Furious Malibu Residents Demand Action on Dangerous Pacific Coast Highway

Furious Malibu residents expressed their frustration and demanded action from city officials during a safety hearing focused on the dangerous conditions of the Pacific Coast Highway. The meeting turned hostile as residents shared emotional stories and called for safety upgrades to prevent further tragedies. The public outcry comes after four students from Pepperdine University lost their lives last week while walking along the highway. With a total of 49 fatalities in the last decade, residents are demanding immediate changes to prevent more deaths.

Michel Shane, a well-known Hollywood film producer who tragically lost his daughter on the highway in 2010, criticized the city officials for their lack of action over the years. Shane, who also spoke at the hearing, expressed his disappointment with the apparent indifference towards the ongoing safety concerns. He emphasized the need for officials to take responsibility and address the dangers posed by the Pacific Coast Highway.

Residents have long been frustrated with the lack of upgrades and have referred to the stretch of road as "Blood Alley" and "Dead Man's Curve." In response to the mounting anger, city councilors proposed declaring a state of emergency to expedite safety improvements. However, residents expressed outrage that it took numerous deaths and non-fatal accidents before such measures were even considered.

County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath delivered an impassioned speech, pledging that action would be taken to address the safety issues on the 21-mile stretch of the highway. Horvath stated that the time for mourning is over and action is now necessary. While many residents expressed skepticism about the commitment of local officials, Horvath assured the community that she would not let bureaucracy stand in the way of implementing vital safety measures.

Increased police presence and enforcement along the Pacific Coast Highway were among the safety improvements suggested during the meeting. City councilors also discussed the possibility of speed cameras and decreasing speed limits on the highway. Supervisor Horvath has reached out to state transportation officials and urged Caltrans to take immediate action. She also plans to schedule an early meeting of the Pacific Coast Highway Task Force, which aims to explore additional safety measures.

The dangers of the Pacific Coast Highway have persistently made headlines in recent years. The notorious road was the site of Caitlyn Jenner's fatal collision with Kim Howe in 2015, as well as other tragic accidents resulting in multiple deaths. Despite numerous studies and alarming statistics, little has been done to update the outdated infrastructure of the highway.

Residents, fueled by grief and frustration, are pushing for a change in attitude towards this ongoing issue. They hope to evoke a similar shift in public consciousness that occurred regarding drinking and driving. By raising awareness and demanding action, they aim to prevent further tragedies on the Pacific Coast Highway.