California extends law enforcement resources, financial support, and mutual aid coordination to support local agencies in fire-impacted area

What you need to know: The Governor is significantly increasing the California Highway Patrol’s presence along the Pacific Coast Highway, as it reopens to the public on Sunday morning. The CHP’s heavy presence is part of the state’s commitment to support local law enforcement, which includes financial support, mutual aid coordination, additional CHP support, and keeping the California National Guard in ready status for immediate redeployment.

LOS ANGELES - To support local law enforcement in the re-opening of the Pacific Coast Highway in Los Angeles, Governor Gavin Newsom has directed a heavy public safety presence on the Pacific Coast Highway to ensure the safe passage of drivers as they re-enter the community. The reopening is set for Sunday morning.

The Governor has deployed additional California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers along the Pacific Coast Highway, with a marked patrol vehicle stationed every half-mile along the state-owned Right-of-Way to protect motorists, traffic flow, and public safety between Santa Monica and Malibu.

As the Pacific Coast Highway reopens, our top priority is ensuring the safety of everyone returning to this community. That’s why we’re surging CHP patrols and keeping the California National Guard on standby, reinforcing our commitment to protecting residents, motorists, and first responders in the days and weeks ahead. - Governor Gavin Newsom

Earlier today the City of Los Angeles and local public safety officials announced their request for the California National Guard to gradually withdraw operations. With local officials gradually removing road closures and traffic control checkpoints, the Governor has directed the California National Guard to maintain a highly capable force readied for rapid deployment should conditions require it. 

Additionally, the CHP and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) have offered resources, mutual aid coordination and financial support to Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department to ensure public safety in local government jurisdictions in Altadena, Pacific Palisades, and other wildfire impacted communities. 

“The safety of our community, first responders, and road crews remains our top priority as we reopen this vital stretch of highway,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “We urge all drivers to stay alert, follow posted signs, and respect the presence of personnel still working in the area. The CHP remains committed to supporting these communities through this entire process.”  

While the highway will again be open to the public on Sunday, drivers are urged to remain cautious. Heavy-duty vehicles and road crews will continue working in the area to clear remaining debris and assist with the rebuilding and recovery efforts of the affected communities. 

This effort is on top of the already robust resources the state has coordinated with local and federal partners to protect public safety and help survivors recover from the recent Los Angeles firestorms.