UPCOMING
- Saturday, December 10, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM - Household Hazardous & Electronic Waste Collection - 23519 W. Civic Center Way (rear parking lot, behind the Malibu Library)
- Sunday, December 11, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Santa Paws: A Holiday Celebration for Humans and Their Dogs - Malibu Bluffs Park
- Monday, December 12, 6:30 PM - City Council Regular Meeting - virtual
- Monday, December 19, 6:30 PM - Planning Commission Regular Meeting - virtual
- Tuesday, December 20, 8:30 AM - Las Virgenes-Malibu Council of Governments (COG) Governing Board Meeting - virtual
- Tuesday, December 20, 2:00 PM - Homelessness Task Force Regular Meeting - virtual
- Tuesday, December 20, 5:30 PM - Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting - virtual
WILDFIRE SEASON
(NEW) FIRE CONDITIONS UPDATE
Live Fuel Moisture (LFM) and Conditions - LFM is up to 74% as of December 1, a significant improvement from 56% on October 27.
LFM can be as high as 200%, while 60% and below is considered critical for hazardous fire conditions. As part of continuous wildfire preparedness, the City tracks LFM as well as relative humidity, temperature, and dead fuel moisture to determine fire conditions for Malibu. The LFM is the percentage of water content to dry matter in live vegetation. The Los Angeles County Fire Department Forestry Division conducts sampling of chamise (Adenostoma Fasciculatum), a primary chaparral plant species, approximately every two weeks and posts the results on their website.
Large wildfires can still occur with LFM levels of 60% - 80%. Above 80%, wildfires are unlikely to grow large and spread quickly as long-range spotting is greatly diminished due to fuel beds being greener and containing more moisture that must to be vaporized before the fuels will ignite. No rain is expected in the coming week, but humidity is forecast to remain fairly high, between 60% and 80% on average. Large wildfires that threaten lives and properties are still possible, and hazardous fire conditions and strong Santa Ana winds have occurred well into January, but the conditions are trending in a good direction. The National Weather Service LA/Oxnard forecasts potential rain across Los Angeles County Saturday morning through Monday evening. See detailed weather information.
(NEW) MORE BEACON BOXES INSTALLED TO ASSIST OUT-OF-AREA FIREFIGHTERS
The City continues to install "Beacon Boxes," which include maps and thumb drives with locations of fire hydrants, swimming pools and other valuable local information, at strategic locations throughout the City in order to assist out-pf-area firefighters responding in Malibu. This week the Fire Safety Liaisons and Public Works staff installed the second batch of 10 boxes at locations from Corral Canyon to Paradise Cove. After the 2018 Woolsey Fire, the City contracted with Flame Mapper to purchase 47 Beacon Boxes.
make your wildfire preparedness a year-round effort
Residents are advised to continue preparing for wildfires, and make it a year-round effort. Closely monitor local fire weather conditions and warnings on the National Weather Service Los Angeles/Oxnard website whenever hazardous wildfires conditions are forecast. Create 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. When Red Flag fire conditions are forecast, keep your vehicle fuel tank filled. 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.
SCHEDULE YOUR FREE HOME WILDFIRE HARDENING ASSESSMENT
Now is a great time for Malibu homeowners to 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.
PUBLIC SAFETY
(NEW) COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR THE 2023 GREAT LOS ANGELES HOMELESS COUNT
Community members can register now to volunteer for the Los Angeles Homeless Authority's (LAHSA) 2023 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count taking place in Malibu on Wednesday, January 25, 2023. Every year, thousands of volunteers help conduct the Homeless Count, an annual census of people experiencing homelessness across Los Angeles County to inform homelessness policy decisions and better direct resources to be able to address the homelessness crisis. Learn more and sign up to volunteer on the LAHSA website. For further questions, contact Public Safety Liaison Luis Flores at 310-456-2489, ext. 236 or lflores@malibucity.org.
(NEW) ONGOING STAFF TRAINING ON EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER AND DISASTER NOTIFICATION SYSTEM DURING WILDFIRE SEASON
The City has continued to ensure staff readiness during peak wildfire season by setting up the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during nights and weekends when the National Weather Service has issued Red Flag Warnings. In addition to enabling the EOC operations to start immediately, it also trains the staff to be ready to activate and operate the EOC during a wildfire or other disaster. Additionally, the Public Safety Department has been conducting trainings to ensure staff is ready to use to use the City's Everbridge Disaster Notifications System in case of a disaster requiring evacuations. To sign up for the City’s Disaster Notification System, visit the web portal. To sign up for lower-level emergency, traffic, weather and utility alerts by text and email, visit the Alerts webpage and scroll down to "Alert Center."
RESIDENTS ENCOURAGED TO INSTALL "KNOX BOXES" TO GIVE SHERIFF'S DEPUTIES EMERGENCY ACCESS TO GATED PROPERTIES
Community members are encouraged to install a "KnoxBox" emergency key system to enable Sheriff’s Deputies to access unstaffed gates to residential properties to ensure rapid law enforcement access in case of emergencies. In order to effectively and efficiently respond to emergency calls, Deputies need to be able to access all residential and commercial properties, including gated communities. The KnoxBox system is separate from the system used by the LA County Fire Department. A Knox Master Key is given exclusively to Deputies. Community members can buy a KnoxBox online. Once the purchase is made, the Malibu-Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station is notified, and a Deputy will help verify access following its installation by a locksmith. For more information, contact Public Safety Liaison Luis Flores at 310-456-2489, ext. 236 or lflores@malibucity.org.
HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS
Christmas Trees - As we head into the holidays, our Public Safety Team has some safety tips for the community. A Christmas tree can go from a delightful household holiday symbol to a potential starting point of a dangerous house fire as it becomes dry and flammable, so don't wait too long to dispose of your holiday tree. The City offers free Christmas trees recycling December 27 through January 10, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (closed December 30 - January 2) at the Chili Cookoff lot at 23575 Civic Center Way. For curbside collection, remove all metal stands and decorations, and cut up the tree so that it fits into the yard waste bin. Check and refill the tree's water pan regularly. Keep holiday trees at least three feet away from any heat source. Make sure lighting cords are not worn out, check for broken bulbs, and do not overload electric outlets. See more holiday safety tips from the LA County Fire Department.
Decorative Candles - Decorative candles are the source of numerous house fires every year. Keep candles safely away from any flammable materials, and do not leave them burning unattended.
Fireplaces - Always ensure that the chimney flue is open while using the fireplace to prevent smoke and carbon monoxide from flooding the house. Before starting a wood fire in your fireplace, make sure it is approved for wood burning. Have your chimney inspected annually and cleaned if necessary.
Celebrate Responsibly to Help Keep Our Roads Safe - Celebrate responsibly during the holidays by having a designated driver, or using taxis or rideshares.
BUILDING SAFETY
(NEW) 2023 BUILDING CODES GO INTO EFFECT JANUARY 1. VIDEO AVAILABLE OF CODE UPDATE WORKSHOP
The new 2023 Los Angeles County Building Codes go into effect Sunday, January 1. The City’s Permit Technicians will be reviewing online submittals on Tuesday, January 3 to determine which code cycle will apply to project submittals. For a project to be reviewed under the 2020 County of Los Angeles Codes, all required documents must have been provided by the deadline on Saturday, December 31 at midnight (submittals and payments are time stamped). All projects submitted on or after January 1, or those that are incomplete by the deadline, will be reviewed under the 2023 codes. Applicants are urged not to wait and to request their Building Safety plan review and permits now. Building Safety submittal requirements are listed on the webpage. Watch video of the December 1 Code Update Workshop.
PLANNING
(NEW) SPECIAL EVENTS REPORT
Currently, there are permitted events December 10, 15, 17 and 24 and January 3 and 5, 2023, 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).
COVID-19
(NEW) - COVID-19 STATISTICS
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 December 6, 2022, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LADPH) confirmed 12 new deaths and 5,051 new cases. Other key updates from the County’s COVID-19 Dashboard as of December 6, 2022, include the following:
- 2,768 confirmed positive cases and 14 deaths in the City of Malibu to date
- 3,570,525 confirmed cases and 34,263 deaths in LA County to date
- 1293 current hospitalizations in LA County, an increase of 627 since November 17
city hall / general
(NEW) HOLIDAY CLOSURES OF CITY FACILITIES
City Hall and Senior Center
Closed Christmas Eve (observed) Friday, December 23 at 11:30 AM; Christmas Day (observed) all day Monday, December 26; New Year's Eve (observed) Friday, December 30 at 11:30 AM; New Year's Day (observed) all day Monday, January 2.
Parks
Open regular hours daily, 8:00 AM - sunset. Multipurpose Field at Malibu Bluffs Park will be closed for turf renovation and restoration December 12 - February 6. Michael Landon Center at Bluffs Park will be closed for upgrades December 12 - 18.
Malibu Community Swimming Pool
Closed December 19, 23, 24, 25, 26, 30, 31, January 1, 2, 16, February 20. Visit the Aquatics webpage for a complete schedule.
Temporary Skate Park and Michael Landon Community Center at Malibu Bluffs Park
December 25, January 1.
CITY HALL HOURS
City Hall is open to the public. 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. 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. 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.
WOOLSEY FIRE REBUILD
(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 - 248
- Single Family Dwellings complete - 110
- Multifamily building permits issued - 18 units
- Multifamily building units complete- 12 units
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
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
(NEW) HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS & ELECTRONIC WASTE COLLECTION, DECEMBER 10
Drop off old paint, household chemicals, motor oil, and electronics to be safely disposed of and recycled to protect the environment Saturday, December 10, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM at the back parking lot at 23519 West Civic Center Way in Malibu (behind Malibu Library). Materials must be in the trunk/pick-up bed with no other items. Remain in the vehicle. Limit 15 gallons or 125 pounds per trip. For a complete list of accepted materials and instructions, see the flyer or call 800-238-0173. For information about other HHW/E-waste collection sites and dates, visit the County website.
CHRISTMAS TREE RECYCLING SERVICE
Free Christmas tree recycling is offered to the community December 27 through January 10, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (closed December 30 - January 2) at 23575 Civic Center Way (Chili Cook-off lot). Collected trees will be recycled into mulch. Remove all metal stands and decorations before dropping off trees. Please do not leave trees on the ground or outside the gate. For curbside collection options, remove all metal stands and decorations, and cut up the tree so that it fits into the yard waste bin. For trees too large to fit in the bin, contact your waste hauler.
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
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.
ARTS, CULTURE & RECREATION
(NEW) – SANTA PAWS HOLIDAY EVENT FOR HUMANS AND DOGS, DECEMBER 11
Community members are invited to bring their dogs to enjoy the City’s Santa Paws, a Holiday Celebration for Dogs and Their Humans on Sunday, December 11, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM at Malibu Bluffs Park (24250 Pacific Coast Highway at Malibu Canyon Road). Humans and their four-legged friends can participate in the holiday ugly sweater parade and take photos with Santa 10:15 AM - 11:45 AM. Attendees can make donations to support a local animal shelter. For more information and a list of suggested donation items, visit the webpage.
(NEW) – MICHAEL LANDON CENTER AT MALIBU BLUFFS PARK CLOSED FOR UPGRADES, DECEMBER 12 - 18
The City is making improvements to the Michael Landon Community Center at Malibu Bluffs Park. The activity room and office will be closed Monday, December 12 through Sunday, December 18. Restrooms will be accessible on the exterior of the building, and water bottle filling stations will be available on the multipurpose field near the Whale Tail outlook area. For information on recreation programs and facilities, visit the webpage.
(NEW) MALIBU BLUFFS PARK MULTIPURPOSE FIELD CLOSED FOR REST AND RENOVATION, DECEMBER 12 – FEBRUARY 6
The Multipurpose Field at Malibu Bluffs Park will be closed for turf renovation and restoration in preparation for the spring season Monday, December 12 through Monday, February 6. The rest and renovation play an essential part in keeping the field safe and playable throughout the year. The park's other facilities will remain open. For information on recreation programs and facilities, visit the webpage or call 310-317-1364.
(NEW) – BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AND FRIENDS, DECEMBER 17
Join the festive fun at the City’s annual Breakfast with Santa and Friends on Saturday, December 17, from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM at City Hall. Enjoy breakfast, meet Santa and his North Pole friends, and participate in art activities, holiday games, and story time with the Malibu Library. Wear your holiday pajamas. $5 per person. Reservations are recommended and limited to 100 participants, so register early online as the event is expected to sell out.
(NEW) – POETRY WRITING WORKSHOP, DECEMBER 17
Join Malibu Poet Laureate Ann Buxie for a free poetry writing workshop on Saturday, December 17, 11:00 AM at the Malibu Library (23519 W. Civic Center Way). The event is part of the City's free poetry workshops, in partnership with the Malibu Library, the Malibu Poet Laureate Committee, and the Malibu Arts Commission, offering community members engaging, educational opportunities to find expression through poetry with a renowned local poet. For more information, visit the Poet Laureate webpage.
"MUSIC INSPIRED ART" EXHIBITION IN CITY HALL GALLERY, DECEMBER through january
The Arts Commission's new public art exhibition in the City Hall Gallery, “Music Inspired Art,” features original works by local artists inspired by music, including images of live concerts, reflections on music in visual forms, and illustrations of musicians. “Music Inspired Art” will be on display from December 2022 through January 2023, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Admission to the gallery is free. For more information visit the Arts Commission website.
PUBLIC WORKS
(NEW) CURRENT BIDS
Theatrical Lighting Dimmer System Replacement - The City is requesting proposals from qualified firms for the replacement of the City’s Council Chambers lighting dimmer system. Deadline: December 16, 2022, 4:00 PM. For more information, visit the website.
Custodial Services for Malibu City Hall and City Parks - The City is seeking proposals from qualified firms to provide custodial services for Malibu City Hall and five City park facilities. The custodial services include but are not limited to cleaning, washing, emptying trash, and other services necessary to maintain and secure facilities in operational condition. Deadline: January 12, 2023, 4:00 PM. For more information, visit the website.
Pacific Coast Highway Signal Synchronization Project - In general, the proposed improvements consist of upgrading the existing traffic signals on Pacific Coast Highway between Topanga Canyon Road and John Tyler Drive. The improvements include installing new fiber optic and conduit, upgrading the traffic signal poles and controller cabinets, potholing, temporary traffic control, and all other related work included in the Contract Documents and Specifications. Deadline: January 12, 2023, 3:30 PM. For more information, visit the website.
OUTREACH & FEEDBACK
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