruso said. “By bringing the public sector, the private sector and the community together to do this, we’re not only restoring an integral part of the Palisades, but we’re showing how we can effectively respond to this tragedy with the urgency that the moment demands. We intend to follow a similar approach on our projects in Altadena and Malibu as well.”
According to LA Strong Sports and Steadfast LA, early design plans have been created in collaboration with local groups—including the Pali Community Center Committee, LA Parks Foundation, Pali Strong, Pali 4 Pali, and Rec Center stakeholders Jimmy Dunne and Bob Benton.
“The coalition—which includes Gensler, a globally renowned architecture and design firm, and Latham Watkins LLP, one of the world’s leading law firms—has spent hours meeting with these groups and individuals to shape the preliminary vision for a revitalized Rec Center that honors its legacy and builds toward the future,” according to a statement.
Community input will continue to be solicited to refine and expand on the current plans.
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