Upcoming
- Saturday, March 13, 11:00 AM - Virtual Poetry Writing Workshop
- Monday, March 15, 6:30 PM - Planning Commission virtual meeting
- Tuesday, March 16, 8:30 AM - Las Virgenes-Malibu Council of Governments Governing Board virtual meeting
- Tuesday, March 16, 5:30 PM - Parks and Recreation Commission virtual meeting
- Wednesday, March 17, 5:30 PM - SMMUSD Board of Education virtual meeting
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 March 10, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LADPH) confirmed 119 new deaths and 1,514 new cases of COVID-19. Other key updates from the County’s COVID-19 Dashboard as of March 10, 2021 include the following:
- 377 confirmed positive cases and 7 deaths in the City of Malibu to date
- 1,206,713 confirmed cases and 22,213 deaths in LA County to date
- 1,079 current hospitalizations in LA County, a decrease of 397 since March 3
(NEW) WATCH THE COMMUNITY WILDFIRE PROTECTION PLAN COMMUNITY MEETING VIDEO
Video is available of the virtual community meeting that the City held on March 10 about the draft Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). Everyone in the community was encouraged to watch the meeting, ask questions and share their input. The draft plan is available to view on the Fire Safety webpage. You can submit comments by email to FireSafety@MalibuCity.org through April 9. In June of 2019, the City was awarded a $100,000 Cal Fire grant for the development of a CWPP. A CWPP identifies and prioritizes areas for hazardous fuel reduction treatments and outlines an action plan that will protect at-risk communities and essential infrastructure from wildfire, as well as make recommendations to reduce structural ignitability throughout the community. Having a CWPP in place also increases the City's chances of securing grant funding to implement the recommended action items.
(NEW) COVID-19 VACCINE - Restrictions Eased for Fully Vaccinated People as of march 10
The LA County Department of Public Health announced that, as of March 10, 2021, it has updated its Health Officer Order, modified to allow visits and small, private gatherings for fully vaccinated people in LA County per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Interim Guidance. See the updated County Health Officer Order.
(NEW) MORE GROUPS ELIGIBLE FOR VACCINES AS OF MARCH 10
LADPH announced that, as of March 10, custodians and janitors, public transit workers, and airport ground crew workers are eligible for vaccination. LADPH also announced upcoming eligibility beginning March 15 for people ages 16 through 64 who have underlying health conditions or disabilities that put them at the highest risk of becoming very sick from COVID-19. For more details, including the list of qualifying underlying conditions, see the press release.
COVID-19 VACCINE - FOOD/AGRICULTURE, EDUCATION/CHILDCARE, EMERGENCY SERVICES SECTORS ELIGIBLE FOR VACCINE AS OF MARCH 1
The County of Los Angeles announced that, starting March 1, 2021, additional sectors are eligible for vaccination in LA County as part of Phase 1B Tier 1: Food and Agriculture, Education and Childcare, and Emergency Services Sectors. The following links provide the detailed description of who is in each sector, how they can vaccinated, and what documentation is required:
Food and Agriculture
Education and Childcare
Emergency Services
Information about appointments at County-run sites will be available soon. For more information about vaccination, or to make an appointment, visit the County vaccine website. People with disabilities or without computer access can call 833-540-0473 between 8:00 AM and 8:30 PM, 7 days a week for assistance with appointments.
COVID-19 VACCINE - SENIORS CAN NOW MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FOR VACCINATION
Residents 65 and older in Los Angeles County can now make an appointment to get the COVID-19 vaccine online or by phone at: 833-540-0473. Space is limited but will grow as the County obtains more vaccine doses, so please be patient. The County has committed to eventually getting a vaccine to every person who wants one. Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) is working closely with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the CDC on the allocation, distribution, and administration of COVID-19 vaccine throughout the County. Vaccines are being made available to people in three phases of prioritization (with sub-phases and tiers) until larger vaccine supplies become available. You can get general information on the vaccine and sign up for alerts and updated on the LACDPH's COVID-19 Vaccine webpage. For information about the vaccine prioritization and allocation, visit the LACDPH web page.
COVID-19 VACCINE - LADPH WILL CONTACT YOU TO SCHEDULE YOUR SECOND VACCINE DOSE
If you have already received your first COVID-19 vaccine dose, LADPH will contact you to schedule an appointment to receive your second dose (21 days later). For all LA County vaccine information, in multiple languages, visit the LADPH vaccine web page. If you lack access to the internet or need help by phone, call 833-540-0473.
COVID-19 VACCINE - VACCINATION APPOINTMENT ASSISTANCE AND DIAL-A-RIDES FOR MALIBU SENIORS
Malibu residents 65 and over who need assistance with booking a COVID-19 vaccine appointment can call the City of Malibu’s COVID-19 Vaccination Appointment Help Line at 310-456-2489, ext. 357. Seniors may also reserve a free ride through the City’s Dial-A-Ride service to and from confirmed COVID-19 vaccination appointments in Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica and Westlake Village by calling 424-346-8444. Due to HIPPA constraints, City staff cannot make an appointment for you, however, they can help you navigate the system and provide information. (Dial-A-Rides are available for other medical appointments for a small fee). The COVID-19 Help Line and Dial-A-Ride services are available Monday through Friday. Riders are required to register for the Dial-A-Ride program by calling 310-456-2489, ext. 357 or visiting the Senior Center web page.
COVID-19 - MASK ORDINANCE still in effect in malibu
The City's Ordinance No. 473 requiring the use of face coverings in order to slow the spread of the coronavirus and protect vulnerable people during the pandemic is still in effect in City limits. Face covering must cover the nose and mouth. Exceptions: when in a residential zone, in a vehicle, while more than six feet away from people from another household, children under 2, people with medical requirements, who need to communicate hearing impaired people, while participating in water-based activities. Violators may avoid the $50 fine by immediately complying. See the complete requirements and exceptions.
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION RECOMMENDS MHS PARKING LOT FOR TEMPORARY TOW YARD
On March 3, the Public Safety Commission unanimously approved, and recommended to City Council, pursuing the Malibu High School upper student parking lot as the first choice for a temporary summertime tow yard through an amendment of the City’s Joint Use Agreement with Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. The Public Safety Commission has been working to find a tow yard location in City limits in response to community concerns that Malibu lost the only tow yard in the City. Having a nearby tow yard is necessary to be able to quickly respond to traffic collisions and keep the roadways clear for traffic mobility and safety.
MALIBU REBUILDS - STATISTICS
Staff continues to work with homeowners to rebuild. Here are the current rebuild statistics:
- Single Family Dwellings approved by Planning - 300
- Single Family Dwellings building permits issued - 170
- Single Family Dwellings complete - 24
- Multifamily – Malibu Garden Apartment permits were issued -12 apartment units
MALIBU REBUILDS – FINAL APPROVAL OF WOOLSEY FIRE FEE WAIVER EXTENSION SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 22
On March 1, the City Council approved extending the the Woolsey Fire rebuild fee waiver program for an additional year for in-kind or in-kind plus 10% fire rebuild projects. The Council will consider approval of a resolution to confirm the decision during the March 22 Council meeting. Any residents affected by the Woolsey Fire are encouraged to watch the March 22 meeting for final details about the fee waiver extension. Prior to the meeting, a staff report, viewing and commenting instructions will be posted on the City’s website. The deadline passed to apply to the Planning Department for fire rebuild projects in order for them to be considered complete by December 30, 2020. For more information, visit the City’s Fee Waiver web page.
MALIBU REBUILDS - PLANNING CONSULTATIONS AND REBUILD RESOURCES
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, as well as numerous handouts, forms and resources, visit the Rebuild webpage.
School District Separation
Children and youth in Malibu and the surrounding unincorporated area have attended schools within the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) since prior to the City's incorporation. Local school families and community groups have long expressed the desire to separate from SMMUSD and to form an independent Malibu Unified School District (MUSD). On October 12, 2020, the Council voted unanimously to reinstate the City's petition for unification of an independent MUSD to the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) Committee on School District Organization (County Committee). On March 3, 2021, the County Committee voted to hold a preliminary hearing on the City’s petition on Saturday, April 17. This is a victory, but a first of many steps in the journey to an independent MUSD. In preparation for the April 17 Preliminary Hearing, residents are urged to stay informed and stay involved. Here are some suggestions:
Submit personal testimonials sharing their experiences with SMMUSD and the reasons why they support the formation of an independent MUSD using the online form.
Stay informed by following the City’s social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Next Door) for regular updates and information about school separation.
Sign up for the School Separation e-notification list for updates, including the upcoming April 17 preliminary hearing, or visit the City’s web page for more information on local efforts to form an independent MUSD.
(NEW) WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FACILITY (WCF) ORDINANCE UPDATE HEARING APRIL 12 & ONLINE SURVEY
Online Survey – As part of the WCF Ordinance update, the City has launched an online survey that residents can take through April 5. The survey results will be presented to the City Council at its April 12 meeting when the WCF Ordinance is considered. Public Hearing – Due to the legal noticing requirements, the WCF Ordinance has been scheduled for the first available City Council meeting. On April 12, the Council will consider the draft ordinance as well as the Planning Commission recommended ordinance. For more information visit the project web page.
WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FACILITY (WCF) ORDINANCE UPDATE HEARING APRIL 12
On April 12, the City Council will hold a public hearing to consider the WCF update draft ordinance, as well as the recommendations made by the Planning Commission during its March 1 public hearing. The Commission recommended the draft ordinance be approved as amended. See the Commission’s actions. In addition to public meetings, the City will be releasing an online survey in the near future as part of efforts to incorporate community input. For more information visit the project web page.
(NEW) PROPOSAL TO MAP WCF FACILITIES IN THE CITY
On January 11, 2021 as part of Council’s review of the agreement for wireless application reviews, the Council directed staff to amend the agreements to include the mapping of existing wireless facilities in the City. Since this item was not included in the Adopted 2020-2021 Budget, staff will present a proposal for wireless facility mapping and the associated costs to the Administration and Finance Subcommittee in March prior to the City Council’s consideration. The staff report, proposal and viewing and commenting instructions will be posted on the website prior to the meeting.
MALIBU INN MOTEL ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENT PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD OPEN FEB. 18 – MARCH 18
The public comment period on the environmental document for the Malibu Inn Motel project is from February 18, 2021 through March 18, 2021. Reviewing agencies have until March 23 to submit comments. The Planning Department has prepared an initial study, and the City has issued a Notice of Intent to Adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration for the project located at 22959 Pacific Coast Highway. Additional project information and instructions on submitting public comment are available in the Notice of Intent. For more information on hotel projects, see the web page.
(NEW) WEST BASIN OFFERS FREE RAIN BARREL HOME DELIVERY PROGRAM
West Basin Municipal Water District is currently offering free, contactless delivery of rain barrels directly to qualifying homes. The 55-gallon eco-friendly rain barrels will help Malibu residents collect rainwater to use for landscaping and reduce urban runoff. One rain barrel can save up to 620 gallons per year. To register for a rain barrel delivery or learn more about the program, visit the West Basin website.
(NEW) SCE RATE INCREASES will result in cpa rate increases
On February 1, 2021, Southern California Edison (SCE) raised Delivery and PCIA rates. This will result in rate increases for all SCE customers, including those who get generation service from Clean Power Alliance (Clean Power Alliance). This change is due to an increase in SCE charges, as CPA rates are not changing at this time. CPA has said it will explore ways to mitigate some of these SCE increases on behalf of its customers. Meanwhile, CPA promotes programs such as CARE and FERA that provide eligible customers with financial assistance on their electric bills. CPA's Power Share program, launched in late February, will provide 20% discounts to eligible residents. For more information, visit the CPA website.
VIRTUAL POETRY WRITING WORKSHOP MARCH 13
Malibu Poet Laureate John Struloeff will lead a Virtual Poetry Writing Workshop on Saturday, March 13, 11:00 AM. During the workshop, participants will be guided in writing a poem and sharing it with the group. To RSVP, fill in the online form, e-mail CulturalArts@malibucity.org, or call 310-456-2489, ext. 349.
UPDATED TEMPORARY SKATE PARK HOURS STARTING MARCH 14
Beginning Sunday, March 14, the Temporary Skate Park operating hours will be adjusted to 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM due to Daylight Saving Time. Operating hours will continue to be adjusted through the spring as sunset occurs later in the evening. For more information about the Temporary Skate Park, to see rules and hours and to reserve a skate session, visit the Skate Park webpage.
CIVIC CENTER WATER TREATMENT FACILITY PHASE 2 COMMUNITY MEETING MARCH 25
A community meeting is scheduled for March 25 about the Civic Center Water Treatment Facility (CCWTF) Phase 2. On October 12, the City Council approved an agreement with 30 Three Sixty Public Finance, Inc. to perform Assessment Engineering Services for this project and on February 1, the Planning Commission approved the project. For more information about the CCWTF Phase 2, visit the project web page.
CIVIC CENTER WAY IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT - SOME LANE CLOSURES EXTENDED
The temporary lane closure of Civic Center Way from Vista Pacifica to the private driveway of 23901 Civic Center Way has been modified to allow local residential traffic only. Work will continue on this section so residents should use caution while driving in the construction zone. Civic Center Way remains closed in both directions from the entry to Malibu Canyon Village condos to Webb Way. Due to weather conditions, this closure has been extended until after March 15 second week of March. Intermittent lane closures are expected, and traffic control with flaggers will be implemented.
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. Due to unforeseen conditions and various weather concerns, the Civic Center Way closure has been extended. The City and the project contractor remain confident the project will be completed in March 2021 as described in the original notification.
Work hours are Monday through Friday 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM with some work scheduled on Saturdays. The temporary closures allow access for emergency vehicles, and will not prevent access to any adjacent side streets or private driveways. Work will be suspended during Red Flag fire conditions. For more information, visit the project webpage.
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