UPCOMING
- Saturday, October 22, 5:00 PM - CineMalibu Outdoor Screening of "Ghostbusters" - Malibu Bluffs Park
- Monday, October 24, 6:30 PM - Regular City Council Meeting - virtual
- Tuesday, October 25, 9:00 AM - Malibu Arts Commission Regular Meeting - virtual
- Wednesday, October 26, 9:00 AM - Environmental Review Board Meeting - virtual
- Wednesday, October 26, 3:30 PM - Public Works Commission Meeting - virtual
- Wednesday, October 26, 7:00 PM - Organics Recycling Training and Kitchen Caddy Giveaway - virtual
(NEW) MALIBU CONTINUES OPPOSITION TO COUNTY ACTION TO MOVE JUVENILE PRISONERS TO MALIBU AREA
The City continued its strong opposition to the action by LA County to move high-risk juvenile prisoners, many of whom were convicted of serious and violent crimes, including murder, to the Santa Monica Mountains just north of Malibu, filing a second letter of protest with the County on September 14, 2022. The County plan raises too many serious safety concerns, for the surrounding residential communities including Malibu, as well for as the inmates and the facility staff. The City objects to the fact that the County has not adequately analyzed the project’s potentially significant impacts related to wildfire safety and evacuation of prisoners and staff, emergency access, public services, staffing and security challenges and other impact areas. While the City understands the need to provide permanent, quality rehabilitative facilities for juvenile offenders, the environmental effects of such facilities on the surrounding community must be analyzed and addressed. See the exhibits with the September 14 letter, the past letter, and more background information on the webpage.
(NEW) CITY WORKING TO ASSIST MALIBU FARMERS MARKET
Although the City of Malibu is not party to agreements that the Malibu Farmers Market has with LA County or Santa Monica College, the City recognizes the value of the Farmers Market to the community. City staff has been working with the Farmers Market to find ways to accommodate access, parking and safety concerns and help them find some additional space as they work through the construction period of the Santa Monica College Campus. The City has been working on potential solutions, including the possibility of moving all or a portion of the event into the street. City staff also explored the possibility of relocating the Farmers Market to the adjacent City-owned Chili Cookoff lot on Civic Center Way and Stuart Ranch Road, but LA County health regulations prohibit a farmers market from operating on a dirt lot. The City has also contacted the County to explore ways to help, and asked the County to ensure the event can operate and that it will be safe. Ultimately it is up to the Farmers Market operator to determine how they wish to proceed. The City will continue to work with the Farmers Market to explore all options that are permissible under City code.
(NEW) MALIBU EARNS 21ST CONSECUTIVE CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT FOR EXCELLENCE IN FINANCIAL REPORTING
The City of Malibu was 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 2021-2022 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR). The City of Malibu has proven its commitments to transparency, accountability and responsible management of taxpayer dollars throughout its history, receiving the award for the 21st consecutive year. Malibu’s excellent financial management improves the City’s ability to fund large projects that the community needs and be better prepared to weather disasters and economic downturns.
(NEW) JOIN THE GREAT SHAKEOUT EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS DRILL OCTOBER 20
Join the City and millions of people around the world to “Drop, Cover and Hold On” for the Great ShakeOut, the world’s largest simultaneous earthquake preparedness drill, on Thursday, October 20, 2022 at 10:20 AM. Community members are encouraged to join the exercise in person if they happen to be at City Hall, or independently at their home, business, school, house of worship or community-based organization. A major earthquake can strike at any time, and would have severe impacts to Malibu’s community, homes, infrastructure, daily lives and economy. Everyone in Malibu should prepare for earthquakes, and have emergency plans and supplies adequate to last for several days, including food, water, first aid and medications. Don't forget your pets! According to earthquake safety experts, “Drop Cover and Hold On” is the safest immediate response to an earthquake. For more earthquake preparedness resources, get the free guide.
(NEW) SHERIFF’S CRIME AND SAFETY UPDATE TO CITY COUNCIL
Lieutenant Dustin Carr, the City’s Liaison from the Malibu- Lost Hills Sheriff's Station gave a crime and safety update during the October 10, 2022 City Council meeting. You can watch video of the update (starts at 41:55). The Sheriff’s Department (LASD) responded to a newly reported homeless encampment at Surfrider Beach. LASD made contact with the person on site, who chose to seek out services. LASD is working on getting them into housing as soon as possible. Recently, LASD has been conducting nighttime enforcement on RVs/oversized vehicles parked overnight along PCH. Deputies conducted a survey, counting 18 RVs/oversized vehicles parking overnight, issued 23 citations, and towed one vehicle for vehicle code violations. The Station has been responding to reports of people experiencing homelessness falling asleep in public places with drug paraphernalia around them, and is working on getting them into services. Deputies continue to patrol in Legacy Park in response to recent complaints about homeless people and so far, no crimes have been reported. Lt. Carr reported that so far this year, Malibu is on track for a significant decrease of crimes including auto theft, arson, aggravated assault and theft. The Sheriff’s monthly crime and safety reports to the City are posted on the webpage.
CITY COUNCIL DECLARES LOCAL STATE OF EMERGENCY TO FACILITATE REMOVAL OF HOMELESS ENCAMPMENTS DURING WILDFIRE SEASON
The Malibu City Council approved declaring a local state of emergency on September 27, 2022, initiating a program for reducing the risk of wildfires associated with unpermitted and unregulated camping in City limits. The resolution enables the LA County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), LASD-Homeless Outreach Services Team (HOST) and the City to more quickly remove homeless encampments on public property during wildfire season. LASD and the City are prioritizing removing homeless encampments and unhoused people from the brush-covered hills and canyons of Malibu and placing them into emergency shelters. These efforts ensure that the people being removed are connected to a network of healthcare, mental healthcare and housing services. The potential for fires originating from cooking and warming fires in homeless encampments poses a serious threat both for residents and for people living in encampments who may become trapped during a fire. In 2021, the City adopted a similar resolution, based on hazardous fire conditions and the more than 20 brush fires attributed to homeless encampments between January and August, 2021. For more information, see the staff report.
The annual Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count in February showed 81 people experiencing homelessness in Malibu, a decline of 66% from 239 in 2020 and 157 in 2021. The decrease in Malibu reflects the positive results of the work by the Malibu Homeless Outreach Team since being enlisted and funded by the City in 2016, in coordination with City staff and the HOST Team. Learn more about Malibu's efforts to address homelessness.
Project Permitting Processes UPDATED to Improve Customer Service for Residents
The City has introduced several new modifications to the Planning Department’s project application process to improve the customer experience and make processes more efficient and transparent for residents who are rebuilding, building, renovating or repairing their homes. Most project submittals can now be made online through a new portal, rather than submitting in-person at City Hall or by email. For more information, visit the portal.
(new) NOVEMBER 8, 2022 MALIBU GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION - vote center locations in malibu announced
Los Angeles County has posted the final list of Malibu-area Vote Centers on the Registrar-Record/County Clerk website. The website defaults to only show 11-day Vote Centers. In order to see the complete list, select "four-day Vote Centers" as well. Malibu will have one 11-day Voter Center at City Hall, and two additional four-day Vote Centers in the City. City election information will be posted and updated on the website as it becomes available. Voters in Los Angeles County may cast ballots at any Vote Center in the County. The Vote Center locations in Malibu will be:
Malibu City Hall, 23825 Stuart Ranch Road
Hours: October 29 - November 7, 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM. November 8 (Election Day), 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM.
Christian Science Church-Malibu, 28635 Pacific Coast Highway
Hours: November 5 - 7, 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM. November 8 (Election Day), 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM.
Malibu High School, 30215 Morning View Drive
Hours: November 5 - 7, 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM. November 8 (Election Day), 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM.
NOVEMBER 8, 2022 MALIBU GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION - “MEASURE MC” TRANSACTIONS AND USE (SALES) TAX
Measure MC, the City’s Transactions and Use (Sales) Tax will appear on the November 8, 2022 ballot. If approved by voters, the measure will raise the sales tax in Malibu from 9.5% to 10%, and the City could use the revenue for, among other potential uses to benefit the community:
This information was also sent out by mail citywide to households in Malibu. This message is provided as a public service by the City of Malibu for your information only. For more information, visit the City’s Elections webpage or contact the City Clerk at CityClerk@MalibuCity.org or call 310-456-2489, ext. 228.
(NEW) wildfire season - FIRE CONDITIONS UPDATE
Live Fuel Moisture and Conditions - LFM currently 61% (near critical) - As part of continuous wildfire preparedness, the City tracks Live Fuel Moisture (LFM) as well as relative humidity, temperature, and dead fuel moisture to determine fire conditions for Malibu. LFM is at 61% as of September 29, down from 63% two weeks earlier. The LFM is the percentage of water content to dry matter in live vegetation. LFM can be as high as 200% and is considered critical at 60% and below. The Los Angeles County Fire Department Forestry Division conducts sampling approximately every two weeks and posts the results on their website.
The LFM has plateaued, which is typical for this time of year. Historically, LFM has not increased until substantial rainfall of 2 inches or more, normally in late October and early November. However, below-normal rainfall and above-normal temperatures are expected until December. Currently, favorable humidity, wind and Dead Fuel Moistures have kept the fire hazard rating in the Santa Monica Mountains at “Moderate.” We will see Red Flag or highly hazardous fire conditions only with strong and consistent wind and low humidity. Conditions will worsen with the arrival of Santa Ana winds, which generally occur and peak from October through December.
Wildfire Season Outlook for Malibu from the Community Fire Season Briefing (watch video) - Conditions for this fall and winter are anticipated to be near to above normal monsoonal showers and thunderstorms through mid-September, with rainfall well below normal in late September through December. Temperatures are expected to be well above normal through December (but not as severe as the recent heatwave). A near normal amount of Santa Ana wind events is expected October through December. Severe/extreme drought conditions continue for the region. Typical peak fire conditions occur in October, November and December, with Santa Ana wind events coinciding with dry fuels before green grasses emerge, resulting in about 8 high risk days.
wildfire season - Start Getting Prepared Now
Residents should begin preparing for wildfire season now. Closely monitor local fire weather conditions and warnings on the National Weather Service Los Angeles/Oxnard website. Create and/or review your family or business emergency plan, including evacuation routes and reunification locations, and gather emergency supplies. Check the expiration dates on food and medication. Keep vehicle fuel tanks above half full. Make sure you are able to open electric gates or garage doors when the power is out. For preparedness guidance, get the Malibu Survival Guide. Most importantly, make sure flammable materials and vegetation are cleared away from your home. Schedule a free Home Wildfire Hardening Assessment by emailing FireSafety@MalibuCity.org, calling 310-456-2489, ext. 388 or visiting the Fire Safety webpage.
wildfire season - SCHEDULE YOUR FREE HOME WILDFIRE HARDENING ASSESSMENT
Malibu homeowners can schedule a free home wildfire hardening assessment with the City’s Fire Safety Liaisons to learn how to protect your home from the millions of burning embers that can fly up to two miles out ahead of a wind-driven wildfire. Flying embers are a leading cause of homes burning down during wildfires. The 30-60 minute inspections follow the Fire Code and nationally recognized best practices. You can learn simple and often inexpensive steps, such as maintaining good brush clearance, keeping dead vegetation and flammable materials such as wood furniture away from the house, and covering up eave vents with metal mesh. Schedule an appointment by emailing FireSafety@MalibuCity.org or calling 310-456-2489, ext. 388 or visiting the Fire Safety webpage.
(NEW) WILDFIRE SEASON - MORE BEACON BOXES ON THE WAY
The City is in the process of obtaining and installing more Beacon Boxes along all major intersections on PCH, working from east to west. These weather resistant red boxes contain printed maps that can be used by outside fire agencies responding to a major wildfire in the City. Each box has maps that are customized for the neighborhood where it is installed. The maps show locations where Fire Department vehicles can turn around, swimming pool locations, fire hydrants, draft hydrants and other valuable information for responding firefighters.
CITY HALL REMAINS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ON A LIMITED BASIS
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. The use of facemasks is now an "individual preference" while inside City Hall, in accordance with Los Angeles County Department of Public Health guidelines.
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. Facemasks are no longer required, but are strongly recommended while inside City Hall. 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 October 12, 2022, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LADPH) confirmed 13 new deaths and 841 new cases. Other key updates from the County’s COVID-19 Dashboard as of October 12, 2022, include the following:
- 2,701 confirmed positive cases and 14 deaths in the City of Malibu to date
- 3,468,152 confirmed cases and 33,785 deaths in LA County to date
- 459 current hospitalizations in LA County, a decrease of 12 since September 27
(NEW) USE OF FACEMASKS INSIDE CITY HALL IS NOW "INDIVIDUAL PREFERENCE"
Due to the low community transmission rate of COVID-19, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health updated its rules regarding the use of facemasks to be an individual preference in indoor public settings including businesses and government offices, which includes Malibu City Hall. See more details, including in which settings facemask use is still required, strongly recommended or individual preference.
(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 - 247
- Single Family Dwellings complete - 104
- 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) VIRTUAL WORKSHOP FOR MALIBU'S NEW ORGANIC WASTE RECYCLING PROGRAM, OCTOBER 26
The City invites all community members to join a virtual workshop to learn about the importance of, and be able to successfully participate in, the City’s Organic Waste Recycling Program, on Wednesday, October 26 at 7:00 PM. The Organic Waste Recycling Program is an important way that Malibu can fulfill its commitment as a community to be part of the efforts to address climate change and protect the environment. The link for the event is posted at www.MalibuCity.org/OrganicsRecyclingTraining. Attendees will receive a free kitchen scraps collection caddy (limit one per household). The 1.9 gallon, dishwasher-safe caddies are easy to fill, carry, empty, and clean, offering a convenient way to collect food scraps to be recycled. The City has also created a free online Zero Waste Guide to help residents learn how to sort their food scraps based on their hauler’s requirements. For more information, visit the webpage.
(NEW) SIGN UP FOR BULKY ITEM PICKUP BY NOVEMBER 4
The City of Malibu and Waste Management are hosting the annual free bulky item pickup for residents on Saturday, November 5. Household bulky items are oversized items that will not fit into a solid waste bin such as a mattress or a sofa. An appointment must be made by 12:00 PM on November 4 by calling Waste Management’s Service Center at 800-675-1171. The Service Center hours are 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Universal Waste Systems customers may call 800-631-7016 for bulky item disposal options. Maximum of seven items per household. For more information, including a list of accepted items, visit the webpage.
(NEW) PROGRESS ON CITY EFFORTS TO RESTRICT RODENTICIDES, PESTICIDES AND OTHER POISONS IN MALIBU
On October 10, the City advanced progress on its efforts to regulate rodenticides, pesticides, and other toxic substances in the City in order to protect the environment. The Council directed staff to work on an amendment to the City’s Local Implementation Plan (LIP) and bring a draft policy back to the City Council for consideration that would prohibit the use of pesticides, including insecticides, herbicides, rodenticides or any other similar toxic chemical substance that harms Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas, coastal water quality or wildlife. For more information, visit the webpage.
MANDATORY WATER USE RESTRICTIONS IN EFFECT DUE TO DROUGHT
With the current drought estimated to be considerably more extreme than the 2015 drought, the Los Angeles County Waterworks Districts (LACWD) has issued mandatory water use restrictions for communities including the City of Malibu, which is served by Waterworks District 29. LACWD asks all customers to cut back their water usage by 30%. Outdoor and lawn watering is restricted to two days a week based on address numbering and property type:
- Tuesdays and Fridays = residential even number
- Mondays and Thursdays = residential odd number
- Mondays and Fridays = commercial
- 10 minutes per station maximum
- Only allowed between 6:00 PM and 10:00 AM
Separately, the City of Malibu also prohibits spray irrigation between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM, and prohibits any landscape irrigation within 48 hours of significant rainfall. See all of the City’s water conservation rules. See the complete list of LACWD water use restrictions at: LACWaterworks.org.
WATER CONSERVATION REBATES AND RESOURCES AVAILABLE
Residents and businesses are urged to make use of the many rebates and resources available to help save money and water. Malibu residents and businesses can apply for a cash rebate to remove grass lawns of $5 per square foot (up to 5,000 square feet or $25,000 total). Other rebates for Malibu residents include water-saving toilets, laundry machines, sprinkler nozzles, rain barrels and cisterns, weather-based irrigation controllers and soil moisture sensor systems. 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. All of the rebates are listed on the Socal Water Smart website.
(NEW) FALL POETRY READING, OCTOBER 20
Join Malibu Poet Laureate Ann Buxie for "Fall Jubilations," a free poetry reading at the Malibu Library Thursday, October 20, 5:00 PM. The event will feature readings by local poets in an open-air outdoor setting. Reservations are not required. For more information, visit the Poetry webpage.
(NEW) SHOWCASE: LOCAL AUTHOR SERIES, OCTOBER 27
Join authors Ann Stalcup, Carla McCloskey and Susan Goldman Rubin for "Showcase: Local Author Series," an extension of the Malibu Library Speaker Series Thursday, October 27, 7:00 PM at the Malibu Library. The free event will feature the authors discussing their books, experiences, and writing inspiration. For more information, visit the webpage.
(NEW) CURRENT BIDS
Classification and Compensation Study - The City is requesting proposals from qualified firms with broad subject matter expertise and experience to conduct a comprehensive citywide classification and compensation study. Deadline: November 15, 2022, 4:00 PM. For more information, visit the webpage.
Film Permitting - The City is requesting proposals from qualified firms to manage the City of Malibu Film Permit functions. Deadline: October 25, 2022, 4:00 PM. For more information, visit the webpage.
Land Management System and Implementation Services - The City is seeking proposals from qualified software vendors to provide an integrated land use management, permitting, and code compliance/case management system. The City seeks a qualified firm with the experience, expertise, and qualifications to provide a fully integrated, proven state-of-the-art solution. The City will also be looking to partner with the selected vendor to provide the associated professional services to complete implementation. Deadline: Thursday, October 27, 2022, 3:00 PM For more information, visit the webpage.
(NEW) SPECIAL EVENTS REPORT
Currently, there are permitted events on October 22 and 28, November 4, 5 and 6, as well as every Sunday for parking for the Malibu Farmers Market. 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) DECKER ROAD CLOSED IN BOTH DIRECTIONS FOR ROCKSLIDE REPAIRS
Caltrans has closed northbound and southbound lanes of Decker Road (SR 023) from PCH to Lechusa Road/Encinal Canyon Road for work on a rock slide that occurred October 11. Alternate route: use Encinal Canyon Road, east of Decker Road and accessible from PCH. Caltrans has installed Changeable Message Signs to notify the public to use Encinal Canyon. Lanes are expected to remain closed in both directions through the afternoon of Thursday, October 20 (subject to change) for rock removal and cleanup and to prepare the slope for installation of mesh to help prevent future slides. Residents with ID will be permitted through on the southbound side only as far as lower Decker Edison Road. Watch for updates on Caltrans District 7's Twitter account.
(NEW) SCE WORK ON MALIBU CANYON ROAD
Southern California Edison (SCE) will be performing overhead wire work on Malibu Canyon Road from Mulholland Hwy to Malibu Knolls Road Monday through Friday, September 30 through October 28, 8:00 PM - 6:00 AM. SCE will have flaggers in place with alternating lane closures.
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