Tag: Pacific Coast Highway

MALIBU—On July 7, the Los Angeles Medical Examiner’s Office identified the deceased in the July 4 head-on collision as Martin O’Keke, 44, who was reportedly a ride-share driver in the area.  Okeke lost his life when the white 2020 Cadilac Escalade crossed the center line for an unknown reason.  Two others were injured in the crash.

On July 4, at approximately 10:20 p.m., the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station responded to a fatal traffic collision at the 22000 block of the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), west of Carbon Cyn in Malibu due to a fatal traffic collision closing all lanes of PCH until further notice.

An updated alert from the Lost Hills Station was sent out on July 5, at approximately 4:00 a.m. and again at 7:00 a.m. (PCT) advising drivers to use an alternate route. There was no known ETA at that time.

Preliminary reports indicate that a 2019 Mercedes Benz, four-door sedan crossed the center line of the highway striking the Escalade head-on. First responders declared the driver of the Escalade dead at the scene of the crash. The passenger in the Escalade suffered major injuries. The driver of the Mercedes Benz suffered significant injuries as well. Both injured parties were transported to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center for Treatment.

Investigators indicate that alcohol and speed may have been factors if not the cause of the accident.

By Sharon

MALIBU—The city of Malibu reported on its website that the City Public Works Department is in constant communication with Caltrans on the closures due to landslides that have been impacting Malibu as Caltrans engineers continue to assess the safety and stability of the slopes and the roadway at the landslide sites in Topanga Canyon and on PCH.

Residents, commuters and visitors should check navigation apps and Quickmap.dot.ca.gov for the latest road conditions and closures or call Caltrans Highway Information Network at 800-427-7623 before hitting the road. For the most up to date information, follow Caltrans District 7 on X (Twitter) at https://twitter.com/CaltransDist7.

Caltrans noted that Topanga Canyon Boulevard between PCH and Grandview Drive was reopened on Sunday, June 2. There had been a full closure of the important route which connects Malibu to the western San Fernando Valley, and which is crucial for the Topanga Canyon community, due to a large landslide following heavy rain in March.

Two northbound lanes of PCH are now open at Porto Marina. A decades-old landslide had moved into traffic lanes during heavy rain in March. The lanes were shifted into the center median, and northbound PCH had been reduced to a single lane since March.

CALTRANS – PCH AT TUNA CANYON

Caltrans installed a temporary traffic signal at the PCH/Tuna Canyon intersection April 10 to assist with left turns onto PCH, as Tuna Canyon is one of the only routes through/out of Topanga Canyon.

CALTRANS – PCH AT BIG ROCK

One lane of northbound PCH remains closed near Big Rock Drive due to an active landslide. Over the past few weeks, the majority of large rocks have descended.

CALTRANS – SOLSTICE CREEK BRIDGE REPLACEMENT WORK

One lane of northbound PCH is diverted into the center media just before Corral Canyon for a project to repair or replace culverts along PCH to restore endangered fish habitat, and to replace the Solstice Creek Bridge. Motorists are advised to watch for active construction with workers and work vehicles, and a 30 MPH speed limit.

By Trevor

MALIBU—On May 19, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department announced that on May 14, deputies responded to the 28000 block of Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu regarding a traffic collision with injuries.

The preliminary investigation indicates Party #1 was traveling southbound on Pacific Coast Highway in a gray 2008 Honda Civic nearing the intersection of West Winding Way when he possibly suffered from a medical emergency.

Multiple witnesses stated Party #1 abruptly veered into oncoming northbound traffic and struck Party #2 who was traveling northbound in a white 2012 Ford E-250 van. Witnesses and emergency medical personnel attempted to revive Party #1 but were not successful and was announced deceased on the scene. Party #2 was transported to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

Anyone who was a witness to the accident or has any information related to this collision is asked to contact the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station at (818) 878-1808 and speak with our Traffic Investigations Office. (Report Reference #24-02224-10).

By Trevor

MALIBU—On May 8, the city of Malibu indicated on its website that state, county and Malibu officials and law enforcement held a press conference to announce the “Go Safely PCH” driver education campaign at the site of the Ghost Tires Memorial commemorating the nearly 60 people who have lost their lives on PCH in the last 10 years, as well new traffic safety improvements on PCH.

Officials announced actions being taken at the state and local level to decrease deaths and serious injuries on Pacific Coast Highway and make it safer for residents, pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists. Speakers included Toks Omishakin, Secretary, California State Transportation Administration (CalSTA); Lindsey P. Horvath, Chair, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors; Barbara Rooney, Director, California Office of Traffic Safety (Cal OTS); Douglas Young, California Highway Patrol (CHP) Assistant Chief, Southern Division; Tony Tavares, Director, California Department of Transportation (Caltrans); Steve Uhring, Mayor, City of Malibu.

PCH has been a safety concern for the city of Malibu for years. The Malibu City Council declared a local state of emergency to address the increasingly dangerous conditions on the highway, culminating in the deaths of four Pepperdine University students struck by a speeding driver while walking along PCH in October 2023.

The CalSTA and CalOTS campaign includes 31 billboards placed along freeways outside Malibu, as well as posters, lawn signs, and social media advertising. The officials and law enforcement attending the press conference signed the pledge wall, making a commitment to do their part to slow down and drive safely as part of the collective effort to make PCH safer.

See the GoSafelyPCH campaign website.

Take the online pledge to commit to slowing down and driving safely on PCH.

For more details about the GoSafelyPCH campaign, see the press release.

For more details about Malibu’s efforts to address PCH safety, visit the website to learn more.

By Trevor

SANTA MONICA—On May 8, the California Office of Traffic Safety announced a press release regarding new plans for safety for Pacific Coast Highway.

The new “Go Safely PCH” campaign and detail the ongoing efforts to make the corridor safer for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists. The goal is to deliver roadway improvements, increased enforcement to deter speeding and safety education for residents and visitors. “Go Safely PCH” is a commitment to keeping everyone headed to Malibu’s beach, shops or restaurants safe.

“Go Safely PCH is more than a campaign – it’s a movement demonstrating our collective commitment to making this beautiful corridor safer for everyone who travels on it,” said Secretary Omishakin. “Through infrastructure improvements, increased enforcement and drivers doing their part by slowing down, we can and will save lives. I thank all our partners for coming together to say in a strong, unified voice: One more life lost is one too many.”

Since 2010, 59 people have been killed on the 21-mile stretch of PCH in Malibu, including the deaths of four Pepperdine University students who were struck and killed by a speeding driver in October 2023. Every day, an average of 12 people are killed on California roads. California’s goal is to eliminate all traffic-related deaths and serious injuries by 2050.

“Death and danger along PCH are unacceptable; we can’t wait to change the status quo. Now is the time for close coordination and meaningful action,” said Lindsey P. Horvath, Chair, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. “While we advance important infrastructure and legislative changes for a safer PCH, education is essential. As summer approaches and Malibu prepares to welcome beachgoers and visitors, the ‘Go Safely PCH’ campaign will foster a safer scenic roadway for the Malibu community and all who enjoy our gorgeous coastline.”

The new education campaign is informing drivers of the increased law enforcement presence and reminding them to slow down on PCH or face consequences. The messages are being shared on billboards, lawn and beach signs, flyers, posters and on social media. Residents of California are encouraged to take a traffic safety pledge and commit to practicing safe driving behaviors when visiting beaches, parks, shops and restaurants along PCH.

“The ‘Go Safely PCH’ campaign is about establishing a strong road safety culture that no longer accepts the death and destruction on PCH,” said OTS Director Barbara Rooney. “We encourage everyone to make a commitment to safe driving on PCH. The beach will still be there when you get there. If you ever feel the need to speed, think of the 59 victims and how your responsible actions behind the wheel will help make sure there are no more deaths and senseless tragedies on PCH.”

Starting in January, the city of Malibu added three full-time California Highway Patrol officers to help the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) with traffic enforcement on PCH in Malibu for the first time since 1991. The support from CHP officers resulted in more than 1,200 citations through April, more than 1,000 of which were for speeding.

In addition, the OTS provided approximately $555,000 in additional funding to the LASD, Los Angeles Police Department and Santa Monica Police Department for increased enforcement on PCH.

“The California Highway Patrol is committed to working with our traffic safety partners to enhance the safety of Pacific Coast Highway for all travelers,” said Commissioner Sean Duryee. “By combining engineering enhancements, educational campaigns, and rigorous enforcement efforts, we not only improve conditions on the highway but also save lives along the way.”

Caltrans is investing $4.2 million for multiple safety upgrades to PCH infrastructure, including lane separators to prevent vehicles from drifting into oncoming traffic or making illegal turns, crosswalk striping at all locations for increased visibility for drivers and pedestrians, more visible road striping, speed limit markings on the road, as well as more speed limit and curve warning signs.

Caltrans has also installed optical speed bars, which are stripes spaced at decreasing distances that make drivers aware of their speed and prompt them to slow down, as well as 13 speed feedback signs. Additional proposed work includes pavement upgrades, new bike lanes and pedestrian access improvements from the McClure Tunnel in Santa Monica to the Ventura County line. A full list of current and planned updates for PCH Safety projects are on the Caltrans District 7 website.

The Malibu City Council declared a Local Emergency to address the dangers on PCH, which is visited by millions of people every year. Malibu has invested $39 million commitment on traffic safety improvement projects, and another $8 million dedicated to future PCH safety improvement projects.

“The epidemic of reckless driving is impacting communities across our country,” said Malibu Mayor Steve Uhring. “I am proud to be in California where we are taking proactive steps to address this issue. The problem will not be solved overnight, but this education program puts a major change agent in our toolbox. On behalf of all Malibu residents, I thank our state partner agencies for their leadership in providing solutions to this important problem.”

Between 2019 and 2023, five people were killed on PCH in Santa Monica, and more than 100 crashes resulted in injuries, including 12 serious injury crashes.

Santa Monica’s Local Roadway Safety Plan identifies PCH as a priority corridor for infrastructure safety improvements as part of the Caltrans PCH corridor study.

“We have seen far too many serious crashes on PCH, and it is absolutely heartbreaking that five people have lost their lives in Santa Monica’s section of the highway since 2019,” said Santa Monica Mayor Phil Brock. “Santa Monica is committed to making our roads safe for everyone. Since we don’t have jurisdiction over PCH, our partnership with the state and regional agencies is critical to our mission to eliminate fatal and severe injury crashes in Santa Monica through our Vision Zero initiative.”

The announcement of the Go Safely PCH campaign follows the work of the PCH Taskforce, a coalition of law enforcement, traffic engineers, Caltrans and local and state elected officials working to find solutions to make PCH safer.

For details on safety updates, campaign pledges and access to digital assets, visit GoSafelyPCH.org.

By Trevor

MALIBU—The city of Malibu disclosed on its website that crews are currently working between Big Rock and just north of Las Flores with one north lane closed, needed as three separate crews are working on site (utility investigation/boring operations/fiber installation), as part of the Traffic Signal Synchronization Project on Pacific Coast Highway.

Crews were unable to implement the alternate traffic control (shifting the lanes to the center to keep two lanes open) due to safety reasons, existing infrastructure, and specific locations of ongoing work.

The goal of the project is to synchronize all the traffic signals along an approximately eight-mile section of PCH, between John Tyler Drive and Topanga Canyon Boulevard. Improvements will include new closed circuit TV (CCTV) cameras at each intersection, replace existing signal poles with new signal poles, street improvements and ADA upgrades, ATCS sensors, and changeable message signs. Mid-block sensors will enable Caltrans to monitor traffic flow and speed, then remotely adjust signal timing in the moment.

As of January 25, in response to community concerns, the City of Malibu Public Works Department has adjusted traffic management plan on the PCH Traffic Signal Synchronization project. The new plan aims to enhance traffic flow while balancing project timelines. The revised measures will allow two lanes of traffic in each direction by shifting one travel lane into the center median, when and where possible. The adjustment is designed to address congestion issues, while maintaining production and safety levels for the construction workers and motorists.

Motorists can expect delays during the week between 6 a.m. through 3 p.m. with alternating lane closures in both directions, mostly on the right-hand lanes. The project is on track for completion as planned by the end of 2024. Summer work hours (Memorial Day to Labor Day) will be Monday through Friday 7 a.m. through 4 p.m., with some nighttime work.

The project will make PCH a safer “Smart Corridor” by installing communication lines between the existing traffic signals on PCH from Topanga Canyon Boulevard to John Tyler Drive to synchronize the signals to existing traffic conditions. It will allow signals to be controlled remotely by the Caltrans Traffic Management Center to lower traffic speeds and reduce congestion.

The new equipment will capture real-time traffic data and send it to the traffic signal controllers, which will use state-of-the art software to adjust the traffic signal timing to actual traffic volume. Vehicles going the speed over the speed limit will encounter red lights, while those going the speed limit will encounter green lights. The project will also include new closed circuit TV cameras at each intersection, replace existing signal poles, street improvements and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility upgrades, Adaptive Traffic Control System (ATCS) sensors, and changeable message signs.

According to CalTrans, PCH at Malibu Canyon Road handles roughly 4,600 cars per hour, or approximately 40,500 vehicles per day during peak hours in the summer months. About 1,215,000 vehicles pass through Malibu on PCH every month during the summer.

The $34.6 million project is fully funded through Measure R funds administered by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority and is expected to take about one year to complete.

Residents can expect noise, lights, vibrations, and dust related to the work. Watch for workers and work vehicles in and around the roadway and altered traffic patterns. Under California law, traffic citations are doubled in construction zones.

For more information, visit the project webpage. The project is funded by Measure R Highway Operational improvements.

By Trevor

MALIBU—The city of Malibu posted on its website that Lindsey P. Horvath, Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, is partnering with California Highway Patrol (CHP), the City of Malibu, Malibu High School, PTSA Malibu, Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD), and the Malibu-Lost Hills Station to host “Safe on PCH.”

The weeklong program focuses on safe driving, and will engage students and families to keep roads in Malibu safe for the community.

Pacific Coast Highway impacts the lives of every person in the Malibu region. On Monday, April 29, the lunchtime fair will transpire at 12 p.m. with resources and information from the LASD, CHP, Supervisor Horvath’s Office, and Malibu.

On Tuesday, April 30 at 9 a.m. there will be a Sheriff Impact Presentation, where the Sheriff’s Department will host the IMPACT Teen Drivers’ parent program called Under Your Influence (UYI), which educates parents and teens with evidence-based strategies to help keep teens, their families, and everyone they share the road with safe. The special presentation is for parents and will happen from 9 to 10:30 am at Malibu High School’s Parent Center.

On Wednesday, May 1, there will be a screening of the film, “21 Miles Film” at 6:30 p.m. at Malibu High School. The movie is directed by Michel Shane. There will be a discussion after the movie with a panel moderated by Chair Horvath to inform and educate students and parents about the dangers on PCH and offer tips to make driving on PCH safer for teenagers. Panelists include Captain Jenn Seetoo, Captain Dennis Ford, Robert D. Cohen, Bridget Thompson, and Shane. It will take place in the Malibu auditorium with an expected attendance of over 200 people. This event requires a separate RSVP.

On Thursday, May 2, two school assemblies will transpire coordinated by Malibu High School and CHP. One targeting 6-8th graders (30 minutes) and one for 9th –12th graders (45 minutes). The assembly will include Impact Teen Drivers’ high school program called “What Do You Consider Lethal” (WDYCL) which engages, educates, and empowers students with evidence-based strategies that help them prevent car crashes, particularly those caused by reckless and distracted driving.

On the final day of the week-long event, on Friday, May 3, the Malibu High School will be holding student classroom breakout sessions focused on the causes and effects of distracted driving. There will be a classroom presentation followed by a group activity.

For more details visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/safe-on-pch-week-tickets-859158926477?aff=oddtdtcreator. No RSVP is required for the general week, only select events.

By Trevor

MALIBU—On March 14, the California Transportation Department (CALTRANS) notified the public with a post on the X, social media site warning travelers that Topanga Canyon Boulevard/State Route 27 is now closed indefinitely due to risks of landslides.

Malibu Photo by Tyrel Johnson

Topanga Canyon Boulevard, also known as State Route 27, was shut down in both directions Saturday between Pacific Coast Highway and Grand View Drive.

The full text of the Tweet is below.

PCH and Topanga Canyon Closures in Malibu.

“Northbound Pacific Coast Hwy [PCH] is reduced to one lane at Porto Marina Way, near Big Rock and north of Corral Canyon Road in Malibu. Topanga Canyon Blvd., is closed in both directions from PCH to Grand View Dr. due to slides until further notice.”

On Wednesday, March 13, Caltrans spokesperson, Eric Menjivar first told The Patch that “The closure is necessary because the slide is still active. Our geologists anticipate more material and boulders to come down at this location. There is no estimated time of reopening, and our geologists are on site daily to assess the stability of the hillside.”

Multiple reports suggests that motorists alternate their detours to relieve some of the expected congestion in those areas.

By Sharon

MALIBU—The city of Malibu announced in a news release on Tuesday, January 30 that as a result of community concerns, the City of Malibu Public Works Department has announced adjustments to the ongoing Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) Traffic Signal Synchronization project. The new plan is expected to enhance traffic flow while balancing project timelines.

As reported on the city’s website, the revised measures will offer two lanes of traffic in each direction by shifting one travel lane into the center median. The adjustment is aimed to address congestion issues, while maintaining production and safety levels for the construction workers and drivers. The new plan is expected to be implemented as soon as possible, pending approval by Caltrans. Malibu recognizes the impact of construction activities on daily commutes and is committed to limiting disruptions wherever possible.

Members of the community have inquired about work being performed at night. The option was considered by the Public Works Department, but they found that working at night would slow down the project timeline and increase project costs by $1 million due to required safety mitigation measures. The decision to proceed with daytime construction is to ensure a balance between project efficiency and community concerns.

Motorists can expect delays weekdays from 6 a.m. thru 3 p.m. The project is on track for completion as planned by the end of 2024.

The project will install communication lines between traffic signals on PCH from Topanga Canyon Boulevard to John Tyler Drive, synchronizing the signals to existing traffic conditions.

This will allow the signals to be controlled remotely by the Caltrans Traffic Management Center to lower traffic speeds and reduce congestion. For more details on the project visit: www.MalibuCity.org/PCHSignalSynch.

By Trevor

MALIBU—The city of Malibu announced on Thursday, December 14 of the launch of a new website aimed to keeping the community informed about ongoing efforts to improve safety conditions on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) within Malibu city limits.

The website, www.MalibuCity.org/PCHSafety, is intended to serve as a central hub for updates, resources, and key information related to PCH safety projects, and milestones. This initiative represents a significant step forward in the City’s commitment to transparency, education, and community engagement on all things PCH.

“Our goal is to create an environment where safety is a shared responsibility. This webpage serves as a vital tool for keeping our community and stakeholders informed about the ongoing efforts to enhance public safety on PCH in Malibu,” said City Manager Steve McClary. “We believe that an informed community is a safer community.”

The newly created website is designed to be a one-stop destination for residents, businesses, and visitors seeking the latest information on PCH Safety efforts. Key features include, but are not limited to, the following:

-City Updates: Stay informed about any recent actions taken by the City of Malibu to address safety concerns on PCH.

-Events and Meetings: Find information on recent or upcoming events, meetings and opportunities for community involvement and collaboration relevant to PCH safety.

-PCH Safety Taskforce Updates: Stay engaged with summaries and outcomes from PCH Taskforce meetings as we actively work to address challenges and implement solutions to improve safety along this vital corridor.

-Updates on efforts by County and State Elected Officials: Stay informed on the latest developments from our local and State legislative partners working towards enhancing safety measures on PCH.

-Enforcement Initiatives: Learn about our efforts led by LA County Sherriff’s Department and California Highway Patrol to improve traffic management, promote safe driving practices and address specific safety concerns.

-Resources: Find valuable resources, including PCH traffic and law enforcement reports and statistics to better understand the current state of PCH safety.

-Fact Sheet: A list of actions the City has taken to improve PCH safety.

Improving the safety of Pacific Coast Highway has been a goal for the community. PCH is a state highway under the jurisdiction of Caltrans, leaving the city of Malibu with limited ability to make changes to the highway. Malibu has taken numerous actions and invested millions of dollars in recent years to improve PCH safety within its ability.

Conditions on PCH have gotten hazardous with excessive speeding, reckless and distracted driving, and intoxicated driving. Since 2010, 58 individuals died on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu. During the past 10 years, the city has had more than 4,000 traffic collisions, 1,600 of which involved injuries, and more than 100,000 traffic citations have been issued. On October 17, 2023, four Pepperdine students were killed after being struck by a speeding motorist while walking on PCH.

On November 13, 2023, the Malibu City Council declared a Local Emergency. The proactive measure underscores the urgency and significance of addressing this threat to public safety in our community.

Community members can visit www.MalibuCity.org/PCHSafety regularly to stay informed and engaged in the collective effort to improve safety on Pacific Coast Highway. Any significant updates on the PCH safety effort will be posted on the website, as well as on the city’s social media platforms.

By Trevor

MALIBU—The city of Malibu announced on Thursday, December 14 of the launch of a new website aimed to keeping the community informed about ongoing efforts to improve safety conditions on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) within Malibu city limits.

The website, www.MalibuCity.org/PCHSafety, is intended to serve as a central hub for updates, resources, and key information related to PCH safety projects, and milestones. This initiative represents a significant step forward in the City’s commitment to transparency, education, and community engagement on all things PCH.

“Our goal is to create an environment where safety is a shared responsibility. This webpage serves as a vital tool for keeping our community and stakeholders informed about the ongoing efforts to enhance public safety on PCH in Malibu,” said City Manager Steve McClary. “We believe that an informed community is a safer community.”

The newly created website is designed to be a one-stop destination for residents, businesses, and visitors seeking the latest information on PCH Safety efforts. Key features include, but are not limited to, the following:

-City Updates: Stay informed about any recent actions taken by the City of Malibu to address safety concerns on PCH.

-Events and Meetings: Find information on recent or upcoming events, meetings and opportunities for community involvement and collaboration relevant to PCH safety.

-PCH Safety Taskforce Updates: Stay engaged with summaries and outcomes from PCH Taskforce meetings as we actively work to address challenges and implement solutions to improve safety along this vital corridor.

-Updates on efforts by County and State Elected Officials: Stay informed on the latest developments from our local and State legislative partners working towards enhancing safety measures on PCH.

-Enforcement Initiatives: Learn about our efforts led by LA County Sherriff’s Department and California Highway Patrol to improve traffic management, promote safe driving practices and address specific safety concerns.

-Resources: Find valuable resources, including PCH traffic and law enforcement reports and statistics to better understand the current state of PCH safety.

-Fact Sheet: A list of actions the City has taken to improve PCH safety.

Improving the safety of Pacific Coast Highway has been a goal for the community. PCH is a state highway under the jurisdiction of Caltrans, leaving the city of Malibu with limited ability to make changes to the highway. Malibu has taken numerous actions and invested millions of dollars in recent years to improve PCH safety within its ability.

Conditions on PCH have gotten hazardous with excessive speeding, reckless and distracted driving, and intoxicated driving. Since 2010, 58 individuals died on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu. During the past 10 years, the city has had more than 4,000 traffic collisions, 1,600 of which involved injuries, and more than 100,000 traffic citations have been issued. On October 17, 2023, four Pepperdine students were killed after being struck by a speeding motorist while walking on PCH.

On November 13, 2023, the Malibu City Council declared a Local Emergency. The proactive measure underscores the urgency and significance of addressing this threat to public safety in our community.

Community members can visit www.MalibuCity.org/PCHSafety regularly to stay informed and engaged in the collective effort to improve safety on Pacific Coast Highway. Any significant updates on the PCH safety effort will be posted on the website, as well as on the city’s social media platforms.

By Trevor

MALIBU—A small brush fire was extinguished by firefighters the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Malibu/Lost Hills Station indicated on X on Saturday, December 9.

It was reported that deputies with the LACOFD were on the scene of 19419 Pacific Coast Highway about the fire. Firefighters remained on the scene to monitor any hot spots that could flare up.

Traffic in the region was closed in both direction and reopened to the public after 9:30 p.m. per authorities.

There were no reports of any injuries during the incident.

By Trevor

MALIBU—On October 17, at approximately 8:30 p.m., there was a fatal traffic accident in the 21600 block of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) near the campus of Pepperdine University. According to authorities, PCH was closed in both directions between Carbon Canyon Road and Las Flores Canyon Road. Law enforcement indicated the road may be closed for an extended period due to the ongoing investigation.

Four women were struck and killed by a car traveling at a high rate of speed. At least three others were injured. The driver has been arrested.

Pepperdine University shared the following details on their website:

“After receiving the tragic news of a fatal accident near the Malibu campus last night, the University has reason to believe the four individuals who were killed on Pacific Coast Highway were Seaver College students. The University is in contact with authorities and will assist with the notifications of family members when appropriate. Our community has experienced a tremendous loss and encourages everyone to prioritize their health and well-being.”

Pepperdine University reminded readers they will not be able to, “share names without official confirmation from local authorities.”

“As our community begins to navigate the profound grief and loss of yesterday’s tragic events, the Hub for Spiritual Life will provide the community opportunities for communal prayer and reflection. Stauffer Chapel will be open today, October 18, from noon to 8 PM and then after The Well. Stauffer Chapel will also be open tomorrow, October 19, from 10 AM to 1 PM, where the University Chaplain and Hub for Spiritual Life staff will be available to provide ministerial care to all who need spiritual support at this time. The Well, which will proceed as scheduled this evening at 8 PM at the Amphitheater, will hold a special night of prayer and worship. All are welcome to pray, reflect, mourn, and share fellowship with one another,” Pepperdine University stated on its website. 

The victims killed in the collision have been identified as seniors Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir, and Deslyn Williams.

A prayer service will be held on Thursday, October 19 at 10 a.m. for members of the Pepperdine community. Members of the media may not attend in person but are welcome to join the event via Zoom.

By Sharon

MALIBU—TMZ reported that actor Gary Busey was alleged to be involved in a hit-and-run incident that transpired on Pacific Coast Highway last week. Video was obtained by the media outlet of a woman who indicated Busey rear-ended her vehicle in a shopping parking lot and fled the scene.

The woman followed Busey recording him as she attempted to get his attention to note he collided into her vehicle and fled the scene. Video depicts Busey pulling into a restaurant parking lot where the woman confronted Busey who refused to provide his information, but stated his insurance was Progressive, and he responded, “I’m private.” Before he drives off.

Busey has been acting since 1974 after his debut in the flick “Thunderbold and Lightfoot” directed by Michael Cimino. He was nominated for a Best Actor Oscar for his performance as Buddy Holly in the film “The Buddy Holly Story. Other films the actor has starred in include, “Silver Bullet,” “Lethal Weapon,” “Predator 2,” “The Firm,” and “Under Siege” to name a few.

He has made appearances on reality TV with bits on “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew,” “Celebrity Apprentice” and “Dancing with the Stars.” Busey was injured in a motorcycle accident in December 1988 where he fractured his skull and suffered permanent brain damage after not wearing a helmet. In 1997, he had surgery to remove a cancerous tumor form his sinus cavity.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Malibu Station is currently investigating the hit-and-run incident. Busey has not commented on the incident since it was first reported.

By Trevor

SANTA MONICA—On Tuesday, July 25, at approximately 10:30 p.m., work crews began work on the Santa Monica Bluffs that have recently began to show visible wear. For two weeks citizens in the Santa Monica area have contacted authorities with video footage and photos with what appears to be a split in the middle of the bluffs just over the Pacific Coast Highway. Residents have voiced their concerns that the bluffs may indeed fall and crumble onto Pacific Coast Highway.

Santa Monica city officials reported in, The Union Bulletin, that, “The huge fissure running down the bluffs above the Pacific Coast Highway in Santa Monica is hard to miss and was likely caused by heavy rains that soaked southern California earlier this year.”

Geologist and city engineers have rushed to the bluffs to find the safest way to remove the bluffs in the area they are threatening to fall. Specialist will begin to remove the piece that appears to be ready to crumble for the safety and well-being of those traveling on the PCH.

By Sharon

MALIBU—On Friday, June 9, a woman in a 2002 silver Mercedes drove off the Pacific Coast Highway and into the Pacific Ocean.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit shared video of the rescue as the California Highway Patrol (CHP) ground and water worked with the aviation unit to get the lone victim of the crash out of the water, above the rocky shores of Malibu. She was hoisted onto the gurney and into the helicopter.

According to CHP, the driver was airlifted to Los Robles Regional Medical Center in Thousand Oaks where she was listed in serious condition. She is expected to recover from her injuries. There was no evidence of a possible DUI.

Reports indicate that the driver’s car was recovered on Sunday, June 11. The name of the victim has not been released.

By Sharon