A controversial plan to reopen the Pacific Palisades to the general public was scuttled at the last minute Sunday by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.
The reopening was announced at a virtual town hall on Friday, and was set to take effect two days later. Councilmember Traci Park, who represents the area, and Bass’ own chief recovery officer Steve Soboroff called the decision “premature.” Police Chief Jim McDonnell supported the reopening as a way to free up police resources.
Bass paused the plan after Gov. Gavin Newsom agreed to provide additional officers from California Highway Patrol. Her announcement came just hours before the scheduled reopening.
“I am grateful to Governor Newsom for his continued partnership as we respond to this unprecedented disaster,” said Bass in a press statement released on Saturday. “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."
As of Monday, access to the Palisades is being controlled by CHP and the National Guard.
Mayor Bass is still taking considerable heat for her handling of the crisis. A recent survey by Decipher AI found 54% of people disapprove of the way she has handled the fires. Only 37% say they approve of the job she’s doing, while 9% are unsure.