City of Malibu, CA

09/16/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/16/2024 16:36

City Manager Updates September 16, 2024 UPCOMING

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2024

UPCOMING

KEY ANNOUNCEMENTS

(NEW) SCHOOL DISTRICT SEPARATION UPDATE

The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) and the City of Malibu are pleased to announce that both entities' subcommittees have come to an agreement on a proposed school separation package. This package is a significant milestone in their ongoing efforts to establish an independent Malibu Unified School District (MUSD). The package is now ready for public review and includes three key agreements: A Revenue Sharing Agreement, an Operations Transfer Agreement, and a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) Agreement. These agreements outline the framework for how resources, operations and services will be shared or divided between the two entities, ensuring that both Malibu and Santa Monica students continue to receive a high-quality education post-separation.

Separation Package details:

1. Revenue Sharing Agreement: This agreement outlines the distribution of existing and projected revenues between SMMUSD and the successor educational entities, ensuring financial stability for both districts.

2. Operational Transfer Agreement: This agreement details the allocation of staffing, operational processes, and resources, facilitating an efficient division of services and resources between SMUSD and MUSD.

3. Joint Powers Agreement (JPA): This agreement establishes a shared entity responsible for overseeing and implementing the agreements governing the planned division of SMMUSD.

For more information and to review the separation package, please visit the SMMUSD website or the City webpage.

SENATE BILLS 1297 AND 1509 PASS CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE, HEAD TO GOVERNOR'S DESK

Senate Bill 1297 (SB 1297), authored by Senator Ben Allen and co-authored by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, has successfully passed out of the California Legislature on August 30, and is now headed to Governor Gavin Newsom's desk for final approval. This landmark legislation aims to significantly enhance road safety by establishing speed cameras along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in Malibu. SB 1297 addresses the critical need to improve traffic safety on one of California's most iconic and heavily traveled highways. The bill authorizes the installation of five speed camera systems along the 21-mile stretch of PCH within Malibu. These systems will be strategically placed in areas identified as having the highest incidence of speed-related collisions and fatalities. The goal is to deter speeding, reduce traffic accidents, and save lives in a community deeply affected by these issues. For details, see the press release.

Senate Bill 1509, the "NOT in California Act," authored by Senator Henry Stern and co-authored by Senator Ben Allen, Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, and several others, has also successfully passed through the California Legislature and is now on its way to Governor Newsom's desk for signature. This important piece of legislation aims to enhance road safety by designating repeat violations of driving 26 mph or more over the posted speed limit on roads with a limit of 55 mph or less as a two-point violation for passenger vehicles.

The City has sent letters to the Governor urging him to sign both bills as soon as possible.

MALIBU COMMUNITY LANDS PROJECT ENTERS PHASE 2 - GIVE YOUR INPUT AT UPCOMING MEETINGS AND POP-UP EVENTS

Malibu Community Lands is the City's extensive outreach and engagement program to gather feedback from the community on the future uses of the five community lands spanning over 60 acres. The City finalized Phase 1 of the Malibu Community Lands project and kicked off Phase 2, with upcoming meetings and pop-up events scheduled to gather more community input.

We want to know which category of uses you envision for the future of each land. During Phase 2, the project will take a more focused approach to gathering input. Based on community feedback in Phase 1, the City identified the 10 categories of uses that were most frequently suggested (listed alphabetically, no prioritization or ranking implied):

  • Commercial use (parking, business development)
  • Community center (senior center, youth center, library, visitor center)
  • Community pool/splash pad
  • Grass sports fields (soccer, football, baseball, softball)
  • Housing (workforce and senior)
  • Indoor theatre/arts center
  • Open space (pathways and trails, community garden)
  • Outdoor amphitheater
  • Sports courts (basketball, pickleball, tennis, bocci)
  • Other (dog park, skate park, bike trails, bike parks)

Anyone may submit their input on the project website as well as at in-person events. Click here to submit your input and to see all of the comments submitted so far during the project. For detailed information about the project, visit the MalibuCommunityLands website.

CHANGES COMING TO CITY COUNCIL MEETING FORMAT AND START TIMES

The Malibu City Council has adopted Ordinance 521, officially changing the time and organization of City Council meetings. Starting October 14, 2024, Regular Council meetings (still on the second and fourth Mondays of each month) will begin at 5:30 PM. The meeting agenda will be restructured to move the Consent Calendar, presentations, and reports from the City Manager, Commissions, and Committees prior to 6:30 PM. Public Comment will continue to be scheduled at 6:30 PM. These changes are meant to improve meeting efficiency, ensuring that administrative and presentation items are addressed promptly, allowing more time for public engagement and deliberation on actionable City business items.

Additional details include:

  • Earlier Start Time: Meetings will now begin at 5:30 PM, 60 minutes earlier than before. This adjustment is intended to allow the Council to deliberate on actionable City business at a more reasonable hour while also ensuring that administrative or ministerial items are addressed earlier in the evening.
  • Consent Calendar: The Consent Calendar will be addressed before 6:30 PM. This change will help both the Council and City Staff complete these administrative items promptly, avoiding delays caused by other actions. The public still can comment on the entire Consent Calendar, and Councilmembers will retain the ability to pull items for further discussion. However, the public will no longer have the ability to pull items off the Calendar for discussion, but may request that the Council do so.
  • Presentations: Presentation items will be heard immediately after the Consent Calendar and prior to 6:30 PM. This adjustment is designed to accommodate participants who need to present, ensuring their items are addressed early in the meeting.
  • Written and Oral Communications: The order of communications during meetings will be reorganized as follows:
    • Commission/Committee/City Manager Updates (before 6:30 PM)
    • Public Comment concerning matters not on the agenda (at 6:30 PM)
    • City Council Subcommittee Reports/Mayor and Councilmember Reports (resuming after Public Comment)

Council meetings will continue to be held in-person at City Hall and virtually over Zoom, with public commenting available in both formats. Videos of all Council meetings are available to view on-demand on the YouTube channel (click "Live Videos"). All City Council agendas and staff reports, along with viewing and commenting instructions, are posted in advance on the website. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we implement these adjustments to better serve our community.

PCH SAFETY EFFORTS UPDATE

The City of Malibu is committed to doing everything possible to improve safety on our 21 miles of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), which has long been a top priority for the community. See the past and current measures to improve PCH safety on the dedicated webpage. For decades, PCH safety has been a top priority for Malibu. The City Council declared a local state of emergency to address the increasingly dangerous conditions on the highway, culminating in the tragic deaths of four Pepperdine University students struck by a speeding driver while walking along PCH in October 2023. Since 2010, 61 people have lost their lives on PCH.

(NEW) CHP AND LASD CONTINUE HEIGTENED TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT TO HELP KEEP PCH AND CANYONS SAFE

Over Labor Day weekend, Deputies from the Malibu Lost Hills Sheriff's Station stopped an exotic sports car that was allegedly going 109 MPH on PCH near Malibu Canyon Road. The driver was arrested on suspicion of reckless driving and the car was towed and impounded for 30 days. The City thanks our Deputies for their hard work keeping PCH and canyons safe in Malibu for residents and visitors. This ongoing dangerous behavior threatens the lives and safety of our entire community, and all visitors, commuters, pedestrians and cyclists on PCH, and highlights the need to never give up on the fight for a safer PCH. The increased enforcement by LASD and CHP sends a strong signal that speeding and reckless driving will not be tolerated in Malibu. Please slow down, pay attention, and enjoy Malibu's beautiful ocean and mountains safely! Learn more about Malibu's fight for a safer PCH.

Public Safety

(NEW) ENCAMPMENT REMOVED FROM ZUMA CREEK AREA

On September 11, the City partnered with LA County Beaches & Harbors, LA County Sheriff's Department (LASD) Homeless Outreach Services Team (HOST), and the City's Outreach Team to clear an encampment from the Zuma Creek area, removing all tents, personal belongings, and debris found within the brush area adjacent to the Zuma Beach parking entrance. The City's Outreach Team and HOST conducted extensive outreach in the lead-up to the encampment clearance, and offered interim housing opportunities and resources to all those who previously inhabited the area. Beaches & Harbors properly disposed of all excess belongings left behind and is taking proactive measures to ensure the area remains free of encampments moving forward. The Outreach Team and LASD continue to actively engage people experiencing homelessness around the Zuma Beach and Zuma Creek areas, citing and arresting when needed, and offering housing opportunities and resources to those receptive to services. During Red Flag fire conditions, the City can fast-track the removal of encampments to prevent fires when the City Council declares a local emergency due to high fire risk, which it did in 2021 and 2022. As a result, the number of fires originating from encampments has dropped from 23 in 2021, to four in 2022, to two in 2023. Learn more about the City's efforts to address homelessness in the community.

(NEW) MALIBU DISASTER COUNCIL MEETING

The Malibu Disaster Council met on September 12 at City Hall to review the City's updated Emergency Operations Plan. The Disaster Council is established by ordinance and includes representatives of public and private organizations having an official emergency responsibility in Malibu. The Council is charged with reviewing emergency plans and making a recommendation to the City Council. The 2024 update to the Emergency Operations Plan sought to incorporate the many community resources such as Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Sheriff's Volunteers on Patrol (VOP), Boys and Girls Club Malibu, Malibu Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce, Arson Watch, American Red Cross, KBUU 99.1 FM, and Disaster Communication Service into the response plan. Representatives from these groups gave presentations on what their organization's roles are during a disaster and what capabilities they have. For more information, including the Emergency Operations Plan, see the staff report.

(NEW) NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH - MINOR EARTHQUAKES ARE A GREAT REMINDER TO CHECK EMERGENCY SUPPLIES AND PLANS

On September 12 and 16, Malibu experienced minor earthquakes of 4.7 and 3.6, centered about four miles north of Malibu in the Santa Monica Mountains, followed by several smaller aftershocks. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries or property damage. The City's Public Works Department immediately began assessing the roadways and infrastructure for damage. The Building Safety Department is also conducting damage assessments. If you feel an earthquake, DROP, COVER AND HOLD ON, and beware of rocks in the roadway on canyon roads in Malibu. The City coordinated with partner agencies including LA County Fire Department, LA County Sheriff's Department, LA County Public Works and Caltrans on damage assessment and response. Minor earthquakes are a strong reminder to check your emergency supplies and review emergency plans to be prepared for earthquakes. Check the expiration dates of food, water, batteries and medication in your emergency supplies. For earthquake preparedness information, review the City's Emergency Survival Guide.

(NEW) ENFORCEMENT ON ILLEGALLY PARKED RVS AND TRAILERS

On September 12, the LA County Sheriff's Department (LASD) successfully towed an unattached trailer along PCH at Corral Beach, which had amassed numerous citations, after several warnings and outreach service attempts were made by both the LASD and the City's Parking Enforcement Team. Another RV was towed on September 6. The vehicles were in violation of the City's oversized vehicle ordinance (10.18.070 MC) and failure to obey overnight parking restrictions (15.20.070). The City's Parking Enforcement Team and the Sheriff's Department continue to conduct routine enforcement throughout the City to help ensure public safety, emergency responder access, and beach access for residents and visitors. Illegal parking is a common problem that impacts Malibu's public safety, coastal access and quality of life.

NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH EVENTS IN SEPTEMBER

Throughout September for National Preparedness Month, the City will conduct Disaster Notification System drills, share emergency preparedness tips, and offer CERT Training courses in ramps up wildfire season preparedness activities. All of the City's Preparedness Month activities and information will be posted on the webpage.

NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH - WEEKLY TESTS OF EVERBRIDGE DISASTER NOTIFICATION SYSTEM IN ADVANCE OF WILDFIRE SEASON

As part of the City's efforts to be prepared and help the community prepare for wildfires and other disasters, the City will send weekly test messages using the Everbridge Disaster Notification system in September. Each week, a test message will go out to one of the City's four Genasys Protect Evacuation Zones. The City's official Evacuation Zones are MAL-C111, MAL-C112, MAL-C113 and MAL-C114. Look up the Zone for your home, business, school, or organization. No registration is required for the Everbridge test, as most cell phone and landline numbers with Malibu addresses are automatically loaded into the system. However, you can create profile in Everbridge to add or change multiple phone numbers or email, which helps the system to operate more effectively. If you do not receive the test message or need assistance with your Everbridge profile, please contact the Public Safety Department at [email protected] or call 310-456-2489, ext. 237.

  • Thursday, September 19, 5:00 PM - Evacuation Zone MAL-C113
  • Thursday, September 26, 5:00 PM - Evacuation Zone MAL-C114

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ) ON HOMELESSNESS IN MALIBU

The City has compiled a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on homelessness in Malibu, covering the City's actions and abilities to address homelessness, implications of recent court decisions, jurisdictions, encampments, fire season considerations, and more. See the complete FAQ.

  • For more information about the City's efforts to address homelessness in the community, visit the webpage.
  • For questions or concerns, contact Luis Flores, Public Safety Coordinator at [email protected] or call 310-456-2489, ext. 236.
  • To request homeless outreach services, contact the Malibu Homeless Outreach Team (The People Concern) at [email protected] or call 310-460-2638.
  • To report a person experiencing homelessness who appears to be a danger to themselves or others, contact the Malibu / Lost Hills Sheriff's Station at 818-878-1808.

MALIBU COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE, SEPTEMBER 19

Give the gift of life, donate blood at the City of Malibu and American Red Cross Blood Drive Thursday, September 19, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM at City Hall (23825 Stuart Ranch Road). The Red Cross reports it is experiencing an extreme blood shortage, so blood donations are needed even more badly. It is needed every day for surgeries, emergencies, regular medical procedures, as well as for major emergencies such as earthquakes, hurricanes, shootings or terrorist attacks. Please register in advance on the Red Cross website and enter sponsor code "CityofMalibu." For more information, call 818-200-3445. Bring a photo ID, drink plenty of water and eat well before and after giving blood.

FIRE SAFETY

(NEW) FIRE SEASON - THE FIRE SAFETY LIAISONS ARE MONITORING FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS

CURRENT WILDFIRE CONDITIONS - LIVE FUEL MOISTURE AT 72% (60% IS CRITICAL) - CURRENT WILDFIRE CONDITIONS - LIVE FUEL MOISTURE AT 76% (60% IS CRITICAL) -Currently in Malibu, our Live Fuel Moisture (LFM) levels are at 72% (as of August 23), down from 76% two weeks earlier, and slightly higher than the historical average for this time of year. The strong vegetation growth from last winter's heavy winter rains is drying out quickly. It will soon reach the critical 60% level, greatly increasing the fire hazard, especially when the seasonal hot, dry Santa Ana winds begin. 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 online. Residents should monitor wildfire weather conditions at NWS Los Angeles / Oxnard.

WILDFIRE THREAT TERMS: Residents should get familiar with "Adjective Ratings" that firefighters use to indicate current fire danger for situational awareness. These can be seen on the Smokey Bear signs outside Fire Stations. These signs offer a quick and easy way to know the severity of the current fire danger in a general area with the following terms:

  • LOW: Fire starts are unlikely. Weather and fuel conditions will lead to slow fire spread, low intensity, and relatively easy control with light mop up.
    MODERATE: Some wildfires may be expected.
    HIGH: All fine dead fuels ignite readily and fires start easily from most causes.
  • VERY HIGH: Fires start easily from all causes and, immediately after ignition, spread rapidly and increase quickly in intensity.
  • EXTREME: Fires start quickly, spread furiously, and burn intensely. All fires that start are potentially serious.

(NEW) FIRST RED FLAG WARNING OF THE FIRE SEASON - MAKE A RED FLAG PLAN

We had our first Red Flag Warning rather early in the season on September 3 due to the extreme heatwave combined with very low humidity, wind, and low fuel moisture. Each year, between October and December, the conditions for major wildfires align, with an average of seven to eight Red Flag Fire events each fall that put lives and homes at risk.

WHAT ARE RED FLAG FIRE CONDITIONS? Red Flag Fire conditions occur when humidity is below 15% and winds are sustained at 25 MPH or more for at least six hours. These conditions, driven by the Santa Ana winds, create the highest risk for wildfires to grow fast, large and powerful and spread quickly, threatening lives and property.

MAKE A RED FLAG PLAN, FOLLOWING LA COUNTY'S "READY, SET, GO" FORMULA! It is crucial that every family 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 achieving community-wide preparedness and resilience.

  • Ready: Prepare your home and family. Clear brush around your property, harden your home against fire, and stock up on emergency supplies. Sign up for emergency alerts from the City and County. Sign up for City alerts and see all current City alerts. Sign up for LA County emergency alerts.
  • Set: Be alert and ready to evacuate when Red Flag conditions are forecast. Monitor weather and emergency information on local news. Check your emergency supplies and review your emergency plans. Check on disabled or elderly neighbors. Make sure your vehicles are fueled, your garage doors are set to manual, and your bags are packed. Plan for your pets.
  • Go: When authorities say it's time to evacuate, go immediately. Close all windows, doors, and gates before you leave.
  • For more detailed information, see the LA County Ready Set Go guide. For more assistance with preparing your Red Flag Plan, contact the Fire Safety Liaisons at [email protected].

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-drive 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, an out-of-state emergency contact, sign up for emergency alerts from the City and Los Angeles County, and 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.

SAFETY LIAISONS ARE AVAILABLE TO HELP NEIGHBORHOODS ATTAINING FIREWISE USA RECOGNITION

The City's Fire Safety Liaisons are available to help neighborhoods attain Firewise USA recognition, which improves fire safety and can help with fire insurance. Firewise USA is a free, voluntary program to provides a simple framework to help neighbors work together to improve wildfire safety and resilience in their neighborhoods. Any neighborhood, HOA, POA, condominium complex, or mobile home park with more than eight but fewer than 2,500 units is eligible to apply. The City now has five recognized Firewise USA communities, including Big Rock Mesas, Malibu Canyon Villas, Malibu Country Estates, Malibu West, and Portico At Malibu, and three more are in the process. In addition to several items in the City's Home Wildfire Assessment program, becoming a recognized Firewise USA community is one of the factors that insurance companies must consider for discounts under new Department of Insurance Safer from Wildfires regulations. See details. As CAL FIRE designated Regional Coordinators, the Fire Safety Liaisons can help neighborhoods through the entire process. For more information, visit Firewise website. For further questions or schedule a meeting for your neighborhood, email Fire Safety Liaison Bradley Yocum at [email protected].

COMPLETING YOUR MANDATORY BRUSH CLEARANCE IS STILL CRITICAL

The June 1 deadline for mandatory brush clearance has passed, but it is still crucial for Malibu homeowners to get started on their mandatory brush clearance. Proper brush clearance is one of the most important ways to make your home and the community more resistant to wildfires. If you have not yet completed your brush clearance and need help or information, please contact our Fire Safety Liaisons at [email protected] or call 310-456-2489, we are here to help you. Brush clearance helps create the "defensible space" that firefighters need to safely and effectively protect life, property, and the environment. Be sure to complete your brush clearance before the June 1 deadline to avoid fines. For more information including a list of vendors, maps, a video and more, visit the LA County Fire Department website.

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].

APPLICATIONS AGAIN BEING ACCEPTED FOR FREE HAZARD TREE REMOVAL PROGRAM

PROGRAM APPLIES TO DEAD TREES ONLY. OPEN TO MALIBU CITY RESIDENTS ONLY. The City is once again accepting applications for the free Hazard Tree Removal Program. The City secured an additional $326,000 in grant funding to extend the popular program. This is the third round since the program started in 2021. The program is one of the concrete steps that the City is taking to improve wildfire safety across the community in Malibu. It empowers residents to make their homes and properties less vulnerable to wildfire, which in turn protects entire neighborhoods by reducing the fuel that fires need to spread. The City's Fire Safety Liaisons and a licensed arborist will come to your home and determine if the trees meet the program's criteria for removal. For more information and to sign up, visit the webpage.

Planning

CITY COUNCIL TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARING ON ADOPTION OF HOUSING ELEMENT, SEPTEMBER 23

The Malibu City Council is scheduled to adopt the City's draft Revised 2021-2029 Housing Element, Monday, September 23, 2024, 6:30 PM at Malibu City Hall and remotely via Zoom. The staff report will be posted on the website in advance of the meeting. The City is working on important code amendments to comply with State housing requirements as part of a settlement in April 2024 with the State to reach compliance with California's Housing Element Law. With technical support from the State, the City is on track to adopt a Housing Plan by the September 23, 2024 deadline that includes 79 housing units, 47 of which must be affordable to low- and very low-income households. The agenda, viewing and commenting instructions are now available online. For more information, see the updated Housing Element fact sheet and visit the Housing Element webpage.

(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: 372
    (of which 362 have been approved by the Planning Department)
  • Single-family home rebuild applications under planning review: 10
  • Single-family homes complete: 174
  • Multifamily building units complete: 18
  • Multifamily building permits issued: 18
  • Projects under construction: 121
  • Inspections approved: 10,592
  • Inspections total: 18,941
  • Single-family home rebuild building permits issued: 295

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND BUILDING SAFETY

(NEW) SEPTIC SMART WEEK, SEPTEMBER 16-20

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Septic Smart Week, September 16 - 20, 2024, aims to bring attention to the importance of caring for and maintaining septic systems. Malibu properties makeup nearly one-quarter of all American households that depend on septic systems to treat their wastewater. Septic systems need proper maintenance to prevent back-ups and overflows that can lead to costly repairs for property owners and pollution of sensitive waterways, watersheds, and groundwater. Information on septic system maintenance can be found on our website or by visiting Environmental Health's counter hours (Monday to Thursday, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM).

(NEW) ORGANICS RECYCLING VIRTUAL TRAINING AND KITCHEN CADDY GIVEAWAY

The City is offering an organic waste recycling virtual training on Wednesday, September 18, 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) CALIFORNIA COASTAL CLEANUP DAY, SEPTEMBER 21

Join the City and California Wildlife Center for the 2024 Coastal Cleanup Day at Nicholas Canyon Beach on Saturday, September 21, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Click here for a map. Coastal Cleanup Day is California's largest annual volunteer event, when thousands of community volunteers unite to protect our beach and ocean ecosystems. The event is a great way to keep Malibu's beaches clean and protect our marine environment, and also learn about community service. For more information and to sign up, visit the website. For a map of all of the Coastal Cleanup Day events, visit the website.

(NEW) 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. At the meetings, they can discuss new requirements for home occupation uses that place additional strain on the OWTS, the status of OWTS for multi-family, commercial, and home use, 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).

(NEW) QUARTERLY GREEN ENERGY UPDATE

Malibu continues to lead the way in Green Power in partnership with Clean Power Alliance (CPA). City staff attend regular CPA Board meetings, researches potential grants, and stays up to date on relevant legislation. The latest quarterly report from August shows 95.1% of Malibu participates in Clean Power Alliance (CPA), and 96.5% of active customers currently utilize 100% Green Power as their preferred option. The City's participation, along with 30 other communities, has helped CPA avoid 11.8 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions since 2018, equivalent to planting 88.4 million trees in over 10 years. For more information, visit our website.

ORGANICS RECYCLING VIRTUAL TRAINING AND KITCHEN CADDY GIVEAWAY

The City is offering an organic waste recycling virtual training on Wednesday, September 18, 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 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.

COMMUNITY SERVICES

(NEW) TRANCAS CANYON PARK MULTIPURPOSE FIELD CLOSED FOR IMPROVEMENTS, SEPTEMBER 16 - NOVEMBER 1

Trancas Canyon Park multipurpose field will be closed for annual rest and turf renovation from September 16 through November 1. The rest and renovation are important in keeping the field safe and playable throughout the year. Other facilities at Trancas Canyon Park will remain open. For details on other parks and playgrounds, visit the Facilities webpage. 

(NEW) MALIBU LIBRARY SPEAKER SERIES, SEPTEMBER 17 AND 30

On Tuesday, September 17, 7:00 PM at Malibu Library, Dr. Safiya Noble will discuss her book "Algorithms of Oppression: How Search Engines Reinforce Racism" and delve into issues ranging from marginalization and misrepresentation in commercial information platforms like Google Search, to the profound power struggles that violate civil, human, and collective rights through AI and machine learning. She is a 2021 MacArthur Fellow, a recipient of the NAACP-Archwell Digital Civil Rights Award, and a professor of Gender Studies and African American Studies at UCLA. Free with required RSVP. For information or to RSVP visit the Malibu Library Speaker Series website.

On Monday, September 30, 5:00 PM at Malibu City Hall, the Malibu Library Speaker Series will hold a special screening of "My Ascension," a documentary film that raises awareness of mental health and suicide while spreading a message of hope and healing. A suicide attempt left 16-year-old varsity cheerleader Emma Benoit paralyzed, but propelled her on a mission to use her experience to help others find hope. The film also covers the stories of two young people who tragically did not survive their attempts, and how the loss has affected their families, friends, and school officials, which sparked discussions and programs that focus on prevention and education. A panel discussion with licensed professionals from the Boys and Girls Club of Malibu Wellness Center will follow the screening. An RSVP is not required for this free event. The screening is recommended for audiences 13 years and older. The event is in partnership with the City, Harry Barovsky Memorial Youth Commission, the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu, and the LA County Library. For more information, visit the Library Speaker Series webpage.

(NEW) MALIBU CITY GALLERY DEREK SCHIMMING EXHIBITION, SEPTEMBER 16 - OCTOBER 25

The Malibu Arts Commission invites all of Malibu to enjoy "Derek Schimming: An Artist Retrospective," the City's public art exhibition in the Malibu City Gallery that honors Schimming, a beloved Malibu artist and supporter of the arts community. Also on display are over 10 pieces of artwork from Shimming's fellow artists from the Malibu Arts Association. The exhibition will be on display from September 16 through October 25 and is open Monday - Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Free, no tickets or RSVPs are needed. For more information, visit the Arts Commission website.

(NEW) BABYSITTING WORKSHOP, SEPTEMBER 18

Join a Red Cross interactive babysitting workshop on Wednesday, September 18, from 4:00 to 5:30 PM at Malibu Bluffs Park for students ages 10-17. The instructor will cover babysitting basics in addition to emergency response, safety, and injury prevention. Pre-registration for the free program is recommended but not required. For more information, visit the webpage.

(NEW) LEGACY PARK NATURE WALK AND STORYTIME, SEPTEMBER 18

Children ages five and under can enjoy a guided nature walk around Legacy Park with park educators and naturalists on Wednesday, September 18, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM. Participants will learn about the abundant birds, wildflowers, plants, insects and habitats. The walk will culminate with Storytime at the amphitheater with 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 and to reserve, visit the Outdoor Recreation webpage.

(NEW) MEDICARE WORKSHOP, SEPTEMBER 19

Learn about the basics of enrolling in Medicare, including who is eligible, when you should enroll, and how to enroll on Thursday, September 19, 10:00 AM at the Malibu Senior Center. The workshop will also cover plan options and prescription drug changes in 2025. An RSVP is not required. Refreshments will be provided. For more information, visit the webpage.

(NEW) CHARMLEE WILDERNESS PARK NIGHT HIKE, SEPTEMBER 20

Enjoy a night hike and discover the nighttime magic of Charmlee Wilderness Park on Friday, September 20, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM. Participants should feel comfortable walking on uneven terrain for 90 minutes. Bring water, a headlamp/flashlight, and dress in layers. Reservations are required for this free event. The hike will be canceled in case of rain. For more information or to register, visit the outdoor recreation webpage.

(NEW) DISCOVER SCUBA, SEPTEMBER 21

Take the PADI® experience to learn about diving and the SCUBA certification course. Highly trained PADI® Professionals from Malibu Divers will cover the basics of SCUBA on Saturday, September 21, 1:30 PM at the Malibu Community Pool at Malibu High School. SCUBA gear will be provided. Advanced registration is required. For more information and to register, visit the webpage.

(NEW) TINY TOT OLYMPICS, SEPTEMBER 22

Families with children ages 2-6 years old are invited to join the Tiny Tot Olympic Games on Sunday, September 22, 10:00 AM at Malibu Bluffs Park. The event includes sports games, art activities, bounce houses, and an Olympic village. Stations will include basketball with Momentum Academies, baseball with TGA Sports, skateboarding with Champ Camp, soccer with Super Soccer Stars, surfing with Aspects Academy, tennis with tennis pro John Rom, track with Malibu Moves, and the torch toss with the Malibu Marlins Swim Club. Kona Ice will have tasty treats for purchase. Advanced registration is highly recommended. Limited walk-up registrations will be accepted. Visit the special event website for details and to register. 

Sign Up Now for the Final Malibu Film Society Summer Event, September 24

Sign up now for the final event in the Malibu Film Society and the City of Malibu's special summer series, "Shari & Lamb Chop," featuring a Q&A with Malibu's own Mallory Lewis and her mother's beloved puppet Lamb Chop, Tuesday, September 24 at Malibu City Hall. The reception, with beverages and snacks, starts at 7:00 PM and showtime is at 7:30 PM. Ventriloquist Shari Lewis forever changed the face of children's television with her sock puppet Lamb Chop, giving voice to things women simply couldn't say in mid-century America. This documentary by Lisa D'Apolito ("Love, Gilda") chronicles Lewis' decades-long struggle to overcome sexism and ageism. Tickets are available at a discount for Malibu residents, with a limited number of free tickets for residents on a first-come-first-served basis. For more information and to get tickets, visit the Film Society website.

AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB

Fall afterschool programs in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Malibu, designed for students in grades TK through 5, begin September 10 at Malibu Elementary School and Webster Elementary School. Programs are scheduled Tuesday through Thursday and include basketball, clay creations, and karate. Visit the Community Programs webpage for details.

SEPTEMBER POETRY PROGRAMS

Aspiring poets of all ages are invited to join the free poetry readings and workshops in September. An RSVP is not required. Caffeinated Verse featuring Ronald Koertge will take place Saturday, September 21, 11:00 AM at the Malibu Library. The Ripple Effect, a poetry writing workshop led by Poet Laureate Nathan Hassall is coming up on Saturday, September 28, 2:00 PM at the Michael Landon Center at Malibu Bluffs Park. For more information, visit the Poetry webpage.

TRANCAS CANYON PARK PLAYGROUND CLOSED FOR IMPROVEMENTS, SEPTEMBER 3 - 20

The Trancas Canyon Park playground will be closed for maintenance from September 3 through 20. The surface will be replaced to enhance playground safety for park patrons. Other facilities at Trancas Canyon Park, including the dog park, will remain open. For details on other parks and playgrounds, visit the Facilities webpage.

PUBLIC WORKS

(NEW) PCH SIGNAL SYNCHRONIZATION PROJECT

The Contractor continues to work on the project between Webb Way and Malibu Canyon Road, identifying existing utilities, installing new vaults, utility boxes and equipment, and boring for the installation of the new underground conduits. The final stretch between Malibu Canyon Road and John Tyler Road is expected to begin next week. The electrical crew continues to install wire and work on various electrical items. The fiber crew has returned and is pulling fiber between Big Rock Drive and Tuna Canyon. All new cameras and Bluetooth equipment on the existing poles have been installed.

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.

(NEW) TRANCAS CANYON PARK PLAYGROUND RESURFACING

The City's contractor completed the demolition work of the existing surface and installed the new basemat section. Crews completed work on the new surface. The park will remain closed until next week for protection of the new surface and for final safety testing and certification.

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].

See Past City Manager Updates