Plans to remove checkpoints for access to the Palisades community along Pacific Coast Highway has been delayed until Monday, when Los Angeles police will transfer responsibility for patrolling the area to the California Highway Patrol and the National Guard, Mayor Karen Bass announced.
The change will allow the Los Angeles Police Department to increase its service citywide while also keeping the Palisades area secure, Bass said late Saturday, citing an agreement with Gov. Gavin Newson to relieve the LAPD, which has been on Tactical Alert since fires erupted in the area on Jan. 7.
“I am grateful to Governor Newsom for his continued partnership as we respond to this unprecedented disaster,” Bass said in the late Saturday announcement. “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.”
Newsom reaffirmed the state’s partnership with city officials as cleanup and restoration work continues in the Palisades.
“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,” Newsom said. “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.”
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said “The Los Angeles Police Department remains committed to working alongside our law enforcement partners to ensure the burn area remains safe. We appreciate their [state] support as we continue to service the needs of all Angelenos.”
Under the revised plan:
— Checkpoints and proof-of-residence or entry passes will still be required to enter the Palisades
— Residents and contractors will need to obtain access passes Sunday at 1150 Pacific Coast Highway (Lot 3) in the City of Santa Monica between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
— Contractors are allowed in the fire area, but will be required to provide identification and proof that they have been hired by specific residents within the impacted areas.
— Contractors will also be required to check-in at Lot 3 each day to be granted access and will be provided with another pass to enter.
New locations where residents and contractors can obtain access passes will be announced Sunday.
When PCH reopens Monday, travel will be reduced to one lane in each direction between McClure Tunnel and Carbon Beach Terrace, at reduced speeds, with local-only traffic encouraged.
“Los Angeles County has worked diligently and with all deliberate speed to reopen PCH in a way that is safe and allows our residents, businesses, workers, and students to more easily navigate our coastal communities,” Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath said. “This reopening is a step forward in our recovery for communities that endured both the Palisades and Franklin Fires.”
There will be a 25 mph speed limit along the reopened stretch of PCH and all signals will be flashing red, Bass said.
Drivers are encouraged to avoid the area if possible as extreme congestion is expected and to be mindful of the active construction zone with trucks moving in and out of the area.
Restricting access to one lane in each direction and reduced speeds will allow cleanup and utility repairs to continue, Horvath’s office said.
People entering the burn zones were also urged to wear masks and protect themselves from health hazards.
Updates on road closures countywide can be found at pw.lacounty.gov/roadclosures. Additional information is also available at lacity.gov.