The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) between Santa Monica and Malibu is back open after nearly four weeks of closure due to devastating wildfires. While the reopening is a step toward normalcy for many locals, some officials aren’t convinced it’s the right time.

The iconic highway’s return to regular traffic allows easier access for residents of the Pacific Palisades area, offering them a chance to revisit their homes. However, concerns are swirling over whether the move might attract unwanted visitors. Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart was caught off guard by the announcement, worrying that curiosity seekers might flood the area to gawk at the destruction.

“What you’re seeing isn’t just burned structures—it’s someone’s home, their memories, and their loss,” Stewart said. He emphasized that the aftermath of the fires is a deeply personal tragedy, not a tourist attraction.

For now, access to local streets in Pacific Palisades remains restricted to residents, but the reopening of PCH has sparked debate. Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath acknowledged the highway’s importance for helping locals rebuild their lives but cautioned that things won’t be the same as before.

Driving conditions on the highway have also changed. Only one lane in each direction is open along a 10-mile stretch, and the speed limit has been reduced to 25 mph. These changes are designed to prioritize safety and recovery efforts in the area.

Some, like Malibu City Council member Bruce Silverstein, believe further restrictions are necessary. He plans to propose limiting access to residents, workers, and recovery teams, keeping tourists and commuters out for now. “They’ll just need to find another way,” he said.

The debate highlights the delicate balance between recovery and respect as the community works to heal from the fires that ravaged the region.