𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗬 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: A Windy Sunday Along Malibu’s Fire-Ravaged Coast

SANTA MONICA, CA – Santa Monica Closeup documented ongoing recovery efforts along Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) on Sunday, March 2, 2025. Fabian traveled from Santa Monica to the Malibu Pier, observing fire damage and restricted access. The highway remains closed to the public and serves as a critical operations hub for rebuilding efforts.

Metro Bus 134 was seen driving through Malibu, marking the partial restoration of transit service. LA Metro resumed limited operations on Line 134 on February 28, reconnecting Santa Monica and Malibu for the first time since the Palisades Fire. The closed-door service provides essential transportation for residents and workers.

Line 134 serves stops at Malibu Pier, Cross Creek Road, and Malibu Canyon Road, extending to Trancas Canyon Road and Santa Monica’s E Line Station. Buses will not stop within a 10-mile fire recovery zone between PCH/Temescal Canyon Road and PCH/Rambla Vista.

“Resuming service is crucial for those who depend on this route,” said Metro Board Member Lindsey P. Horvath. Public access to PCH remains restricted, with a single lane open in each direction and checkpoints manned by National Guard Military Police.

Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins emphasized the importance of restoring service, stating, “January’s wildfires devastated the region, making this an important step in recovery.”

The Palisades Fire, which began January 7, burned 23,000 acres, destroyed 12,000 structures, and displaced 150,000 residents. Strong Santa Ana winds fueled its rapid spread, overwhelming emergency crews.

As recovery continues, Metro’s service restoration provides critical connectivity for affected communities.
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𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗼 𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘂𝘀𝗲. 𝗔𝗻𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗼𝗽𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗿𝗲-𝘂𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝘂𝗻𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱 𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗵𝗶𝗯𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱.

© 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗙𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝘄𝗸𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗰𝘇/𝗦𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮 𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘀𝗲𝘂𝗽. 𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲𝗱.
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Fabian Lewkowicz, an award-winning photojournalist based in Santa Monica, is the creator of Santa Monica Closeup. With experience across various news outlets, he captures the city's vibrant life through compelling imagery and storytelling. His work, showcased in museums, galleries, and public spaces, highlights Santa Monica’s landscapes, culture, and diverse community

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TAGS: Photojournalism, Photojournalist, Documentary, Cinema Verite, Fly-on-the-wall, Observational Photography, Press Photography, SMCU, SM©U