PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif. — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has cleared fire debris from the Palisades Branch Library 24 days ahead of schedule, allowing Los Angeles city officials to take the next steps in rebuilding the facility, it was announced Thursday.

What You Need To Know

  • The USACE expected to complete debris removal at the library in 30 days, but completed the work in six days

  • Mayor Karen Bass on Thursday touted how this work is just part of LA's recovery effort that is on track to be the "fastest in modern California history"
  • LA City Councilwoman Traci Park, who represents Pacific Palisades, thanked the USACE, Col. Brian Sawser and Capt. Sheldon Tausch for their service, saying the community is grateful to their commitment

  • One week ago, Bass visited the Palisades Recreation Center across the street from the library to announce a new public-private partnership with Steadfast LA and LA Strong Sports, among other local organizations, to fund, redesign and rebuild the recreation center

The USACE expected to complete debris removal at the library in 30 days, but completed the work in six days. Mayor Karen Bass on Thursday touted how this work is just part of LA's recovery effort that is on track to be the "fastest in modern California history."

"My top priority has been to get people home — that means rebuilding houses, but it also means rebuilding the places that make up the heart of this community," Bass said in a statement. "These are city-owned properties and we've worked with the USACE to prioritize debris removal at each of them, including the Palisades Branch Library, to expedite the timeline to get them rebuilt and returned to this community."

LA City Councilwoman Traci Park, who represents Pacific Palisades, thanked the USACE, Col. Brian Sawser and Capt. Sheldon Tausch for their service, saying the community is grateful to their commitment.

"It's critical that we stay focused on removing the roadblocks that slow down recovery," Park said in a statement. "I'm glad to be working with the mayor to keep these efforts moving forward so that we can help people get home faster."

City Librarian John Szabo also praised the "thoughtful attention" to honor their requests for preserving elements of the library. According to Szabo, they have a renewed sense of hope as next steps are considered to rebuild the library.

One week ago, Bass visited the Palisades Recreation Center across the street from the library to announce a new public-private partnership with Steadfast LA and LA Strong Sports, among other local organizations, to fund, redesign and rebuild the recreation center.

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Led by billionaire Rick Caruso, who ran against Bass in the mayoral election in 2022, Steadfast LA launched in February. The coalition of business leaders from Gensler, CBRE, Parsons, Esri, Latham & Watkins LLP, among others, are using their expertise and private connections to rebuild Pacific Palisades.

Lakers coach JJ Redick and wife Chelsea Rednick, Charles and Jenna Jackson and Kylee Kilgore, formed LA Strong Sports in late March to build top-tier sports and recreation facilities in Los Angeles following the fire emergencies.

"We visited the Pali Rec Center the same day we decided to move to the Palisades," JJ and Chelsea Rednick said in a statement on April 10. "That visit showed us not only how important the park was as a physical space, but how the people and families who took advantage of it made up the beating heart of the community."

The coalition has held meetings with residents and organizations with close ties to the park. They are forming design plans for the construction of the new center. They expect to host further discussions, refine their design plan and release details in the near future.

In addition, the mayor's office noted the city secured a private donation of $1.3 million for a new playground at the park.