Malibu, 'emotionally and physically scarred,' is suing California, L.A., others over Palisades fire

"Malibu is suing the state of California, the city of Los Angeles, L.A. County and a variety of public agencies, seeking damages for financial losses due to last year's Palisades fire. Malibu is filing suit against the state of California, the city of Los Angeles, L.A. County and additional public entities. Saying the seaside enclave's "entire character" was changed by the Palisades fire, the city is seeking damages for the loss of property, business and city revenue."

"The city's "entire character changed" on Jan. 7, 2025, when the defendants' "unlawful conduct caused the Palisades Fire to ignite," according to the complaint. The ensuing blaze killed 12 people, half of whom were Malibu residents, according to the city. Roughly 700 Malibu homes and dozens of businesses also were destroyed, the complaint states. Those businesses included restaurants that were local institutions, such as Moonshadows, the Reel Inn and Rosenthal Wine Bar & Patio."

Malibu filed a civil complaint in Los Angeles County Superior Court naming the state of California, the city of Los Angeles, L.A. County and several public agencies as defendants, seeking damages for financial losses from the Jan. 7, 2025 Palisades Fire. The complaint alleges unlawful conduct by defendants that changed Malibu's "entire character" and caused the blaze. The fire killed 12 people, destroyed roughly 700 homes and dozens of businesses, including Moonshadows, the Reel Inn and Rosenthal Wine Bar & Patio. Defendants named include 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. No specific dollar amount is listed.

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