It appears that a homeowner on Embury had opted out of having the Army Corp of Engineers clean his property and hired a construction company to take away the debris. They were already working last Saturday, February 8. Another home on Livorno, had also started loading up the debris this week
But, permits have not been given out, yet. At the Town Hall February 12 meeting held by L.A. County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, it was stated that private contractors can only start to apply for permits tomorrow, February 13.
L.A. County Public Works Director Mark Pestrella said “We are looking forward to making a streamlined process, one-step process, well, two-step. First, pull the permit second be inspected and confirm completion of your working compliance with all laws and you’re on your way.”
Earlier in the day, a builder that Circling the News spoke to said that he worried that these contractors, who obviously were not following the rules, would take debris to a landfill to dump, but not tell that site owner that the debris had come from the Palisades Fire.
CTN has asked Horvath about the location of the dumpsite because the further the dumpsite from the area, the more expensive it will be for debris removal for private contractors.
CTN asked if the contractors who had not received a permit and were already hauling if they would be fined. One should contact Department of Public Works (844) 347-3322.
The Army Corps of Engineers trucks will generally have a two by three sticker on the side of the truck with ECC on it.
RIGHT OF ENTRY (ROE):
L.A. County Mark Pestrella said that as of today, 200 Right of Entry forms have been processed. “We want people to know we have accelerated process and should see an additional 600 by Saturday.” He said that the plan was to continue to expedite the process. Before Phase 2 can start, the Army Corp of Engineers need the ROE.
Pestrella said that they might start to let residents know the applications have been received, “we’re not doing it now, but we’ll start doing it tomorrow.”
WHEN WILL PCH REOPEN?
Horvath noted that PCH is a critical path for residents and for tourism, and asked when it will reopen? She was told that PCH is being “eyed as a haul route,” which will make it really dangerous for drivers.
Caltrans’ Katy Macek said, “We understand residents wanting to get back on the road. We are monitoring it as well as we can – especially with the upcoming storms. We can’t give you a specific date or time.”
Nina Choy who is the chair of the geotechnical group for CalTrans said they are working with the Army Corps of Engine on the stability of PCH and surrounding areas for debris/mud flow.
ANAWALT IS OPEN
Anawalt Hardware in Pacific Palisades is open. The manager is Rosie Maravilla and one resident wrote “I was up in the Palisades today, going through the ruins of my house and I stopped at Ralphs’s parking lot to pick up a hazmat suit and Anawalt is open. The employees were standing outside and waving.”
This editor has not been able to confirm hours, but was told the store is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Saturday.
PALISADES 76 GAS STATION IS OPEN
This editor was able to fill up her car at the 76 Gas Station on Sunset and Via de la Paz. When she went inside to try and use the bathroom, she was told the “grocery” portion of the store was not open. Even though it was well-stocked with chips and soda, they were not allowed to sell anything.
Why? The County’s Department of Public Health told them since there was no hot water and the water had not been tested, they could not sell items in the store. Don’t you wish the Department of Health felt similarly about the taco vendors grilling and selling hot food on the sidewalk?