Tag: Pacific Palisades Fire

Mayor Bass Announced, Pacific Palisades Checkpoints Remain

February 2, 2025 ·

Photo Credit: Jessica Christian

PACIFIC PALISADES—On February 1, in a joint press release the Los Angeles Mayor, Karen Bass, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and the Los Angeles Police Department Police Chief, Jim McDonnell announced that all checkpoints currently in Pacific Palisades will remain in place. Governor Newsom, promised additional law enforcement resources in to keep Pacific Palisades closed to the public.

“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 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 Pallisades as rapidly and safely as possible,” Mayor Bass stated.

Newsom reiterated what Mayor Bass said in the following statement.

“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.”

LAPD Chief McDonnell reassured the public of the Police Department’s support.

“The Los Angeles Police Department remains committed to working alongside our law enforcement partners to ensure the burn area remains safe. We appreciate their support as we continue to service the needs of all Angelenos.”

The following information came directly from the press release that may be found on Mayor Bass’s webpage.

“Checkpoints and proof-of-residence or entry pass will still be required to enter the Palisades.

On Sunday, resident and contractor access passes can be obtained at 1150 Pacific Coast Highway (Lot 3) in the City of Santa Monica between 10 AM and 5 PM.

Contractors are allowed in the fire area and are required to provide identification and proof that they have been hired by specific residents within the impacted areas.

Contractors must report to the check-in area (Lot 3) each day to be granted access and will be provided a pass to enter.

PCH will reopen one lane in each direction at reduced speeds on Monday. Local traffic only is encouraged. New locations to obtain resident and contractor access passes will be announced Sunday, February 2nd.”

By Sharon

President Donald Trump Takes Aerial Tour Of Wildfire Damage

January 24, 2025 ·

Photo Credit: Benjamin Lizardo

CALIFORNIA—On January 25, President Trump accompanied by First Lady, Melania Trump, boarded Marine One to survey storm damage in North Carolina and the aftermath of rampant wildfires in southern California.


Governor Gavin Newsom greeted President and First Lady Melania Trump on the tarmac as they exited the plane at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

The President met with local leaders in both states assuring them of his support indicating that the Trump Administration will be waiving the normally required permits needed to begin the debris clean-up. Trump said, “That could take up to 10 years. We want to get it done in 10 days.”

Before sitting down with Los Angeles Mayor, Karen Bass, and others, Trump took an aerial tour and saw the ruins of the Pacific Palisades, Eaton, and Hughes fires, among others.

“You really can’t believe it, unless you see it,” Trump stated publicly.


While Trump was in California touring the aftermath of the fires, and meeting with some of the people who lost their homes, Pete Hegseth was confirmed as U.S. Secretary of Defense. Reporters following the President called out questions. One asked the President, what he thought about outgoing Senator, Mitch McConnell (R-KY) voting against confirming Hegseth.

Trump indicated that he had not heard that, but it didn’t matter. What mattress is that “We Won.” Hegseth brought in at least 50 votes to confirm the win.

By Sharon

Los Angeles County School Closures Due To Fire Damage

January 14, 2025 ·

Photo Credit: Kevin Butz

PACIFIC PALISADES—On Monday, January 13, many students in the Los Angeles County Unified School District (LAUSD) previously evacuated, returned to school. LAUSD has close to 430,000 students enrolled in school, some of whom come from schools with significant fire damage and will not be returning to school anytime soon.

LAUSD Superintendent, Alberto M. Carvalho made the following statement in a January 13 press release. The full text may be found on the LAUSD website.

“It was poignant seeing many of our students and employees return to school. The resilience of our students, families, and employees has been inspiring. While we continue to address the impact of wildfires our focus remains on providing a safe and supporting learning environment. We deeply appreciate our dedicated employees, including our classified and certificated substitutes, for your unwavering commitment to students under these extraordinary circumstances.”

The following schools remain closed due to mandatory evacuation orders; Canyon Charter Elementary, Kenter Canyon Charter Elementary, Palisades Charter Elementary, Marquez Charter Elementary, Topanga Charter Elementary, Lanai Road Elementary, Roscomare Road Elementary, Community Magnet Charter, and Paul Revere Middle School. Updates may also be found on the District/School websites.

In addition, the district will have additional resources to aid students and teachers as they transition back to school. Due to a shortage of teachers, Substitute teachers are encouraged to fill in where they are needed most.

“As Los Angeles Unified moves forward, plans for rebuilding Palisades Charter Elementary and Marquez Charter Elementary Schools, and addressing long-term recovery are underway. The district is committed to keeping families and communities informed throughout the process.”- LAUSD Super Intendent, Alberto Carvalho

The following information came directly from the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District.

“All Santa Monica schools will reopen Tuesday, January 14, 2025. We will be prepared to implement our inclement weather schedule if air quality changes.”

More information on the air quality response may be found on the SMMUSD website.

“Malibu schools will remain closed Tuesday and Wednesday, January 14th and 15th due to ongoing safety concerns of the Palisades Fire along with road closures and power and gas outages in some neighborhoods.”

By Sharon