The Pacific Palisades neighborhood ravaged by fires is reopening to the public this weekend, a move some residents say is too soon, reports the Los Angeles Times.
The Pacific Coast Highway is also partially reopening Sunday.
“We are just not ready for this right now,” L.A. City Councilmember Traci Park, who represents Palisades and several Westside neighborhoods, told CBS News. “We worry about burglaries, and looters and squatters.”
Added resident Charles Lew: “It seems like a complete dereliction of duty on the part of the City and individuals that are empowered to do so.”
The Palisades Fire, which started on Jan.7., scorched over 23,000 acres and destroyed at least 10,000 structures in Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and areas of the Santa Monica mountains.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called the move to reopen an important step forward in the rebuilding process.
“We are making sure that the Palisades will be safe as residents access their properties with their insurance adjusters, contractors, tow trucks, moving trucks and more,” she said in a statement. “If you do not need to be in the Palisades, don’t be.”
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said patrol cruisers will be on 24/7 patrol.
One woman told the L.A. Times she was concerned about security.
“I have a house that is partially burned with broken front and back doors. It is not secure, though we are trying to secure it and remove our belongings as soon as possible. How am I to feel assured that our home and its contents are safe when the general public can access it?” she asked.
“Why would we want people wandering through the remains of our lives, posting Instagram stories for their own personal gain, dining out on our misery? Please don’t open the Palisades to the public; there is nothing there for the public — no stores, restaurants, etc.,” another implored.
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