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 Tuesday, January 14, the Palisades Fire—which broke out on Tuesday, January 7—has burnt through 23,713 acres and is at 17% containment.
CAL FIRE has reported that over 1,400 structures in the Palisades have been damaged or destroyed, including homes, businesses and schools.

Los Angeles Unified School District Updates
Sunday, January 12—The Los Angeles Unified School District 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 employees and students.

Palisades Charter Elementary School
Sunday, January 12—On Saturday, January 11, Palisades Charter 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 will be hosting 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 are 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.”
To attend the Monday, January 13, virtual meeting, visit lausd.zoom.us/j/.8972511987?0mn=81871420785#success.

Marquez Charter Elementary
Monday, January 13—A LAUSD representative confirmed to the Palisadian-Post that Marquez Charter Elementary 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.”

Canyon Charter Elementary: No updates are available at this time.

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.

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: No updates are available at this time.

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 Middle School
Monday, January 13—Principal Dr. Shuntell Anthony sent a message out to families on Monday, January 13, to say Paul Revere Middle School is “still in an impacted area” and would remain closed.
A LAUSD representative told the Palisadian-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.

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—Palisades Charter High School 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.

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.

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

Los Angeles Police Department Senior Lead Officer for Pacific Palisades Brian Espin provided a community update regarding the Palisades fire on Friday, January 10, urging residents to stay out of the area. 

The Palisades Fire—which broke out on Tuesday, January 7—has burnt through 23,654 acres and is at 11% containment as of Saturday, January 11.

“Fire continues to burn actively with greatest rates of spread experienced on exposed ridgetops and drainages,” according to Los Angeles Fire Department. 

LAFD reported “critical” fire weather conditions were possible Saturday night, January 11, with weak northerly winds and low humidity. 

Because of the active fire, Espin explained, the Palisades is still under a mandatory evacuation order and individuals should not be in the area.

“It is still unsafe for people to be walking around in the neighborhoods,” Espin said. “I understand that everyone would like to retrieve their medications and check on their homes, but we are not able to safely sustain the sheer volume of residents that want an escort into the area … Our resources are stretched very thin.”

Though LAPD was previously providing escorts to homes to retrieve prescriptions, Espin said it put a strain on LAPD, LAFD and those working to patrol the area. 

As a result of the surge of traffic and individuals trying to get into the Palisades, Espin said police escorts into the evacuation zone will be halted, and only emergency personnel will be allowed into the area. 

“Please do not come to any checkpoints asking to access your residence as you will be turned away,” Espin said. “Please do not try and access the area by the beach as you will similarly be turned away.”

Espin said LAPD is working under the direction of Unified Command officials, and an update will be provided when individuals can re-enter the Palisades.

“I understand the frustration with having to wait for so long to get back to our homes to check on them, but in these unprecedented times we must prioritize our precious resources to focus on the ongoing threat,” he said. “We need to keep the area clear for our firefighters and our officers focused on supporting those efforts while also keeping an eye out for any potential looting, search and rescue efforts for missing persons, and protecting crime scenes in the event evidence of arson is discovered. We ask for your continued patience and support.”

As the Post Went to Print Tuesday Evening, the Fire Had Reached 2,921 Acres; Continued to Grow Overnight

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

A brush fire that started Tuesday morning, January 7, had reached 2,921 acres—“and growing”—as the Palisadian-Post went to print in the evening—with winds anticipated to peak into the night, according to multiple government agencies.

“Extreme fire behavior, including short- and long-range spotting, continues to challenge firefighting efforts for the Palisades fire,” CAL FIRE wrote in an incident report at 6:25 p.m. Tuesday. “Winds gusts up to 60 MPH are expected to continue through Thursday, potentially aiding in further fire activity and suppression efforts.”

The Palisades fire was first reported at 10:30 a.m. at 20 acres burning near 1190 N Piedra Morada Drive in The Highlands, according to Los Angeles Fire Department spokesperson David Ortiz. By 12:23 p.m., the fire was estimated to be 200 acres, then updated to 770 acres at 2:23 p.m.

As LAFD hosted a press conference around 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday—where multiple government officials spoke—the fire was reported to be 1,200 acres.

LAFD Fire Chief Kristin Crowley spoke at the press conference first, relaying details about when the fire began, citing the “extreme fire weather condition,” with red flag alert. Winds were reported to be 25 MPH at the time, with gusts up to 50 MPH, Crowley said, with LAFD requesting resources from assistant agencies for an “aggressive attack.”

Pacific Coast Highway was closed from Lincoln Tunnel to Topanga Canyon Boulevard, with 30,000 residents under mandatory evacuation from Merrimac Road to the northeast, Topanga Canyon Boulevard to the northwest and Pacific Coast Highway to the south, with residents reporting gridlocked conditions while trying to leave.

“People in the area of Pacific Palisades need to evacuate now due to a rapidly moving wildfire,” read an alert from the City of Los Angeles Emergency Management Department. “Pack all people and pets into your vehicle and leave the area immediately.”

An LA County dozer was called in to move approximately 30 abandoned cars that were blocking Sunset and Palisades as people fled to get to safety. Areas of Malibu, along PCH and near Tuna Canyon, were also under evacuation orders at press time, while additional zones, extending to Calabasas, were under evacuation warnings.

An evacuation center was opened at Westwood Recreation Center on Sepulveda Boulevard.

Crowley reported that “multiple structures” were damaged as of 3:30 p.m., though no injuries had been reported at the time. As the evening progressed and the fire extended into different neighborhoods of the Palisades, additional structures were seen burning.

Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Anthony Marrone warned “we are not out of danger” during the press conference, noting that winds would “pick up and get worse” between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.

Marqueece Harris-Dawson—president of LA City Council and acting as mayor on behalf of Karen Bass at the time—said the city was “well-prepared” with a “tremendous plan.” He reiterated the importance of staying off the road to give emergency responders a chance to get through.

“The scope and scale of today’s fire here in the Palisades has been terrifying,” Councilmember Traci Park said during the press conference, saying “this is not a drill” and that is an “actual public safety emergency,” so people under evacuation orders should comply.

She reported that it could take a “couple of days” for agencies to get the situation under control, that it could be “some time” before people could return to their homes.

Governor Gavin Newsom was on site to speak as well, reporting that “by no stretch of the imagination are we out of the woods,” and that he witnessed destroyed structures during a drive through the canyon.

Multiple agencies, including LAFD, LACoFD, Los Angeles Police Department, CAL FIRE and beyond, continued to coordinate an effort to battle the fire.

National Weather Service Los Angeles wrote on Monday, January 6, that a “particularly dangerous situation” with “extreme fire conditions” was predicted at the time, with “widespread damaging winds” and “low humidities.”

“This is about as bad as it gets in terms of fire weather,” according to the agency.

As the Post went to print on Tuesday, the fire was 0% contained, according to CAL FIRE. The cause remained “under investigation.”

This is an ongoing story. Updates will be available online and across social media channels as they become available.

Reported it Could be “Some Time” Before Residents Could Return Home Following Evacuation Orders

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Speaking during a Los Angeles Fire Department press conference that took place at Will Rogers State Beach on Tuesday, January 7, around 3:30 p.m., Councilwoman Traci Park explained that it could be “some time” until residents under evacuation orders put in place for the Palisades fire, which began at 10:30 a.m. and had reached more than 1,200 acres at press time, could return home

“It may take our partners at fire a couple of days to get the situation under control,” Park said. “It may be some time until people are allowed to return to their homes and residences. Please bear with us during this period as our public safety partners work hard to protect lives and property, and ensure that this area is safe before people return.”

At the time of the press conference, LAFD Fire Chief Kristin Crowley reported that structures had burned.

Park was one of several officials who spoke during the press conference, beginning by thanking “all of our public safety partners.”

“LA [Fire Department] has over 250 firefighters on the frontlines in the hillsides right now,” she said, “actively fighting this fire supported by more than 100 firefighters from LA County Fire, as well as additional resources from Orange County, Ventura County, CAL FIRE and neighboring cities, including Arcadia and Santa Monica.”

She also thanked law enforcement, including California Highway Patrol, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and Los Angeles Police Department, for their “terrific coordinated response with us today.”

“To my constituents here in Pacific Palisades, I want to reiterate, this is not a drill, this is an actual public safety emergency,” Park continued, noting that areas west of Mandeville Canyon and north of Pacific Coast Highway to Topanga Canyon Boulevard were under evacuation orders.

Outside of the Palisades, an evacuation order had been issued for Topanga and Malibu near Tuna Canyon Road, with CAL FIRE advising residents to “leave now.” Evacuation warnings were also in effect at the time, extending as far west as Pepperdine and north as Calabasas.

“Please make sure you are packed and ready to go, and complying with all directives being given to you by law enforcement and by our partners at the fire service as well,” Park said of those watching who were not under evacuation orders at the time.

An evacuation center had been set up at Westwood Recreation Center, while people with large pets could go to Los Angeles Equestrian Center.

Park described the fire as a “dynamic situation” that was “fast-moving and growing,” with predicted wind patterns to increase over night on Tuesday.