Upcoming
- Monday, March 22, 4:00 PM - City Council virtual special meeting
- Monday, March 22, 6:30 PM - City Council virtual regular meeting
- Tuesday, March 23, 9:00 AM - Cultural Arts Commission virtual regular meeting
- Wednesday, March 24, 3:30 PM - Public Works Commission virtual regular meeting
- Thursday, March 25, 6:00 PM - Civic Center Water Treatment Facility - Phase 2 virtual community 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 17, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LADPH) confirmed 88 new deaths and 933 new cases of COVID-19. Other key updates from the County’s COVID-19 Dashboard as of March 17, 2021 include the following:
- 380 confirmed positive cases and 7 deaths in the City of Malibu to date
- 1,212,586 confirmed cases and 22,664 deaths in LA County to date
- 861 current hospitalizations in LA County, a decrease of 222 since March 10
UPDATED TSUNAMI HAZARD AREA MAPS TO BE RELEASED
Public Safety staff recently participated in a briefing on the California Tsunami Program’s updated Tsunami Hazard Area Maps that provide information about potential inundation areas in Malibu. The updated maps will be posted on the state tsunami website on Monday, March 22 for the public to view and download. You can see the tsunami risk in your location by typing in your address. Most of Malibu is not at significant risk. However, the Malibu Lagoon area could see water depths as deep as eight feet and many ocean front homes and sections of Pacific Coast Highway could be severely impacted by a tsunami generated by a 9.3 magnitude earthquake on the Alaska-East Aleutians fault. Public Safety staff will provide an overview of the updated maps and what it means for Malibu on Tuesday, April 13 at 6:00 PM during a virtual community meeting. As part of California’s Tsunami Preparedness Week, March 22 – 26, residents are encouraged to review the tsunami maps and preparedness guides on the state's website. For more information about the tsunami hazard, contact the City Public Safety Office at 310-456-2489, ext. 368.
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) SIGN UP NOW FOR THE CITY'S VIRTUAL COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM (CERT) TRAINING CLASSES
Due to COVID-19, the City’s regular schedule of ongoing CERT training courses is temporarily shifting to a hybrid model where students take the classroom portion online in the safety of their own homes. Registration is now open for the online classroom portion. Upon completion of the online section, they will be eligible to take the in-person training portion when it is safe to do so. The City will announce schedule of the in-person portion and final drill as soon as they are set, and will directly notify those who have completed the online portion. CERT training includes instruction in disaster preparedness, fire suppression, disaster medical, search and rescue, disaster psychology and terrorism. Students will be guided through the sign-up process and sent periodic check-ins during the self-paced online portion. During the drill, students get a chance to use the skills they learned in the classes. For more information or to register, email PublicSafety@malibucity.org or call 310-456-2489, ext. 368 or visit the CERT webpage.
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.
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 - ALL SENIORS OVER 65 ARE ELIGIBLE FOR VACCINE - MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
All 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, about vaccine prioritization and allocation, and sign up for alerts on the LADPH COVID-19 vaccine webpage.
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.
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 - 172
- 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 22, the Council will consider approval of a resolution to confirm the March 1 decision to extend the Woolsey Fire rebuild fee waiver program for an additional year for in-kind or in-kind plus 10% projects. Any residents affected by the Woolsey Fire are encouraged to watch the meeting for final details about the fee waiver extension. The staff report, viewing and commenting instructions are posted in the Virtual Meeting webpage. 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 - SIGN UP FOR E-NOTIFICATIONS, TAKE THE SURVEY, VISIT THE WEB PAGE, JOIN THE APRIL 17 HEARING
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.
WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FACILITY (WCF) ORDINANCE UPDATE HEARING on APRIL 12 & ONLINE SURVEY through april 5
Public Hearing – On April 12, the Council will hold a virtual public hearing to consider the draft WCF ordinance as well as the Planning Commission's recommendations from their hearing. Due to the legal noticing requirements, the WCF Ordinance was scheduled for the first available City Council meeting. Online Survey – As part of the outreach effort for 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 during its April 12 public hearing. For more information about the WCF ordinance, visit the project web page.
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 April 12 hearing. The staff report, proposal and viewing and commenting instructions will be posted on the website prior to the meeting.
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) DAY CAMP REGISTRATION OPENS MARCH 29
The Community Services Department in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club is offering four-week day camps for youth grades K-5 beginning April 12. Day camps include basketball, soccer, girls-only camps and Jedi Training. Programs will be held at Malibu Elementary, Webster Elementary, and Juan Cabrillo Middle School. For more information or to register, visit the registration web page or call 310-456-2489, ext. 239.
CIVIC CENTER WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY PHASE 2
On October 12, City Council approved an agreement with 30 Three Sixty Public Finance, Inc. to perform Assessment Engineering Services for this project. The project was approved by the Planning Commission on February 1. Additional information is available on the project webpage.
FEMA PRELIMINARY FLOOD MAPS APPEAL
The City is in the process of appealing the revised FEMA Preliminary Flood Maps, which 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 review and received comments on the revisions. The City’s consultant is working on the responses and will be providing FEMA with additional information this spring. The letter and more information is available on the City's Floodplain Management web page.
CIVIC CENTER WAY IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT DELAYED UNTIL APRIL DUE TO WEATHER
Unfortunately, due to weather delays, the opening of the Civic Center Way Improvements Project phase 2 lane closure has been delayed until the middle of April. This project will improve safety and traffic flow for motorists, pedestrians, bicyclist and transit by improving the horizontal and vertical sight distance and creating additional space to travel along Civic Center Way between Malibu Canyon Road and Webb Way. The City and the project contractor remain confident the project will be completed in March 2021 as described in the original notification. Phase 1 of the temporary closure on Civic Center Way between Vista Pacifica and the private driveway of 23901 Civic Center Way has been opened to local residential traffic only. Work will continue in phase 1 while this section remains open. Residents should use caution while driving within the construction zone. Phase 2 of the project remains closed in both directions between the entry to Malibu Canyon Village Condos and Webb Way. Access is preserved for emergency vehicles. Work hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM with some work scheduled on Saturdays. Access is preserved for adjacent side streets and private driveways. Work will be suspended during Red Flag fire conditions. Current construction activities include surveying, grading, layout, subgrade preparation, storm drain inlet construction, placement of new storm drain piping, steel pile and concrete panel retaining wall, masonry block retaining wall, pavement repairs and placement of new concrete curb and gutter. Additional information is available on the City’s website.
PCH SIGNAL Synchronization Improvements
This Signal Synchronization project will improve traffic signal communications along PCH to reduce congestion and improve safety for all modes of travel by utilizing Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) elements. Design is currently underway with an anticipated bid date in Fall of 2021. The project spans 8 miles on PCH between Topanga Canyon Boulevard and John Tyler Drive, and includes the following improvements:
- New fiber-optic cable and communications equipment to improve traffic signal communications
- New adaptive traffic signal controllers at each intersection
- Traffic Signal Intersection Upgrades with battery backup systems
- CCTV cameras along the corridor
- Changeable Dynamic Message Signs
- Emergency vehicle preemption
- New countdown pedestrian signal heads, Accessible Pedestrian Signal (APS) upgrades, and curb ramp upgrades
Malibu Park Drainage Improvements
This project consists of the design and construction to repair and improve several drainage structures located within the Malibu Park Neighborhood and Birdview Avenue. Locations are included along Cuthbert Road, Busch and Harvester, Morning View Drive, and Birdview Avenue. These repairs and improvements are a result of the severe storm drainage failures associated with the aftermath of the Woolsey Fire. Design has been completed. On November 19, 2020, the City received six bids for this project. The City Council rejected all bids on January 25, and staff has modified the design of the project and placed it out to bid with bids due on April 16.
CITY HALL ROOF REPLACEMENT PROJECT
Staff has completed design to replace the existing roof and construction bids were received on November 18, 2020. The apparent low bidder was 101 Roofing and Construction, Inc. This project was awarded on January 11. The contractor continues to provide City staff material submittals for review and approval. Work is expected to begin in late March and be completed in May, weather permitting.
Bluffs Park Workout Station
The new Workout Station at Malibu Bluffs Park consists of removing the existing zip-line play structure and poured-in-place rubber surface, and installing a new workout station, including a new poured-in-place rubber surface like the existing surface, and new signage. Demolition is complete, and the new equipment has been ordered. However, due to fabrication delays, the equipment arrival date has been delayed until March. This project is expected to be completed in April.
VERIZON UTILITY WORK on Cross Creek Road
Verizon will be installing a new underground conduit along Cross Creek Rd approximately 100 ft. north of PCH. The remaining work includes pavement restoration. Verizon is waiting for a Caltrans permit to complete the paving portion.
Malibu Canyon Road Waterline
This project consists of upgrading the existing waterline on Malibu Canyon Road from PCH to Malibu Knolls and from Malibu Crest to Potter Road (HRL). This work will result in intermittent lane closures on Malibu Canyon Road Monday through Thursday 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM and Fridays 9:00 AM to 1:0 PM. Construction start in late February 22 is expected to last for two months.
TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICE(S) ON CLIFFSIDE DRIVE
Staff is looking into the feasibility of installing a new stop sign at the intersection of Cliffside Drive and Fernhill Drive. There have been concerns about the speed at which vehicles travel along these segments. A new stop sign requires specific traffic volumes and accidents to install a new stop sign. Staff is evaluating this request to see if the minimum requirements are met to install a new stop sign.
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