The city of Malibu has declared a local emergency, calling on the state for immediate assistance to address accelerating coastal erosion that threatens the iconic Pacific Coast Highway (PCH).
Malibu City Manager Joe Irvin stated that while the city appreciates Caltrans' interim measures to protect the roadway, the erosion is "continuing to accelerate." The city is urging the state agency to "move quickly on permanent stabilization measures to protect public safety and critical infrastructure."
Officials warned that predictions of extreme winter conditions, including heavy rainfall, high surf, and wave events, could intensify erosion over a short period, potentially leading to roadway failure. The city has documented areas along the PCH where sections of the roadway are collapsing into the ocean. In some locations, portions of the highway have been cordoned off with fencing and marked as "Unsafe."
The city has undertaken several steps to document and assess the conditions, particularly following the 2025 Palisades Fire, which contributed to the erosion. These actions include joint field observations with Caltrans at high-priority parcels posing immediate risks to the roadway, coordination with local utility agencies, and ongoing monitoring of affected properties. City staff have also briefed the Governor’s Office of Los Angeles Recovery and the office of Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath on the situation.
"Left unaddressed, the erosion trend will continue to accelerate, removing the material that supports the roadway embankment," the city said in a press release, emphasizing the need for a "clear timeline" for a permanent stabilization strategy before the winter storms arrive.