Photo: Instagram
Today the Los Angeles City Council approved the formation of the Ad Hoc Committee on L.A. Recovery, to address the unprecedented devastation caused by the Palisades Fire.
Councilmember Traci Park, who represents Los Angeles’ Coastal District and Pacific Palisades, has been appointed chair.
“The scope and scale of our short-term and long-term rebuilding efforts necessitate a committee that focuses exclusively on the tasks of the months and years ahead, Park said. “This committee will be a place where we bring our state and federal partners to the table to advocate and deliver resources to our city and its residents and where our city departments will regularly report on our recovery efforts.
“I am committed to leading this committee with urgency, determination, and compassion our community needs to rebuild stronger and safer than ever from this tragedy,” Park said.
The Palisades Fire, which started around 10:30 a.m. on January 7, has burned 23,713 acres, with an estimated 6,380 structures destroyed and 857 structures damaged.
Ten lives were lost. Containment is now listed at 63 percent.
Key priorities of the committee will include:
Thorough Cleanup and Hazard Mitigation: Ensuring the safe and timely removal of debris, stabilization of hillsides, and prevention of further environmental damage.
Rebuilding Homes and Infrastructure: Coordinating efforts to expedite permitting, streamline regulations, and address the housing needs of displaced residents.
Protecting Public Health and Safety: Monitoring air and water quality, mitigating toxic runoff, and addressing long-term environmental risks.
Community Engagement and Transparency: Holding meetings directly in affected communities to ensure residents are informed and their voices are heard throughout the recovery process.
Accountability and Oversight: Investigating key issues to ensure lessons are learned and applied.
Park who was the chair of the 2028 Olympics committee has resigned that position. She wants to dedicate her full attention to the recovery effort.
“I know the road to recovery will be long and complex, but I want every resident to know this: I will be here with you every step of the way,” said Councilmember Park. “This committee represents hope, action, and the collective intention to rebuild our beloved community.”
The Ad Hoc Committee on LA Recovery will convene its meetings in the communities most affected by the wildfire, ensuring the process remains transparent and responsive to local needs.
One resident wrote CTN that “Traci has tried so hard to do so much and has had an uphill battle with others in city government.”
Initially Park and her staff were on site, trying to work with residents, but then at one point they were not allowed in anymore, no reason given, even though media had access to the site.
Another resident wrote “Traci Park is emailing regular updates to anyone who has subscribed to her CD11 newsletter. She is working her butt off on behalf of the Palisades and has transferred her Olympics responsibilities to someone else and paused her re-election campaign. Go to https://cd11.lacity.gov to sign up for her very informative and helpful newsletter.”
Photo: Instagram
What has Los Angeles City Council been doin these last 2 weeks!??? Why did it take 2 weeks to approved the formation of the Ad Hoc Committee on L.A. Recovery!?? We’ve needed organization, communication and action these last 2 weeks for the palisades and Santa Monica canyon communities!!!! Crossing my fingers things finally get buttoned up and organized!!