Due to the risk posed by the dangerous driving conditions in the area after heavy rain near the Palisades Fireburn scar, all schools in the Malibu area will be closed on Monday.
Dr. Antonio Shelton, the superintendent of the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, and Mr. Isaac Burgess, the executive director of Malibu Pathway & Secondary Schools, addressed a letter to students and staff late Sunday evening announcing the decision.
“We have been in communication with the City of Malibu, the Los Hills Sheriff’s Captain, Supervisor Lindsay Horvath’s office and the Los Angeles County Public Works Department, throughout the day and based on their updates and warnings regarding roads, and mudflow issues and continued rain, the decision was made to close schools tomorrow with the safety of students and staff as our top priority,” the letter stated.
Webster Elementary School and the Malibu Elementary, Middle, and High Schools will be closed on Monday.
“We are as disappointed as you are in this outcome following our discussions with local partners today,” officials stated.
Caltrans and the California Highway Patrol announced a number of road closures in the vicinity of the Palisades Fire burn scar shortly before the community was notified. This was because of mudflows that obstructed roads, such as Palisades Drive and Topanga Canyon Boulevard.
According to school officials, they will keep an eye on the issue and decide how to proceed with Tuesday’s class.