PHASE 2: OPT IN, OPT OUT
It appears that a homeowner on Embury had opted out of having the Army Corp of Engineers clean his property and hired a construction company to take away the debris. They were already working last Saturday, February 8. Another home on Livorno, had also started loading up the debris this week
But, permits have not been given out, yet. At the Town Hall February 12 meeting held by L.A. County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, it was stated that private contractors can only start to apply for permits tomorrow, February 13.
L.A. County Public Works Director Mark Pestrella said “We are looking forward to making a streamlined process, one-step process, well, two-step. First, pull the permit second be inspected and confirm completion of your working compliance with all laws and you’re on your way.”
Earlier in the day, a builder that Circling the News spoke to said that he worried that these contractors, who obviously were not following the rules, would take debris to a landfill to dump, but not tell that site owner that the debris had come from the Palisades Fire.
CTN has asked Horvath about the location of the dumpsite because the further the dumpsite from the area, the more expensive it will be for debris removal for private contractors.
CTN asked if the contractors who had not received a permit and were already hauling if they would be fined. One should contact Department of Public Works (844) 347-3322.
The Army Corps of Engineers trucks will generally have a two by three sticker on the side of the truck with ECC on it.
RIGHT OF ENTRY (ROE):
L.A. County Mark Pestrella said that as of today, 200 Right of Entry forms have been processed. “We want people to know we have accelerated process and should see an additional 600 by Saturday.” He said that the plan was to continue to expedite the process. Before Phase 2 can start, the Army Corp of Engineers need the ROE.
Pestrella said that they might start to let residents know the applications have been received, “we’re not doing it now, but we’ll start doing it tomorrow.”
WHEN WILL PCH REOPEN?
Horvath noted that PCH is a critical path for residents and for tourism, and asked when it will reopen? She was told that PCH is being “eyed as a haul route,” which will make it really dangerous for drivers.
Caltrans’ Katy Macek said, “We understand residents wanting to get back on the road. We are monitoring it as well as we can – especially with the upcoming storms. We can’t give you a specific date or time.”
Nina Choy who is the chair of the geotechnical group for CalTrans said they are working with the Army Corps of Engine on the stability of PCH and surrounding areas for debris/mud flow.
ANAWALT IS OPEN
Anawalt Hardware in Pacific Palisades is open. The manager is Rosie Maravilla and one resident wrote “I was up in the Palisades today, going through the ruins of my house and I stopped at Ralphs’s parking lot to pick up a hazmat suit and Anawalt is open. The employees were standing outside and waving.”
This editor has not been able to confirm hours, but was told the store is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Saturday.
PALISADES 76 GAS STATION IS OPEN
This editor was able to fill up her car at the 76 Gas Station on Sunset and Via de la Paz. When she went inside to try and use the bathroom, she was told the “grocery” portion of the store was not open. Even though it was well-stocked with chips and soda, they were not allowed to sell anything.
Why? The County’s Department of Public Health told them since there was no hot water and the water had not been tested, they could not sell items in the store. Don’t you wish the Department of Health felt similarly about the taco vendors grilling and selling hot food on the sidewalk?
I noticed that a private crew was working in the Alphabet St area / they were digging up tree stumps … no mask or protective gear for the workers –
This is the problem with private contractors –
No oversight!!
PLEASE let the Army Corps of Engineers do their job!
I really wish the only thing Palisadians had to complain about was taco vendors. BTW, Gracias Señor, who is one of the food trucks you enjoyed beating up on so much is feeding workers and locals through World Central Kitchen. I’ll bet the big wigs at Ralphs who made life miserable for him over the past few years due to a “made up” parking problem wish he was the only problem on their hands as well.
I spoke with a Gelson’s employee from the Palisades store at the Bundy and Olympic location. He told me that all of the Gelson’s employees were placed in different stores and that there are six at the Bundy location. The worker with whom I spoke said that he is in touch with the others and that he has heard that Gelson’s will rebuild but likely as a mixed use.
Michael,
You truly missed the point–It wasn’t just that truck, but there were a line of trucks that were lined up on Sunset – they were a hazard in the early morning because of the numerous private school bus pickups at that corner. At lunch time truck patrons took up the Anawalt and Ralphs parking lot space from customers. Parking in street spaces was for two hours and the trucks were there far longer than that–but never ticketed. Did those trucks provide a service? Yes, but they had no right to occupy street parking spaces for hours and they had no right to use a private parking lot.
The City (and County) needs to enforce all laws equally. It’s ridiculous that the L.A. County Department of Public Health will not allow the 76 station on the corner of Sunset and Via to sell chips and soda, because they don’t have hot water.
Anawalt was not open today. Thursday, maybe because of the rain and limit of vehicles allowed into the area.
I received an email from the L.A. County Public Works to stating my application for the “Right Of Entry” application was approved clearing the way for the Corps of Engineers to proceed with clearing my lot located on Edgar St. – no time frame was provided. Last week I filed on-line and was given a demolition permit by the LADBS. I received notice of this optional no fee permit via email from the department.