After nearly five months of closure due to the devastating Palisades Fire, the iconic Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in Malibu, California, reopened to the public on Friday, May 23, 2025, just in time for Memorial Day Weekend. This 11-mile stretch, connecting Santa Monica to Malibu, marks a significant milestone in the region’s recovery from one of California’s most destructive wildfires. The reopening is not just a return to normalcy for commuters and beachgoers but a testament to the tireless rebuilding efforts that have brought life back to this vital coastal artery. Here’s a closer look at the journey to reopen PCH and the benefits foisted upon the citizens of Malibu and those visiting and the ongoing work to rebuild Malibu and Pacific Palisades.
The Palisades Fire: A Journey Started by The Palisades Fire
In early January 2025, the Palisades Fire tore through Los Angeles County, fueled by fierce Santa Ana winds gusting between 50-80 mph. The blaze claimed 12 lives, destroyed nearly 7,000 structures, and scorched over 23,000 acres, ranking it among California’s most destructive wildfires. The fire left PCH littered with debris, charred homes, and damaged infrastructure, forcing its closure to all but residents, essential workers, and cleanup crews. Subsequent atmospheric rivers brought mudslides and flooding, further complicating recovery efforts by washing out roads and pushing debris across the highway.
The closure of this critical route—handling over 40,000 vehicles daily during summer—isolated Malibu, turning it into a virtual island and devastating local businesses that rely on tourism. Malibu’s business community reported a 50-85% decline in revenue, with establishments like Paradise Cove struggling to stay afloat despite limited access from alternate routes like Malibu Canyon Road. The urgency to reopen PCH became a rallying cry for state and local officials, who recognized its role as both a transportation lifeline and an economic engine.
An Overview of Memorial Day 2025 in Malibu
The reopening of PCH was no small feat. It required a coordinated, round-the-clock effort involving multiple agencies, including Caltrans, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the California National Guard, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Over 100 crews worked 24/7, clearing more than 1,200 truckloads of debris daily from burned properties along the highway. This included toxic ash, soot, and hazardous materials from over9,000 cleared properties across Los Angeles County, with more than 5,000 in the Palisades and Malibu areas alone.
The scope of the cleanup was staggering:
- Demolition and Debris Removal: Crews demolished collapsed structures and removed hazardous waste to prevent environmental contamination, a critical step given PCH’s proximity to ecologically sensitive coastal areas.
- Roadway Repairs: The highway itself needed resurfacing and utility restoration, including power, gas, and water lines, to ensure safe travel conditions.
- Mudslide Mitigation: Following February’s mudslides, crews cleared debris flows that had turned parts of PCH into what one report described as “a river.”
Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration prioritized the reopening, setting an ambitious target for the end of May—months ahead of initial projections. Executive orders streamlined permitting processes, reducing bureaucratic barriers to expedite recovery. The effort, dubbed part of California’s “all-in fire response,” surged additional resources to clear parcels along PCH, ensuring two lanes in each direction were ready for public use by Memorial Day.
Community Resilience and Economic Hope
The reopening of PCH has brought a wave of optimism to Malibu’s businesses and residents. “Opening PCH will be like the sun finally rising after a long, dark night for Malibu’s remaining businesses,” said Barbara Bruderlin, CEO of the Malibu Pacific Palisades Chamber. At places like Malibu Country Mart and Malibu Village, parking lots were bustling by Friday afternoon, with shoppers returning to support local stores and restaurants.
Residents, too, expressed relief. Surfer Milton Willis, a five-year Malibu resident, celebrated the reopening as a sign of healing, despite the bittersweet reminder of the fire’s toll visible in burned-out homes and scorched landscapes along PCH.
Safety and Security: A Work in Progress
While the reopening is a triumph, it comes with challenges. The Palisades Fire burn area remains vulnerable, with ongoing debris removal and rebuilding efforts. To address concerns about looting and voyeurism, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass implemented a robust security plan, increasing LAPD checkpoints in Pacific Palisades from five to 16 and deploying 112 officers alongside 30 California Highway Patrol officers for round-the-clock patrols. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department also introduced enhanced measures, including unmanned aerial technology and a Summer Beach Enforcement Team to curb reckless driving and alcohol-related incidents through Labor Day.
However, tensions arose between state and city officials over security coordination. Just 48 hours before the reopening, the state claimed it was “in the dark” about Los Angeles’ plans, prompting a sharply worded letter from the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. The city countered that a strict security plan was in place, with Mayor Bass emphasizing resident safety. The Malibu City Council also approved a contract with a private security firm to provide armed patrols in fire-ravaged neighborhoods, especially as the California National Guard prepared to withdraw by month’s end.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
While PCH’s reopening is a major step, the recovery is far from complete. Over half of the eligible properties in the burn area have been cleared, but thousands more require attention. The ecological sensitivity of the coastal region demands careful debris management to prevent contamination of beaches and marine habitats. Moreover, the highway remains an active work zone, with a 25 mph speed limit in construction areas and warnings of potential traffic delays.
Local leaders like Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath and City Councilwoman Traci Park emphasized that safety remains the top priority as rebuilding continues. Community members are also brainstorming ways to revitalize Malibu, with plans for summer live music events at the pier to draw visitors back.
A Road to Recovery
The reopening of PCH is more than just a restored roadway—it’s a symbol of resilience for Malibu and Pacific Palisades. The collaborative efforts of federal, state, and local agencies, coupled with the determination of residents and business owners, have turned a tragic setback into a story of progress. As Malibu gears up for a busy summer season, the hope is that visitors will return to its beaches, restaurants, and shops, helping to rebuild not just the highway but the heart of this iconic coastal community.
