UPCOMING
city council / general
(NEW) INCOMING CITY COUNCILMEMBERS MAKE COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS
Recently elected Councilmembers Marianne Riggins and Doug Stewart made several appointments to City Commissions and Committees on January 9. The City’s Commissions, Committees, and Boards make recommendations to the City Council on matters within the City’s jurisdiction, and members are residents serving in a volunteer capacity. They serve an important role in community involvement, ensuring that the knowledge, experience, perspectives, values, needs, ideas and concerns of Malibu’s community members are represented. The City thanks all Commissioners and Committee Members for their service to Malibu.
Councilmember Marianne Riggins made the following Commission appointments: Malibu Arts - Julia Holland; Parks and Recreation - Cayley Jenner; Planning - Jeff Jennings; Public Safety - Brian Merrick; Public Works - Mica Belzberg; Wastewater Advisory - Nick Barsocchini; Homelessness Task Force - Bill Winokur; Homelessness Task Force - Wayne Cohen.
Councilmember Doug Stewart made the following Commission appointments: Malibu Arts - E. Barry Haldeman; Parks and Recreation - Alicia Peak; Planning - Skylar Peak; Public Safety - Chris Frost; Public Works - Wade Major; Wastewater Advisory - Norm Haynie.
To learn more about the City’s Commissions, Committees, and Boards, visit the webpage.
(NEW) COMMUNITY MEMBERS INVITED TO APPLY FOR PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION
Interested community members are invited to apply to be considered for appointment to the Public Works Commission, which has an unscheduled vacancy. Serving as a volunteer Commissioner is a great way to serve the community and participate in the Malibu City government. This appointment is tentatively scheduled for the February 13 Regular City Council meeting. Applications must be submitted by February 8, 5:00 PM. Visit the webpage to see the requirements to serve on a Commission and Commission assignments, to submit an application, and to sign up to receive e-notifications by text or email about new, unscheduled Commission vacancies.
WILDFIRE safety
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) CITY CONDUCTS MULTI-AGENCY EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS EXERCISE BASED ON "THE BIG ONE" EARTHQUAKE SCENARIO
As part of its ongoing emergency preparedness efforts, the City conducted a multi-agency earthquake exercise on January 19 at City Hall based on the scenario of a massive earthquake that would strike the Los Angeles area. The scenario is based on "The Big One," a devastating 7.8 earthquake that seismic experts believe will eventually strike on the San Andreas Fault. The exercise was focused on the potential impacts, responses, needs, challenges and procedures that all of the agencies responding to a massive earthquake would experience in Malibu. One of the main goals was to ensure that partner agencies were familiar with, in contact with, and collaborating with each other and the City, and are familiar with Malibu's specific hazards and community characteristics. Participating agencies included Los Angeles County Sheriff's, Fire, Public Works, CHP, Caltrans, LA County Metro, Pepperdine University, HRL, Malibu CERT, West Basin Municipal Water District, Socal Gas Company, Southern California Edison, SM-MUSD, cell service and Internet providers, and others.
(NEW) HOMELESS OUTREACH UPDATE
The City’s Homeless Outreach Team, which consists of three outreach workers and a housing navigator from The People Concern, reported that in December 2022, it was in contact with 66 people experiencing homelessness. Five of those persons were either relocated or placed into temporary housing. The Outreach Team, in coordination with City Staff and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, continues to proactively engage with people experiencing homelessness in an effort to prevent any public safety concerns, including fires related to homeless encampments, to help connect them to housing and other services, and for flood safety during heavy rain events. Current and past monthly Homeless Outreach reports are available on the website.
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 and the City Council approved the ALPR cameras in 2021 and authorized the purchase and installation of ALPRs 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) COASTAL COMMISSION hearing on SEA VIEW HOTEL PROJECT, FEBRUARY 8
The California Coastal Commission (CCC) will consider the Sea View Hotel Project proposed Local Coastal Program Amendment (LCPA) on February 8, 2023. For details, see the Notice of Public Hearing. The agenda and staff report for the hearing will be posted on the CCC’s website. See viewing and commenting instructions. In September 2021, the City Council adopted the environmental document, code amendments and project entitlements for the Sea View Hotel Project. For more information, visit the project webpage.
(NEW) coastal commission hearing on LA County Low-Impact Camping Local Coastal Program Amendment, February 8
On February 8, 2023, the California Coastal Commission will consider the Los Angeles County’s Local Coastal Plan (LCP) amendment to propose low-impact camping in the Santa Monica Mountains. The CCC’s Executive Director will report on the County’s acceptance of the CCC’s suggested modifications. See the proposed plan, including the CCC’s suggested modifications in the November 15, 2022 LA County Board of Supervisors staff report. The February 8 CCC agenda and staff report will be posted on the CCC’s website. See viewing and commenting instructions. City staff submitted a letter in opposition to the California Coastal Commission. The City has previously prepared letters of opposition to the project on May 22, 2019, April 15, 2022 and November 15, 2022.
(NEW) HOSTED SHORT-TERM RENTAL ORDINANCE UPDATE
On January 9, staff presented an update of the Hosted-Short-Term Rental Ordinance to the City Council. As a result, the Council established the Short-Term Rental Ad Hoc Committee, appointed members to the Committee, and directed the Ad Hoc Committee to work with staff to bring back a recommendation to the City Council on short-term rental regulation in the City, which will address any feedback received from Coastal Commission staff or Coastal Commissioners. See the January 9 staff report. For background information about the Hosted Short-Term Rental Ordinance, visit the STR webpage.
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) SPECIAL EVENTS REPORT
Currently, there are permitted events on January 21, 27, 28, 30, and May 6, as well as every Sunday 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).
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 19, 2023, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LADPH) confirmed 31 new deaths and 1,502 new cases. Other key updates from the County’s COVID-19 Dashboard as of January 19, 2023, include the following:
- 2,813 confirmed positive cases and 14 deaths in the City of Malibu to date
- 3,665,365 confirmed cases and 35,079 deaths in LA County to date
- 918 current hospitalizations in LA County, a decrease of 294 since January 6
FACEMASKS 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
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 recommended 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 - 119
- 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 & BUILDING SAFETY
(NEW) join the organic waste recycling workshopS and get a free kitchen scraps caddy, February 15
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, February 15 at 7:00 PM. Additional workshops are scheduled for 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.
(NEW) GRading Site Best management Practices (BMP) inspections:
During Malibu's rainy season, the Environmental Sustainability Department staff monitors construction sites regularly and sends out e-notifications to the building community, reminding them to adhere to Grading Site Best Management Practices (BMP), keeping sites clean and free of debris with erosion control measures properly in place. The BMPs include ensuring all excavated soil is located on the site in a manner that minimizes the amount of sediment running onto the street, drainage facilities or any adjacent properties. Soil piles must be bermed or covered with plastic or similar materials until the soil is either used or removed from the site. If the BMPs are not in place, City inspection staff will not allow any further construction or further grading until the end of the rainy season, and Code Enforcement will be notified. For more information, see the bulletin.
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) LIBRARY SPEAKER SERIES WITH DR. DOUGLAS McCAULEY, JANUARY 31
The 2023 season of the Malibu Library Speaker Series begins with UC Santa Barbara oceanic sciences professor Dr. Douglas McCauley discussing the future of wildlife in our oceans on Tuesday, January 31, 7:00 PM at the Malibu Library. RSVPs are required for this free event, and space is limited so RSVP early on the website or by calling the Library at 310-456-6438. Dr. McCauley will provide a brief history of human use of our seas and will share a view of what the future may bring for our oceans. His work on oceans has been featured in the New York Times, Time Magazine, and National Public Radio.
(NEW) SENIOR CENTER LUNCHEON JANUARY 26
Enjoy lunch, socialize with friends, and dance through the decades at the Senior Center Luncheon on Thursday, January 26, at 11:30 AM. The event will include live entertainment and a pasta lunch. Advanced registration is required by calling the Senior Center at 310-456-2489, ext. 363. Maximum of 60 participants. For more information, visit the Senior Center webpage.
(NEW) DIAL-A-RIDE TRANSPORTATION FOR RESIDENTS AGE 60 AND OLDER
Dial-A-Ride is a valuable, low-cost transit service to help Malibu residents 60 and older and people living with disabilities. Shared-ride transportation helps residents get to and from doctor appointments, grocery stores, the Senior Center, and other healthcare facilities outside the City limits. All riders must register and meet eligibility requirements. Contact the Malibu Senior Center at 310-456-2489, ext. 363, or visit the Senior Center webpage for details.
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.
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.
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.
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.
PUBLIC WORKS
(NEW) CITY PUBLIC WORKS TEAM keeps MALIBU'S ROADS SAFE DURING RECENT STORMS
Every winter, the City Public Works Department jumps into action when storms are forecast to bring strong wind, heavy rain, and hazards such as mud and rockslides, flooding, downed trees, power and traffic signal outages, hazardous road conditions, and potential damage to homes and infrastructure. They provide a crucial service to residents, businesses and visitors, keeping the roads safe and passable, and protecting motorists and homes in Malibu. Before and during the storms, they coordinate with Los Angeles County Public Works and Caltrans to check and clear all storm drains, culverts and inlets, stage heavy equipment throughout the City, and use blade trucks to clear rocks and debris from the roads to keep them safe for motorists. They do their work in cold, wet nasty conditions, throughout the day and night. Once the rain has stopped, Public Works crews continue their work, cleaning up storm debris, clearing roads, monitoring roads and other infrastructure, checking slopes for stability, and monitoring for potential rock falls that can occur days after the rain stops. The numerous mud and rockslides that occurred in Malibu during the storms did not result in any heavy damage or serious injuries and were quickly cleared.
(NEW) NIGHTIME LANE CLOSURES ON PCH FROM BIG ROCK TO TUNA CANYON JANUARY 23 – MARCH 23
The right northbound and southbound lanes of PCH will be closed from Big Rock Drive to Tuna Canyon Road weekdays, 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM, January 23 to approximately March 23 for Southern California Gas Company gas line repair work. The work is required to enable Caltrans to proceed with slope restoration work on the coastal side of PCH south of Big Rock Drive. Crews will replace and relocate two steel gas lines, requiring digging a trench that will be covered by a steel plate during the day. Some daytime work may be required. Residents and businesses near the work site may notice noise, vibrations and dust. Be sure to check Quickmaps, LA County Public Works road closures map or other apps or websites for traffic information before getting on the road.
(NEW) POINT DUME ACCESS ROAD & PARKING LOT CLOSED DUE TO STORM DAMAGE
The Point Dume access road is closed from the end of Westward Beach Road at the parking kiosk to the entrance to the Point Dume parking lot due to storm damage. The edge of the road and the restroom building by the entrance to Point Dume parking lot are heavily eroded and at risk of collapse. The Los Angeles County Beaches and Harbors Department has been doing emergency repair work on the site for the last two weeks, in close coordination with the California Coastal Commission. Access to Birdview Avenue remains open. The beach itself on remains open, but there is no vehicle access beyond the end of Westward Beach Road. The beach is heavily eroded, and very high tides continue, causing hazardous conditions, so beach goers are advised to stay away. There is no current estimate for reopening the access road, parking lot and bathroom. For further questions, call Beaches and Harbors at 424-526-7777.
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