City of Malibu, CA

06/24/2024 | Press release | Archived content

City Manager Updates July 1, 2024 UPCOMING

MONDAY, JULY 1, 2024

UPCOMING

2024 MALIBU GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION

(NEW) ELECTION NOMINATION PERIOD BEGINS JULY 15 FOR NOVEMBER 5, 2024 MALIBU GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION

The nomination period for candidates running for Malibu City Council in the November 5, 2024 General Municipal Election opens on Monday, July 15, 7:30 AM and ends August 9 (unless one or more of the incumbents does not file, in which case the nomination period will be extended to August 14). Three City Council seats will be on the ballot. Nomination packets may be picked up in person from the City Clerk's Office at Malibu City Hall (23825 Stuart Ranch Road) throughout the nomination period during the City Clerk's office hours, which are posted. To schedule an appointment to pull nomination paperwork to begin the nomination process, email City Clerk Kelsey Pettijohn at [email protected] or call 310-456-2489, ext. 228. Before any candidate raises or spends any money in connection with their campaign, they must first fill out and sign the Declaration of Intent to Solicit and Receive Contributions Form and the Fair Political Practices Commission Form 501 and file them with the City Clerk. Both forms are available on the Elections webpage along with other information on dates, voter registration, vote-by-mail ballots, and candidates. The page will be regularly updated with new information.

MANAGEMENT & FINANCE

(new) MINIMUM WAGE GOES UP FOR ALL EMPLOYERS IN CITY LIMITS JULY 1

Starting July 1, the minimum wage in the City of Malibu will rise to $17.27 per hour in accordance with the City's Minimum Wage Ordinance. The increase includes a 2.2% cost-of-living increase based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index (CPI). Malibu's minimum wage reflects the City's dedication to an equitable, thriving local economy. By aligning the minimum wage increases with L.A. County and some neighboring cities, the City hopes to help our local businesses stay competitive and be able to attract excellent staff at a time when companies across the nation face serious staffing challenges. All employers in the city limits are required to print out and display the informational poster, which is available to download, print out or share here. The City is conducting direct outreach to businesses to ensure that they are aware of and are adhering to the requirements. For more information, visit the City's Minimum Wage webpage.

PCH SAFETY EFFORTS

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) COMMUNITY LAUNCH EVENT FOR THE CITY'S NEW PCH SAFETY CAMPAIGN, "CRUISE MALIBU - SURF, SAND, SLOW"

Community members, City of Malibu leaders, law enforcement, and partner agencies gathered for the community launch event of the City's Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) safety campaign "Cruise Malibu - Surf, Sand, Slow" on June 27 at Malibu Bluffs Park. Addressing PCH safety is a top priority for the City, and we need the community's help to raise awareness and change driver behavior. The City has been conducting an intensive effort to address PCH safety, including supporting state legislation, highway improvements and technology, driver education, and increased traffic enforcement. A central part of that effort is "Cruise Malibu - Surf, Sand, Slow," which was designed by a focus group of longtime residents with deep marketing and advertising experience, Pepperdine students, the LA County Sheriff's Department, CHP, and City staff.

The event included a panel discussion led by community members with a Q&A, a screening of the PCH safety music video/TV commercial, the new theme song, and other campaign materials, and a call for volunteers to join the PCH safety effort. All of Malibu is encouraged to take the pledge to "cruise PCH at or below the speed limit in Malibu" and receive a Cruise Malibu gift.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Follow Cruise Malibu on social media:
X.com/CruiseMalibu
Instagram.com/CruiseMalibuPCH
Facebook.com/CruiseMalibu.
Please repost our posts and post your own PCH safety message to encourage everyone to slow down, set the pace, and enjoy the coast while they Cruise Malibu. Use hashtag #cruisemalibu. Please post a 15-second video of yourself saying "I choose to cruise on PCH in Malibu" or a photo with "I choose to cruise on PCH in Malibu" in the caption. If you post a pledge video or photo, or otherwise post about slowing down to keep PCH safe with the #cruisemalibu hashtag and tagging the social media accounts, you will receive stickers and a Cruise Malibu license plate frame.

Sign up to volunteer with the Cruise Malibu Action Team: Volunteers will be conducting beach outreach days to hand out flyers and stickers, and encourage beach visitors and commuters to take the Cruise Malibu Pledge this summer. Learn more and sign up on the website.

Take the online pledge on the Cruise Malibu website: Anyone who signs the online pledge, posts a pledge video or photo, or otherwise posts about slowing down to keep PCH safe with the #cruisemalibu hashtag and tagging the social media accounts will receive stickers and a Cruise Malibu license plate frame.

To claim your Cruise Malibu stickers and license plate holders (limit one per person), come to City Hall and check in with the receptionist.

(NEW) CALTRANS PCH MASTER PLAN FEASIBILITY STUDY PRESENTATION AND WORKSHOPS

The Caltrans Master Plan Feasibility Study aims to identify safety and multimodal travel improvements for all users of PCH in Malibu, including multimodal travel options for pedestrians and bicyclists, as well as enhancing transit opportunities on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in Malibu. The PCH Master Plan will include community stakeholder engagement activities and community outreach meetings to gather input on various traffic calming measures and other street improvements, including a "boulevard" roadway. This Master Plan will be used in future PCH safety improvement projects. For background information, review the Fact Sheet. For further questions, please contact: [email protected].

  • IN-PERSON COMMUNITY WORKSHOP - THURSDAY, JULY 11, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, MALIBU CITY HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBERS (no remote participation option)
  • VIRTUAL COMMUNITY WORKSHOP - THURSDAY, JULY 18, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM. Click here to join the virtual meeting.
  • IN-PERSON COMMUNITY WORKSHOP - WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, MALIBU CITY HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBERS (no remote participation option)

Watch video of Caltrans' presentation at the June 26 joint Public Works and Public Safety Commission meeting.

SUMMER SEASON PCH SAFETY AND BEACH MESSAGING

With the start of the busy summer beach season, Malibu prepares to welcome millions of visitors to our beaches and mountains. The City is posting messages on social media to help keep PCH, canyon roads, beaches and trails, and Malibu's neighborhoods safe, clean and beautiful for residents, visitors, cyclists, pedestrians and other motorists all summer long.

  • Please help keep PCH safe for residents, visitors, cyclists, pedestrians and other motorists this summer! Celebrate responsibly, don't drink and drive. Designate drivers, use taxis or rideshares, or go sober! Report intoxicated drivers by calling 911.
  • Please help keep PCH in Malibu safe for residents, visitors cyclists, pedestrians & other motorists this holiday and all summer! Watch for pedestrians & cyclists crossing PCH & cars pulling in & out of beach parking!
  • Please help keep Malibu's beaches, trails and neighborhoods clean and beautiful for all to enjoy this holiday weekend and all summer! Pack it in, pack it out. Please don't litter, and if you see trash, please pick it up and put in a trash container!
  • All summer long, please enjoy Malibu's beautiful beaches safely! Swim near a staffed lifeguard tower, beware of rip currents, and keep your eye on the ocean, while on shore. Always accompany children in the water and near the surf. Dogs, alcohol, fireworks, fires, camping and drones are not allowed on beaches in LA County.

Learn more about the City of Malibu's efforts to address PCH safety.

(NEW) STATE BILL TO ALLOW SPEED CAMERAS ON PCH IN MALIBU CONTINUES TO ADVANCE

SB 1297, a state bill to allow the use of speed camera systems on PCH in Malibu, successfully passed out of the Assembly Transportation Committee on June 17. This pivotal legislation aims to enhance road safety and reduce speeding-related incidents in the community. SB 1297, introduced by Senator Ben Allen, whose 24th District includes Malibu, received support from several Committee members, community and safety advocates, and law enforcement officials. Mayor Pro Tem Doug Stewart, City Manager Steve McClary and Deputy City Manager Alexis Brown traveled to Sacramento to speak in support of the bill, which will continue through the Assembly committees. For details, see the press release. For more details on SB 1297, click here. For more information about the City's efforts to address PCH safety, click here.

From left: Garrett Holley - Legislative Aide to Senator Ben Allen; Marc Vukcevich - Director of State Policy, Streets for All; Damian Kevitt - Executive Director, Streets are for Everyone; Steve McClary - City Manager, City of Malibu; Bridget Thompson; Michel Shane; Rusty Aerias - California Strategies & Advocacy, LLC; Alexis Brown - Deputy City Manager, Doug Stewart, Mayor Pro Tem.

Public Safety

(NEW) HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY JULY 4 HOLIDAY

With the Independence Day holiday coming up July 4, please remember that all personal fireworks are illegal in Los Angeles County. Every year, illegal fireworks cause thousands of injuries, especially among children, they cause house fires and wildfires, and using them can lead to costly fines. This Fourth of July, please celebrate responsibly, and instead of using illegal personal fireworks, attend one of the many permitted public fireworks displays. These offer a safe community gathering place, where families can enjoy picnics, barbecues and outdoor recreation. For a list of public fireworks displays in Los Angeles County, visit the LA County Fire Department webpage or call (888) 654-FIRE.

(NEW) CITY COUNCIL HONORS PUBLIC SAFETY DIRECTOR SUSAN DUEÑAS FOR SEVEN YEARS OF SERVICE TO MALIBU

The City Council presented a commendatory plaque to congratulate Susan Dueñas on her seven years of service with the City. Susan joined the City in 2017 as the Public Safety Manager, and became the Public Safety Director heading an expanded Public Safety Department. During the Woolsey Fire and COVID-19 pandemic, Susan worked alongside state, county, and local partners to coordinate a comprehensive response that prioritized the safety and wellbeing of all community members while ensuring vital information reached our residents when they needed it most. She is actively strengthening the City's emergency response by leading ongoing staff training for the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and updating the City's Emergency Operations Plan. Susan has been an integral part of the City's approach to homelessness by helping establish a proactive, service-driven approach that strategically bridges outreach and enforcement while considering impacts on the community and has significantly expanded the City's wildfire safety and preparedness efforts, including home wildfire assessment and hazard tree removal programs.

(NEW) HOMELESS OUTREACH UPDATE

The City's Homeless Outreach Team, which consists of two outreach workers and a housing navigator from The People Concern, reported that in May 2024, it engaged with 67 people experiencing homelessness in Malibu, four of whom were placed into permanent or interim housing where they will be connected to a broad network of services. Among them was a veteran who had recently arrived to the City, suffering from symptoms following a stroke that had rendered him paralyzed and unable to speak. Through a coordinated and comprehensive approach, the Outreach Team was able to transition him into temporary housing where he now remains housed, healthy, and safe. Current and past monthly Homeless Outreach reports are available on the webpage.

FIRE SAFETY

COMPLETE YOUR MANDATORY BRUSH CLEARANCE BEFORE PEAK FIRE SEASON

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 together with brush clearance before peak fire season

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

(NEW) WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FACILITY ORDINANCE UPDATE

On June 24, the City Council adopted the California Coastal Commission's (CCC) suggested modifications to the City's proposed amendments to the Local Coastal Program (LCP) and postponed taking action on the amendments to the Malibu Municipal Code to provide members of the public additional time to comment on the amendments. On February 7, 2024, the CCC held a public hearing on the City's proposed amendments to the LCP Local Implementation Plan and certified them with suggested modifications. For more information, visit the Wireless Communication Facility webpage.

CODE ENFORCMENT GEARING UP FOR SUMMER

During the summer months, Code Enforcement Officers will be patrolling the City on weekends to address issues. To report possible code violations outside of business hours, please call the City's One-Call to City Hall line at 310-456-2489, ext. 3. The Planning Director and Code Enforcement Manager will be notified immediately in order to deploy a Code Enforcement Officer to the site, if warranted. The City's certified Code Enforcement team provides enforcement for City ordinances, including transient occupancy tax violations, locking trash container lid violations, dark-sky ordinance compliance, public works encroachment permit violations, operating permit violations, environmental program violations, and stop-work orders for unpermitted building activities. For more information about Code Enforcement, visit the webpage.

PLANNING PUBLIC COUNTER SERVICES EXPANDED

As part of the Planning Department's effort to improve customer service and streamline the development process, the Planning Department is offering Planning Consultations on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This will give members of the public an opportunity to speak to a senior-level planner during counter hours. Members of the public are encouraged to submit over-the-counter applications at the Public Counter to receive same-day approvals and to obtain zoning information. No appointment is necessary. The Planning Public Counter is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. In addition, the Planning Fire Rebuild team is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. For more information about in-person submittals, the Development Portal, and Planning Counter services, visit the webpage.

WALK-IN COUNTER HOURS FOR PLANNING AND FIRE REBUILD RESOURCES

Walk-in counter hours are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The Fire Rebuild team is available by appointment only Monday through Friday at City Hall for complimentary one-on-one consultations about any Woolsey Fire rebuild project. Contact Aakash Shah at [email protected] to set an appointment for a meeting by phone or online. For ideas about how to get started with your project, visit the Rebuild webpage.

(NEW) MALIBU REBUILDS - STATISTICS

Staff continues to work with homeowners to rebuild. 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 360 have been approved by the Planning Department)
  • Single-family home rebuild applications under planning review: 12
  • Single-family homes complete: 166
  • Multifamily building units complete: 18
  • Multifamily building permits issued: 18
  • Projects under construction: 124
  • Inspections approved: 10,291
  • Inspections total: 18,191
  • Single-family home rebuild building permits issued: 290

ENVIRONMENTAL sustainability and building safety

(NEW) COASTAL VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT SURVEY REOPENED

The City invites community members to share their thoughts on the City's Coastal Vulnerability Assessment and projected impacts of sea level rise associated with climate change in our community. 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 website. For more information call 310-456-2489, ext. 390, or email [email protected].

(NEW) CLEAN POWER ALLIANCE UPDATE

Malibu's electricity provider, Clean Power Alliance (CPA) is a locally governed electricity provider serving Southern California, including Malibu and 30 other communities. The collaboration between the City and CPA ensures that Malibu's residents and businesses lead the charge towards sustainability. According to the latest quarterly status report, 95.1% of Malibu's population participates in Clean Power Alliance, with 96.5% of active customers opting for the 100% Green Power plan. Since 2018, member agencies have collectively reduced greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 10.9 billion pounds, equivalent to planting 81 million trees over a decade. For more Information, visit the Energy webpage.

MALIBU DEVELOPMENT PORTAL

The City launched a new Development Portal for applicants or owners to submit projects, get status updates, keep track of progress on their projects, and manage documents and fees. Property owners will have access to individual projects, real time updates, Departments' revisions, required documents, and fee information. Other features include managing inspection requests and researching public documents. Click here to access the Portal. For detailed instructions on how to use the Portal, including a tutorial video, visit the webpage.

COMMUNITY SERVICES

(NEW) HOLIDAY HOURS FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY, JULY 4

On Thursday, July 4, Malibu City Hall, the Senior Center, and the Community Swimming Pool at Malibu High School will be closed in observance of the Independence Day holiday. City parks will be open from 8:00 AM to sunset. The Malibu Community Swimming Pool will be open for holiday hours Monday, July 1 through Wednesday, July 3, 4:00 - 7:00 PM. Normal operating hours will resume on Friday, July 5. For more information on City parks and facilities, visit the webpage.

(NEW) MALIBU CITY GALLERY SUMMER ART EXHIBITION OPENING RECEPTION, JULY 14

The City of Malibu Arts Commission invites all of Malibu to the free opening reception of the City's summer community art exhibition in the Malibu City Gallery, "A Tale of a Seaside Town," a tribute to Malibu's deep-rooted surfing culture. Celebrate the artists at the opening reception with complimentary refreshments and live music by Christopher Wooley on Sunday, July 14, 12:00 PM. RSVPs are not required for this free event. The exhibition, featuring original works in multiple media by more than 40 local artists, will be on display July 15 through August 23. The City Gallery is located in Malibu City Hall and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Admission to the gallery is free, tickets or RSVPs are not required. For more information, visit the Arts Commission website.

PUBLIC WORKS

(NEW) PUBLIC HEARING ON WASTEWATER SERVICE CHARGES

The City Council held a public hearing on June 24 for the Wastewater Service Charges for developed properties within the City's Civic Center Water Treatment Facility (CCWTF) - Phase One, to be placed on the Los Angeles County tax rolls for the operations, maintenance, and management of the CCWTF. The Council approved the Engineer's Report and collection of Wastewater Services charges. All costs associated with the CCWTF are paid by revenue generated by the wastewater and recycled water service fees. The City is responsible for costs applicable to City-owned properties in the Assessment District. For more information, see the staff report.

(NEW) PCH SIGNAL SYNCHRONIZATION PROJECT

The City's contractor is currently working near Carbon Beach Terrace. Additional crews are working east of the Malibu Pier identifying existing utilities, potholing and installing new conduits and pull boxes. The electrical subcontractor has also started work on new technology for the traffic signals. Crews continue work on curb ramps and pedestals at additional locations. For more information, visit the project webpage.

(NEW) TRANCAS CANYON SLOPE REPAIRS

Crews completed the slope preparation adjacent to Trancas Canyon Park prior to placing jute netting and wire mesh, as part of the work to repair damage from the Woolsey Fire. Jute netting is schedule to be installed this week and continue into next week. Additional crews are working on irrigation system repairs.

(NEW) TRANCAS CANYON PLAYGROUND RESURFACING to continue after summer

Field operations will begin on the project to resurface the playground at Trancas Canyon Park following the Labor Day holiday weekend.

(NEW) MALIBU BLUFFS PARK SOUTH WALKWAY REPAIRS

Work is complete on the project to repair the south walkway at Malibu Bluffs Park.

(NEW) LEGACY PARK BENCHES RENOVATIONS

The City's contractor has completed refurbishing work on the first group of 12 benches in Legacy Park and is currently working on the second group, as part of the regular Legacy Park bench maintenance program.

(NEW) MORNING VIEW DRIVE STREET RESURFACING

Work started on June 24 on the Morning View Drive street resurfacing project.

(NEW) LATIGO CANYON RETAINING WALLS REHABILITATION PROJECT

Bids were received on June 13 and are under review for the Latigo Canyon Retaining Walls Rehabilitation Project. Staff anticipates bringing a contract to Council for approval in September.

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