SLO Brian Espin answers several questions he's received and provides the information below:
"Some of the questions I have received are the following.
Can I start going through my property to look for mementos or valuables? Yes you can as long as the EPA has gone through your property to make sure there is no hazardous material. They will mark your property as they have already checked it.
If my property is still standing, can I move back in? Yes, you can but please be mindful of the hazards in the air and area.
Do I need to go to the Santa Monica Beach lot everyday to go to my property? No, once you or your contractors have the pass you can drive straight to the checkpoints to get into the neighborhood. The passes are good for 1 week.
What is going to happen to the community from now on? The Army Corps of Engineers has made a phase plan to clean up the debris. Phaze 1 is locating and clearing hazardous materials. Phase 2 is actually cleaning up the debris from individual propertys. You must sign up for debris removal from the Army Corps of Engineers or opt out to have your own private contractors clear out your own debris.
Are the Police going to leave the area once the checkpoints are removed? No, LAPD West LA is going to be here for the entire clean-up and rebuilding of the Palisades. As the check points get removed, we will still maintain a presence in the community. We will continue to have squads of Officers in the area as long as resources allow.
Resident Access: Access passes are required; however, escorts are no longer needed. Check in with law enforcement between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. for an access pass to all Resident-Only Zones in the City of Los Angeles. Check-in location: Lot 3 Beach Access, 1150 Pacific Coast Highway, Santa Monica, CA 90403. Curfew hours (6pm-6am) remain in effect.
Contractors will be allowed in the fire area (LA City) to conduct assessment work. Contractors will be required to provide identification and proof that they have been hired by specific residents within the impacted areas. Contractors must report to the check-in area (Lot 3) to be granted access and will be provided a pass to enter.
Be Neighborly: Please help each other out and look out for your neighbors. You don't have to like your neighbor, but you should be there in case of an emergency. Most crimes can be deterred by being aware of your surroundings and letting your neighbors know what is going on and to be on the lookout. When people are out and about with eyes on the street, most criminals take notice and will move on to another area where they will not be noticed or stand out."
Sergeant II Scott Alpert has also provided this Badge Note with additional information and advice relevant to returning to the Palisades:
An important new virtual Town Hall, "Protecting Your Health After A Wildfire," hosted by the County Public Health Dept., will take place TOMORROW, Friday, January 31 at 6pm! Click on the flyer below for more information.
Another virtual Town Hall on "Debris Removal" will take place on Wednesday, February 5 at 6pm. Click on the flyer below for more information.
Both events will also be live-streamed (details in the flyers).
