MALIBU, CA — Earlier this week, Presence News visited Malibu to speak with local residents and see firsthand the community’s continued recovery following the devastating wildfires that impacted the region.
Throughout the day, our team traveled through several neighborhoods where rebuilding efforts remain active. Construction crews could be seen working on new homes, while other properties were still in various stages of debris removal, permitting, planning, or foundation work. Although progress is visible across many parts of Malibu, conversations with residents highlighted that recovery continues to be a long-term process for many families.
During our visit, residents shared a wide range of experiences since the fires. Several discussed navigating insurance claims, waiting for construction approvals and permits, managing utility-related expenses, and coordinating with contractors as they work toward rebuilding their homes. Others described redesigning their properties with updated landscaping and construction plans intended to improve resilience for the future.
Many residents also reflected on the personal impact the fires have had on their daily lives. While some families have begun rebuilding or have already moved into newly constructed homes, others said they are still waiting for insurance settlements, final permits, or construction timelines before work can begin on their properties.
Presence News also observed the early stages of Southern California Edison‘s underground power infrastructure project currently underway in Malibu. The work is being performed by MGE Underground as part of a broader initiative aimed at reducing wildfire risk and improving electric service reliability.
According to Southern California Edison, placing electrical distribution lines underground is intended to better protect critical infrastructure from hazards such as high winds, falling trees, and other conditions that can damage overhead power lines. The utility has also stated that undergrounding is expected to improve system reliability while helping reduce the need for Public Safety Power Shutoffs during periods of elevated wildfire danger.
Company officials have said the Malibu work is part of a larger plan to underground at least 212 miles of overhead distribution lines in high wildfire-risk areas by the end of 2028.
During our visit, Presence News captured video of construction activity as crews worked along the project corridor. The footage was recorded hands-free using Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses while traveling through the construction zone.
While significant rebuilding remains ahead for many residents, conversations throughout the day reflected a shared determination to move forward. Across Malibu, new homes continue to rise, infrastructure improvements are taking shape, and families are working through the many challenges involved in rebuilding both their properties and their lives.
Presence News will continue following Malibu’s recovery and infrastructure improvements as additional rebuilding milestones are reached.
In other news: Atlanta, GA Artist recently visited Malibu. Check out live footage here:
