For the first time since the raging fire swept through the Pacific Palisades, students from Palisades High returned to in-person learning on Tuesday.
Classes are being held temporarily at the former Sears building on 4th St. and Colorado Ave. in downtown Santa Monica.
“Since the devastating wildfires destroyed much of the Pacific Palisades, including portions of the Pali High campus, Santa Monica teams have worked around the clock to assist schools, businesses and residents from impacted areas with their relocation efforts to Santa Monica,” a press release by city officials in Santa Monica read.
Mayor Lana Negrete told KNX News’ Jon Baird there are about 30 classrooms inside the building, and it took four weeks to set up.
“I went and did a walk-through two weeks ago, and I was just astounded at how quickly they were able to pop up classrooms and prepare what once was a dormant building for a very long time in a dormant corner,” she said.
One student told Baird he was excited to get back to in-person learning.
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“Yeah, it's going to be the It's gonna feel much better in person because we're going to see our friends,” he said.
According to city officials, the student population comes from more than 100 different zip codes, and students will get to school either by the Metro or public transportation, by car, or by using one of the nine private charter buses.
While the school year ends in June, Baird said someone told him it’s possible students could return to this temporary space in the fall.
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