UPCOMING
WILDFIRE safety
(NEW) CITY FIRE SAFETY LIAISONS ARE MONITORING FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS DURING CURRENT HEATWAVE
LIVE FUEL MOISTURE AT 93% AS OF JULY 21, ABOVE THE HISTORICAL AVERAGE OF 76% (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 93% as of July 21, up slightly from 90% at 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.
High live and dead fuel moisture levels, high humidity both day and night, and low wind are combining to keep the threat of a large wildfire low within in the City of Malibu. Fires can still grow large even at 80% LFM. 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 low fuel moisture. For local fire weather forecasts, visit the NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard website.
(NEW) FIREWISE WORKSHOP – HELPING COMMUNITIES BE PREPARED FOR WILDFIRES, AUGUST 17
Malibu residents are invited to attend the free Ventura County Regional Firewise USA Community Workshop on Thursday, August 17, 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM at the Ventura County Office of Education (5100 Adolfo Road, Camarillo). The Firewise USA recognition program is administered by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and provides a collaborative framework to help neighbors in a geographic area get organized, find direction, and take action to increase the resistance of their homes and community to wildfire. The program is part of Los Angeles County’s efforts to help community be prepared for wildfires. Becoming a Firewise USA recognized community also allows for potential insurance discounts. At the workshop, staff from CAL FIRE, NFPA, Ventura County Fire Department, Fire Safe Councils, and the California Department of Insurance will give presentations on how to become a Firewise USA community, how to make your home safer from wildfire, and how to improve your community's wildfire safety. RSVP online in advance.
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.
FREE TRAINING – LeARN TO ASSESS A STRUCTURE’S VULNERABILITY TO BURNING DOWN IN A WILDFIRE, AUGUST 30 & 31
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) UPDATED ZONEHAVEN EVACUATION ZONE MAPS FOR MALIBU
Know your zone! The City will be mailing out information cards to all households in Malibu about the updated Zonehaven Evacuation Zone numbers for Malibu. Malibu’s zones are now numbered MAL-C111 - MAL-C114. Los Angeles County adopted new official disaster response and evacuation zones and the new Zonehaven AWARE online tool in November 2022. All County agencies and cities, including the City of Malibu, will adhere to them in a disaster. The new zones for Malibu are the same as the City’s Evacuation Zones (11-14) were adopted in February 2020 as part of the City’s official Mass Evacuation Plan, following a recommendation after the Woolsey Fire.
Residents, businesses, students, employees and other community members are encouraged to look up the new zones for their home, business or school, and familiarize themselves with Zonhaven. During a disaster, Zonehaven will show valuable information specific to the location, such as emergency services, status updates, shelter locations, roadblocks, evacuation routes and more. Remember your Zone – they will be referred to in alerts and public messaging during any large-scale emergency incidents in LA County.
(NEW) TAKE THE DISASTER PREPAREDNESS SURVEY
The City of Malibu asks community members to assist local officials better plan for disasters and mitigate impacts by participating in a short survey. The Disaster Preparedness Risk Survey is being administered by MLC and Associates on behalf of Las Virgenes-Malibu Council of Governments, which includes the cities of Malibu, Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, and Westlake Village, as part of a recurring five-year Hazard Mitigation Planning process. Click here to take the online survey through the end of August 2023. The data gathered will help staff better plan for disasters as well as provide steps community members can take to mitigate risk and reduce the risk of loss.
NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH EVENTS IN SEPTEMBER
(NEW) SAVE THE DATE FOR WEEKLY SPEAKERS IN SEPTEMBER AS PART OF CITY'S NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH
In anticipation of Southern California’s peak wildfire season this fall, the City of Malibu is getting ready and helping residents be more prepared for wildfires and other disasters with National Preparedness Month events throughout September. Each week in September, the City will host a free webinar with speakers from the City, County agencies and outside organizations to offer valuable guidance on the types of hazards that Malibu faces, and how to prepare for them. The Zoom link for each webinar will be posted in the Preparedness Month webpage. See all of the Preparedness Month events on the webpage.
Annual Community Fire Season Briefing
Tuesday, September 5, 6:00 PM, virtual
LA County Fire Department: Assistant Chief Drew Smith
Firewise/Firesafe Communities, Understanding Fire Weather Metrics, Home Wildfire Hardening Meets Curb Appeal
Thursday, September 7, 6:00 PM, virtual
City of Malibu Fire Safety Liaisons: Gabriel Etcheverry, Bradley Yocum, Jerry Vandermeulen
Earthquake Threat in SoCal: Are you Prepared?
Thursday, September 14, 6:00 PM, virtual
California Institute of Technology (CalTech): SoCal ShakeAlert Earthquake Early Warning Regional Coordinator Margaret Vinci
Tsunami Alerts & Warnings
Wednesday, September 20, 6:00 PM, virtual
Department of Conservation Tsunami Unit: Engineering Geologist Nick Graehl and California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES): Senior Emergency Services Coordinator/ Tsunami Planning Coordinator Matthew Palmer
Active Shooter Response Readiness
Wednesday, September 27, 6:00 PM, virtual
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department: Sgt. Chris Soderlund
(NEW) WEEKLY TESTS OF EVERBRIDGE DISASTER NOTIFICATION SYSTEM DURING NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH
As part of the City's efforts to be prepared, and help the community be prepared for wildfires and other disasters, the City will send weekly test messages using the Everbridge Disaster Notification system during National Preparedness Month. Each week, a test message will go out to one of the City's four new Zonehaven Evacuation Zones (which are the same as the City's Evacuation Zones 11-14, adopted in 2019). Look up the Zonehaven Zone for your home, business, school or organization. No registration is required for the Everbridge test, as most cell phone and landline numbers with Malibu addresses are automatically loaded into the system. However, you can create profile in Everbridge to add or change multiple phone numbers or email, which helps the system to operate more effectively. If you do not receive the test message or need assistance with your Everbridge profile, please contact the Public Safety Office at PublicSafety@MalibuCity.org or call 310-456-2489, ext. 237.
PLANNING
(NEW) COUNCIL APPROVES FURTHER RESTRICTIONS ON USE OF PESTICIDES
On July 10, as part of the City’s ongoing efforts to eliminate the use of toxic pesticides in the City to protect the environment, wildlife and habitats, the City Council adopted a Local Coastal Program (LCP) Land Use Policy interpretation that considers the outdoor application of pesticides, rodenticides, and insecticides as development. That can be used to launch educational outreach to the community regarding the harm these chemicals pose to the Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Area (ESHA), coastal waters and wildlife and to identify alternative solutions. The Interpretation provides a mechanism for the public to contact City Code Enforcement staff and report the use of these chemicals. For more information, see the staff report.
(NEW) ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT ORDINANCE PUBLIC HEARING, AUGUST 28
The City Council will hold a public hearing on a Local Coastal Program Amendment and Title 17 of the Malibu Municipal Code and consider Planning Commission recommendations on Monday, August 28, 6:30 PM in-person at City Hall and virtually via Zoom. The agenda, staff report and viewing and commenting instructions will be posted in advance on the website. 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 into compliance with State law.
(NEW) SEA VIEW HOTEL ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT AND ZONING MAP AMENDMENT, AUGUST 28
The City Council will consider an ordinance for Zoning Text Amendment No. 20-001 Title 17 (Zoning) and Zoning Map Amendment No. 17-002 to effectuate previous amendments made in Local Coastal Program Amendment No. 16-006 for the Sea View Hotel Project on Monday, August 28, 6:30 PM in-person at City Hall in the Council Chambers and virtually via Zoom. The agenda, staff report and viewing and commenting instructions will be posted in advance on the website.
(NEW) PHONE HOTLINE AVAILABLE FOR COMPLAINTS DURING THE CHILI COOKOFF AND CARNIVAL OVER LABOR DAY WEEKEND
Residents may register complaints or concerns about the 41st Annual Chili Cook-Off and Carnival, a four-day event over Labor Day weekend sponsored by The Boys and Girls Club of Malibu by calling Kasey Earnest, Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club at (424) 234-6248. A one-day private fundraising event will also be held on Thursday, August 31. The Chili Cookoff and Carnival will take place on the City-owned parcel located at 23575 Civic Center Way.
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETINGS
As of July 17, 2023, Planning Commission meetings are being held in-person at Malibu City Hall Council Chambers (23825 Stuart Ranch Road) as well as virtually via Zoom. Based on City Council direction, only those members of the public who attend in person are eligible to donate public comment time or accept public comment time donations. All Planning Commission agendas and staff reports, with viewing and commenting instructions are posted on the website.
(NEW) SPECIAL EVENTS REPORT
Currently, there are permitted events on 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) GEOTECHNICAL/COASTAL ENGINEERING PUBLIC COUNTER HOURS AT CITY HALL
As of August 1, City Hall has new and expanded Geotechnical and Coastal Engineering public counter hours:
- Mondays and Tuesdays, 9:00 AM -12:00 PM
- Wednesdays, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM by appointment
- Thursdays, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
(NEW) ORGANICS RECYCLING VIRTUAL TRAINING AND KITCHEN CADDY GIVEAWAY:
The City is offering an organic waste recycling virtual training funded by CalRecycle on Wednesday, August 16, 7:00 PM. 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 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) HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS AND ELECTRONIC WASTE COLLECTION EVENT, AUGUST 19
Drop off old paint (water-based), used motor oil, anti-freeze, automotive and household batteries, compact fluorescent bulbs (unbroken), and electronics to be safely and properly disposed of at the City’s Household Hazardous and Electronic Waste Collection Saturday, August 19, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM at the City Hall upper parking lot. For more information and a complete list of accepted materials and future HHW events, visit the webpage.
(NEW) PLASTIC FREE JULY SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN
As part of its efforts to promote environmental protection, the City celebrated Plastic Free July, a global movement started by Plastic Free Foundation in 2011 that aims to create a world free of plastic waste. The Environmental Sustainability Department posted daily tips on social media on how to reduce the use of plastics to reduce plastic pollution. The social media campaign had a 33% engagement rate on Facebook and 7% engagement rate on Twitter.
(NEW) NORTH SANTA MONICA BAY COASTAL WATERSHEDS MANAGEMENT GROUP REPORT
The North Santa Monica Bay Coastal Watersheds Management Group, consisting of the City of Malibu, Los Angeles County, and County Flood Control, has successfully submitted the July 2023 Watershed Management Program Update to the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board to fulfill the requirements of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System Permit.
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.
TRASH PICKUP DAY WILL CHANGE FOR WASTE MANAGEMENT RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS
Beginning the week of July 31, Waste Management changed its trash and recycling pickup day for residential customers. Waste Management notified customers via postcard and automated phone, email and text messages 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.
ARTS, CULTURE & RECREATION
(NEW) LIBRARY SPEAKER SERIES FEATURING DR. APRILLE JOY ERICSSON, AUGUST 16
The 2023 Malibu Library Speaker Series continues on August 16, 7:00 PM at Malibu City Hall with Dr. Aprille Joy Ericsson, who will discuss her inspiring journey, from growing up in the tough public housing projects in Brooklyn, NY, to becoming one of the first female Black aerospace engineers with NASA, and the challenges of bringing more diversity into space exploration. Free with required RSVP. For more information and to RSVP, visit the webpage.
(NEW) SUMMER POETRY JUBILATIONS – AUGUST 17
Join featured readers Kaliko Orian, Kerry Knupe, and Martina Gadea, an open mic and a lively conversation at the Summer Poetry Jubilations, August 17, 5:00 PM at Malibu Bluffs Park. The free event is part of the City’s Poet Laureate Program. For more information, visit the Poetry webpage.
(NEW) LEGACY PARK ECOSYSTEM EXPLORATION, AUGUST 19
Enjoy a free, guided educational nature walk at Legacy Park, Saturday, August 19, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM. Staff will discuss various ecosystems, including pollinators, insects, songbirds, and waterfowl native to the Santa Monica Mountains. Please bring binoculars, and meet at the Malibu Library (23519 West, Civic Center Way) https://goo.gl/maps/ZTr61Q4xQoaLEQHW8. Reservations are required. The free program is for people age 10 and older. For more information, and to register, visit the webpage.
(NEW) SENIOR CENTER PROGRAM ASSESSMENT SURVEY, OPEN THROUGH AUGUST 31
Older adults are encouraged to take the 2023 Senior Program Assessment Survey to provide program feedback and suggestions for new City programs. The survey is open through August 31 and available on the website or in person at the Senior Center at City Hall.
(NEW) SENIOR MONTHLY LUNCHEON, SUMMER IN SANTORINI, AUGUST 24
Enjoy lunch and socialize with friends at the Senior Center Luncheon Thursday, August 24, 12:00 PM. The event includes live entertainment and a delicious catered lunch. Registration in advance is required by calling 310-456-2489, ext. 357. For information, visit the Senior Center webpage.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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