Here's everything you need to know about the limited opening of Topanga Canyon Boulevard/State Route-27 between PCH and Grand View Drive. Public access is daily from 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Use caution and plan extra travel time.




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.

As Pacific Coast Highwayreopens to all, here is a tour looking at the progress made on the wildfire clean along the coast in Malibu.

Pacific Coast Hwy will reopen to the public in Malibu & Pacific Palisades Friday, May 23 in time for Memorial Day holiday.

The Pacific Coast Highway, which was closed following the Palisades Fire, will reopen to public travel ahead of schedule this Friday in advance of Memorial Day Holiday.

Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that State Route 1/Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) will reopen to all drivers at 8 a.m. Friday, May 23, in time for the Memorial Day weekend.

“In California, we get stuff done, period. We’re opening the PCH back up early, with more lanes before Angelenos hit the road this Memorial Day. We are able to do this thanks to the tireless work of hundreds of construction and road crews and with help from our partners at the Army Corps of Engineers.”

According to the governor office, a "robust security presence will remain at the neighborhood level following the highway reopening. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has directed LAPD to continue its increased deployment in the Palisades, including staffing check points 24 hours a day."

“The reopening of Pacific Coast Highway marks an important step forward in our recovery effort in the Palisades, which is on track to be the fastest in state history,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. “I thank Governor Newsom, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and partners at all levels of government for their partnership and collaboration as we work around the clock to get families home and businesses reopened. As Pacific Coast Highway reopens, we will continue to protect the safety and security of Palisades neighborhoods through a strict security plan established in coordination with the State. All of us have a shared goal – to ensure residents can safely and quickly rebuild and return to their community. We will continue working together toward that goal and recommit to clearing any barrier that stands in the way of recovery.”

What to Expect for Travelers

Be aware that repairs will continue even after two lanes in both directions are opened to the public.

For the safety of repair crews and first responders, drivers are asked to please use caution while driving through the area, Move Over if possible, and slow down. A 25 mile per hour speed limit will remain in effect.

Due to the volume of traffic expected over the holiday weekend and ongoing construction, drivers should expect delays on PCH. Please allow extra time for travel or find an alternate route to your destination.

Caltrans and CHP reminds drivers that traffic fines can be doubled in an active work zone.

“Instead of having to hang a u-turn on PCH, Angelenos can now ‘hang ten’ with Malibu businesses and residents. I want to offer a big thanks to federal, state, and local partners who made this happen!” said Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin.

There are many people in the Palisades and Malibu the are against re-opening of PCH, they have been voicing thier concerns on social media and contacing all the local officials about it. But all of the council members and the 3 mayors are in favor of the opening.

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.

Topanga Canyon Blvd/SR-27 will reopen for public use at 8AM Friday, 5/23, from PCH to Grand View Drive. This is limited to daytime hours (6AM-6PM) w/ traffic controls + one-way directional flagging btwn postmile 2.3 & 2.7 due to ongoing work. Expect delays.

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.

Conditions on PCH have become increasingly dangerous over the years, with dozens of pedestrian, cyclist, and motorist fatalities and injuries, culminating in the deaths of four Pepperdine students struck by a speeding motorist as they stood along PCH on October 17, 2023. As a result of this horrific incident, Senate Bill (SB) 1297 was created and signed by the Governor on September 27, 2024. SB 1297 authorizes the installation of five speed camera systems along the 21-mile stretch of PCH within Malibu.

Speed cameras detect speeding vehicles using radar or laser technology to measure speed. When a vehicle is detected exceeding the speed limit, the camera takes a picture or video of the vehicle, capturing its license plate, date, time, and location. This information is then checked to confirm the violation, and local authorities decide whether to give a warning or a speeding ticket to the vehicle's registered owner.

The legislation requires the City to adopt a Speed Safety System Use Policy and approve an Impact Report before purchasing or leasing equipment. Once the System is in place, warning citations will be issued for the first 60 days of operation. After that, civil penalties shall be assessed to non-emergency vehicles as follows:

$50 for driving at a speed of 11 to 15 miles per hour over the posted speed limit.

$100 for driving at a speed of 16 to 25 miles per hour over the posted speed limit.

$200 for driving at a speed of 26 miles per hour or more over the posted speed limit.

$500 for driving at a speed of 100 miles per hour or more.

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

May 12, 2025

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has issued a statement claiming "No beaches are currently under an advisory". No mention at all about fire debris at any beaches.

On Saturday at 12:29 p.m. a high surf advisory was issued by the National Weather Service valid from 9 p.m. until Monday, May. 5 at 9 a.m. for Los Angeles County Beaches:

WHAT...Large breaking waves of 4 to 7 feet with dangerous rip currents. Surf highest across northwest and west facing beaches.

WHERE...Los Angeles County Beaches.

WHEN...From 9 PM Saturday evening to 9 AM PDT Monday.

IMPACTS...There is an increased risk for ocean drowning. Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Large breaking waves can cause injury, wash people off beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats near shore.

Remain out of the water due to dangerous surf conditions, or stay near occupied lifeguard towers. Rock jetties can be deadly in such conditions, stay off the rocks. For more news and updates on the Palisades Fire, Click Here.

Topanga Canyon Boulevard (SR-27) remains closed to the general public for safety reasons between State Route 1 and Grand View Drive as extensive cleanup and repairs continue. Three crews have been working day and night in the emergency repair area.

While the closure remains in place, access has expanded to allow escorted school buses during designated times. Access is also permitted to law enforcement for public safety. Caltrans asks the public to heed the closure points and avoid the area for their safety as debris removal and repair work take place.

Caltrans and its partners continue to work on rebuilding and restoring the roadway by restoring retaining walls at three locations (postmiles 2.363, 2.52 and 2.712), the shoulder and a lane where the road was washed away. Caltrans is also installing debris flow barriers and larger culverts and clearing debris from nine locations where slides occurred. Through April, work will focus on a slide area near postmile 2.52 to install a new drainage system and culverts, as well as temporary paving to allow for one lane traffic through that location. Many of these improvements will help minimize the impacts of future debris/mudflows due to the extensive burn scars in the canyon.

Caltrans' contractor is making good progress on clearing storm debris. Debris removal from the February slides is nearing completion, with all 33,000 cubic yards of mud and debris cleared. To date, all dirt has tested clean. This material has been hauled out to farms in Somis and is also being used to replenish state park land impacted by the fire and storms. The storm that came in on April 26 brought down more debris, but that has been cleared.



The contractor is also conducting boring tests to determine how deep to drive the piles for the walls. Once they place K-rail and install the traffic signals for one-way traffic control, Caltrans can open the emergency repair section.

Extensive utility work continues with Southern California Edison undergrounding utility lines and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works rerouting a water main connection that was exposed when the road washed away.

Caltrans and its partners aim to partially reopen Topanga Canyon Boulevard with one-way traffic control within two months.

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

Starting TOMORROW, Saturday, May 3, Caltrans contractors will begin installing temporary speed bumps at two checkpoints to enhance safety for the National Guard stationed there:

📍 Entrada/Chautauqua (Los Angeles side)

📍 Carbon Beach Terrace (Malibu side)

Installation begins around 6 AM on the Los Angeles side, then moves to the Malibu side once complete. One lane will remain open at all times for those with access passes into the burn area.

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

The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) will be conducting controlled fire testing in the Santa Monica Mountains along Temescal Ridge Trail between Skull Rock and Green Peak.



The testing is set to occur during the evening of Tuesday, April 29 through Thursday, May 1. While this scientific testing will periodically include open flame in a small area that may be visible at a distance, it does not involve the burning of vegetation.

Los Angeles Fire Department personnel will be present before, during, and after all testing to ensure public safety and environmental protection. During this time period, there is no cause for public concern, or need to report the small testing flames that may be periodically visible near Tesmescal Ridge to 9-1-1.

Due to the remote terrain and logistics, there are no provisions for media or public access, and aircraft / drone pilots are instructed to follow any FAA issued restrictions for the area during this ATF testing.

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

The Saturday morning rain brought down debris that's blocking both directions of Pacific Coast Highway at Topanga, Tuna and Big Rock, prompying a full hard closure between Topanga and Carbon Beach Terrace.



Crews are making good progress but still have to clear mud at Peña Road. PCH will remain closed tonight and will reopen Sunday at 6 a.m. to the same soft closure (residents w/burn scar passes, contractors, emergency responders and designated Metro, school buses.)

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

Governor Gavin Newsom today announced an all-hands-on-deck effort to support businesses and tourism by expediting fire cleanup efforts so that State Route 1, the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), will reopen to public travel by the end of May – well ahead of experts’ original predictions.

The Pacific Coast Highway is a major artery that serves hundreds of thousands of Angelenos and visitors from around the world daily and is crucial to connecting Los Angeles with Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and points north. Currently, PCH is only open to residents who live in the Palisades Fire burn area, essential businesses, and repair crews. Following the reopening, one lane in each direction would be available for public travel.

With the busy summer months along the coast fast approaching, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and Caltrans will effectuate the reopening by working closely with the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to prioritize the cleanup of parcels along PCH by surging additional crews into the area so that these parcels can be cleared of debris quickly.

Crews will work around the clock – literally 24/7 – to demolish the damaged and collapsed homes, remove toxic ash and soot, repair the roadways, and install new utility equipment.

There are currently more than 100 USACE crews (consisting of excavators, metal crushing equipment, and dump trucks) working on Palisades Fire parcels. All equipment and dump trucks utilize PCH as a path of travel for the haul routes. Currently, USACE is removing nearly 1,284 truckloads of debris per day.

Once their work is complete, PCH will be able to safely reopen to the public with one lane in each direction.

Once the highway is reopened, security checkpoints currently in place on the north and south ends of closure will be removed, but a robust law enforcement presence from state and local agencies will remain in place.

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

Public Health Releases Preliminary Soil Testing Results With Unanticipated Elevated Lead Levels in Parcels Downwind from Eaton Fire

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health released preliminary findings from representative soil sample testing in and around the Eaton and Palisades fire areas, revealing a higher percentage of soil samples with lead levels above health-based screening thresholds from parcels with intact homes downwind of the Eaton Fire.

The preliminary findings also indicate localized chemical impacts to soil above health-based screening thresholds are present in the Palisades fire area, but there is no evidence of widespread contamination from fire-related chemicals.

The County’s soil sampling and analysis, conducted by Roux Inc., measured levels of harmful substances that may be present after a wildfire—such as heavy metals, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and dioxins—on representative soil samples from various parcels in different areas and with different property conditions in and around the Eaton and Palisades fire areas. Over four weeks from mid-February to mid-March, soil samples were collected from destroyed, damaged, and intact properties within the burn areas, as well as from properties just outside, and compared to current residential soil screening level thresholds. A final report and analysis will be available in May.

Levels below the screening thresholds are considered protective over a lifetime of exposure, even for the most vulnerable people. If levels exceed the screening thresholds, it does not automatically mean cleanup is required, but it suggests the need to consider additional evaluation.

Representative soil sampling involves collecting soil samples from different areas affected by the fire to assess contamination levels, such as ash or chemicals, and understand the overall impact on the environment.

The identification of high frequent lead exceedances in soil samples from downwind of the Eaton fire are consistent with reports of elevated lead in air samples collected in the days immediately following the fire. The source of lead in the fire is reasonably expected to be from the burning of homes with lead-based paint, which was common prior to 1979. CalTech reported that more than 90 percent of the houses in Altadena were built before 1975.

However, because there are many potential sources of lead in soil in the Los Angeles area, additional assessments will help understand how much of the lead found in the samples came from the 2025 wildfires versus other sources.

Testing identified isolated areas of heavy metal and PAH soil sample exceedances above screening thresholds in the Palisades fire area. The source is unknown at this time, but these are not consistent with communitywide impacts from fire-related smoke plumes.

This assessment provides a representative analysis of the soil in areas and under different conditions impacted by the fires. Individual parcels may have unique factors that result in differences compared to these representative samples. The reported results are not intended to imply cleanup or specific remediation is necessary; rather, the results identify areas potentially requiring additional evaluation.

Those with concerns about their specific property may want to test their soil and/or consult an environmental professional about evaluating their property. In all areas with on-going fire debris, residents are reminded to take precautions to not inhale, ingest or come into contact with ash, soot, and/or fire debris by using appropriate personal protective equipment. Additionally, community members are encouraged to review the soil sampling results and consider taking appropriate precautions if your home is in one of the areas where soil sample screening thresholds have been exceeded. Residents can refer to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s FAQs for best practices to minimize exposure to these potential hazards.

In response to potential health risks from wildfire-related smoke, ash, and debris, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is offering free blood lead testing for individuals concerned about exposure to lead. Testing is available through three easy options: by visiting a medical provider (with costs covered by most insurance plans, including Medi-Cal), scheduling a free appointment at a Quest Lab by calling 1-800-LA-4-LEAD, or accessing walk-in mobile testing offered at select community events. Testing is fast, free, confidential, and does not require insurance. Lead exposure can be especially harmful to children and pregnant individuals, and early detection is key. For more information or to find testing locations, call 1-800-LA-4-LEAD (1-800-524-5323).

For larger versions of the following charts, Click Here










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

The Ocean Water Advisory due to Fire Impacts from Las Flores State Beach (SMB 1-14) to Santa Monica State Beach (DPH 104 A&B) has been lifted. Residents are still advised to avoid fire debris in the water, and to avoid being on beaches on or near burned properties.

After Rigorous Testing, Public Health Lifts Ocean Water Quality Advisory for Fire-Impacted Beaches - RESIDENTS CONTINUE TO BE ADVISED TO AVOID FIRE DEBRIS IN THE WATER, ON THE BEACH, AND ON OR NEAR BURNED PROPERTIES

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is lifting the Ocean Water Advisory due to Fire Impacts from Las Flores State Beach (SMB 1-14) to Santa Monica State Beach (DPH 104 A&B). This decision comes after the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board released results and analysis for testing on ocean water on January 22nd, January 27th, February 6th, February 18th , and March 13th, and sediment/beach sand testing from February 25th through February 27th.

The ocean water and sediment/beach sand testing, which looked for metals, nutrients, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are chemicals that may be found in water runoff based on previous California wildfires, revealed no chemicals related to wildfires at levels that are dangerous to human health

Beachgoers may now enter the ocean water and recreate on the sand in these areas, but they are still advised to avoid fire debris in the water, and to avoid being on beaches on or near burned properties, as the fire debris may contain harmful substances and physical hazards such as glass, metal, and sharp wooden debris.

High tides may carry fire debris into the ocean, creating hazardous conditions. In areas along the coast—particularly near burned or destroyed properties on the inland side of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH)—debris from recent fires has not yet been fully cleaned up. As the tides rise, this debris can be swept into the water, posing a danger to those in or near the ocean.

Residents are advised to continue following the Department of Public Health Ocean Water Advisories, which are non-fire related, and avoid entering the ocean water when ocean water quality exceeds State bacterial limits.


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

After almost 3 months, this video shows the current conditioins of the beach, creek, parking lot and general area around Topanga State Beach.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.