Potrero Canyon — Operating Hours and Enforcement (LAPD, Park Rangers, LAFD) Updates
Legend:
RAP — Recreation & Parks Dept.
BOE — Bureau of Engineering
CD11 — Office of Council District 11/Councilwoman Traci Park
8/11/23: The Park has reopened but major sewer line repairs are ongoing.
8/4/23: The Park has been closed until further notice in order for necessary major sewer line repairs. See entries under Park Staff and Service Requests (6/23 through 7/20) regarding ongoing sewer problems and closure of restrooms.
7/16/23: See entry for 7/16/23 under Park Signage and Use, regarding installation of signs (“Park Closed Sunset Til Sunrise”) at Park entrances.
6/30/23: See entry for 6/30/23 under Park Signage and Use regarding “hours of operation” signs.
6/23/23: Residents have reported concerning incidents of illegal fireworks in the canyon for several nights in a row. Illegal fireworks activity has also occurred recently in the area of the Recreation Center, with reports of a severe burn injury to a young person involved. PPCC has been told that a Ranger cannot be assigned to monitor the Park or the Recreation Center due to lack of resources. We are working with LAPD, CD 11 and other City officials as to what other security measures can be put in place to enforce against this illegal and dangerous activity as we near the 4th of July holiday and beyond. See also entry for 6/20/23 under Park Signage and Use.
5/12/23: As of May 8, the governing ordinance published online (LAMC 63.44.B.14(c)) now expressly includes George Wolfberg Park at Potrero Canyon as one of the “sunrise to sunset” parks in LA; see full ordinance.
4/14/23: We are informed that LAPD, inclusive of our Basic Car officers as well as our Beach Detail, conducts foot beats to the Park every other day, as best they are able. Please see information about enforcement of the “Dogs Off Leash” rule at Park Signage and Use.
4/11/23: Both PPCC and the Pacific Palisades Park Advisory Board (PAB) have requested ranger support for Potrero, per motion introduced originally by former Councilman Mike Bonin and later by current Councilwoman Traci Park, to facilitate enforcement and ensure safety and security (see letters from PPCC and the PAB). However, we were informed at the recent Community Safety Town Hall by the ranger present on our panel that park rangers are only assigned to larger “Regional” parks, which Potrero is not (see PAB letter asking for this designation). RAP and CD 11 have informed us that a park ranger cannot be assigned to the Park at this time due to insufficient resources and staffing. In fact, less than a handful of the 450 existing LA City parks have rangers assigned to them; even some parks designated as “Regional” do not have assigned rangers.
4/11/23: LAPD Senior Lead Officer Brian Espin advises that he and the Palisades Beach Detail visit the canyon to check on conditions at least a couple of times a week. We are also informed that available LAPD Patrol units will go into the canyon to respond, after hours, to calls for service.
3/30/23: The ordinance officially making the Park hours Sunrise to Sunset has been published and posted. Ordinance to be effective May 8, 2023.
3/28/23: Council action final; revision of LAMC Section 63.44.B.14(c), to reflect Park operating hours as Sunrise to Sunset, expected in due course.
3/14/23: Los Angeles City Council adopted official Potrero Canyon Park operating hours: Open Sunrise to Sunset; Closed Sunset to Sunrise. Applicable Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 63.44.B.14(c) — to be revised.