• Pacific Coast Highway reopening sparks state and city dispute over security plans for the Pacific Palisades area.
• Mayor Bass’s office confirms a police presence with checkpoints but has yet to fully share details with the state.
• Officials agree the Palisades should stay closed to nonresidents while security logistics are finalized before Memorial Day.

The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) will reopen this Friday. The 11-mile stretch connects Malibu to the Westside. The highway closed for months after wildfires damaged the area. Officials aim to reopen it just before Memorial Day weekend. This will restore an important coastal route for drivers and visitors.

State and City Clash Over Security Plans for Fire-Damaged Palisades

Less than two days before reopening, the state says it still does not know how Los Angeles will secure the Pacific Palisades neighborhood. The area lies just off PCH and suffered major fire damage. The state worries about keeping the area safe as it opens. The city has not fully shared its plan, leaving the state “in the dark,” according to a Wednesday statement.

Mayor Karen Bass’s spokesperson, Zach Seidl, said the city does have a security plan. He said the plan will keep the Palisades secure and limit access to residents only. Seidl said the city has used this plan for months. However, he did not confirm whether the city has shared the plan with state officials. This lack of communication fuels the ongoing tension between the two governments.

California Emergency Services Leader Criticizes City for Lack of Communication

Nancy Ward leads the state’s Office of Emergency Services. She sent a sharp letter to the city on Wednesday. Ward criticized Los Angeles for ignoring repeated requests. She said the state offered money and technical help to create a security plan. The city did not respond with clear details, even after many weeks of outreach. Ward warned this might delay reopening plans, despite hard work by engineers and workers.

By Wednesday morning, the city had not disclosed its full security plan. Officials did not say if they would add new security checkpoints on streets entering Palisades from PCH. This lack of transparency worries the state and local residents. However, Seidl told reporters that the city plans to add new checkpoints soon. He promised more details later on Wednesday.

Palisades Has Stayed Closed Since January Wildfires

The affluent Palisades neighborhood has remained closed to the public since January’s devastating wildfire. Other fire-hit neighborhoods reopened long ago. The California National Guard currently helps with security but plans to leave by the end of May. City and state leaders now must decide who will protect the area after the Guard’s exit. This creates urgency to finalize a security plan quickly.

Both state and city leaders agree the Palisades should stay closed to the public for safety. They also agree on the need to keep the neighborhood secure. However, they disagree on the best way to handle the logistics. Officials continue discussions on checkpoints, patrols, and enforcement. The public awaits clear answers on what to expect after reopening.

State Offers Support to City but Waits for Response

Ward’s letter highlighted the state’s readiness to help. She said California offered technical support and financial aid. This aid would cover federal reimbursement-eligible security costs. The state hopes to help the city manage expenses related to the reopening. But Ward expressed frustration over the city’s silence on the topic.

Ward also warned the city might ask to delay the PCH reopening. Such a delay would frustrate the many groups who worked hard to prepare the road. The state wants to avoid postponing Memorial Day plans. Seidl denied the city will request any delay. Instead, he provided more information about the security plan later Wednesday.

Mayor Directs LAPD to Boost Police Presence with Checkpoints

Mayor Bass instructed the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) to increase patrols in Palisades. The LAPD will assign 112 officers to 16 checkpoints. These checkpoints will operate 24 hours a day. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) will add 30 officers for crime patrols within the neighborhood. Seven more officers will watch PCH day and night. This large deployment aims to keep the area safe and secure.

Ward’s letter was addressed to Robert Clark, the city’s deputy mayor for public safety. Clark oversees police and fire issues for Los Angeles. He started the job in early April. His predecessor left amid controversy after an accusation of a bomb threat. Clark now manages the complex reopening and security efforts.

Local Councilmember Voices Frustration Over Security Plan Delays

Traci Park represents the Palisades on the Los Angeles City Council. She expressed frustration about the slow progress on the security plan. Park has repeatedly asked for formal plans from city departments and consultants. None of these plans have appeared yet, her spokesperson said. Park submitted her own safety proposal directly to the governor. She remains concerned about public safety as reopening nears.

The governor’s office has contacted Councilmember Park to discuss the security issues. Sources say they want to ensure Palisades residents stay safe. This shows the state’s serious interest in how the city handles reopening.

Earlier Reopening Plan Reversed After Public Pushback

In late January, Mayor Bass announced plans to reopen the Palisades. Less than two days later, she reversed the decision. Community members strongly opposed removing checkpoints. They argued the neighborhood was not ready. The mayor listened and delayed reopening to protect public safety.

Governor Gavin Newsom announced last month that PCH would reopen by the end of May. He did not give a specific reopening date. His office declined to comment on the recent letter from state emergency officials.

What Drivers Can Expect When PCH Reopens This Week

The reopened stretch will run from Chautauqua Boulevard near Santa Monica to Sweetwater Canyon Drive in Malibu. The highway will have two lanes open in each direction. The California Department of Transportation manages the road. Drivers should expect normal traffic flow along this important coastal route.