As National Guard Readies To Leave Palisades Fire Area, Officials Weigh Next Steps

PACIFIC PALISADES, CA — As Pacific Coast Highway readies to reopen and the National Guard prepares to withdraw from the area, city officials are seeking residents' input about public safety and access in the Palisades Fire area.

The National Guard, which has been stationed throughout the burn area since January, will end its mission in the area no later than May 31, Col. Brandon Hill told Patch. Thousands of guard members were deployed shortly after the fire broke out to help manage traffic control points and amid a rash of arrests for looting and other crimes.

Additionally, Pacific Coast Highway — a large portion of which has been off limits to the public since the fire broke out — is set to reopen by the end of the month, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced.

Amid those developments, Los Angeles Councilwoman Traci Park is asking residents to weigh in on public safety and access issues.

"This survey will help the (Council District 11) team understand how we can best balance increased access with safety and security concerns," Park wrote.

The survey is available here.

The Pacific Palisades Community Council earlier this month sent a letter to city officials expressing concern about the presence of non-residents who have gotten behind PCH checkpoints since the bike path at West Channel North to Malibu opened on April 17.

"Currently, The National Guard and LAPD are only checking vehicles for proof of entry, allowing non-residents and other unauthorized individuals to walk or bike into the Palisades burn areas without showing proof of entry," the council wrote. "The community is concerned. We are seeing more unhoused individuals coming into the area with luggage and shopping carts, looking for places to sleep."

The council's letter asked the LAPD to ensure only residents could access the area and be able to obtain access to certain security camera footage.