Sheriff's Department Dismantles Complex Homeless Structure in Malibu

A homeless structure with a million-dollar view in Malibu was partially dismantled this weekend, a sheriff's lieutenant said.

A local resident spotted the makeshift home in Puerco Canyon, south of Pacific Coast Highway, and called the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, which started taking it apart on Saturday, according to Lt. Jim Royal, who is stationed at the sheriff's Lost Hills/Malibu Station.

"One of our main concerns is the potential fire hazard created by homeless encampments," Royal said.

The home, which was made up of bicycle tires, a surfboard and other scrap materials, had an unobstructed view of Puerco Beach and two beds inside.

Deputies asked the man who lived there to move out earlier in the week and to take any personal property with him, Royal said.

"We offered the guy who stayed there access to services and a ride to Santa Monica. He declined, saying he already had access to services in the Santa Monica area, and preferred to take the bus there," Royal said.

The lieutenant said the structure looked like it had been there for some time, and its original builder had moved out of state a while ago.

Royal added the structure will be fully dismantled later this week.