Pacific Coast Highway to Reopen, Residents Concerned about Crime
Reopening on February 2
Pacific Coast Highway will reopen this Sunday for the first time since the deadly wildfires ignited. Some residents, however, are concerned that allowing public access will bring crime to the area.
Beginning at 8 a.m. on February 2, PCH will reopen with one lane of traffic in each direction. A 25 mph speed limit will be in place and all traffic signals will be flashing red.
Construction and Repairs Continue
Construction, repair work, and debris clearing will continue in the area, so drivers are advised to take caution and avoid unnecessary travel on the road.
Although checkpoints will be removed, California Highway Patrol officers will be stationed every half-mile to ease traffic flow and ensure public safety.
Residents’ Concerns
As public access returns to cordoned-off neighborhoods, many homes that survived remain uninhabitable without water or power. Some residents are concerned about being targeted by looters or squatters, believing public access to the area is premature.
“The concern is obviously for security,” said Eric Hoek, a Pacific Palisades resident. “If anybody can come and go freely and we’re not here full-time because the house can’t be lived in right now, who’s going to stand guard and watch over the house so that it doesn’t get broken into?”
“It’s definitely a concern,” said Adam McFarland, a Pacific Palisades evacuee. “I’ve been coming up most days since the fire and it’s bizarre, the sort of people you’d see on PCH coming through town.”
Law Enforcement Presence
In a Friday meeting, city leaders tried to quell residents’ concerns, reassuring them that there would be “an unprecedented surge of law enforcement.”
“The LAPD will surge a specific presence into the Palisades community to make sure that everyone is safe,” said L.A. Mayor Karen Bass. “If you do not need to be in the Palisades, don’t be. We have a zero-tolerance policy for crime. The LAPD will arrest, and City Attorney Feldstein Soto and D.A. Hochman will prosecute.”
The surge of police will include 66 officers, six supervisors, and the use of automated license plate readers.
“There will be police pretty much everywhere driving around the Palisades streets,” said Los Angeles police chief Jim McDonnell.
Recovery Efforts
“Our recovery effort is based around getting people back home to rebuild as quickly and safely as possible,” Bass said. “We are making sure that the Palisades will be safe as residents access their properties with their insurance adjusters, contractors, tow trucks, moving trucks, and more.”
“The safety of our community, first responders, and road crews remains our top priority as we reopen this vital stretch of highway,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “We urge all drivers to stay alert, follow posted signs, and respect the presence of personnel still working in the area.”
Conclusion
As Pacific Coast Highway reopens, residents are advised to be cautious and aware of their surroundings. With an unprecedented surge of law enforcement presence, the city is working to ensure the safety of the community and the recovery efforts.
FAQs
* When will Pacific Coast Highway reopen?
+ The highway will reopen on February 2, with one lane of traffic in each direction, and a 25 mph speed limit.
* What are the concerns of residents?
+ Some residents are concerned about crime and looting, as well as the potential for squatters and looters to target uninhabitable homes.
* What is being done to address these concerns?
+ The city will have an unprecedented surge of law enforcement presence, including 66 officers, six supervisors, and the use of automated license plate readers.
* What is the focus of the recovery efforts?
+ The focus is on getting people back home to rebuild as quickly and safely as possible, while ensuring the safety of the community, first responders, and road crews.
