By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

A community town hall meeting will take place on Thursday, January 16, regarding the Palisades fire, Los Angeles Police Department Senior Lead Officer Brian Espin wrote in an emailed statement on the evening of January 15.

The town hall— which will “provide critical updates regarding the current operational status of the fire and the transition into the recovery stage”—will be at Sinai Temple, located at 10400 Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles. It will begin at 6:30 p.m.

The agenda includes updates on firefighting efforts and containment progress, an overview of the recovery process and resources available to the community, and questions from the public that will be addressed by Palisades fire representatives and other incident command staff, according to County of Los Angeles Fire Department Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone.

“Community members can submit questions to incident staff in the foyer of the Ziegler Sanctuary before the meeting,” Marrone wrote in the statement. “Questions will be answered during the designated Q&A session.”

The seating capacity is between 1,000 and 1,500 people, according to Espin. The town hall will also be available via livestream.

“This will be in lieu of the press conference,” Espin said.

The Palisades fire, which first began on January 7 near 10:30 a.m., has burned through 23,713 acres and is 21% contained as of January 15 at 8:05 p.m.

By LILY TINOCO
Assistant Editor

Los Angeles County has launched a preliminary damage assessment map of Pacific Palisades, identifying properties as damaged, destroyed, inaccessible or untouched by the Palisades Fire.
The interactive map allows users to input a specific address to find a property. In many cases, photos of the property are uploaded.
“Preliminary maps showing damage assessments have been posted but are incomplete and being updated daily,” according to LA County. “If there is not a color icon on your address, it means a building has not yet been inspected.”

For more information, visit recovery.lacounty.gov/palisades-fire.

This Page Will be Updated as the Palisadian-Post Continues to Monitor Operations

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

As the Palisades Fire continues, Los Angeles Unified School District and local school officials have provided updates for impacted Pacific Palisades schools and students.
As of Thursday, January 23, the Palisades Fire—which broke out on Tuesday, January 7—has burnt through 23,448 acres and is at 72% containment. CAL FIRE has reported that over 6,000 structures in the Palisades have been damaged or destroyed, including homes, businesses and schools.

Los Angeles Unified School District Updates
Sunday, January 12—LAUSD reported it is working “tirelessly” on clean-up efforts and collaboration with local authorities to restore “normal” school schedules and instruction as quickly as possible.
“However, there are some schools in the highest impact areas that may remain closed due to adverse conditions,” LAUSD reported. “Impacted schools will notify families and employees.”
On Sunday, January 12, LAUSD announced they were preparing Brentwood Elementary Science Magnet and Nora Sterry Elementary for both Palisades and Marquez Charter Elementary school employees and students.

Tuesday, January 14—LAUSD released an update regarding reopening plans, with a focus on a “return to normalcy.”
The district announced temporary relocations for the remaining schools that have been closed, including Topanga Elementary, Canyon Charter Elementary and Paul Revere Middle School.

Palisades Charter Elementary School
Sunday, January 12—On Saturday, January 11, Pali Elementary announced the school had suffered significant damage due to the Palisades fire, and is no longer safe or suitable for students or staff.
The school announced that it would be co-locating to Brentwood Science Magnet through the remainder of the school year, with classes slated to resume Wednesday, January 15.
“This means we will share a campus with students at Brentwood,” the school shared to Instagram. “Each Pali teacher will have their own classroom with the same roster of students we have had since the start of the school year.
“We aim for Palisades Charter students to start at this new location within the next week, depending on when schools reopen.”
The school hosted a town hall meeting on Monday, January 13, at 12 p.m., exclusively for Pali Elementary families to ask questions and discuss a path moving forward.
Families were also invited to visit Brentwood Science Magnet on Tuesday, January 14, at 2 p.m. for a “Pali Picnic” on campus.
“This will be a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community and get acquainted with our new home,” Pali Elementary wrote.
“Our district team has been working tirelessly to prepare all 19 classrooms to create a warm, safe and ready environment for our students,” Pali Elementary explained. “This transition comes with many moving parts, and we understand the emotions that come with such a sudden shift.
“Rest assured, your Palisades Charter Elementary family will be welcomed with open arms at Brentwood and we are committed to making this transition as seamless and supportive as possible.”

Marquez Charter Elementary
Monday, January 13—A LAUSD representative confirmed to the Palisadian-Post that Marquez students would be relocated to Nora Sterry Elementary in Los Angeles.
When asked if there was a date in place for students to begin at Nora Sterry, LAUSD said, “Our goal is for as quickly as possible while ensuring the safety of students.”

Tuesday, January 14—LAUSD said Marquez students and staff would begin classes at Nora Sterry Elementary on Wednesday, January 15.

Canyon Charter Elementary
Tuesday, January 14—LAUSD announced that Canyon Charter Elementary would temporarily relocate to Brockton Elementary School.

Seven Arrows Elementary
Monday, January 13—Seven Arrows revealed that it was unknown what damage the campus had faced, and the “uncertainty weighs heavily.”
“Once it is safe to return to the Palisades and we have assessed the extent of the damage, we will communicate when it will be safe to resume in-person schooling,” Seven Arrows Leadership Team wrote.

Topanga Elementary
Tuesday, January 14—LAUSD announced that Topanga Elementary would temporarily relocate to Woodland Hills Academy.

Village School
Monday, January 13—Village School announced that it would be working to assess the damage to its facilities and “actively seeking alternative spaces to continue [the] school year.”
“The safety of our families and the continued education of our children remain our top priorities,” Village School wrote.
The school asked that families check their emails regularly for updates.

Corpus Christi School: No updates are available at this time.

Calvary Christian School
Thursday, January 16—Calvary Christian School announced plans to relocate for the remainder of the academic school year, and “reunite [the] community as soon as possible.”
The school will be relocating to The Water Gardens, located at 1620 26th Street in Santa Monica.
“This 17-acre property offers us over 60,000 square feet of space across three floors,” the school explained. “Unlike many other properties we considered, which would have required extensive renovations, this space is nearly turnkey.
“While some adjustments will be necessary to make it suitable for a school, we believe these changes can be made in a more timely manner.”
Calvary Christian School said the plan is to resume in-person classes by the beginning of February.
Meanwhile, clean-up efforts will be underway at the Pacific Palisades campus in preparation for a reopening in the fall.
Calvary Christian School asks students and families to let the school know their plans for the short- and long-term, as some families may be making other plans or considering relocating.
Families can do so by filling out the school’s Intent to Return to School Survey at
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScQc0y3o-n-CnHGfI1gt0VbbZX6NSL0ek14Bt8Ea2ea-pF-BQ/viewform.

St. Matthew’s Parish School
Monday, January 13—St. Matthew’s Parish School said reunification can be expected “once it is safe to return.”
“Together, we will rebuild our campus to reflect the strength of our community,” Head of School Alley Michaelson wrote.

Westside Waldorf School
Monday, January 13—On Friday, January 10, Westside Waldorf revealed its McComb Pacific Palisades Campus was destroyed in the Palisades fire.
“The entire campus for grades one through eight, including the woodshop where the heights of every student have been lovingly marked on the wall, has been lost,” the school wrote. “As the remaining fires burn out, we will assess the damage to the Early Childhood structures that are still standing.”
As of Saturday, January 11, Westside Waldorf announced plans to resume classes, beginning Monday, January 13.
Early childhood preschool and kindergarten classes would resume Monday, January 13, at the school’s O’Neill Santa Monica campus.
First through third graders are slated to resume beginning Tuesday, January 14, at the school’s O’Neill Santa Monica campus.
Fourth through seventh graders will resume classes on Tuesday, January 21, at a temporary location in Mar Vista.
“To allow time to properly prepare this new space, we need one week before reopening,” Westside Waldorf wrote. “Grades four through seven will be at a beautiful vacant home in Mar Vista, generously shared by one of our families. The home has wonderful indoor and outdoor space for our children to enjoy.”

Paul Revere Charter Middle School
Monday, January 13—Principal Dr. Shuntell Anthony sent a message out to families on Monday, January 13, to say Paul Revere Charter Middle School is “still in an impacted area” and would remain closed.
An LAUSD representative told the Post the district was assessing the damage to the school.
“We will notify families when it is safe to return,” Anthony wrote.
As part of LAUSD’s Continuity of Learning efforts, Anthony said students have digital access to academic resources, and more information is available at lausd.org/learningcontinues.

Tuesday, January 14—LAUSD announced that Paul Revere would temporarily relocate to University High School Charter.

Palisades Charter High School
Saturday, January 11—Palisades Charter High School provided updates on Saturday, January 11, regarding the campus and upcoming second semester, which is slated to resume Tuesday, January 21, virtually.
“Thousands of homes and businesses surrounding the school are no longer standing,” Principal Pam Magee shared to the school’s Instagram. “Homes, synagogues, churches … gone. Now, we must begin the work of rebuilding and Palisades Charter High School will be at the forefront of that effort.”
Magee reported a number of spaces were not visibly damaged by the fire, including Gilbert Hall, Mercer Hall, the baseball field, pool, quad, Stadium by the Sea, and most classroom buildings and gyms. But a significant portion of the campus, estimated at over 40%, has been either damaged or destroyed.
The school urged students, families, staff and neighbors to refrain from entering the campus due to the damage and potential hazards, such as asbestos and toxins.
“The presence of these toxins, especially in the burn zone, could pose significant health risks, particularly to children, and we want to ensure everyone’s safety,” Magee wrote. “Now is not the time for visitors to be on campus.”
Regarding changes to the remainder of the school year, Pali High said the start of the second semester would be delayed until Tuesday, January 21, to allow families and staff “time to address issues related to the impact of the ongoing fires.”
Pali High will then temporarily follow an online learning plan while the school addresses campus safety concerns, and classroom space. Magee said students can expect teachers to reach out with links and resources in preparation for this “short-term adjustment.”
“While transitioning to a virtual format may present challenges, we are committed to providing all students with a smooth and engaging online experience,” Magee wrote. “I am confident that with the strength and determination of our community, we will recover and rebuild stronger than ever.”

Monday, January 13—Pali High announced that it is “urgently” seeking help from the community to secure a temporary campus after the school faced a significant amount of damage from the Palisades fire.
Pali High is looking for temporary classroom spaces or campuses available for lease or donation; large indoor and outdoor spaces suitable for hosting students and teachers; support from local organizations that can assist in logistics and operations; volunteers to help with moving, set-up and coordination; and access to athletic practice areas in the vicinity.
“We have a unique opportunity to show the strength and resilience of our community in the face of adversity,” Principal Pamela Magee said in a statement. “By coming together, we can ensure that our students can stay in their learning environment, with their friends and mentors, at a time when they need it most.”
For those who can assist or offer an available space, contact pchsrecovery@palihigh.org.

Sunday, January 19—Pali High announced that it is still working to find a temporary relocation site to resume in-person learning, with a goal of relocating in the next four to six weeks.
“We have received a tremendous response to our inquiries,” the school shared. “Several viable options are under consideration … However, there are multiple challenges, including funding, space restrictions, building codes, and, in some instances, architectural planning for build-out requirements necessary to provide an educational environment.”
School staff is prioritizing leads based on availability and suitability of the site, according to the school.
For those who can assist or offer an available space, contact pchsrecovery@palihigh.org.

Monday, January 20—A Special Board Meeting will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, January 21, at 5 p.m.
To attend the meeting, visit go.palihigh.org/SpecialBoTLive​​​​​​​. Webinar ID: 891 5351 9291.

By LILY TINOCO
Assistant Editor

CAL FIRE held a press conference regarding the Palisades Fire on Sunday, January 12, at 2 p.m., inviting local officials and emergency personnel to provide updates. 

Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Anthony Marrone said “elevated” and “critical” fire weather conditions are slated to continue, with a red flag warning that remains in effect through Wednesday, January 15, until 6 p.m. 

“To all residents, please be assured that we will continue to be here for you until the last fire is completely extinguished,” Marrone said. “We stand alongside all of you as we begin to plan for the repopulation of evacuated areas … and the rebuilding of your homes, your communities and your lives.”

In regards to the repopulation of areas that are under evacuation orders, Marrone said those conversations “are not going to begin until the next predicted red flag ends on Wednesday.”

“Rest assured, first thing Thursday, we will start talking about repopulation,” he said.

Councilwoman Traci Park spoke of the fire and its impact on the community.

“I am profoundly saddened by the unimaginable devastation that has swept across Los Angeles,” Park said. “The Palisades Fire alone, the most destructive fire in our city’s history, has engulfed over 23,600 acres since it erupted on Tuesday. Even now, it is only about 11% contained.

“The destruction is staggering, with entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble and ash.”

Park said curfews remain in place in the Palisades and Brentwood, and are necessary to ensure public safety as high winds are expected to pick up on Monday, January 13.  

“This fire remains active and … the situation is far from over,” Park said. “Pacific Palisades still faces dangerous conditions, including downed power lines, broken gas and water pipes, and now, slide conditions because of water activity.

“Once these fires are contained … we are going to hold community meetings to ensure residents have the answers they need and a voice in the path forward. Together, we are going to rebuild.”

Pacific Palisades Residents Can Pick Up Mail at Rancho Park Post Office Beginning January 13

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

The United States Postal Service announced on Friday, January 10, the Palisades Post Office would be closed due to impact from the Palisades fire.

Effective Monday, January 13, operations at the Pacific Palisades Post Office—located at 15243 La Cruz Drive—will be relocated to the Rancho Park Post Office until further notice.

Beginning January 13, Palisadians can retrieve their mail at the Rancho Park Post Office with proper identification. The Rancho Park Post Office is located at 11270 Exposition Blvd in Los Angeles and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

On Saturday, January 11, USPS announced the Topanga Post Office’s retail and delivery services would be relocated to the Santa Monica Post Office, located at 1653 7th Street. Impacted customers will be able to pick up mail from the Santa Monica Post Office beginning Tuesday, January 14. The Post Office will be open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Operations at the La Cañada Flintridge and Malibu Post Offices have resumed for retail services and mail delivery, with delivery services occurring only in “authorized accessible areas where it is safe to do so,” according to USPS. 

Individuals can request for mail to be forwarded to a temporary location. Those interested can submit an Official Mail Forwarding Change of Address Order to reroute their mail, including packages and letters, online at moversguide.usps.com or by filling out a PS Form 3575 at any post office.

For more information, call 1-800-275-8777 or visit usps.com.