Hi Everyone,

First, a quick note: we will not be holding a PRC meeting tomorrow morning. I had planned to bring several important items to the Coalition for discussion, including:

• A conversation around streamlined permitting—whether we should advocate for changes to the current system, which appears to disproportionately penalize older homes.
• A review of active builders in the Palisades, noting differences between those with post-disaster recovery expertise and long-standing local builders, and weighing the benefits and trade-offs each offers.
• A discussion on the Logistics Plan that we’ve circulated—some builders have adopted aspects of it, and we can evaluate what’s working and what isn’t. However, I’ve just moved back into the Palisades as of tonight and can’t guarantee a stable internet connection or workspace by tomorrow morning. So, for a truly unique Palisadian reason, we are postponing this meeting to a date coon to be determined— with new Zoom link and scheduled time to follow. Security Update After a weekend in which PCH reopened to the public, LAPD and their partners maintained their presence along PCH and at began 16 checkpoints throughout Pacific Palisades, restricting access to Red and Blue permit holders only. On Saturday, LAPD adjusted the number of active checkpoints down to 12, based on traffic flow and community input. LADOT has been present on-site, actively troubleshooting and improving specific access points. Additionally, CHP and private security teams were deployed to bolster coverage, especially near Santa Monica border zones, where traffic pressure was high. No major incidents were reported over the weekend. The reopening was an encouraging sign that we can balance accessibility with safety, as we move ahead on our recovery. We will hold our Community Advisory Board meeting with LAPD on Wednesday, albeit slightly later in the day due to a community conflict. Army Corps Advocacy & Congressional Support As many of you know, PRC has been advocating for the Army Corps of Engineers to clear the remaining multi-family lots along Sunset, which remain in ruin. These lots lie along a scenic corridor and are both a public eyesore and a barrier to our collective sense of recovery.

We now have two powerful allies in this effort:
Congressman Brad Sherman and Congressman Ted Lieu have sent a joint letter to FEMA (see attached), requesting that the Army Corps be directed to clear lots not yet addressed by private contractors. We’ll keep you updated on any developments.

Financing & Recovery Authority

In collaboration with the City, State, and advisor Larry Kosmont, we are exploring tax increment financing options and the potential for State support via Prop 4 funds to assist with rebuilding efforts. As recommended by the Blue Ribbon Commission, we’re also advocating for the formation of a local recovery authority—one that would provide the autonomy and urgency needed to guide our own recovery.

We’re working in close alignment with Team Palisades and hope to share more detailed info with the community soon, and advocate together for needed funding to assist our swift recovery.

Concrete Staging Areas & RFQ Responses

We’ve begun reviewing RFQ responses from concrete suppliers alongside the City’s Bureau of Engineering. We’re reviewing city-owned flat lots that may be suitable
as staging areas to facilitate rebuilding logistics.

Early feedback from builders has been encouraging—many support the idea and are open to coordinating routes, deliveries, and materials to streamline the rebuild and reduce overall friction. The goal is simple: help residents rebuild faster, smarter, and together.

A Note on Resilience

This weekend, I witnessed surfers back on PCH, hillsides turning green, and flowers blooming across the Palisades. Life is returning—steadily, beautifully.

Tonight is my second night back in the Palisades, and I am more certain than ever that we will again see our beautiful Pacific Palisades, risen from the ashes, more resilient than ever.

Warmly,

Maryam Zar

Pali Recovery Coalition