Section of PCH reopens, but checkpoints into Pacific Palisades stay in place
Despite ongoing cleanup and restoration efforts following the Palisades Fire, a portion of the Pacific Coast Highway reopened Sunday to traffic.
However, only one lane will be open in each direction from the Ventura County line through a checkpoint to be determined in and by the city of Los Angeles, according to Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath. Horvath's office also said the Carbon Beach checkpoint will no longer be active.
The reopening took effect at 8 a.m. through Malibu and unincorporated portions of PCH. But motorists will not be able to turn off onto PCH to access the neighborhoods impacted by the Palisades fires.
Speed limits will be reduced to 25 miles per hour along the PCH and CHP officers will be stationed every half-mile along Pacific Coast Highway to ensure traffic flow.
On Friday, Mayor Karen Bass had announced plans to remove all checkpoints, but local residents voiced fears of looting and safety risks.
One local shared, "I boarded up my house. I fenced my house because I am afraid for my house. I think letting anyone in here is just a recipe for further disaster."
In response, the Mayor and Governor collaborated on a new security plan, which involves state law enforcement agencies, including the California Highway Patrol and the National Guard, taking over the safety measures, starting Monday.
As a result, checkpoints will remain in place in Pacific Palisades, limiting access to residents and contractors with valid identification.
Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart addressed the sudden change, which has many confused about what's actually happening.
"Like Supervisor Horvath, we were surprised by last night's announcement from the City of Los Angeles delaying the reopening – only to now learn that while neighborhood turn-offs have checkpoints, PCH itself remains fully open," Stewart's statement said. "What was the purpose of this late-night decision if it was not going to be enforced? Our residents are trying to reclaim some sense of normalcy, and our businesses are trying to bring back employees who need to get to work. These last-minute, uncoordinated decisions create unnecessary confusion and disruption."
Stewart further urged city leaders to work collaboratively with all of the impacted jurisdiction to further ensure clarity and consistency.
For now, only those with an access pass will be permitted to enter the Palisades. Officials are urging those who do not live or work in the area to avoid entering, as it remains a critical work zone for recovery efforts.