A few important updates for Palisades and fire-impacted residents.
Progress On The Ground – FEMA estimates that by next week, a thousand lots in the Palisades will be in the debris removal process, and the EPA is nearly done with its operations at Will Rogers. With water and power fully restored, some restaurants and other businesses reopening, and families returning to standing homes, things are starting feel more alive than they did just a couple weeks ago.
Environmental Impacts – Recent ocean water testing reveals elevated levels of metals, bacteria, and organic compounds, which are already impacting our wildlife and sensitive coastal environment. There is still an Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory in effect, meaning all water contact should be avoided from what I understand - no one should be swimming or surfing. These health and environmental concerns are why I introduced a motion instructing our Bureau of Sanitation as well as other government entities to present the most recent data on ocean water quality. Following council's adoption this week, we look forward to hosting the presentation at our next Ad Hoc LA Recovery Committee meeting.
PCH Update – We're working with our operational partners to improve the lane configuration and pass access system to reduce traffic and delays, but generally, please understand that PCH through the Palisades and Malibu are going to remain challenging due to ongoing utility work, hillside and watershed remediation, and debris removal of burned homes along the coastline. In addition, Temescal Canyon Road will remain out of service for at least the next several months as the Army Corps continues its work of recycling steel and concrete from the burn area.
FEMA Extends Wildfire Assistance Deadline – If you were affected by the January wildfires in Los Angeles County, there’s still time to get the help you need – but the deadline is Monday, March 31. FEMA assistance and SBA low-interest disaster loans can provide crucial support for recovery. Apply today at DisasterAssistance.gov or visit a local Disaster Recovery Center for in-person help.
Disaster Recovery Center Hours – Hour remain open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. for in-person support.
For Condo Or Townhouse Owners – All individual owners and the HOA should submit ROE forms, as soon as possible! The Army Corps will group those ROEs and begin debris removal once there are enough to get started.
Verified Contractors For Wildfire Recovery – The City has assembled a list of verified contractors and architects to support the rebuilding of homes, public spaces, and more!
✅ Looking for trusted professionals to help rebuild?
✅ Interested in being added to the verified list?
Visit https://bca.lacity.gov/rebuildLA to access the list of verified contractors and architects!
We understand the unprecedented challenges you are facing. If you have questions, please contact our office and we’ll do our best to help you solve the problem!
Here are this week's community updates!
Encampment Interventions - This week, your CD11 CARE+ teams completed operations across the District, restoring health, safety and accessibility along our sidewalks and in our public spaces. Focusing their efforts in Venice, Del Rey, Playa Vista and Ladera, our city crews coordinated closely with service providers to connect homeless individuals with housing resources, shelter and other resources.
Missed this week's Mar Vista Town Hall? You can view the full recording on our Youtube page.
Distributing Purifiers To Our Neighbors – This week Team CD11 delivered air purifiers directly to residents impacted by the Palisades Fire. If you or someone you know has been affected and could benefit from an air purifier, please reach out to our office!
US Army Secretary Visit To Palisades – I spent time this week with Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll, representatives from the US Army Corps of Engineers, and LAUSD Board Member Nick Melvoin at Marquez Elementary and Pali High to discuss the damage, debris removal, and rebuilding process. We also toured the Army Corps concrete and metal recycling operations on Temescal Canyon, which are extensive. More on that operation next week!
