Golden State Today

As recovery efforts progress following the early January firestorm, California Governor Gavin Newsom has announced additional state law enforcement resources to help maintain checkpoints in Pacific Palisades, keeping it closed to non-residents. This move is part of a coordinated effort with the Mayor’s Office to ensure community security while allowing the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) to focus on broader citywide public safety needs.

Governor Newsom emphasized support for fire survivors, stating, “To the survivors of these fires: We have your back, and the state will be here every step of the way until your community is fully recovered. By providing additional state law enforcement resources, we’re keeping the Palisades secure and giving LAPD the flexibility to serve the entire city. We’re in this together, and we won’t stop until the job is done.”

Mayor Karen Bass expressed gratitude towards Governor Newsom for his partnership during this challenging time. She stated, “We continue to adapt in real time to this dynamic situation. This plan secures the Palisades and eases the strain on LAPD, whose ability to respond across L.A. has been impacted for nearly one month. My priority continues to be rebuilding the Palisades as rapidly and safely as possible.”

City officials announced a gradual removal of road closures and traffic control checkpoints on Friday, including those in Pacific Palisades. In response, Governor Newsom ordered an increase in California Highway Patrol (CHP) presence along the Pacific Coast Highway and directed that California National Guard (Cal Guard) remain ready for rapid deployment if necessary. Mayor Bass also confirmed that starting Monday, responsibility for managing access to Pacific Palisades would transition from LAPD to CHP and Cal Guard, ensuring ongoing security while enhancing emergency response capabilities across Los Angeles.