Malibu Beaches Calm During Heatwave Weekend

MALIBU — As crowds swelled in Orange and Ventura County beaches this past weekend, closed Malibu beaches — normally some of the most crowded in the county — were calm and empty, except for the odd adventurer hoping to escape the notice of the 12-15 deputies on patrol. Police from the Malibu/Lost Hills Station said that few citations were given Saturday and Sunday, though exact numbers are not yet available.

Friday night presented the biggest challenge for officers, according to Sergeant Travis Kelly. “It was really crowded on Friday and we didn’t have the personnel that day,” Kelly said. However, backup over the weekend from L.A. County Lifeguards, Sheriff's Volunteers on Patrol, the Malibu Community Emergency Response team, and civilian law enforcement technicians kept the crowds away. While many cyclists zoomed down the Pacific Coast Highway and the occasional pedestrian followed, most people stayed off the beach. Signs along the highway, mass texts, and social media were continual reminders to stay off the beaches.

The few people seen walking along the beach were warned to get off before receiving a citation, according to Deputy Nick Bonnelli.

Malibu beaches may have been calm partially because everybody who might have tried to covertly enjoy them went instead to open beaches in neighboring counties, despite pleas from Malibu and L.A. County officials urging them not to. Officials are paying close attention to whether the open beaches will cause a spike in infections. For now, Malibu police say there are no plans to reopen beaches or trails any time soon.