MALIBU—Caltrans announced on Tuesday, February 24 that northbound State Route 1/Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is reduced to one lane for about a quarter mile just north of Porto Marina Way, in the Palisades Fire Recovery Work Zone, while crews repair a wall that was damaged in the mid-February rainstorms. The lane is estimated to reopen later in the week.

Crews on February 16 closed the lane after discovering panels from a retaining wall had dislodged from the wall and fallen onto the right lane of northbound PCH during the rainstorms. The retaining wall was impacted by the 2025 Palisades Fire. It is believed that water during the storm seeped through the cracks, loosened the soil and then built-up pressure, which pushed the pieces into the roadway.

Engineers are assessing the wall and determining a solution to prevent future damage. Crews in the meantime will replace any missing panels and shotcrete the wall, which is a way of applying concrete through a hose at high pressure onto the wall.

Caltrans reminds motorists that PCH between Sunset Boulevard in the Pacific Palisades to Carbon Beach Terrace in Malibu remains an active work zone for recovery efforts from the 2025 Palisades Fire. The speed limit is 25 mph.

Motorists should slow down in the work zone, drive with caution and be alert for lane closures and construction workers and vehicles. Workers can generally close one lane in either direction between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. weekdays. Planned closures are listed weekly on the Palisades Fire Emergency Repairs website, but there may be others.

 

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—On February 23, the city of Malibu posted on its Facebook page that they are now accepting applications for the 2026–2027 General Fund Grant Program, which provides funding to local nonprofit organizations that serve and benefit Malibu residents. Nonprofits based in Malibu are encouraged to submit applications by 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

This program supports essential community services, strengthens local organizations, and helps nonprofits expand programs that improve quality of life for Malibu residents. Grant funding can help organizations sustain operations, reach more residents, and deliver meaningful services tailored to community needs.

To make the process easier and more accessible, this year’s application is completed through a single, consolidated online form rather than a PDF. Financial reporting requirements have also been streamlined, reducing administrative burden and allowing applicants to focus more on their mission and services.

Applications will be reviewed by the City Council’s Administration and Finance Subcommittee in May, with final awards considered by the Malibu City Council during budget adoption in June. Grant funds are expected to be released in July.

Apply online at: https://tinyurl.com/MalibuGeneralFundGrants2026.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION: The following information is required of all applicants; missing documents will create a partial application. Partial applications will not be advanced.

-Application including narrative and budget (digital form)
-Most recent financial statement for latest year
-Current Board of Directors list
-Organizational Chart (a diagram that shows the structure of the organization)
-Brochure, flyer or other promotional material(s)
-Verification and documentation of Internal Revenue Service nonprofit status under Title 26, Section 501 (c)(3) of the Federal Code
-W9
-Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws

For more details on the program, visit: https://malibucity.org/generalfundgrants.

 

By Danny Jones

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