A 25-foot-deep sinkhole swallowed the driveway of actor Nicolas Cage's Malibu home, making Sea Level Drive impassable and forcing the evacuation of 31 homes.
Here's what to know
According to the Los Angeles Times, after the damage occurred on Sept. 8, Cage obtained four permits to start repair work. The approvals allow excavation for a soil sample, debris removal, and sandbag placement to help shield the house from erosion and wave damage.
City records reflect the four permits totaled $3,158. City staff issued 10 additional permit approvals to Sea Level Drive residents over roughly two months as neighbors sought to limit further damage from high tides and rain linked to Tropical Storm Marie.
Malibu shut off gas and electricity service to the street, and drivers can't use the road until evacuation orders are lifted.
On Oct. 7, Malibu declared a state of emergency as officials braced for stronger waves and possible El Niño-related effects.
In the emergency declaration, Mayor Bruce Silverstein said, "Malibu has experienced the serious impacts of powerful storms … El Niño's impacts are already being felt."
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More background
Records show that Cage bought the Malibu property for $10.5 million in 2024. Near Lechuza Point, the 3,938-square-foot home has four bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms, and a rooftop deck with a hot tub.
Power and gas service disruptions can jeopardize public safety, strain household finances, and deepen concerns about insurance and housing stability.
Among the other residents, one was considering a move, while another asked her insurer whether sinkholes were covered.
What's being done?
Beyond permit-granted repair work, Malibu has also taken emergency action by red-tagging 31 homes, formally restricting occupancy in unsafe structures.
It is still uncertain when evacuation orders will be lifted, but some fear it may be a while, considering the first contractor assigned to the Sea Level Drive repairs was dismissed, and another was hired, according to Malibu.fm. Officials say the Sea Level Drive Homeowners Association is responsible for the repairs.
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