News Flash

UPCOMING

• Saturday, November 21, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM - Virtual Poetry Workshop (Advanced registration required)
• Saturday, November 21, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM - Document Shred Day
• Monday, November 23, 6:30 PM - Virtual City Council Meeting
• Tuesday, November 24, 9:00 - 11:00 AM - Virtual Cultural Arts Commission Meeting
• Thursday, November 26 - Friday, November 27 - City Hall Closed in Observance of Thanksgiving

COVID-19 RESPONSE UPDATE

City staff continues to monitor and respond to the pandemic by participating in regular briefings and conference calls with partner agencies, and issuing alerts and notifications regarding changes to the situation.  On November 19, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health confirmed 29 new deaths and 5,031 new cases of COVID-19.  This is the highest number of daily new cases LA County has experienced throughout the pandemic. Other key updates from the County’s COVID-19 Dashboard as of November 19, 2020 include the following:

• 137 confirmed cases and 3 deaths in the City of Malibu - an increase of 9 cases and no deaths from November 12
• 348,336 confirmed cases and 7,335 deaths in LA County - an increase of 17,886 cases and 114 deaths from November 12
• 1,188 current hospitalizations in LA County - an increase of 235 from November 12

The City’s Emergency Operations Center has been activated since March 12 to manage the City’s response. Current operational objectives include:

• Monitor news for changes to regulations that impact City residents and businesses
• Post updates on all social media platforms on an as-needed basis
• Identify City rules and regulations that need adjustment due to the pandemic
• Respond to community concerns regarding compliance with State and County Public Health Orders
• Maintain field operations per health guidelines and ramp up virtual operation capabilities
• In addition, the City continues to provide nearly all regular City services and all staff are working. In order to protect visitors and City staff, visitors are allowed in City Hall by appointment only

STate stay at Home orders issued for LA county

On November 19, the State Public Health Officer issued a new Stay At Home Order effective November 21 for all counties in Tier One of California's Blueprint for a Safer Economy including Los Angeles County. The order requires that all gatherings with members of other households and all activities conducted outside the residence, lodging, or temporary accommodation with members of other households cease between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM, except for those activities associated with the operation, maintenance, or usage of critical infrastructure or required by law. The order will take effect at 10 PM Saturday, November 21 and remain in effect until 5:00 AM December 21.  

LOS ANGELES COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH UPDATE

Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LADPH) officials have issued new restrictions effective Friday, November 20 and have established new epidemiological metrics that would trigger additional restrictions. The restrictions effective Friday, November 20 include limiting the maximum occupancy of outdoor restaurants and other establishments, limited the maximum occupancy of indoor retail and other establishments and limiting the number of people in private outdoor gatherings to 15 people from no more than 3 households. The revised Public Health Order is available on the LADPH website. Public Health officials urge everyone to take immediate action to slow the spread of COVID-19 and to stay home as much as possible for the next two to three weeks except for accessing essential services. The entire statement is available on the LADPH website.

Public Health guidance for HOlidays 

In advance of Thanksgiving, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LADPH) released guidance on COVID-safe and permitted ways to celebrate the holidays and travel while minimizing the risk of exposure and helping slow the spread of the coronavirus. See the complete guidance for celebrating the holidays.

GOVERNOR newsom's TRAVEL ADVISORY 

On November 13, in light of the rising number of COVID-19 cases, Governor Newsom, along with Oregon Governor Kate Brown and Washington Governor Jay Inslee, issued a travel advisory urging against non-essential out-of-state travel, recommending people self-quarantine for 14 days after arriving from another state or country and encouraging residents to stay local.

MASK ORDINANCE

On November 5, Council adopted Ordinance No. 473 requiring the use of face coverings during the COVID-19 pandemic. The staff report is available on the City's website. The ordinance requires the use of a face covering over both the nose and mouth with certain exceptions. Exceptions include when persons in a residential zone, or vehicle, who are six feet away or more from any person who is not part of their household and others considerations based on age, medical requirements, the need to communicate with persons who are hearing impaired, and participation in water-based activities. The ordinance also subjects violations to a fine of $50 per violation but allow an individual to avoid citation if they immediately comply with the ordinance. 

WOolsey Fire 2nd Anniversary

On November 9, 2020, the City of Malibu commemorated the two-year anniversary of the Woolsey Fire which ravaged Malibu, burning 100,000 acres, taking three lives, destroying nearly 500 homes and leaving our entire community traumatized. Malibu will never forget. But we have come through stronger than before, and the entire community has worked diligently to rebuild to become more resilient and more prepared. The City Council has made protecting public safety and rebuilding after Woolsey the City’s top priorities. The City Council has declared November 9 as Malibu’s Annual Day of Preparedness so that we never forget and keep doing everything we can to prevent new tragedies. The City marked the anniversary and Day of Preparedness with a community Emergency Preparedness Competition, meant to recognize those who have gone the extra mile in being ready for wildfires, earthquakes and other disasters, and to encourage everyone in the community to take steps to protect their families, homes and neighborhoods. More information on the preparedness competition winners is available on the City's website. The City also created a video commemorating the fire which can be viewed here.

SCHOOL DISTRICT SEPARATION

On October 12, the Council voted unanimously to reinstate the City’s petition for unification of a Malibu Unified School District to the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) Committee on School District Organization. Malibu families have long advocated for separation from the Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) citing inequities between the educational opportunities offered in Santa Monica and Malibu and an overwhelming desire for local control over their children’s education among other concerns. To address residents’ concerns and support the community’s efforts for local control, the City Council has established school district separation as one of the Council’s top three priorities under public safety and Woolsey Fire Rebuild for the last two years. The City's petition had been put on hold pending negotiations with SMMUSD. Councilmembers Karen Farrer and Rick Mullen who currently serve on the City’s School District Separation Ad Hoc Committee and have been overseeing the negotiations with SMMUSD presented an update on the status of the negotiations along with the City’s financial consultants at the October 12 Council Meeting. Video of the October 12 Meeting is available online.

On October 28, the City hosted a Virtual Town Hall on School District Separation. During the Town Hall, the School District Separation Ad Hoc Committee and the City's consultant team presented information about the City's efforts to separate from the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) and gain local control of Malibu public schools through the formation of a new, separate Malibu Unified School District and answered questions from the public. Video of the Virtual Town Hall is available online.  

SUPPORT FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES

The City Council continues to implement planning regulations to help local businesses impacted by COVID-19 public health orders. On September 14, the Council adopted an ordinance to temporarily waive certain sign regulations to help businesses advertise. Ordinance 471U provides local businesses temporary assistance in promoting their businesses and attracting customers. The ordinance allows business owners and non-residential use operators to install up to two temporary signs. Temporary signs may include portable signs (A-frame or sandwich board type signs), wall signs, window signs and banners for purposes of advertising a business or non-residential use located within the City. The ordinance allows placement of up to one of these temporary signs in the public right-of-way or in a private street or easement. Temporary sign permits may be approved by the Planning Director administratively. To submit your temporary sign permit application (no fee required), email mplanning@malibucity.org.

The City Council previously adopted the Temporary Restaurant Recovery Program allowing local restaurants to temporarily expand their seating areas to adjacent common areas or sidewalks with physical distancing and other public health protocols in place to slow the spread of coronavirus. Since the Council’s approval of the program, the Planning Department has issued 16 permits. For more information about this program, visit the Restaurant Recovery web page.

MALIBU REBUILDS STATISTICS

This week another home was completed allowing another family to return home to Malibu. Here are the current rebuild statistics:

• Single Family Dwellings planning approvals issued - 271
• Single Family Dwellings building permits issued – 156
• Single Family Dwelling complete- 17

MALIBU REBUILDS – NOVEMBER 8, 2020 DEADLINE

The deadline to submit an application to rebuild non-conforming homes and structures without having to bring the structure into compliance or seek variances was November 8, 2020. On November 23, 2020, the City Council will consider an ordinance to extend the November 8 deadline by one year as well as the deadline to obtain a building permit.  The proposed deadlines are shown here. The staff report is available on the City's website. 

For those who have missed the November 8 deadline but would like to benefit from the City’s Woolsey Fire Fee Waiver Program, please submit a complete application to the Planning Department prior to the December 30, 2020 deadline. The Planning Department is conditionally accepting planning verifications for legal nonconforming structures in an effort to allow homeowners to apply for the City’s Woolsey Fire Fee Waiver Program. The rebuild application will be accepted but cannot be processed unless the City Council extends the deadline. For more information, please contact Aakash Shah at ashah@malibucity.org or at (310) 456-2489, ext. 385. 

MALIBU REBUILDS – FEE WAIVER DEADLINES

Fee waiver applications must be received by December 30, 2020, all required Planning Department applications for the project must be deemed complete by December 30, 2020, and all required building permits must be obtained by June 30, 2021. Please note that the Woolsey Fire fee waivers are non-transferable should the property change ownership. If a waiver is obtained, a Certificate of Occupancy will only be issued to the property owner who filed the affidavit establishing primary residence at the time of the Woolsey Fire. All fees associated with post-approval revisions to the project’s Planning Department approval or building permit issuance will not be waived and will be charged in accordance the City’s Adopted Fee Schedule prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy. For more information, visit the City’s Fee Waiver web page.

MALIBU REBUILDS – REBUILD PLANNING CONSULTATIONS 

The Fire Rebuild team is available for complimentary one-on-one consultations about any fire rebuild project. Contact Aakash Shah at ashah@malibucity.org to set an appointment for phone or online meeting. For ideas about how to get started with your project, visit the Rebuild Page, where you can view rebuild options and find all related forms and handouts.

MALIBU REBUILDS – BUILDING HEIGHT 

New homes under construction will be required to submit a Height Survey Certification at framing inspection in order to verify City-approved heights. Any projects that are built to a height that is higher than allowed by code or by approved plans may be subject to a Stop Work Order, project revisions to remove the excess height or additional permitting to allow the height (if feasible). If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Planning staff at 310-456-2489, ext. 385. 

SCE’S CLEAN ENERGY AND RESILIENCY (CLEAR) REBUILD PROGRAM

SCE is providing enhanced incentives up to $17,500 for energy-efficient new home construction in areas affected by the Woolsey Fire. The CLEAR Program offers enhanced incentives to encourage rebuilding to or above the 2019 Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Title 24), including clean, energy-efficient, solar and battery storage, and resilient design. If interested, email CLEAR@sce.com or call 1-866-723-2257. More information on fire rebuild resources and rebates is available on the City's website.

BUILDING SAFETY ONLINE PERMITTING SERVICES

Over the counter permits (building, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, septic and excavation) and plan checks can now be submitted through the City's Online Building Permit Request Portal. To help facilitate Building Safety reviews, Building Safety has transitioned to electronic plan check submittals, permits, and invoices. Visit the City’s Building and Safety web page to find out how to start an electronic plan check submittal and permit request or email mbuilding@malibucity.org for more information.

FIRE-RESISTANT LANDSCAPE ORDINANCE 

In response to the Woolsey Fire, in March 2020, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 461 - the Fire- Resistant Landscaping Ordinance. The Ordinance strives to minimize the risks to life and property as a result of fire, and protect property from damage caused by fires, by restricting the fuels available for the spread of fires.  The City has launched a web page to help homeowners comply with the ordinance and to further protect their homes. For more information, visit the Fire-Resistant Landscaping web page.

2020 WILDFIRE SEASON PREPAREDNESS

The City’s Public Safety staff are in full stride preparing for the current fire season. Although fires can happen any time during the year, the most damaging fires occur in the fall and early winter when hot, dry, powerful Santa Ana winds are blowing, and fuel moistures are low. City staff participated in a virtual exercise with regional response partners in August to begin coordinating communication and response actions. The exercise scenario focused on a fire in Topanga that was moving quickly toward Malibu. Some of the strategies that were discussed included directing evacuees west, utilizing Zuma as a temporary safe refuge, and deploying emergency generators to traffic signals if power is lost. Some of the action items from the exercise included working with the agency partners to draft emergency messaging templates that will be consistent across the region, developing a plan for managing a temporary safe refuge area at Zuma Beach, and conducting a public education campaign regarding the newly established evacuation zones. To complement this exercise, City staff will participate in virtual Emergency Operations Center exercises to practice new procedures based on COVID-19 pandemic restraints.

Community preparedness events were conducted throughout September as part of National Preparedness Month. In addition, staff developed a weed whacker fire safety flyer that is available to community groups to distribute and/or post on community bulletin boards. The flyer is available on the City's website. 

2020 WILDFIRE SEASON: EVACUATION PLAN

At its regular meeting on February 24, 2020, the City Council adopted the Mass Evacuation Plan as an update to the City’s Emergency Operations Plan. The Mass Evacuation Plan was one of the findings of a working group assembled after the 2018 Woolsey Fire to improve disaster coordination, communication, and evacuation among all of the public agencies that might respond to a disaster in Malibu. The Evacuation Plan, Evacuation Zone Maps, Evacuation terms and a search function to find out what your home’s Zone is, are all available on the City’s Evacuations web page.  The Evacuation Plan was recently updated to incorporate the State’s new evacuation terminology, including:

• Evacuation Order: Immediate threat to life. This is a lawful order to leave now. The area is lawfully closed to public access.
• Evacuation Warning: Potential threat to life and/or property. Those who require additional time to evacuate, and those with pets and livestock should leave now.
• Shelter in Place: Go indoors. Shut and lock doors and windows. Prepare to self-sustain until further notice and/or contacted by emergency personnel for additional direction.
• Evacuation Order(s) Lifted: The formal announcement of lifting evacuations in an area currently under evacuation.
• Hard Closure: Closed to all traffic except fire and law enforcement.
• Soft Closure: Closed to all traffic except Fire, law enforcement and critical incident resources (i.e. Caltrans, city/county roads etc. or those needed to repair or restore infrastructure).
• Resident Only Closure: Soft closure with the additional allowance of residents and local government agencies assisting with response and recovery.

2020 WILDFIRE SEASON: EVACUATION ZONES

As part of the City’s Mass Evacuation Plan, the City partnered with the Los Angeles County Fire and Sheriff’s Departments to establish official Evacuation Zones. The Zones follow Malibu’s historic fire corridors. In the event of a large fire, officials may use the Evacuation Zones to quickly identify the timing, order, and routes of evacuation for specific areas to be more effective and avoid traffic bottlenecks. 

On September 14, the City mailed postcards to residents with information on their assigned Evacuation Zone. Residents are encouraged to become familiar with their Zone and evacuation routes and memorize their Evacuation Zone number. The Zones are available to view on the City’s website at: MalibuCity.org/Evac. Residents may also search by their address to learn the Zone in which their home is located on the City's website at: MalibuCity.org/ZoneSearch

2020 WILDFIRE SEASON: WILDFIRE AND FIRE SAFETY WEB PAGE

To help prepare for peak wildfire season, community members are encouraged to visit the City’s Wildfire and Fire Safety page, for ongoing information and resources. Topics featured on the webpage include:

• Home Ignition Zone Assessments
• The Community Wildfire Protection Plan
• How to Create a Defensible Home
• How to Build an Action Plan
• Red Flag Warning and Fire Weather Watch
• Live Fuel Moisture
• House Fire Safety
• Weed Whacker Safety

For more information about any of these topics, contact Fire Safety Liaison Jerry Vandermeulen at 310-456-2489, ext. 387 or JVandermeulen@malibucity.org, or FireSafety@malibucity.org.

2020 WILDFIRE SEASON: CURRENT LIVE FUEL MOISTURE

Tracking live fuel moisture (LFM) is an important part of maintaining situational awareness and determining critical fire danger and/or Red Flag Conditions. The LFM in the Santa Monica Mountains is at a critical level of 56%, down from 59% two weeks ago. LFM is defined as the percentage of water content to dry matter content in live vegetation. LFM can be as high as 200% and critical levels (60% or less) are usually reached by mid-October in a “normal” year. The Los Angeles County Fire Department Forestry Division conducts sampling approximately every two weeks and posts the results on their website. The full Los Angeles County Live Fuel Moisture summary and the current Santa Monica Mountains Live Fuel Moisture are both available online.

2020 WILDFIRE SEASON: SIGN UP FOR ALERTS AND DISASTER NOTIFICATIONS

If you are not already signed up to receive alerts and disaster notifications, now is the time to get that done. Make sure all members of your family, business, or organization are signed up for emergency, weather and traffic alerts by text and email from the City. To sign up, visit the E-notify web page and scroll down to Alert Center. When there is an imminent threat to any part of our community or evacuations, the City issues Disaster Notifications (similar to reverse 9-1-1) to the specific area that is being threatened. Last year, the City acquired a database of all cell phone numbers with accounts with a 90265 address. If you wish create an account or edit an exiting account in the City’s Disaster Notification System, you can  you can visit the Disaster Notifications sign up portal, create a profile, and change your contact information. If the threat is widespread, the City can issue a Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) which goes to all cell phones within the City with no subscriptions necessary, so it reaches visitors as well as residents. For more information about all of the City’s different types of alerts, go to the City’s web page.

2020 WILDFIRE SEASON: OBTAIN A DOLPHIN DECAL FOR RESIDENT ONLY ROAD CLOSURES

Malibu’s Dolphin Decal vehicle identification program was established to assist emergency personnel in identifying residents and other individuals who need to access their homes and businesses during some types of emergencies. In the event of a Resident Only road closure, the Dolphin Decal may expedite passage into the restricted area. When approaching a roadblock, all motorists will be checked for proof of residency or business in the Malibu area or to ensure they have a Dolphin Decal on their vehicle. This decal is used to assist in identification only and gives no special rights or privileges to the holder. Decals are non-transferable and non-refundable. There is no expiration date on the decals. To register for a Dolphin Decal, or for more information, visit the Dolphin Decal Program Page or call City Hall at 310-456-2489. 

2020 WILDFIRE SEASON: EMERGENCY SURVIVAL GUIDE

The Malibu Emergency Survival Guide is now available. The Guide is based on the Los Angeles County Survival Guide but customized for Malibu. This comprehensive guide includes information about creating an emergency plan, emergency food and supplies, what to do when disaster strikes, basic first aid, important phone numbers and hazards specific to Malibu. The City encourages neighborhood and community groups to make an appointment to pick up the booklets in bulk to distribute in your neighborhood. To make an appointment to pick up the guide for your neighborhood/community group, contact Sarah Kaplan, Public Safety Specialist, at skaplan@malibucity.org or 310-456-2489, ext. 368. 

Outdoor Warning Siren System

On November 9, the City Council received a presentation on the Siren Feasibility Study. The study was completed in June and presented to the Public Safety Commission in August. The study examined the feasibility of an outdoor siren system including environmental factors that will be present during Red Flag weather such as Santa Ana winds that could effect its functioning and performance. The report emphasized that the siren systems are primarily for outdoor alerting. While there may be instances where someone will hear a siren indoors, depending on the construction of the building, location, and distance from the siren, indoor notification is not guaranteed. The full report is available on the City's website.

The study outlines three options for consideration with estimated costs for equipment only. Cost estimates do not include detailed design and engineering work, environmental impact studies, permitting, easements, land acquisition, site work, construction and installation. Following are the three options outlined in the study:

1. 6 sites with high powered sirens – estimated equipment cost: $426,000
2. 20 sites, mix of high and low power sirens – estimated equipment cost: $1,168,000
3. 33 sites, low power sirens – estimated equipment cost: $1,857,000

 The City Council directed staff to move forward with pursuing Option #2, and to collaborate with the County of Los Angeles and the Las Virgenes-Malibu Council of Governments. 

To assist with the funding of this project, staff has submitted an Advanced Assistance Program grant application to FEMA to offset the cost for design, engineering and permitting (including environmental clearances) to deliver “shovel-ready" plans and specifications. Once this work is done, staff will pursue additional grants for the implementation.

In addition, staff is exploring additional options for alerting systems that may work better for alerting people in the middle of the night when the wind is blowing, which makes it difficult to hear a siren.

Homeless encampments

The City has been working with private property owners and agency partners to address homeless encampments throughout the City. The City needs the permission of the property owner in order to address encampments on private property. In most cases this is secured through a Letter of Agency filed with the Sheriff’s Department. If the encampment is on public property, homeless outreach workers need to engage the individuals first, offering services and alternative housing options. The City must then provide a minimum of 72 hours notice that an area is going to be cleared and post appropriate signage. Posting warning signs is also standard practice before addressing large encampments on private property. 

Following is a summary of City's current efforts:

Civic Center Area: An individual who had a warming fire last month was removed and cited, but returned to the area shortly thereafter. This week, deputies removed individuals from this area again. The Sheriff’s Department will continue to monitor this area.

Legacy Park: The City initiated a weekly clean up strategy at Legacy Park several weeks ago. Individuals continue to return to the area, but the overall situation is improving. 

Corral State Beach/Dan Blocker Beach: We have been working with the Department of Beaches and Harbors to support the removal of encampments on the beach.

Tuna Canyon: After securing a Letter of Agency from the property owner on November 10, a team of stakeholders, including the Councilmember Wagner, Public Safety Commissioners, the City's Public Safety Manager, Sheriff’s deputies, LA County Fire Department personnel, City Public Works staff, Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority personnel and City's homeless outreach workers, hiked the area on Friday, November 13 to advise individuals that the area was set to be cleared out and to assess the area. The City initiated an extensive clean up of this area on Thursday, November 19. 

This City has requested a list of all private property owners that have a Letter of Agency on file. Public Safety staff will review the list and determine if there are additional parcels that would benefit from having a Letter of Agency on file.

The City is committed to minimizing the impact of encampments on the community. Unfortunately, these actions will not solve the issue of homelessness. In addition, when individuals experiencing homelessness are involved in criminal activity, it often amounts to misdemeanor crimes such as littering, setting or maintaining illegal fires, and instances of theft. These offenses often result in the issuance of citations and/or fines. In incidents involving violent crime and or significant damage to property, these individuals may be arrested and temporarily housed at Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station. However, the fines and imprisonment time associated with misdemeanor crimes are relatively low, and many times these individuals return to an area they feel comfortable in, or consider “home.”

NOVEMBER 3, 2020 GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION

Preliminary election results can be found on the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk's website. The County will certify its official results on November 30, 2020. Adoption of the official results and installation of new Councilmembers will take place at the December 14, 2020 City Council Regular meeting. 

Did you forget to sign your Vote by Mail ballot envelope? Has your signature changed in the years since you registered to vote?

The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk will be contacting anyone who voted by mail whose signature does not match the official record or who forgot to sign their envelope. If you feel one of these categories may apply to you, you may preemptively follow the instructions provided on the Signature Verification Statement and Unsigned Ballot Statement Forms to cure these issues by November 28, 2020 at 5:00 PM to make sure your vote is counted.

 Return either form in one of the following ways by November 28, 2020 at 5:00 PM:

 Fax: (877) 614-1127 or (562) 232-7924

 Email: votebymail@rrcc.lacounty.gov

 Mail or in-person drop off:

Mail or in-person drop off:

Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk

12400 Imperial Hwy.

Norwalk, CA 90650

City Treasurer

On November 9, the City Council designated and appointed Ruth Quinto of Quinto Consulting LP as the City Treasurer. Ms. Quinto most recently served as the Chief Financial Officer and Deputy Superintendent for the Fresno Unified School District and recently moved to Malibu. The City of Malibu has long been committed to promoting financial transparency and fiscal accountability. The City was recently awarded a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for its Fiscal Year 2018-2019 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the 19th consecutive year. As City Treasurer, Ruth Quinto will work with staff to continue this tradition of strong fiscal and treasury management in the years to come. 

LA COUNTY WATERWORKS INVITES COMMENTS ON EIR FOR WATER SYSTEMS IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT

Los Angeles County Waterworks District No. 29 invites the City and community to review the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for critical water system improvements that are proposed over the next six years. The updates will improve water supply reliability for customers in the City of Malibu and the LA County unincorporated community of Topanga. Comments on the CEQA EIR must be submitted by December 14, 2020 via email or mail to: Eduardo Maguino, Project Manager, Los Angeles County Public Works, Waterworks Division, PO Box 1460, Alhambra, CA 91802-1460 or WaterworksProjects@dpw.LACounty.gov. Documents are available online on the Waterworks website. Details regarding a virtual public meeting to be held during the public review period will be provided soon.

SHORT-TERM RENTALS - HOSTED ORDINANCE

On November 5, the City Council introduced Ordinance No. 472 (Hosted Ordinance) to establish provisions to regulate the short-term rental of property citywide including a requirement that the hosts lives onsite during the rental, adopted Resolution No. 20-51 and directed staff to schedule a second reading.  The staff report is available on the City website. For more information and the history of the City’s consideration of STR regulations, visit the STR webpage at malibucity.org/STR. 

Short-Term Rentals - Enforcement Ordinance

On September 29, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 468 (Enforcement Ordinance) to provide enforcement tools to regulate short-term rentals. The effective date of the ordinance is January 15, 2021. On November 5, Council adopted a fee for the processing of Short-Term Rental Permits pursuant to Ordinance No. 468 in the amount of $294. The staff report is available on the City's website. The fee will become effective on January 5, 2021. More Information on the new STR permitting program will be announced soon. 

SURFACE PARKING LOT USE ZONING/LCP AMENDMENT 

On November 23, the City Council will hold a virtual public hearing to consider proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and Local Coastal Program (LCP) to allow stand-alone surface parking lots as a conditionally permitted use. Currently, parking lots are allowed in conjunction with another use but not as a stand-alone use. If approved by City Council, the LCP amendment would have to be certified by the California Coastal Commission before the regulations could go into effect. The staff report is available on the City's website.

PARKING MANAGEMENT PLAN implemented at CORRAL BEACH AND ZUMA BEACH AREAS

On September 14, the City Council adopted Ordinance 469 to implement parking restriction in the Corral Beach and Zuma Beach areas. In order to implement the Ordinance, a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) was required for each area. On October 19, the Planning Commission approved CDPs for the signs to be installed. The appeal period for the CDPs ended on November 17 and the signs were installed in the Corral Beach and Zuma Beach areas on November 18. The signs restrict traffic parking on one side of the highway from 12:00 AM to 2:00 AM and on the other side of the highway from 2:00 AM to 4:00 AM. Now that the signs have been installed, the sheriff deputies can begin enforcing the parking restrictions.  

WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FACILITIES APPLICATION REVIEW

As City Council directed on September 29, 2020, a Request for Proposals for Wireless Communication Facilities (WCF) Application Review Services has been issued. The RFP is available on the City's website. Proposals are due Monday, November 30.

wireless communication facility ordinance update Public workshop December 16

The City is currently in the process of updating its Wireless Communication Facility Ordinance. On Wednesday, December 16 at 6:00 PM, the City will host a virtual public workshop to solicit comments from the community on a draft ordinance and desired outcomes. The workshop will include an overview of the existing City ordinance, federal and state regulatory frameworks for wireless facilities. This meeting is the first of a series of public meetings to review the proposed ordinance update which will include a City Council Zoning Ordinance Revisions and Code Enforcement Subcommittee Meeting, Planning Commission Meeting and City Council Meeting. More information about how to view and participate in the public workshop will be available on the project webpage as it gets closer. In addition, staff has created a timeline for the development of the proposed Wireless Communication Facility Ordinance Update.

MALIBU JEWISH CENTER & SYNAGOGUE PROJECT

On December 7, 2020, the Planning Commission will hold a virtual public hearing to consider the Malibu Jewish Center & Synagogue Project Coastal Development Permit and the CEQA environmental document. For a complete description of the project and information regarding the upcoming hearing, please review the Notice of Public Hearing.

VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER

The Environmental Sustainability Department’s Virtual Environmental Center allows residents to enjoy virtual activities from home and learn about the City’s environmental projects. Virtual activities include SMMUSD Go Green Challenge for students, Smart Gardening webinars (November), Know Your H2O webinars (November- December), California Friendly Landscaping and Turf Removal webinars (November), and recycling tips. 

SHRED DAY SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21

The City is hosting a free drive-thru document shred event at City Hall’s upper parking lot on Saturday, November 21 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This is a drive-thru event with COVID-19 safety precautions in place. All attendees are asked to wear a face covering and remain in their vehicles with windows closed. Staff will take your documents for shredding and residents will not be able to wait and watch the bin be shredded. There is a limit of 5 boxes (or 5 13-gallon bags) per household. More information is available on the City's website. 

NEw rebate for SPRINKLER UPgrades

Through Malibu Smart, a partnership between the City, West Basin Municipal Water District, and LA County Waterworks District 29, residents can take advantage of enhanced rebates for water saving devices. The rebate for switching out old standard sprinkler timers for smart timers, also known as weather-based irrigation controllers, was recently doubled to $160. These smart timers easily adjust the watering schedule based on the weather, saving water and money. For more information on the rebates available, visit www.socalwatersmart.com. 

VIRTUAL RECREATION CENTER

The Community Services Department’s Virtual Recreation Center (VRC) allows residents to enjoy recreation programs from home during the pandemic. The VRC features a wide variety of programs, activities, and classes designed to help residents of any age stay active and entertained. Programs are updated frequently, so make sure to visit the Virtual Recreation Center on a regular basis.

PERMANENT SKATE PARK Preliminary Design 

On November 17, the Parks and Recreation Commission approved the preliminary design for the Permanent Skate Park Preliminary Design. The Commission will discuss site amenities for the project, such as seating, shade, and landscaping, at an upcoming meeting. Once potential site amenities are determined, the project will be reviewed by the Public Works Commission, Planning Commission, and City Council. You can watch the November 17 Commission Meeting, see the preliminary design, or view the design consultant’s presentations by visiting the Skate Park Web Page.

Virtual poetry workshop NOvember 21

Malibu Poet Laureate Dr. John Struloeff will lead a Poetry Workshop on November 21 at 11:00 AM. During the workshop, Dr. Struloeff will give writers prompts and methods to progress as a poet in an encouraging and inspiring setting designed to motivate participants to create new literary pieces. Advance registration is required. To RSVP calling 310-456-2489, ext. 349 or email CulturalArts@malibucity.org..

UPDATED TEMPORARY SKATE PARK OPEN WEEKENDS

The Skate Park is now opened seven days per week by reservation only from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The operating hours will continue to be adjusted through the fall and winter as sunset occurs earlier in the evening. Skaters can reserve one two-hour skate session through our online reservation system every other day, up to one week in advance.

COMMUNITY POOL HOLIDAY CLOSURES

The Community Pool will be closed November 26 and 27 in observance of Thanksgiving. 

CHANGES TO THE METRO 534 Bus

On October 22, the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) Board adopted the Next Gen Bus Plan. The Board Report is available on Metro's website. The plan will renumber Line 534 to 134 and discontinue the route through the Point Dume neighborhood on Cliffside Drive & Dume Road due to underutilized service. 

CIVIC CENTER WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY PHASE 2 

On October 12, the City Council awarded a contract for assessment engineering services for the formation of an assessment district for the Civic Center Water Treatment Facility Phase 2. The City hosted a virtual community meeting on September 17 to provide an update on the project. Additional information on the project is available on the City's website. The City will conduct a follow up community meeting in December 2020.  

CLIFFSIDE UTILITY UNDERGROUNDING DISTRICT

On July 13, in response to a request from Cliffside Drive property owners, Council directed to staff to work with the property owners to start the process of forming an underground assessment district for Cliffside Drive east of Fernhill Drive. The City issued a request for proposals for the formation of the undergrounding district. Council will consider awarding the contract for this work on November 23. The staff report is available of the City's website.

FEMA PRELIMINARY FLOOD MAPS APPEAL

The City is in the process of appealing the revised FEMA Preliminary Flood Maps. These revised maps change the flood zone and flood depth along the City’s coastline. The proposed changes could have an impact to all existing properties and any new development along the beach. Since December 2019, the City’s consultant (Moffat & Nichol) conducted several conference calls with FEMA regarding the City’s proposed methodology to determine the base flood elevations along the coastline. They also performed a new land survey and then re-calculated the depth of flooding along the coastline. The majority of the sections analyzed showed a lower base flood elevation. The City’s consultant submitted the revised calculations to FEMA for their review. The City received comments from FEMA regarding the City’s Flood Map revisions.  The City’s consultant is working on the responses and will be providing FEMA with additional information within the next few weeks. The letter and more information is available on the City's Floodplain Management web page.

CIVIC CENTER WAY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

This project will improve the horizontal and vertical sight distance, create additional space for motorists, pedestrians, bicyclist and transit to travel along Civic Center Way between Malibu Canyon Road and Webb Way. From September 21 to December 2020 (weather permitting) a portion of Civic Center Way between Vista Pacifica and the private driveway of 23901 Civic Center Way will be temporary closed. The temporary closure will include access for emergency vehicles to utilize the street during emergency situations. Work hours will be Monday through Friday 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM with some work scheduled on Saturdays. The temporary closure will not prevent access to any adjacent side streets or private driveways. Additionally, the Contractor will not be working during red flag warnings. Additional information is available on the City’s website.

DUME DRIVE AND FERNHILL DRIVE SPEED HUMPS PROJECT

This project includes the installation of speed humps on Dume Drive and Fernhill Drive from Grayfox Street to Cliffside Drive. On November 9, City Council awarded the construction contract to J&H Engineering. Construction is anticipated to begin in mid-December.

BLUFFS PARK WORKOUT STATION

The project is located at the Malibu Bluffs Park and consists of removal of the existing zip-line play structure and poured-in-place rubber surface, installation of a new workout station, including a new poured-in-place rubber surface similar to the existing surface, and installation of signage included with the workout station equipment.  On October 12, Council awarded the construction contract to Civic Construction Associates. Demolition work began on November 16 and the project is anticipated to be completed by the end of December.

MALIBU PARK DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS

This project consists of work to repair and improve several drainage structures located within the Malibu Park Neighborhood along Cuthbert Road, Busch Drive and Harvester Road, Morning View Drive, and Birdview Avenue that were damaged during severe storms in the aftermath of the Woolsey Fire. The project is current out for public bidding. The construction bid information is available on the City's website. Bids are due on November 19, 2020.

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 RFeldman@MalibuCity.org.

See Past City Manager Updates