Brief
Sinkhole forces evacuation of 31 Malibu homes, including Nicolas Cage’s driveway
The sinkhole that opened on Sept. 8 has prompted city permits, sandbagging and a state of emergency as waves and rain threaten the coastal neighborhood.
By Felo News Desk · Published
A 25‑foot‑deep sinkhole that opened on Sept. 8 on Sea Level Drive in Malibu has swallowed actor Nicolas Cage’s driveway, prompting the city to red‑tag 31 homes and order evacuations, according to the Los Angeles Times.
What happened
The sinkhole appeared on Sea Level Drive, making the street impassable and cutting off the only access route for the beach‑side neighborhood. The city red‑tagged 31 homes on the street and evacuated residents while it assessed the damage. Malibu declared a state of emergency on Oct. 7, citing threats from powerful waves, rain and the approaching El Niño season.
What the report adds
The Times notes that the sinkhole prompted four repair permits for Cage’s property, costing $3,158 in total. Those permits cover excavation for a soil sample, debris removal and placement of sandbags to protect the home from coastal erosion. The permits are among 14 issued to Sea Level Drive residents over the past two months as neighbors try to prevent further damage after high tides and rain from Tropical Storm Marie.
What was said
Mayor Bruce Silverstein said the emergency declaration gives officials flexibility to respond quickly to “extreme peril,” adding that Malibu has felt serious impacts from past El Niño storms. A local resident told the Times she was considering moving, while another called her insurance about sinkhole coverage.
How it came about
The sinkhole’s formation follows a period of heavy rain and coastal storms that have battered Malibu. City records show the original contractor hired to repair the damage was terminated, and a new contractor began work in early October. Gas and power lines on the street have been shut off, and the road remains closed to all vehicles.
Key facts
- A 25‑foot‑deep sinkhole opened on Sea Level Drive in Malibu on Sept. 8, swallowing Nicolas Cage’s driveway. (latimes.com)
- The city red‑tagged 31 homes and ordered evacuations after the sinkhole blocked the only access road. (latimes.com)
- Four permits costing $3,158 were issued to repair Cage’s property, including excavation, debris removal and sandbagging. (latimes.com)
- Malibu declared a state of emergency on Oct. 7 due to threats from waves, rain and potential El Niño impacts. (latimes.com)
- The original repair contractor was terminated; a new contractor began work in early October. (latimes.com)
Sources
- [1] latimes.com — originally reported as “Nicolas Cage battles sinkhole that threatened his Malibu home”
