Latest Event Updates
Red Flag Warning – October 18-19, 2024
The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for the Santa Monica Mountains, Calabasas, and other areas of Los Angeles County for Friday, October 18, 2024 at 8 AM to Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 8 PM due to hot, dry (Santa Ana) winds of 20-30 MPH with gusts up to 50 MPH.
As this is the first Red Flag warning of the year, University officials wanted to take this opportunity to inform the community about what they are and remind everyone of Pepperdine’s’ Shelter-In-Place plans in the event of a wildfire impacting the Malibu Campus.
Red Flag Warnings issued by the National Weather Service identify time periods when conditions are ideal for wildfires. During Red Flag warnings it is especially important to:
- Report any signs of smoke or flames immediately to emergency responders. If on the Malibu campus, call Public Safety at 310.506.4441. At all other locations report smoke/flames by calling 911;
- Remember Pepperdine is a smoke free campus; in all other locations, use caution when disposing of cigarettes and ensure that they are completely extinguished.
- Minimize any use of open flame in outdoor settings; and
- Consider taking down umbrellas and moving patio furniture inside.
During Red Flag conditions, Southern California Edison (SCE) may issue a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS), a preemptive deenergization of electrical circuits in an attempt to prevent power lines from starting a potential wildfire. This may result in the temporary loss of power for a Pepperdine campus. Further details on a PSPS and how you can prepare are available here.
The EOC is monitoring the situation and is prepared to respond to potential wildfires. In the event of a wildfire near the Malibu Campus, University officials are prepared to activate the Shelter-In-Place protocol, whereby the Pepperdine community remains on campus in a few centralized buildings, where shelter, food, water, and counseling and medical services are available. This plan is approved annually by the LA County Fire Department and has proven historically safe and useful to Pepperdine in past wildfires.
Additional information regarding Red Flag Warnings and Pepperdine’s wildfire response plans is available on the University’s Emergency Information Page.
Accident Near Zuma Closes PCH
All lanes of Pacific Coast Highway are closed in both directions between Guernsey Avenue and Morning View due to a vehicle vs pedestrian collision. This area is north of the Malibu campus. Officials have not released an ETA for potential reopening. All other routes to campus are open.
Students and employees are encouraged to drive slowly and carefully, leave plenty of extra time for travel, and remain informed about conditions for Pepperdine’s Southern California campuses by utilizing the following resources:
- Malibu Campus Road hotline: 310.506.ROAD (7623)
- Emergency Information Page: emergency.pepperdine.edu
Greater Los Angeles road conditions can be viewed online at www.sigalert.com.
Pepperdine Campus Operations Normal Following Earthquake
At 7:28 AM a 4.6 magnitude earthquake shook Malibu, with an epicenter roughly two miles north of Point Dume, which is northwest of the University’s Malibu campus. A 2.8 magnitude aftershock followed a few minutes later.
The shaking from the initial earthquake was felt on the University’s Southern California campuses, and in particular at Malibu and Calabasas. At this time, the University has not received reports of injuries or damage as a result of the earthquake. Utility service continues at all University campuses, and there are no reported impacts to campus routes, though rocks could be present on some routes, and drivers should proceed with appropriate caution.
In case of a strong earthquake, the Pepperdine community is reminded to follow the Duck, Cover, and Hold On procedures:
- Duck under an object, such as a desk or table if inside, to prevent any falling objects from hitting you;
- Cover your head and neck;
- Hold on to the furniture to ensure it does not shake/move away from you; and
- When the shaking stops, leave the building.
Additional information regarding earthquake preparedness is available on the University’s Emergency Information website and at United States preparedness website ready.gov.
Two Suspects Apprehended Following Reports of Suspicious Activity On the Malibu Campus
University officials have issued an all-clear after two suspects on the Malibu campus were apprehended. This followed reports of a white SUV driving on campus, during which an individual displayed what appeared to be a firearm from the vehicle’s window.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) received a report regarding the suspicious vehicle related to activities on PCH, and DPS subsequently received a report of the car on campus. Both responded to investigate and search for the vehicle.
LASD intercepted the vehicle in question nearby the John Tyler Booth and apprehended both occupants without incident. Upon searching the car, sheriff’s deputies found a BB gun and no other weapons.
During the incident, the University’s Emergency Operations Committee (EOC) activated its Everbridge mass communication system to promptly inform the community of the potential threat and provided regular updates throughout the incident. We understand that this may have caused concern, but keeping the community informed is essential to ensuring everyone’s safety. Anyone who needs further support may reach out to any of the resources listed below:
- Students may contact the Counseling Center at 310.506.4210 or student.counseling.center@pepperdine.eduThe Counseling Center provides free, confidential emotional/psychological support to all Pepperdine students.
- Faculty and staff may access counseling services through their Employee Assistance Program. Details are available on the HR website or by contacting HR at 310.506.4397.
- Pastoral support is available to the Pepperdine community through The Hub for Spiritual Life which may be contacted at timothy.spivey@pepperdine.edu or cam.gilliam@pepperdine.edu or by phone at 310.506.4545.
The University wishes to thank the Department of Public Safety and law enforcement for their swift response, as well as all community members who responded to directions and allowed law enforcement to address the situation.
Pepperdine Emergency Information 
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