The planned reopening of the Palisades, a Los Angeles neighborhood affected by the recent wildfires, has been met with confusion and security concerns. Initial announcements by Mayor Karen Bass regarding the reopening were reversed, leading to uncertainty among residents and businesses. Concerns about looters and the need for increased law enforcement presence have prompted a shift in responsibility from the LAPD to the California Highway Patrol and the National Guard.
On Friday, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass announced the reopening of the Palisades to the public on Sunday morning, accompanied by an increased law enforcement presence. This decision followed the removal of all checkpoints restricting access to the area. However, just hours later on Saturday night, the mayor reversed her earlier announcement.
Starting Monday, responsibility for overseeing Palisades access will be transferred from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) to the California Highway Patrol and the National Guard. Mayor Bass and LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell stated that this shift will allow LAPD officers to dedicate more resources to serving the city as a whole. Despite the mayor's initial announcement, signs and cones on Pacific Coast Highway near Temescal Canyon indicated that only residents and emergency vehicles could pass through to the North. This restriction appeared to be loosely enforced on Sunday morning as vehicles flowed through uninterrupted. As previously stated by Mayor Bass, checkpoints on streets intersecting the highway remained active, allowing access only to residents or individuals with legitimate reasons for visiting properties, such as insurance companies. Access permits could be obtained from police officers stationed at Will Rogers State Beach lot 3. LAPD Sergeant Joe Sanchez, overseeing operations at the parking lot, confirmed that their orders were to continue issuing permits to individuals with proof of residence and that street barriers would remain until instructed otherwise by the mayor. Outside the city limits, a few miles to the North, Los Angeles County proceeded with its planned reopening. A sheriff's deputy stationed just beyond the city boundary reported that all barriers were removed on Sunday morning at 8:00 am, granting public access to streets outside city limits. Visitors are still encouraged to exercise caution and avoid the area if possible. The sheriff's department emphasized that burned property remains private and cannot be entered without permission.The situation has been a source of confusion for Palisades residents who were allowed to return to their neighborhood last week. The back-and-forth decisions regarding the reopening have caused uncertainty and frustration among those who have been living without gas or electricity since the Palisades Fire. Sean Lennon, a resident who returned to his PCH apartment while firefighters were still battling the flames, expressed his desire for the area to be fully accessible again, acknowledging the hardship faced by local businesses due to the closure. He also voiced concerns about potential looting and committed to safeguarding his own home and those of his neighbors. By late morning on Sunday, heavy traffic congestion was evident on the 10 freeway near the entrance to PCH. Some drivers reportedly engaged with police officers to inquire about access permissions. LAPD is preparing to transfer enforcement responsibilities to the California Highway Patrol and the National Guard, with additional resources promised by California Governor Gavin Newsom.
Palisades Fire Reopening Los Angeles Mayor Bass Law Enforcement California Highway Patrol National Guard Security Concerns Wildfires
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Palisades PCH Reopening Delayed as City and County Officials DisagreeThe reopening of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in the Palisades community has been delayed due to a disagreement between city and county officials. While Los Angeles County proceeds with plans to reopen access to Malibu and unincorporated portions of PCH, the city of Los Angeles will maintain checkpoints until Monday.
Read more »
Palisades Fire Destroys Shopping Center in Pacific PalisadesA shopping center in Pacific Palisades, California, was destroyed by the Palisades Fire on Monday, January 27, 2025. The center housed businesses such as The Gray Dragon toy store and Vittorio Ristorante & Pizzeria.
Read more »
Pacific Palisades Man Documents Devastation of Childhood Home in Palisades FireHenri Yonet's heartbreaking video captures the destruction of his childhood home in the Palisades Fire. The relentless Santa Ana winds fueled the blaze, consuming homes and memories in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood.
Read more »
This map shows where the Palisades fire is burning in Pacific PalisadesA brush fire that ignited Tuesday morning has threatened homes and forced evacuations in the Pacific Palisades area.
Read more »
Palisades Fire Forces Evacuations, Threatens Homes in Pacific PalisadesA large brush fire, fueled by strong winds, rapidly spread through the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, forcing residents to evacuate and threatening numerous structures.
Read more »
Massive Palisades Fire Erupts in Pacific Palisades, Forcing EvacuationsA 200-acre brush fire, fueled by strong winds, rapidly spread through the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles on Tuesday, prompting mandatory evacuations and drawing a large firefighting response.
Read more »