The Malibu City Council unanimously approved a declaration of local emergency on August 10 after Live Fuel Moisture (LFM) levels in the Santa Monica Mountains fell below 65%, the threshold the Council has set for hazardous fire conditions. The declaration allows the City, all of which is within the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, to act more quickly to remove homeless encampments to reduce the risk of fires associated with unpermitted camping.

“Declaring a local emergency provides an important proactive measure to reduce wildfire risk and protects lives and homes in Malibu as fire conditions worsen as we move towards the peak fire season,” said Mayor Bruce Silverstein. “This emergency declaration enables the City to act swiftly in reducing wildfire risks while continuing our balanced approach that protects both public safety and vulnerable community members.”

LFM is the percentage of water in living plants and is one of the key wildfire threat indicators. The Los Angeles County Fire Department takes fuel samples every two weeks. When the percentage of moisture reaches 60 percent, the fuels will burn as if they are dead, meaning fires will grow rapidly and pose a greater risk to lives, property and the environment. The City declares its local emergency when the Live Fuel Moisture reaches 65%. This most recent fuel sample came in at 63% from the previous reading of 67%.

The declaration allows the City to expedite the removal of homeless encampments in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. During normal conditions, state law requires a more extensive noticing process, while under the emergency declaration, removals can be completed within a day. These measures are part of the City’s comprehensive, balanced approach that combines compassionate outreach and housing placement with enforcement to protect public safety, public health, and the environment.

Malibu’s approach has yielded measurable results. The 2026 Homeless Count shows Malibu’s unhoused population has declined to 27 individuals and 16 total dwellings (tents, cars, RVs, vans, makeshift shelters), the lowest number since the City started tracking in 2016, down from 46 in 2025, 69 in 2024, 71 in 2023, 81 in 2022, and 157 in 2021. The City’s Homeless Outreach Team, operated by The People Concern, continues to successfully connect individuals with permanent housing, interim placements, and family reunification services.

The City also proactively removes encampments year-round to address wildfire, public safety, public health, and environmental concerns. Working alongside the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Malibu cleared 44 encampments in 2025, 44 in 2024, and 29 in 2023.

The declaration will remain in effect for the duration of the hazardous fire season until: the City has received at least two inches of rain; LFM is at least 80%; and there have been no Fire Weather Watches or Red Flag Warnings in the previous two weeks and there are none in the extended forecast for Malibu.

Malibu City Council Decides Not to Proceed with PCH Quick-Build Roundabouts at Proposed Location

At its August 10 meeting, the Malibu City Council directed staff to place the Pacific Coast Highway Quick-Build Roundabouts Project on hold and remove it from the City’s Capital Improvement Program.

The proposed project called for single-lane roundabouts at El Matador Beach Road and Encinal Canyon Road as a traffic-calming and safety measure on PCH.

Before making its decision, the Council reviewed updated traffic and wildfire evacuation analysis, along with simulations examining traffic flow, cyclists, pedestrians, emergency vehicles and access to nearby properties. The wildfire evacuation assessment found that the proposed roundabouts would have a minimal impact on overall evacuation performance, with an estimated 1.4% increase in evacuation clearance time under the modeled PSPS scenario.

The City is actively coordinating with Metro to reimburse the eligible design expenses that occurred on the project to date. The remaining Measure M funding allocated specifically for the roundabouts would be returned to Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath’s Office for consideration for other regional transportation priorities.

The City remains focused on improving safety on PCH and is moving forward with other safety measures, including the PCH Speed Safety System.

On August 14, 2026, the Santa Monica Police Department will conduct a driving under the influence (DUI) Checkpoint from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. at an undisclosed location.

DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints is to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road.

Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk. Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improve traffic safety.

SMPD reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.

Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.

Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Los Angeles County Lifeguards had the privilege of being recognized by Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath for the tremendous commitment, courage, and teamwork demonstrated by our personnel during an exceptionally busy stretch from July 24–28.



During that time, Los Angeles County Lifeguards performed nearly 2,000 ocean rescues along the Los Angeles County coastline, demonstrating the skill, professionalism, and dedication required when our beaches and ocean conditions are at their busiest.
Photos: Doug Morrison, LACoFD Photographer

The 2026 Dogtown Car Club's Dogtown Super Show at Venice Beach, A full walk around the car show, meeting with some Venice Beach locals, Hecho En Venice, and more..

The full Venice Brand Pin Up Girl Contest held during the Dogtown Car Club Supershow in Venice Beach on Saturday. Seven girls and one guy compete for the 2026 Venice Brand pin up girl crown.

Kick off a full day of festivities, don’t miss the ribbon cutting to officially reopen Palisades Village. Then, spend the afternoon and evening dining at new restaurants and rediscovering your favorite retailers with special offers and experiences everywhere you turn. Be sure to stick around for the special evening finale, a love letter to Los Angeles honoring the Palisades community.

Saturday, August 15 at 10:30 a.m

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony: 10:30AM
Daytime Festivities: 11AM – 7PM
Special Evening Finale: 8PM

Shops Open: 11AM – 7PM
Restaurants Open: 11AM – 10PM

PARKING

Parking Garage Opens: 9AM
Valet Parking Opens: 11AM

Complimentary self-parking.

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TONGVA TWILIGHT: Sounds & Cinema is a FREE outdoor summer series celebrating live music, outdoor cinema, and community at Tongva Park. The series takes place every Saturday from August 8 through September 12, beginning at 7 p.m., and features an eclectic lineup of entertainment ranging from big band ska, salsa, and New Orleans funk to music-themed films—or a combination of both—all beneath the stars, just steps from the Pacific Ocean.

Pack a picnic and enjoy a free, fun, family-friendly evening in one of Santa Monica's most beautiful parks. Complimentary popcorn will be available on movie nights while supplies last.

Saturday, August 8

Concert: Western Standard Time – Acclaimed all-star ska jazz ensemble

Saturday, August 15

Concert: The Rumble – New Orleans funk

Saturday, August 22

Concert: Son Mayor – High-energy salsa orchestra, with a salsa lesson before the performance

Saturday, August 29

Concert: To Be Announced

Saturday, September 5

Concert: The Windbreakers – Yacht rock band performing smooth '70s sing-along classics

Saturday, September 12

Concert & Film: Emi Secrest – Memphis soul artist, followed by a screening of Summer of Soul

Find out about more upcoming local events, Click Here

A woman is detained after she stops her BMW in the middle of the street under the Venice sign. "Drugs" are found in her vehicle. She strats ranting about her hatred of council woman Traci Park. Her car ends up getting towed.