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End of an era: Becker Surf Shop closes, but a new wave is coming

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After 31 years at Becker, Mitch Taylor plans a new independent Malibu surf shop post-closure

Those in Malibu’s surfing community are paradigm rugged individualists who highly value independent surf-related businesses. 

With a heavy heart, Becker Surf Shop Manager Mitch Taylor has announced that the store he has managed for 31 years is closing its doors. 

“The store is a victim of corporate operations,” Taylor explained, noting that a conglomerate named Liberated Brands took over ownership of Becker in 2011. 

“Approximately 70 to 80 Becker stores across the mainland and Hawaii are all shutting down like my store,” he said.“These developments have all occurred within the last three days and I already have a closing sale sign up.” 

On Sunday, Feb. 2, Costa Mesa-based Liberated Brands filed for a Chapter 11 bankruptcy, according to the surf industry trade publication Shop Eat Surf (SES), because it lost licensing agreements for surf and skate brands. In December 2024, Authentic Brands Group, a New York-based brand management company, pulled its licenses from Liberated, brands such as RVCA, Honolua, Quicksilver, Volcom, Billabong, and Roxy.  

The filing follows Liberated closing its corporate office last month, triggering 363 layoffs per a posting in January by California’s Employment Development Department. According to SES, unsecured creditors include a variety of clothing manufactures worldwide and other entities that license a few former Boardriders brands that Authentic assumed control of in 2023, including the O5 group. Readers may recall that the Boardriders store in Malibu closed that year. 

Taylor aims to open an independent surf store in Malibu

“As I grew up in the ’70s and ’80s, surfers wanted nothing to do with the corporate world,” Taylor recalled. “The trend is to return back to independent surf shops, and so I am reopening my own shop which will be in a smaller space.”

Will Taylor still be a go-to guy for purchasing or renting surfboards and maybe even for getting a bro-deal? For surfing apparel? For all those cool sunglasses and other fun surf-celebrating accessories? 

“Yes! We will have rentals and sales of surfboards,” he said. “We’ll also be carrying all the same items.”

Will the new store still offer the wonderful, particularized services surfers have come to enjoy when dealing with Taylor?

“Yes! I would never sell anyone anything that I knew wasn’t good for them — I’d rather not sell anything,” Taylor declared. 

Simply stated, his planned new venue will be old-school Malibu and area surfers wouldn’t have it any other way.  The new store’s location and name will be announced soon.

Reflecting on his tenure at Becker, Taylor stated, “It’s been the biggest pleasure of my life to help people so they canget the right boards for their individual needs — it’s been very fun. I wouldn’t change a thing!” 

Pausing to reflect, he added, “This is the only job I have really liked. I woke up every day for 31 years, and I was excited to talk to people in our community.”

Therefore, local and visiting surfers fear not — soon, Taylor’s new surf shop will welcome you with open arms. 

In the meantime, Taylor invites customers to come catch some terrific deals at Becker. The store will be open from 10 to 5 every day of the week.

Malibu’s Community Brigade honored

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Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors acknowledges bravery of local volunteer firefighters 

Empowering community members to act as resource multipliers and provide crucial support to professional first responders during wildfires is the objective of Malibu’s Community Brigade. Instrumental in fighting the cataclysmic Palisades Fire and preventing further tragedy, 50 members of the volunteer initiative were recently honored by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors for their outstanding volunteerism and bravery.

Spearheaded by Malibu native Keegan Gibbs, who lost his family home in the Woolsey Fire in 2018, Gibbs, a Malibu safety commissioner realized the necessity for community involvement in emergency situations. “The brigade program was born out of Woolsey and the acknowledgment that we as a community need to do better to bridge the gap between capabilities of the response from agencies and the preparedness of the communities,” said Gibbs, who along with other members have been working nearly nonstop since the fire broke out Jan. 7. 

The brigade, which has proven essential in saving lives and property, was made official after five years of working with county leaders and then voted on unanimously by the Board of Supervisors in 2023.

“The Community Brigade is a little like CERT (Community Emergency Response Team), but more focused on fires,” Gibbs explained. “That’s the primary threat here in the Santa Monica Mountains.” 

The program’s goal is to educate and train community members to be prepared for, and capable of responding to fires. The initial cohort of just over 40 volunteers started training on Sept. 14, 2024, with members from seven local community brigades participating. These groups are spread across various neighborhoods in the Santa Monica Mountains, including Malibu West, Point Dume, Corral Canyon, Big Rock, Topanga, Ventura County Line, and Hidden Hills.

2024 was spent recruiting and training volunteers from “table top to infield exercises,” Gibbs explained of the 60 hours of education and training required. “Our program was lightly tested with the Broad Fire in November, then pressure-tested with the Franklin Fire in December and then it’s not easy to put into words what happened with the Palisades Fire.” 

It’s not easy to explain the devastation caused to Malibu and adjacent areas, but without the brigade, it could have been even worse. The brigade put in roughly 5,000 hours evacuating residents even as some members’ own homes were at risk. 

“Our members were in their own community, knocking on their neighbors’ doors to encourage evacuations and that was time they could’ve been spending on their own homes,” Gibbs described. “Encouragement from a neighborly voice as opposed to an authoritive voice, I think, was extremely valuable because there were several people that initially refused to leave because they didn’t believe the fire was coming or they were under the impression that they were going to be able to fight it by themselves. I think our team did a really good job of being very methodical about encouraging neighbors to take necessary steps prior to leaving.”

The brigade then conducted structure triage by pulling combustibles away from homes, but soon, the event “quickly became a life, safety priority where it was not just about trying to protect structures, it was trying to prevent people from dying,” Gibbs said.

For his part Gibbs hasn’t slept much in days while volunteering since the fire broke out, and he has a family with young children. There are 50 men and women in the brigade with similar stories spread out in seven area communities throughout the Santa Monica Mountains. “You get a glimpse of what it’s like to be a full-time firefighter and a lot of appreciation for the sacrifice that firefighters and even more so their families make,” Gibbs emphasized. He’s also proud that no one in the brigade suffered injuries.

And the Board of Supervisors is proud, too. Brigade members were honored Jan. 22 at the Kenneth Hahn Building in downtown LA. Third District Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, L.A. County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone, and Assistant Chief Drew Smith, who was instrumental in organizing and authorizing the brigade honored the group for the impact they made saving lives and property in the program’s first year. 

“I wish there was more we could do. It was absolute mayhem,” Gibbs said. “It was an immense honor for us to be a part of these efforts, having a small of an impact that we did, but for them to honor the program was especially in our first year and having these three fires already happen, it’s a true honor for all of us.” 

Malibu Seafood battles back after the Palisades Fire

A resilient local anchor for the community

Malibu Seafood has long been a cornerstone of the local community, offering fresh fish, breathtaking ocean views, and a welcoming atmosphere. However, in the wake of the devastating Palisades Fire, the family-run business faces unprecedented challenges. Alette Ridgway, junior partner at Malibu Seafood, has been vocal in urging the Malibu City Council to support local businesses struggling to recover.

Sitting on the back patio of Malibu Seafood, Ridgway spoke passionately about the importance of sustaining small businesses during difficult times. “My parents founded Malibu Seafood, so they’re the owners,” she explained. “Right now, I own a small percentage, but over the next ten years, my ownership will gradually increase. I’m a junior partner right now.”

Malibu Seafood has been a staple in the area since 1972. Originally operating from the end of the Malibu Pier, it began as a humble fishing business. “Back in ’72, we had a boat at the pier and sold fish right there,” Ridgway recalled. “By the mid-to-late seventies, we started steaming seafood on the pier, got a fryer, and eventually moved to our current location.”

However, just six months after securing their new home, a severe storm damaged the Malibu Pier, forcing its closure for years. This pivotal moment led to Malibu Seafood transforming into the beloved restaurant it is today. Though the business no longer engages in commercial fishing due to restrictions, it continues to source high-quality seafood from trusted vendors. “We get our fish from a lot of different places,” Ridgway explained. “For example, our swordfish comes from between San Diego and Hawaii, while our snapper could be from Northern California, Oregon, or Washington, depending on the season.”

Like many local businesses, Malibu Seafood is facing severe financial setbacks in the aftermath of the Palisades Fire. The closure of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) has disrupted both employees’ commutes and customer access to the restaurant.

“We have about 25 employees,” Ridgway shared. “Some are driving over an hour and a half from North Hollywood or Culver City just to get here. PCH being closed has hit us hard, and we really need it to reopen fully.”

Ridgway described how staffing has been affected. 

“Normally, we have about 11 to 12 people on staff daily, and on busy weekends, up to 15. Right now, we’re down to 10. That just shows how much we’re having to cut back.”

At a recent City Council meeting, Ridgway argued that the current situation is even worse than the COVID-19 pandemic. “During COVID, at least there were PPP loans and grants to help small businesses,” she pointed out. “Now, there are very few financial relief options. Small business loans are available, but at a 4.5% interest rate, they’re not a feasible solution for many of us.”

Despite these hardships, she remains hopeful that Malibu Seafood employees can receive some financial aid. “The city recently posted a $2,000 grant that our employees can apply for starting on the 3rd,” she noted. “We’re hoping that can help in some way.”

Ridgway emphasized the crucial role the community plays in helping small businesses survive. “Just support all of the local businesses,” she urged. “Shop local, eat local. Try to go to small businesses instead of chains whenever possible. If you can, buy your fish and meat from small vendors instead of the big supermarkets. It really makes a difference.”

In an effort to give back to the community, Malibu Seafood is currently offering a 10% discount to Cal Fire firefighters, police officers, and sheriff’s deputies. “It’s our way of thanking them for their hard work during the fires,” Ridgway said.

As the city works toward full recovery, the resilience of businesses like Malibu Seafood will be crucial. “We just need people to remember that we’re here and open,” Ridgway said. “This has been our home for over 50 years, and we plan to be here for many more.”

With its rich history, strong community ties, and commitment to serving high-quality seafood, Malibu Seafood remains a cherished part of Malibu. As recovery efforts continue, supporting this local gem will ensure that it remains a vibrant part of the city for years to come.

Final reports filed in November city election funding

Outside money supported Paul Grisanti, but not as much as some Malibu residents speculated 

Final expenditure reports from Malibu’s November municipal election have now been filed with a Jan. 31 deadline. 

Back in October before the Nov. 5 election, The Malibu Times uncovered required campaign finance reports showing outside money supporting candidate Paul Grisanti, but not to the extent speculated by many Malibu residents.

Although hundreds of thousands of dollars was raised in support of a political action committee (PAC) that appears to advocate for development with support in Riverside County, that PAC supported Grisanti with only a fraction of its war chest. The PAC, called Moving California Forward, spent at least $6,338.69 on two separate mailers in support of Grisanti’s campaign. Now in the PAC’s latest 460 expenditure report filed Dec. 2, 2024, it is revealed MCF also spent $3,169.35 on mailers in opposition to reelect incumbent Bruce Silverstein who won reelection to the Malibu City Council in a hard-fought campaign. Late filings also reveal for the first time that MCF spent the same amount on a mailed flier opposing the reelection of incumbent Steve Uhring, who also retained his seat.

The MCF PAC only spent a fraction of its funds in opposition to Silverstein and Uhring. Its Dec. 2 filing shows a whopping $27,500 in its coffers. There were eight contributors in MCF’s latest filed California 496 form withcontributions starting at $100 ranging all the way up to $10,000 given by Proficiency Rubidoux LLC that does not have a Riverside address, but one out of Irvine. Coming in second in contributions to MCF was an outfit out of North Palm Beach, Florida, called NextEra Energy Resources Development LLC and its affiliate NextEra Energy Resources LLC ID with a total gift of $9,000. The group’s latest filing Dec. 2 claims it spent money on a final push mailer supporting Grisanti on Oct. 29, one week before the election, but fails to include what that cost was leaving the description on the expenditure line reading “mailers and postage” with an amount listed as “0.00.” The other mailers in opposition of Silverstein and Uhring and in support of Grisanti totaled $3,169.35 each.

Another PAC that ran attack ads against Silverstein and Uhring on Facebook is the shadowy California Families for Progressive Leadership, previously known as Truth & Dignity Municipal Leadership. That PAC may also have been behind aggressive attack ads distributed on fliers throughout Malibu. The funding behind that PAC also includes individuals outside of Malibu with its largest contributor a Castro Valley entity identified in FPPC filings as Public Safety For All. A Google search of Public Safety For All did not identify any organization by that name. It does not show up on the Secretary of State website as a registered PAC. No required financial expenditure filings have been made on its behalf in noncompliance with California rules and regulations. 

Truth & Dignity Municipal PAC and its treasurer, Gary Crummitt of Long Beach, has been fined by the FPPC for more than a dozen state reporting violations. Crummitt, of Crummitt & Associates, a self-described “nonpartisan political reporting firm,” is the current treasurer of California Families for Progressive Leadership. It is still uncertain who ultimately pushed the attack ads advertised on behalf of CFPL.

The other candidate who was successfully elected to the council was Haylynn Conrad, who self-funded her campaign. The first-time candidate contributed $66,200 to her campaign with total expenditures of $59,875.28. 

Dr. Channing Frykman also did not take contributions to her unsuccessful campaign for City Council. Frykman contributed $5,000 and spent $3,873.46, leaving a balance of $1,126.64.

Silverstein who was successful in winning a second term, received $19,112.33 in contributions from a majority of Malibu residents. His campaign spent $19,374.79. His final expenditure report shows money spent on Facebook ads, mailers, and other media.

Uhring, also successful in his bid for reelection reported receiving $9,120 in campaign contributions and a nearly 40 percent self-loan to his campaign that only spent $4,632.48.

Grisanti received cash contributions totaling $39,323.26 and spent the bulk of those funds, plus a little more, ending with a negative cash balance registered on the 460 form as -$6,765.23.

Last minute write-in candidate Andy Lyon did not accept campaign donations.

Driving Change: The empty chair, reimagining Malibu’s future through the ashes

By Michel Shane  

Our community is facing a moment of reckoning after the Franklin and Palisades fires. Throughout Malibu, metal chairs sit alone amidst charred foundations, silent sentinels marking where families once gathered, where lives were lived, and where memories were made. These empty chairs, twisted by heat yet somehow still standing, have become powerful symbols of loss and resilience in our community.

Seven years after the Woolsey Fire forever changed Malibu’s landscape and displaced 2,000 residents, we face another pivotal moment. The Woolsey Fire taught us harsh lessons about evacuation routes, communication systems, and infrastructure vulnerability — lessons that essentially went unheeded. I’ve witnessed five fires ravage our community, each leaving behind shattered lives, broken dreams, and promising changes that never materialized. After each disaster, we rebuilt what was rather than what could be. But this time must be different.

The scenes before us are heart-wrenching — a testament to nature’s raw power and a stark reminder of our vulnerability. Walking through our devastated neighborhoods, past homes where children once played, and families shared meals, we’re confronted with both devastating loss and an extraordinary opportunity for transformation. Each fire has taken something from us — homes, memories, security — but each has offered a chance to rebuild stronger. We’ve missed those chances before. We cannot afford to miss this one.

This moment is different because, for the first time, we have immediate access to the nation’s premier engineering and disaster response organization. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) stands ready not just to help with cleanup but to spearhead a revolutionary rebuilding effort that could protect our community for generations to come. When they rebuilt after Hurricanes Sandy and Katrina, communities emerged stronger, more resilient, and better prepared. We have that same opportunity now — but only if we act decisively.

Their track record in disaster recovery speaks to technical excellence and a deep understanding of community needs. After Hurricane Sandy, they transformed New York’s coastal infrastructure while preserving neighborhood character. In New Orleans, they revolutionized the levee system after Katrina, creating one of the most advanced flood protection systems in the world. Each project demonstrated their ability to rebuild not just stronger but smarter.

USACE brings more than just engineering expertise — it brings hope for real change. Its teams understand that every fallen power line represents a family in darkness, every blocked road a community cut off from help, and every delayed response a potential tragedy. Thus, it has pioneered techniques for buried utility systems that survive natural disasters, smart traffic management systems that adapt to emergencies, and innovative drainage solutions that prevent landslides.

Picture a transformed PCH — rebuilt and reimagined for the challenges ahead. Learning from the chaos of past evacuations, where families were trapped on gridlocked roads as fires approached, USACE could help create a lifeline that protects our community through:

  • Underground utility networks impervious to fire and wind, eliminating the power outages that plagued previous evacuations
  • Advanced emergency response stations strategically placed to save precious minutes during evacuations
  • Smart evacuation systems that adapt to changing conditions, preventing the bottlenecks we’ve seen too many times
  • Natural drainage systems that prevent the erosion and flooding that have repeatedly compromised our escape routes
  • Dedicated safety lanes ensure emergency vehicles can always reach those in need
  • State-of-the-art fire detection and suppression systems that give us precious extra minutes to evacuate

The partnership between USACE and Caltrans could revolutionize how we approach infrastructure in fire-prone coastal areas. While bureaucracies typically move slowly, USACE’s emergency response capabilities could dramatically accelerate this project, turning plans into protection for our community. We have their attention and resources now — a rare alignment of opportunity and expertise that may not come again.

Climate change isn’t a distant threat — it’s our present reality, written in the ashes of our homes and the tears of our neighbors. Each fire season brings greater dangers than the last. The new PCH must be designed for today’s challenges and tomorrow’s certainties: more potent storms, higher seas, and more intense fire seasons. The Corps’ expertise could help create a highway system that protects our community when we need it most.

We can start with the destroyed portion and then move forward, creating a model for coastal communities worldwide. The economic benefits would be substantial, but the real value lies in what cannot be measured: peace of mind for parents driving their children to school, security for elderly residents during evacuations, and the knowledge that we did everything possible to protect our community’s future.

I beg you — no, I plead with you — we must join together to ensure our survival. This isn’t just about rebuilding a road or replacing infrastructure. It’s about preserving the community we love, protecting our way of life, and ensuring that future generations will know the real beauty of who we are. It is time for our elected officials and community leaders to step up and show why they are in their positions. We cannot afford another rebuild that restores what was lost — not when we have the resources and expertise to create something better.

Those empty chairs that dot our landscape today need not remain monuments to loss. Let them instead become beacons guiding us toward what we can become — symbols of a community that faced devastation and chose not just to rebuild but to revolutionize. The road ahead is long, but the opportunity is unprecedented. Our community deserves nothing less. The time for bold action is now.

The question isn’t whether we can rebuild — it’s whether we have the vision and courage to rebuild better. With USACE’s expertise, Caltrans’s understanding, and our community’s determination, we can create a legacy of resilience that will protect our children and their children for generations to come. Let’s not let this moment pass us by. Our empty chairs are waiting to be filled again with life, laughter, and hope — but only if we seize this moment to create the future our community deserves.

You can reach me at 21milesinmalibu.com 

Pacific Coast Highway remains closed after rain triggers debris flow in burn area

A significant stretch of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) remains fully closed in both directions between Chautauqua Boulevard and Carbon Beach Terrace after recent storms triggered multiple debris flows, according to a Caltrans social media post this evening. Crews are working to assess and mitigate hazards before determining when the roadway can safely reopen.

The closure follows a series of back-to-back storms that dumped more than 2.5 inches of rain over the last five days, leaving the fire-scarred terrain vulnerable to landslides. On Thursday night, a slide north of Big Rock Drive covered the highway with debris, prompting Caltrans to remove approximately 10 truckloads of material. More debris remains on the shoulder, drying out before it can be safely cleared. Smaller slides have also been reported throughout the week within the closed portion of the highway.

Caltrans initially closed a 9-mile section of PCH on Tuesday, stretching from Will Rogers Beach State Park in Los Angeles to Carbon Beach in Malibu. The closure came just days after a brief reopening following the Palisades Fire. Officials cited concerns over slope instability and additional debris flows as key reasons for keeping the highway shut down “out of an abundance of caution.”

A Caltrans geotechnical team is surveying the area Friday to evaluate the stability of the slopes and determine when conditions will allow for reopening. Maintenance crews are patrolling the closed stretch of PCH 24/7, responding to any immediate issues, according to Caltrans spokesperson Marc Bischoff.

“At this time, we do not have an estimate for when PCH will reopen,” Bischoff said. “Safety remains our top priority as crews continue clearing debris and mitigating potential slope failures.”

Officials urge residents and commuters to monitor updates from Caltrans and Los Angeles County Public Works for reopening information. In the meantime, drivers should plan alternative routes and avoid the closure area.

Phillip W. Bailey 1953-2024

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Long-time Malibu resident Phillip Bailey passed away at home on December 30, 2024, after a beautiful Christmas with his family. Phillip was born in LA to parents Fred and Jo Bailey on November 17, 1953. He grew up in Encino, where he went to Buckley School 1-12. The family moved in 1969 to Broadbeach Road in Malibu, and he attended UCLA in 1970.

Phil married Pamela LeGrand, and they had a son, Michael. Watching his son grow up was the greatest joy in his life. Phil was a proud dad of all his accomplishments and adventures but mostly of the man he had become.

He is survived by his son Michael, brother Glenn, sisters Linda, her partner Walt, Anne Cole, her partner David, his niece Bailey, and husband Alex Pesterev, son Rory, former wife Pamela, and all whom he called his “Shark Brothers.”

Phillip was an avid fisherman from a young age and passed that passion down to his son Michael. He loved the Pacific Ocean dearly. Phillip was the life of the party, a big personality telling his stories and loved by all who might have just met him.

He started his Real Estate career in the late 70s with  Prichett Real Estate, a family-owned business in Malibu. He was president of the Malibu Board of Realtors in 2007. You could always get a great story from him about the celebrities he had sold homes to.

A paddle out for Phil will be held February 22, 2025, from 10 AM to 11:30 at Zuma Beach Tower 10, with a reception from 12 PM to 4 PM at the Point Dume clubhouse, 29500 Heathercliff Malibu, CA. Please bring a flower for the paddle out.

Agoura Animal Shelter Pet of the Week: Thursday, Feb. 06

Say hi to Luna A5672799, a gorgeous six-year-old husky mix. 

Luna was surrendered to Agoura with Pyometra. She was immediately brought to the private vet, where she underwent emergency surgery. Now that she’s on the mend, her spunky personality is beginning to emerge. 

Luna’s a bit reserved when you first meet her, but she absolutely craves human affection and quickly becomes a velcro dog once she knows you. She’s the kind of girl who opens up at her own pace and loves to hang with her volunteer friends and walk laps at the shelter – she’d probably *really* love to go on some leisurely neighborhood walks with you even more.

To meet Luna or her other adoptable friends, please stop by the Agoura Animal Care Center!

Care Center Hours:
Monday-Saturday 11am-5pm
Closed* on Sunday and holidays

29525 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, CA 91301
agoura@animalcare.lacounty.gov

Traffic update and storm advisory in effect

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) reported at 6 p.m. that the traffic collision and downed wires on Kanan Dume Road between Cavalleri and Mulholland Highway have been cleared, and the roadway is now open.

Meanwhile, the City of Malibu has activated its storm response plan, working closely with partner agencies to monitor the weather and ensure public safety. City staff are actively patrolling roads and implementing flood prevention measures. The Emergency Operations Center remains active as conditions develop.

According to the National Weather Service, rain is possible after 2 a.m. Residents are advised to stay alert for updates and take necessary precautions.

Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory in Effect

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has issued an Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory for all Los Angeles County beaches, in effect until 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8. Due to recent rainfall, beachgoers are advised to avoid all water contact, especially near storm drains, creeks, and rivers, as runoff may contain elevated bacteria levels, chemicals, debris, and other public health hazards. Exposure to contaminated water could result in illness.

Rain advisories typically remain in effect for 72 hours after rainfall ends and may be extended if necessary.

Ocean Water Closure Due to Fire Impacts

The ocean water closure from Las Flores State Beach to Santa Monica State Beach remains in effect until further notice due to fire-related debris and contamination. Additionally, once the rain advisory is lifted, the ocean water advisory from Surfrider Beach to Las Flores State Beach and from Santa Monica State Beach to Dockweiler State Beach at World Way will remain in place until further notice.

For recorded updates on beach conditions, call the Los Angeles County beach closure hotline at 1-800-525-5662. More information and an interactive map of impacted areas can be found at PublicHealth.LACounty.gov/Beach.

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