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.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

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

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

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

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

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Mayor Karen Bass and Chief Recovery Officer Steve Soboroff met on Monday, January 27, at Palisades Recreation Center to discuss recovery efforts.

Bass named Soboroff Chief Recovery Officer to lead the charge of the city’s response to the fire.

Soboroff—who lived in the Palisades and raised his five kids in the community—and Bass were joined by several members of the press, as well as local residents, including Pacific Palisades Community Council President Sue Kohl and Chair Emeritus Maryam Zar.

Standing in front of a plaque with his name on it for fundraising efforts for the park, Soboroff addressed those gathered to hear him speak.

“This community loves this community,” Soboroff said, adding that he has two clients: the people who reside in Pacific Palisades and those who work there: “Every one of them has an individual path back.”

He said that path has mental health and financial hurdles, but that he wants to help each one.

“We’re working a system for each one to minimize how long it takes to them to get to Z … it’s really from A to Z,” Soboroff said. “The only way to do that … it’s a huge project and there’s going to be thousands of people helping.”

Soboroff said that his initial conversations with agencies charged with aiding the recovery efforts, including FEMA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, have been “as exciting” as conversations surrounding bringing places like Staples Center to fruition.

“Let’s go do this and let’s go do it together,” Soboroff said, before calling the present residents up to join him and Bass at the podium.

Soboroff and Bass took questions, including about the two phases of debris cleanup: first, hazardous household materials, which is now underway and being conducted by the EPA, and second, private property debris removal, which will be done by the Army Corps of Engineers or a private contractor hired by residents.

There were questions about timelines for cleanup, especially phase one, but Bass said it was “difficult” to provide an exact timeframe at this point in the efforts.

Bass and Soboroff then led a walk from the rec center to the Ralphs parking lot. While they walked, they both shared several ideas surrounding the next steps for Pacific Palisades, including rebuilding community hubs, like Palisades Branch Library, to draw the community back when things reopen.

When asked by Zar where a one-stop-shop with 12 agencies for permits and information that has been mentioned during several community meetings and town halls might be set up, Bass said the city wants it to be at the rec center, but they’re not sure they will be able to, as they want to get it running in the next week or two: “It will be located on the Westside until they can clear out the smoke. We want it here … as soon as we clear out the smoke—I don’t have a timeline on that, but it’s not going to be long.”

Some of the ideas Soboroff pitched were having a grocery store that lost its space, like Ralphs or Gelson’s, to set up a pop-up shop at the former Pharmaca space on Sunset Boulevard, which appears largely undamaged following the fire. Soboroff said he was in talks with Rick Caruso on rebuilding efforts as well.

He also said, pending the clearing of hazards, he would welcome the Fourth of July parade as soon as this year, and a “user-friendly” app is in the works for residents to use to access information about their properties and get questions answered.

The Palisades fire, which first began on January 7, has burned through 23,448 acres, destroying thousands of businesses and residences in its wake.

Soboroff is a former police commissioner and real estate developer. He also served as president of the city of Los Angeles Recreation and Parks Commission.