The City of Malibu has released a statement about the EPA using the area where the Topangas Ranch Motel was as a Toxic Waste Station. This contradicts what a few of the local politcians have been saying about it. It will be a toxic waste sorting and packing site. NOT a just a "storage and staging" site.

Here is the City of Malibu's updated statement:

Update with factual information addressing concerns about US EPA's Palisades Fire hazardous materials temporary staging area at Topanga & PCH and assurances by EPA about measures to ensure the safety of the environment & the community.

1/31/2025 - UPDATE FROM CITY OF MALIBU ADDRESSING CONCERNS ABOUT THE EPA'S PALISADES FIRE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TEMPORARY STAGING AREA AT TOPANGA AND PCH

The City is aware of community concerns we’ve heard about the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s fire cleanup efforts and the use of the former Topanga Motel site on Pacific Coast Highway as a staging area. We know that this is an emotional time for our community, and want to provide clear, factual information about what is happening and what this means for Malibu.

The EPA is currently conducting Phase 1, hazardous materials cleanup following the Palisades Fire. This is an important first step in helping residents return home safely and quickly while protecting the environment, including our streams and oceans. During this Phase 1, EPA teams are going into the burn footprint and carefully removing hazardous household waste — things like propane tanks, paints, batteries, and household chemicals that need to be properly handled. The Topanga site is only for the first Phase materials — burn debris removal in Phase 2 will bypass this site entirely and go straight to disposal.

Because of the size of the impacted area, the White House has directed the EPA to complete this work in 30 days — something that would normally take six months to a year. To make that possible, the EPA has deployed over 1,000 personnel and 60 teams to get the job done quickly and safely.

The Topanga site is a staging site, not a disposal or storage site. Teams are temporarily bringing collected materials to the Topanga site, sorting and repacking them safely, and then promptly transporting them out of the area for final disposal. All of this activity is following strict federal guidelines.

This Topanga property is outside the Malibu City limits and is owned by California State Parks and has been authorized for use by the State. That decision was made without consultation with Malibu or advance notice. We understand this site was chosen because it is within the burn area and has the space needed to safely manage operations.

We understand the concerns about the potential for environmental contamination, we want to assure the community that the EPA has reaffirmed that it has strict safety measures in place.

The EPA has confirmed to the City of Malibu that:

1. The area is highly secured, fenced off, and only accessible to EPA personnel.

2. The staging area is lined with plastic, with spill control measures in place, including wattles, berms, and booms — to prevent anything from leaving the site.

3. Continuous air monitoring is happening around the perimeter, and a water truck will suppress dust multiple times a day to reduce visible emissions.

4. The EPA pre-tested the soil before use and will test it again after they leave to ensure there is no contamination left behind.

Additionally, the City has made it clear that no additional staging or sorting sites will be located within Malibu city limits.

The City is providing a muster site near City Hall, but this is only for EPA staff to meet, receive briefings, and conclude their day — no materials or equipment will be stored there.

We understand this is a challenging time, and we appreciate your patience as this process unfolds. The City will continue to advocate for Malibu’s residents, ensure transparency, and share accurate information. First and foremost, we are focused on protecting our environment from the household hazardous and burn materials that are the result of the Palisades Fire, and their environmentally safe removal and transport.

The City encourages you members to stay informed and engaged — we will continue to update the community as we learn more. Thank you.

For more news and updates on the Palisades 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:

January 30, 2025

Ocean Water Closure and Advisory in Fire Impacted Areas Remain - All Other LA County Ocean Waters Advisories Lifted 01/30/2025

Due to the increase in fire debris along these ocean waters, the Ocean Water Closure for Las Flores State Beach to Santa Monica State Beach remains in place, as fire debris runoff and pollutants in the water may contain toxic or carcinogenic chemicals. Beach users should avoid water and stay away from fire debris or heavy ash on the sand.

Exact locations of the closure can be viewed on the interactive map below.

The ocean water advisory for Surfrider Beach to Las Flores State Beach and Santa Monica State Beach to Dockweiler State Beach at World Way remains in effect due to fire debris runoff, which may also flow onto or pond on the beach sand. Beach users are also advised to stay away from any fire debris on the beach.

The closure and advisory due to fire related impacts will remain in effect until further notice.

The rain advisory for all other LA County ocean waters has been lifted.

Maintenance crews from the Department of Beaches and Harbors are removing and disposing of the large pieces of charred debris that wash up onto the sand. Additionally, DBH is working with its partners to address ongoing concerns about fire-related runoff from winter storms.

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.


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

Avoid Water Contact from Surfrider Beach to Dockweiler Beach at World Way

January 27, 2025

Due to recent rainfall and the increase in fire debris along these ocean waters, an Ocean Water Closure has been declared for Las Flores State Beach to Santa Monica State Beach. Fire debris runoff and pollutants in the water and on the sand may contain toxic or carcinogenic chemicals.

The closure will remain in effect until further notice. Beach users are cautioned to avoid water and sand contact.

Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory – through Thursday, January 30, 2025

The Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory declared on January 26, 2025, will remain in effect at least until 8:00 am, Thursday, January 30, 2025, for all other Los Angeles County beaches. Beach users are cautioned to avoid water contact for at least 72 hours after significant rainfall. This advisory may be extended depending on further rainfall.

Ocean Water Quality Advisory Due to Fire Debris Updated Locations – Extends beyond January 30, 2025

Once the rain advisory is lifted, the ocean water advisory for Surfrider Beach to Las Flores State Beach and Santa Monica State Beach to Dockweiler State Beach at World Way will remain in effect due to fire debris runoff, which may contain toxic or carcinogenic chemicals, which can be harmful to health. This includes any runoff that may flow onto or pond on the beach sand. Beach users are advised to stay away from any fire debris on the beach.

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

Topanga Canyon Blvd is closed at Pacific Coast Highway due to mud & debris. These photos taken Sun. 1/26.



These fast-moving flows of mud, rocks, and debris can pose serious dangers to roads and homes.



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

Avoid Water Contact from Surfrider Beach to Dockweiler Beach at World Way

January 17, 2025

An Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory has been declared for all Los Angeles County beaches. The advisory will be in effect at least until 8:00 am, Thursday, January 30, 2025. This advisory may be extended depending on further rainfall.

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

The Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors is reminding beachgoers to stay away from fire debris that washes up on the beaches. Crews are gearing up to remove whatever hazardous debris finds its way to the beach during this weekend's predicted rains.

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

On November 2, 2022, Santa Monica Police Officers responded to Lot 1 North, the beach parking lot just north of the Pier, for a suspicious circumstances call. A parking attendant noticed a male subject lying motionless in the driver seat and possibly bleeding. The victim had died of stab wounds inflicted by an unknown assailant.

Using evidence collected from the vehicle and other investigative tools, the murder suspect was identified as Dearborn, Michigan resident Mohamed Abou-Arabi (DOB: 01/22/2000). The LA County District Attorney’s Office filed a single count of murder with an enhancement for utilizing a knife to commit the fatal attack. A warrant was then issued for Abou-Arabi’s arrest.



In January 2023, SMPD Detectives flew to Michigan and arrested Abou-Arabi. At trial in September of 2024, Abou-Arabi was found guilty of First-Degree Murder. On January 13, 2025, Abou-Arabi was sentenced to 25 years to life in state prison, plus a one-year enhancement for using a knife. Excellent work by the SMPD investigative team and the District Attorney’s office bringing this individual to justice

FLOOD WATCH is in effect for 4pm Sun to 4pm Mon. Here are the key details. While damaging debris flows are not the most likely outcome, there is still a lot of uncertainty with this storm. The threat is high enough to prepare for the worst-case scenario.



These fast-moving flows of mud, rocks, and debris can pose serious dangers to roads and homes.

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

Free therapy for everyone affected by the LA wildfires. Parents, kids, renters, homeowners, students, friends, first responders, neighbors.

For details, Click Here

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