Southern California coastal erosion triggers evacuations and red-tagged homes

Powerful waves generated by former Hurricane Marie have caused significant coastal damage across Southern California, leading to evacuations and structural damage in Malibu and Dana Point.

In Malibu, a local state of emergency was declared after a massive sinkhole opened in the driveway of an oceanfront property owned by actor Nicolas Cage. The collapse, which extended into the roadway, resulted in 31 homes being red-tagged and residents being evacuated. Utility services, including gas and water, were shut off to prevent further hazards. The American Red Cross established a temporary shelter at Malibu High School while local authorities monitor ongoing coastal erosion.

In Dana Point, eight homes were red-tagged and three others were yellow-tagged due to damage from high tides and swells. Crews have been working to rebuild a shoreline barrier using truckloads of boulders to protect properties from further erosion. Residents in the Capistrano Bay District reported that a deck on a home undergoing remodeling collapsed into the waves. Local community members noted that they have long sought permits for preventive measures from the California Coastal Commission to address shoreline vulnerability.