July 18, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Santa Monica-Malibu Schools to Remain Closed Friday Due to Fire Impacts

SMMUSD Announces Support Services and Meals Offered for Families

As of 1:55 p.m., the Santa Monica-Malibu School District has announced that all SMMUSD schools, including all Santa Monica and Malibu schools, will again be closed on Friday, January 10.

Superintendent Antonio Shelton sent an email statement that says, “We continue to face unprecedented challenges as the Palisades fire and other fires across Los Angeles County impact our families and staff. The devastation, displacement, and uncertainty have deeply affected us all. We extend our gratitude to the first responders and emergency crews who are tirelessly working to combat these fires and protect lives, homes, and neighborhoods. Their courage and dedication inspire us during this difficult time.

Due to ongoing safety concerns, evacuations, continued fire threats, and poor air quality, all SMMUSD schools in Santa Monica and Malibu will remain closed on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025. The safety and well-being of our students, staff, and families remain our highest priority.

Our decision to close our schools is guided by criteria established in collaboration with local and state agencies. These include whether a school is in an evacuation zone, general safety risks, and air quality forecasts exceeding hazardous levels as determined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SoCal AQMD). Unfortunately, these criteria continue to be met.

We will monitor conditions closely and provide an update on plans for Monday when all factors are considered over the weekend.

Our student services and mental health support teams have prepared a document with resources and community services that may be helpful during this difficult time. This document includes information about food programs, how to talk to children about wildfires, evacuation centers, and other critical services. Childcare services are being offered by the YMCA and the Santa Monica Boys & Girls Club on Friday. 

Grab-and-go lunches will be available for SMMUSD students at John Adams Middle School, Lincoln Middle School, Malibu High School, in Administration Parking Area, and Samohi, from 9-11 a.m.

Please stay informed by checking updates from your school principal, district office, and official social media. Additional information can be found through the CalFire Palisades Fire webpage, (includes evacuation centers), Malibu City alerts, Santa Monica City alerts on the Palisades fire, power shutoff info from SCE.com/PSPS, Malibu Radio KBUU, RadioMalibu.net, www.smdp.com, and other local media outlets. These outlets will also share road closures, evacuations, and other information during this advisory.

There are many road closures in and around Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, and Malibu at this time. Motorists can view current traffic conditions and road closures prior to leaving for their destination via the Caltrans QuickMap. This is subject to change due to weather or other conditions. Please drive carefully, and be patient and alert while on the road.

As this situation evolves, please prioritize your safety and well-being. We will continue to provide updates and support to our community during this challenging time.”

We will continue to update this story as events unfold.

in News
<>Related Posts

Man Arrested in Brentwood for Impersonating Firefighter During Palisades Fire

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

The suspect faces at least 28 criminal counts—including 23 felonies—spanning incidents from 2023 to May 2025 Federal and local law...

West Coast Premiere of ‘The Opposite of Love’ Opens at Hudson Backstage Theatre

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Produced by Neil Gooding Productions, behind shows like Back to the Future: The Musical, the play runs Thursdays through Saturdays at...

Study Highlights Economic Impact of Cap-and-Trade Extension in Los Angeles

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Governor Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders are pushing to reauthorize the program this year, citing its role in generating 287,000...

Film Review: Superman

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

“This movie is packed with storyline, Superman lore, meaningful objects, and action.” writes Kathryn Whitney Boole Rated PG-13129 MinutesReleased July...

Multiple Drug Arrests Reported in Palisades Park in Recent Weeks

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

SMPD Reported Several of the Arrests Between June 29 and July 5 The Santa Monica Police Department reported several drug-related...

(Video) Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The outpost is a first for the popular influencer Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?...

Mayor Bass Hails National Guard Withdrawal as Victory for Unity

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The Pentagon’s decision to reduce the troop presence follows weeks of legal challenges and public demonstrations Mayor Karen Bass celebrated...

DUI Checkpoints to be Conducted Across LA This Weekend

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The LAPD selects checkpoint sites based on data indicating high incidents of impaired driving-related crashes and arrests The Los Angeles...

SMPD to Conduct Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation on Friday

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The focus will be on speeding, illegal turns, failing to yield or provide right of way to cyclists or walkers,...

Dodgers to Host Back to School Bash for Fire-Affected Families

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The free event will offer free groceries, school supplies, outfits, haircuts, medical screenings, and carnival rides The Los Angeles Dodgers...

LA Sees Second Straight Year of Homelessness Decline, Leaders Celebrate Progress

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The survey, designed by the University of Southern California, reported a 17.5% drop—the largest two-year decrease on record The Los...

LAPD Seeks Missing 63-Year-Old Man Known to Frequent Playa Vista

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

His family last heard from him via a group text on June 22 The Los Angeles Police Department’s Missing Persons...

Santa Monica Offers City-Owned Properties for Affordable Housing Development

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

The move aims to address the city’s Regional Housing Need Assessment of 8,895 units, with a goal of producing at...

California Hits Two-Thirds Clean Energy Milestone

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

This year, clean energy has powered the state for an average of seven hours daily, with over 90% of days...

Venice Beach to Host First Medal at 2028 Olympics

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

Venice Beach, known for its vibrant boardwalk, will kick off the 844 ticketed events, hosting the triathlon along its coastline...