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Pacific Coast Highway to Reopen Friday as State Presses City for Security Plan

With the National Guard set to depart and Memorial Day weekend approaching, tensions rise over unresolved plans for checkpoint logistics in fire-damaged Palisades.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 12: Vehicles run on the Palisades section of Pacific Coast Highway along scorched structures and trees by wildfires on January 12, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. The Palisades and Eaton fires have forced tens of thousands of residents to flee this week, leaving many wondering what may remain of their homes in Pacific Palisades, Altadena and surrounding areas. (Photo by Qian Weizhong/VCG via Getty Images)
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Vehicles going northbound towards Pacific Palisades wait to get through the National Guard Pacific Coast Highway check point on Thursday, May 22, 2025. PCH north of Santa Monica has been closed since the Palisades fire. (Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)

Overview

  • An 11-mile stretch of Pacific Coast Highway will reopen Friday with two lanes in each direction and a 25 mph speed limit, reconnecting Malibu to the Westside after months of closure.
  • The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services criticized the City of Los Angeles for failing to share detailed security plans ahead of the reopening.
  • Mayor Karen Bass’ office insists a strict security plan is in place, with plans to expand checkpoints from 5 to 16, but has not provided specifics to state officials.
  • Cal OES has offered technical and financial resources to support the city in developing a security framework as the National Guard prepares to withdraw at the end of May.
  • Both state and city officials agree the Palisades neighborhood should remain closed to the public, but checkpoint placement and overall security logistics remain unresolved.