Malibu has filed a lawsuit against the state of California, the city of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and several other public entities. The city alleges its “entire character” was irrevocably altered by the Palisades Fire and is seeking damages related to property loss, business interruption, and diminished city revenue.
Legal Action Filed
City officials confirmed Wednesday the filing of a civil complaint in Los Angeles County Superior Court. The list of defendants includes the California Department of Parks and Recreation, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, and the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy.
Malibu officials stated the legal action is necessary to recover losses impacting “the long-term fiscal implications for Malibu and its taxpayers.” The complaint does not specify a precise monetary amount being sought in damages.
Allegations Against Defendants
According to the complaint, the fire was “not an accident” but a “foreseeable and proximate result of unlawful conduct” by the defendants. Specifically, the city alleges failures in addressing the burn scar from a previous fire, the Lachman fire, which ultimately rekindled as the Palisades Fire. Other allegations include reservoirs being “empty for over a year” and a lack of adequate “essential firefighting infrastructure.”
The ensuing blaze resulted in 12 fatalities, half of whom were Malibu residents. Approximately 700 homes and dozens of businesses were destroyed, including well-known restaurants such as Moonshadows, the Reel Inn, and Rosenthal Wine Bar & Patio.
Mayor Bruce Silverstein stated, “The lawsuit seeks accountability for the extraordinary losses suffered by our community although recognizing that Malibu must continue to work collaboratively with our regional partners going forward.” He added, “This decision was not made lightly,” and affirmed the city’s obligation to act in the best interests of its residents and taxpayers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Malibu seeking with this lawsuit?
Malibu is seeking damages for the loss of property, business, and city revenue resulting from the Palisades Fire. The city aims to hold the defendants accountable for what it describes as “unlawful conduct.”
Who is being sued?
The lawsuit names the state of California, the city of Los Angeles, L.A. County, the California Department of Parks and Recreation, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, and the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy.
What does Malibu claim caused the fire?
Malibu claims the fire was not an accident, but a “foreseeable and proximate result of unlawful conduct,” including failures related to the Lachman fire burn scar, empty reservoirs, and inadequate firefighting infrastructure.
As this legal process unfolds, it remains to be seen what the outcome will be and how it will shape the future of Malibu and its relationship with regional partners.
