Inside the Daily Press

The January fire in Pacific Palisades is having a significant economic impact on Santa Monica businesses. On this episode, Daily Press publisher Ross Furukawa and host Brian Peter Falk discuss how the fire, road closures, and beach shutdowns have led to decreased foot traffic, with some businesses reporting a 60-80% drop in revenue.

Jennifer Taylor from the City of Santa Monica shares efforts to support affected businesses, including fee waivers and partnerships with tourism agencies. Restaurateur Jenny Rush describes the struggle of local restaurants to stay afloat. The message is clear: now is the time to support local businesses.

**Podcast Summary:**

On this episode of *Inside the Daily Press*, we bring you the latest updates on the Palisades fire recovery efforts, including the lifting of evacuation orders and the start of the cleanup phase. We discuss the reported missteps in fire preparedness and response, from regulatory delays to equipment shortages, and examine how these failures may have worsened the disaster.

Then, in non-fire news, Editor-in-Chief Matt Hall joins us for a deep dive into Santa Monica’s biggest controversy—pickleball. A heated legal battle is unfolding over a planned pickleball facility on 4th Street, and we break down the drama. Stay tuned!

Inside the Daily Press provides crucial updates on the Palisades Fire, which has burned 23,713 acres and is 14% contained. Hosts Brian Peter Falk and Matt Hall discuss the lifting of Santa Monica evacuation orders and address widespread looting concerns in evacuation zones. They highlight a community clothing drive at Santa Monica College and conclude with a forecast of incoming Santa Ana winds, though less severe than the previous week's 100 mph gusts.

Host Ross Furukawa and journalist Brian Peter Falk discussed the ongoing Palisades Fire on January 10th, 2025. Cal Fire reported the fire has burned 21,317 acres with 8% containment and threatens 11,171 structures, while warning about false social media posts claiming cleanup work opportunities. In Santa Monica, evacuation orders remain in effect north of San Vicente, while the area between Montana and San Vicente has been downgraded to an evacuation warning, and the area between Wilshire and Montana has had evacuations lifted. Looting has become a major concern, with the Santa Monica Police Department reporting 573 calls for service, 240 of which came from the evacuation zone (representing only 4% of the city). In response, the National Guard has been deployed to support law enforcement, though they are unarmed. Access to evacuated areas is strictly controlled, with residents only allowed back briefly for essential needs like medication, requiring police escort. The weather forecast indicates weak to moderate Santa Ana winds through the weekend, stronger winds expected Tuesday, and a 20% chance of rain the following Friday.

www.smdp.com/fire-resources

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