Pacific Coast Highway Reopening Approaches

Councilmember Traci Park Will Host a Virtual Town Hall to Discuss “Security” and “Access Transition”

By LILY TINOCO | Assistant Editor

As the end of May approaches, Governor Gavin Newsom’s plan to have Pacific Coast Highway partially reopen to the public by the end of the month draws near—sparking community concerns and questions about what that means for things like checkpoints and access to currently restricted areas of Pacific Palisades.

The highway, described as a “major artery,” serving “hundreds of thousands of Angelenos and visitors,” has been largely closed to the public since the Palisades fire began January 7, apart from a brief reopening in February that was soon amended. Residents who live in the Palisades burn scar area, essential businesses and repair crews have had access.

Following the reopening, according to Newsom’s April 12 announcement, one lane in each direction would be open for public travel.

Newsom expressed urgency to reopen ahead of the summer months and shared plans to work with the United States Army Corps of Engineers—which is leading the government-run debris removal program—to prioritize the cleanup of PCH by deploying additional crews to the area.

With the anticipated reopening of PCH, community members have expressed concerns regarding security and access in and around the Palisades.

“Pacific Palisades should be still [closed] to [the] public for many safety reasons,” Palisadian Gianba Vinzoni said. “Lately we learned about looting, home invaders … People that [have] no interest in there, should not be allowed to go there.”

Pacific Palisades Residents Association has asked that security checkpoints remain in place.

“PPRA urges you to insist the mayor and governor maintain all checkpoints into the Pacific Palisades until the city of LA can secure resources for transitioning to a more efficient system—one that ensures safety while facilitating smooth traffic flow essential for our community’s swift rebuilding,” PPRA stated.

Councilmember Traci Park will host a Virtual Town Hall on Thursday, May 22, beginning at 4 p.m. to discuss public safety and the highway’s reopening.

“Join us for an important conversation with LAPD, EMD and the Army Corps as we discuss public safety in the Palisades, the reopening of PCH, and our next steps for access, recovery and long-term resilience in the area,” according to a description of the meeting.

Park has also created a survey to hear from community members directly.

“With the re-opening of the Pacific Coast Highway to the general public soon, as well as the demobilization of the California National Guard, Councilwoman Park wants your perspective on public safety and access concerns in and around the Pacific Palisades, and how we can best continue to advocate for your needs,” the survey read. “This survey will help the CD11 team understand how we can best balance increased access with safety and security concerns.”

The Palisadian-Post reached out to Mayor Karen Bass’ office to request additional information regarding the reopening and plan for things like checkpoints to remain. Official plans had not yet been released as the Post went to print Tuesday evening, May 20. When received, this story will be updated online at palipost.com.

During a press conference in the Palisades on Monday, May 19, Bass said she is planning to “convene with the LAPD, CHP, the governor about the National Guard as well as the sheriffs.”

“As we see the area starting to slowly open up, when we see an increase in pedestrian traffic, we usually will see an increase in some crime,” LAPD Senior Lead Officer Brian Espin wrote on May 8. “We have been very good about being vigilant, and I would like us to keep up that momentum.”

After receiving “several emails” regarding Trespass Authorization forms that are available in the city of Los Angeles to enforce Municipal Code 41.24, Espin relayed information on May 17 about trespassing and posting signs on properties.

“The Trespass Authorization Form allows [LAPD] to go onto private property without a call for service,” he explained. “You do not need the form on file to make an arrest. The form needs to be on file if [LAPD] goes on your property and detains someone without a call for service.”

Private residences do not require “no trespass signs,” according to Espin, only under-construction or commercial properties.

“A person needs to be warned prior to a Private Persons Arrest for trespass,” Espin said. “This could be a verbal warning or posted signs that are clearly marked and visible to the public at all access points onto the property. If a person enters an area through unconventional means (i.e. jump a wall or gate that gives the expectation of privacy or separation from public area) the person could be arrested on a PPA for trespass.”

If officers arrive and the individual is still on private property that is not easily accessible to the public, like the backyard, they could “potentially be placed under arrest for trespass by officers,” Espin said.