PACIFIC PALISADES (CNS) – Amid a disagreement between city and county officials, plans to remove all checkpoints for access to the Palisades community along Pacific Coast Highway have 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.”
Though the city’s portion of PCH will remain restricted for another day, Los Angeles County proceeded with plans to reopen access to Malibu and unincorporated portions of PCH at 8 a.m. Sunday.
PCH was reopened from the Ventura County line to Coastline Drive, but remains closed from Coastline Drive to Entrada Drive, a segment that will reopen for one lane in each direction at 8 a.m. Monday.
County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath expressed frustration with the delay on the part of the city.
“Tonight’s announcement from the city of Los Angeles comes as a surprise,” Horvath said in a statement late Saturday. “Los Angeles County will continue with the plan agreed upon by LASD, LAPD, CHP, and Caltrans, and will reopen Malibu and unincorporated portions of PCH tomorrow Sunday, February 2 at 8 a.m.
“The Carbon Beach checkpoint will no longer be active, and PCH will be open one lane in each direction from the Ventura County line through the checkpoint to be determined in and by the City of Los Angeles.
“Los Angeles County was ready to reopen today but delayed to Sunday to align with the City of Los Angeles to limit public confusion. Our communities deserve consistency and coordination in this painful time,’ Horvath continued.
“I want to reiterate that this opening is for residents and their families to resume their lives, and local only traffic is highly encouraged. With reduced lanes and speeds, it will be slow,” she added. “The Sheriff’s Department will be at elevated staffing with highly visible patrols along PCH and into neighborhoods.
“We will protect our communities from anyone seeking to prey on them with every resource at our disposal.”
Under the revised plan announced by Bass:
— 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 fully 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.
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.
Topanga Canyon Boulevard remains closed from PCH to Grand View Drive.
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.
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