Fifteen cars at a time, a convoy, followed police to the Highlands to look at their properties.
Pacific Palisades residents, who evacuated on January 7, have been waiting to be able to go home. The process started January 20, with the Highlands.
Starting tomorrow, January 21, Senior Lead Officer Brian Espin said two other areas will be allowed in and they include Castellammare and Sunset Mesa.
HIGHLANDS:
The Palisades Highlands residents are being allowed to go back to their homes or “repopulated.” CTN stopped by to see how this process works.
Residents check in with police at the parking lot on Pacific Coast Highway, south of the incline between 10 a.m and 5 p.m. The lot is entered from the lanes closest to the beaches It is probably easiest to come down the California Incline and take a left. It will be impossible to miss the line of police cars and the cones placed to direct traffic.
Everyone is stopped and identification is required and then verified. Once that is accomplished, a resident joins a line of cars. Fifteen cars at a time are placed in a convoy. Police are at the front and back of the convoy.
Once in the Highlands, residents whose homes are intact are allowed to stay, because power has been restored. Gas has not been restored. People are not advised to drink the water (it has to be boiled first). If you have a gas stove, know that you should bring water with you.
One will not be allowed outside or in after 6 p.m. because there is a curfew in effect and enforced.
Espin said, “Due to the extensive damage and utility personnel still working in the areas, we are not allowing contractors or insurance adjusters up to those areas, without a resident in the car. We are trying to limit the number of vehicles and traffic in the area.”
HUNTINGTON PALISADES
Many homes in the Huntington Palisades have survived and residents may be worried about looters. As an FYI, there are National Guard stationed at many intersections in that area of the Palisades, including access from Chautauqua. As a member of the media, I was stopped twice on Toyopa, and required to show identification – they are stopping everyone. Additionally, security companies are patrolling the area again, too.
ALPHABET STREETS, VIA DE LAS OLAS BLUFFS (SWARTHMORE, VIA, HAVERFORD, RADCLIFFE)
There are very few houses still standing in these neighborhoods. Hanging wires are still being addressed and there is a heavy DWP presence on these streets.
HIghlands residents were lined up at a beach parking lot waiting to gain entry to their homes.
Sue,
As far as I know, DWP’s water instructions exceed “boil before drinking”. The instructions that I saw said “do not heat or consume”, due to the presence of benzene and other VOCs.
Best regards,
Bob
Your newsletter has always been helpful but never as much as now! Thank you so much for the constant updates. It’s impossible to get them from the city. I live in the Marquez Knolls area and I’m wondering if you can find out when we might be allowed to go visit our homes. Mine is completely lost, but it would be important to look through the debris and see if there is anything salvageable. Thank you so much!!
A friend forwarded me this email
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My name is Lisa McCord and I am a resident in the alphabet
Streets on sunset.
Thank you.
Who is your eye doctor?
I called BMW about replacing a lost key fob and was told it would cost between $300 and $600 depending on the car’s features. Also, you’ll need proof that you are the owner of the car. DMV registration along with photo ID should suffice.
Is Sunset Mesa open or not. LASO says no. Contacted today 1/22.
Hi Sue, hope you are well. BTW AMERICA’S BEST is giving $250 toward glasses. I got an upscale pair for $25 dollars! Just tell them you
are a fire victim
Senior lead officer Brian Espin said it was open.
Sue
Dr. Joseph Nadji–he’s in Santa Monica on 20th. His associate was able to fit me in–I had my annual eye check and ordered glasses.
The Dr. always made me laugh during my exam, because if I got a row of letters right, he would say “good job.” And today, the doctor told me try this [row] for “extra credit.”
Sue
Susan,
I’m not sure on the timing–I would guess you or the Huntingtons would be next–there were homes left in both areas. But I’m guessing it has to do with any utilities still to be cleaned out of yards – the streets looked good. And also how to deploy National Guard to keep people out of the properties that are not opened yet.
Sue