Pacific Palisades Area CLOSED Amid Wildfire Chaos

Pacific Palisades remains closed to the public as officials grapple with safety concerns in the aftermath of devastating wildfires.

At a Glance

  • L.A. Mayor Karen Bass reversed decision to reopen Pacific Palisades due to resident concerns
  • Checkpoints will remain in place, managed by California Highway Patrol and National Guard
  • Pacific Coast Highway to reopen with limited traffic and reduced speed limit
  • Increased law enforcement presence deployed to prevent potential crime
  • Residents and contractors require passes for access to affected areas

Mayor Bass Reverses Reopening Decision

In response to mounting concerns from residents, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has reversed the decision to reopen the fire-ravaged Pacific Palisades to the public. The move comes as locals voice apprehensions about toxic pollution, public safety, and potential looting in the wake of recent wildfires that devastated the area.

The California National Guard, initially set to withdraw from checkpoints, will now continue its presence alongside the California Highway Patrol. This change in plans underscores the delicate balance between recovery efforts and ensuring the safety of returning residents.

“I am grateful to Governor Newsom for his continued partnership as we respond to this unprecedented disaster. We continue to adapt in real time to this dynamic situation. This plan secures the Palisades and eases the strain on LAPD, whose ability to respond across L.A. has been impacted for nearly one month. My priority continues to be rebuilding the Palisades as rapidly and safely as possible,” L.A. Mayor Karen Bass said.

Starting February 3, the California Highway Patrol and National Guard will manage checkpoint access to Pacific Palisades. Residents and contractors seeking entry must obtain special passes, available at designated locations. The Pacific Coast Highway is set to reopen with limited traffic and a reduced speed limit of 25 mph, allowing for ongoing construction and debris clearing efforts.

“The LAPD will surge a specific presence into the Palisades community to make sure that everyone is safe. If you do not need to be in the Palisades, don’t be. We have a zero-tolerance policy for crime. The LAPD will arrest, and City Attorney Feldstein Soto and D.A. Hochman will prosecute,” Bass added.

These stringent measures reflect the authorities’ commitment to maintaining order and preventing potential criminal activities in the vulnerable post-disaster environment. Residents entering burn zones are advised to take precautions against health hazards, highlighting the ongoing risks in the affected areas.

Governor Gavin Newsom has pledged additional law enforcement resources to maintain the checkpoints.

“To the survivors of these fires: We have your back, the state will be here every step of the way until your community is fully recovered. By deploying additional state law enforcement resources, we’re ensuring the Palisades remains secure while freeing up LAPD to focus on the public safety needs of the entire city,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said.

The duration of these security measures remains undecided, with ongoing discussions about resource allocation and disaster management. City Councilmember Traci Park and civic leader Steve Soboroff have expressed support for the cautious approach, deeming the initial reopening plans premature.

As Pacific Palisades navigates this challenging period of recovery, the community’s resilience is being tested. The careful balance between resuming normal life and ensuring public safety remains at the forefront of local and state officials’ minds, as they work tirelessly to rebuild and protect this fire-prone area.

They might be responding to the tragedy, but it’s hard to ignore the fact that it might not have happened had they managed their forests properly from the start.