Residents raise safety concerns as newcomers and familiar faces travel along the Pacific Coast Highway
Over the past few weeks, Malibu residents have seen a noticeable increase in transient individuals traveling along Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), congregating in the Ralphs shopping center, and gathering near Webb Way and Civic Center Drive. The increased presence has sparked concern among locals, particularly regarding safety on the busy PCH corridor. In an interview, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Sgt. Chris Soderlund attributed the recent surge in transient activity to the resumption of public bus services along PCH. “The buses have resumed stopping at all the stops, maybe a month or two ago,” he explained. “Before, they were bypassing stops in the burn area, but now people get on the bus and get off wherever they feel like it.” This change has led to more individuals disembarking in Malibu, particularly at Trancas, a layover spot where bus drivers take breaks, leaving passengers to wander the area. “Some make it back to the bus, and some don’t,” Soderlund noted.
The transient population in Malibu seems to consist of both newcomers and a “core group” of familiar faces, according to Soderlund. While some treat the city like a temporary stop — almost as if they’re on vacation — others raise safety concerns by darting across Pacific Coast Highway. One resident recalled seeing a man sprint across the highway: “I told him to be careful, and he yelled back, ‘I’m gonna live forever.’” When told of the encounter, Soderlund stated, “Sounds like a legend in his own mind.” He stressed the dangers along PCH, particularly in construction zones where the speed limit drops to 25 miles per hour. “It doesn’t feel natural to drive that slow, so people speed through — and it’s not the safest place for pedestrians,” he said.
Despite the visible influx, the City of Malibu’s 2025 Homeless Count, conducted in March, reported a record-low 33 individuals experiencing homelessness, down from 69 in 2024 and a stark contrast to the 161 counted in 2016. The preliminary data, pending final confirmation from the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), reflects the success of Malibu’s multifaceted approach to addressing homelessness. “This steady reduction is a testament to Malibu’s commitment to real solutions that balance public safety and quality of life with compassionate services,” said then-Mayor Doug Stewart in a March statement. The city’s Homeless Outreach Team, operated by The People Concern in partnership with the Malibu Task Force on Homelessness, has been instrumental in this progress, placing 72 individuals into housing in 2024 — the highest number since services began in 2017.
The decline in homelessness may be partly attributed to external factors, such as the Palisades and Franklin fires, which disrupted local transportation and displaced individuals. The 2025 count was conducted without community volunteers due to safety concerns and road closures along PCH, potentially affecting the accuracy of the tally. Nevertheless, Malibu’s proactive measures, including encampment cleanups and outreach, have kept the homeless population manageable. In 2024, the city cleared 44 encampments, up from 29 the previous year, with only seven encampment-related fire incidents reported, a critical achievement given the heightened wildfire risks during Red Flag conditions.
Soderlund stressed that while the homeless count remains low, the transient influx creates a perception of increased activity. “It’s manageable because we’re out here every day and know the faces,” he said. “But the newcomers, especially those riding the bus all day, make it seem like there’s more.” He urged residents to remain vigilant, particularly when driving through construction zones or high-speed stretches of PCH. “Slow down, be observant, and if someone’s creating a traffic hazard, call us,” he advised. The Sheriff’s Department is also addressing a recent uptick in graffiti on burned-out properties, which Soderlund described as the work of taggers, not gang-related activity. “My special assignment deputies are focusing on catching them,” he said, noting that Malibu’s overall crime rate has dropped 40% year-over-year, partly due to the reduced opportunities for crime in fire-damaged areas.
For residents concerned about safety or transient activity, Soderlund emphasized the importance of direct communication with law enforcement. “If you see something, say something,” he said. “We hear rumors on Nextdoor, but unless someone reports it, we can’t act.” This call to action underscores the community’s role in maintaining Malibu’s safety and quality of life.
The city’s efforts extend beyond enforcement. The Malibu Outreach Team, integrated with The People Concern’s Westside programming, provides critical services, including food, supplies, and housing connections. Their work, combined with partnerships with LA County Sheriff’s Department and community organizations, has driven the downward trend in homelessness. However, the recent increase in transient activity suggests that challenges remain, particularly with regional transportation bringing new faces to Malibu’s streets.