It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Adamson House Museum gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Malibu, CA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I have partnered with Tom in Thousand Oaks for a couple years now, I can”
“Caring and sensitive. David is so focused on helping families. He is such an asset”
“Always Best Care has been helping my 94 year old Mother very much! The Caregivers”
“Been with the company for approximately like 6 months ,love it , great supervisors n”
“I’ve worked with a few agencies and my experience with Always Best Care has been”
“I've worked with ABC for over a year now. I've worked for other organizations”
“I am a past client of this provider Nisa was a great friend to my father and”
“I am a past client of this provider Nisa is the best. Upbeat, knows what she’s”
“After researching several Home Health Care companies in my area, I choose Always Best Care”
“First let me say that this review was not solicited by any one at Always”
“I am making this post on the behalf of my mother in law who does”
“I am making this post on the behalf of my mother in law who does”
“I am a current client of this provider We are with Always Best Care. We have”
“Tom and his team of caregivers do a great job. I highly recommend Always”
“I’m a registered nurse and having Erin help me with this process was seamless. She”
“I've been with the company a lil over 3months maybe longer and love the respect”
“This is the finest company in home care, I would highly recommend it for your”
“Stellar service and care! Highly recommend!”
“This is truly a team you can trust to take care of your loved one.”
“I have partnered with Tom in Thousand Oaks for a couple years now, I can attest that he strives to provide the best quality care for his clients and a positive work environment for his employees. Great agency! Highly recommend!”
“Caring and sensitive. David is so focused on helping families. He is such an asset to our hospital. Families don't know where to start and David gets the ball rolling and smooths the way. What a blessing to these families.”
“Always Best Care has been helping my 94 year old Mother very much! The Caregivers are wonderful and helpful and willing to go the extra mile. I am so happy to have their team a part of our lives! Thank you!”
“Been with the company for approximately like 6 months ,love it , great supervisors n boss , overall great company for work for , great communication from supervisors ,n always a pleasure to work with wonderful clients”
“I’ve worked with a few agencies and my experience with Always Best Care has been phenomenal. The professionalism.and respect they show to us caregivers makes me feel appreciated as well as giving me opportunity to learn and grow in my services I provide to my clients with the workshops they provide every month.”
“I've worked with ABC for over a year now. I've worked for other organizations that provide senior care services but the Always Best Care Thousand Oaks location has been a wonderful place to work. The working relationship between staff, client and ownership/management is that it's important for us all to be happy. I've been placed with so many wonderful people that I can say are not only my clients but also my friends. They really try to provide the right client with the right caregiver and with me it has been a wonderful experience and a great place to work.”
“I am a past client of this provider Nisa was a great friend to my father and treated him like family. It was reassuring to us to know he was looked after by a loving and caring person. She was always available to us and she was able to adjust her schedule to his needs. Nisa allowed my father to stay in his home longer and provided him new freedom he had not had previously.”
“I am a past client of this provider Nisa is the best. Upbeat, knows what she’s doing, was great with my mom. We all felt very comfortable when she was caring for mom.”
“After researching several Home Health Care companies in my area, I choose Always Best Care and was extremely pleased with the decision I made. Always Best Care checked every box on my list and was the absolute best choice for my post-surgery needs. Start to finish, the entire organization was professional, responsive, and provided the services I was in need of. Caregivers were exceptional in responding to my needs in addition to providing warm companionship that aided in a worry free recovery. Always Best Care delivered as promised and I highly recommend them for Home Health Care needs. MMD”
“First let me say that this review was not solicited by any one at Always Best Care Senior Services. The services provided by Always Best are both personal and professional. All of my calls were always answered by Tom ( the owner). Never was I left to wonder if I was going to get assistance for my mother and her significant other. From the top down I found everyone to be patient, kind, attentive, accessible, problem solvers, with an “I can get it done” attitude. The services provided by Always Best, required end of life care. The care givers worked seamlessly with Hospice. Every step of the way I could see both my mother and the patient were lovingly cared for. I look forward to using this agency as needed for my mother. Thank you, Tom and all of your care angels!”
“I am making this post on the behalf of my mother in law who does not currently have a Gmail account. Always Best Care has been a true blessing with providing a wonderful caregiver who is kind, patient and supportive with my 95 year old mother's needs which include a downward cognitive slide. My mom enjoys the support and care too. I've heard horror stories about such services, but have been beyond pleased with Tom and his caregiving agency. Lori Robinson- Ventura County”
“I am making this post on the behalf of my mother in law who does not currently have a Gmail account. Always Best Care has been a true blessing with providing a wonderful caregiver who is kind, patient and supportive with my 95 year old mother's needs which include a downward cognitive slide. My mom enjoys the support and care too. I've heard horror stories about such services, but have been beyond pleased with Tom and his caregiving agency. Lori Robinson- Ventura County”
“I am a current client of this provider We are with Always Best Care. We have been with them for two weeks now. They were great, and we have had a good experience so far. The caregiver is great. She has been like a lifeline for us; she has been nice. The scheduling has been fine, and everything has been working great.”
“Tom and his team of caregivers do a great job. I highly recommend Always Best Care of Thousand Oaks.”
“I’m a registered nurse and having Erin help me with this process was seamless. She is comforting, empathetic, and very knowledgeable. Thanks again Erin! Natalie Schauwecker, RN”
“I've been with the company a lil over 3months maybe longer and love the respect they give us caregivers and employees. We are a team as they say welcome to the team and it truly is a team more like a family here. They take our schedules and work with us and don't pay us low as all other places. You get what you pay for. I've worked for Disneyland Resorts and this is much like the atmosphere there very friendly and non judgemental and truly caring understanding team. Tom the owner is one of us he doesn't put himself above us neither does Erin. They are both friendly. Moving up in the company is possible as i have already and my kids are much happier because mommy actually loves her job. No one is paying me to write this i don't do reviews typically because the time it takes but i believe in our team amd if you want great care and affordable care please try us for a week and I personally guarantee you, you'll be the next to write a review.”
“This is the finest company in home care, I would highly recommend it for your family!”
“Stellar service and care! Highly recommend!”
“This is truly a team you can trust to take care of your loved one. It is obvious, Tom and his team have a passion for the work they do. They are so patient and kind and treated us and our loved one like one of their own members of the family. We are forever grateful.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Malibu Bluffs Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Nobu Malibu or visit Point Dume, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Malibu, CA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Malibu, CA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Malibu, CA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
A luxury property rental company denies the allegations of a couple who claim it abruptly pulled the plug a month before their wedding.LOS ANGELES, CA — In new court papers, a luxury property rental company denies the allegations of a couple who claim it abruptly pulled the plug a month before their scheduled summer 2024 wedding at a lavish Malibu mansion that promised electrifying views, ample parking and space for numerous overnight guests.Shane Foley and Leah Sanfilippo filed the suit in Los Angeles Superior Court ag...
LOS ANGELES, CA — In new court papers, a luxury property rental company denies the allegations of a couple who claim it abruptly pulled the plug a month before their scheduled summer 2024 wedding at a lavish Malibu mansion that promised electrifying views, ample parking and space for numerous overnight guests.
Shane Foley and Leah Sanfilippo filed the suit in Los Angeles Superior Court against Living the Dream and the various owners of the property on Piuma Road. The pair's allegations include breach of contract, fraud, false advertising and negligence. Foley and Sanfilippo seek unspecified compensatory and punitive damages.
In court papers filed Sept. 5 with Judge Holly J. Fujie, attorneys for Living the Dream state that their client committed no wrongdoing.
"After plaintiffs failed to pay the balance of the deposit timely, and after unforeseen circumstances, (Living the Dream was) forced to cancel the event," the defense lawyers state in their court papers. "As per the contract, a full refund was provided for the partial deposit paid."
But the couple's attorneys tell a different story in the suit filed last Oct. 23.
"Plaintiffs were deprived of the opportunity to look forward to one of the most important days of their lives and were instead left scrambling to ensure that they did not have to cancel their wedding entirely," the suit states, adding that the couple's "dream wedding quickly turned into a nightmare."
LTD's conduct has resulted in significant financial and emotional damage to the couple because they had to endure substantial expense in making last-minute arrangements to ensure that their wedding could go ahead, according to the suit, which describes the plaintiff's demeanor upon learning of the cancellation as "distraught."
LTD advertises the property on its website for $65,000 a month and a minimum of $3,000 per night while dubbing the mansion they leased from the property owners as a wedding and event venue, according to the suit.
When they inquired with LTD about using the property to host their wedding, a company representative responded, "We're so excited to have the opportunity to host you at our gorgeous estate and welcome you to the Living The Dream family. We are specialized into making your event amazing and unforgettable."
Convinced in part by the glamorous depictions of past weddings in the LTD brochure, the couple put down nearly $11,000 and signed an agreement in January to be married there in August, the suit states.
"Suffice to say, plaintiffs reasonably believed that they were entering into a contract that committed LTD defendants to hosting plaintiffs' wedding event at the property," the suit states.
"They sent out wedding invitations for friends and family, coordinated the necessary travel arrangements, booked vendors — including bartenders, caterers and a band — and relied on LTD's representation that 20 guests could stay overnight at the property for three nights."
But LTD notified the plaintiffs by email in July 2024, a month before they were to exchange vows, that they could not use the property after all due unforeseeable circumstances and that the company's decision was made "in adherence to the latest legal requirements and regulations," according to the suit.
Although LTD allegedly refused to give further explanation for the wedding's annulment, Los Angeles County had sent the company cease-and-desist orders dating back to 2021 disallowing them from hosting events at the property, according to the suit, which further alleges the information undermines LTD's claim of an unexpected turn of events.
Foley and Sanfilippo had to wait two weeks to get their deposit back, causing them further stress, and they have since learned on Yelp reviews that other couples who used LTD also were forced into late wedding cancellations, the suit states.
Trial of the lawsuit is scheduled Aug. 23, 2027.
City News Service
MALIBU, Calif. (KABC) -- An 11-year-old girl is recovering after being attacked by a mountain lion in the backyard of her home in Malibu.The incident happened around 5:40 p.m. Sunday near Pacific Coast Highway and Encinal Canyon Road, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.The girl was reportedly feeding chickens when she was attacked from behind by the animal. She suffered injuries to her arms, leg and lower back. Family members took her to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.After the atta...
MALIBU, Calif. (KABC) -- An 11-year-old girl is recovering after being attacked by a mountain lion in the backyard of her home in Malibu.
The incident happened around 5:40 p.m. Sunday near Pacific Coast Highway and Encinal Canyon Road, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
The girl was reportedly feeding chickens when she was attacked from behind by the animal. She suffered injuries to her arms, leg and lower back. Family members took her to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
After the attack, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife found a mountain lion behind the home and euthanized it. DNA tests will confirm if it's the same mountain lion that attacked the girl.
Though experts say such attacks are rare, some residents are still fearful of potential encounters. People hiking in Charmlee Wilderness Park, not far from the scene of the attack, were very concerned.
"I heard a kid got hurt, it's terrible, definitely something that we get concerned about," said Yann Dacquay, as he finished a hike with his 4 and 5-year-old sons. "I just hope whoever was involved in this attack is doing ok and recovering. We do live with nature and trying to coexist is important. Unfortunately, these things are going to happen, but together we raise education and awareness for it, and, I think, in the end the benefits outweigh the risks."
This comes after a 6-year-old boy was attacked by a coyote at his sister's softball game in Carson.
The coyote bit the back of the boy's head and both of his legs, requiring the child to have 20 stitches.
Mountain lions are not uncommon in certain parts of Southern California.
"Try to put the risk in perspective. In the last 100 years in California... according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, about 50 attacks on people. And it was six or seven of those, have been fatal. You are in much more danger getting on the 101 driving, where we have 4000 deaths per year," said Beth Pratt, regional director of the California National Wildlife Federation.
Pratt says if you or your children encounter a mountain lion -- don't run.
"You want to take some measures to look as big as possible. Be loud, I tell the school kids, when I talk to them, to roar, even though mountain lions don't roar... You want to show that mountain lion you're aware of it, and you're big."
California is burning once again, with homeowners being told to evacuate as the impacts of January's devastating wildfires are still being felt.Meanwhile, an unidentified investor is looking to the future and snapping up prime Malibu property with a plan to rebuild and create "a very desirable spot for a lot of wealthy people to try to buy a beach house," according to a story first reported by Realtor.com.Where the fires are burning: There are multiple active wildfires, most notably the Gifford fire, ...
California is burning once again, with homeowners being told to evacuate as the impacts of January's devastating wildfires are still being felt.
Meanwhile, an unidentified investor is looking to the future and snapping up prime Malibu property with a plan to rebuild and create "a very desirable spot for a lot of wealthy people to try to buy a beach house," according to a story first reported by Realtor.com.
Where the fires are burning: There are multiple active wildfires, most notably the Gifford fire, which started on August 1 and was recently declared a "megafire" after destroying more than 100,000 acres of land in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties.
The Canyon fire, which started August 7, has burned more than 5,000 acres along the border of Ventura and Los Angeles counties but was more than 90% contained as of August 11.
Impact on housing: Unlike the Eaton and Palisades fires earlier this year — which leveled 18,000-plus homes — these latest fires have primarily burned land, although some homes have been damaged or destroyed.
On Aug. 11, the state's insurance commissioner urged evacuees to keep receipts and other documentation of their costs to support claims for reimbursement from their insurance companies.
A makeover in Malibu: It's not clear how the current fires will affect future real estate sales, but they could spur a land grab — at least that's what the Malibu area is experiencing eight months after fires ripped through the community.
A foreign investor has been buying up burned-out oceanfront lots in the iconic and celebrity-rich environment, where the going rate for properties damaged by the Jan. 2025 fires has been in the seven figures.
Weston Littlefield, one of the region's top luxury agents, told Realtor.com that his client is focusing on lots with 40-plus feet of frontage — including properties that weren't for sale. It was a "tough subject," Littlefield said, as many owners had sentimental attachments to the land.
The challenges of rebuilding: Sentiment aside, many homeowners "just didn't want to go through the rebuilding process because of how long they knew it was going to take to really come back," Littlefield noted.
But it will come back, with brand-new construction, he added. And once it does, "I think it's going to be a very desirable spot for a lot of wealthy people to try to buy a beach house."
Other investors have focused on nearby areas including Altadena, where a lottery winner was reported to have snatched up at least a dozen burned-out lots in June.
An order to boil water before drinking or using continued Thursday for some residents of Malibu following bridge construction work at Solstice Creek, according to the California Department of Transportation and Los Angeles County Waterworks.The agencies said that a water main was temporarily disrupted while the bridge construction took place. After concrete unexpectedly blocked the water line, water supply restoration was delayed. Crews finished repairs Wednesday at noon and were working to re-pressurize and test the water line for an...
An order to boil water before drinking or using continued Thursday for some residents of Malibu following bridge construction work at Solstice Creek, according to the California Department of Transportation and Los Angeles County Waterworks.
The agencies said that a water main was temporarily disrupted while the bridge construction took place. After concrete unexpectedly blocked the water line, water supply restoration was delayed. Crews finished repairs Wednesday at noon and were working to re-pressurize and test the water line for any pathogens or contaminants, according to a statement from L.A. County Waterworks in District 29. The work was expected to be completed by Friday, the department said.
The boil order, which began on Wednesday, affected areas west of Corral Road and Solstice Canyon Road. Residents should boil water for at least one minute before drinking or using, as recommended by the State Water Resources Control Board to avoid “potential stomach or intestinal illness due to possible contaminants in the water system,” the order said.
L.A. County Waterworks said bottled water was being distributed at two locations on Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The locations include the Malibu Public Library on Civic Center Way and the Malibu High School on Morning View Drive, in front of the administration building.
Meanwhile, residents in Granada Hills and Porter Ranch experienced a water service outage on Tuesday that occurred while crews were repairing a leak at a pump station that connects to a 10 million-gallon water tank, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power said. A boil order for those neighborhoods, issued on Tuesday, continued all day Wednesday.
It was not immediately known when the boil order would be lifted in the Malibu area. Those affected can check updates here.
In the charred aftermath of Malibu’s January wildfires, one buyer has been moving in silence.While much of La Costa Beach remains a barren stretch of sand, a foreign investor has quietly acquired nine oceanfront lots — spending more than $65 million to secure some of the most coveted parcels along the Pacific Coast Highway, according to Realtor.com. Working through luxury agents Weston Littlefield and Alex Howe of the Weston James Group, the buyer is targeting properties with at least 40 feet of frontage, betting th...
In the charred aftermath of Malibu’s January wildfires, one buyer has been moving in silence.
While much of La Costa Beach remains a barren stretch of sand, a foreign investor has quietly acquired nine oceanfront lots — spending more than $65 million to secure some of the most coveted parcels along the Pacific Coast Highway, according to Realtor.com.
Working through luxury agents Weston Littlefield and Alex Howe of the Weston James Group, the buyer is targeting properties with at least 40 feet of frontage, betting that once the coastline is rebuilt, demand from wealthy buyers will return in force.
“He started building a team on his end of expediters, architects and kind of figured out what the best size lots and frontage would be to build on to eventually resell,” Littlefield told Realtor.com.
Many of the most desirable sites weren’t listed publicly, forcing the team to track down owners.
“I’d say probably about 50% had sentimental value to their properties just based on memories, or their parents passed it down to them,” he said. “But a lot of them, ultimately, just didn’t want to go through the rebuilding process because of how long they knew it was going to take to really come back.”
The scale of destruction was severe: The fire razed 720 structures in Malibu, burning miles of beachfront homes to their foundations.
“Malibu was such a charming beach town, and all the homes that were on La Costa Beach had so much character… and for it all to just be gone and wiped out, down to the sand, is heartbreaking,” Littlefield said.
Rebuilding is a long and costly process. The city estimates permit approvals can take 12 to 24 months, and coastal construction carries steeper requirements than inland projects.
Fees start at $11,579 for planning alone, before additional costs for site reviews or variances. Homes must generally match the original footprint, though up to 10% more square footage is allowed.
Developers must also meet FEMA floodplain standards, replace noncompliant seawalls and install Advanced Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems instead of septic tanks.
Timber piles are banned, and narrow La Costa Beach parcels are subject to strict view protections. The city has set up a Malibu Rebuild Center to help owners navigate the process, both online and in person.
For Littlefield, the investment is a calculated bet with a long horizon.
“Once this beach is built back and it’s all brand-new construction, I think it’s going to be a very desirable spot for a lot of wealthy people to try to buy a beach house,” he said.
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