Franklin Fire morning Update 12/15/24 9am - acreage remains at 4,037, and containment is now at 42%. Teams have completed 95% of the damage inspections, and the numbers remain at 19 structures destroyed (8 single family dwellings and 11 outbuildings), and 27 structures damaged (14 single family dwellings, 1 multi family dwelling, 7 commercial, and 5 outbuildings).

For more on the Franklin Fire, Click Here.

New video from Real Skate Stories.

"Dive into the legacy of Jay Adams, the controversial and outspoken skateboarding icon whose rebellious spirit and unmistakable style revolutionized the sport. From his early days with the Dogtown Z-Boys to shaping the skate culture of the 70s and 80s, discover how his punk rock energy and artistic expression made him a legend, influencing generations of skaters and redefining the essence of skateboarding. I knew Jay well, and throughout the decades we had many experiences together, in this video I share a few."

12/13/24 2:15 PM Update: Evacuation Orders Lifted and Road Access Fully Restored. Certain roads are only accessible to residents with photo ID.

12/13/24 2:15 PM Update: Evacuation Orders have now been reduced to Warnings, and all residents may return to their homes. Certain roads are only accessible to residents with photo ID.

12/13/24 2:15 PM Update: The City of Malibu is pleased to announce that all Evacuation Orders have now been reduced to Warnings, and all residents may return to their homes. This significant milestone reflects the progress made by our first responders and partner agencies in ensuring the safety of our community.

Evacuation Zone Updates

Evacuation Warnings Lifted:

Zones MAL-C113-A, MAL-C113-C, VST-U022-A, MCR-U021-B, MTN-U028, SDP-U029-B, MAL-C112-F (which now includes the previously listed "G" zone), and MAL-C111-C.

All Remaining Evacuation Orders Reduced to Warnings:

Zones MAL-C113-D, VST-U022-B, MCR-U021A-B, SDP-U029-A, RMB-U030, and MAL-C112-B.

Evacuation Warnings Lifted for Pepperdine University:

Zone MCR-U021A-C, which includes the Pepperdine University Campus, is now clear.

Returning to Your Home

Residents returning to their homes can do so with confidence, as these areas have been thoroughly inspected and deemed safe by public safety officials. However, we urge everyone to remain cautious and follow all instructions from public safety personnel.

Road Access Updates

Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is now fully open with traffic moving in both directions.

Remaining road closures and updates can be found on the Los Angeles County Public Works website at https://pw.lacounty.gov/roadclosures/.

Hard Road Closures (no access):

Malibu Canyon Road from Civic Center Way to Piuma Road

Soft Closures (open to residents only, with proper ID):

Las Flores Canyon Road north of Pacific Coast Highway

Carbon Canyon Road north of Pacific Coast Highway

Sweetwater Canyon Drive north of Pacific Coast Highway

Puerco Canyon Road north of Pacific Coast Highway

Corral Canyon Road north of Pacific Coast Highway

School Update

The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District has announced the following updates for Malibu schools:

Malibu Elementary, Malibu Middle, and Malibu High Schools:

These schools sustained no damage but require professional cleaning of HVAC systems and outdoor spaces. Cleaning is planned for Friday, December 13, or over the weekend, with an expected reopening on Monday, December 16, pending road access. Families will be notified on Sunday, December 15 with confirmation.

Webster Elementary School:

Webster Elementary sustained electrical and fire damage. Repairs will begin as soon as access is granted, and the school is expected to reopen after winter break on January 6, 2025.

Options for Webster students to attend in-person classes at Malibu Elementary with their teachers starting Tuesday, December 17, are being explored. Families have been surveyed, and decisions will be communicated soon.

Pepperdine University Update

Pepperdine University has announced that normal operations for faculty and staff on the Malibu campus will resume next week. Campus events are also scheduled to resume this weekend.

Recovery Resources

Local Assistance Center: The City of Malibu will open a Local Assistance Center at Malibu City Hall on Tuesday, December 17, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Representatives from various State and Los Angeles County Agencies, AT&T, City Departments, the Red Cross, and the Boys and Girls Club of Malibu will be available to assist residents reconnecting services and accessing recovery resources.

For residents experiencing stress or trauma as a result of this incident, mental health resources are available at:

· Boys and Girls Club of Malibu: Offering free counseling services and emotional support for those impacted by the fire. Please contact BGCM Wellness Center at https://bgcmalibu.org/wellness-center call (310) 457-6801 ext. 74141 or email wellnessinfo@bgcmalibu.org.

· Additional resources are available through the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health at https://dmh.lacounty.gov/ or by phone at 800-854-7771.

The City of Malibu remains committed to supporting our community during this recovery process. Thank you for your patience, resilience, and cooperation as we reach these critical milestones.

For more on the Franklin Fire, Click Here.

UPDATE: 12/13/24, 11:15 AM - Pacific Coast Highway is now fully open for public traffic, including businesses, from Topanga to Kanan in Malibu

For more on the Franklin Fire, Click Here.

December 15th from 4:30 to 8 pm at Lunetta in Santa Monica. The community gave smiles last year and will give more smiles this year! 2nd annual toy drive!!❤️ we have the Christmas spirit rolling! Don’t miss this!

Tacos, classic cars and music! Don’t miss this! Please bring a unwrapped toy and join in on the raffle! Lots of amazing stuff!

2420 / 2424 Pico Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90405

For more info, Click Here

Video of last years event:

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.

On southbound Pacific Coast Hwy all lanes are open from Kanan Dume Road to Tuna Canyon Road. Northbound PCH only the right lane is closed from Tuna Canyon Road to Kanan Dume Road. LACSD is checking IDs at this lane closure.

For more on the Franklin Fire, Click Here.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health cautions residents who are planning to visit the below Los Angeles County beaches to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters:

December 12, 2024

BEACH AREA WARNINGS:

· Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu

100 yards up and down the coast from the lagoon.

· Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the public restrooms.

· Marie Canyon Storm Drain at Puerco Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the public access steps.

· Castlerock Storm Drain at Topanga County Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain.

· Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro

The entire swim area.

· Mothers Beach in Marina Del Rey

The entire swim area.

· Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica

100 yards up and down the coast from the pier.

· Pulga storm drain at Will Rogers State Beach. Will Rogers Tower 5 is on drain

100 yards up and down the coast from storm drain.

· Avenue I storm drain at Redondo Beach

100 yards up and down the coast from storm drain.

These warnings have been issued due to bacterial levels exceeding health standards when last tested.

Use the map below to obtain the current water quality status of your favorite beach location. Use your mouse wheel to zoom into a particular location. Click on the marker to identify the sampling location. This map is updated as conditions change.

Good morning, Venicians!

Glenice Venice will be taking some time off from the surf report to focus on his health. About a week ago, Glen suffered a series of minor strokes, but he’s doing exceptionally well considering what has happened. He is surrounded by an amazing support system that loves him and is helping him get back to 100%.

Glen is currently in a physical rehabilitation center with a wonderful staff who are dedicated to helping our fabulous diva, Glen return to the pier.

How to help!

If you’d like to send a card, flowers, or a video note, Glen would absolutely love that. The quickest and easiest form of help to provide would be a donation here. You can also send videos, cards, or flowers to Glen as well to Whitehall Memorial Hospital Attn Glen Walsh. We will provide an email address on Instagram for visitation information etc.

Glen's friends set up this GoFundMe to help with medical expenses. Glen is such a beacon in this community, and his morning reports brighten our days. This is an opportunity for us to give back some of the love he has always shared with us.

Glen wants everyone to know that he’s okay, loved, and looking forward to returning to the pier to bring surf updates, smiles, and good vibes to all you lovely Venicians!!!!!

4th Annual Santa Cruise in Santa Monica! A festive holiday ride & party for skateboarders, rollerbladers, bikers, and more...

Franklin Fire burns multiple homes within hours of ignition.

For more on the Franklin Fire, Click Here.

Los Angeles County Fire Department held a press release at 6:00 PM on 12/10/24 at Zuma Beach. Officials provided this updated information.

The Franklin Fire has now burned 2,862 acres and remains at 0% containment. Preliminary reports indicate that seven structures have been destroyed, and eight have been damaged. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this devastating event. The City has set up an Emergency Information and Supplies Station at Zuma Beach, offering updates, food, water, first aid assistance



Mandatory Evacuation Order:

Areas east of Latigo Canyon, west of Topanga Beach Driveway, and south of Baller Motorway, including the Big Rock and Las Flores Communities.

Evacuation Warning:

Areas east of Trancas, south of Hidden Highlands Road, and west of Crestline Drive. Residents in these areas should remain ready to evacuate if conditions worsen.

Shelters Open and Active

Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD), 2802 4th Street, Santa Monica (crated small animals accepted).

Calabasas Community Center. (27040 Malibu Hills Rd.)

For Animals

Small animals: Agoura Animal Shelter (29525 Agoura Rd.)

Large animals: Pierce College (6201 Winnetka Ave.)

Road Closures

Soft Closure:

Las Virgenes and Lost Hills Road (residents only)

Hard Closures:

Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) between Kanan Dume Road and Topanga Canyon.

Topanga Canyon Road is open to residents only.

Las Virgenes Road and Mulholland Highway.

Resources and Response

Over 1,500 firefighters and 13 federal, state, and local agencies are actively responding to this incident. Their efforts are critical to protecting our community, and we thank them for their tireless bravery and dedication.

Stay Updated and Stay Safe.

We urge everyone to stay informed, follow evacuation orders and warnings, and prepare to act quickly if conditions change. Thank you for your resilience and cooperation during this challenging time. Together, we will face this crisis and emerge stronger as a community.

This updated message incorporates the Watch Duty App and Genasys Evacuation Map for real-time information and adds clarity to communication resources.

For more on the Franklin Fire, Click Here.

German in Venice reoprts from the huge fire in Malibu.

"Last night I happened to drive around in the early morning hours and I got a notification on my phone that there is a huge wildfire in Malibu. I drove from Venice Beach all the way to Malibu at 1 AM. I could not believe my eyes how many different fires I saw in the Malibu Hills hundreds of firefighters lots of fire engines helicopters with water try to fight the fire. I left a Malibu at six in the morning and the fires are still burning."

For more on the Franklin Fire, Click Here.

This Saturday is the 31st Annual Venice Surf-A-Thon, here is a video of the contest from 10 years ago.

>Registrstion for the 31st Annual Venice Surf-A-Thon is open. The contest will be held on Saturday, December 14th at the Venice Pier.



Divisions will be: Boys 14U
Girls 14U
Boys 18U
Open Women
Open Men
Open Longboard Women
Open Longboard Men
Women 40ish
Men's 50+
Body Surfing
Body Boarding
Foamie Expression Session



Entry fee is $30 and that includes a contest t-shirt.

To register, Click Here

Stay tuned for more updates.

See photos from last year, Click Here

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.

Topanga Canyon Blvd/Route 27 is CLOSED between Mulholland Drive and Pacific Coast Highway/Route 1 in Topanga area from 12pm (noon) TODAY until 6pm Wed. 12/11 due to high fire danger.

ONLY residents & local business traffic allowed.

For more news, updates and traffic conditions on PCH and other local beachside roads, Click Here.

The Holiday Boat Parade is a tried-and-true tradition of the Venice Canals held in December to celebrate the holidays. The Venice Canals Holiday Boat Parade is a showcase of the unique community, coming together to honor our wonderful neighborhood.

HAPPY HOWL-IDAYS 🦴 Enjoy the holiday season with your furry friends at Santa Paws on Saturday, December 14, 10 AM – 12 PM! Take a photo with Santa at Malibu Bluffs Park.

For more info, Click Here.

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.

Saturday, December 7th from 6 - 9 pm!

Join the Venice Chamber of Commerce, special guests, and your community for a beloved tradition—the annual changing of the Venice Sign lights to festive red and green for the holidays!

Now in its 13th year, this special celebration will take place on Windward Avenue (east of Pacific Avenue), with street closures to make room for live music and family-friendly activities. Don’t miss this magical start to the season!

For more info, Click Here.

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here for the Event Calendar.

"Against The Current," is a short film documenting the artistic process of the legendary Skateboarder and Filmmaker, Stacy Peralta. Made in conjunction with his art show debuting at CCC gallery this fall and directed by Dana Shaw, it’s not just a love letter to a life of skateboarding but a celebration of the spirit of creativity and commitment.

Stacy shares his various inspirations from childhood to present day, and the challenges and lessons learned while working to develop this new visual language in his iterations of these tools of joy from the past.

The work also explores his temporal and obsessive relationship to the skateboard collection that intrinsically holds the memories of those ephemeral halcyon days. As well as the decay and degradation that entropy and time have on our prized possessions, and even ourselves.

This week at the Venice Pier.

Caltrans will close a northbound lane of PCH from Topanga Cyn to Big Rock in Malibu Dec 2 - 31 Mon - Fri, 9PM-6AM nightly for utility work. No work on holidays or during rain. Watch for workers & work vehicles in the road. Traffic fines doubled in construction zones under CA law.

For more news, updates and traffic conditions on PCH and other local beachside roads, Click Here.