UPCOMING
- Monday, March 29 - Memorial Day holiday - City Hall, Senior Center & Swimming Pool closed
- Wednesday, May 31, 6:30 PM - Planning Commission Special Meeting - virtual
- Thursday, June 1, 7:00 PM - Harry Barovsky Memorial Youth Commission Regular Meeting - virtual
- Friday, June 2, 8:30 AM - Business Roundtable - virtual
- Sunday, June 4, 12:00 PM - Jane Seymour "Expressions" Art Exhibition Reception - City Hall
- Monday, June 5, 6:30 PM - Regular Planning Commission Meeting - virtual
- Wednesday, June 7, 5:00 PM - Public Safety Commission Regular Meeting - virtual
CITY COUNCIL & MANAGEMENT
2023 state of the city video
Watch the City's 2023 State of the City video highlighting the challenges and achievements over the last year, the state of the City’s finances, and the year ahead. The video was screened at the Malibu – Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce’s State of the City address on May 3 at the new Santa Monica College (SMC) Campus. Mayor Bruce Silverstein discussed the past year and the year ahead. Other speakers and guests included Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath (3rd District), City Manager Steve McClary, SMC Associate Dean Alice Meyering, and Malibu-Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station Commanding Officer Captain Jennifer Seetoo. An edited video of the entire event, including all of the speakers comments, will be posted on the City website and social media in mid-May.
WILDFIRE safety
(NEW) CLARIFICATION ON NEW "ZONE 0" REQUIREMENT IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE
The LA County Fire Department notified the City that the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) has clarified the implementation timeline of California State Assembly Bill 3074 (AB-3074) Zone 0 requirements. AB-3074, approved by the governor on September 29, 2020, establishes Zone 0, a 5-foot Ember Resistant Zone that may require removal of all flammable materials within five feet of any structure. Presently, these regulations have not been drafted nor adopted. It is undetermined when this bill will be approved and implemented. The earliest regulations would go into effect are January 1, 2025 for new homes, and January 1, 2026 for existing homes. The City had shared information from the County Fire Department that it would begin enforcing Zone 0 in 2024. We apologize for any confusion this may have caused.
FREE TRAINING ON HOW TO PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM WILDFIRES, JUNE 14 & 15
The Public Safety Department will be hosting “Assessing Structures for Ignition Potential from Wildfire,” a 16-hour course on how to protect homes and properties from wildfire from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) June 14 and 15 at City Hall. The two-day course is funded through a California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) Fire Prevention Grant. The course formed the basis for the City’s free Home Wildfire Hardening Assessment service that provides homeowners with a checklist of easy steps to take to make their home and property less vulnerable to wildfires. Applications for the course are due May 26. To apply, fill out the form on the Fire Safety webpage. For more information, contact Fire safety Liaison Jerry Vandermeulen at jvandermeulen@malibucity.org or 310- 456-2489, ext. 244.
HEAVY VEGETATION FROM RECENT RAINS means that BRUSH CLEARANCE by june 1 deadline IS crucial
Our region has received a record amount of rain this winter, which is badly needed for our drought conditions and water supplies. But the beautiful, lush vegetation on our hillsides will soon dry out to become fuel for a potential wildfire next fire season. That means it is more important than ever to conduct brush clearance before the June 1 deadline. For information on brush clearance in Los Angeles County, including a list of vendors, a checklist and FAQs, visit the LA County Fire Department webpage. You can also contact the Fire Safety Liaisons for assistance at FireSafety@MalibuCity.org or call 310-456-2489.
get help with june 1 brush clearance deadline - SCHEDULE A HOME WILDFIRE HARDENING ASSESSMENT
- June 1 is the Los Angeles County brush clearance deadline, and many Malibu residents will receive brush clearance notices from the Fire Department for the first time due to updated maps.
- Residents can get help with complying with these new requirements by scheduling a free Home Wildfire Hardening Assessment with the City's Fire Safety Liaisons.
- The Fire Safety Liaisons will conduct a 30-60 minute inspection that follow the Fire Code and nationally recognized best practices and provide a checklist of simple steps to take, such as good brush clearance, keeping flammable materials like dead vegetation and 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 OF MALIBU PREPARES FOR BUSY SUMMER SEASON, COORDINATING WITH PARTNER AGENCIES AND PUTTING OUT SAFETY MESSAGING CAMPAIGN
With Memorial Day weekend signaling the start of the busy summer season, Malibu is coordinating with partner agencies and putting out a public messaging campaign to help keep Pacific Coast Highway, (PCH), canyon roads, beaches and trails safe and clean for all to enjoy. The City's messages on social media, with the hashtag #SafeSummerMalibu, include:
- Don’t drink and drive - designate sober drivers and use rideshares or taxis.
- Keep your eyes on the road - don’t text and drive.
- Slow down and watch for pedestrians and cyclists on PCH and cars pulling in and out of beach parking.
- Pack it in, pack it out – dispose of your trash in trash containers, and if you see litter, please pick it up and throw it away in a trash container.
- Alcohol, dogs and fires are prohibited on beaches in Malibu.
The City coordinates annually with the LA County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), LA County Department of Beaches and Harbors, California State Parks, Mountains and Recreation & Conservation Authority (MRCA), and CHP to prepare for summer crowds. The City funds the LASD Beach Team from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The Beach Team is an important way to address alcohol consumption on the beaches, which is illegal and contributes to drunk driving on PCH and canyon roads, and they address traffic safety issues around the beaches. State Parks, Beaches and Harbors and MRCA increase maintenance and trash pickup during the summer. Every summer, the City requests additional patrols by LASD and the Sheriff’s Volunteers on Patrol (VOPs). The VOPs are crucial for parking enforcement to ensure beach access and keep the roadways safe, they monitor and report crime and emergencies, and they help direct traffic and ensure safety at accident sites.
Residents can report street racing to the CHP by calling 323-259-3200. Report suspected intoxicated drivers by calling 9-1-1.
(NEW) SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT ARRESTS DRIVERS AND IMPOUNDS EXOTIC CARS FOR reckless driving ON PCH
On May 21, Sheriff's Deputies monitoring traffic on PCH in Malibu observed a Porsche, a Lamborghini and a Ferrari weaving through traffic at high speeds. Due to the danger they posed to motorists, pedestrians and cyclists, the Deputy arrested the drivers for reckless driving and impounded their vehicles for 30 days. Residents can report street racing and related activity in Malibu to the CHP by calling 323-259-3200. Report suspected intoxicated drivers by calling 9-1-1.
(NEW) TEMPORARY DAY-USE IMPOUND YARD WILL BEGIN SUMMER OPERATIONS OVER MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND
This Saturday, May 27, the City will begin operating a temporary day-use impound yard at the Malibu High School parking on Morning View Dr. The impound yard will be used on weekends and holidays through September 4 for the temporary storage of vehicles that are towed for illegal parking or posing a public safety hazard in Malibu. The impound yard will not store vehicles overnight and will be operated by a Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department-sanctioned towing company to address the expected seasonal increase in illegally parked cars during the summer. By not having to take towed vehicles to their regular impound yard in Thousand Oaks, the towing companies can tow away more illegally parked vehicles, helping to ensure beach access, resident and visitor parking, and keeping the roadways safe and clear for emergency responders.
(NEW) JOIN IN THE PUBLIC SAFETY RESPONDERS APPRECIATION DAY AT THE CITY’S PUBLIC SAFETY EXPO, JUNE 10
All of Malibu is invited to join in the Public Safety Responders Appreciation Day during the City's free Public Safety Expo on Saturday, June 10, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM at City Hall. On May 22, the City Council declared June 10 as Public Safety Responders Appreciation Day in order to honor and thank police, fire, medical, volunteer and other personnel who are dedicated to serving our community. At the Public Safety Expo, community members are invited to write thank you messages to our responders in special appreciation books which will be presented to the leaders of each public safety organization.
Safety Expo Details:
- Learn how to get started on, or improve your preparedness for wildfires, earthquakes and other disasters.
- See presentations from the California Insurance Commissioner on wildfire insurance and from the LA County Fire Department on brush clearance.
- Numerous public safety agencies will have other demonstrations and will be displaying vehicles, including the Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad, Fire Department, Lifeguard Division and others.
- See a demonstration of a vehicle extraction rescue using the "Jaws of Life."
- Take a ride in an earthquake simulator that recreates a realistic and educational experience of a major earthquake inside a house, highlighting the need to make your home more earthquake safe.
- The Expo is a great opportunity for kids to learn about emergency preparedness and meet public safety and law enforcement professionals in person.
- Learn about emergency and wildfire preparedness products and services from the many participating vendors.
- Free lunches will be offered from food trucks, while supplies last (with vegan option).
- For more information, visit the webpage.
MALIBU COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE, JUNE 8
Give the gift of life, donate blood at the City of Malibu's Community Blood Drive Thursday, June 8, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM at City Hall (23825 Stuart Ranch Road). Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, blood donations and blood supplies had fallen due to facility closures, stay-at-home orders and other impacts. Donated blood is needed every day for surgeries, emergencies and regular medical procedures, and is needed for any natural or human-made disasters. With COVID-19 rates continuing to improve, the City is proud to once again safely resume this life-saving activity. Sign up on the Red Cross website with code “CityofMalibu.” For more information, call 818-200-3445.
PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT LAUNCHES INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT
The City invites you to follow the Public Safety Department's new Instagram account. Stay up to date on emergency information and the City’s efforts on public safety; crime; traffic safety; emergency response; efforts to help residents be prepared for and protect their homes and community from wildfires and other disasters; and efforts to address homelessness. The Public Safety Department will also continue to post messages on Twitter and Facebook. The City does not monitor social media accounts 24/7, so please do not report emergencies or calls for urgent assistance on social media - call 911.
PLANNING
(NEW) LECHUZA BEACH ACCESSIBILITY IMPROVEMENTS PUBLIC HEARING, JUNE 19
The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on June 19 proposed development by the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) to improve public access at Lechuza Beach. The proposed developments include Americans with Disability Act-compliant parking and restrooms, viewing platforms, an advanced onsite wastewater treatment system, and a staircase. For more information about the project, visit the California Environmental Quality Act website. The agenda, staff report and viewing and commenting instructions will be posted in advance on the webpage.
(NEW) MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND CODE ENFORCMENT
Code Enforcement will be actively monitoring reported violations during Memorial Day weekend with periodic Code Enforcement Officer street patrols. Call the Code Enforcement Hotline at 310-456-2489, ext. 484, or complete an Investigation Request form to report suspected Code Enforcement violations.
EXPEDITED PLANNING REVIEWS FOR solar power SYSTEMS AND GENERATORS
The Planning Department is offering same-day planning application reviews for photovoltaic systems (solar) and generators during Public Counter hours on Mondays and Wednesdays, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. No appointment is required. These permit applications require a planning approval prior to proceeding to Building Plan Check. General requirements include a uniform application, two sets of plans or one digital set on a USB drive, and review of the Photovoltaic System Plan Check Guide or Generator Plan Check Guide for additional requirements. Applications may be submitted through the Planning Online Portal. For more information about planning applications, visit the Planning Department webpage.
MALIBU INN MOTEL PUBLIC HEARING, MAY 31
On April 17, the Planning Commission postponed the public hearing on the Malibu Inn Motel project environmental document and project entitlements to May 31. The agenda and staff report will be posted on the website available in advance. For more information, including past reports visit the project webpage.
(NEW) SPECIAL EVENTS REPORT
Currently, there are permitted events on May 27; June 4, 10, 18, and 24; July 4 and 22; August 18, as well as every Sunday for the Malibu Farmers Market and for Farmer's Market off-street parking. 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 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 "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 are 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
APPLY FOR WOOLSEY FIRE REBUILD FEE WAIVERS BEFORE THE JUNE 30 DEADLINE
The City continues to work to help Malibu residents rebuild homes destroyed in the devastating Woolsey Fire, and urges homeowners to submit applications for rebuild fee waivers before the June 30 deadline. All required Planning Department applications for a project must be deemed complete by June 30, 2023. All required building permits must be pulled by December 30, 2023. Fees will not be waived after December 30, 2023. The fee waivers cover all City planning and building permit fees for properties that are being rebuilt as a “like-for-like” or “like-for-like plus 10%” rebuild and were used as a primary residence by the property owner as of November 8, 2018. The City Council made Woolsey Fire rebuilding its top priority, after public safety, every year since the 2019-2020 Budget, and has voted unanimously every year to extend the fee waivers, which now total $5.7 million in Woolsey Fire rebuild assistance. For more information and resources related to the fee waivers, and to submit an application, visit the Fee Waiver webpage.
(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 - 257
- Single Family Dwellings complete - 128
- 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) Organic Waste Recycling Virtual Training and Kitchen Caddy Giveaway, JUNE 14
The City is offering an organic waste recycling virtual training on Wednesday, June 14, 7:00 PM, funded by CalRecycle. 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. Attendees will receive a free, dishwasher safe, 1.9-gallon kitchen scraps caddy to help you conveniently separate food waste to be recycled (limit one per household). The Zoom meeting link for this and future trainings is posted on the webpage.
(NEW) WESTWARD BEACH RECEIVES BLUE FLAG ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD
Westward Beach in Malibu has received a Blue Flag Award, one of only two beaches in the continental United States to receive the award, which recognizes achievements in 30 criteria in environmental education and information; environmental management; safety and services; social responsibility; and responsible tourism. The Blue Flag was raised during a public ceremony on May 25, with all Councilmembers and the City Manager attending. Internationally, the Blue Flag has been awarded to more than 5,000 beaches, marinas and tourism boats from 50 countries. For more information, visit the website.
(NEW) CITY OF MALIBU ADOPTS THE 2023 LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE CODE – TITLE 32
To provide the public with the best practices in addressing fire prevention and emergency response, the City of Malibu adopted the 2023 Los Angeles County Fire Code on March 13. These local amendments are a set of regulations that incorporate the latest research, technological advancements, and building industry standards for fire prevention. With the adoption of the 2023 fire code, the City prioritizes fire safety when assessing plans for compliance and ensures that building permit applications and construction projects adhere to the revised standards.
(NEW) NORTH SANTA MONICA BAY WATERSHED STATE OF THE WATERSHED 2023
On May 11, the North Santa Monica Bay Watershed Steering Committee met for the inaugural State of the Watershed 2023 to learn about their efforts to improving local water quality and increasing access to local water supply. At the meeting, local jurisdictions including Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, Westlake Village and Malibu presented on efforts to improve local water quality monitoring, increasing local water supply, and meeting MS4 compliance with Measure W funding. Guests included Agoura Hills City Council member Jeremy Wolf, Councilmember Paul Grisanti, Watershed Coordinator Melina Watts, County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, and Dr. Katherine Pease from Heal the Bay. See the full presentation. The Malibu update starts at 1:29:49.
ARTS, CULTURE & RECREATION
(NEW) UPDATE ON EFFORTS TO PROVIDE TO FOOD SERVICE AT LITTLE LEAGUE GAMES AT MALIBU BLUFFS PARK
City Manager Steve McClary gave an update to the City Council on May 22 on the City's efforts to provide food service options to replace the "Snack Shack" at Malibu Bluffs Park, which was closed for safety in 2019. The City completed demolition of the pre-existing shipping container, the new container has been installed, and the new equipment has been purchashed, upgrades on the electrical system are expected to be complete this week. LA County Department of Public Health inspected the facility last week and issued the Temporary Food Facility Permit, which would allow Malibu Little League to prepare and sell food on-site. The Little League plans to begin food service using the new temporary facility this weekend.
On March 27, the City Council voted unanimously on short and long-term measures to bring back food service to Little League games at Malibu Bluffs Park to replace the Snack Shack. It was beloved in the Little League community as a place where kids could gather, socialize, and volunteer to help operate food sales to learn skills and responsibility. The Council approved short-term options, including a closed-walled tent structure similar to those commonly used for food service at farmers markets, as well as long-term plans for a permanent food service facility.
(NEW) HOLIDAY HOURS MEMORIAL DAY, MONDAY, MAY 29
Malibu City Hall, the Senior Center and the Community Swimming Pool at Malibu High School will be closed on Monday, May 29 in observance of the Memorial Day holiday. City parks will be open 8:00 AM to sunset. For more information on City parks and facilities, visit the webpage.
(NEW) PARK TALES, JUNE 1
The Community Services Department presents Park Tales Thursday, June 1, 10:00 AM at Malibu Bluffs Park. This month's theme is Water Safety, which will include an interactive story time and puppet show provided by Daland Swim School. The program, which is meant for kids 5 and under, also includes an art activity and a complimentary snack. Pre-registration is recommended but not required. For more information, visit the webpage.
(NEW) "SHIFTING TIDES" CALL FOR ARTISTS – APPLY BY JUNE 7
In tribute to Malibu’s deep roots in surfing culture, the Malibu Arts Commission invites local Malibu artists to submit artwork in any medium for consideration to be featured in the next public art exhibition in the Malibu City Gallery, “Shifting Tides.” Submissions are due by June 7. Selected artwork will be displayed July 16 through August 25. For more information and to make a submission, visit the Arts Commission website. The Arts Commission will host a free opening reception on Sunday, July 16, 12:00 PM at City Hall, with food, beverages, and a live musical performance by “A Call 2Peace.”
OPENING RECEPTION FOR THE CITY'S NEXT PUBLIC ART EXHIBITION FEATURING WORKS BY JANE SEYMOUR, JUNE 4
The Arts Commission invites all of Malibu to the free opening reception of the next art exhibition in the Malibu City Gallery, “Expressions" featuring paintings and sculptures by Jane Seymour, Sunday, June 4, 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM at City Hall. The exhibition will be on display from May 22 through June 30, and is open Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM. The reception will feature live music by “A Call 2Peace” and refreshments, and Jane Seymour will be on hand to discuss her work. RSVPs are not needed for the reception or to visit the gallery. For more information, visit the Arts Commission website.
PUBLIC WORKS
(NEW) CONSTRUCTION TO BEGIN ON MALIBU'S TRAFFIC SIGNAL SYNCHRONIZATION PROJECT TO IMPROVE SAFETY AND MOBILITY ON PCH
Construction is expected to begin in June on the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) Traffic Signal Synchronization Project, marking a major milestone in the City’s most significant measure to date to improve traffic safety and mobility on PCH. PCH is one of California’s most scenic state highways, used by millions of visitors per year, but it is also Malibu’s Main Street. PCH safety and mobility are one of the most important quality of life issues in our community. According to the Sheriff's Department, excessive speed is the most commonly cited traffic violation. Speeding and improper turns are the most common contributing factors to collisions, both of which will be directly addressed by the Traffic Signal Synchronization Project.
The project, which is estimated to take more than one year to complete, will install communication lines between the existing traffic signals on PCH from Topanga Canyon Boulevard to John Tyler Drive to synchronize the signals to existing traffic conditions. The new traffic signals will be connected to the Caltrans Traffic Management Center, allowing Caltrans to operate the signals and the signal system remotely. New equipment will capture actual traffic data and send it to the traffic signal controllers. The system will contain state-of-the art software that can immediately adjust the traffic signal timing to actual traffic volume conditions, which will help alleviate congestion on PCH.
The City’s contractor will be using the City’s vacant parcel on Civic Center Way, PCH and Webb Way for staging and storing vehicles and materials, employee and construction vehicle parking, and a temporary construction office. Using this area will make the project faster and more efficient, and reduce construction vehicle traffic on PCH and Malibu Canyon. Per the City’s requests, the contractor will install a temporary fence and screening, and has committed to keep the location clean during construction. For more information, see the staff report.
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