Palisadians Share First-Hand Accounts of Phase 2 Debris Removal

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March 27, 2025

news032725_03 — Photo courtesy of Jordan Catapano

Deadline to Opt In or Out of County-Run Program Is March 31

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

With Phase 2 of debris removal for residential properties underway following the Palisades fire—and the deadline approaching to opt in or out of the county-run program—Palisadians have shared their first-hand experiences.

Phase 2 involves removing visible fire debris, such as chimneys, hazardous trees, ash and—if specified on a right-of-entry form by the owner—foundations.

Residents have two options for Phase 2: opting in to the county-run debris removal program, which is being led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Colonel Eric Swenson, at no out-of-pocket charge, or opting out and hiring a private contractor.

The deadline to opt in or out of the program is Monday, March 31. The form can be completed online at recovery.lacounty.gov/debris-removal or in-person at a Disaster Recovery Center, with the Westside location at 10850 West Pico Boulevard.

Residents who own condos, as well as their homeowner associations, should also opt in or out by the March 31 deadline, Emiko Thompson with LA County Public Works explained during Mayor Karen Bass’ March 18 virtual town hall.

At the time of the meeting, the status of multi-unit parcels, which were not part of the initial USACE mission, were currently under discussion.

Jenny Delwood with Bass’ office explained that the city would be asking FEMA to assign USACE with their clearance. Having the forms filled out puts the city in a “better position” to be able to make the “formal request to the federal government.”

Delwood confirmed during the March 25 town hall they hoped to have more information in the next couple of weeks.

USACE, in coordination with the state of California and FEMA, began Phase 2 debris removal for private residential properties in the Palisades in February.

There are a number of factors that determine when a lot will be scheduled for Phase 2 debris removal, which is not a “first-come, first-served process,” the county explained.

“To maximize efficiency, contractors schedule their work based on priorities set by the federal government with input from the county,” according to LA County. “As ROEs are collected and ownership is verified, the Army Corps of Engineers will batch properties together for clearing with the objective of moving as quickly as possible.”

Property owners will be informed three to five days before their property approaches the clean-up phase.

Once the removal process has begun, USACE aims for debris to be safely removed in two to three days per property. This can change depending on the size of the lot or parcel, the amount of debris, inclement weather and more.

“It will not be possible to estimate how long it will take to clean up your property until the contractor assesses the site,” according to LA County.

Palisadian Jordan Catapano told the Palisadian-Post that her property was cleared on Sunday, March 9, by USACE. It took the team one day to clear Catapano’s lot.

Catapano said the team was “very communicative” and gave her a call about three weeks after signing paperwork. She said they were easy to get a hold of when she had follow-up questions.

“They asked if we wanted to preserve any trees that weren’t severely damaged, protect any pet graves and if we wanted our pool drained,” Catapano said to the Post. “They were great. Feeling really good about this and am now going to spend my time imagining what our new home will look like.”

Palisadian Amy Horwath said USACE debris removal began on her property near Will Rogers State Historic Park on Monday morning, February 24.

The team reached out to Horwath a week prior to coordinate. Upon arrival, the team surveyed the property with Horwath, and discussed retaining walls and the septic system, so as not to damage them.

“The whole team appeared professional and clearly experienced,” she said. “We have a hillside lot, and they were able to navigate the excavator and dump trucks up the driveway with minimal damage.”

Horwath said debris removal was a three-day process.

A week before the March 31 deadline, Supervisor Lindsey Horvath urged residents to opt in or out of the program.

“Los Angeles County is calling on every property owner to partner with us to accelerate wildfire recovery by completing right of entry forms by March 31,” Horvath said in a statement March 24. “There’s only one week left, and we need everyone to make their choice—whether that is opting into our program or choosing to go private. Whatever you decide, please do so in the next seven days.”

Colonel Brian Sawser—commander of the USACE Pacific Palisades Emergency Field Office—said they are “rapidly increasing the number of crews to reduce the time needed to complete its mission.”

“This is an optimization challenge,” Sawser described. “Fewer constraints and fewer unknowns greatly assist the Corps in moving faster. The greatest unknown right now is whether the remaining 1,300 or so undeclared properties in the Palisades fire impact area will opt in or opt out of the Corps’ private property debris removal program.”

Owners who do not select a debris removal option by the deadline will be responsible for hiring qualified contractors, obtaining permits and clearing debris in compliance with local regulations by June 30, according to Horvath’s statement.

Rec and Parks Board of Commissioners Approves Palisades Playground Project

By

Sarah Shmerling

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March 27, 2025

news032725_05 — GameTime presented four project renderings to the Park Advisory Board, which provided feedback.
Photo courtesy of GameTime

The Playground Was Also Discussed at a Park Advisory Board Meeting

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

The city of Los Angeles Board of Recreation and Park Commissioners voted unanimously during its Thursday, March 20, meeting to approve a gift of new outdoor playground equipment for Palisades Recreation Center.

The updated space will include both a “preschool playground” and a “universally accessible playground,” which will be “installed adjacent to one another in the same area where the existing … playground has been located for the past 35 years.”

“The two new playgrounds will feature a variety of amenities, including play structures made to look like fire trucks, police motorcycle spring riders, accessible swings, shade structures and accessible seating areas, all installed on top of rubber flooring,” Melissa Bettis of Rec and Parks’ partnership section said during the March 20 meeting.

There will also be a sandpit, which was a feature requested by community members during previous PAB board meetings, as well as sensory panels along ramp structures, merry-go-rounds and slide transfers.

“The final scope of work and cost estimates are not yet complete, pending further coordination with RAP,” Bettis continued. “With the board’s approval today, the project will be authorized to move forward, subject to appropriate permits being in place where applicable.”

Funding for the playground—which is aimed to be opened by July 1 to coincide with the community’s Fourth of July celebration—will come from Los Angeles Parks Foundation, through “monetary and in-kind contributions” from FireAird ($1 million), GameTime ($300,000 in-kind for the playground equipment) and Banc of California ($30,000). The project scope also includes a 60-inch by 24-inch donor recognition sign.

“The FireAid donation is part of the FireAid Symbols of Hope Initiative, which was created to provide visible restoration in the communities impacted by the Eaton and Palisades fires,” read the board report. “Funds for this grant were raised through general donations in support of those impacted by the recent Los Angeles area fires, which were received by FireAid from various donors throughout the City of Los Angeles, the United States and world, which were combined with ticket sales from the FireAid benefit concert held on January 30.”

Annenberg Foundation, described as a “longstanding supporter” of Rec and Parks through LAPF, was noted to have “played an integral role in the organization of the concert and management of the funds generated.”

The playground was discussed earlier in the week during a Pacific Palisades Recreation Center Park Advisory Board meeting, which took place virtually on Tuesday, March 18.

“This is a modern, highly interactive design that should be the pride of Los Angeles when it’s done,” LAPF Executive Director Tony Budrovich said during the PAB meeting, before Nate Younker of GameTime presented four options for the playground design.

Following Younker’s presentation, Park Director Jasmine Dowlatshahi, board members and Chief Recovery Officer Steve Soboroff provided input to get to a “theme,” as well as to reflect colors associated with Palisades Charter High School and the Palisades flag, which were closest represented by “true blue” and “cream” canopies offered by GameTime.

“This is terrific,” PAB President Andy Starrels said. “Thank you [GameTime] and thank you to the Parks Foundation group. It’s very exciting.”

The design of the new playground incorporated feedback from community and board members that was collected at previous PAB meetings, dating back several years.

PAB voted unanimously to support the playground ahead of when it was heard at the March 20 Rec and Parks’ board of commissioners meeting.

“Thank you to RAP and LA Parks Foundation,” PAB Member Maryam Zar wrote in the meeting chat. “This has been years of discussion, community feedback and ideas floated around the playground, and we are grateful it has all culminated in beautiful plans.”

Sam Laganà Sworn In as Honorary Town Sheriff

By

Steve Galluzzo

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March 27, 2025

news032725_01 — Park (left) and Laganà
Photo by Steve Galluzzo

By STEVE GALLUZZO | Sports Editor

Lifelong Palisadian Sam Laganà was sworn in as Honorary Town Sheriff during a ceremony on Wednesday, March 12, at American Legion Ronald Reagan-Palisades Post 283.

Accompanied by Los Angeles City Councilmember Traci Park and Palisades Patrol CEO Scott Wagenseller, Laganà raised his right hand and took the oath as recited to him by Pacific Palisades Community Council President Emeritus Maryam Zar.

“I am both humbled and honored to stand before you today as I accept the role of honorary town sheriff,” he said. “This title is more than a badge—it represents a commitment to safeguard not only our community’s soul, but its history and the spirit of unity that makes our Palisades so uniquely cherished.”

Laganà’s career spans decades of service, including a 19-year tenure as associate vice chancellor at Pepperdine University and another two-plus years as president and CEO of Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks.

“In accepting this honorary role, I pay tribute to those who have faithfully served as honorary town sheriff over the past 20 years,” Laganà continued. “I extend my deepest reverence to Don Haselkorn, Rich Wilken, Townsend Bell, Mike Skinner, Mike Lanning and Roger McGrath. Their leadership, dedication and unwavering commitment to our community have set a high standard and laid the foundation upon which we continue to build. Their legacy reminds us that the strength of Pacific Palisades lies in our shared commitment to one another and to preserving the unique heritage that defines us.”

Wilken, who was the initial honorary town sheriff in 2003 and Citizen of the Year in 2010, attended the March 12 ceremony to congratulate his friend.

Laganà’s home in Marquez Knolls survived the Palisades fire, and he and his wife, Eileen, are temporarily staying in an apartment in Santa Monica.

“Today, as we embark on a new chapter—our ongoing rebuild following the January firestorms—we are presented with both a challenge and an opportunity,” Laganà continued. “Our goal is not simply to construct new structures and fix legacy homes, but to weave our future with the threads of our past. We aim to ensure that every new development, every restoration, every community initiative and every policy reflects the historic ethos of Pacific Palisades. Our mission is to preserve the quaint charm, the rich traditions and the heartfelt camaraderie that have defined our town for generations.”

Laganà is a beloved voice in sports and entertainment, having served as the stadium announcer for the Rams since the NFL franchise’s return to Los Angeles and chairing sporting events such as the John R. Wooden Award.

From being named Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce’s Businessman of the Year in 2007 to winning a Golden Sparkplug Award from PPCC in 2011, serving on the boards of organizations like Palisades-Malibu YMCA, Marquez Charter Elementary School, Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission, and Westcoast Sports Associates, Laganà has given back to his hometown in spades.

He was appointed to LA City Recreation and Parks’ regional planning group by Councilmember Cindy Miscikowski, served on the committee to build the new gym at Palisades Recreation Center and had two stints on the Board of the Chamber of Commerce.

Additionally, he was named honorary fire chief, recognized as Neighborhood Hero in 2018 and honored as Hometown Hero in 2023 by KCBS Los Angeles. That year, Laganà was inducted into the Beach Volleyball Hall of Fame in recognition of two decades of contributions to the sport.

He has announced the Palisades Will Rogers 5 & 10K on the Fourth of July and Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving. In January 2024 he spoke at the Palisades P.R.I.D.E. town clock dedication on the corner of Swarthmore and Sunset.

“I believe our strength lies in unity and positivity,” Laganà added. “On this journey, we will work hand in hand with residents, local businesses and community leaders to bring everyone together for our common good of committing to the Palisades. We will focus on aligning the best interests of our community—preserving our traditions, protecting our neighborhoods and prospering as one cohesive small town in mass society. Together, we can create an environment where every citizen feels valued, where the past is honored, and where our future shines brightly with the promise of growth, innovation and mutual respect.”

A 1980 Palisades Charter High School alum, Laganà helped grow the popularity of the AVP Tour, and was an announcer for Davis Cup tennis, CSUN football and the Arena League’s LA Avengers—all while raising two daughters.

“As your honorary town sheriff, I commit to being a guardian not only of our public safety, but also of the values that make our community special,” Laganà concluded. “I promise to work with an uplifting spirit, to listen to your voices and to act with integrity, ensuring that Pacific Palisades remains a place we are all proud to call home. Thank you for entrusting me with this role. Let us move forward with Sheriffs objectives to enhance the spirit of unity, honor our history and build a future that continues to preserve, protect and prosper Pacific Palisades.”

With that, Park put the custom-made badge around the honoree’s neck and the hat on his head before joining guests in attendance for sandwiches and refreshments.

Pali High to Temporarily Relocate to Former Sears Site in Santa Monica; Debris Cleared at Marquez

By

Sarah Shmerling

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March 27, 2025

Sears_INT3_3_13_25_CG — Photo courtesy of Pali High

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Palisades Charter High School announced on Thursday, March 13, that the school had secured a “temporary space to return to in-person learning” this spring at the “rejuvenated” Sears site in Santa Monica.

The school was “forced to return to online learning as a result of the Palisades fire,” a statement about the site read. The start date at the temporary location is anticipated to be around spring break (April 14 to 18 at Pali High).

“This is an important first step for our Palisades Charter High community, and gives us the necessary space for all of our students and faculty to come back together for in-person learning, support and connection,” Executive Director and Principal Dr. Pam Magee said in a statement. “We are grateful to secure a space that can accommodate our 2,400 Pali students along with our faculty and staff for the remainder of this school year as we work in parallel to prepare for the reopening of our permanent campus.”

The forthcoming temporary learning space was the topic of a 90-minute town hall on Friday, March 14, hosted by Pali High and attended by several representatives from entities involved with its development who spoke during the meeting.

Remote learning through the Virtual Academy will be an option for students when the temporary site opens, though students will not be able to continue to “Zoom into class with their” current teachers.

Students who may have left the school after the fire to attend in-person classes at alternate schools are also able to re-enroll at Pali High.

The 102,000-square-foot facility is co-owned by Seritage Growth Properties and Invesco. It is being leased to Pali High for “up to 12 months,” according to the statement, though the goal is to return to the Palisades campus in fall 2025.

“Our goal is to return to in-person learning at the Palisades campus to kick-off the new school year in the fall of 2025,” Magee said, “but we can extend the lease for the Santa Monica location to ensure we have a place for in-person learning in case our return date is pushed back.”

The former Sears property is located at Colorado Avenue and 4th Street. It has undergone “an extensive upgrade” since it was re-entitled from retail to commercial use, according to Pali High.

“The school also negotiated joint use of athletic fields at Santa Monica High and the Santa Monica Civic Center—less than two blocks away,” the statement continued. “There is ample parking onsite at Sears and across the street at the transit center.”

At the time of the statement, design work to build out the indoor and outdoor spaces was underway to “maximize the educational experience for students.” Magee said that global architecture firm Gensler, which is headquartered in Los Angeles, has “provided pivotal support.”

The total estimated project cost is $11.07 million, as confirmed during the town hall. The funds obtained to cover the project costs cannot be used elsewhere, as they are designated for this use.

During a March 18 virtual town hall hosted by Mayor Karen Bass, Colonel Eric Swenson with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers confirmed Phase 2 debris clearance had been completed at the Pali High campus.

“Most buildings at [the] Palisades campus are still standing but will require some remediation,” according to the statement. “The timing of the return to in-person learning in the Palisades will also be impacted by overall community rebuilding efforts.”

Facility assessments are now underway, as confirmed during the March 14 town hall, projected to be complete by summer 2025. Interim classrooms are anticipated to be placed by fall 2025.

The completion of permanent facilities is anticipated to take four or five years, according to the presentation, but other areas, like the track and field, will be completed as separate projects with different timelines.

When it comes to other area charter schools that were destroyed in the fire, during the March 18 town hall, Swenson confirmed that USACE had completed clearing debris at Marquez Charter Elementary School.

A “360 site walk” was completed at Palisades Charter Elementary School the day of the meeting. Asbestos remediation was being started, with debris removal anticipated to take place within a week or so.

Palisadian Sue Kohl Receives ‘Women of Impact’ Award

By

Lily Tinoco

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March 27, 2025

news032725_07 — Photo courtesy of Sue Kohl

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

Pacific Palisades Community Council President Sue Kohl was recognized with a Women of Impact award by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass on Friday, March 14.

“What an honor to be nominated to receive a ‘Women of Impact’ award from [Mayor] Karen Bass,” Kohl shared to social media. “As the president of the PPCC, I’ve found myself in the unique position of representing our community in a time of unprecedented crisis. My commitment to the Palisades, my friends, my neighbors and everyone who calls this place home is steadfast. It’s my privilege to serve my community, and this recognition is very much appreciated.”

Kohl is currently president of PPCC, having previously served as vice president and also years as an area representative. The Alphabet Streets resident has volunteered her time with Pacific Palisades Task Force on Homelessness. She has also supported the Westside Guild of Children’s Hospital, Union Rescue Mission and the Berkshire Hathaway Charitable Foundation.

“PPCC’s hardworking, respected President Sue Kohl was honored by Mayor Bass at City Hall as a Woman of Distinction for 2025,” PPCC wrote in an emailed statement after the ceremony. “We congratulate Sue, who well-deserves this special honor.”

Bass congratulated the city’s Commission on the Status of Women, and offered a “warm” welcome at City Hall to all those taking part in the 35th Anniversary Awards Program, which was launched with a new chapter and new name: The Women of Impact Awards.

“The Women of Impact Awards honors women who have demonstrated their commitment to advancing the well-being of Angelenos,” Bass said in a statement. “For nearly 50 years, the Commission on the Status of Women has dedicated itself to promoting gender equity, and advancing the status of women and girls in our city.

“This year, I am delighted to join the members of the Los Angeles City Council, Commissioners, staff and guests in celebrating our esteemed honorees for the progress they have achieved, and the examples they have set for future leaders, both male and female.”

Bass also took to social media to congratulate the Women of Impact awardees.

“It was an honor to recognize the many incredible women leaders who work every day to invest in the futures of LA’s women and girls,” Bass wrote. “Los Angeles is a better place because of your work.”

MySafe:LA Presents on ‘The Safe Community Project’ at PPCC Meeting

By

Lily Tinoco

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March 27, 2025

Screenshot — David Barrett
Photo courtesy of PPCC

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

MySafe:LA presented on “The Safe Community Project” at the Thursday, March 13, Pacific Palisades Community Council board meeting.

David Barrett joined PPCC from MySafe:LA’s Safe Community Project, an organization with multiple divisions across Southern California, with a focus on developing wildfire resilient communities.

Barrett began by acknowledging his own personal connection to the Palisades: He previously lived in the area.

“I lived up there for a while, and the house I lived in is gone,” Barrett said. “I have some friends that live up there, and not just up in the [Alphabet] Streets, in the Highlands, but also in the home estates. And as you know, all of those are gone.”

Barrett said the March 13 presentation was designed to help point PPCC forward, covering fire safety topics that would be helpful in rebuilding.

He explained the concept of defensible space—that it is not designed to stop a wildfire from occurring, but to slow it down. Defensible space is described as the area surrounding a home or property, where vegetation is managed to reduce the risk of fire spread, according to CAL FIRE.

“The key is to slow them down enough so that firefighters can get ahead of the issue, so that they have a chance to set up defensible positions to attack the fire and prevent it from turning into something other than a wildfire,” Barrett said. “We want to make sure when we’re dealing with defensible space, that the objective is to prevent a wildfire from becoming anything other than a wildfire, so reducing the spread, the intensity, the heat, and protecting homes and structures from ignition. As everyone rebuilds, we want to keep that in mind.”

Defensible space methodologies include using hardscape—like gravel, pavers or concrete—instead of bark or mulch; limiting combustible items, fencing and gates; regularly clearing dead or dry vegetation; and trimming trees.

Barrett discussed two of the most flammable things: grass and buildings.

“Grass can move at up to 40 to 50 miles an hour, or more, depending on the wind,” he explained. “Grass turns into embers very quickly. [And] buildings will burn faster and are more likely to ignite than brush or trees.”

When rebuilding, Barrett said it is important to keep these two things in mind, and to consider home hardening.

“Home hardening is the term used to describe vegetation management compliance and building materials used to resist the intrusion of flames or embers projected by a wildland fire,” according to CAL FIRE. “It can be applied to new construction.”

Barrett said a lot of information regarding home hardening can be found on the MySafe:LA website. MySafe:LA also provides free wildfire assessments.

“If you are at a place where there is a structure that needs to be inspected, we can come and do that for you and give you a report, and that’s free,” Barrett said. “There’s no charge for doing that.”

The conversation then led to the development and benefits of developing a Fire Safe Council. Barrett said Fire Safe Councils empower local communities to reduce wildfire risk, will have access to grant funding for wildfire prevention, collaborate with fire departments and emergency agencies, and more.

“Currently in Los Angeles, we’ve got … four Fire Safe Councils that have already been established, and we’re working on another four, and hopefully the Palisades will be the fifth,” Barrett said. “We’ll get you across the finish line, being a Fire Safe Council. Our people will work to make sure that you have the support that you need to become one.”

Barrett expressed hopes in returning to PPCC to provide feedback on Palisades Fire Exposure, offer rebuilding expertise and to respond to community questions.

The next PPCC meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 27, at 6 p.m. via Zoom. The meeting is expected to cover information on the rebuilding of Palisades charter schools by Los Angeles Unified School District, as well as questions on debris removal by representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

For more information on MySafe:LA, visit mysafela.org. For a link to the March 27 PPCC meeting and agenda, visit pacpalicc.org.