News Flash Home
The original item was published from 6/10/2022 5:36:04 PM to 6/16/2022 5:30:42 PM.

News Flash

Home - News Carousel

Posted on: June 10, 2022

[ARCHIVED] City Manager Updates
June 10, 2022

CITY OF MALIBU

UPCOMING


(NEW) UPDATE ON CALIFORNIA COASTAL COMMISSION CONCERNS ABOUT WOOLSEY REBUILD OPTION 4

The City is aware of concerns expressed by the California Coastal Commission (CCC) regarding Woolsey Fire “Rebuild Option 4,” and is working on a response to the Commission. The CCC recently contacted the City stating that it considered the City’s “Rebuild Option No. 4” to be inconsistent with the City’s Local Coastal Program (LCP), and requested that the City remove the Option from the City’s Rebuild Website until the matter is resolved. Option 4 consists of a Planning Verification Woolsey Fire (PVWF) approval for in-kind plus 10% rebuild of the destroyed structure with a subsequent Administrative Plan Review Woolsey Fire (APRWF) application or APRWF with Site Plan Review to add more than 10% square footage, for properties located outside of the appeal jurisdiction of the CCC.  

The City is currently working with CCC to gain clarification on the relevant policies and processes that apply, and will bring the findings to the City Council for review. Accordingly, out of an abundance of caution the City has removed Option 4 from the City’s Rebuild Website per the CCC’s request and has put all pending APRWF approvals on hold until this matter is resolved. Staff is working with fire victims to keep them informed and to provide any assistance they might need.  

The City wishes to assure those who are going through a fire rebuild that this latest development will not diminish the City’s priority on the fire rebuild efforts. The City of Malibu is committed to the Woolsey Fire rebuild effort, and is doing everything possible to help those whose homes were damaged or destroyed in the fire to rebuild, recover and get back in their homes. Anyone working on a rebuild project with questions or concerns about how this may affect their project is encouraged to contact the Rebuild Team for one-on-one assistance at 310-456-2489, ext. 385 or Ashah@malibucity.org.


(NEW) REBATES AND RESOURCES THROUGH MALIBU SMART PROGRAM TO HELP RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES REDUCE WATER USE

The City has partnered with LACWD and West Basin Municipal Water District to help Malibu residents and businesses save water and money through the Malibu Smart water conservation program. Turf Replacement - Outdoor water use makes up 50% or more of total household water use during the warmer months. One of the most effective methods for permanently reducing water use at home is to replace water-thirsty grass lawns with beautiful, drought-resistant landscapes. Apply for a rebate of $5 per square foot of grass removed rebate (up to 5,000 square feet or $25,000 total). Grass lawn replacement rebates are also available for commercial and multifamily customers. For more information about residential and commercial rebates and to apply, visit the website.  

Water Saving Devices - Other rebates are currently available to Malibu residents for water-saving devices, including toilets, laundry machines, sprinkler nozzles, rain barrels and cisterns, weather-based irrigation controllers and soil moisture sensor systems. For more information and to apply, visit the website. Rebates and resources for commercial customers include water-saving devices, the Water Savings Incentive Program, the Onsite Retrofit Program, and the Public Agency Turf Replacement and Project Assistance Program. Learn more and apply on the website.  

Additional Malibu-specific water conservation information is available on the City’s webpage. 


CITY HALL REMAINS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ON A LIMITED BASIS - FACEMASKS ARE STRONGLY RECOMMENDED, BUT NOT REQUIRED INSIDE

City Hall remains open to the public on a limited basis. Regular City Hall hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM and Fridays 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Members of the public may come to City Hall without an appointment during public counter hours. An appointment will be needed for in-person assistance during any other hours. Visitors will be asked to remain outside the building until they can be helped by staff. Appointments can be made online. Facemasks are no longer required, but are strongly recommended, while inside, in line with the updated Los Angeles County Health Officer Order.  

Public Counter Hours

  • Planning: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, walk in. Other times by appointment only.
  • Permit Services: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, walk-in and appointment. Other times by appointment only. 
  • Building Plan Check: Tuesday and Thursday, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, walk-in and appointment. Other times by appointment only.
  • Environmental Health: Tuesday and Thursday, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, walk-in and appointment. Other times by appointment only.
  • Geology / Coastal Engineering: Tuesday and Thursday, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, walk-in and appointment. Other times by appointment only.
  • Public Works: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, walk-in. Other times by appointment only.

To make virtual appointments with City staff and Departments, please call or email: 

 

MALIBU SENIOR CENTER AT CITY HALL OPEN FOR IN-PERSON SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES 

The Senior Center is open for general and various in-person services and programs Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Face coverings are not required, but are strongly recommended in Malibu City Hall, in line with the updated Los Angeles County Health Officer Order. Seniors can use the general use areas of the Center, including the computer lab, library and various recreation programs. Staff is also available to assist with Dial-A-Ride questions and program registrations. Fresh coffee is available daily from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. For more information, call 310-456-2489, ext. 357 or visit the webpage.


(NEW) 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 June 8, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LADPH) confirmed 10 new deaths and 3,722 new cases. Other key updates from the County’s COVID-19 Dashboard as of June 8, 2022 include the following:   

  • 2,358 confirmed positive cases and 13 deaths in the City of Malibu to date
  • 3,008,619 confirmed cases and 32,178 deaths in LA County to date
  • 419 current hospitalizations in LA County, an increase of 138 since May 24


(NEW) COFFEE WITH A DEPUTY, JUNE 22

Get to know your local Deputies serving our community from the Malibu- Lost Hills Sheriff's Station, ask questions and discuss local public safety matters at Coffee with a Deputy on Wednesday, June 22, 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM at the Starbuck's at PCH and Trancas Canyon Road.  

 

(NEW) FIRE CONDITIONS UPDATE - LIVE FUEL MOISTURE LEVELS

As part of continuous wildfire preparedness, the City tracks Live Fuel Moisture (LFM) in the Malibu area as an important part of determining current fire conditions for our community. LFM is the percentage of water content to dry matter in live vegetation. The May 12, 2022 LFM is at 89%, down from 112% from the previous sampling. The historical average for this time of year is about 120%. LFM can be as high as 200%, and 60% and below is considered critical. The Los Angeles County Fire Department Forestry Division conducts sampling approximately every two weeks and posts the results on their website. This shows the effect of drought and higher temperatures on fuel and how our local fuels are susceptible to sustaining a wildfire.


(NEW) PUBLIC SAFETY EXPO RECAP, PHOTOS AND MORE PREPAREDNESS RESOURCES

The City of Malibu and the Malibu Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) hosted the City's 4th annual Public Safety Expo on June 4 at City Hall to help the community get prepared for wildfires and other disasters. See photos from the event. The fun, interactive, educational event featured a wide variety of preparedness equipment and services vendors, and public safety agencies demonstrating specialized equipment and vehicles. Malibu-Lost Hills Sheriff's Station Commanding Officer Captain Jennifer Seetoo and other Sheriff's Deputies, as well as LA County Firefighters, CHP, LA County Animal Care and Control, Malibu CERT, Malibu Search and Rescue, Sheriff's Volunteers on Patrol (VOPs), American Red Cross and Disaster Communications Services Volunteers were on hand to discuss public safety, emergency preparedness and volunteer opportunities. City Councilmembers Steve Uhring and Karen Farrer attended, and Mayor Paul Grisanti attended and volunteered as a member of the Malibu CERT Team. The CERT Team contributed over 160 volunteer hours working on the event.

ADDITIONAL PREPAREDNESS RESOURCES AVAILABLE YEAR-ROUND - Pick up a free printed Malibu Emergency Survival Guide at City Hall during open hours, Monday – Thursday 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM and Fridays 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM. Homeowners can make an appointment to get a free home wildfire hardening assessment or get other assistance with wildfire and emergency preparedness by calling 310-456-2489 or email PublicSafety@MalibuCity.org or visiting www.MalibuCity.org/firesafety.


CERT CLASS OFFERED IN-PERSON JUNE 15 - JULY 27

The City of Malibu will offer an in-person Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training course for the first time since the start of the pandemic. The course is offered Wednesdays at 6:00 PM, June 15 - July 27 at City Hall, with a final drill on Saturday, July 30. CERT is a highly acclaimed program of free courses administered by the City and other public safety agencies across the country that empowers community members to help themselves and their neighbors during disasters. Through hands-on training, participants learn the most up-to-date information on basic disaster preparedness, the use of a fire extinguisher, disaster medical care, first aid, search and rescue, disaster psychology, and neighborhood team building. To sign up, visit the website. For more information, contact publicsafety@malibucity.org or call 310-456-2489, ext. 368. 


CITY OF MALIBU / RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE, JUNE 15

Give the gift of life, donate blood at the City of Malibu / American Red Cross Blood Drive Wednesday, June 15, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM at City Hall. Make your life-saving appointment at on the Red Cross website (enter CityofMalibu) or by phone at 800-733-2767.


LA COUNTY BRUSH CLEARANCE INSPECTIONS underway 

Regular brush clearance is a crucial part of protecting homes and the community from wildfires. The Brush Clearance Program is a joint effort between Los Angeles County Fire and Los Angeles County Agricultural Departments. Initial notices were sent out by mail directly to homeowners in February with the first in-person inspection taking place during the month of June. If necessary, a second inspection will take place one month later. Properties that are non-compliant will be referred to the Brush Clearance Office which will work with the homeowner to rectify the violation and thus avoid fines. This year, the Fire Department will be leaving a yellow door hanger on the property that will indicate whether there are violations, and list any violations. For more information, including a list of vendors, visit the LA County Fire Department website .


(NEW) TEMPORARY DAY-USE IMPOUND YARD TO BEGIN OPERATIONS JUNE 18 

On Saturday, June 18, the City will begin operating a temporary day-use impound yard on the City-owned property at Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and Heathercliff Road. The impound yard will be used through October 3, daytime and weekends only, exclusively for the temporary storage of vehicles that were towed due to being illegally parked or posing a public safety hazard. The impound yard will not store vehicles overnight and will be operated by two Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department-sanctioned towing companies to address the expected seasonal increase in illegally parked cars during the summer. For more information, visit the webpage. 


(NEW) HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS / ELECTRONIC WASTE COLLECTION, JUNE 12 in calabasas, June 18 at city hall 

Residents can wrap up their spring cleaning at the Household Hazardous and Electronic Waste Collection Sunday, June 12, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Calabasas Landfill  (5300 Lost Hills Rd, Agoura Hills, CA 91301) and on Saturday, June 18, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM at Malibu City Hall's upper parking lot (23825 Stuart Ranch Road). Drop off latex paint, motor oil, batteries and electronics. All items collected will be recycled or safely disposed of. Please remain in your vehicle with windows closed while staff removes items from the trunk or pickup bed. For more information, including a list of accepted materials, visit the event webpages. 


(NEW) MALIBU MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL SPECIFIC PLAN PROJECT 

The Malibu Middle and High School (MMHS) Specific Plan Project that was scheduled to be discussed during the June 13 City Council meeting has been continued (rescheduled) to June 27. On May 31, the Planning Commission considered the (MMHS) Specific Plan, EIR, and code amendments and made its recommendation to the City Council. The Planning Commission’s comments are currently being addressed and will be presented to the City Council on June 27. The Specific Plan establishes the development standards and plans for the redevelopment of the MMHS Campus to be implemented in four phases over the next 10 to 15 years. The District’s proposal is currently under review by the City of Malibu. If the City Council approves the Specific Plan, it will be forwarded to the California Coastal Commission for final certification of the Specific Plan. Please note that any  Coastal Development Permits and other entitlements for the MMHS redevelopment will be considered by the Planning Commission at a later date. For more information, visit the project webpage. https://www.malibucity.org/397/Malibu-Middle-High-School-Improvements

 

(NEW) SHORT-TERM RENTAL UNIT HOSTED-ORDINANCE, JUNE 13

On June 13, 2022, the City Council will discuss the City’s Short-Term Rental Unit Hosted Ordinance, which requires the presence of an onsite host during short-term rentals, primary residency requirements and multifamily restrictions. The ordinance is currently under review by the California Coastal Commission (CCC). City staff was notified that the CCC staff is leaning towards denying the City’s proposed Local Coastal Program (LCP) Amendment for the ordinance but is willing to work with the City towards a mutually agreeable modification to the LCP Amendment before the CCC considers it. Staff is seeking direction from the Council regarding whether they want staff to work with the CCC staff to find an acceptable alternative that would allow the CCC staff to recommend approval of the City’s ordinance with suggested modifications rather than denying the LCP amendment. The staff report is available online. For more information about this pending ordinance, visit the project webpage. 

 

(NEW) DARK SKY ORDINANCE AMENDMENT PUBLIC HEARING, july 11

On July 11, the City Council will hold a virtual public hearing to consider an amendment to the City's Dark Sky Ordinance to allow light trespass limit for commercially and institutionally zoned properties onto the public right-of-way and the Planning Commission’s recommendation. The staff report will be available online prior to the hearing. https://malibucity.org/agendacenter The City Council initiated the ordinance at the recommendation of the City’s Lighting Consultant. On May 16, the Planning Commission held a public hearing recommending that the light trespass limit extension should be allowed for gas station properties only. For more information, see the Notice of Public Hearing and the Dark Sky Ordinance webpage.


(NEW) CITY COUNCIL TO CONSIDER FINAL ADOPTION OF PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2022-2023 DURING JUNE 13 MEETING

The Malibu City Council will consider final adoption of the Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2022-2023 during the virtual Council meeting on Monday, June 13, 6:30 PM. The agenda, viewing and commenting instructions are posted on the webpage. The City Council held the annual Budget Workshop on April 27, offering community members the opportunity to observe the presentation of the Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2022-2023 to the City Council, and participate through public comment. Video of the Budget Workshop is available to watch online. (starts at 2:02:41). Written comments may be sent to the City Council at any time at CityCouncil@MalibuCity.org. 

The City’s annual Budget is based on the City Council’s Work Plan that carries out the City’s mission to maintain its rural residential character by establishing programs and policies that avoid suburbanization and commercialization of its natural and cultural resources. The Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2022-23 addresses three main aspects of critical alignment to achieve the City’s mission through the City’s organization: staffing; technology; and the protection of natural and cultural resources. As part of the Proposed Budget, organizational changes to the City's Environmental Sustainability and Planning Departments are being proposed to improve customers service, efficiency and transparency.


(NEW) MALIBU REBUILDS - STATISTICS

Staff continues to work with homeowners to rebuild. Here are the current Woolsey Fire rebuild statistics.  See continuously updated statistics on the Rebuild Portal. 

  • Single Family Dwellings building permits issued - 233
  • Single Family Dwellings complete - 82
  • Multifamily building permits issued - 18 units
  • Multifamily building units complete- 12 units

 

MALIBU REBUILDS - PLANNING CONSULTATIONS AND REBUILD RESOURCES

The Fire Rebuild team is available Monday through Friday at City Hall for complimentary one-on-one consultations about any fire rebuild project. Contact Aakash Shah at ashah@malibucity.org to set an appointment for a meeting by phone or online. For ideas about how to get started with your project, as well as numerous handouts, forms and resources, visit the Rebuild webpage.


(NEW) MANDATORY WATER USE RESTRICTIONS IN EFFECT FOR MALIBU DUE TO DROUGHT CONDITIONS

As drought conditions continue to worsen in California, the Los Angeles County Waterworks Districts (LACWD) has issued mandatory water use restrictions that apply to the City of Malibu and other communities served by Waterworks District 29. Water use restrictions include: 

  • Outdoor yard and lawn watering is restricted to two days a week based on home address numbering. Residential even address numbers: Tuesday and Friday. Residential odd address numbers: Monday and Thursday.
  • Commercial customers: Monday and Friday.
  • Outdoor watering allowed only between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM.
  • Outdoor watering prohibited during daylight hours.
  • Outdoor watering allowed no longer than 10 minutes per watering day.
  • No outdoor watering Wednesday, Saturday, or Sunday.
  • No street runoff is allowed. 
  • Potable water shall not be used for washing hard surfaces, such as pavement, roadways, concrete, and sidewalks, except for public health and safety exceptions.
  • Customers, including homeowners and renters, must repair water leaks, breaks, and malfunctions in a timely manner.
  • Restaurants shall only serve water upon request.

 See the complete list of water use rules and other information on the LACWD FAQ webpage.


OPENING RECEPTION FOR "ART OF SURF” EXHIBITION AT CITY HALL GALLERY, JUNE 25

The Malibu Arts Commission invites community members to the free opening reception for the next City Hall art exhibition, "Art of Surf," on Saturday, June 25 at 11:00 AM. The exhibition is a tribute to Malibu's deep roots in surfing culture featuring original works from more than 25 local artists. The exhibition will be on display from June through August 2022 at the Malibu City Gallery and is available to view Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Tickets or RSVPs are not needed for the opening event or the exhibition.


(NEW) SPECIAL EVENTS REPORT

Currently, there are permitted events on June 9, 11, 18 and 24, July 9, as well as every Sunday for parking for the Farmer's Market, June 18 - October 3 for the Temporary Day-Use Impound Yard. The City of Malibu Planning Department posts a weekly report of approved event permits on the website. In order for members of the public to be informed of pending event permit applications and to provide an additional opportunity for public input, the City has changed the Event Permit Report format to include all event permit applications deemed complete for review for consistency and compliance with the requirements of the Malibu Municipal Code and the Planning Director’s action on each application. The updated Event Permit Report has been posted to the City's website. To sign up to receive an email or text message when an updated Event Permit Report is posted, visit the e-notifications page (scroll down to the "Special Event Permit Report" category).

 

(NEW) TRANCAS BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT WORK SCHEDULE

 Work on the Caltrans Trancas Bridge Replacement Project continues. No work is scheduled over Memorial Day weekend. 

  • Roadway restriping scheduled for the evening of Wednesday, June 1 (nighttime lane and shoulder closure 7:00 PM – 6:00 AM).
  • K-rail placement along northbound PCH starting the evening of June 1 (nighttime lane and shoulder closure 7:00 PM – 6:00 AM).
  • Activation of temporary traffic signal Guernsey Avenue Thursday morning, June 2 (intermittent lane and shoulder closure).
  • Temporary Pedestrian Walkway will be available for use June 2, approximately 10:00 AM. 
  • Demolition of the old bridge scheduled for Friday, June 3 (daytime work, 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM). 

Motorists, pedestrians and cyclists should proceed with caution, and watch for vehicles, equipment staging, workers, dust, lights, signs in the road and shoulder, and unplanned temporary lane and shoulder closures. The speed limit is reduced to 30 MPH, with signs posted, in the construction zone. Under California law, speeding fines are doubled in construction zones. Sign up for traffic alerts via text or email on the website (scroll to “Alert Center”).  


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 SMcClary@MalibuCity.org.

See Past City Manager Updates