UPCOMING
- Monday, January 9, 6:30 PM - Regular City Council Meeting - virtual
- Monday, January 16 - City Hall and Senior Center closed for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday
- Tuesday, January 17, 8:30 AM - Las Virgenes-Malibu Council of Governments (COG) Governing Board Meeting - virtual
- Tuesday, January 17, 2:00 PM - Homelessness Task Force Regular Meeting - virtual
- Tuesday, January 17, 5:30 PM - Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting - virtual
- Tuesday, January 17, 6:30 PM - Regular Planning Commission Meeting - virtual
- Wednesday, January 18, 7:00 PM - Organics Recycling Training and Kitchen Caddy Giveaway - virtual
(NEW) 2022 IN REVIEW, A YEAR OF MILESTONES AND ACHIEVEMENTS FOR MALIBU
Looking back over 2022, I am proud of everything that Malibu has accomplished over the last year. My thanks go to the City Councilmembers current and past, our dedicated City staff, our volunteer Commissioners, and the amazing Malibu community for all that we have achieved together in 2022. Malibu’s future is brighter than ever and I look forward to working together with you for the community in 2023. I invite you to read the year-in-review article that I wrote for the Malibu Times, which highlights some of the City's achievements in 2022, including: advancing the efforts to separate from the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SM-MUSD) and form an independent Malibu Unified School District; implementation of the Dark Skies Ordinance; a temporary impound yard to facilitate towing illegally parked vehicles; effectively addressing homelessness, offering services, helping people experiencing homelessness get off the streets and into housing, and removing homeless encampments; taking concrete steps to improve Planning Department operations and the permitting process; advancing our efforts to help residents rebuild homes destroyed in the Woolsey Fire (507 of the affected parcels have submitted a rebuild application, 249 permits have been issued, 116 home rebuilds are complete); advanced efforts to ban rodenticides and pesticides; passed a voter-approved sales tax increase to support general city services; continued to ramp up wildfire and disaster preparedness; and much more. Read the entire article.
- Steve McClary, City Manager
(NEW) CITY COUNCIL CREATES AD HOC COMMITTEE TO EXPLORE PURCHASING EDGE PROPERTY
The City Council created an Ad Hoc Committee on December 28, 2022 led by Councilmembers Marianne Riggins and Doug Stewart to explore options related to the Edge Properties (Latigo Canyon Road and Sweetwater Mesa) in Malibu. The Council also directed the City Manager to pursue any potential funding sources to support the options explored by the Ad Hoc Committee. After years of struggle with environmentalists and residents opposed to the project, the owner of the properties decided not to move forward with plans to develop the 151-acre property, which had included five mansions and several access roads in natural habitat in the Santa Monica Mountains. The City Council has expressed interest in purchasing the property in order to prevent it from being developed. The City of Malibu has for many years used public funds to purchase undeveloped properties in order to preserve natural open spaces and protect them from development.
NEWLY ELECTED CITY COUNCILMEMBERS, MAYOR AND MAYOR PRO TEM SWORN IN TO BEGIN THEIR TERMS
The Malibu City Council swore in two newly elected City Councilmembers and the City’s next Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem during the Council meeting on Monday, December 12, 2022. Video of the Council changeover is available to view on the website. Mayor Pro Tem Bruce Silverstein was elected by the City Council to serve as the Malibu’s next Mayor. Councilmember Steve Uhring was elected by the Council to serve as Mayor Pro Tem. Incoming Councilmembers Marianne Riggins and Doug Stewart, who were elected to the City Council in the November 8, 2022 Malibu General Municipal Election, were sworn in to begin their terms. Outgoing Councilmembers Karen Farrer and Mikke Pierson ended their terms, and were thanked for their years of service to Malibu.
WILDFIRE safety
(NEW) wildFIRE CONDITIONS UPDATE
Live Fuel Moisture (LFM) and Conditions - LFM is at 74% as of the latest sampling on December 22, 2022. 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 (LACOFD) 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 new grass growing in, and fuel beds being greener and containing more moisture that must be vaporized before the fuels will ignite. LACOFD does not conduct vegetation sampling while conditions are still wet from recent rains. However, LACOFD estimates that after the three recent rain events, the LFM is likely in excess of 110%, greatly reducing any chance of wildfire ignition and spread.
REGISTER NOW FOR THE CITY’S FREE HAZARD TREE REMOVAL
The City is once again accepting applications for the free Hazard Tree Removal Program. The City secured additional grant funding to extend the popular program, with work scheduled to start in January. This service is one of the ways that the City is addressing wildfire hazards in Malibu. Proper brush clearance and removing hazardous trees are important ways to create defensible space to make your home more fire-resistant and help firefighters defend your home. One of the City’s Fire Safety Liaisons and a licensed arborist will come to your home to determine if trees meet the program's criteria. For more information and to sign up, visit the webpage.
make your wildfire preparedness a year-round effort
While the recent rainstorms have offered much-needed relief from concerns about wildfire, residents are still advised to continue preparing for wildfires, and to 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) LICENSE PLATE READER CAMERA PROJECT MOVES FORWARD
City staff provided an update to the Public Safety Commission on January 4, 2023 on the implementation of the Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) camera project which was recommended by the Commission to the City Council. Watch video of the update (clip starts at 27:44). The ALPR systems offer an additional enforcement tool for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) to address theft, property crimes, and other public safety and crime issues in Malibu by helping to identify suspects in fleeing vehicles, stolen vehicles, suspects with outstanding warrants, etc. The Public Safety Commission recommended that the City Council approve the ALPR cameras on April 7, 2021 and on September 13, 2021, authorized the purchase and installation of ALPR to be operated by LASD. The City delivered the cameras to LASD on January 4, 2023. LASD has identified locations for the cameras and will be working to install them in coordination with the City. During the Commission meeting on January 4, Deputy Samuel Paul with the LASD Advanced Surveillance and Protection Unit discussed the system’s features and public safety applications, and addressed questions and concerns regarding data usage, proposed locations, privacy concerns, and procedures. The cameras are solar-powered and have backup batteries, can operate day or night, and during a variety of weather conditions. For more information, see Item 5.A. in the staff report.
COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR THE 2023 GREATer 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.
PLANNING
(NEW) COUNCIL DEDICATES MORE FUNDS TO CONTRACT PLANNERS TO HELP MOVE PROJECTS
On November 28, the City Council appropriated $950,000 additional funds to the Planning Department’s budget for contract planners as part of the City’s ongoing efforts to improve the project permitting process and customer service, and move projects through more quickly. A total of 167 current projects that have Planning applications pending a decision have been assigned to contract planners. For more information, see the staff report. For more information about the City's efforts to improve planning and permitting processes, visit the webpage.
(NEW) CITY COUNCIL TO DISCUSS SHORT-TERM RENTAL ORDINANCE, JANUARY 9
On Monday, January 9, the Malibu City Council will discuss the Hosted Short-Term Rental Ordinance, including providing direction to staff on the next steps regarding the City’s Short-term Rental Ordinance, the public hearing process, draft ordinance options, and whether City staff should meet with California Coastal Commission staff to discuss the Ordinance. The viewing and commenting instructions and the staff report are posted on the website. For further questions, contact the Planning Department at 310-456-2489, ext. 485. For background information about the Short-Term Rental Ordinance, visit the STR webpage.
(NEW) SPECIAL EVENTS REPORT
Currently, there are permitted events on January 21 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 to help the public stay informed of pending event permit applications and to create opportunity for public input, the Event Permit Report includes 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. 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).
CITY CONTINUES STRONG OPPOSITION TO MRCA PLANS FOR CAMPSITES IN MALIBU, SUBMITTING LETTER OF OPPOSITION
The City of Malibu continued its strong opposition to the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority’s (MRCA) proposed plans for campsites and facilities at Malibu Bluffs and Ramirez Canyon Park, sending a letter of opposition to the MRCA listing its concerns with the projects and the MRCA’s approach. See the City’s letter of opposition to MRCA. The MRCA’s proposed plans ignore the very real threat that wildfire poses to lives and homes in Malibu, as well as well as to visitors, hikers and campers. All of Malibu is in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, and the community is still rebuilding and recovering from the devastating 2018 Woolsey Fire that burned 96,949 acres and destroyed 1,600 homes, including 480 in Malibu. The MRCA’s "Malibu Lower-Cost Accommodations Public Works Plan" (PWP) includes buildings and operating numerous and park and camping facilities, including trails, roads, campgrounds, yurts, buildings, an amphitheater and public outreach programs at the Malibu Bluffs Open Space; and operation of and upgrades to the existing campground at Ramirez Canyon Park. The City’s letter, sent on December 12, 2022, cites numerous concerns about wildfire safety, disaster response and evacuation, environmental impacts, impacts to the Malibu’s quality of life and resources, as well as issues with the MRCA plan’s lack of details, noticing and engagement with the City and the public.
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 January 6, 2023, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LADPH) confirmed 24 new deaths and 2,101 new cases. Other key updates from the County’s COVID-19 Dashboard as of January 6, 2023, include the following:
- 2,793 confirmed positive cases and 14 deaths in the City of Malibu to date
- 3,646,917 confirmed cases and 34,783 deaths in LA County to date
- 1,212 current hospitalizations in LA County, a decrease of 39 since December 20
FACEMASKS NOW RECOMMENDED IN CITY HALL DUE TO HIGH COVID-19 TRANSMISSION RATE
The use of facemasks is now recommended by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LADPH) in indoor spaces including Malibu City Hall due to the County's high COVID-19 rates. As deaths and hospitalizations continue to rise in Los Angeles County, surpassing numbers seen at this time last year, Public Health officials are asking residents to play an important role in limiting the spread of COVID-19 during the holiday season by updating their vaccines, masking indoors, testing before gatherings, and staying home when sick. For more information, see the press release.
city hall / general
(NEW) HOLIDAY CLOSURES OF CITY FACILITIES, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. day, january 16
City Hall and Senior Center
Closed Monday, January 16.
Parks, Temporary Skate Park and Michael Landon Community Center at Malibu Bluffs Park
Open regular hours daily, 8:00 AM - sunset. The Multipurpose Field at Malibu Bluffs Park will be closed for turf renovation and restoration through February 6.
Malibu Community Swimming Pool
Closed Monday, January 16. Visit the Aquatics webpage for a complete schedule.
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 - 250
- Single Family Dwellings complete - 116
- 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) join the organic waste recycling workshopS and get a free kitchen scraps caddy, january 18
Community members can learn about the importance of, and how to successfully participate in the City’s Organic Waste Recycling Program by joining the virtual workshop on Wednesday, January 18 at 7:00 PM. Additional workshops are scheduled for February 15, March 15 and April 19. 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 on the website. 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. For more information about the program and to register for a workshop, visit the Organic Recycling webpage. For additional guidance on the organics recycling program, review the City's free online Zero Waste Guide.
CHRISTMAS TREE RECYCLING SERVICE
Free Christmas tree recycling is offered to the community through January 10, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM 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) – MALIBU ARTS COMMISSION ARTS CENTER SURVEY
The Malibu Arts Commission has opened a survey to gauge the community's interest in a potential Malibu Arts Center. The survey is a preliminary step for the Commission to prepare a recommendation to City Council for further evaluation. The online survey is open through January 31.
(NEW) – JANUARY POETRY PROGRAMS
Join Malibu Poet Laureate Ann Buxie for two free poetry programs this month at the Malibu Library (23519 W Civic Center Way). Join Caffeinated Verse on Saturday, January 21, 11:00 AM and Winter Poetry Jubilations on Thursday, January 26, 5:00 PM to hear readings of original pieces written by local poets and you can bring a poem of your own to read during the open mic session. The events are 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.
(NEW) SENIOR CENTER EXCURSION TO DOWNTOWN LA MUSIC CENTER
Join Senior Center staff on Wednesday, January 25, for a docent-led tour of The Music Center's four theatres: Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Ahmanson Theatre, Mark Taper Forum, and Walt Disney Concert Hall. Learn about the history and architecture of each theatre, then enjoy lunch at Philippe The Original. Pre-registration is required. Register online by Wednesday, January 18.
ENJOY OUTDOOR PROGRAMS AT CHARMLEE WILDERNESS PARK
Trail restoration and erosion control work are nearly complete at the City’s beautiful Charmlee Wilderness Park to repair damage from the Woolsey Fire. It’s a great time to join the City’s Outdoor Programs at Charmlee during the cool winter weather. Join the Full Moon Hike on Friday, January 6, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM or the Sunset Hike on Saturday, January 14, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM. Other outdoor programs at Charmlee include Astronomy Night, Forest Bathing, Morning Hikes, Senior Walks, Volunteer Projects, Wildflower Hikes and Workshops. See details and register on the Outdoor Recreation webpage.
VIDEO: EXPLORE THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF CHARMLEE WILDERNESS PARK
Charmlee Wilderness Park offers miles of hiking trails in the natural habitats of the Santa Monica Mountains with expansive mountain and ocean views. Charmlee is home to many native species of wildlife, including mountain lions, bobcats, deer, coyotes, opossums, raccoons, skunks, rabbits, squirrels, hawks, owls, bats, snakes, lizards and other critters. The park is located on Encinal Canyon Road north of El Matador State Beach (see map) and is open from 8:00 AM to sunset daily. For more information, visit the webpage. Watch a video highlighting this treasure of Malibu.
CURRENT BIDS - CUSTODIAL SERVICES
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.
MALIBU BLUFFS PARK MULTIPURPOSE FIELD CLOSED FOR REST AND RENOVATION through 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.
"MUSIC INSPIRED ART" EXHIBITION IN CITY HALL GALLERY open through january 30
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” is on display through January 30, 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
CURRENT BIDS
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