12/02/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 12/02/2024 19:25
MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2024
UPCOMING
CITY HALL / ADMINISTRATION
(NEW) CITY COUNCIL APPROVES CREATION OF NEW COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TO IMPROVE OPERATIONS AND SERVICE.
During the November 25, 2024, City Council meeting, the Council approved a reorganization of the Environmental Sustainability and Planning Departments to establish the new Community Development Department (CDD). This reorganization, recommended in the 2023 Development Services Review Study (Baker Tilly Report), aims to improve operational efficiency, streamline processes, and enhance service delivery. The draft structure of the new department will have Planning, Long Range Planning, Building, Code Enforcement, Environmental Programs, and Administration divisions under a unified organization. This reorganization is expected to improve collaboration, reduce redundancies, and better align services with Malibu's goals of sustainability and streamlined operations. Recruitment for the Community Development Director will begin soon, marking the first step in implementing this reorganization. For more information, see the staff report.
(NEW) ELECTION INFORMATION FOR MALIBU VOTERS
PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY SAFETY
Updates on PCH Safety and Infrastructure INITIATIVES
A presentation was given to the Malibu City Council on November 25 with updates on new and ongoing initiatives to make Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) safer, addressing critical concerns of the community.
Timeline to Implement Speed Cameras on PCH
Following the signing of SB 1297, allowing for automated speed citation camera systems along PCH in Malibu, the City acted immediately to begin the implementation process. These systems have been shown to reduce speeding, traffic collisions, injuries and deaths in other states and countries. The cameras are expected to be installed and go live in September 2025, initially with a 60-day warning period, accompanied by a public education campaign. In November 2025, full enforcement begins, and the speed cameras will begin issuing fines to violators.
Caltrans to Install Temporary Roundabouts for Safety in Western Malibu
Caltrans will install temporary traffic circles, or roundabouts, on PCH at El Matador State Beach and Encinal Canyon Rd. These highly popular beach access locations face safety issues due to limited parking, lack of crosswalks, stop signs or signals, high traffic speeds, and pedestrian conflicts. The temporary, quickly installed roundabouts are meant to slow down traffic and reduce injuries, collisions and deaths while maintaining traffic flow. The project will be funded by LA County Department of Public Works and LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath's share of County Transportation Funds. The roundabout at El Matador could reduce crashes by about 39% and severe injuries and fatalities by about 90%. The Encinal intersection was identified as a critical intersection in the City's 2015 PCH Safety Study. Data collection and community feedback will determine if permanent roundabouts will be installed.
Progress on the PCH Master Plan
Caltrans has conducted six public outreach and engagement events to get community feedback and share proposed concepts for its PCH Master Plan feasibility study. Another workshop is planned for Wednesday, December 11, 6:00 PM at City Hall. Key goals include: reduce crashes and crash severity; prioritize bicyclist and pedestrian safety; increase public transportation infrastructure; reconceptualize PCH as community access and share road space for all users; preserve and/or enhance access for emergency vehicles, beaches and trails, and local businesses; preserve PCH as an evacuation route. Some potential solutions to accomplish these goals include: roundabouts; new sidewalks; protected bike lanes; staggered and angled parking; lane reduction; emergency accessible medians; traffic calming landscaping and art installations; signalized pedestrian crosswalks; and gateways. Following the December 11 workshop, Caltrans will post the feasibility study for a 30-day public review period. The Study will then be finalized and recommendations will be presented to the California Transportation Commission. Additional details will be announced.
Learn more about all of the City's efforts to address PCH safety on the webpage.
PUBLIC SAFETY
(NEW) THE CITY SEEKS PUBLIC FEEDBACK ABOUT ITS COVID-19 PANDEMIC RESPONSE
The City seeks feedback from the community about the City's response to the COVID-19 pandemic as part of the update of the Pandemic Response Annex of the City's Emergency Operations Plan. Residents, businesses, employees, and community-based organizations are invited to share their views on what worked well and what could be improved for future incidents by sending an email to [email protected] by December 13. The Public Safety Commission will also review and give its feedback on the pandemic response during its regular meeting on Wednesday, December 4, 5:00 PM at City Hall. The Public Safety Commission meeting details will be posted in advance on the website.
STATE LAW PROHIBITS PARKING WITHIN 20 FEET OF ANY INTERSECTION AS OF JANUARY 1, 2025
Stopping, standing, or parking a vehicle within 20 feet of any marked or unmarked crosswalk, or within 15 feet of any crosswalk with a curb extension, is prohibited under a new state law, and could result in a citation starting January 1, 2025. Assembly Bill 413, the "California Daylighting Law," is meant to improve pedestrian safety at intersections by making pedestrians who are crossing the street more visible to approaching vehicles. The law took effect on January 1, 2024, first allowing for warnings, unless the curb has already been painted red, or unless a sign is in place that prohibits parking. The City is conducting outreach to property owners to help them comply with these new safety regulations. Click here for more information.
SIGN UP TO BE A VOLUNTEER WITH THE ANNUAL HOMELESS COUNT
Community members can register now to volunteer for the Los Angeles Homeless Authority's (LAHSA) 2025 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count taking place in Malibu on Thursday, January 23, 2025. Every year, thousands of volunteers help conduct the Homeless Count, the annual census of people experiencing homelessness across Los Angeles County to inform homelessness policy decisions and better direct resources to be able to address the homelessness crisis. Learn more and sign up to volunteer on the LAHSA website. For further questions, contact Public Safety Coordinator Luis Flores at 310-456-2489, ext.236 or [email protected].
PSPS POWER OUTAGE RESPONSE PROTOCOLS
During peak fire season, Malibu will likely experience several Southern California Edison (SCE) Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) to hazardous fire conditions (gusty Santa Ana winds and low humidity). PSPS outages in Malibu commonly result in multiple traffic signals on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) being disabled for extended periods. That raises public safety concerns about the potential for traffic collisions caused by motorists not stopping at non-operating traffic signals.
The City's PSPS response focuses on keeping essential services operational and the public informed and prepared for power outages during highly hazardous fire conditions. Before a PSPS event, the City takes preventive measures such as checking and maintaining backup generators and securing resources that might be needed for extended outages. The City purchased generators in 2019 in response to the Woolsey Fire evacuations, and developed agreements and guidelines with Caltrans, which owns and controls the traffic signals on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). Caltrans will allow the backup generators to be deployed to power traffic signals to facilitate emergency evacuations or during emergencies, as determined by the City Manager.
Power outage preparedness and public safety information is shared with the community via alerts, social media and the website. The messaging includes preparedness information for power outages, evacuations, fires, malfunctioning traffic signals and hazardous road conditions. Messaging also includes warnings to motorists to come to a complete stop at any malfunctioning traffic signals, which is required under California law. The City's multiple Changeable Message Signs are programmed with a message warning motorists about potential malfunctioning traffic signals.
During a PSPS event, City Hall's backup generators ensure that City services and emergency coordination can continue. The City's CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) volunteers may be mobilized to assist with essential functions or to support residents with special needs, and the Sheriff's Volunteers on Patrol (VOPs) may be deployed to assist with traffic control and to respond to traffic incidents. In prolonged outages, the City may activate community resource center(s) where residents can charge devices, access information, and seek assistance.
Residents are urged to visit SCE's PSPS website to sign up for notifications about PSPS events from SCE, and to monitor the outage map whenever hazardous fire weather is forecast for Malibu. For more details, see the City's PSPS response protocols.
FIRE SAFETY
VIDEO - MAKE A RED FLAG PLAN TO BE PREPARED FOR WILDFIRES
It is crucial that every family in Malibu create a Red Flag Plan so that when a Red Flag Warning is issued, you're ready to act to keep yourself and your family safe. The good news is, we don't need to be caught off-guard. We know that these fire conditions are coming around the same time every year, and we have time to prepare. There is also a shared responsibility among the City, the community, and first responders to achieve community-wide preparedness and resilience.
WHAT DOES "RED FLAG MEAN"? - GET FAMILIAR WITH TERMS USED FOR WILDFIRE CONDITIONS
During fire season, residents should closely monitor the weather and fire conditions on local news and the NWS LA/Oxnard website and be familiar with these terms that the Fire Department and other agencies use.
Red Flag Event - Red Flag Events are defined by critical weather and fire danger conditions that could lead to extensive wildfire occurrences and/or control problems on existing wildfires or prescribed burns. These conditions occur when relative humidity is 15% or lower, together with sustained winds or frequent gusts of 25 MPH or more, for at least three hours in a 12-hour period. Red Flag events normally require the combination of critical fuel conditions (very low Live Fuel Moisture) and critical weather conditions (high wind and low humidity). Several combinations of fuels and weather conditions may combine to produce a Red Flag Event. These conditions, driven by the Santa Ana winds, create the highest risk for wildfires to grow fast, large, and powerful, and to spread quickly, threatening lives and property.
Fire Weather Watch - A fire weather watch is issued to advise partner agencies of the possible development of Red Flag conditions in the near future, generally the next 24 to 72 hours. Under certain conditions, a watch can be issued for the first 12 hours.
Red Flag Warning - A Red Flag Warning is issued to advise agencies of occurring or imminent Red Flag conditions, generally within the next 12 to 24 hours.
CITY COUNCIL DECLARES LOCAL EMERGENCY DUE TO HAZARDOUS FIRE CONDITIONS TO FACILITATE ENCAMPMENT REMOVAL
On October 14, the City Council declared a local emergency, initiating a program for reducing the risk of fires associated with people engaged in unpermitted camping, based on criteria established in June. The criteria were set at a Live Fuel Moisture (LFM) of 65% or less as determined by the LA County Fire Department (LACoFD) Forestry Division. On September 27, 2024, the Los Angeles County Fire Department Forestry Division posted an LFM of 65% for Santa Monica Mountains Chamise. As of November 22, the LFM was at 62%. The LFM is the percentage of water content to dry matter in live vegetation. LFM can be as high as 300% and is considered critical at 60% or below. The LACoFD Forestry Division conducts sampling throughout the county approximately every two weeks and posts the results on its website.
(NEW) FIRE SEASON - DESPITE RECENT LIGHT RAIN, FIRE SEASON IS NOT OVER
Despite the light rain that Malibu and the surrounding areas have received, the fire season is not over. We still have live and dead fuel moisture levels near critical levels, and we are sure to get more Santa Ana wind events before our area receives enough rain to start new green grass growth and raise fuel levels to the point that unlikely to grow large and spread quickly. Currently, any significant Santa Ana wind event can put Malibu back into highly dangerous wildfire conditions.
Malibu's Live Fuel Moisture (LFM) levels were at 62% as of the last sampling on November 22, unchanged from October 29, and lower than the historical average of 72%. The strong vegetation growth from last winter's heavy winter rains has added to this season's fire hazard risk. In the City's annual fire season outlook led by LA County Fire Department (LACoFD) Chief Drew Smith, Smith reported that the La Niña weather pattern is expected to bring the seasonal rain later than usual and contribute to a higher-than-usual fire risk. That means that every resident in Malibu should continue to be prepared for wildfires. (See preparedness information below).
LFM is the water content percentage of living vegetation, and an important indicator of how fast and large a brush fire can spread. LFM is measured every two weeks by the LA County Fire Department and posted on the website. Throughout fire season, residents should regularly monitor wildfire weather conditions on local news and at the NWS Los Angeles / Oxnard website. (See preparedness tips below).
GENERAL WILDFIRE PREPAREDNESS
GET PREPARED NOW - Now is the time to get prepared! It is crucial to complete your mandatory brush clearance. Check your family or business emergency plans and supplies, and check for expiration dates of food, medication, water, and batteries. Remember your pets! Seniors, people with disabilities or mobility challenges, and owners of horses and other large animals should make special plans to be able to evacuate early and safely.
HOME/PROPERTY HARDENING - Focus on clearing defensible space around your home, moving any flammable material and dead vegetation away from the house. Schedule your free Home Wildfire Assessment with our Fire Safety Liaisons. They will come to your home and point out easy steps to protect your home from the millions of flying, burning embers that can fly out more than a mile ahead of a wind-driven fire, a leading cause of homes burning down during wildfires.
PREPAREDNESS PLAN & EMERGENCY SUPPLIES - Learn how to create a family or business emergency plan and gather supplies in the City's Emergency Survival Guide. Include evacuation routes and reunification locations and an out-of-state emergency contact. Sign up for emergency alerts from the City and Los Angeles County. Be sure to check in on elderly or disabled neighbors to ensure that they are informed and prepared.
GET HELP FROM THE CITY'S FIRE SAFETY LIAISONS - For assistance or information about brush clearance, or to schedule a Home Wildfire Assessment, or for guidance on wildfire preparedness for your family or business, please contact our Fire Safety Liaisons at [email protected] or call 310-456-2489.
SIGN UP NOW FOR A HOME WILDFIRE ASSESSMENT AND ASSISTANCE WITH BRUSH CLEARANCE
In addition to completing mandatory brush clearance, one of the best ways to protect your home and community is to get a free Home Wildfire Assessment. The assessment involves a 30-to-60-minute exterior inspection of your property by the City's Fire Safety Liaisons looking at what can be done to make the home and property less vulnerable to the millions of flying embers from a wind-driven wildfire, a leading cause of homes burning down in wildfires. You'll get a checklist of steps to take to harden your property, such as removing dead vegetation or wood furniture that is touching the house and covering attic vents with fine steel mesh. For more information and to schedule a free Home Wildfire Assessment, visit the Fire Safety webpage or call 310-456-2489, ext. 238, or email [email protected].
PLANNING
(NEW) MALIBU REBUILDS - STATISTICS
Rebuilding from the Woolsey Fire remains a top priority for the City. Here are the current Woolsey Fire rebuild statistics. See continuously updated statistics on the Rebuild Portal. Out of 465 destroyed homes:
Single-family home rebuild applications submitted: |
374 (of which 362 have been approved by the Planning Department) |
Single-family home rebuild applications under planning review: |
11 |
Single-family homes complete: |
179 |
Multifamily building units complete: |
18 |
Multifamily building permits issued: |
18 |
Projects under construction: |
118 |
Inspections approved: |
10,894 |
Inspections total: |
19,546 |
Single-family home rebuild building permits issued: |
296 |
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND BUILDING SAFETY
(NEW) EXTERIOR ELEVATED ELEMENTS (E3) DEADLINE EXTENDED TO 2026
The deadline to comply with the City of Malibu's ordinance regulating inspections of balconies and other exterior elevated elements on any buildings with three or more units for public safety has been extended from January 1, 2025 to January 1, 2026. Exterior elevated elements (E3s) are balconies, decks, porches, stairways, walkways and entry structures that extend beyond exterior walls of a building. In order to assist property owners and homeowner associations, the City has compiled a list of E3 Design Professionals who can complete the inspection and report. It is recommended to check to licenses and complaint records here prior to hiring any company. For more information, visit the E3 webpage, call 310-456-2489, ext. 390, or email [email protected].
(NEW) ORGANICS RECYCLING VIRTUAL TRAINING AND KITCHEN CADDY GIVEAWAY, DECEMBER 11
The City is offering an organic waste recycling virtual training on Wednesday, December 11, 7:00 PM, funded by CalRecycle. The Organic Waste Recycling Program is an important way that Malibu can fulfill its commitment as a community to be part of the efforts to address climate change and protect the environment. Attendees will receive a free dishwasher safe, 1.9-gallon kitchen scraps caddy to help you conveniently separate food waste to be recycled (limit one per household). The Zoom meeting link for this and future trainings is posted on the webpage.
(NEW) DEVELOPMENT PORTAL CLOSED FOR WINTER HOLIDAYS
City Hall will be closed December 24 through January 1 in observance of the winter holidays. Additionally, the online Development Portal will be unavailable for plan review or permit submittal requests from December 23, 5:30 PM through January 2, 7:30 AM. For planning and permit expirations, please email [email protected] or [email protected] prior to the expiration date. Under the Malibu Municipal Code, construction work is not allowed on City holidays, including New Year's Day, Christmas Day, and Thanksgiving Day.
(NEW) BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR CONSTRUCTION DURING WINTER
Now that we are in the rainy season (October 1 - April 15), be sure your Best Management Practices (BMP) are in place on construction sites. This includes ensuring all excavated soil is located on the site in a manner that minimizes the amount of sediment running onto the street, drainage facilities or any adjacent properties. Soil piles must be bermed or covered with plastic or similar materials until the soil is either used or removed from the site. BMPs are also required at entrances and exits to prevent the offsite tracking of sediment. Please see the Informational Bulletin for required BMP measures. When rain is predicted, please turn off all site irrigation and refrain from draining pools. If these BMPs are not in place, City inspection staff will not allow any further construction or further grading until the completion of the rainy season, and Code Enforcement will also be notified.
PREPAREDNESS FOR EXTREMELY HIGH KING TIDES
California's highest tides this year (the King Tides) are set to occur December 13-15. King Tides are unique in that they give us a clear glimpse of how rising sea levels may impact our coastline in the future. Though the King Tides are natural and predictable, they can pose significant risks to coastal communities like Malibu, especially if combined with winter storm conditions. For Malibu residents along the coast, these upcoming King Tides may result in localized flooding, beach erosion, and potential damage to beachfront properties.
Checklist for Preparing for King Tides (beachfront properties):
For additional resources, please visit the California Coastal Commission's California King Tides Project or use their interactive map here: California King Tides Project 2018 - 2025
OWTS PRACTITIONER MEETINGS
The City invites registered onsite wastewater treatment system (OWTS) practitioners that provide services in OWTS design, installation, inspection, and operation and maintenance to one-on-one meetings with the City's Environmental Health Administrator to discuss new requirements for home occupation uses that place additional strain on the OWTS, discuss the status of OWTS serving multi-family, commercial, and home-occupation use properties, provide feedback on the City's current practices, and help shape the agenda for an upcoming OWTS Practitioner-wide meeting. City-registered OWTS practitioners can schedule a meeting via Calendly. Additional information about the City's Environmental Health and Wastewater Management programs can be found on our website or by visiting Environmental Health's counter hours (Monday to Thursday, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM).
TAKE THE COASTAL VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT SURVEY
The City invites community members to share their thoughts on the Coastal Vulnerability Assessment and projected impacts of sea level rise in Malibu. Community input is crucial as the City plans for the future. Click here to take the two-minute survey. The draft report and virtual workshop recording with technical results of projected sea-level rise impacts are available on the Coastal webpage. For more information, call 310-456-2489, ext. 390, or email [email protected].
COMMUNITY SERVICES
(NEW) WINTER RECREATION PROGRAM REGISTRATION OPENS DECEMBER 2
The Winter 2024-25 Recreation Guide and City Newsletter is available online. Registration opens Monday, December 2, 8:00 AM for Winter Programs offered December through February, including Afterschool Programs in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu, Bird Watching and Nature Walks at Legacy Park, Red Cross Babysitting Workshops, Malibu Marlins Swim Team, Parent and Me Programs, Poetry Workshops, and Senior Center Programs. For more information, including schedules and costs, and to register, visit the Registration website.
(NEW) LEGACY PARK NATURE WALK AND STORYTIME, DECEMBER 11
Enjoy a guided nature walk through beautiful Legacy Park with park educators and naturalists on Wednesday, December 11, from 10:30 to 11:30 AM. The event is suitable for children ages five and under. Learn about the abundant birds, animals, and plants and explore nature close-up with a magnifying glass. The walk will culminate with Storytime at the amphitheater led by a Malibu librarian. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the Malibu Library. The program is free, and reservations are required. For more information, visit the Outdoor Recreation webpage.
(NEW) SANTA PAWS, DECEMBER 14
Sit, stay, sleigh! Celebrate the holiday season with your four-legged friends and take a picture with Santa Claus on Saturday, December 14, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM at Malibu Bluffs Park. Please ensure your pet is on a leash and under control during the event. For more information, visit the Santa Paws website.
(NEW) CAFFEINATED VERSE POETRY READING, DECEMBER 14
Aspiring poets of all ages are invited to listen to our featured reader, Cynthia Good, and read poetry during the open mic session of Caffeinated Verse. The free poetry program, led by Poet Laureate Nathan Hassall, is on Saturday, December 14, 11:00 AM at the Malibu Library. An RSVP is not required. For more information, visit the Poetry webpage.
(NEW) WINTER HOLIDAY HOURS, DECEMBER 23 - JANUARY 1
City Parks, including sports fields, playgrounds, trails, and picnics areas, will be open 8:00 AM to Sunset. Find information about the City's facilities, parks, and holiday hours on the webpage.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA, DECEMBER 7
'Tis the sea-sun! Enjoy a pancake breakfast and hot chocolate at Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 7, at Malibu City Hall, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. The event includes art activities, story time with the Malibu Library, and photos with Surfing Santa and Mrs. Claus! Pre-registration is required and limited to 100 participants. For information, visit the webpage.
FEMININE PERSPECTIVES: STILL LIFE ART EXHIBITION, OPEN THROUGH JANUARY 3
Discover the captivating world of still life at "Feminine Perspectives: A Still Life Exhibit," showcasing six talented female artists. Each artist brings a unique perspective, transforming everyday objects into powerful statements of beauty, culture, and identity. The exhibition will be displayed through January 3, 2025, at the Malibu City Gallery, open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Tickets or RSVPs are not required to visit the Gallery. For more information, visit the Arts Commission website.
PUBLIC WORKS
(NEW) PCH SIGNAL SYNNCHRONIZATION PROJECT
Work has been delayed due to recent wet weather. However, the contractor continues to drill and install new concrete foundations for installation of new traffic signal poles. The new poles and mast arms will are currently being raised into place. The contractor is also making improvements to specific curb ramps and improving Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility. The electrical subcontractor continues to install new fiber and other equipment at various locations. Some additional upcoming work includes utility crossing at four locations along PCH. Crews will be closing multiple lanes to excavate and place new conduits for electrical services to supply power to the new cameras. Work is expected to last 40 days (10 days per location).
The project is the City's largest project to date to address PCH safety and traffic congestion. It will make PCH a safer "Smart Corridor" by installing communication lines between the existing traffic signals on PCH from Topanga Canyon Boulevard to John Tyler Drive to synchronize the signals to existing traffic conditions. It will allow signals to be controlled remotely by the Caltrans Traffic Management Center to lower traffic speeds and reduce congestion. For more information, visit the project webpage.
OUTREACH & FEEDBACK
E-NOTIFICATIONS
The City maintains a robust e-notification systemso the community can stay informed about all the City's activities. Sign up to receive messages by text or email on the City's e-notifications page.
FURTHER QUESTIONS
For questions or comments, contact the City Manager at [email protected].