Tag: reopening

SANTA MONICA—On Tuesday, July 28, the city of Santa Monica announced that Appian Way reopened Tuesday to vehicle traffic days ahead of schedule, restoring the primary access route to the main Pier parking lots.

As part of the Santa Monica Pier Bridge Replacement Project, Appian Way was anticipated to remain closed for up to eight days while crews demolished a portion of the existing Pier Bridge over the roadway. As a result of the innovative alternative construction approach, demolition was completed significantly ahead of schedule, allowing the roadway to reopen after just one day.

Construction for the Pier Bridge Project continues. A few reminders:

-Access to Parking Lot 1 North from Appian Way or PCH
-Additional parking is available at Beach Lot 4 South, Beach Lot 3 North and Parking Structure 8
-Pedestrian access to the Pier and Ocean Front Walk remains open

Rather than using the saw-cutting method employed in other areas of the bridge, the contractor utilized two hydraulic breakers to complete demolition in this section. This approach substantially accelerated construction activities while maintaining safety, allowing crews to restore access much sooner than originally anticipated.

The Santa Monica Pier Bridge Replacement Project will continue to improve the safety, accessibility and long-term reliability of this historic gateway while maintaining access to the Pier and its businesses. The project is scheduled to be completed by 2028, in time for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.

Santa Monica is replacing the iconic Santa Monica Pier Bridge, which serves as the only vehicular and a key pedestrian connection between Ocean Avenue and Santa Monica Pier.

Originally constructed in 1939, the 86-year-old bridge no longer meets modern structural or seismic standards. To improve long-term safety, access, and mobility, the city is moving forward with a federally funded replacement project that will deliver a new, seismically sound structure with improved features, including a 15-foot-wide sidewalk to enhance the experience for pedestrians and bicyclists.

To learn about the latest updates on the project, visit www.santamonica.gov/pierbridge.

By Danny Jones

PACIFIC PALISADES—Developer Rick Caruso announced that Palisades Village will officially reopen on Saturday, August 15, after being closed since January 2025 as a result of the Palisades Fire. The outdoor shopping center was closed for 19 months, marking the end of one of the community’s best-known gathering places being unavailable to residents.

The center itself survived the blaze because it had a private fire department, private water tanks, and fire-retardant materials.

While buildings in the shopping center survived, the site required extensive repairs and environmental remediation to remove contaminants left behind by smoke, ash, and fire debris. Crews worked to tear the buildings down to the studs in order to treat the wood and rebuild the walls. Caruso indicated the process cost more than $100 million in repairs and environmental remediation before Palisades Village could safely reopen to the public.

Caruso framed the reopening as a symbolic win for the broader Pacific Palisades community, which is still in the early stages of rebuilding. In a video posted to his YouTube channel, Caruso said, “The stores are going to be open, the restaurants are going to be open, and this community is back, and it will be growing.”

Caruso indicated the reopening will bring back many longtime local businesses alongside new tenants. The center is about 99 percent leased, with roughly one-third of tenants new to the property. The Village, which first opened in 2018, is set to reopen on Saturday, August 15, with events starting at 10 a.m. and a “big surprise” planned for later in the evening, as Caruso described.

By Milan Manesh

MALIBU/TOPANGA CANYON—The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Lost Hills Station revealed on Thursday, May 22, that Pacific Coast Highway is expected to reopen without restrictions on Friday, May 23 at 8 a.m.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is reinforcing its commitment to public safety in the fire-affected areas of the city of Malibu, unincorporated Malibu, and the Topanga community.

Authorities will be implementing strict traffic enforcement, conducting high visibility patrols, undercover operations, and bolstering looter suppression efforts to protect residents. The LASD comprehensive crime strategy will focus on a zero-tolerance approach to criminal activity and traffic violations and will be coordinated with the California Highway Patrol and other public safety agencies.

“Our highest priority is the safety of this community,” said Acting Captain Dustin Carr. “We are proud to reach this milestone in the Palisades Fire recovery and will continue supporting it with increased traffic enforcement, proactive looter suppression, and a close partnership with the community. There will be zero tolerance for looting and reckless driving. Please help us keep the city of Malibu, unincorporated Malibu, and our Topanga community safe as we rebuild together.”

The Malibu Lost Hills Station is asking all residents and visitors to comply with traffic regulations and report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement.

The community can stay updated through the Malibu/Lost Hills Station social media accounts on X, Nixle, and Facebook. Refer to the Caltrans website https://dot.ca.gov/ for the latest on road conditions and closures.

The Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station noted that homeowners should visit the station and complete a Letter of Agency for their homes or businesses impacted the Palisades Fire and recent fires, especially if they are unoccupied.

A Letter of Agency, also known as a Trespass Arrest Authorization, is a formal document that grants law enforcement the authority to enforce trespassing laws on one’s property in their absence. It allows officers to take action against unauthorized individuals without contacting the homeowner first.

This authorization is useful for vacant properties, vacant lots, businesses, or any properties experiencing public nuisance activities or general trespassing. The completion of the Letter of Agency helps protect one’s property as Malibu transitions back to normal operations.

Remember to:

-Secure Your Property: Ensure gates, doors, and windows are locked.
-Report Suspicious Activity: Immediately contact local law enforcement if you observe unauthorized individuals on your property.

By Danny Jones