Facing backlash from residents, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass reversed her decision to open the Pacific Palisades to all traffic after the devastating January 7th fire. The mayor had initially planned to lift restrictions starting February 2nd, citing financial constraints in maintaining security checkpoints. However, the community outcry, fueled by fears of looting, voyeurism, and traffic congestion, led to a change of plans.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass reversed a decision Saturday night to open the Pacific Palisades to general traffic after facing pressure from residents. The city had barred residents from entering for nearly three weeks following the Palisades Fire on January 7. President Donald Trump had insisted in a town hall meeting on January 24 that residents be allowed to enter to visit their properties.
For four days, residents were able to visit their homes, or the ruins of their homes, after obtaining permits from police. But on Friday, Mayor Bass announced the area would be open to all traffic starting at 8 a.m. on February 2. Officials explained that there was not enough money to retain the services of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and the National Guard at checkpoints at entrances to the Palisades. Residents, many of whom had been working throughout the week and had not yet had a chance to visit the area, were furious. Many feared looting, or a rush of traffic as souvenir hunters combed the ruins, and as voyeurs and content creators tried to exploit the tragedy. Many also noted officials’ previous claims that the area had been too toxic to allow even residents to return. Mayor Karen Bass announced tonight that checkpoints in the Palisades will remain in place. This is the result of work today by Mayor Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom, who has offered the city additional law enforcement resources to enable this effort to keep the Palisades closed to the public. The Mayor’s plan addresses concerns from the Palisades community as well as strains on the LAPD’s ability to operate citywide – LAPD has been on Tactical Alert since January 7. Starting Monday, LAPD will transfer responsibility for Palisades access to CHP and the National Guard, allowing LAPD to increase its service citywide while also keeping the Palisades secure. Local City Council member Traci Park had pushed back against the mayor’s decision to open the Palisades to all traffic
PACIFIC PALISADES FIRE LOS ANGELES MAYOR KAREN BASS TRAFFIC RESTRICTION COMMUNITY OUTCRY
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