Tag: Topanga Beach

SANTA MONICA—On May 19, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) published reports warning the public of elevated bacteria levels in the waters at the beach at Santa Monica Pier and others. The LACDPH reports the bacteria levels exceed the state’s public health standards, which may increase risk of illness. Beach Warnings apply to the following areas with escalated bacteria levels due to run off and pollution following routine testing of water samples of Los Angeles County Beaches 100 yards up and down the pacific coast at the Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica. One-hundred yards up and down the pacific coast from the creek at Escondido Creek at Escondido State Beach in Malibu. The entire swimming area of Mother’s Beach at Marina Del Rey. The entire swim area at Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro. In addition to the beach warnings, the Heal the Bay, Beach Report Card is another resource to find clean water. Scoring an A+ El Porto Beach, Manhattan Beach A, Manhattan Beach, at the Pier Ormand Beach at J. St. and Arnold Rd., Oxnard Beach Park, at Starfish Drive, Falkirk, Outrigger, and 5th St., Port Huename Beach Park North of the Pier, Hollywood Beach at Los Robles and at Crescenta Streets, Silverstrand at Sawtelle Avenue, St. Nicholas Avenue, and Santa Paula Dr., C.I. Harbor Beach Park at Lakeshore Dr. and Victoria Avenue, Dockweiler State Beach, Hermosa Beach, projection of 26th Venice City Beach, Projection of Winward Avenue, Projection of Brooks Avenue, Projection of Rose Avenue, and 50 Yards from the Storm Drain, Venice State Beach, Projection of Imperial, Ocean Park Beach, Projection from Ashland Avenue. Scoring an A Manhattan Beach, 50 Yards from the Storm Drain, Ormand Beach at the Oxnard Storm Drain, Dockweiler State Beach, Projection of Imperial Highway, Projection of World Way, Dockweiler State Beach, 50 Yards South from Storm Drain, Mother’s Beach between the Tower and the Boat Launch. Marina del Ray Beach at the playground scored a B. Scoring a C Latigo Canyon Creek in Malibu, Surfsider Beach at Malibu Pier. Will Rogers State Beach at Bel Air Bay Club, Pulga Canyon, and the Chainlink Fence. Scoring a D Mother’s Beach at Marina Del Ray Harbor, Mother’s Beach Lifeguard Tower, This specific area has consistently kept D’s and Fs on their Heal the Bay Report Cards since September 5, 2025. Surfsider Beach at Malibu Lagoon Beach, East Beach at Mission Creek Scoring a F Castlerock Beach at the Storm Drain, Santa Monica Beach at the Pier, Topanga Beach at Topanga Creek, Escondido Beach at Escondido Creek. For the complete list of beaches see the Beach Report Card on the Heal the Bay website. By Sharon

MALIBU—On July 17, the annual Heal the Bay report card was issuing grades for area beaches, some of which received failing grades. The grades are based on water quality. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) has warned the public multiple times in recent months to no avail. Some of our area beaches are still receiving failing grades.

Malibu Beach in the area situated at the breach point of Malibu Lagoon on Malibu State Beach received the failing grade of an “F.” The City of Los Angeles Environmental Department monitors this beach. Know before you go. Checking the water quality of your favorite area beach may be found by searching, Beach Report Card by Nowcast.


Topanga Beach at Topanga Canyon received a failing grade of an F

Santa Monica Beach at the Peir received an F

Castlerock Beach, at the drain, F

Puerco State Beach, at Marie Canyon, D

Marina Del Rey, D

Mother’s Beach, between the tower and the boat launch, D

Mother’s Beach, at the Lifeguard Tower, B

Los Flores State Beach, at Los Flores Creek, A

Will Rogers State Park, passes with flying colors, receiving an A+

Tuna Beach in Malibu, A+

Big Rock Beach, 19948 PCH, A+

Venice City Beach, A+


U.S. News and World Report lists Malibu beaches as #8 on their 2024 report of the most beautiful beaches in the U.S. What is not reported is that, while the utter beauty of the beaches is captivating and very inviting,  dangerous bacteria are lurking in the waters underneath.

“This famously beautiful coastal destination west of Santa Monica offers an array of sandy shorelines worth exploring. Zuma Beach extends for nearly 2 miles and features strong surfing waves and whale-watching opportunities.

Meanwhile, Surfrider Beach is one of the most popular spots for surfing and is conveniently located near the Malibu Pier. Just north of Zuma, El Matador State Beach offers striking views of cliff formations. Point Dume State Beach is also a worthwhile stop; if you’re in the area, hike the short trail at the Point Dume Nature Preserve for picture-perfect vistas of the Pacific Ocean and the surrounding mountains.”—US News and World Report

On July 21, Malibu Community Services sent out a series of posts on the X social media site encouraging the public to take care of their beaches.

“Earth Friendly Management—The city of Malibu is committed to protecting our environment and preserving our natural resources for future generations. The EFMP focuses on preventative practices, education, and enrichment strategies.

Summer is here! The city encourages safe and responsible use of all public beaches, ensuring that residents and visitors can enjoy the beautiful coastline while adhering to safety guidelines….” The city has links listed on their X social media page to access the suggested guidelines.

By Sharon