Santa Monica Closeup conducted an in-depth survey on Monday, January 27, 2025, documenting the recovery efforts along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) from Santa Monica to the Malibu Pier. The highway, still closed to the public, remains a focal point for operations aimed at rebuilding and securing areas ravaged by the Palisades Fire.
The fire, which erupted on January 7, 2025, burned over 23,000 acres, destroyed more than 12,000 structures, and displaced around 150,000 residents across Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and parts of the San Fernando Valley. With mandatory evacuations lifted, recovery efforts are now focused on clearing debris, restoring essential services, and safeguarding the affected communities.
Utility crews from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) worked tirelessly to restore electricity, replacing damaged infrastructure with more resilient systems. The Gas Company and SoCalGas teams worked to re-energize gas lines for homes and businesses, while Frontier Communications and Spectrum crews began the process of repairing destroyed fiber optic cables to reinstate critical communication services.
Hazmat technicians from GrayMar Environmental Services, Inc. were on-site to clear hazardous materials from properties completely destroyed by the fire, including sections of Topanga State Park.
Security in the evacuation zones remains tight. National Guard Military Police have established checkpoints to regulate access, allowing only first responders, utility workers, and authorized press into the area. Los Angeles Police Department officers patrol the region to prevent looting and protect properties left vacant by displaced residents.
The Palisades Fire’s rapid spread was fueled by Santa Ana winds and prolonged drought, creating extreme challenges for firefighters. Though recent rainfall has helped to contain the blaze, it has also raised concerns about mudslides and debris flow in the scorched areas.
As of January 27, containment efforts continue, and recovery operations are in full swing. Agencies like CAL FIRE, LADWP, SoCalGas, Frontier Communications, and Spectrum remain pivotal in these efforts, working to rebuild infrastructure and ensure the safety of returning residents.
Stay tuned for updates on the recovery process as Santa Monica Closeup continues to monitor and report on developments in the affected areas.
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𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗼 𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘂𝘀𝗲. 𝗔𝗻𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗼𝗽𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗿𝗲-𝘂𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘂𝗻𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱 𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗵𝗶𝗯𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱.
© 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗙𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝘄𝗸𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗰𝘇/𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲𝘂𝗽. 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗱.
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Fabian Lewkowicz, an award-winning accredited photojournalist and press photographer based in Santa Monica, is renowned for his captivating imagery and storytelling. As the creator of Santa Monica Closeup, he draws on years of experience with local media outlets like the Santa Monica Daily Press and The Corsair to capture iconic moments in the city's history.
Santa Monica Closeup is a visual chronicle of the vibrant and diverse community of Santa Monica, brought to life through Fabian's seasoned lens. With deep roots in the city, he offers an authentic and intimate glimpse into everyday life, crafting compelling videos that resonate with both locals and visitors alike.
Fabian's photographs have been showcased in a wide range of venues, from museums and art galleries to hospitals, department stores, banks, and public institutions like fire and police stations. His photography captures the essence of Santa Monica, portraying everything from its breathtaking landscapes and stunning sunsets to its unique culture and diverse community.
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TAGS: Photojournalism, Photojournalist, Documentary, Cinema Verite, Fly-on-the-wall, Observational Photography, Press Photography, SMCU, SM©U