By Lookout Staff

January 10, 2025 -- The City of Santa Monica on Friday afternoon lifted the Evacuation Order for the area between Montana Avenue and San Vicente Boulevard, allowing residents to return to their homes.

"Residents may voluntarily return to this area but remain prepared with gathered essentials and be ready to leave the area if conditions worsen," City officials said in an update issued shortly before 3:30 p.m.

The City also lifted the evacuation warning between Wilshire Boulevard and Montana Avenue, allowing residents to "resume normal activities," City officials said

However, the area North of San Vicente Boulevard remains under mandatory Evacuation Order and is closed to resident and public access.

The Evacuation Order includes a curfew from sunset to sunrise to "support law enforcement efforts and other measures to facilitate an effective response," officials said.

Friday morning, police officials announced that members of the 330th Military Police, which is part of the law enforcement branch of the California National Guard, were stationed at traffic control points around Santa Monica to "ensure the safety of the surrounding community."

"The integrity of these traffic control points is vital to ensuring emergency vehicles can move unimpeded and our neighborhoods remain protected," said Lt. Erika Aklufi, the Police Department spokesperson.

"National Guard support in our city helps build capacity of the SMPD to safeguard our residents during this emergency," police officials said in a statement.

Police Chief Ramon Batista warned that the increased enforcement sends a strong message to those attempting to commit cries.

“Having the National Guard in our city and working side by side with the men and women of the Santa Monica Police Department should send a strong message to those who would defy evacuation orders to prey on Santa Monicans in this moment of duress," Batista said in a statement.

"Criminal actions will not be tolerated. Our officers are vigilant, and we are fully prepared to arrest and hold offenders accountable,” Batista said. "Day and night, we are dedicated to ensuring the security of your homes and loved ones."

According to Batista, SMPD's team is proactively monitoring evacuation zones by "deploying extra officers and collaborating closely with mutual aid partners to provide comprehensive support."

"We remain steadfast in our commitment to respond swiftly to any needs that arise," Batista said.

Police officials noted that no one can enter any Pacific Palisades or Los Angeles evacuation zone through Santa Monica points of entry.