Hi Everyone, A quick update from Palisades Recovery Coalition:

A) We had our second Community Advisory Group meeting with LAPD, US ACE and MOPS. (Please see the attached recap.) Officials from the US Army Corps, LAPD, CD11, and Deputy Mayor Clark came together for a comprehensive update on Pacific Palisades’ ongoing recovery and security operations. The Army Corps reported significant progress in debris clearance with reduced truck activity and an expected mission completion by late summer, while LAPD confirmed the deployment of 68 officers over the Memorial Day weekend, which saw PCH reopen with minimal incidents due to effective checkpoint enforcement. The group emphasized the importance of traffic control points in preventing unauthorized access and crime, including a notable copper theft arrest, and discussed coordination between LAPD and private security teams. Additional topics included surveillance strategies using solar-powered trailer cameras, refining checkpoint logistics, improving resident access, and sustaining community engagement. The meeting reiterated LAPD’s defined need for checkpoint monitoring as recovery and rebuilding efforts move forward.

B) PRC, along with other community members, has been advocating for debris removal on select HOA and multifamily parcels in the Highlands and along PCH. This week, we were informed that USACE received clearance to begin debris removal at 1383–1473 and 1267–1337 Palisades Drive (the upper and lower Woodies). As repopulation accelerates in areas with surviving homes, this cleanup effort is a key step toward recovery. We thank our state, federal, county, and city leaders for working in alignment with the community to move this forward.

C) Senior Lead Officer, Brian Espin, clarified key points today about recent security procedures in Pacific Palisades. First, Trespass Authorization forms are optional tools—not required—for LAPD to take action on suspicious activity; officers can still investigate or arrest based on probable cause. The forms and signs simply allow for added enforcement without needing the property owner present. Second, checkpoint and license plate reader (LPR) camera locations are intentionally not being shared publicly for operational security, to prevent outsiders from bypassing them. Finally, the City of Los Angeles has contracted three security companies (GSG, Allied Universal, and Absolute) to support LAPD patrols, not compete with private security. These companies operate in rotating shifts, are armed, and report directly to the LAPD command post. Palisadians may still hire private security agencies to patrol private property. (See his update attached.)

D) Earlier today, Rick Caruso held a press conference at Palisades Village, announcing the return of the annual Christmas Tree and Menorah lighting. Rick affirmed plans to remediate and restore the public green space and reopen the Palisades Village shopping area by early to mid-2026, with Elyse Walker taking over the former Yves Saint Laurent space. The revitalization effort will extend beyond Palisades Village to invigorate the broader downtown area. “The Palisades,” Caruso declared, “will come roaring back!”

E) From the Office of Councilwoman Traci Park: Palisadians are encouraged to complete the Palisades Recovery Survey to help inform city priorities and better understand community rebuilding needs:
📋 Recovery Survey

Additionally, residents should complete the Trespass Intake Form to support security enforcement:
📝 Trespass Intake Form

F) From LA County Assessor Jeff Prang: Assembly Bill 1253, which would have aligned property tax assessments with expedited rebuilding allowances, failed to pass out of the Assembly Appropriations Committee. Without a legislative fix, homeowners expanding more than 10% beyond their previous structure size may see that added area assessed as new construction—triggering a property tax increase. Assessor Prang is exploring alternative solutions but urges the community to be ready to advocate when necessary.Additionally, Assessor Prang reminds Palisadians to update mailing addresses so refund checks can be delivered (not returned undeliverable to Palisades addresses). There are two options: the best is to register your property and set up an online profile. This lets property owners do many things online, including mailing address update. The second option is a simple change of mailing address. Links to both are below:

1.     Register Property & Create Owner Profile (for broader online access):
🔗 Register Property

2.     Submit a Change of Mailing Address:
🔗 Change Address

Finally, happy to announce that Pacific Palisades’ has some new Honorary appointees:

co-Honorary Mayors: Ted and Gigi McGinley! 

Honorary Sheriff: Sam Lagana!Best,Maryam ZarPRC President