On Tuesday, Los Angeles City Councilwoman Traci Park announced the launch of the area's first Coastal Care+ operation.

"Our care plus coastal team gives us added resources to ensure that hazardous material aren't flowing into our storm drains and poisoning our environmentally sensitive areas," Park said.

"The Coastal Care+ team, which will provide enhanced services across our coastal neighborhoods and free up resources for other parts of the Westside. We are also excited to announce our Vibrant Venice initiative, dedicated to preserving safe and healthy access to our city’s iconic landmark, Venice Beach."

Coastal Care+ programs help remove health and safety hazards and solid waste from homeless encampments.
"Residents and visitors often encounter restrooms that are in disrepair, lived in or have been vandalized. That's unacceptable which is why I'm introducing a motion today to fund restroom ambassadors and beautification services so that our restrooms here are safe," Park said.

Park said she's also introducing a motion with the goal of funding mental health beds and treatment for homeless individuals living on the street.

In November 2023, the Malibu City Council declared a Local Emergency aimed at addressing the risks of dangerous, illegal, and reckless driving on a 21-mile stretch of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH or State Route 1) locals call “Dead Man’s Curve” that is visited by millions every year. From 2011 to 2023, there were 58 people killed and more than 100 injuries to drivers, passengers, bicyclists, and pedestrians on PCH. The dangerous driving behaviors on PCH culminated in the tragic deaths of four Pepperdine University students who were struck and killed by a speeding driver while walking along PCH on Oct. 17, 2023. That year alone, there were 220 crashes on PCH. Three of the crashes killed seven people and another 93 crashes resulted in injuries. The overwhelming majority of crashes involved speeding.

The situation is dire. Actions are being taken at the local and state level. The City of Malibu, City of Los Angeles, City of Santa Monica, California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), California Highway Patrol (CHP), California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), and allied law enforcement agencies are committed to doing everything possible to improve safety on PCH, a top priority for the community and the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA).



Go Safely PCH is a collaborative effort among local and state traffic safety stakeholders who are taking specific actions to reduce deaths and serious injuries on PCH.

City of Malibu

- Three CHP officers dedicated to traffic enforcement on PCH.
- $39 million spent on traffic safety improvement projects on PCH, with another $8 million dedicated to future PCH safety improvement projects.
- 2024 PCH Safety Report will track and update 130 improvement projects outlined in the City of Malibu’s 2015 PCH Safety Plan.
- 30 projects have been completed with another 50 projects in design and construction phases.
- 6 “LIDAR” speed guns for traffic safety enforcement activities by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD).
- Two traffic enforcement operations in December 2023 and January 2024 by LASD and CHP resulted in 115 speeding citations. Citations for speeding accounted for more than 80% of all citations issued.
- From Jan. 29 to Feb. 11, 2024, CHP officers issued 154 citations, 151 citations were for speeding. One driver speeding at 100 mph was stopped and arrested for DUI.
- On Feb. 8, 2024, with several CHP officers not assigned to the Malibu Task Force were deployed in Malibu for targeted traffic enforcement, resulting in 23 citations for moving violations and 16 non-moving violation citations.
- In 2023, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Malibu Lost Hills Station reported that 7,580 citations were issued for various traffic related violations in the City of Malibu. Of those, 50% were drivers between 20 to 34 years old, and 10% were Malibu residents.

Caltrans

$4.2 million Director’s Order that includes 30 infrastructure improvements:
- 13 speed feedback signs at 10 locations
- Speed limit markings on the road
- New safety corridor signs
- Lane separators to prevent vehicles from drifting into oncoming traffic or making illegal turns.
- New speed limit signs to enhance visibility at night
- Curve warning signs at four locations
- Three road safety audits that propose pavement upgrades, adding bike lanes and pedestrian access improvements at PCH/Heathercliff Road bus stop. Projects would be from Cross Creek Road to the Ventura County line. The bike lanes would be near Via Escondido Drive to Busch Drive and near Malibu RV Park Road to Via Escondido Drive.
- Pedestrian signal upgrade north of Carbon Canyon to replace flashing yellow pedestrian beacon with full pedestrian signal. Construction start date is anticipated in Summer 2024. See the full list of current and planned PCH Safety Projects within Caltrans District 7, which includes Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Caltrans will continue to update this page as more projects are added and completed.

California Highway Patrol

- Traffic enforcement task force in Malibu that will assist LASD on 21-mile stretch of PCH in Malibu.
- Zero tolerance for speeding. If you are stopped for speeding on PCH, you will be cited.
- Patrols on canyon roads leading into Malibu to deter speeders.
- More than 1,200 citations issued in 2024 through April by the CHP Task Force in Malibu. The overwhelming majority of the citations were for speeding.

For more info, Click Here.

Car show and fiesta on Venice Beach on Sunday, Cinco de Mayo.

Punk’s not dead, it’s LIVE at Santa Monica Pier's Locals’ Night on May 16. Don’t miss Plow Posture, Cycotic Youth, and Strawbery Fuzz bringing the noise!

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

Please join the Black Surfers Collective, Heal the Bay, Surf Bus Foundation, Swim Up HIll, and Santa Monica Conservancy as we unite to celebrate Nick Gabaldón Day on June 1, 2024! Nick fearlessly pursued his passion for surfing, paving the way for countless others. This event serves as a celebration of diversity in surfing and an opportunity for the community to come together, share stories, and ride the waves in his honor. Let’s celebrate his legacy of resilience, determination, and love for the waves. Together, let’s keep his spirit alive!

Heal the Bay Aquarium under the Santa Monica Pier will be free for all visitors in honor of Nick on Saturday, June 1st so bring your friends and family out to enjoy. A celebrity guest reader will pop in for story time and special art activities will be offered, as well as screenings of documentaries exploring issues of race, coastal access, and following your passion against all odds.

To register, Click Here.

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

A fisherman catches a sand shark at the Venice Fishing Pier.

FREE RIDES ON BIKE DAY, THURSDAY MAY 16:

All train turnstiles will be unlocked and bus operators won’t be collecting fares. No tapping required!

Metro Bike Share will also offer free 30-minute rides. Redeem them by selecting ‘1-Ride’ at any Metro Bike Share kiosk, online or in the Metro Bike Share app, and enter promo code 051624. This code can be redeemed multiple times throughout the day. A credit or debit card is required. Rides longer than 30 minutes are $1.75 for each additional half hour. Electric Bike Share fees are also waived. Temporary credit card holds may apply.

Metro Micro riders can redeem free rides by using the Metro Micro app or browser and entering the promo code BIKEDAY24. The code will be available during regular operating hours for Metro’s Call Center (323) GO-METRO or (323-466-3876). Call Center hours are from 6 am to 6 pm.  



SPECIAL DISCOUNTS FOR BIKE WEEK AND BIKE MONTH:

On May 13, the beginning of “Bike Week,” Metro Bike Share will host a flash sale offering 50% off the full fare 365-Day Pass with promo code BIKEWEEK24. For more details about all Metro Bike Share promotions, visit metro.net/bikeshare.

Throughout the entire month, Metro Bike Share is also offering a Bike Share 30-Day Pass for just $1. Sign up online, using the Metro Bike Share mobile app or taptogo.net/metrobikeshare, and use promo code BIKEMONTH24.

Friendly Reminder! Always properly return your Metro Bike to end your trip and never leave it unattended – riders will be charged penalty fees up to $2,500 for bikes that are missing or improperly docked.

Throughout Bike Month, Metro is also offering a 50% discount for Bike Hub monthly passes for $6 (reg. $12) for new members. Register at metro.net/bikehub and use promo code SAVE50MAY.

Metro Shop: For the entire month of May, Metro Shop will be offering a 15% discount on its Bike Collection – just enter discount code BIKE24 at check-out!

Metro Bike Lockers: Metro has been transitioning to a digital keyless system that allows users to rent bicycle lockers on a daily basis. On May 9, Metro will unveil a new bike locker system that allows riders to instantly access lockers to securely park their bicycles. Click here for details.

For more info, Click Here.

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

Locals' Night returns on May 16. The Santa Monica Pier will be rolling out the red carpet for Santa Monicans for a curated series for locals, by locals. Gather your friends and family and head down to the Pier for amazing entertainment including youth activities, a car show, local DJs and live music from local bands, art exhibits, and so much more! You really won’t want to miss this incredible and unique outdoor setting to unwind, all while celebrating Santa Monica.

Punk’s not dead, it’s LIVE at Locals’ Night. Don’t miss Plow Posture, Cycotic Youth, and Strawbery Fuzz bringing the noise!

Prepare for a visual feast as several prominent Westside car clubs, including The WestSide Crew and the WestSide Volkswagen Club. The Pier deck will transform into a showcase of automotive artistry as these enthusiasts bring their meticulously maintained and stunning vehicles to the event. From classic cruisers to customized Volkswagens, attendees will have the chance to gaze in awe at the diverse array of automobiles that these passionate clubs proudly present. It's not just a night of dancing and music; it's an opportunity to appreciate the craftsmanship and dedication that goes into keeping these wheels rolling in style. So, gear up for a night of not only rhythm and beats but also the visual spectacle of Westside's finest automobiles.

And much, much, more..... Click Here

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

ALOHA Collection, the female-founded and cult-followed Original Splash-ProofTM lifestyle brand, opened a new retail store in Malibu, CA on Saturday, May 4th. Arriving as the 5th brick-and-mortar store in the US, the 651 square-foot store located in Malibu’s Country Mart will act as a permanent hub for fostering connection within its global community, in addition to serving as a shopping destination for the local community, brand fans, and travelers alike.

ALOHA Collection celebrated the Malibu Store Grand Opening on Saturday, May 4 beginning at 11:00am with a traditional blessing and the first 25 guests receiving a mystery gift card, followed by exclusive in-store promotions, surprise giveaways, and more including limited-edition gift-with-purchase and onsite complimentary embroidery with the purchase of any tote.



Founded in 2013 with a single product, today the ALOHA brand is sold around the world, beloved for their original SPLASH-PROOF bags and accessories, from beach totes and duffle bags to pouches and crossbodies – each of which uniquely combines style and function. In addition to a number of wholesale partnerships, the brand operates three store locations – Newport Beach, CA; Encinitas, CA; Whalers Village, Maui, HI and Waikiki, Honolulu, HI.

ALOHA Collection’s Malibu store opening hours are Sunday through Thursday: 10:00-6:00 PM and Friday through Saturday: 10:00-7:00 PM.

ALOHA Collection Malibu Store
Address: 3835 Cross Creek Road,
Suite 21, Malibu, CA 90265