As summer heats up, the City of Malibu is rolling out its annual call to visitors: Help keep Malibu pristine. Mayor Steve Uhring emphasized the collective responsibility for safety and cleanliness, especially on the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), a vital artery that threads through the community. "Please help us keep our beaches, trails and neighborhoods safe and clean," Uhring said in a statement obtained by the City of Malibu.
In efforts to maintain order and respond quickly to incidents, the Summer Beach Team patrols, a collaboration between the city and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department-Malibu-Lost Hills Station, will be in full force from Memorial Day through Labor Day. They aim to directly confront issues like the illegal consumption of alcohol, drastically reducing incidents that can spiral dangerously out of hand. This step is critical, especially considering that high levels of alcohol consumption on the beach have previously led to increased instances of drunk driving, fights, and ocean drownings.
Following the tragedy last year, where four Pepperdine students were struck down by a speeding driver, Malibu has intensified its safety measures on PCH. An agreement with the California Highway Patrol has brought additional officers tasked specifically with traffic enforcement. Saying that these efforts have made a difference would be an understatement; from January to April alone, CHP officers issued over 1,200 citations, the majority for speeding, while LASD deputies handed out 1,793 citations. This enforcement surge sends a loud and clear message: Reckless driving is not welcomed here.
However, ensuring safety doesn't stop with patrols and enforcement. Malibu's call to action extends to every individual. The city's social media will throughout the summer echo safety tips like using sober drivers or rideshares, refraining from texting while driving, and maintaining vigilance for pedestrians and cyclists. Moreover, visitors are reminded to take active roles in preserving cleanliness, adopting the "pack it in, pack it out" mindset for trash disposal, and respecting the alcohol, dog, and fire prohibitions on the beaches.
For those seeking ocean fun, Malibu has made sure that fully accessible beaches like Malibu Surfrider, Westward Beach, Point Dume State Beach, and Zuma Beach are ready for public enjoyment, complete with amenities such as public parking, restrooms, and lifeguard services. Additionally, visitors using the 18 public access paths to the beaches between homes are advised to park wisely to avoid crossing PCH on foot, respect private property limits, and be mindful of trash disposal since these areas lack certain facilities.
In the spirit of a safe Independence Day celebration, Malibu reiterates that all personal fireworks are illegal in Los Angeles County, and the risk of injuries and fires from illegal fireworks cannot be overstated. The city instead encourages people to attend an official public display. "Every year, illegal fireworks cause thousands of injuries," as noted on the City's official website. A list of permitted public fireworks displays is available via the City of Malibu's announcement.
