UPCOMING
management & city council
(NEW) CITY AND SMMUSD COMMITTED TO WORKING TOGETHER TO ADVANCE MALIBU HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT & URGE COASTAL COMMISSION TO EXPEDITE
The City of Malibu and the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) are joining together to request that the California Coastal Commission (CCC) expedite the voter-approved Malibu High School (MHS) Project for the benefit of students and families in the community. The City and SMMUSD remain committed to working together to advance the project and have had several discussions since the CCC’s July 12 meeting about next steps. The City and SMMUSD are coordinating a meeting with CCC staff to work together as cooperatively and expeditiously as possible to get the project back before the City Council and back to CCC in the fall. The City and the SMMUSD each sent letters to the CCC urging it to not further delay the project. See the City letter.
WILDFIRE safety
(NEW) CITY FIRE SAFETY LIAISONS ARE MONITORING FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS DURING CURRENT HEATWAVE
LIVE FUEL MOISTURE AT 90% AS OF JUNE 30, AT HISTORICAL AVERAGE (60% = CRITICAL)
As part of year-round wildfire preparedness, the City tracks Live Fuel Moisture (LFM), as well as relative humidity, temperature, dead fuel moisture, wind and other weather factors to determine wildfire conditions for Malibu. The LFM was 90% as of June 30, down from 116% from the previous sampling. The LFM is the percentage of water content to dry matter in live vegetation and indicates how likely a fire is to grow large and spread quickly. LFM can be as high as 200% and is considered critical at 60% and below. The Los Angeles County Fire Department Forestry Division samples plants in the Santa Monica Mountains approximately every two weeks and posts the results on their website.
The extremely wet winter and cool, cloudy weather in spring and early summer have kept fuel moistures levels high, which should delay the traditional wildfire season. Fuels are already drying out quickly with the current heatwave. Fuels historically get to the critical 60% level in late August, but fires can grow large even at 80% LFM.
CURRENT HEATWAVE NOT EXPECTED TO LEAD TO HAZARDOUS FIRE CONDITIONS IN MALIBU - Los Angeles, Ventura, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties all have elevated fire conditions due to the current intense and prolonged heatwave, lower humidity, and lower fuel moistures than coastal areas. While fires starting in these areas can grow and spread quickly, in the coastal areas including Malibu, the fuel moisture levels and humidity are still high enough and wind is low enough that it is unlikely that a fire starting in the surrounding areas would spread to Malibu, or that a fire starting in Malibu will grow large and spread quickly. Malibu and similar areas come into alignment for large fire potential from late August through the end of the year, particularly from October through December with the arrival of strong winds (Santa Anas), high temperatures, and very low humidity and fuel moisture. For local fire weather forecasts, visit the NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard website.
(NEW) COMPLETE A HOME WILDFIRE HARDENING ASSESSMENT AND GET A FREE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS BACKPACK
Malibu residents who complete a free Home Wildfire Hardening Assessment with the City of Malibu will receive a free rolling emergency preparedness backpack. The handy backpacks are a valuable addition to your “go kit” and can help you be better prepared to evacuate quickly in case of a wildfire or other disasters. They are only available while supplies last, so schedule your appointment now. The City’s Fire Safety Liaisons will conduct a 30-to-60-minute exterior inspection of your property looking at what can be done to make it less vulnerable to the millions of flying embers from a wind-driven wildfire, a leading cause of homes burning down in wildfires. You’ll get a checklist of steps to take, such as removing dead vegetation or wood furniture that is touching the house, to harden your property. For more information or to schedule a free Home Wildfire Hardening Assessment, visit the webpage or call 310-456-2489, ext. 238, or email FireSafety@MalibuCity.org.
(NEW) CITY FIRE SAFETY LIAISONS PARTICIPATE IN MULTI-AGENCY FIRE RESPONSE WORKSHOP
On July 10 the Fire Safety Liaisons attended the annual Susana Mutual Threat Zone (MTZ) workshop moderated by Los Angeles County Fire Department Assistant Chief Drew Smith. The workshop was attended by fire, law enforcement and emergency management personnel from LA County, City of Los Angeles and Ventura County that share common threats to lives and properties that exists along the LA and Ventura County and LA City lines between the 118 Freeway at Rocky Peak and Hidden Hills. The California Highway Patrol, Mountains Recreation Conservation Authority (MRCA), and Cal Fire were also in attendance. Wildfires occurring in the Susana MTZ are highly complex as all three fire agencies send a full response totaling more than 50 ground and air resources, so the annual workshop emphasizes communication, coordination, and unified command between the agencies. The City Fire Safety Liaisons gave a presentation on their regular day-to-day roles and their roles and how they can assist responders during an active emergency. They demonstrated the new Beacon Boxes that the City has installed in numerous locations in Malibu, which are meant to assist out-of-area firefighters responding in Malibu with maps and local information.
(NEW) FREE TRAINING – LeARN TO ASSESS A STRUCTURE’S VULNERABILITY TO BURNING DOWN IN A WILDFIRE
The City is offering two free classes on how to protect homes from wildfires, "Assessing Structure Ignition Potential from Wildfire," from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) on Wednesday, August 30 and Thursday, August 31, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM at City Hall in the Multi-Purpose Room. Space is limited, and attendance of both full days is required to receive the NFPA certificate of completion. To register, email Fire Safety Liaison Jerry Vandermeulen at JVandermeulen@MalibuCity.org.
START PREPARING FOR WILDFIRE SEASON NOW
Now is the time for everyone in the community, including businesses, to start preparing for wildfire season. Monitor local fire weather conditions and warnings on the National Weather Service Los Angeles/Oxnard website. Create and/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. Keep vehicle fuel tanks above half full. 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. Sign up for emergency alerts from the City (scroll to Alert Center) and from LA County. 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.
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 mandatory brush clearance. Many Malibu residents received brush clearance notices from the Fire Department for the first time due to updated maps. 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. The record rainfall this winter was badly needed for our drought conditions and water supplies, but the lush vegetation on our hillsides will soon become fuel for a potential wildfire next fire season.
Residents can get help with complying with brush clearance 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. 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.
PUBLIC SAFETY
(NEW) HOMELESS OUTREACH UPDATE
The City’s Homeless Outreach Team, which consists of two outreach workers and a housing navigator from The People Concern, reported that in June 2023, it engaged with 66 people experiencing homelessness in Malibu. Four of them were either relocated or placed into permanent or temporary housing. One was successfully enrolled into a rehabilitation facility where they are receiving much-needed services after a coordinated effort by the Outreach Team and Venice Family Clinic. Current and past monthly Homeless Outreach reports are available on the webpage.
PLANNING
LECHUZA BEACH ACCESSIBILITY IMPROVEMENTS PUBLIC HEARING, AUGUST 7
The Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) hearing on proposed developments 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, was continued to the August 7 Planning Commission meeting at the request of the MRCA. A project summary is available on the California Environmental Quality Act website. The initial City staff analysis for the project is available on the website. The agenda, staff report and viewing and commenting instructions for the August 7 hearing will be posted on the website in advance.
(NEW) SPECIAL EVENTS REPORT
Currently, there are permitted events on July 22, 23, 30, August 18, and October 7 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 - 261
- Single Family Dwellings complete - 132
- 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) VIDEO: A GUIDE TO THE CITY'S DEVELOPMENT REVIEW PROCESS
VIDEO: Building, renovating, or repairing a home or building in the City of Malibu can be complex, but our hardworking, skilled staff are here to guide you through the process so you can plan ahead and know what to expect. This video provides an overview of the City's development review process. If you need assistance with a project, please call City Hall at 310-456-2489.
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(NEW) TRASH PICKUP DAY WILL CHANGE FOR WASTE MANAGEMENT RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS STARTING JULY 31
Beginning the week of July 31, Waste Management will change its trash and recycling pickup day for residential customers. Waste Management customers should place containers out for pickup before 7:00 AM on Monday, July 31. Waste Management will notify customers via postcard and automated phone, email or text message of the new service day and start date. The goal of the change is to maximize safety, efficiency, load capacity, and to reduce the impact to City streets and the environment. For more information, call Waste Management at 800-675-1171.
(NEW) HELP REDUCE PLASTIC WASTE DURING PLASTIC-FREE JULY
Join the City in celebrating Plastic-Free July by reducing your plastic waste. This global movement to protect the environment, started by the Plastic Free Foundation in 2011, aims to create a world free of plastic waste. The City joined the effort by celebrating International Plastic Bag-Free Day on July 3. For tips on how to reduce your use of plastics, follow the Environmental Sustainability Department on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. For information about City policies that encourage a plastic-free lifestyle, visit the webpage. For more information about the Plastic Free Foundation visit the website
ARTS, CULTURE & RECREATION
(NEW) SENIOR MONTHLY LUNCHEON, SUMMER IN SANTORINI, JULY 27
Enjoy lunch, socialize with friends and enjoy a Greek dancing performance at the Senior Center Luncheon on Thursday, July 27, 12:00 PM. The event will include live entertainment with a Greek lunch catered by Mediterranean Pita Grill. Space is limited so RSVPs are required. For more information or to RSVP call 310-456-2489, ext. 363 or visit the webpage.
(NEW) FALL RECREATION GUIDE AND CITY NEWSLETTER
The Community Services Department's Fall Recreation Guide will be available online and will be mailed to residents the week of July 31. The Guide features upcoming fall programs offered September through November, including Afterschool Programs Youth Water Polo, Outdoor Recreation, Parent and Me Programs, Senior Programs and Excursions, the Fall Adult Coed Adult Softball League, and special events such as CineMalibu, Halloween Bu Bash, and the Tiny Tot Olympics. For more information, visit the Community Services webpage.
(NEW) PARK TALES, AUGUST 3
The Community Services Department will host the next Park Tales event, “Shake, Rattle, and Roll”, on Thursday, August 3, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM at Malibu Bluffs Park. Kids ages 5 and under will enjoy stories, create an art activity, and have a complimentary snack. Registration in advance is recommended but not required. For more information, visit the webpage.
(NEW) GIRLS SKATEBOARDING CLINIC, AUGUST 6
Professional skateboarding instructors from Champ Camp will create an empowering and supportive environment for girls to learn and grow as skaters. The free clinic on Sunday, August 6, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM at Malibu Bluffs Park is part of the #PlayLikeAGirlMalibu initiative to raise awareness and encourage female sports participation and leadership. Registration in advance is required. For more information or to register, call 310-317-1364 or visit the Youth Sports webpage.
(NEW) FALL RECREATION PROGRAM OUTREACH DAY, AUGUST 13
Community Services Department will have an information booth at Malibu Bluffs Park on Sunday, August 13, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Community members can pick up a printed copy of the City's Fall Recreation Guide, a giveaway bag, and can ask questions about programs and facilities. Registration for fall programs opens on Monday, August 14 at 8:00 AM on the webpage.
(NEW) CINEMALIBU MOVIES IN THE PARK SCREENING OF “KARATE KID,” AUGUST 19
CineMalibu™ continues the series of free, family-friendly outdoor community movie screenings at Malibu Bluffs Park with "Karate Kid" (1984, PG) as well as trivia, games, food trucks and more, Saturday, August 19. Movies begin at sunset and pre-event activities begin one hour before sunset. Please bring a blanket and chair. Before the movie, instructors from Joey Escobar Karate will lead martial arts activities and instruction. For more information, visit the Cinemalibu webpage.
MALIBU BLUFFS PARK MULTIPURPOSE FIELD CLOSED for maintenance, JULY 5 – AUGUST 14
The Multipurpose Field at Malibu Bluffs Park will be closed for bi-annual rest and renovation from Wednesday, July 5 through Monday, August 14. The rest and renovation play an important part in keeping the field safe and playable throughout the year. Other facilities at Malibu Bluffs Park will remain open.
PUBLIC WORKS
(NEW) LANE CLOSURES ON TOPANGA CANYON FOR DRAINAGE WORK STARTING JULY 24
There will be lane closures on Topanga Canyon Boulevard from Mulholland Drive to PCH to repair drain inlets damaged in winter storms starting approximately Monday, July 24. Flaggers will be directing alternating traffic. Most of the work will take place weekdays 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM.
(NEW) LANE CLOSURES OF CALIFORNIA INCLINE FOR EMERGENCY SLOPE REPAIR
Emergency repairs on an unstable portion of the Santa Monica Bluffs just above Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) between the California Incline and Moomat Ahiko Way will require several temporary lane closures around the California Incline. Motorists should expect delays and are urged to plan ahead and choose alternate routes. For more information, visit the City of Santa Monica website.
- CLOSED: Moomat Ahiko Way on-ramp to PCH between Ocean Avenue and PCH Tuesday, July 25, beginning at 11:30 PM.
- CLOSED: Westbound 10 Freeway at Lincoln Boulevard through northbound PCH to the California Incline Wednesday, July 26, beginning at 2:00 AM.
- OPEN: The Lincoln Boulevard offramp, the California Incline, southbound lanes of PCH, the off-ramp from PCH to Ocean Avenue, and the eastbound 10 Freeway will remain open.
- DETOUR: A detour is available via the westbound 10 Freeway Lincoln Boulevard exit, using either Wilshire Boulevard or Santa Monica Boulevard west to Ocean Avenue, then northbound Ocean Avenue to the northbound California Incline to PCH.
- All lanes will reopen Wednesday, July 26 by 12:00 PM.
(NEW) TRANCAS BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT UPDATE
Caltrans contractors are currently working on the new approach slabs for the northbound side of Trancas Creek Bridge, with completion expected by the end of July. The utility companies will relocate gas and fiber optic lines from the ocean side to the land side of the bridge starting July 24 with completion expected by early August. Caltrans reported that existing tidal waters and creek flow below the bridge prohibit the contractor from beginning Stage II within the creek area on the ocean side of Trancas Bridge. Starting in September, Caltrans will begin to transition and realign PCH outside the creek area for Stage II traffic control. Expect noise, dust and lights, workers and work vehicles in and around the roadway, and unscheduled lane closures. Cyclists, motorists and pedestrians should proceed with caution. Motorists must adhere to the posted temporary speed limit signs. Fines for speeding are doubled in highway construction or maintenance zones when workers are present under the California Vehicle Code.
FIELD WORK ON TRAFFIC SIGNAL SYNCHRONIZATION PROJECT TO IMPROVE SAFETY AND MOBILITY EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN AUGUST
Preliminary work continues on the 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. Field work is expected to begin in August. 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 keeping the location clean. The City will post traffic alerts for any planned lane closures. Sign up for traffic alerts. For more information, see the staff report.
(NEW) LANE CLOSURES FOR PCH/LAS FLORES PROJECT TO BEGIN AFTER LABOR DAY
Lane closures on PCH at Las Flores Canyon Road for work on Caltrans' PCH/Las Flores Intersection Improvement Project are expected to begin after Labor Day. The work will include upgrading traffic signal poles and related equipment, installing new conduit, signage and striping. The work expected to take three to four weeks.
(NEW) PCH EMERGENCY CLEANUP AND REPAIR WORK From 2023 WINTER STORM DAMAGE TO START AFTER LABOR DAY
After Labor Day, following the summer PCH lane closure moratorium between Santa Monica and Malibu, Caltrans will be conducting embankment repair, removal and replacement of a broken storm drain system, and storm debris cleanup and removal on south and north lanes PCH between Las Flores Canyon Road and Decker Road.
(NEW) CONSTRUCTION EXPECTED TO START ON SOLSTICE BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT IN OCTOBER
The award and approval of the contractor on the Caltrans Solstice Bridge Replacement Project will be completed in late August. Construction work is expected to begin in October. The project is expected to take 430 working days, with traffic controls in place. The City will post details on the work schedule and any lane closures as soon as they become available.
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