Lechusa Beach homes still red-tagged after 31 days Play

There is no update yet on the status of 31 houses that got red tagged at Lachusa Beach 31 days ago. The neighborhood was evacuated when the home owned by actor Nicolas Cage lost its driveway and septic tank to high surf, during Labor Day weekend.

Nearby houses also had their driveways damaged, but more importantly, Sea Level Drive was undermined. That meant fire truck access and residential traffic in the neighborhood has been impossible.

The water, gas, and underground electric lines have all been cut off.

Mandatory evacuation orders were issued for 31 houses for five weeks. That was four and a half weeks ago.

This is in the subdivision called Lachusa Beach, just off Broad Beach Road, one mile west of Trancas.

At the time, the city said private contractors working for the Homeowners Association were in charge of repairing Sea Level Drive and of protecting the row of houses on stilts over the ocean.

The estimate was for a five-week project — and that was four and a half weeks ago.

The City of Malibu now tells KBUU News that the HOA and the company that owns Nicolas Cage's house have changed contractors. This happened Tuesday morning, when the city was notified that the contractors had been changed.

Late Thursday, a city spokesman said they are actively communicating to clarify what's happening and obtain an update on the permanent road repair plan and schedule.