Pacific Palisades resident Dave Horvilix drove to the intersection of Brooktree Road and West Sunset Boulevard Friday afternoon to watch President Trump's visit.
The meeting, cordoned off by military Humvees and local police, was about a mile from the remains of the Horvillicks' home on Mount Holyoke Avenue, one of hundreds destroyed by the Palisades fire.
“We wanted to thank him for coming and drawing attention [to the fires]said the 50-year-old Harvilicks.
Trump's visit to Pacific Palisades and the devastation left by the Jan. 7 firestorm brought a note of excitement to some, though it was sad.
Horvillicks and her 6-year-old son, Leo, were among a handful of residents who came to watch the president pass. They spoke of helicopters and other military ships flying overhead.
On January 7th, the Harvilics and her family fled to a friend's house in Santa Monica. He said he and his wife expected to return home within days, but they have not yet been allowed to enter the property.
“We're trying to figure out what to do next,” he said, adding that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on Thursday evening had given him an 18-month estimate to clear debris from his home.
Trump surveyed the devastation Friday and spoke with some residents who lost their homes. He said he was shocked by the destruction and promised to work with local authorities to help the victims.
“We have to work together to really make this work,” Trump said during a meeting with Los Angeles officials. “I don't think you realize how … devastating it is until you see it.” It's incredible. It's really a burn.”
Trump spoke sparingly with local leaders — many of them Democrats — during the meeting. But he repeatedly vowed to work with them to advance rebuilding efforts.
Ahead of the meeting, Trump publicly threatened to cut off federal aid to California in exchange for changes in water management and implementation of voter ID requirements.
But his tone during the visit was more subdued. He declared a national emergency, promised to waive or expedite any federal permits needed for reconstruction, and specified no specific conditions for federal aid.
Harvilicz said he agrees with linking disaster assistance to voter ID implementation in the state. And, personally, he believes Trump can help speed up the recovery process.
Horvillex carried Leo on his shoulders, where the young man held a poster with a photo of Trump raising his fist in the air after he was shot during a rally in Pennsylvania.
“I hope he saw us,” Horvillicks said.