Overview
- Los Angeles County Department of Public Health on Tuesday issued ocean water warnings for seven sites after tests found bacteria levels above California safety standards, including areas near the Santa Monica Pier, Mother's Beach and Inner Cabrillo Beach.
- An unusually large heat dome has pushed Southern California temperatures well above normal, driving more people to the coast and increasing the risk of heat illness with inland highs forecast to top 100°F and warm nights that limit relief.
- Emergency agencies are also managing two active wildfires—the Zebra Fire near Azusa at about 25 acres with 0% containment and the Summit Fire in Antelope Valley at roughly 2,690 acres and 47% contained—and high king tides that have raised coastal flooding concerns.
- Officials advised people to avoid entering warned waters, stay hydrated, seek air conditioning during peak heat, call the 24‑hour beach closure hotline or check the county’s interactive map for updates.
- County officials say the contamination is linked to fecal‑associated bacteria carried by storm drains and urban runoff, that follow‑up tests are conducted frequently and that continued monitoring will determine when warnings can be lifted.