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 state 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 the 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 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.”
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 of buildings at 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.”
A longer story, with additional details about Marquez and Palisades Charter Elementary schools, will be available in the March 27 edition of the Post.
Photo courtesy of American Legion Ronald Reagan – Palisades Post 283
By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
American Legion Ronald Reagan – Palisades Post 283 is hosting a five-day Wildfire Resource Fair, which began March 18 and will continue to Saturday, March 22.
“Join us March 18 to 22 at the Pacific Palisades American Legion for our Palisades Wildfire Resource Fair, where Palisades residents and business owners will have access to various organizations and agencies to assist in recovery efforts,” read an event description.
The fair is being co-hosted by American Red Cross with Emergency Network Los Angeles, as well as other “local disaster non-governmental relief organizations,” as a “one-stop recovery assistance center for people affected by the California wildfires.” There will be 30 agencies and vendors donating and assisting, according to information shared by Post 283.
Appointments are available from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Those who attend are asked to bring proof of identity (driver’s license, employee ID, passport, state ID or others) and proof of address showing residency at an impacted address (a bank or credit card statement, government correspondence, insurance settlement, landlord letter or rental agreement, mortgage statement, pay stub, property deed, school records, tax return, utility bill, vehicle registration, etc.).
Beginning Wednesday, February 12, Post 283 has been serving as a Palisades Wildfire Community Support Center between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday to Saturday, with representatives from entities like FEMA, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Small Business Administration, World Central Kitchen, American Red Cross and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers present to speak with Palisades community members.
“We have food, water and bathrooms,” read a description. “We will also have protective gear on hand for people to use.”
Post 283 is located at 15247 La Cruz Drive. The resource fair takes place each day between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
“Beetlejuice Jr.” will open for a two-weekend run at Paul Revere Charter Middle School, with performances beginning Friday, March 21, at 7:30 p.m.
“‘Beetlejuice’ tells the hauntingly comedic yet touching story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager obsessed with the whole ‘being dead thing,’” read a show synopsis. “Lucky for Lydia, her new house is haunted by a recently deceased couple (Adam and Barba Maitland) and Beetlejuice, a delightful demon with a real zest for life. Trying to help the newlydeads maintain possession of their home, Lydia calls on Beetlejuice to scare away anyone with a pulse by calling his name thrice, allowing him to materialize and wreak havoc. The double-crossing specter, however, shows his true stripes … unleashing a Netherworld of pandemonium.”
Directed by Lara Ganz and Aaron Jung, the show is presented by Illumevate and PEP. Musical Director is gaba, with Jung, Sydney Diamond and Rebecca Barragan as choreographers. It features a cast of 35 youth actors in grades six through eight.
“‘Beetlejuice Jr.’ is the perfect show for all ages, groups and families to enjoy together,” read information shared by the directors. “It’s an age-appropriate telling of the hilarious Broadway musical. It’s full of singing, dancing and whip-smart laughs, woven together to tell a heartwarming story about family, friendship and embracing who you are.”
Performances will take place Friday, March 21, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, March 22, at 1 p.m.; Sunday, March 23, at 1 and 4 p.m.; Thursday, March 27, at 6 p.m.; Friday, March 28, at 5 and 7:30 p.m.; and Saturday, March 29, at 1 and 4 p.m.
“With the devastating fires displacing so many families from their homes, including director Lara Ganz, she finds emotional resonance in this story of home; how we create it and who will protect it,” read a statement from the program. “Moved not only by the narrative, but by the heartfelt work of the students and unwavering support of the school community, she is eager to share this production with the city of Los Angeles.”
All performances will take place in the Paul Revere Auditorium, located at 1450 Allenford Avenue. Tickets start at $10 for students and seniors, $15 for general admission, and $20 to $30 for VIP, depending on the row.
“Thank you for supporting youth theater and investing in the next generation of storytellers, problem solvers and leaders,” the directors wrote. “See you at the show.”
An opening reception will take place on Saturday, March 22, from 5 to 8 p.m. for Rustic Canyon artist Marta Chaffee—whose new body of work, “Grasses,” will be on display at Gallery 169 in Santa Monica Canyon.
Born and raised in Pasadena, Chaffee earned her bachelor’s degree from Occidental College, as well as an MFA from Otis Art Institute after studying at UCLA and the Art Students League in New York. Her work has been exhibited at Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Laguna Art Museum, Santa Barbara Art Museum and Newport Harbor Art Museum.
Chaffee has been creating art about the Southern California landscape for over six decades, having dedicated her life’s work to the California landscape.
Her latest work, “Grasses,” was described as a collection of closely observed drawings that “reflect both the majesty, resilience and the often-overlooked complexity of … humble plants.”
Photo courtesy of Marta Chaffee
“In ‘Grasses,’ she explores the subtle beauty and complexity of humble yet pervasive plant life through soft pencil tones and erased shapes,” according to a statement about the show. “Her compositions blur the boundaries between abstraction and representation, offering a meditative reflection on time, light and the changing forms of nature. Her marks—at once precise and gestural—can be read as meditative reflections on time, light and the changing shape of the natural world.”
Chaffee, who is about to turn 90, will also have a solo exhibition in New York this summer.
“Grasses” will be on display through Sunday, April 27. Chaffee will be present on Saturdays from 12 to 3 p.m., and the gallery will be open by appointment.
A portion of proceeds from sales will go toward relief efforts for artists impacted by the recent Los Angeles fires.
Complimentary valet will be available for the March 22 opening reception, which will take place at Gallery 169, located at 169 W. Channel Road. The reception will include art, food and drinks.
The proposed improvement project spans Pacific Coast Highway between McClure Tunnel in Santa Monica and just south of Cross Creek Road in Malibu. Map courtesy of Caltrans
“The meeting is intended for the project team to share information and schedules for the proposed improvement project on Pacific Coast Highway between McClure Tunnel in Santa Monica and just south of Cross Creek Road in Malibu, including safety enhancement measures,” according to Caltrans. “Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions.”
The scope of work for this project—which is expected to begin in the summer of 2027—will include rehabilitated pavement along PCH from McClure Tunnel to Cross Creek Road; upgrades to existing ADA ramps and existing metal beam guard rail; improved lighting in the Roosevelt Tunnel and Will Rogers parking lot tunnel underground pedestrian crossings; new sidewalks at multiple bus stop locations; additional signs; and more.
“The goal of this project is to extend the service life of the pavement and improve ride quality for motorists,” according to Caltrans. “Caltrans has identified this location as a top-priority safety corridor. It is also a Complete Streets project, meaning the scope aims to increase safety and mobility features for cyclists, pedestrians and motorists to share the road.”
The total estimated cost for the project is $72 million, and construction is expected to be complete by summer 2029. The project is currently in Phase 0, according to Caltrans Public Information Officer Katy Macek, which is “the environmental phase.”
Community members and stakeholders are encouraged to attend. The March 27 meeting will take place in the multipurpose room at Santa Monica Library, located at 601 Santa Monica Boulevard.
Three defendants were arrested the week of March 12 after being charged with defrauding the Federal Emergency Management Agency, seeking federal disaster relief funds by falsely claiming their properties were damaged by the Eaton and Palisades fires, the United States Department of Justice announced.
“Three defendants have been charged in recent days with fraudulently seeking federal disaster relief funds by falsely claiming their properties were damaged by the Eaton and Palisades wildfires when in fact they did not have an interest in the affected property or the property was not affected by either fire,” according to the Justice Department.
The cases announced on March 12 were investigated by the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Inspector General and HSI’s El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force, the statement read.
In the wake of the Los Angeles fires that started on January 7, the President approved a Major Disaster Declaration, which prompted FEMA to develop a program to provide financial assistance to fire victims, including a one-time payment of $750, up to $43,600 for “other needs” assistance and housing assistance for up to 18 months. Additionally, homeowners became potentially eligible for additional relief up to $43,600 for home repair.
“The fraud alleged in the three cases include payment of ‘other needs assistance’ based on false claims of damage to personal property, lost vehicles, and medical and relocation expenses,” according to the Justice Department.
Two of the defendants were in Southern California and one in Texas, according to the Justice Department, who were all arrested the week of March 12 following the charges.
“These defendants allegedly made false and fraudulent claims to FEMA for emergency benefits related to wildfires that devastated Los Angeles County two months ago,” Acting United States Attorney Joseph McNally said. “These false claims resulted in badly needed disaster-relief money being denied to actual wildfire victims while these defendants allegedly used property information to illegally line their own pockets.”
After being charged in a criminal complaint filed Monday, March 10, Hedeshia Robertson of Lakewood was arrested on Tuesday, March 11.
“Robertson allegedly filed a fraudulent application for FEMA benefits on January 28, seeking benefits related to a damaged residence in the Pacific Palisades that she did not own, did not rent, and in which she did not reside or work,” according to the Justice Department. “As a result of her fraudulent application, Robertson obtained approximately $24,899 in FEMA benefits to which she was not entitled. At the time of her arrest, Robertson also allegedly attempted to obtain additional FEMA benefits for a purported property lease in San Francisco.”
Tyrone D. Barnes of Paramount was also arrested on Tuesday after being named in an indictment that charged him with making false claims that was returned by a federal grand jury in February, read the statement.
“The indictment alleges that Barnes submitted a disaster relief claim to FEMA for an Altadena property owned by other individuals who did not know Barnes,” the statement continued. “The true owners of the property contacted FEMA about potential assistance, which is when they learned another person had already submitted an application in relation to their property.”
Joyce Turner of Rosharon, Texas, was arrested on Tuesday after being charged Friday, March 7, in a criminal complaint with fraud in connection with major disaster or emergency benefits, according to the Justice Department.
“Turner allegedly submitted an application claiming her home had been destroyed in the Eaton fire, but she appears never to have lived in California and in fact had no connection to the address she claimed was destroyed in the fire,” read the statement. “Instead, she allegedly forged a lease making it look like she lived there, and she received more than $25,000 from FEMA because of the fraudulent submissions.”
Turner has submitted at least 10 other applications to FEMA for disaster relief related to seven federally declared disasters, the affidavit read, including Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Ike and Hurricane Isaac. She “otherwise has a criminal history showing previous arrests and convictions for fraud offenses,” the affidavit continued.
“Complaints and indictments contain allegations of criminal conduct,” read the statement. “All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
“The charge of fraud in connection with major disaster or emergency benefits carries a statutory maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison. The charge of false, fictitious or fraudulent claim against the United States carries a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.”
PCH in Malibu on January 10 Photo by Sarah Shmerling
By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
After closing on Wednesday, March 11, due to safety concerns around predicted heavy storms, Pacific Coast Highway reopened to residents and businesses in the Palisades fire burn scar area “earlier than anticipated” on Thursday, March 13.
“Following better than anticipated weather conditions, Caltrans, in coordination with local partners, announced that PCH is now open through the cities of Los Angeles, Santa Monica and Malibu to residents who live in the Palisades Fire burn area, essential businesses and school bus traffic earlier than anticipated,” read a statement from Caltrans. “Metro is also allowed to resume bus service to Line 134. Traffic is restricted for safety reasons and to protect residents and workers.”
The highway was closed between Carbon Beach Terrace in Malibu and Chautauqua Boulevard in the Palisades.
Palisades Garden Café the evening of March 6 Photo by Sarah Shmerling
Palisades Garden Café, Caffé Delfini and Others Are Now Serving
By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
Several restaurants within the community have reopened following closures due to the fire, including Palisades Garden Café and Caffé Delfini.
“Located in the heart of Pacific Palisades, the Palisades Garden Café is a local eatery with great food and greater friends,” read its website. “We take pride in providing a variety of delicious foods and drinks using only the freshest ingredients from our kitchen and drink bar.”
The eatery—owned by James Kwon—has a menu that includes breakfast items, sandwiches, burgers, wraps, salads, sides and more. It is currently open with a temporary menu.
“The support has been truly overwhelming, and I want to express my deepest gratitude from the bottom of my heart,” Kwon said to the Palisadian-Post.
Over its years in operation, Palisades Garden Café has served as a sponsor for community events and organizations, including Pacific Palisades Baseball Association, the Fourth of July Patriotic Home Contest and the holiday-time Palisades Ho!Ho!Ho!
Palisades Garden Café is located at 15231 La Cruz Drive in the Village area, which, at press time, is still in a zone that is currently only open to residents, contractors and essential businesses. Its current hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
“I’m heartbroken by what has happened to our beautiful community,” Kwon said. “My thoughts are with everyone, and I truly hope we can reconnect soon.”
Italian eatery Caffé Delfini in Santa Monica Canyon also reopened, effective Tuesday, March 4, accepting reservations and walk-ins at 147 W Channel Road.
“Our hearts are with everyone affected by the Palisades fire, and we’re deeply grateful for this community’s support and resilience,” read a post on Instagram. “We’re happy to share that Caffé Delfini will reopen on Tuesday, March 4, and we can’t wait to welcome you back.”
The restaurant, though undamaged in the Palisades fire, was in the mandatory evacuation zone. Toward the beginning of its multi-week closure, the owners said the space has “been a place of connection” for 35 years, and that they were “determined to rebuild that warmth when the time” came.
“The first day was amazing,” Co-Owner Riccardo Menichetti described to the Post. “We were fully booked … we’re optimistic because we’ve been there so many years.”
Menichetti estimated that 60 to 70% of customers are regulars—they are not sure how many have been displaced by the fire, but on March 4, they welcomed “several customers” who had lost their homes and made the trip from hotels or temporary living spaces to visit the restaurant.
Caffé Delfini’s current hours of operation are 5:30 to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, and 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The restaurant’s full menu—which spans from soup and salad to pasta, risotto, zinguine, meats and poultry, and weekly specials—is now available.
Menichetti gave a “special thanks” to customers who have supported the restaurant over the years, including through COVID-19 restrictions.
“We really thank them all,” he said. “We consider ourselves lucky to be able to serve the community.”
Additional restaurants that have reopened in the Santa Monica Canyon area include The Golden Bull, Giorgio Baldi and MUSE Santa Monica.
The Golden Bull at 170 W Channel Road is currently open Wednesday to Saturday. It is open from 4:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. on Wednesday, 4:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Thursday and Friday, and 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Saturday (with the kitchen closing at 10 p.m.). Golden Hour takes place between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m.
“Thank you for your support,” read the restaurant’s website. “We hope to resume normal business days and hours soon. We look forward to serving you plenty of TLC and nourishing the community we love.”
Giorgio Baldi is currently open from Tuesday to Sunday between 6 to 10 p.m. at 114 W Channel Road.
MUSE Santa Monica, a French restaurant that opened in 2024 at 108 W Channel Road, is currently open Wednesday to Sunday from 5 to 10 p.m.
“We’re donating 100% of proceeds to the Foundation to fund equipment for visual and performing arts classes from February 19 through March 23,” read a post on social media. “The Palisades wildfires have severely impacted local schools, including Palisades Charter High School, which has yet to return to in-person learning. As LAUSD sets up temporary classrooms, funding is needed to ensure students and teachers have the necessary resources to resume their studies. Since arts programs are often underfunded, we are directing these funds toward fine art, dance, film and media, music, and photography classes.”
Los Angeles County Recovers provided updates regarding Phase 2 Debris Removal on Wednesday, March 5—a “key step” on the road to recovery and rebuilding.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently announced completion of Phase 1 of wildfire hazardous debris cleanup for the Eaton and Palisades fires. Phase 1—Household Hazardous Waste Removal—was managed by EPA under executive orders and needed to be complete before beginning Phase 2 clearing of structural debris.
The first phase involved “assessing and safely removing hazardous materials,” including paints, cleaners, pesticides, fuel, propane tanks, batteries and more from impacted residential and commercial parcels.
During a town hall hosted by Mayor Karen Bass on Tuesday, March 4, EPA representative Rusty Harris-Bishop explained that there were 6,981 residential parcels and 129 commercial parcels that needed to be inspected in the Palisades fire area. Of those, EPA was able to clear 4,349 residential parcels and 77 commercial parcels.
In the Palisades area, 2,632 residential parcels and 52 commercial parcels were deferred, which means that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will be responsible for the removal and safe disposal of the waste.
“USACE can remove hazardous materials without a signed right of entry, as the EPA did,” according to a statement. “If a right of entry is already in place for Phase 2 debris removal, both phases may be conducted back-to-back for efficiency.”
By March 8, the Army Corps confirmed that it had cleared 50% of the Phase 1 deferred properties between the Palisades and Eaton fires.
Phase 2 is the Comprehensive Debris Removal Program. Residents have two options for Phase 2: opting in to the county’s debris removal program, which is being led by the Army Corps and Colonel Eric Swenson, or opting out of the county-run program and hiring a private contractor. The deadline to opt in or out of the program is March 31.
Colonel Eric Swenson
Property owners affected by the fire can opt in by submitting a right of entry form. Los Angeles County Public Works reported that over 2,000 ROEs have been submitted in the last three weeks and made it a goal to speed up approvals, as reported during the March 4 town hall.
Public Works reviews ROEs by verifying property ownership through assessor records, and confirms all required documentation and signatures. After submission, residents should receive a confirmation email—if additional information is needed, residents will receive a follow-up email from roe@dpw.lacounty.gov.
Property owners choosing to manage debris removal through a private contractor must submit an opt-out form, show proof of EPA Phase 1 clearance and obtain approval before removing fire debris. Owners must apply for a permit through the EPIC-LA system.
Under Phase 2, LA County Recovers said residents can expect a number of things—from the removal of hazardous trees to noise. In a recent informational video, Swenson presented the criteria for identifying hazardous trees and explained the process for removing them.
“We only remove trees that 1. pose an immediate safety risk to the public or work crews 2. are within the ash footprint and must be removed to safely clear debris, or 3. have been evaluated by a certified arborist and have been determined to be dead or expected to die within five years,” Swenson explained.
Property owners who wish to preserve specific trees deemed hazardous must complete a waiver. The Waiver of Hazardous Tree Removal form can be accessed online at recovery.lacounty.gov, and must be submitted in person to an Army Corps contractor during a site visit, complete with a site sketch and list of trees to preserve.
After being assessed, trees will be seen with different markings.
“We understand how important trees are to this community,” Swenson said in the video. “Not every tree that has been marked will be removed.”
Trees with blue dots and a barcode tag placed near its base have been determined to be hazardous and are scheduled for removal. Trees where a property owner has submitted a hazardous tree removal waiver will be marked with a yellow dot at the base and a yellow ribbon wrapped around the tree. If a tree has been reassessed and determined to be non-hazardous, it will be marked with a brown dot over the existing blue dot.
During Phase 2, Palisadians can also expect noise from construction crews, as well as more trucks on the road.
“Our crews start early and work long hours to get this work done as quickly as possible,” Swenson said. “Every sound of progress means another home, another school, another piece of our community is getting closer to being restored.”
Wells Fargo on January 8 Photos by Sarah Shmerling
U.S. Bank Offers ATM, Safe Deposit Box Access; Other Area Branches Provide Updates
By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief
The Wells Fargo branch in Pacific Palisades reopened on Wednesday, March 5, marking the first financial institution in the area to do so since closing on January 8 in response to the fire.
Several area bank branches have been reported to have not sustained damage in the Palisades fire, according to the CAL FIRE Damage Inspection database, including Wells Fargo, Citibank, City National Bank and U.S. Bank.
“Wells Fargo is the first major financial institution to reopen in the area and is ready to serve customers,” read a statement.
Wells Fargo reported that it is removing surcharge fees for non-Wells Fargo customers at 15 ATMs in the affected area (this does not include surcharge fees that may be incurred from issuer banks, the statement noted). They also have added “in-house experts” at the Palisades branch, who will “enable multiple customer support services,” including FEMA applications, destroyed document recovery, insurance claims and more.
“Since the fires, we have deepened our Community Support and Partnerships: Wells Fargo made a $500,000 contribution to the LA Region Small Business and Worker Relief Funds as part of the broader Wells Fargo $1.35 million donation,” the statement continued, “[and] partnered with Together for LA to provide resources and information to impacted small business owners and workers.”
Alice Juarez, regional branch network executive, Los Angeles Region, confirmed the branch’s current hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“We are pleased that we are able to fully reopen our Pacific Palisades branch,” Juarez said. “We have served the local community since 2008 when we first opened our doors … Our hope is that with the reopening, we can provide some normalcy to our customers and be a resource to them.”
Juarez reported there was no safe deposit box damage sustained at the branch, with “no soot, no odor [and] no customer reports of damage.”
The U.S. Bank branch on January 10
Speaking on behalf of U.S. Bank, Ben Gallagher, vice president of Public Affairs & Corporate Communications for CA Region Media Relations, confirmed that while the branch did not sustain damage in the fire, disruptions to power and water, as well as smoke and residue from the fire, “necessitated a full closure and interior remediation, which is still ongoing.”
As of Friday, March 7, the branch has reopened with limited hours on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for access to safe deposit boxes by appointment. ATM service at the location was also restored; clients have been notified of the current availability, according to Gallagher, who said that ATM and safe deposit boxes were “the most pressing need” the bank had heard from its clients, making that its “most pressing priority to restore access to at the location.”
“We are working closely with local authorities and others to prepare the branch to be safely reopened for full access but do not yet have a confirmed date,” Gallagher said. “We look forward to fully reopening the branch to serve our clients and the local community, and will provide more details on timing as soon as possible.”
Colin Wright with Global Communications for Citibank confirmed that an environmental and structural assessment of the building was recently completed, which found that the branch “did not sustain any damage in the fires.”
“We haven’t yet determined when we will reopen,” Wright wrote. “Our thoughts are with our neighbors and clients as they recover from the wildfires.”
Bank branches that were destroyed in the fire include Bank of America, Chase and First Citizens Bank.
“JPMorganChase is inspired by the resilience and resolve of the entire Palisades community,” said Peter Kelley with California Media Relations for Chase. “We are committed to rebuilding and supporting the long-term growth of this great community. The safety of our employees and clients continues to be our first priority as we help the community recover from the wildfires.”
A sign at Chase on February 27
Kelley explained that Chase has secured its branch site for construction teams to clear debris, while maintaining “enhanced security measures on site,” which includes “24/7 armed guards, fencing and lighting for protection.”
“Once safe, we’ll relocate safe deposit boxes to a nearby secure site to allow for customer access,” Kelley said. “For questions, customers can contact our special care line at 800-254-7713.”
Liz Shapiro with First Citizens Bank Corporate Communications reported on March 14 that the safe deposit boxes from the bank’s Palisades branch have been transported to a “secure off-site location.”
“On March 10, following approval from local authorities to access our branch site, we were able to remove the safe deposit boxes from our Pacific Palisades branch and transport them to a secure location offsite, the fastest and safest way to facilitate our clients’ retrieval of safe deposit box contents,” Shapiro explained. “We are working with our clients to schedule appointments for retrieval and encourage them to reach out to our team at the Santa Monica Wilshire branch at 310-319-2160 with any questions.”
Carla Molina, SVP of external communications for Bank of America, told the Palisadian-Post on March 10 that the branch, following a permitting process and work from structural engineers and beyond, was able to move the safe deposit boxes at the branch to another location for customers to make appointments to go through the contents.
“My understanding is it’s gone very, very smoothly,” Molina said, adding that many “things were intact.”
Molina reported that a mobile ATM has been set up in the Palisades, but “given the amount of devastation,” Bank of America has “not been able to stand up a mobile financial center in the Palisades just yet.”
Bank of America has appointed Raul Anaya to oversee its “comprehensive response and rebuilding efforts.”
“As impacted areas become more accessible for residents and experts to enter, the full extent of damage is becoming clear,” Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan said. “The recovery process for Angelenos and for Southern California will be very extensive in need, complexity and time. Public and private leaders will need to partner very closely. Financial institutions will play a critical role.”
City National Bank, which is located within Palisades Village, confirmed the branch sustained “smoke and water damage, which will need to be addressed before it can reopen,” on a timeline that will be worked out with Caruso.
On March 11, Caruso said there was no update available for when the branch would be reopening.
Editor’s note: This story was updated Friday, March 14, with information from First Citizens Banks.
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