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The original item was published from 6/9/2023 12:25:43 PM to 6/23/2023 2:58:40 PM.

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Posted on: June 9, 2023

[ARCHIVED] City Manager Updates
June 9, 2023

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UPCOMING

reminder - 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. 


management / city council


(NEW) CITY COUNCIL FINDS PATH TO ALLOW MALIBU FILM SOCIETY TO HOST SCREENINGS IN MALIBU

The City Council found a solution to allow the Malibu Film Society to screen films for the community at the Malibu Pacific Church during the May 8 Council meeting. The City Council adopted an interpretation, limited to one year and then subject to review, of the Malibu Municipal Code that permits religious facilities to host gatherings and/or events sponsored by non-profit organizations which are open to the general public, free to Malibu residents, and limited to no more than 110 additional events per year. Currently, there is no movie theater in Malibu. The Council also approved a grant of $85,000 to the Film Society to offset the cost of providing free admission to their film screenings and events for Malibu residents. For more information, see the staff report. 


WILDFIRE safety 


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 previously 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. 


HEAVY VEGETATION FROM RECENT RAINS means that BRUSH CLEARANCE IS crucial - the City is ready to assist you

June 1 was the LA County brush clearance deadline, but you can still complete your required brush clearance. Proper brush clearance is required by law and is one of the most important ways to protect your home and property from wildfire, and to slow the spread of fires in our community. If you need guidance, you can contact the Fire Safety Liaisons at FireSafety@MalibuCity.org or 310-456-2489. 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. 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. 


get help with BRUSH clearance requirements - SCHEDULE A HOME WILDFIRE HARDENING ASSESSMENT 

Many Malibu residents received 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. They 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) TEMPORARY DAY-USE IMPOUND YARD BEGINS SUMMER OPERATIONS

On Saturday, May 27 the City began operating a temporary day-use impound yard at a new location at the Malibu High School parking on Morning View Dr. Since then, 89 vehicles have been towed into the impound yard, where they are removed at the end of each day. The impound yard will continue to 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. 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) PARKING ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS IN MALIBU

A parking enforcement operation conducted recently with the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station, Sheriff's Volunteers on Patrol (VOP), a City Public Safety Commissioner and a City staffmember resulted in 91 citations issued and six vehicles towed.


CITY OF MALIBU PREPARES FOR BUSY SUMMER SEASON WITH SAFETY MESSAGING CAMPAIGN WITH PARTNER AGENCIES

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. 

safesummer social graphics cm updates


JOIN 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. 
  • 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.


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 


LECHUZA BEACH ACCESSIBILITY IMPROVEMENTS PUBLIC HEARING, JUNE 19

The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) proposed development to improve public access at Lechuza Beach with Americans with Disability Act compliant parking and bathroom, viewing platforms, advanced onsite wastewater treatment system, and staircase reconstruction will be heard by the Planning Commission on June 19. A brief project scope summary is available on the California Environmental Quality Act website.


(NEW) 41ST ANNUAL CHILI COOKOFF AND CARNIVAL PUBLIC HEARING, JUNE 19

The Boys and Girls Club of Malibu is sponsoring the 41st Annual Chili Cook-Off and Carnival, a four-day event on Labor Day weekend. The Boys and Girls Club will also be hosting a one-day private fundraising event on Thursday, August 31. The Chili Cook-Off will take place on the City-owned parcel at 23575 Civic Center Way and will feature amusement rides, a chili cook-off competition, live music, and booths with food, merchandise and public service groups. The Coastal Development Permit for the event will be heard by the Planning Commission on June 19.


(NEW) ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT ORDINANCE PUBLIC HEARING, JULY 10

On March 14, 2023, the Planning Commission held a special meeting and adopted Resolution No. 23-12, providing recommendations for City Council consideration to bring existing regulations pertaining to accessory dwelling units (ADUs) into compliance with state law. On July 10, the City Council will hold a public hearing regarding an amendment to the Local Coastal Program and Title 17 (Zoning) of the Malibu Municipal Code and consider Planning Commission recommendations. 

  

(NEW) SPECIAL EVENTS REPORT

Currently, there are permitted events on June 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 21, 24 and 25; 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 


(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 - 258
  • 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) LA COUNTY DRIVE-THRough HOUSEHOLD hazardous & Electronic WASTE COLLECTION, june 11

Los Angeles County is hosting a free, drive-through dropoff for Household Hazardous and Electronic Waste on Sunday, June 11, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM at the Calabasas Landfill, located at 5300 Lost Hills Rd, Agoura Hills. Please secure items in your trunk or pick up bed and remain in your vehicle while staff removes your items. A complete list of accepted materials is available on the LA County website. 


(NEW) HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS AND ELECTRONIC WASTE COLLECTION, june 17

Drop off your old paint, motor oil, household chemicals, batteries and electronics to be safely disposed of for recycling at the City's Household Hazardous and Electronic Waste Collection on Saturday, June 17, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM at City Hall (upper parking lot). See the complete list of accepted materials on the webpage. 

 

(NEW) MALIBU CREEK ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION PROJECT

The Malibu Creek Ecosystem Restoration Project aims to preserve California’s unparalleled biodiversity, increase and reconnect critical habitat, mitigate the impacts of climate change, and return endangered steelhead trout to the watershed. California State Parks and California Trout are hosting a public workshop at Malibu City Hall in the Multipurpose Room Tuesday, June 13, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM to provide an overview of the project, highlight current work, and give the public an opportunity to ask the project team any questions. For more information contact Judi Uthus, California Trout Public Engagement Specialist at juthus@caltrout.org. Learn more about the project by visiting the State Parks website and the Restore Malibu Creek website. 


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. 

 

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.  

blue flag pic 1 cropped


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. 



ARTS, CULTURE & RECREATION 


(NEW) TEMPORARY SNACK SHACK BRINGS BACK FOOD SERVICE TO MALIBU LITTLE LEAGUE GAMES AT MALIBU BLUFFS PARK

Malibu Little League players, parents, City Councilmembers, City Parks and Recreation Commissioners and Community Services Department staff were on hand to celebrate the re-opening of the temporary "Snack Shack" at Malibu Bluffs Park on Wednesday, May 31, on time for the final few days of the season. Parents volunteered at the BBQ and ran the food service, which replaced the long-standing and beloved Snack Shack, which was closed in 2019 for safety. Little League parents, Parks and Recreation Commissioners, the City Council and City staff came together to find a path to restore food services for Little League games at Bluffs Park, and the City Council voted unanimously on March 27, 2023 on short and long-term measures to bring back food service to Little League games at Malibu Bluffs Park. In May, the City completed demolition of the pre-existing shipping container, installed the new container, purchased and installed new equipment, upgraded the electrical system, and got the LA County Department of Public Health permit.

snack shack aliciasnack shack Jake 2dane snack shack 2snack shack kristin

  

(NEW) SUMMER DAY CAMPS BEGIN JUNE 13

Summer Day Camps for kids ages 6 through 14 will be offered weekly from June 13 through August 17. The City will provide enrichment, skate, sports, and surf programs at Malibu Bluffs Park, Malibu High School, or Surfrider Beach. For more information, visit the webpage. 

 

(NEW) LEARN TO SWIM LESSONS BEGIN JUNE 13

Learn to Swim Water Safety Lessons will be offered weekly from June 13 through August 10 at the Malibu Community Swimming Pool for kids ages 1 through 14. Swimmers will develop good habits in and around the water, learn and refine their swimming strokes, and become stronger, safer swimmers. For more information, visit the Aquatics webpage. 

 

(NEW) register for ADULT SOFTBALL LEAGUE before june 14 

The summer Coed Adult Softball League begins June 25 and includes Sunday games at Malibu Bluffs Park. Team registration is available online through June 14. Anyone over the age of 18 looking to join a team should call 310-317-1364 to be placed on the Free Agent List. For more information, visit the webpage.  

 

(NEW) CINEMALIBU OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT SERIES AT MALIBU BLUFFS PARK STARTS WITH "TOP GUN," JUNE 17

The City's CineMalibu™ series returns to Malibu Bluffs Park for a summer of free, family-friendly outdoor community movie screenings with 1980s films, trivia, games, food trucks and more, starting with "Top Gun" (1986, PG). "E.T." (1982, PG) will be screened on Saturday, July 15 and "Karate Kid" (1984, PG) will be screened on Saturday, August 19. The movies start at sunset and pre-event activities start at 5:00 PM. Show a City staffmember that you follow the Community Services Department on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win great prizes, including gift cards to local businesses and a 30% off coupon for a City of Malibu recreation program. For more information, visit the webpage.


(NEW) SUMMER POETRY READING, JUNE 22

Join Malibu Poet Laureate Ann Buxie for Summer Jubilations Thursday, June 22, 5:00 PM at Malibu Bluffs Park. The event will feature poetry readings from Dr. Jose Ortega, Anita McLaughlin, and Eileen Fiori. The event is free to attend, and reservations are not required. For more information, visit the Poetry webpage. 

 


PUBLIC WORKS  


(NEW) CONSTRUCTION TO BEGIN ON MALIBU'S TRAFFIC SIGNAL SYNCHRONIZATION PROJECT TO IMPROVE SAFETY AND MOBILITY ON PCH

Construction is expected to start in June on the City of Malibu’s PCH Traffic Signal Synchronization Project, the City’s most significant measure to date to improve traffic safety and mobility on PCH, among the most important quality of life issues in Malibu. The project will take more than one year to complete. Communications lines will be installed between traffic signals on PCH from Topanga Canyon Blvd to John Tyler Dr to synchronize them to existing traffic conditions, and they will be controlled the Caltrans Traffic Management Center. According to CalTrans, during the past 10 years, there have been more than 4,000 collisions on PCH in Malibu. Speeding and improper turns are the most common contributing factors to collisions, both of which will be directly addressed by the Signal Synchronization Project. The system can also be used to help emergency evacuations move quickly and safely. The $34.6 million project is fully funded through County Measure R transportation funds.

The City’s parcel on Civic Center Way and Webb Way will be used for storage of construction vehicles and materials, employee parking, and a temporary construction office, which will make the project more efficient, and reduce vehicle traffic on PCH and Malibu Canyon. Per the City’s requests, the contractor will install screening and has committed to keep the location clean. For more information, see the staff report.  


(NEW) PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT WORKING WITH CALTRANS ON SAFETY ISSUES AT TRANCAS CREEK BRIDGE PROJECT

The Public Works Department has been in communication with Caltrans District 7 to address traffic safety issues related to the Trancas Creek Bridge Replacement Project on PCH. The Public Works Director spoke with Caltrans’ Chief Deputy District Director last week. They agreed to meet with the City to discuss the ongoing issues with the project and its impacts on traffic safety; potential issues when Caltrans moves on to the next stage of the project; and to perform some immediate traffic safety measures. Caltrans has been working on the land side of westbound PCH just west of Guernsey Avenue to correct a drainage issue; adjusting the K-rail at the eastern end of Trancas Bridge, the site of a recent traffic collision;  and will add a flashing beacon and signage to alert oncoming motorists. The City will continue to work with Caltrans on project issues and will stress the importance of ensuring public safety during construction. See more information about the project.


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