Malibu Councilmember Criticizes Environmental Mismanagement Amid Wildfire Recovery
Malibu City Councilmember Haylynn Conrad has spoken out against California's environmental mismanagement, which she claims contributed to the devastating wildfires that impacted southern California.
Almost a month after fatal wildfires ravaged Los Angeles neighborhoods, the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) has reopened in Malibu, California.
The Palisades Fire caused significant destruction in hillside neighborhoods, obliterating homes as the flames advanced towards the beach.
By 8 a.m. on Monday, traffic on the scenic shoreline road resumed, albeit with only one lane open in each direction, and speed limits were enforced from Santa Monica to the Ventura County Line.
“Essential traffic only is strongly encouraged,” stated LA County supervisor Lindsey Horvath.
Horvath cautioned that the PCH is not the same as before the fires, highlighting that cleanup and utility repairs are ongoing in the region.
To access the Palisades burn zone, authorities now require entry passes or proof of residence.
The Associated Press reported that the PCH had a partial reopening on Sunday in the northernmost section of Malibu.
Delays were present for the remaining section of the road in the Pacific Palisades area as city officials decided to maintain checkpoints due to safety and looting concerns.
Control of access to Palisades will shift from the LA Police Department to the California Highway Patrol and the National Guard, allowing LAPD to provide enhanced services across the city, as noted by Mayor Karen Bass.
“We continue to adapt in real time to this dynamic situation. This plan secures the Palisades and eases the strain on LAPD, whose ability to respond across LA has been affected for almost a month,” Bass commented.
With rain expected starting Tuesday, officials will be vigilant for hazards like mudslides and debris flows, according to Horvath.
The Palisades Fire ignited on January 7 amid strong winds, leading to approximately 8,000 homes and businesses being destroyed or damaged. At least 12 fatalities have been reported.
On that same day, another wind-driven blaze ignited in Altadena, which resulted in 17 fatalities and over 10,000 homes and buildings impacted.
