MALIBU—The After Action Review of the city of Malibu’s response to both the Palisades Fire and the Franklin Fire has been completed and is available for the public to view.

According to the city of Malibu website, this is an independent report that was authored by the company’s emergency management and response company, Witt O’Brien’s. Recommendations on how the city can improve its emergency management system in the future.

The After Action Review is available to be viewed on the city’s website and can be found at: https://malibucity.org/DocumentCenter/View/37295/FINAL_-PUBLIC_Malibu-AAR_-2526.

In addition, according to the city of Malibu, the report will be presented to the Malibu City Council on March 1, the date of the next council meeting, and on April 1, the date of the next Public Safety Commission Meeting.

The report will be presented to the March 9 Public Safety Commission Meeting and the Public Safety Commission Meeting on April 1.

 

By Daniel Diqiunzio

WEST HOLLYWOOD—A recent rainstorm in Los Angeles caused a large power outage in the Rainbow District of West Hollywood on Wednesday, February 18. As a result, some businesses in the region were forced to close.

Businesses located on North side Santa Monica Boulevard lost power Wednesday, February 18, while some of businesses on the South side of Santa Monica Boulevard retained power.

The full extent of the power outage has not been disclosed. Details on when the power would be restored in the Rainbow District has not been disclosed.

 

By Daniel Diquinzio

MALIBU—The area on Topanga Canyon Boulevard where crews were working to repair after recent winter storms that have besieged California has reopened.

According to the traffic advisory posted on the Malibu city website around 1 p.m. on February 18, the area stretching from Grand View Drive to Pacific Coast Highway, the work crews succeeded in removing debris and the remaining mudslides on Wednesday morning. Repair work continues in the region.

Further information about the repair work can be found on the map maintained by the California Department of Transportation.

 

By Daniel Diquinzio

BEVERLY HILLS—The city of Beverly Hills posted on its Facebook page on Wednesday, February 18 that there was a power outage reported impacting various areas of the city. The exact area without power was not disclosed by the city of Beverly Hills.

To report outages in your neighborhood or get updated information, visit SCE.com/outage or call 1-800-655-4555. SCE will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.

The city of West Hollywood also experienced power outages impacting businesses and community members in the Rainbow District and on the west side of the city. Motorists were advised to drive carefully and use caution at intersections.

 

By Danny Jones

 

 

SHERMAN OAKS—On February 17, at 3:05 p.m. the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to a call of a fire located at The Plaza Apartment complex located at 4522 Woodman Avenue. Firefighters arriving at the scene discovered a fire in the four-story apartment building with parking underneath. A Citizen user captured video of smoke and flames billowing out an apartment unit(s) on the third floor. According to the LAFD, firefighters were initially in offensive mode. Residents in other units were sheltered in place. Animal Control was called to the scene to assist with an injured cat. At 3:34 p.m., the LAFD reported that 43 firefighters were able to fully extinguish the fire in 34 minutes. There were no reported injuries, but there was an ambulance requested at the scene. It is not clear if this was just a precaution as some units were initially requested and then canceled. Specialized teams were reportedly, in route to assist the crews that remained on the scene, for overhaul operations, debris, and water removal. The extent of the damage has yet to be determined.   By Sharon

SANTA MONICA—On Tuesday, February 17, the city of Santa Monica posted on its Facebook page that construction on the new Santa Monica Pier Bridge continues. From now through Friday, February 27, the Moomat Ahiko Way off-ramp from southbound Pacific Coast Highway will be temporarily closed to allow crews to build the foundation for a temporary pedestrian bridge.

Crews are constructing a temporary pedestrian bridge and vehicle ramp to maintain access to the Pier during construction. Access to the Pier and Pier businesses will remain open during construction.

Santa Monica is replacing the iconic Santa Monica Pier Bridge, which serves as the only vehicular and a key pedestrian connection between Ocean Avenue and Santa Monica Pier, one of the city’s most popular destinations.

Originally constructed in 1939, the 86-year-old bridge no longer meets modern structural or seismic standards. To improve long-term safety, access, and mobility, the city is moving forward with a federally funded replacement project that will deliver a new, seismically sound structure with improved features, including a 15-foot-wide sidewalk to enhance the experience for pedestrians and bicyclists.

The replacement bridge will preserve the character and scenic views of the historic route while addressing critical structural deficiencies. Construction is underway and is expected to be completed before the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.

To learn more information visit: www.santamonica.gov/pierbridge.

 

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—On Tuesday, February 17, the city of Malibu posted on its Facebook page that the LA County Public Health warns people to avoid contact with ocean water near storm drains, rivers, and creeks for 72 hours after significant rain. Rain runoff can carry bacteria and pollutants that may make you sick.

High surf advisory and wind advisory are also in effect in Malibu through Friday, February 20 at 10 p.m., so beware generally hazardous beach and ocean conditions – beach erosion, rip currents, powerful surf, storm debris in the water.

 

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—On Tuesday, February 17, the city of Malibu posted on its Facebook page that an Evacuation Warning remains in effect for the Palisades Fire burn area due to potential mud and debris flows.

Residents in burn scar areas should remain ready for possible evacuations. Prepare loved ones, pets, and essential supplies. Those needing extra time to evacuate should consider leaving early.

This applies to Evacuation Zone MAL-C111, from Topanga Beach Dr west to Carbon Beach Terrace.

SANDBAGS LOCATIONS

• All LA County Fire Stations have sandbags (some have sand)
• Camp 13, 1252 Encinal Canyon Rd – sand and bags
• Fire Station 70, 3970 Carbon Canyon Rd – sand and bags
• Zuma Beach Main Entrance, 3000 PCH – sand and bags
• Malibu Library, 23519 Civic Center Way – filled sandbags available through Apr 15 (vehicle loading 9:00 AM–4:00 PM before and during storms)
• The public is advised to not remove sand from beaches

 

By Danny Jones

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Tuesday, February 17, the city of West Hollywood announced that it is providing sandbags to residents and businesses to prepare for heavy rains this week. West Hollywood is offering a limited supply of free sand-filled sandbags that can help direct flowing water away from structures.

Free sandbags are limited to 10 per resident or business while supplies last. They are available for pick-up by appointment at West Hollywood’s Operations Center, located at 7317 Romaine Street. Residents and business owners may call (323) 848-6591 or send an email to phertz@weho.org to schedule an appointment to pick up sandbags on Tuesday, February 17; Wednesday, February 18; and Thursday, February 19 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Sandbags are available only while supplies last.

During rains, stay prepared:

-Keep emergency supplies, such as a flashlight, water, food, a first-aid kit, portable radio, and extra batteries on-hand and easily accessible.

-Clear all drains and rain gutters on your property and dispose of all trash and yard trimmings properly to avoid blocking drains.

-Know how to turn off utilities.

-Monitor forecasts to be aware of weather that may impact the area.

-Subscribe to receive Alert LA County emergency notifications by email or text message by signing up at ready.lacounty.gov/emergency-notifications and subscribe to Nixle public safety alerts by texting your ZIP code to 888-777.

As a reminder, driving in rain can be dangerous. Rainy conditions are directly associated with higher accident rates. Adjust driving style for wet roads and reduced visibility. The following tips will help ensure driving safely during rainy days: adjust travel plans; slow down; turn on headlights; use windshield wipers; maintain a safe distance; avoid heavy braking; watch for standing water and do not cross flooded roadways; let off the accelerator when hydroplaning; and ventilate your car during rain.

To report storm-related issues in West Hollywood, contact (323) 848-6375. For more details about structural damage or potential hillside slope movement contact the City’s Building and Safety Division at (323) 848-6320. Report gas leaks or damage to the Southern California Gas Company by calling (800) 427-2200. To report a power outage, call Southern California Edison at (800) 611-1911. Report downed power lines or other emergencies by calling 911.

 

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—On Tuesday, February 17, Caltrans posted on Facebook that Topanga Canyon Boulevard was closed at Pacific Coast Highway to Grand View Drive as a result of storms that have caused mudslides on the road.

Caltrans Dist. 7 reports that Topanga Canyon Blvd. (State Route 27) remains closed in both directions.

Multiple locations within the closure have mud & debris slides. @CaltransDist7 Maintenance & GeoTech teams on scene surveying the roads.

 

By Danny Jones