California Conservation Corps Deploys Compost Socks in Palisades Fire Recovery Efforts

Pacific Palisades, CA — On Tuesday, January 28, 2025, members of the California Conservation Corps (CCC) were seen installing compost sock filters around burnt homes and vehicles in Pacific Palisades as part of ongoing recovery efforts following the catastrophic Palisades Fire. These compost socks, made from natural fibers, are designed to hold back sediment while allowing water to flow through, helping to protect sensitive areas from erosion and debris runoff. Also referred to as absorbent booms, they act as flexible, tube-like barriers filled with absorbent materials capable of containing and managing liquid spills These actions are critical to stabilizing the landscape after the devastating blaze, which began on January 7, 2025, and scorched more than 23,000 acres. The fire destroyed over 12,000 structures, displaced approximately 150,000 residents, and claimed at least five lives. Although recent rains helped extinguish the flames, they also heightened the risk of mudslides and debris flows in the fire-ravaged terrain. The CCC, a division of the California Natural Resources Agency, has been at the forefront of disaster recovery in California for decades. Established in 1976 by Governor Jerry Brown, the CCC provides young adults, ages 18 to 25, with opportunities to serve the state while gaining valuable skills and experience. Modeled after the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930s, the program has engaged more than 120,000 participants in its 40-plus-year history. Corpsmembers work on environmental projects and respond to natural disasters, tackling tasks such as tree planting, trail maintenance, and erosion control. In addition to their environmental work, Corpsmembers have contributed over 11.3 million hours to disaster response efforts, including wildfires, floods, and earthquakes. Their efforts are a cornerstone of California’s resilience, with their motto, “Conservation is our middle name,” reflecting their dedication to protecting and restoring the environment. The Palisades Fire marks another chapter in the CCC’s long history of service. As recovery efforts continue, Corpsmembers remain committed to stabilizing the region, protecting its natural resources, and helping the community rebuild after one of the most devastating wildfires in recent memory. ''''''''''''''''''''''' 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗼 𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘂𝘀𝗲. 𝗔𝗻𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗼𝗽𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗿𝗲-𝘂𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘂𝗻𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱 𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗵𝗶𝗯𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱. © 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗙𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝘄𝗸𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗰𝘇/𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲𝘂𝗽. 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗱. ------------------------ Fabian Lewkowicz, an award-winning accredited photojournalist and press photographer based in Santa Monica, is renowned for his captivating imagery and storytelling. As the creator of Santa Monica Closeup, he draws on years of experience with local media outlets like the Santa Monica Daily Press and The Corsair to capture iconic moments in the city's history. Santa Monica Closeup is a visual chronicle of the vibrant and diverse community of Santa Monica, brought to life through Fabian's seasoned lens. With deep roots in the city, he offers an authentic and intimate glimpse into everyday life, crafting compelling videos that resonate with both locals and visitors alike. Fabian's photographs have been showcased in a wide range of venues, from museums and art galleries to hospitals, department stores, banks, and public institutions like fire and police stations. His photography captures the essence of Santa Monica, portraying everything from its breathtaking landscapes and stunning sunsets to its unique culture and diverse community. Support Santa Monica Closeup by making a One Time Donation via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/fabianlewkowicz Make a One Time Donation via Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/santamonicacloseup Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/santamonicacloseup Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SantaMonicaCloseup Follow us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/smcloseup Join this channel to gain access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqrlnKSQlVU42TEn_-PAtWw/join For licensing this video email: press@santamonicacloseup.com TAGS: Photojournalism, Photojournalist, Documentary, Cinema Verite, Fly-on-the-wall, Observational Photography, Press Photography, SMCU, SM©U