MALIBU—On Monday, July 27, the city of Malibu announced that it met with Caltrans engineers to assess coastal erosion affecting several beachfront properties destroyed in the Palisades Fire along Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and discuss potential measures to address the erosion.
Recent high tides and high surf have accelerated coastal erosion in the burn area where seawalls from the homes no longer provide any protection from the surf. In several locations, the erosion advanced close to the roadway.
Protecting public safety and nearby properties is the city’s highest priority. Based on the inspections conducted on Monday, Malibu red tagged several parcels as an immediate public safety measure to prevent pedestrian access to unsafe areas and protect the public from potential hazards associated with the deteriorating coastal embankment and roadside edge along PCH.
The city’s goal is to take action before the winter, when, according to the National Weather Service, a forecasted strong El Niño could bring intense rain that could further accelerate the erosion.
City officials will meet with Governor Gavin Newsom’s Office to discuss coastal erosion on Tuesday, July 28, and will continue working closely with Caltrans and other agency partners, including SoCalGas and Waterworks District 29, to identify temporary measures to help protect the roadway, adjacent properties, and public safety.
Community Development Director and the City’s Building Official, Yolanda Bundy, is providing updates to the Malibu City Manager and Malibu City Council, and the city will continue to keep the community informed as additional information becomes available.
By Danny Jones