Mudslide Destroys Home That Survived Fire In Pacific Palisades

PACIFIC PALISADES A home on Castellammare Drive that survived the Palisades Fire was completely destroyed when the hill behind it came sliding down crushing it and covering the street.

For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

Update On Topanga Canyon Blvd Closure

Topanga Canyon Boulevard (SR-27) remains closed to the public for safety reasons between Pacific Coast Highway and Grand View as extensive cleanup and repairs continue. The closure is to protect the public from serious injuries and fatalities.

Caltrans is prepared to open the road as soon as it is safe to do so in coordination with the California Highway Patrol, utilities and local public agencies.

Caltrans expects to open one lane to school buses during designated times with an escort this week and is working on a plan with its partners to also allow essential business travel during this timeframe.



Progress has been made in cleanup efforts, with at least 8,600 cubic yards of mud and debris — equivalent to 860 truckloads — removed so far of the 33,000 cubic yards that came down on the highway after the February storm. All mud and debris are being pushed to the side of the road and tested. Clean dirt will be sent to Oxnard farms for reuse. To date, all dirt has tested clean.

Caltrans and its partners are working to restore Topanga Canyon Boulevard by building retaining walls in three locations and rebuilding the shoulder and lane where the road was washed away. Rebuilding the shoulder and lane will take at least a month, once a design is in place. Additionally, multiple locations throughout SR-27 will require the installation of debris flow barriers and installation of larger culverts. These improvements will help minimize the impacts of future debris/mudflows on SR-27 due to the extensive burn scars in the canyon..



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

For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

Homeless Guy Arrested For Arson By Santa Monica Pier

Several trash bins in the area have been set on fire over the past week.. On Sunday, arch 16, 2025, the trash bin behind the McDonald's next to the Santa Monica Pier was set on fire, this time a witness saw it happened and reported it. SMPD found the suspect a block away and he was identified and arrested. He was wearing a shirt that says "Not Above The Law".

For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

Fire Destruction Recovery - Tour of he Village in Pacific Palisades

A updated tour of the current status of The Village (downtown area) of the Pacific Palisades.

For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

Over A Dozen Vehicles Burglarized & Vandalized In Venice

On Sunday evening, reports of over a dozen cars were vandalized and broken into in the 3700 block Clarington Ave. in Venice.

Then according to the LAPD, a suspect entered an apartment complex and broke into a car. They then stole the keys and used them to steal another vehicle from the same owner. <

Caltrans Public Meeting For PCH Rehabilitation Project

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) invites community members and stakeholders to attend an informational meeting about the Pacific Coast Highway Pavement Rehabilitation Project at 6 p.m. March 27 in the multipurpose room at the Santa Monica Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd. The project will also incorporate Complete Streets elements that enhance safety.

The meeting is intended for the project team to share information and schedules for the proposed improvement project on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH/State Route 1) between McClure Tunnel in Santa Monica and just south of Cross Creek Road in Malibu, including safety enhancement measures. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions.

The scope of work for this project, which is expected to begin in summer 2027, would include:

· Rehabilitate pavement along PCH from McClure Tunnel to Cross Creek Road

· Upgrade existing ADA Ramps and existing Metal Beam Guard Rail (MBGR)

· Improve lighting in the Roosevelt Tunnel and Will Rogers Parking Lot Tunnel underground pedestrian crossings

· New sidewalks at multiple bus stop locations

· A new overhead sign at Sunset Avenue

· Additional Class II bike lanes and striping

· Additional pedestrian warning signs

The goal of this project is to extend the service life of the pavement and improve ride quality for motorists.

Caltrans has identified this location as a top-priority safety corridor. It is also a Complete Streets project, meaning the scope aims to increase safety and mobility features for cyclists, pedestrians and motorists to share the road.

The total estimated cost for the project is $72 million. Construction is expected to be completed by summer 2029..

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

Car Crash Kills Pedestrian Near The Beach

On Sunday evening, in the 8200 block of Vista Del Mar near the shoreline in Playa Del Rey, a two car collision resulted in one car going off the side of the road and struck a pedestrian down below.

Unfortunately the female patient struck by the car was beyond medical help when paramedics arrived and determined deceased on scene. Her age is unknown at this time. An approximately 70 year old male patient was treated for minor injuries.





The police have not yet released any information about the ongoing investigation.

Magnitude 3.9 Earthquake In Malibu

A magnitude 3.9 earthquake was reported at 8:17 p.m. Sunday 10 km NW of Malibu, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Surf Photos - Venice Breakwater - Saturday 3-15-2025

Here's surfing photos from Saturday, March 15th, at the Venice Breakwater. This set of surf photos was shot by Six12 Media and brought to you by Jack's Surfboards.                                                                

Here's surfing photos from Saturday, March 15th, at the Venice Breakwater.

This set of surf photos was shot by Six12 Media and brought to you by Hulu.

These are just a few of the 70+ photos from this session. If you were out there, you probably got some surfing shots, probably multiple photos, they will be in the complete photo gallery for this day, check them out, the link to the complete gallery is down below.










You can find 70+ more photos from this session, all full size and in high-resolution, in this photo gallery:

Venice Breakwater - Saturday 3-15-2025 Photo Gallery


If you were out there, we probably got some cool surfing shots of you, go check them out!

Wanna see photos from previous days at this and other local surf spots from this photographer?
Click Surf Spot Galleries and look for the spot and then the date.

Mudslide Keeps PCH Fully Closed

As of Friday, March 14 at 4 PM, Pacific Coast Highway in the Palisades burn area is under a temporary FULL CLOSURE from Carbon Beach Terrace to Coastline Drive due to continuous rock/mud/debris flow onto PCH at Big Rock. Only emergency vehicles will be allowed through.



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

For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

Palisades Fire Recovery - Alphabet Streets Destruction Clean Up Efforts Tour

Touring the Pacific Palisades "Alphabet Streets" during the fire recovery clean up.

For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

Paliskates Needs Your Help

"My name is Nora. I am the manager of Paliskates, and I am creating this GoFundMe on behalf of my boss, Erica Simpson, a female entrepreneur who opened her small business in the Pacific Palisades in 1999. Paliskates has been a staple in the community over the last 25 years in our beloved Palisades. We are devastated to share that the Palisades fire has taken our shop at 1021 N Swarthmore Ave. The fire has taken most of our community, and everyone is struggling during this time. Like so many, we are asking for help during this devastating time. As you may know our store burned last week, and we lost everything. Can you please share our GoFundMe link.? Anything helps. We look forward to coming back stronger." -Erica and the Paliskates Team

For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

Malibu - Storm Evacuation Warnings

EVACUATION WARNINGS ISSUED DUE TO STORM CONDITIONS

The following Malibu zones are under evacuation warning beginnining TOMORROW, March 12 at 7 AM due to the upcoming storm: MAL-C111-A, MAL-C111-B, MAL-C112-A, MAL-C112-B, MAL-C112-C, RMB-U030-A, RMB-U030-B. The warning will be in effect until at least Thursday, March 13 at 6 PM.

Residents should prepare to evacuate now due to the significant risk of flash flooding, debris flows and mudslides. These hazards pose a serious threat to life and property.

Neighborhoods include:
Carbon Canyon
Carbon Beach East
La Costa Beach, La Costa (hillside)
Las Flores Creek
Las Flores Mesa
Eastern Malibu
Big Rock
Las Tunas Beach
Topanga Beach Road
Carbon Beach Terrace
Carbon Beach
Rambla Pacifico
Carbon Beach West/Malibu Beach
Sweetwater Canyon
Sweetwater Mesa
Serra Retreat
Malibu Creek
Cross Creek
Malibu Colony
Civic Center
Malibu Knolls
Malibu Road
Malibu Country Estates
Puerco Canyon
Piuma Roa

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

For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

Pacific Coast Highway To Fully Close

Caltrans will implement a full closure of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) from Chautauqua Blvd in Los Angeles to Carbon Beach Terrace in Malibu due to safety concerns from the incoming storm beginning Wednesday, March 12 at noon. Only emergency vehicles and US Army Corps of Engineers’ debris-hauling contractors will be allowed through the closure. Residents and businesses in burn scar areas are not permitted. Those with burn area access passes will not be accepted.

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

For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

Malibu Road Closures

Due to safety concerns from the incoming storm, restrict access to the following roads in Malibu beginning Wednesday, March 12:

Las Flores Canyon Rd: Closed to all but emergency vehicles beginning at 12 PM. Will reopen when PCH reopens (TBD).

Malibu Canyon Rd: Closed from Francisco Ranch Rd (1.5 miles north of PCH) to Piuma Rd to all but emergency vehicles beginning at 6 PM. Tentative reopening planned for Thursday, March 13 at 6 PM, depending on conditions.

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

For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory

Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory: Advisory Extended for all Los Angeles County Beaches Until Friday, March 14, at 4:00 pm

RAIN ADVISORY:

Due to current rainfall, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health advises beach users to avoid all water contact, especially near discharging storm drains, creeks, and rivers due to potentially higher bacteria levels in these areas. This includes any runoff that may flow onto or pond on the beach sand.

Ocean and bay recreational waters, especially near discharging storm drains, creeks and rivers can be contaminated with bacteria, chemicals, debris, trash, and other public health hazards from city streets and mountain areas after a rainfall. Individuals who enter the water in these areas could become ill. Rain advisories remain in effect for 72 hours after the rainfall ends.

The ocean water quality rain advisory will be in effect at least until 4:00 pm, Friday, March 14, 2025.

This advisory may be extended depending on further rainfall.

OCEAN WATER ADVISORY DUE TO FIRE IMPACTS:

Once the rain advisory is lifted, the ocean water advisory from Las Flores State Beach to Santa Monica State Beach will remain in effect until further notice.

Beach goers may recreate on the sand but continue to be advised to stay away from fire debris and to stay out of the ocean water during any posted ocean advisory.


For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

UPDATE Topanga Canyon Boulevard Fire Recovery and Repairs

Conditions have allowed crews to begin the clean-up of least 33,000 cubic yards of mud and debris that came down after the last storm. Once the boulder was reduced to rubble on February 24, engineers surveyed the extent of damage and determined that retaining walls must be built in three locations, one specifically to replace guardrail and to rebuild the shoulder and lane where the road washed away. Rebuilding the shoulder and lane will take at least a month, once a design is in place.

Additionally, there are multiple locations throughout SR-27 that will require installation of debris flow barriers and installation of larger culverts. These improvements will help minimize the impacts of debris/mudflows on SR-27 due to the extensive burn scars in the canyon.



As it may take it several months before the road is fully open due to repair work, Southern California Edison will now undertake previously planned work to underground its utility lines. (More on partial opening plans later.) Additionally, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works wants to re-route a water main connection for the town that was exposed when the road washed away.

All mud and debris that came down onto the highway is being pushed to the side of the road and will be tested. Clean dirt will be sent to Oxnard farms for reuse. To date, all dirt has tested clean.

Caltrans is aiming to open one lane to essential business travel during dedicated times and with an escort and possibly shuttles to provide residents access once it’s deemed safe. Although reopening the roadway is dependent on cleanup, repair work and weather, Caltrans stands ready to execute this interim reopening plan in coordination with the CHP, utilities, and any affected public agencies as soon as it is safe to do so.

Caltrans recognizes the critical role these corridors play in the clean-up and recovery efforts for the residents and the public. The decision to reopen lanes must be a joint decision from all parties with a specific plan in place and with safety as the top consideration

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

For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

In Support Of Randy Wright

LA surf and skate legend Randy Wright who has been posted up at Sunset Point as photographer and surf guru now urgently needs our help after the Palisades Fire to get rolling and back in business to do what he does best.

Randy's friend & surf buddy, Andrew MacDonald from Pacific Palisades has set up a gofundme for him. Any amount will help immensely.

For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

Mardi Gras Parade On The Venice Boardwalk

As the vibrant tradition of the Venice Beach Mardi Gras Parade marks its 26th year, participants are urged to don their most festive costumes and join the lively celebration. The annual Venice Beach Mardi Gras Parade will take place on March 8, beginning at 1 p.m. at The Waterfront Venice, located at 205 Ocean Front Walk. Parade starts at 2:00 at The Rose Ave Beach Parking Lot, followed by an after-party at The Waterfront from 4 to 6 p.m.

The Venice Mardi Gras Festival initially took place from August 16-18, 1935, inspired by the New Orleans Mardi Gras. It featured a grand opening with King Neptune arriving by outrigger canoe, the coronation of Queen Venetia, and a royal procession along Ocean Front Walk. The proclamation by the queen marked the beginning of three days filled with parades, costume contests, and entertainment, embodying the spirit of fun and revelry. Highlights from the early years included majestic floats, participants donning enormous plaster of Paris heads crafted in Arthur Reese's studio, and a street carnival on Windward Avenue, complete with gondoliers and Keystone Cops adding to the festive atmosphere.

The event quickly grew in popularity and scale, evolving into a significant annual festival that drew crowds in the hundreds of thousands before World War II. The expanded four-day celebration by 1941 included a treasure hunt for children, aquatic events, the Miss California beauty pageant, and a grand Mardi Gras Ball, all contributing to a burgeoning sense of civic pride and community engagement.

Venice's Mardi Gras Festival has stood as a testament to the community's commitment to celebrating culture, history, and the arts. For those interested in delving deeper into Venice's rich history, Jeffrey Stanton's website offers extensive insights into the past festivals and the evolution of this beloved event."



For more info, Click Here

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

Project Save Our Surf Beach Clean Up

Project Save Our Surf returns to Tower 26 to clean the beach. Buckets, gloves and light snacks will be provided.



Come join Project Save Our Surf for a fun afternoon of music and refreshments cleaning the beach. Buckets and gloves will also be provided for the cleanup. Connect with others in Los Angeles working to support our environment.

We have also partnered with Project Pop Drop to collect items for the homeless that we will be delivering to a homeless shelter on the last Saturday of the month (each month is a different shelter and details will be available at the cleanup for those who want to attend that event as well). We are collecting non- perishable foods and new toiletries, new socks, new underwear, new clothing etc.

Saturday, March 8 · 11am - 1pm PST
Santa Monica Beach Tower 26
2559 Ocean Front Walk Santa Monica, CA 90405

For more info, Click Here.

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

Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory Extended For All LA Beaches

Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory: Advisory Extended for all Los Angeles County Beaches Until Monday, March 10, at 7:00 am

RAIN ADVISORY:

Due to current rainfall, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health advises beach users to avoid all water contact, especially near discharging storm drains, creeks, and rivers due to potentially higher bacteria levels in these areas. This includes any runoff that may flow onto or pond on the beach sand.

Ocean and bay recreational waters, especially near discharging storm drains, creeks and rivers can be contaminated with bacteria, chemicals, debris, trash, and other public health hazards from city streets and mountain areas after a rainfall. Individuals who enter the water in these areas could become ill. Rain advisories remain in effect for 72 hours after the rainfall ends.

The ocean water quality rain advisory will be in effect at least until 7:00 am, Monday, March 10, 2025.

This advisory may be extended depending on further rainfall.

OCEAN WATER ADVISORY DUE TO FIRE IMPACTS:

Once the rain advisory is lifted, the ocean water advisory from Las Flores State Beach to Santa Monica State Beach will remain in effect until further notice.

Beach goers may recreate on the sand but continue to be advised to stay away from fire debris and to stay out of the ocean water during any posted ocean advisory.


For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

Homeless Lady From Alabama Arrested For Arson In Santa Monica

On Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at approximately 5:48 a.m., The Santa Monica Fire Department requested an emergency police response for multiple arsons in the area of Alley 19 and Santa Monica Boulevard. Fire personnel reported that the suspect was walking south in the alley while attempting to ignite another fire.

Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) officers quickly responded and located the suspect holding a lighter near 19th and Colorado. Officers determined that the individual had set a third fire near Alley 19 and Broadway, which was actively burning. SMFD personnel promptly extinguished the flames.

With the assistance of witnesses, the suspect was identified as Theresa Lynn Barron, who is homeless from Alabama. She was taken into custody.

The arson locations include:
• A trash container near a bus stop at Alley 19 & Santa Monica Blvd (westbound)
• A sign near the 1900 block of Santa Monica Blvd.
• A large blue city recycling containers near the 1500 block of Alley 19

SMPD and SMFD remind the community to report suspicious activity immediately to 9-1-1 or 310-458-8491 (non-emergency dispatch).

Summary:

Date of Incident: Tuesday, February 25, 2025 @ 5:48 AM

Type of Incident: Arson

Location: multiple locations near Alley 19 and Santa Monica Blvd.

Suspect: Theresa Lynn Barron, DOB 08/03/1979, homeless from Alabama; no prior arson arrests

EPA Denied Use Of Santa Monica Beach For Toxic Waste Site

Santa Monica leadership has been working in close coordination with regional, state and federal agencies to advocate for the community and ensure relevant information is shared. City officials are participating in a multi-agency Joint Information Center to share information and are in regular contact with our partners.

Santa Monica has taken the following actions in response to post-wildfire beach conditions and water quality concerns:

Denied a request from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to implement a hazardous debris staging area in a Santa Monica beach parking lot.

Strongly advocated for clear communications on ocean and beach water conditions and advisories and prompted revisions to press releases and the county’s website.

Built sand berms around impacted storm drains to contain sediment and allow time for Santa Monica leadership to confer with regional partners on testing and best practices.

Handpicked and mechanically removed thousands of pounds of fire-related debris from off Santa Monica’s beaches after storm events. These operations are ongoing.

Urged testing of local storm drains to ensure the most impacted area of city beaches was included in regional evaluations.

Hosted a virtual town hall with environmental health leaders, stressing local concerns for environmental conditions and beach-focused economic needs. Shared information about a series of town halls hosted by Public Health.

What is the current status of beaches and ocean water quality?

The public should continue to heed Public Health's most updated ocean water advisories. Currently, a Rain Advisory is in effect for all Los Angeles County beaches until Saturday, March 8. In addition, an ocean water warning for the Santa Monica Pier and Pico-Kanter storm drain is in place. This is a non-fire related advisory based on elevated bacteria levels. When ocean water advisories are implemented, dry beach sand usually remains unaffected and open to the public for recreational activities.

Any wildfire debris in Santa Monica’s storm drains at Montana Avenue and Wilshire Boulevard has washed up from the ocean, not flowed down from the wildfire zones.

What agencies are responsible for environmental testing, debris cleanup and public health alerts?

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is the city of Santa Monica’s public health and environmental health agency. Public Health conducts regular ocean water quality testing and issues alerts and advisories when bacteria levels exceed state standards.

The Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors, or DBH, operates and maintains public beaches to the north and south of Santa Monica. DBH has been working with Los Angeles County Public Works and the Regional Water Quality Control Board to test the dark, ashy sediment on the beaches for hazardous materials and other contaminants. DBH crews are also responsible for removing fire debris from the public beaches under county jurisdiction.

Authored By Lindsay B. Call, City of Santa Monica Chief Resilience Officer

For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

Santa Monica Police Plan Traffic Safety Enforcement This Weekend

The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) will conduct traffic safety operations on Saturday, March 8, 2025 from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. focused on the most dangerous driver behaviors that put the safety of people biking or walking at risk.

These violations include speeding, making illegal turns, failing to yield or provide right of way to bicyclists or pedestrians, or failing to stop for signs and signals.

We all have places to be and not everyone gets there by car. Bicyclists and pedestrians have the same rights to the road but face even more risk without the protections vehicles have. We should all be looking out for one another.

SMPD offers steps drivers and pedestrians can take to greatly reduce the risk of getting injured or in a crash:

Pedestrians

Be predictable. Use crosswalks, when available.
Take notice of approaching vehicles and practice due care.
Do not walk or run into the path of a vehicle. At 30 mph, a driver needs at least 90 feet to stop.
Be visible. Make it easy for drivers to see you – wear light colors, reflective material and carry a flashlight, particularly at dawn, dusk or at night.
Be extra careful crossing streets or entering crosswalks at night when it is harder to see, or when crossing busier streets with more lanes and higher speed limits.

Drivers

Do not speed, and slow down at intersections. Be prepared to stop for pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks, and between intersections where pedestrians may cross.
Avoid blocking crosswalks while waiting to make a right-hand turn.
Never drive impaired.

Bicyclists

Obey traffic laws, use hand signals, use lights at night (front white light and rear red reflector), and wear a helmet.
Bicyclists must travel in the same direction of traffic and have the same requirements as any slow-moving vehicle.
Avoid the door zone: do not ride too closely to parked cars.
If there’s a bike lane, use it, unless making a left turn, passing, or approaching a place where a right turn is allowed.
Yield to pedestrians. Bicyclists must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians within marked crosswalks or within unmarked crosswalks at intersections, and between intersections where pedestrians may cross. 

Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory

An Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory has been declared for all Los Angeles County beaches. The advisory will be in effect at least until 1:00 pm, Saturday, March 8, 2025. This advisory may be extended depending on further rainfall.


For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

Inaugural Venice Beach Half Marathon and 5k

On May 18, 2025 runners will start and finish on the Venice Beach boardwalk for the first Venice Beach Half Marathon and 5k (VBHM). All finishers will receive the inaugural finisher medal and race t-shirt. Local musicians will set the beat on the course and the finish line party will include a Vendor Village, more live music, and an ocean front view.



For more info, Click Here

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