Some critics argue that using the drugs is akin to "taking a shortcut," overlooking the complex factors that contribute to obesity.

“I never thought we’d have to evacuate, because we’re so far away from the mountains,” said Denise Weaver, who lives on a bluff overlooking dozens of burned houses on the Pacific Coast Highway.

On Thursday, I drove into the Palisades with my friend Chris Coté, who owns a modest home near the bluffs overlooking the ocean.

The revered producer and mixer has helmed records by such rock legends as Bruce Springsteen, the Rolling Stones, Roxy Music and David Bowie, often out of his home studio, Mix This!, overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

We never took our heavenly spot on the bluff overlooking our beloved malibu for granted, not even for one second.