The Pacific Coast Highway remains closed, with its reopening potentially delayed for weeks due to extensive damage and ongoing utility work, according to Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart. During a community meeting on Thursday, Stewart described the damage as significant, after touring the area earlier that afternoon. “The roadway is in place, but the amount of work being done on all sides of the road will prevent us from opening it in just a few days. It’s going to take weeks,” he explained. Furthermore, workers are preparing for a possible rainstorm, which could lead to catastrophic landslides due to the fire-damaged hillsides.
Wildfire victims urged not to accept lowball offers on property sales
In light of recent wildfires, California Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin has cautioned residents of Pacific Palisades against selling their properties at steeply discounted prices to predatory buyers. At a community meeting, she emphasized that many victims were receiving lowball offers. “Do not sell your properties for pennies on the dollar,” she advised, noting that generous insurance subsidies were available for those looking to rebuild. Governor Gavin Newsom also signed an executive order on Thursday to extend a ban on price gouging for hotels, motels, and rental housing to protect wildfire victims.
New Year’s Eve fire in Pacific Palisades declared “dead out”
Los Angeles Fire Department Assistant Chief Joe Everett confirmed that the New Year’s Eve fire in Pacific Palisades was fully extinguished. Despite concerns that smoldering debris from fireworks might have reignited the blaze, Everett reassured the community that firefighters remained vigilant, monitoring the area for 36 hours to ensure it was completely contained.
Read also: