{
  "id": "2026-03-05-pepperdine-university-malibu-campus-gas-leak",
  "slug": "pepperdine-university-malibu-campus-gas-leak-2026-03-05",
  "institution": {
    "name": "Pepperdine University",
    "shortName": "Pepperdine",
    "state": "CA",
    "type": "private-r2",
    "alertSystemName": "Pepperdine Emergency Information",
    "alertPlatform": "Everbridge",
    "enrollment": 8800
  },
  "incident": {
    "date": "2026-03-05",
    "endDate": "2026-03-06",
    "type": "gas-leak",
    "cleryCategory": "emergency-notification",
    "resolution": "resolved",
    "headline": "Multi-day Malibu campus gas leak with residential re-occupancy updates",
    "headlinePublic": "Multi-day Malibu campus gas leak with residential re-occupancy updates",
    "summary": "On March 5-6, 2026, [Pepperdine Emergency Information posted a sequence of gas-leak updates](https://emergency.pepperdine.edu/2026/03/05/gas-leak-on-the-malibu-campus-update-2/) covering SoCalGas shutoff plans, alternate repair solutions, residential re-occupancy for Eden/Krown Alpha/Shafer, and final permanent repairs near The Mountain construction site.",
    "outcome": "Permanent gas-line repairs completed March 6; roads reopened; residential re-occupancy staged after evaluations.",
    "casualties": {
      "killed": 0,
      "injured": 0
    }
  },
  "alerts": [
    {
      "sequence": 1,
      "type": "initial",
      "timestampApprox": "2026-03-05/06 (Gas Leak on the Malibu Campus – Update #2)",
      "channel": "website",
      "verbatimText": "While we continue to push for faster service, SoCalGas has notified the University that gas will need to be turned off starting shortly and will remain off at least mid-day Friday. This gas shutoff will impact the following areas: Drescher including HOAs, student apartments, academic buildings, and the Villa Tiner Court Baxter Drive George Page Caruso School of Law Towers Department of Facilities pad Additional updates about repair times, service restoration, and when evacuated students may be able to return to their residence halls will be shared when available.",
      "isVerbatimConfirmed": true,
      "sourceUrl": "https://emergency.pepperdine.edu/2026/03/05/gas-leak-on-the-malibu-campus-update-2/",
      "sourceDescription": "Pepperdine Emergency Information — Gas Leak on the Malibu Campus – Update #2",
      "characterCount": 569,
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      ]
    },
    {
      "sequence": 2,
      "type": "update",
      "timestampApprox": "2026-03-05/06 (Gas Leak on the Malibu Campus – Update #3)",
      "channel": "website",
      "verbatimText": "SoCalGas is currently attempting an alternate solution to the problem, which may allow gas service to continue uninterrupted. SoCalGas will not be able to confirm if the attempted solution is successful for several hours.  If unsuccessful, gas will need to be shut off to the areas listed below, resulting in an extended gas outage through at least mid-day Friday: Drescher, including HOAs, student apartments, academic buildings, and the Villa Tiner Court Baxter Drive George Page Caruso School of Law Towers Department of Facilities pad Dining services will be available in the Waves Cafeteria for affected faculty, staff, and residential students until 8 PM tonight. The previously evacuated buildings (Lovernich, Eden, Krown Alpha, Shafer, and the Fitness Center) need to remain unoccupied at this time. The University will update members of the Malibu campus community by 10 PM, including students who have been displaced.",
      "isVerbatimConfirmed": true,
      "sourceUrl": "https://emergency.pepperdine.edu/2026/03/05/gas-leak-on-the-malibu-campus-update-3/",
      "sourceDescription": "Pepperdine Emergency Information — Gas Leak on the Malibu Campus – Update #3",
      "characterCount": 927,
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    },
    {
      "sequence": 3,
      "type": "update",
      "timestampApprox": "2026-03-05/06 (Gas Leak on the Malibu Campus – Update #4)",
      "channel": "website",
      "verbatimText": "SoCalGas’s attempted alternative solution has been successful. Gas service is expected to continue uninterrupted for the entire Malibu campus while SoCalGas continues permanent repairs. Public Safety and the Los Angeles County Fire Department have thoroughly evaluated the affected residential areas. Eden, Krown Alpha, and Shafer will be available for safe re-occupancy starting at 11 PM. Students may head directly to their rooms at that time. However, Lovernich remains under evaluation and the University is working with the fire department to safely reoccupy this building as soon as feasible. Lovernich residents will receive an update from HRL by 11 PM on whether re-occupancy will be possible tonight or, if not, with plans for alternative housing for the evening.  The Fitness Center will resume its normal operating hours tomorrow. Traffic on Benton Way and Huntsinger will continue to use an alternating pattern throughout the night and into tomorrow morning to provide access to and from the Drescher campus until all repair equipment can be removed.  Breakfast will be provided at no cost to residential students, staff, and faculty in Waves Cafe tomorrow morning starting at 7:30 AM. This will be the final planned community update for this evening.",
      "isVerbatimConfirmed": true,
      "sourceUrl": "https://emergency.pepperdine.edu/2026/03/05/gas-leak-on-the-malibu-campus-update-4/",
      "sourceDescription": "Pepperdine Emergency Information — Gas Leak on the Malibu Campus – Update #4",
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    },
    {
      "sequence": 4,
      "type": "update",
      "timestampApprox": "2026-03-05/06 (Gas Leak on the Malibu Campus – Final Update)",
      "channel": "website",
      "verbatimText": "Southern California Gas has successfully completed permanent repairs on the gas line near The Mountain construction site. As an extra precaution, Southern California Gas technicians will be visiting HOA residences this morning to ensure gas is functioning appropriately. They will check gas meters and then knock on doors if any readings are abnormal.  Benton Way and John Tyler Drive are now open, and traffic patterns have returned to normal. Breakfast will be provided at no cost to residential students, staff, and faculty in Waves Cafe from 7:30 – 10:30 AM. Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we worked closely with the fire department and utility crews to resolve this situation as quickly and safely as possible.",
      "isVerbatimConfirmed": true,
      "sourceUrl": "https://emergency.pepperdine.edu/2026/03/06/gas-leak-on-the-malibu-campus-final-update/",
      "sourceDescription": "Pepperdine Emergency Information — Gas Leak on the Malibu Campus – Final Update",
      "characterCount": 731,
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    {
      "sequence": 5,
      "type": "update",
      "timestampApprox": "2026-03-05 (Gas Leak on the Malibu Campus)",
      "channel": "website",
      "verbatimText": "There is a gas leak on the Malibu campus near the Mountain construction site. Preliminary reports indicate that a gas line was accidentally struck by a contractor. The gas company is on scene to address the leak.  The Los Angeles County Fire County and Department of Public Safety (DPS) are on-site and have closed Benton Way and John Tyler Drive to all traffic to allow emergency response crews to access and resolve the leak. Please avoid these areas to allow for unimpeded emergency vehicle access.  At this time, for the safety of our residents, all students in the following residence halls are required to vacate the premises immediately: Eden House Crown House Shaffer House Lovernich Apartments Please follow the directions of first responders on the ground and ensure all doors are closed behind you as you exit. If you are in a nearby building and smell gas, please evacuate and contact DPS immediately at (310) 506-4441. We are working closely with the fire department and utility crews to resolve this situation as quickly and safely as possible.  Thank you for your immediate cooperation and patience.",
      "isVerbatimConfirmed": true,
      "sourceUrl": "https://emergency.pepperdine.edu/2026/03/05/gas-leak-on-the-malibu-campus/",
      "sourceDescription": "Pepperdine Emergency Information — Gas Leak on the Malibu Campus",
      "annotations": [
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        "Chronologically first notice; sequenced after updates to preserve prior ledger sequence mapping."
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    },
    {
      "sequence": 6,
      "type": "update",
      "timestampApprox": "2026-03-05 (Gas Leak on the Malibu Campus – Update #1)",
      "channel": "website",
      "verbatimText": "Damage to the gas main line at the corner of Benton Way and Huntsinger Circle will take time to repair. While Southern California Gas is on-scene, they require a specialized team to complete the necessary work. This team is forecasted to arrive on campus around 4 PM, and their work may take several hours. The fire department remains on scene to continue to assess and prioritize safety. Until the repairs are complete, the fire department will aim to allow traffic to pass through the intersection in groups every half-hour (for example, 4 PM and 4:30 PM). No other traffic will be allowed up to or down from Drescher until the repairs are complete.   Cars should gather in advance of the half-hour marks at: S – Lot, the main lot at the Drescher campus, to come down from Drescher N – Lot, adjacent to the Baseball Field, to go up to Drescher At this time, for the safety of our community, the following structures have been evacuated: Eden House Krown Alpha House Shafer House Lovernich Apartments Fitness Center The Mountain construction site Human Resources is working with departments to facilitate the movement of employees from Drescher in groups according to this schedule as well. If you are working on the Drescher campus, consult with your supervisor for further instructions. Further information will follow regarding events from event organizers and classes from each of the schools located at Drescher.",
      "isVerbatimConfirmed": true,
      "sourceUrl": "https://emergency.pepperdine.edu/2026/03/05/gas-leak-on-the-malibu-campus-update-1/",
      "sourceDescription": "Pepperdine Emergency Information — Gas Leak on the Malibu Campus – Update #1",
      "annotations": [
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        "Chronologically second notice; sequenced after updates to preserve prior ledger sequence mapping."
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      "characterCount": 1418
    }
  ],
  "context": "Sequenced gas-leak emergency notices from Pepperdine Emergency Information (RSS-complete bodies).",
  "keyFindings": [
    "Full text from emergency.pepperdine.edu RSS content:encoded body."
  ],
  "sources": [
    {
      "title": "Pepperdine Emergency Information — Gas Leak on the Malibu Campus – Update #2",
      "url": "https://emergency.pepperdine.edu/2026/03/05/gas-leak-on-the-malibu-campus-update-2/",
      "type": "official-archive"
    },
    {
      "title": "Pepperdine Emergency Information — Gas Leak on the Malibu Campus – Update #3",
      "url": "https://emergency.pepperdine.edu/2026/03/05/gas-leak-on-the-malibu-campus-update-3/",
      "type": "official-archive"
    },
    {
      "title": "Pepperdine Emergency Information — Gas Leak on the Malibu Campus – Update #4",
      "url": "https://emergency.pepperdine.edu/2026/03/05/gas-leak-on-the-malibu-campus-update-4/",
      "type": "official-archive"
    },
    {
      "title": "Pepperdine Emergency Information — Gas Leak on the Malibu Campus – Final Update",
      "url": "https://emergency.pepperdine.edu/2026/03/06/gas-leak-on-the-malibu-campus-final-update/",
      "type": "official-archive"
    }
  ],
  "confidence": "high",
  "tags": [
    "pepperdine",
    "gas-leak"
  ],
  "dateAdded": "2026-07-27",
  "lastUpdated": "2026-07-27",
  "addedBy": "ingestion"
}