City of Malibu, CA

11/04/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/04/2024 20:19

City Manager Updates November 4, 2024 UPCOMING

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2024

UPCOMING

KEY ANNOUNCEMENTS

(NEW) CITY COUNCIL ACTS TO ADVANCE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES ON CITY-OWNED LANDS

On October 28, the Malibu City Council took significant steps to advance recreational facilities on city-owned properties, focusing on ball fields and a potential multigenerational community center as part of the Malibu Community Lands Project. The Council considered the final report on the comprehensive outreach and engagement project that the City has conducted over the last seven months to gather community input and generate ideas and proposals for the future uses of the City's five community lands that span over 61 acres.

On October 28, the Council directed staff to prioritize soccer and baseball/softball fields on the Ioki and Heathercliff parcels, initiating site design and grading work with on-call engineering consultants. Concurrently, the City will issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to develop a master plan for a multigenerational community center/sports complex. This facility is envisioned to include amenities such as a pool, a gymnasium, a senior center, multipurpose space and a potential expansion of library services, ideally located on the Heathercliff parcel but with flexibility to consider the Ioki site as well.

In addition, the Council authorized staff to work with the developer team of Cross Creek Ranch (formerly La Paz Ranch) to create a conceptual rendering for a performing arts center on the La Paz site, also known as Parcel C. Under a 2023 settlement agreement with Cross Creek Ranch, the City secured planning support at no cost to assist in envisioning future uses for this property. As part of this agreement, the Cross Creek Ranch team will provide up to $100,000 in site planning and preliminary design services using their in-house and external planning resources, at the City's request. This collaboration provides Malibu with unique planning opportunities to serve the community with a versatile and thoughtfully designed performing arts space.

For more information about the Community Lands project, visit the website. For more details, click here, or below, to watch the video of the Council discussion and review the Powerpoint presentation.

(NEW) SCHOOL DISTRICT SEPARATION - MALIBU MOVES FORWARD UNILATERALLY WITH SEPARATION PETITION AFTER UNANIMOUS COUNCIL VOTE

On October 25, the City of Malibu announced it would move forward unilaterally with its school district separation petition following a unanimous City Council vote. This decision comes after the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SM-MUSD) Board missed its own deadlines to approve a recommended separation agreement. Now, Malibu will submit an independent feasibility study to the LA County Committee on School District Organization, supplementing its original 2017 petition. Unlike prior efforts, the new study excludes financial concessions initially offered to SM-MUSD, reflecting Malibu's commitment to proceed independently. Malibu has been working in good faith to reach an agreement with SM-MUSD that would create a fair and equitable separation for both communities. Malibu is now asking the County Committee to review the City's petition, inclusive of the new independent feasibility study, and the County Committee has scheduled public hearings on the matter for November 8 and 13. The matter will also be heard at the next regular meeting of the County Committee on November 6. For more information about the City's school district separation effort, visit the MUSD webpage.

(NEW) LA COUNTY COMMITTEE ON SCHOOL ORGANIZATION TO HOLD PUBLIC HEARINGS ON MALIBU'S SCHOOL DISTRICT SEPARATION, NOVEMBER 8 AND 13

The City movement to form an independent Malibu Unified School District (MUSD) continues to advance, as the LA County Committee on School District Organization will hold public hearings on Malibu school district separation in November. Community members are encouraged to attend, watch, and submit public comments on the City's school separation effort. Viewing and commenting instructions are posted on the County Committee website.

Friday, November 8, 6:00 PM
SMMUSD District Office Board Room, 1717 4th Street, Santa Monica
Remote participation available

Wednesday, November 13, 6:00 PM
Malibu High School, 30215 Morning View Dr, Malibu
Remote participation available

These hearings mark a significant step in the City's ongoing effort to separate from the Santa Monica - Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) and create an independent public school district for Malibu. The City remains committed to ensuring the best possible educational outcomes for students of Malibu and Santa Monica districts, as well as maintaining an open and transparent process throughout. For more information about Malibu's school separation effort, visit the MUSD webpage.

(NEW) SUBMIT LETTERS IN SUPPORT OF MALIBU'S school separation EFFORT at the COUNTY COMMITTEE ON SCHOOL ORGANIZATION PUBLIC HEARINGS, NOVEMBER 8 & 13

The City of Malibu's petition to separate from Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District (SM-MUSD) and form an independent school district will be considered by the LA County Committee on School District Organization at public hearings November 8 and 13. Community members can submit or attach/upload letters voicing their support of the City's petition to be presented to the County Committee at the hearings. Use the form to submit letters on the MUSD webpage. For questions, please contact Deputy City Manager Alexis Brown at [email protected].

CITY HALL / ADMINISTRATION

(NEW) GUEST SPEAKER AT CITY HALL FOR HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

As part of the City of Malibu's commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive and fun workplace culture, the City hosted an excellent lunchtime guest speaker for staff at City Hall in October for National Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month. Attorney Irma Moisa-Rodriguez shared about her personal journey and experience as a Latina woman working in government. This thought-provoking event offered staff members a chance to experience another perspective, which helps increase creativity and empathy at work. Supporting inclusion and diversity ensures that everyone at City Hall feels valued, respected, supported, understood and welcomed in the workplace.

CHANGES 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, Regular Council meetings (still on the second and fourth Mondays of each month) will begin at 5:30 PM. The meeting agenda has been restructured to move the Consent Calendar, presentations, and reports from the City Manager, Commissions, and Committees prior to 6:30 PM. Public Comment and Councilmember comments will continue to be heard 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 or Consent Calendar (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.

NOVEMBER 5, 2024 GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION

MALIBU VOTER INFORMATION FOR NOVEMBER 5, 2024 ELECTION

Hours for all Vote Centers in LA County are 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM until election day, and 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5. LA County Voters may drop Ballots and Vote-by-Mail Ballots at any Drop Box in LA County until 8:00 PM on Election Day, November 5. See all Vote Center and Drop Box locations on the County LA Vote website (on the map, "View Vote Center List" 4 and 11-day Vote Center list, or "Drop Box Locations").

All LA County voter information, including Vote Center and Ballot Dropbox locations, Sample Ballot request, voter registration, help with access and functional needs, and election results, is available on the LA Vote website.

Malibu City election information will be posted and updated on the Elections webpage as it becomes available.

CANDIDATES FOR MALIBU MUNICIPAL ELECTION (3 CITY COUNCIL SEATS)

  • Haylynn Conrad
  • C. Channing Frykman
  • Paul Grisanti
  • Write-in Candidate: Andy Lyon
  • Bruce Lee Silverstein
  • Steve Uhring

VOTE CENTERS IN MALIBU AREA

11-DAY VOTE CENTERS: OCTOBER 26 - ELECTION DAY, NOVEMBER 5

  • Malibu City Hall
    23825 Stuart Ranch Rd, Malibu 90265
    Hours: 10/26 - 11/04: 10AM - 7PM
    11/05: 7AM - 8PM

  • Westlake Village City Hall
    31200 Oak Crest Dr, Westlake Village
    Hours: 10/26 - 11/04: 10AM - 7PM
    11/05: 7AM - 8PM

  • Founders Hall
    200 Civic Center Way, Calabasas
    Hours: 10/26 - 11/04: 10AM - 7PM
    11/05: 7AM - 8PM

4 DAY VOTE CENTERS: NOVEMBER 2 - ELECTION DAY, NOVEMBER 5

  • Christian Science Church-Malibu
    28635 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu
    Hours: 11/02 - 11/04: 10AM - 7PM
    11/05: 7AM - 8PM

  • Malibu High School
    30215 Morning View Dr, Malibu 90265
    Hours: 11/02 - 11/04: 10AM - 7PM
    11/05: 7AM - 8PM

  • Topanga Library
    122 N Topanga Canyon Blvd, Topanga
    Hours: 11/02 - 11/04: 10AM - 7PM
    11/05: 7AM - 8PM

BALLOT DROP BOXES IN MALIBU AREA

  • Malibu Library
    23519 Civic Center Way, Malibu
    Hours: 24 - Hour
  • Topanga Library
    122 N Topanga Canyon Blvd, Topanga
    Hours: 24 - Hour
  • Topanga State Park - Dead Horse Lot
    21401 Entrada Rd, Topanga
    Hours: 6 AM - 6 PM
  • Agoura Hills Civic Center - City Hall
    30001 Ladyface Ct, Agoura Hills
    Hours: 24 - Hour
  • Westlake Village Library
    31220 Oak Crest Dr, Westlake Village
    Hours: 24 - Hour
  • Calabasas City Hall
    100 Civic Center Way, Calabasas
    Hours: 24 - Hour

PUBLIC SAFETY

(NEW) PSPS POWER OUTAGE RESPONSE PROTOCOLS

There is a strong possibility of Southern California Edison (SCE) Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) during the week of November 4 due 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, which is required under California law.

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 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.

(NEW) CITY HALL STAFF PARTICIPATES IN ANNUAL EMERGENCY TRAINING

As part of the City's commitment to public safety and emergency preparedness, all City Hall staff members recently participated in an annual emergency training. The training covered emergency first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of a fire extinguisher in order to be prepared to respond to an emergency at City Hall or other City Hall facilities.

CITY TAKES ACTION TO IMPLEMENT SPEED CAMERA SYSTEMS ON PCH

The City is taking a significant step toward improving road safety on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) by starting the process of implementing an automated speed camera system immediately after the Governor's signing of Senate Bill1297 (Senator Ben Allen), allowing speed cameras on PCH in Malibu. The City issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to develop a Speed Safety System Use Policy and an Impact Report. The speed cameras will be strategically installed in the following high-risk areas on PCH: Decker Canyon, between Guernsey Avenue and Morning View Drive, Latigo Canyon, between Carbon Beach Terrace and Carbon Canyon Road, and Tuna Canyon Road. The deadline to submit bids is Friday, November 1. This initiative is a vital tool in our ongoing efforts to reduce speeding and enhance safety for all who travel through Malibu on PCH. For more details, see the press release.

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.

FIRE SAFETY

CHIEF DREW SMITH GIVES 2024 FIRE SEASON OUTLOOK, ANTICIPATING A HIGH-RISK WILDFIRE SEASON

As part of the City's fire season preparedness efforts, the City hosted the annual fire season outlook led by Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD) Chief Drew Smith the City Council meeting October 14. Chief Smith highlighted that last winter's heavy rains have resulted in heavy new vegetation growth, which, as it has dried out over the summer into critical fuel moisture levels, has become highly flammable fuel for brush fires. Those fuels will continue to dry out until the first significant rainfall arrives, usually by November and December. He reported that the current La Niña weather pattern is expected to bring the seasonal rain later than usual and contribute to a higher-than-usual fire risk. The Fire Department bases its analysis on 100 years' worth of climatology data, current climatology data, weather forecasts, fuel sampling data and input from the National Weather Service. Our fire starts are usually human caused. Watch video of the presentation.

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 was 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.

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. It should be noted that large fire growth may still occur with LFM levels as high as 80% if we have substantial wind and lower humidity. The LACoFD Forestry Division conducts sampling throughout the county approximately every two weeks and posts the results on its website.

CITY WILDFIRE SEASON PREPAREDNESS MEASURES

At the October 14 Council meeting, the Public Safety Department gave a presentation on the measures that the City takes every year to mitigate and prevent fires, and to lessen the impact of potential wildfires on the community, lives, homes and infrastructure. In addition, the City works on helping the community be prepared, training staff to be ready, and planning and coordinating a potential wildfire response with the LA County Fire and Sheriff's Departments and other partner agencies. Some of the City's measures include:

  • Hazard Tree Removal Program - 670 hazardous trees removed
  • Home Wildfire Assessments - 38 in 2024, 515 total assessments
  • Firewise Communities - 4 new Firewise Communities for a total of 6
  • Santa Monica Mountains Regional Firesafe Council
  • Brush Clearance on City Properties
  • Wildfire Risk Emergency Declaration
  • Refreshed the Emergency Bins
  • Conducted EOC Training for Staff
  • Updated the Emergency Operations Plan
  • Gained Access to LA-RICS
  • Conducted Fire Extinguisher & CERT Training
  • Hosted a Public Safety and Preparedness Fair

(NEW) FIRE SEASON - CURRENT FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS 

CURRENT WILDFIRE CONDITIONS - LIVE FUEL MOISTURE AT 62% (60% IS CRITICAL)

Currently in Malibu, our Live Fuel Moisture (LFM) levels are at 62% as of October 29, down from 67% on September 27. That is in line with the historical average for this time of year. The strong vegetation growth from last winter's heavy winter rains is drying out quickly, and is near the critical 60% level, which will greatly increase 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 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).

WHAT DOES "RED FLAG MEAN"? - GET FAMILIAR WITH TERMS USED FOR WILDFIRE CONDITIONS

We are now in fire season, and 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 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.

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 alerts and see all current City alerts on the Alerts webpage. 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.

Click here to print and download the Red Flag Plan flyer. 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-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, 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.

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

(NEW) WOOLSEY FIRE NON-CONFORMING STRUCTURES DEADLINE, NOVEMBER 8, 2024

The deadline to submit a Planning Verification application to rebuild non-conforming structures destroyed or damaged in the Woolsey Fire without having to bring the structure into compliance with current ordinances is November 8, 2024. Woolsey Fire victims who will not meet this deadline are encouraged to request an extension using the online form. In 2024, the City Council extended the deadline to submit a Planning Verification to November 8, 2024, and to obtain building permits for an approved Planning Verification to November 8, 2026. For more information, visit the Fee Waiver & Deadline webpage.

(NEW) CITY OF MALIBU'S HOUSING ELEMENT MOVES CLOSER TO FINAL APPROVAL

The City Council took a significant step toward securing a state-certified Housing Element after meeting the milestones laid out in the Housing Element Stipulated Judgment. The City's revised 6th Cycle Housing Element was submitted to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) on October 4, 2024. On October 17, the Local Coastal Program (LCP) amendments (Ordinance 523 and Resolution No. 24-49) were transmitted to the California Coastal Commission (CCC) for its certification review. On October 18, 2024, an executed copy of Ordinance 523 approving the Malibu Municipal Code (MMC) and Local Coastal Program (LCP) amendments was submitted to HCD along with proof that the LCP amendments were submitted to the CCC. In addition, these documents were transmitted to the HCD legal team and the State Attorney General. City staff anticipates receiving the certification letter from HCD, as it previously found that the draft Housing Element met the statutory requirements of State Housing Element Law. For more information, visit the Housing Element webpage.

(NEW) DEVELOPMENT PORTAL - ADU PLANNING SUBMITTALS

In an effort to streamline submissions of Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) planning applications, the Planning Department launched the ADU application option to the Development Portal. These application requests will be flagged for processing. In April 2024, the City launched the Development Portal for applicants or owners to quickly and easily submit projects, get status updates, keep track of progress on their projects, and manage documents and fees. It also allows access to individual projects, real-time updates, Departments' revisions, required documents, and fee information. Since launching the portal, 650 building professionals and residents have registered, and more than 6,000 documents have been uploaded. Click here to access the Portal.

(NEW) LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT PLANNING REVIEW UPDATE

The Planning Department recently initiated a periodic update of Planning Review Process with the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD) Fire Prevention Unit. Staff from both agencies reviewed the types of Malibu applications and projects that require Fire Department plan review in the initial planning conformance review phase. Using the Planning Department's Guide to Los Angeles County Fire Department and Water District Routing, the LACoFD Fire Prevention and Forestry Fuel Modification Units review planning applications to ensure emergency apparatus access, water supply for fire protection, review of architectural drawings for means of egress requirements, as well as review landscape plans for structures located in the Fire Hazard Severity Zones. The joint effort resulted in numerous instances where the LACoFD waived the need to be involved in a formal review process, simplifying the City's planning process and timeline for applicants. For more information, review the Planning Department's Guide to Los Angeles County Fire Department and Water District Routing.

(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: 373
    (of which 362 have been approved by the Planning Department)
  • Single-family home rebuild applications under planning review: 11
  • Single-family homes complete: 174
  • Multifamily building units complete: 18
  • Multifamily building permits issued: 18
  • Projects under construction: 121
  • Inspections approved: 10,650
  • Inspections total: 19,081
  • Single-family home rebuild building permits issued: 295

DEVELOPMENT PORTAL - ADU PLANNING SUBMITTALS

In an effort to streamline the submittal of an Accessory Dwelling Unit planning application, the Planning Department launched the ADU submittal option to the Development Portal. These application requests will be flagged for processing. In April 2024, the City launched the 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 have access to individual projects, real-time updates, Departments' revisions, required documents, and fee information. Since launching the portal, 650 building professionals and residents have registered and over 6,000 documents have been uploaded. Click here to access the Portal.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND BUILDING SAFETY

(NEW) ORGANICS RECYCLING VIRTUAL TRAINING AND KITCHEN CADDY GIVEAWAY, NOVEMBER 13

The City is offering an organic waste recycling virtual training on Wednesday, November 13, 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 links for this and future trainings are posted on the webpage.

 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) MANIFESTATION MEDITATION WORKSHOP, NOVEMBER 6

The Community Services Department will host a complimentary Manifestation Meditation Wellness Workshop for people ages 16 and older on Wednesday, November 6, 4:30 PM at Malibu Bluffs Park. Learn ways to help release tension and stress, balance energy in the body, and promote a sense of well-being, led by The Mindry. Pre-registration required. For information and to register, visit the Community Programs website.

(NEW) 25TH ANNUAL MALIBU VETERANS DAY PUBLIC CEREMONY, NOVEMBER 11

Help honor our veterans at the 25th Annual Veterans Day Public Ceremony, hosted by the Malibu Navy League, Pepperdine University, the City of Malibu, and the Malibu Association of Realtors. This special event will take place on November 11 at Malibu City Hall. The program, themed "A Quarter Century of Honor - 25 Years of Saluting the Past, Inspiring the Future," will run from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM and will feature keynote speaker Pat Boone. Following the ceremony, refreshments will be served from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM. Attendees are encouraged to bring a photo of a family member who has served or is currently serving for a powerful display of gratitude and remembrance. For more information, please contact Ani Dermenjian at 310-738-0499.

HOLIDAY HOURS - veterans day, november 11

Malibu City Hall, the Senior Center, and the Community Pool will be closed in observance of the Veterans Day holiday on Monday, November 11. All City parks will be open from 8:00 AM to Sunset. View the City's facility and park listing, and holiday hours on the City's website.

(NEW) SENIOR CENTER RESOURCE FAIR, NOVEMBER 14

Meet local service providers and learn about healthy aging at the Senior Resource Fair on Thursday, November 14, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, at the Senior Center at Malibu City Hall. Information booths will include medical doctors, health and wellness businesses, community organizations, and senior care providers. The first 50 people to RSVP will receive a free lunch. Attendees may also enter a free raffle to win gift baskets, vendor discounts, gift cards, and more. For information, visit the Senior Center website.

(NEW) PARK TALES STORYTIME, NOVEMBER 14

The Community Services Department and the Malibu Library will host "Fall Fun," a Park Tales Storytime on Thursday, November 14, 10:00 AM at Malibu Bluffs Park. The event includes an art activity and a free snack. Pre-registration is recommended, but not required. For information and to register, visit the Special Events webpage.

LEGACY AUDUBON SOCIETY BIRD WALK, NOVEMBER 17

Walk through Legacy Park with the Audubon Society on Sunday, November 17, 9:30 to 10:30 AM. Learn to identify bird species with professionals from the Audubon Society. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and bring binoculars, if have them. Meet at Legacy Park. The program is free, but reservations are required. For information or to register, visit the Outdoor Recreation webpage.

(NEW) SENIOR CENTER EXCURSION TO DODGER STADIUM, NOVEMBER 18

Join the Malibu Senior Center on Monday, November 18, for a tour of Dodger Stadium. The tour includes field access, a walk through the team's trophy gallery, and the Vin Scully Press Box. The Trophy Gallery includes World Series Trophies, Most Valuable Player, Silver Slugger, Cy Young, and Rookie of the Year awards. Pre-registration required. For information, visit the Senior Center website.

(NEW) ART EXHIBITION OPENING RECEPTION, NOVEMBER 17

Join the Malibu Arts Commission for the free opening reception of "Feminine Perspectives: A Still Life Exhibition" on Sunday, November 17, 12:00 PM at the Malibu City Gallery at City Hall. The exhibition featuring six female artists will provide a unique perspective, transforming everyday objects into powerful statements of beauty, culture, and identity. Celebrate the artists, Mia Babalis, Cathey Cadeiux, Debbi Green, Leslie Lienau, Martha Meade, and Roxanne Skene, and enjoy complimentary refreshments and live music by Christopher Wooley at the reception. RSVPs are not required for the opening reception or to visit the gallery. For more information, visit the Arts Commission website.

(NEW) MALIBU LIBRARY SPEAKER SERIES, NOVEMBER 20

Huma Abedin will discuss her first book, "Both/And," at the next Malibu Library Speaker Series, Tuesday, November 20, 7:00 PM at Malibu City Hall. Huma spent her entire career in public service and national politics, and served as Deputy Chief of Staff at the U.S. Department of State. In her book, Abedin grapples with family, legacy, identity, faith, marriage, motherhood, and work with wisdom, sophistication, grace, and clarity. Free with required RSVP. For more information and to RSVP, visit the Library Speaker Series webpage.

NOVEMBER POETRY PROGRAMS, NOVEMBER 16 & 23

Aspiring poets of all ages are invited to join the free poetry readings and workshops in November. An RSVP is not required. Caffeinated Verse featuring Michael Mark takes place Saturday, November 16, 11:00 AM at the Malibu Library. The Ripple Effect, a poetry writing workshop led by Poet Laureate Nathan Hassall, is on Saturday, November 23, 2:00 PM at the Michael Landon Center at Malibu Bluffs Park. For more information, visit the Poetry webpage.

PUBLIC WORKS

(NEW) PCH SIGNAL SYNCHRONIZATION PROJECT

The City's contractor continues to investigate, excavate and place concrete foundations to install new traffic signal poles. The contractor also continues to install new fiber and other equipment at various locations. 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 system so 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