Latest Event Updates
Traffic in Malibu Canyon
Expect delays on Malibu Canyon Road due to several traffic lights that are not operational. The light at the intersection of Piuma Road and Malibu Canyon Road is out, causing delays of 20+ minutes. The light at Seaver Drive and Malibu Canyon Road is also out, which could result in delays as well.
For the most up-to-date information on roads near Pepperdine’s Malibu campus, please call the Road Conditions Hotline at 310.506.7623 (ROAD). Greater Los Angeles road conditions can be viewed online at www.sigalert.com.
Red Flag Warning – October 29-30, 2023
The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for Los Angeles and Ventura County for Sunday, October 29, 2023 at 3 AM through Monday, October 30, 2023 at 10 PM due to Santa Ana winds of 35-50 MPH with gusts up to 65 MPH and humidity in the 10-30% range.
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 immediately to emergency responders. If on the Malibu campus call Public Safety at 310.506.4441. At all other locations report smoke by calling 911.
- Use caution when disposing of cigarettes and ensure that they are completely extinguished.
- Minimize any use of open flame in outdoor settings.
- 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 loss of power for a Pepperdine campus. While SCE has promised to advise the community in advance, and University officials are in regular communication with SCE representatives, the community should nevertheless be prepared for the possibility of a PSPS. Further details on a PSPS and how you can prepare are available here.
The Department of Public Safety is monitoring the situation and is prepared to respond to potential wildfires.
A Message from the Vice President for Student Affairs – Pepperdine University Mourns the Loss of Four Seaver College Students
It is with profound sorrow that we bring this message to the Pepperdine community about the tragic passing of four beloved members of our student community. As you know, we sought official confirmation and the opportunity to speak with the families before releasing the students’ names.
We can now inform you that Seaver College students, seniors Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir, and Deslyn Williams, passed away in the car accident on Pacific Coast Highway last night. In this time of immeasurable grief and heartache, we stand together as a community and turn to our faith and each other to find hope and healing in the midst of this tragedy. Each departed student brought a unique gift and spirit to the University, and we deeply grieve the unfulfilled hopes and aspirations of our precious community members.
In the coming days, we will share details regarding memorial services for each student as we work with their families to appropriately honor them.
The pain we collectively bear may be overwhelming, especially to those who best knew and loved these students. The University stands ready to provide spiritual and emotional support to all members of our Pepperdine family.
We encourage those who feel they may need support to contact the Counseling Center (310.506.4210), where counselors are available to talk 24/7. Online and out-of-state students can access ongoing counseling using the TimelyCare app. Student pastoral care is also available from Tim Spivey, associate vice president for spiritual life, and the team at the Hub for Spiritual Life. For additional support or to locate a mental health professional in your community, contact the Student Care Team. Faculty and staff may reach out to University chaplain Sara Barton.
We offer our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Niamh, Peyton, Asha, and Deslyn and pray for their peace and healing during this time of significant grief.
Prayer Service for Our Grieving Community
Thursday, October 19, 2023
10 AM
Firestone Fieldhouse
As our Pepperdine family continues to grieve the loss of young lives, all faculty, staff, students, and community members are invited to gather together for prayer and reflection. In light of yesterday’s tragic events that occurred on Pacific Coast Highway, the “Prayer for Our World” service will not meet as previously scheduled. Instead, all are welcome to pray for the Pepperdine community in the Firestone Fieldhouse. All Seaver College classes will be canceled from 10 to 11 AM on Thursday, October 19, to support students who wish to participate. Those who are unable to participate in person may join the event via Zoom.
Join us as we come together in a spirit of comfort, compassion, and care as we lift up in prayer the families and friends of those we have lost and unite as a community to call upon our loving God for peace and comfort in this difficult time. President Jim Gash, provost Jay Brewster, and vice president for student affairs Connie Horton will address the community as we immerse ourselves in prayer and scripture to seek God’s presence to bring healing to our community. Members of the Hub for Spiritual Life, Office of the Chaplain, Counseling Center, and Student Care Team will be available to provide counseling and pastoral care to all who need support at this difficult time.
Pepperdine Emergency Information 
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