Tag: PCH

MALIBU—On Tuesday, July 2, the city of Malibu posted on its website that all community members are invited to attend workshops to learn about and give input to Caltrans’ PCH Master Plan Feasibility Study on Thursday, July 11 and Wednesday, August 28.

Both workshops will transpire from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in-person only at Malibu City Hall, Council Chambers (no remote participation option). Caltrans will also hold a virtual workshop on Thursday, July 18 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Register for the virtual event here.
The study aims to identify safety and multimodal travel improvements for all users of PCH in Malibu, including options for pedestrians and bicyclists, as well as enhancing transit opportunities on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in Malibu.

The focus of the PCH Master Plan Feasibility Study is to identify transportation improvements that will address safety for all users, including multimodal travel options for pedestrians and bicyclists, as well as enhancing transit opportunities, for an approximately 22-mile portion of the Pacific Coast Highway located within the city limits of Malibu.

The PCH Master Plan will include community stakeholder engagement activities and community outreach meetings to gather input on various traffic calming measures and other street improvements, including a “boulevard” roadway.

The Master Plan will be used in future PCH safety improvement projects. For background information, review the Fact Sheet. For further questions, please contact: D7.System.Planning@dot.ca.gov.

By Trevor

MALIBU—On Tuesday, June 18, the city of Malibu announced that Senate Bill 1297 (SB 1297), which authorizes the use of speed camera systems in designated areas of Malibu successfully passed out of the Assembly Transportation Committee June 17. The legislation aims to enhance road safety and decrease speeding-related incidents in the community.

SB 1297, introduced by Senator Ben Allen, whose 24th District includes Malibu, received support from several Committee members, community and safety advocates, and law enforcement officials. The bill will now advance to the Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee for further consideration.

“We are thrilled that SB 1297 has taken this significant step forward,” said Mayor Steve Uhring. “The implementation of speed camera systems is a crucial measure to protect our residents, pedestrians, and visitors from the dangers of speeding. This technology will serve as a deterrent, encourage responsible driving, and ultimately save lives.”

Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (whose 42nd District includes Malibu), co-author of SB 1297, joined Senator Allen at Monday’s hearing, and stated, “This legislation represents a critical step towards making our roads safer. I am proud to support SB 1297 and look forward to its continued progress through the Assembly.”

The proposed speed camera systems will be placed in five high-risk areas along Malibu’s 21-mile stretch, where speeding poses a serious threat to public safety. Data gathered from other communities and countries that have utilized similar measures show an average of 41 percent reduction in fatal or incapacitating injury crashes.

Bridget Thompson, a classmate of the Pepperdine students killed on PCH back in October 2023, testified in Sacramento in support of the bill. “This legislation is a necessary step towards ensuring that no other family or community has to endure the pain we have experienced. Speed cameras will make our roads safer for everyone,” said Thompson

Michel Shane, father of Emily Shane who was killed in 2010 on PCH testified, saying, “The passage of SB 1297 out of committee is a beacon of hope for those of us who have lost loved ones to reckless driving. It is a crucial step towards preventing future tragedies on our roads.”

“We thank the Assembly Transportation Committee for their support and recognition of the importance of this bill,” added Mayor Uhring. “We look forward to continuing our efforts to make Malibu a safer place for everyone.”

By Trevor

MALIBU—The city of Malibu has launched a PCH Safety Education and Awareness Campaign where city leaders, law enforcement, community members, community advocates and partner agencies participated for the “Cruise Malibu – Surf, Sand, Slow” campaign.

The event will be held on Thursday, June 27 at 5 p.m. at Malibu Bluffs Park located at PCH at Malibu Canyon Road.

Addressing PCH safety is a top priority for the city of Malibu and has been conducting an intensive effort to address PCH safety, including supporting state legislation, highway improvements and technology, driver education, and increased traffic enforcement.

“Cruise Malibu – Surf, Sand, Slow” was designed by a focus group of longtime residents with deep marketing and advertising experience, two Pepperdine students, the LA County Sheriff’s Department, CHP, and City staff. The community picnic-style event will feature a panel discussion led by community members with a Q&A, a presentation of the City’s new “Cruise Malibu – Surf, Sand, Slow” music video and campaign materials, and a call for volunteers to join the PCH safety effort. Take the pledge to “cruise PCH at or below the speed limit in Malibu” and receive a “Cruise Malibu – Surf, Sand, Slow” gift.

Food will be available to buy. Attendees are asked to bring chairs, blankets, and warm clothing. No alcohol or BBQs. Any dogs should be leashed. The event is free, but no RSVPs needed.

For more details about the city of Malibu’s efforts to address PCH safety, visit the webpage.

By Trevor

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—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—On Friday, March 22, well-known actor and comedian, Will Smith received a ticket for speeding on the Pacific Coast Highway. Police ticketed Smith for driving 63 miles per hour driving close to 20 mph over the speed limit.

The following information came directly from the California General Code:

“Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) (State Route 1) is a four-lane state highway traversing the city from east to west along the Pacific Coast. The right-of-way includes an intermittent center turning lane. Within the city, PCH is about 25 miles long with a posted speed limit between 45 and 55 miles per hour.

The famous actor did not get away with a warning. PCH is listed as one of the nation’s most scenic highways. The number of fatal accidents on this stretch of highway has resulted in a heavier police presence and many more tickets.

Police first told TMZ that, “No one gets a break for putting the pedal to the metal on such a super dangerous stretch of highway.

Reports indicate there have been as many as 58 fatal accidents on the Pacific Coast Highway in the last 14 years.

Multiple news outlets have reported the speeding ticket as “part of Will Smiths ongoing legal trouble.” One aforementioned article cited Will Smith slapping Chris Rock. That was almost exactly two years ago, at the Oscars. Reports indicate that Smith was banned from the Oscars for 10 years. There hasn’t been any reported criminal activity since that time.

On March 26, Smith released the trailer for his latest film, “Bad Boys Ride or Die.” The action-packed comedy – cop adventure will be released in theaters on June 7. The film was directed by Adil and Bilall and was written by Chris Brenner. The trailer may be found on Will Smith’s Facebook page.

By Sharon

MALIBU—On February 19, at approximately 1:20 p.m., the Los Angeles County Fire Department responded to a call of a fiery crash in the 34000 block of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) near Mullholland Highway involving a white range rover and one other vehicle.

Paramedics attended to the injured party who was then air lifted to an area hospital for treatment.

There was significant damage to both vehicles, one reportedly having a charred engine.

PCH remained closed until the wreckage was cleared. This closure comes just days after the announcement of the nightly closings of PCH north of Malibu.

On February 14, multiple news outlets notified the public that all lanes of PCH in both directions would be closed for repairs due to storm damage and erosion from flooding. The closures began each night at 6:00 p.m. and remained closed until 7:00 a.m. from Sycamore Canyon Road to Las Posas Road in Ventura County (Caltrans).

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—On November 29, the city of Malibu indicated in a news release that work will start on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) starting between Topanga Canyon and Big Rock Drive in Malibu the week of December 4 on Malibu’s Traffic Signal Synchronization Project, which is a significant measure to date to improve safety and mobility on PCH.

“Since 2010, 58 individuals have died in accidents on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, and it is no surprise that improving safety on this iconic highway has been a top priority for our City,” said Mayor Steve Uhring. “Our signal synchronization project is a major step toward our goal of a safer PCH. Once completed it will make PCH safer for our residents, for the 40,000 commuters who pass through Malibu every day and for the 15 million visitors who visit Malibu every summer.”

The goal of the project is to 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 decrease congestion.

New equipment will capture real-time traffic data and send it to the traffic signal controllers who will be using state-of-the art software to adjust the traffic signal timing to actual traffic volume. Vehicles going the speed over the speed limit will run into red lights, while those going the speed limit will encounter green lights. The project has 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.

The project was approved by the Malibu City Council in 2017 and is a step toward achieving the top priority of Malibu’s PCH Safety Study.

According to CalTrans, PCH at Malibu Canyon Road sees roughly 4,600 cars per hour, or approximately 40,500 vehicles per day during peak hours during the summer months. About 1,215,000 vehicles pass through Malibu on PCH every month during the summer.
In the past 10 years, Malibu 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 students from Pepperdine were killed by a speeding motorist while walking along PCH. Excessive speed is a commonly cited violation every year.

Speeding and improper turns are the most common contributing factor to collisions, both ofwhich will be directly addressed by the Traffic Signal Synchronization Project. The system will be used to enhance emergency evacuations and keep traffic moving rapidly and safely.
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.

Work hours will transpire Monday through Friday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. with alternating lane closures in both directions, mostly on the right-hand lanes. Summer work hours (Memorial Day to Labor Day) will be Monday through Friday 7 a.m. – 4 p.m., with some nighttime work.

Residents can expect noise, lights, vibrations, and dust while work is being complete. Individuals are sked to look 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 details visit www.MalibuCity.org/PCHSignalSynch.

By Trevor

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

MALIBU—The city of Malibu revealed that construction is starting on Malibu’s Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) Traffic Signal Synchronization Project in June to improve traffic safety and mobility on PCH.

“PCH is one of California’s most scenic state highways whose beach access and coastal views draw of millions of visitors per year, but it is also Malibu’s Main Street,” said Mayor Bruce Silverstein. “PCH safety and mobility are one of the most important quality of life issues in our community, so I applaud the start of this project.”

The project, which is estimated to take more than one year to complete, will install 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.

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.

In the past 10 years, Malibu had over 4,000 traffic collisions, 1,600 of which involved injuries and more than 100,000 traffic citations have been issued. Excessive speed is the most commonly cited violation each year. Speeding and improper turns are the most common contributing factor to collisions, both which will be directly addressed by the Traffic Signal Synchronization Project. The system can be used strategically to help keep emergency evacuations moving quickly and safely.

The $34.6 million project is fully funded through Measure R funds administered by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority.

The new traffic signals will be connected to the Caltrans Traffic Management Center, allowing Caltrans to control and operate the signals and the signal system remotely. New equipment will capture actual traffic data and send those details to the traffic signal controllers. The new traffic signal controller will contain state-of-the art software that can adjust the traffic signal timing to actual traffic volume conditions. This will help alleviate traffic congestion on PCH and decrease the response time to manually adjust the traffic signal timing.

Malibu’s contractor will be using the city’s triangular vacant parcel on Civic Center Way, PCH and Webb Way during pre-construction and construction for staging vehicles, employee and construction vehicle parking, a temporary construction office, and storage of materials and new traffic signal poles. Using this region will make the project faster and more efficient, and decrease vehicle traffic on PCH and Malibu Canyon. Per the city’s requests, the contractor will install a temporary fence and screening, and has committed to keep the location clean during construction.

The parcel was used for staging on previous projects, including the Civic Center Water Treatment Facility and the Civic Center Way Improvements Project. The Planning Department has verified that no additional permits will be required for this temporary construction staging area. Malibu will put out public messaging and traffic alerts so that motorists and neighbors know what to expect during the construction period.

For more details, see the staff report: https://www.malibucity.org/DocumentCenter/View/31963/PCH_Signal_Synchronization_staffreport_1-31-2023.

MALIBU—A total of two dozen luxury vehicles parked along Pacific Coast Highway were reportedly vandalized and burglarized between Memorial Day weekend and June 8, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. 

At least two suspects were captured on a resident’s home security camera near Las Flores Canyon in Malibu.

According to KTLA5, the footage shows the suspect shattering a window of the vehicle, and allegedly wiping off their fingerprints. The suspect got into a waiting vehicle with the hazards on and took off. 

The Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Department is currently investigating the matter as the suspects have yet to be identified. Anyone with details on the incident or if anyone recognizes the suspects in the footage should contact local law enforcement. 

By Paige Strickland

MALIBU—The city of Malibu is preparing to keep Pacific Coast Highway, canyon roads, beaches and trails safe as Memorial Day weekend begins the start of summer season in the region.

“We urge all visitors who come to enjoy Malibu’s natural beauty to help keep our roads and beaches safe and clean and honor our efforts to protect our community’s safety, peace and quality of life,” said Mayor Bruce Silverstein.

The city reported on its website that Malibu wants residents and visitors to help keep PCH, canyon roads, beaches and trails safe and clean with these messages on social media, with the hashtag #SafeSummerMalibu:

-Don’t drink and drive – designate sober drivers and use rideshares or taxis.

-Keep your eyes on the road – don’t text and drive.

-Slow down and watch for pedestrians and cyclists on PCH and cars pulling in and out of beach parking.

-Pack it in, pack it out – dispose of your trash in trash containers, and if you see litter, please pick it up and throw it away in a trash container.

-Alcohol, dogs and fires are prohibited on beaches in Malibu.

Malibu coordinates each year with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors, California State Parks, Mountains and Recreation & Conservation Authority (MRCA), and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to prepare for summer crowds.

The city of Malibu funds the LASD Beach Team every year from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The beach patrols address alcohol consumption on the beaches, which is illegal, and contributes to drunk driving on PCH and canyon roads. Extra traffic officers are in place to address safety issues on the road.

State Parks will have seven-day coverage and will put extra effort into addressing litter. Beaches and Harbors will increase staffing to assist with parking, maintenance, and trash on the beaches and beach parking lots.

Each summer, Malibu requests additional patrols by the LASD and the Sheriff’s Volunteers on Patrol (VOPs). The VOPs are crucial for parking enforcement to ensure beach access and keep the roadways safe, they monitor and report crime and emergencies, and they help direct traffic and ensure safety at accident sites.

The city does not control access to the state and county beaches in Malibu, and wants to reassure the Malibu community that it is working with its partner agencies on messaging to visitors to Malibu about the importance of keeping PCH, canyon roads and beaches safe and clean for all.

Residents can request help from CHP with street racing by calling 323-259-3200. Report suspected intoxicated drivers by calling 9-1-1. Residents may sign up for the City’s emergency and traffic alerts at www.MalibuCity.org/News (scroll down to “Alert Center”).

Malibu will discontinue the Nixle alerting service, which is redundant since Nixle was bought by Everbridge, the system that Malibu uses for disaster notifications. All Nixle subscribers have been merged into the Everbridge system, and will still receive alerts from the City. Eliminating the Nixle system will decrease the time and number of steps it takes to put out emergency messaging.

The city of Malibu will continue to use the website alert system for lower-level emergencies, traffic incidents, utility advisories, and beach advisories by text and email to subscribers when necessary. To sign up for website alerts, or add or remove alert subscriptions, visit www.MalibuCity.org/News and scroll to “Alert Center.”

For more details about Malibu’s alerting systems, and to sign up, visit www.MalibuCity.org/EmergencyAlerts.

SANTA MONICA—Two vehicles collided on Saturday, April 29 on Pacific Coast Highway in Santa Monica that resulted in one person being killed and nine others injured. The crash occurred at 3:10 p.m. in the 1000 block of PCH, near the California Incline, Santa Monica Police Lt. Erika Aklufi indicated.

“A Kia with six adults and two small children was northbound on PCH and attempting to turn left into Beach Lot Four North when it was T-boned by a southbound Toyota Camry with two adults,” said Lt. Aklufi.

All of the passengers were transported to the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Westwood. A passenger in the back of the Kia suffered a major leg injury and later died at the hospital. The name of the victim has not been disclosed to the public.

Authorities indicated the of the injuries were minor.

The Santa Monica Police Department shut down northbound lanes of PCH between the 900 and 1000 blocks of road, and the California Highway Patrol issued a SigAlert at 4:50 p.m., shutting down the westbound Santa Monica (10) Freeway at Fourth Street.

By Rob

MALIBU—On Tuesday, April 25, a traffic collision occurred on Pacific Coast Highway near Rambla Pacifico Street in Malibu.

According to a witness, a white truck was making a left turn into a gas station and collided with a silver SUV. Minor injuries were reported but it is currently unclear which party was injured.

One lane of PCH is closed in each direction at Rambla Pacifico Street while LA County Fire Department and sheriffs are on the scene investigating. Southbound lanes are merging into one and delays are expected.

The city of Malibu announced the road closures around 9 a.m.

By Christianne

PACIFIC PALISADES—Officials have identified the victim who died in a crash on Saturday, April 8, on Pacific Coast Highway. 

According to the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office, the victim has been identified as Ashleigh Lawrence, 32, of Los Angeles. 

On the day of the accident, firefighters were called to the 17400 block of West Sunset Boulevard at Palisades Drive at 12:45 a.m. Officials discovered Lawrence and pronounced her dead at the scene. 

Los Angeles Fire Department Spokesman Nicholas Prange explained that a 21-year-old driver was traveling south on PCH Saturday morning when he slammed into a group of pedestrians and vehicles parked on the shoulder overlooking the beach near Palisades Drive.

The collision sent two of the three vehicles into the rocks, hitting Lawrence. Another person was transported to a nearby hospital in serious condition. Five others involved were in fair to moderate condition. The driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI.  The name of the driver has not been disclosed to the public.
By Cristianne