Richard Mollica Named Acting Planning Director as Planning Director Bonnie Blue Prepares to Move on from Malibu
On October 7, 2020, Assistant Planning Director Richard Mollica has been named the Acting Planning Director for the City of Malibu effective October 21, 2020. After five years as the City’s Planning Director and a total of 14 years working for the City,Bonnie Blue announced plans to relocate to her home state of Florida to be closer to her family. Bonnie will be stepping down from her current role on October 20, 2020 following the October 19, 2020Planning Commission Meeting. During her time with the City, Bonnie shepherded many planning initiatives including the Dark Skies Ordinance, the Formula Retail Ordinance and Fire-Resistant Landscape Ordinance to protect Malibu’s rural resident character and unique natural environment.
“Having served as a Planning Commissioner for over six years, I know first-hand what a competent, professional job Bonnie has done leading the City’s Planning Department and I am very pleased that Richard Mollica will be serving in this acting capacity,” said Mayor Mikke Pierson.
After graduating from Malibu High School, Richard Mollica earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of California Los Angeles and a master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of California Irvine. Richard is certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners and has worked for the City for over 15 years in various roles within the Planning Department. In recent years, Richard has helped manage the planning process for the City’s fire rebuild effort making it easier for residents to rebuild. Richard was promoted to Assistant Planning Director in July 2019.
The Planning Department is responsible for assisting the community in planning for the future and helping guide growth consistent with the community vision. Planning Department staff provide professional advice and services in a wide range of areas to members of the public, applicants, outside agencies, Planning Commission, and City Council. Planning Department functions include current planning, long-range planning, code enforcement, and staff support for commissions and committees including the Planning Commission.
Naming Richard Mollica as Acting Planning Director will ensure continuity of planning services while the City continues its search for a permanent Planning Director.
Residents, applicants and others with planning questions may contact Acting Planning Director Richard Mollica at 310-456-2489, ext. 346 or via email at rmollica@malibucity.org .