It came as surprise to many Malibu residents to see several masked protesters waving flags and placards along Pacific Coast Highway, the main artery in this famously wealthy seaside community last week. The small group, holding signs that said “Scientology Scam,” with their faces covered, stood in front of a nail salon that was recently renovated into facility catering to Scientologists.

The Pepperdine University Community in Malibu is responding this morning to a nearby fire in Malibu Canyon. Steps are being taken to shelter and place students in the Firestone Fieldhouse and faculty and staff residents in Tyler Campus Center. No campus evacuations are planned at this time.

Wildfires in Malibu, California have forced the evacuation of several celebrity homes, as well as the campus of Pepperdine University. The fire has also consumed historic Hodge Castle also known as Malibu Castle.