Gas Leak on the Malibu Campus – Update #2

Posted on March 5, 2026, 5:53 PM

While we continue to push for faster service, SoCalGas has notified the University that gas will need to be turned off starting shortly and will remain off at least mid-day Friday. This gas shutoff will impact the following areas:

• Drescher including HOAs, student apartments, academic buildings, and the Villa
• Tiner Court
• Baxter Drive
• George Page
• Caruso School of Law
• Towers
• Department of Facilities pad

Additional updates about repair times, service restoration, and when evacuated students may be able to return to their residence halls will be shared when available.

Gas Leak on the Malibu Campus – Update #1

Posted on March 5, 2026, 3:41 PM

Damage to the gas main line at the corner of Benton Way and Huntsinger Circle will take time to repair. While Southern California Gas is on-scene, they require a specialized team to complete the necessary work. This team is forecasted to arrive on campus around 4 PM, and their work may take several hours. The fire department remains on scene to continue to assess and prioritize safety.

Until the repairs are complete, the fire department will aim to allow traffic to pass through the intersection in groups every half-hour (for example, 4 PM and 4:30 PM). No other traffic will be allowed up to or down from Drescher until the repairs are complete.  

Cars should gather in advance of the half-hour marks at:

• S – Lot, the main lot at the Drescher campus, to come down from Drescher
• N – Lot, adjacent to the Baseball Field, to go up to Drescher

At this time, for the safety of our community, the following structures have been evacuated:

• Eden House
• Krown Alpha House
• Shafer House
• Lovernich Apartments
• Fitness Center
• The Mountain construction site

Human Resources is working with departments to facilitate the movement of employees from Drescher in groups according to this schedule as well. If you are working on the Drescher campus, consult with your supervisor for further instructions.

Further information will follow regarding events from event organizers and classes from each of the schools located at Drescher. 

Gas Leak on the Malibu Campus

Posted on March 5, 2026, 2:51 PM

There is a gas leak on the Malibu campus near the Mountain construction site. Preliminary reports indicate that a gas line was accidentally struck by a contractor. The gas company is on scene to address the leak. 

The Los Angeles County Fire County and Department of Public Safety (DPS) are on-site and have closed Benton Way and John Tyler Drive to all traffic to allow emergency response crews to access and resolve the leak. Please avoid these areas to allow for unimpeded emergency vehicle access. 

At this time, for the safety of our residents, all students in the following residence halls are required to vacate the premises immediately:

• Eden House
• Crown House
• Shaffer House
• Lovernich Apartments

Please follow the directions of first responders on the ground and ensure all doors are closed behind you as you exit. If you are in a nearby building and smell gas, please evacuate and contact DPS immediately at (310) 506-4441.

We are working closely with the fire department and utility crews to resolve this situation as quickly and safely as possible. 

Thank you for your immediate cooperation and patience.