CITY MANAGER UPDATE - FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2024
UPCOMING
- Monday, March 4, 6:30 PM- Special City Council Meeting- in-person at City Hall & virtually via Zoom
- Wednesday, March 6, 5:00 PM- Public Safety Commission Meeting- City Hall
- Thursday, March 7, 7:00 PM- Harry Barovsky Memorial Youth Commission Meeting- City Hall
- Friday, March 8, 6:30 PM- Special Planning Commission Meeting- in-person at City Hall & virtually via Zoom
- Monday, March 11, 6:30 PM- Regular City Council Meeting- in-person at City Hall & virtually via Zoom
Management / General
CITY COUNCIL ADVANCES MASTER PLAN FOR FUTURE USES OF VACANT CITY-OWNED LAND
At its February 12 meeting, the Malibu City Council approved hiring a firm to provide comprehensive community outreach and engagement services that will assist with the development of a master plan for the future use of the City’s vacant properties. The plan will address five parcels of City-owned vacant land, in all totaling just over nine acres. Over the years, the City Council has sought out and purchased vacant open space properties in Malibu to prevent commercial development and to ensure that it would be used for the benefit of the community, and preservation of Malibu’s rural coastal village character. Until now, there has not been an organized, comprehensive effort to plan for the future uses of the properties. For more information, see the staff report.
FARMERS MARKET UPDATE
The City Council recently reviewed proposed options to help the Malibu Farmers Market return to its original location on the LA County and Santa Monica College – Malibu parking lot area. The City is working to ensure the Farmers Market can continue to operate, in recognition of the vital role the Farmer’s Market plays in promoting economic growth, fostering community connections, and upholding the values that make Malibu unique. While the City is not part of the license to operate the market, the City has been working closely with County Officials and the Cornucopia Foundation, which operates the Farmers Market, to bring the market back to the County parking lot, its location for more than 16 years. The County approved extending daily permits to allow the Farmers Market to operate on its parking lot until Cornucopia can meet the remaining requirements for a longer-term licensing agreement. For more information, see the staff report.
APPLICATIONS ARE BEING ACCEPTED THROUGH MARCH 29 FOR GENERAL FUND GRANTS TO SUPPORT LOCAL NON-PROFITS
Applications are being accepted through March 29 for the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 General Fund Grant Program from local non-profit organizations to fund efforts that benefit residents of the community. All Malibu community-based organizations are encouraged to apply for a General Fund Grant. Applications will be reviewed by the City Council’s Administration and Finance Subcommittee in mid-spring. The Subcommittee’s recommendations will be presented to the City Council for award during the annual budget approval in June. For more information and to apply, visit the webpage.
CITY MAKING EFFORTS TO IMPROVE PCH SAFETY
The City of Malibu is committed to doing everything possible to improve safety on our 21 miles of PCH, which has long been a top priority for the community. See the past and current measures to improve PCH safety on the dedicated webpage. The City was shocked and saddened by the loss of four Pepperdine University students who were killed by a speeding motorist while walking on PCH on October 17. Our hearts are with all of those who have been impacted by this tragedy. While the City does not control the state highway, PCH is our main street and hundreds of homes are within feet of the highway. Since its incorporation, Malibu has worked to improve safety on PCH for residents, motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. In recent years, conditions on PCH have gotten increasingly dangerous, culminating in the deaths of the Pepperdine students. The City is joined in our current efforts by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, Senator Ben Allen, County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath and the Malibu-Lost Hills Sheriff's Station.
(NEW) CHP TASK FORCE UPDATES
Since January 1, 2024, the CHP Traffic Safety Task Force has issued 470 citations, 408 of which were for speeding. The other 62 citations were for other Primary Collision Factors (such as reckless or distracted driving) or equipment violations. During the week of February 19, fewer citations were issued due to heavy rain and road closures.
The City contracted for the team of three CHP officers to conduct full-time traffic enforcement patrols seven days a week, dedicated to Malibu only, in response to PCH safety concerns. The City declared a local emergency on Nov. 13 in response to increasingly dangerous conditions on PCH culminating in the tragic deaths of four Pepperdine students struck by a speeding motorist while walking along PCH. For more information on the City's efforts to address PCH safety, visit the webpage.
REVISED PLAN FOR PCH SIGNAL SYNCHRONIZATION PROJECT SET TO REDUCE TRAFFIC CONGESTION
Two lanes will be kept open in each direction to alleviate traffic congestion
Work hours: weekdays 6:00 AM - 3:00 PM
In response to community concerns, the City of Malibu Public Works Department has announced adjustments to the ongoing PCH Traffic Signal Synchronization project to keep two lanes open in each direction on PCH by shifting one travel lane into the center median. The adjustment is designed to address congestion issues, while maintaining the production schedule and prioritizing the safety of construction workers and motorists. The new plan will be implemented when needed, and where possible. One common question from the community has been why the work cannot be conducted at night. The City considered nighttime work, but found that it would significantly slow down the project timeline and increase project costs by approximately $1 million dollars due to required safety mitigation measures. The project is on track for completion as planned by the end of 2024. The City appreciates the understanding and cooperation of residents as we work to implement public safety improvements on PCH.
The Project is the City’s most significant measure to date to improve safety and mobility on PCH. The project will make PCH a safer "Smart Corridor" by installing 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. It will allow signals to be controlled remotely by the Caltrans Traffic Management Center to lower traffic speeds and reduce congestion.
Watch for workers and work vehicles in and around the roadway. Under California law, traffic citation fines are doubled in construction zones. See details about the project. For more information about the City's efforts to address PCH safety, visit the PCH Safety webpage.
Public Safety
(New) City Obtains hazard tree removal grant
The City of Malibu has received an additional $326,000 to the Hazard Tree Removal Grant from the MRCA/SMMC. Previously, $674,000 was granted and spent on removing these hazardous trees. This latest amount brings the total of the grant to $1,000,000. Additional sign-ups will be taken over the next few months and work will start in late Spring ( May to June). The criteria are that the trees must be dead and represent a threat to infrastructure and or represent a significant fire threat. Priority will be given first to the few residents who were still on the list when previous funds were exhausted, then to those who have not had any work done previously under the grant, and then those who have had work done but still need some trees removed. When a number of residents have signed up, the Fire Safety Liaison will visit your properties with the arborist from Newbury Park Tree Service to make sure the criteria are met, there is adequate access, and the trees are not in an environmentally sensitive area. If you wish to participate in this program or have any questions send an email to firesafety@malibucity.org with your name, phone number, email, and address of where the trees are located.
SCHOOL SAFETY ASSESSMENT UPDATE
The Malibu City Council discussed the final report and recommendations in the School Safety Assessment on February 12 as part of the effort to enhance safety in Malibu public schools. Representatives from the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) reported on recent and upcoming actions and answered questions from the Council. In response to a series of deadly school shootings in 2022, the City, the SMMUSD and the Malibu-Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station (LASD) partnered on the School Safety Assessment to study safety levels and vulnerabilities at Malibu public schools, and make recommendations for improvements. The LASD assigned a School Liaison Sergeant to assist with school safety needs, and the City Council established a School Safety Ad Hoc Committee consisting of Councilmembers Bruce Silverstein and Paul Grisanti. The City hired a consultant to conduct the School Safety Assessment for the four public school campuses in Malibu - Malibu Elementary School, Webster Elementary School, Malibu Middle School, and Malibu High School. For security reasons, the complete final report will not be made publicly available. For more details, including the list of recommendations, see the staff report.
CITY ASSISTANCE FOR HOMEOWNERS WITH WINTER STORM DAMAGE
The Planning Department is accepting Emergency Coastal Development Permits for temporary work to protect property as a result of the most recent storm. The Planning Department has created a team to expedite these applications and is working closely with the Environmental and Sustainability Department. To apply, use the online form. Staff is monitoring online submissions, and the Planning Department hotline (310-456-2489, ext. 485) and email, mplanning@malibucity.org, to ensure a quick response.
Planning
(NEW) CALTRANS CROSSWALK SAFETY – PLANNING COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING MARCH 8
On Friday, March 8, 6:30 PM, the Planning Commission will hold a special meeting to consider a coastal development permit for a Caltrans project that includes infrastructure upgrades to improve pedestrian and vehicular safety at an existing crosswalk, approximately 1,500 feet west of Carbon Beach Terrace, near 22521 Pacific Coast Highway. See the site plan for the proposed work. The project includes 1) the removal of two existing 35-foot-high pedestrian crossing signal poles with continuously flashing yellow beacon lights; 2) installation of two new 35-foot-high pedestrian crossing signal poles with two traffic signals on each pole; 3) installation of two new 10-foot-high signal poles with safety signaling for vehicles; 4) installation of two new 10-foot-high signal poles with pedestrian crossing timers; and 5) restripe the crosswalk in same location. This item was previously considered by the Planning Commission on February 20, however, the Planning Commission continued the item to a date uncertain requesting additional information from Caltrans. The March 8 Special Meeting agenda and staff report is available online.
(NEW) COASTAL COMMISSION HEARING MARCH 13 ON BEACHFRONT SIGNS
The California Coastal Commission will hold a public hearing on March 13 on the City’s Local Coastal Program amendment to modify provisions for signs on beachfront properties. For more information, view the Notice of Public Hearing. In 2021, based on the recommendation received from the City Attorney’s Office, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 483 adopting amendments to the Malibu Municipal Code and Local Coastal Program.
UPDATED PLANNING DEPARTMENT PERFORMANCE METRICS
As part of a broad effort to improve customer service at City Hall for residents who are rebuilding, building, repairing or renovating their homes, the City created a new Planning Department Performance Metrics webpage. Currently, the metrics show improvements in six of the nine areas, compared to 2022. The most recent performance metrics report is available online. Since the implementation of the metrics webpage in 2023, staff has issued a total of 734 incomplete letters in response to new or revised application submittals in 2023, compared to 230 incomplete letters in 2022. As a result, 685 decisions have been issued in 2023, compared to 600 in 2022. The Metrics webpage is meant to ensure that the use of contract planners is improving performance and to provide transparency and accountability. The metrics were established by the Planning Department and approved by the City Council, and the webpage will be updated every two weeks. The City has also increased funding for process improvement to help move projects forward and has created new project management tools. These efforts are aimed at addressing the Planning Department’s challenges in reviewing applications as quickly as it should due to ongoing staffing shortages and the difficulty in recruiting and retaining staff.
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. Out of 465 destroyed homes:
- Single-family home rebuild applications submitted: 371, of which 359 have been approved by the Planning Department
- Single-family home rebuild applications under planning review: 12
- Single-family dwellings complete: 154
- Multifamily building units complete: 18 units
- Projects under construction: 128
- Inspections approved: 9,865
- Inspections total: 17,251
- Single-family home rebuild building permits issued: 282
WALK-IN COUNTER HOURS FOR PLANNING CONSULTATIONS AND FIRE REBUILD RESOURCES
Walk-in counter hours are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The Fire Rebuild team is available Monday through Friday at City Hall for complimentary one-on-one consultations about any Woolsey 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 and building safety
(NEW) EXTERIOR ELEVATED ELEMENTS (E3) PROGRAM
The Exterior Elevated Elements (E3) Program is in place to safeguard the public and to provide guidance for owners and applicants related to E3 assessment submittals to the City. E3s (i.e., balconies, exterior walkways, decks, exterior stairways and landings) of buildings with three or more dwelling units must be inspected by a California-licensed architect, or California-licensed civil or structural engineer, per State and local laws. These inspections will identify supporting elements that exhibit signs of deterioration and determine if the extent of the deterioration has compromised the load-carrying capacity of the supporting elements. Once the architect or engineer has completed the assessment, a stamped, signed assessment report is to be submitted to the Building Safety Division; the compliance deadline for assessment reports is January 1, 2025. For Further information please visit the City website, or contact the Building Safety Division at 310-456-2489 ext. 390, or via email at mbuilding@malibucity.org.
(NEW) SLOPE FAILURE/COASTAL EROSION TRACKING
In response to the substantial winter rains causing numerous slope failures and coastal erosion to multiple locations within the City, ESD staff, including the Geotechnical Team continues to closely monitor these hazardous sites and rapidly expedite temporary measurements to be put in place to protect structures and maintain public safety. Additionally, to further assist property owners, staff developed the Emergency Slope Best Management Practices Checklist, requiring properties with slope failure conditions to submit temporary erosion control plans and geotechnical recommendations (as applicable) for review to protect slopes during the rainy season. Staff continues to send monthly emails and e-notifications pertaining to storm safety measures; these notifications are sent to our registered building professionals. Please visit the City’s website for further information on winter preparedness.
(NEW) EDUCATION FOR ORGANICS RECYCLING PROGRAM (SB 1383)
The City is continuing its outreach to the community for the Organics Recycling Program. All households in Malibu will be receiving a postcard reminding them to attend one of the monthly virtual trainings to be eligible for a free kitchen collection caddy. Learn how to source separate organics to avoid contamination. For information on the dates and to view an example of the giveaway, visit MalibuCity.org/EnviroCalendar.
PREPAREDNESS GUIDANCE FOR POTENTIAL WEATHER HAZARDS
The City is offering guidance to help community members be prepared for the predicted El Niño weather patterns and potentially damaging weather conditions that are being seen in Malibu this winter. The good news is, there is a lot that homeowners can do to be prepared and to reduce the impacts to their homes and properties. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), there is a greater than 95% chance that El Niño conditions will continue through this winter, and a 66% percent chance of a strong El Niño. Past strong El Niños have had extended periods of high intensity rainfall, triggering heavy runoff, floods, mudslides, debris flow, and landslides both inland and along the coast. NOAA predicts approximately 44 days of high tides this winter, which could intensify the impacts. Tips include inspecting and covering slopes and bare ground, inspecting and clearing drains and gutters and inspecting roofs. Please turn off irrigation and do not drain pools. For more tips, review the winter preparedness checklist. For questions or assistance, contact the City Geology staff during public counter hours (Monday through Thursday, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM) or email mbuilding@malibucity.org.
Sandbags: Free sandbags are available at Los Angeles County Fire Stations. Call Fire Stations for availability of sand and sandbags or use the Los Angeles County sandbag locator website. Please note that plastic sandbags are prohibited in Malibu. It is illegal to remove sand from beaches in Los Angeles County. Sand is crucial for beach habitats.
ASSEMBLY BILL (AB) 2234 Peermits Posted
Assembly Bill (AB) 2234 requires local jurisdictions to make available on their websites the requirements for any post-entitlement phase permit (including building permits or demolition permits) for projects that are majority or entirely residential. The information that is required to be posted includes required submission materials for at least five types of housing projects: single family, multi-family, duplex, townhome, and accessory dwelling unit. In accordance with Assembly Bill (AB) 2234, and for transparency of post-entitlement permit processing process, the City has posted this information on the website at MalibuCity.org/AB2234.
COASTAL VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT PHASE 2
The Environmental Sustainability Department staff kicked off Phase 2 of the Malibu Coastal Vulnerability Assessment, aiming to gather community feedback for the project's next steps. This phase includes a workshop in Spring 2024 that recaps the technical analysis of sea level rise and its impact on coastal resources, shares public survey findings, and encourages an interactive community approach allowing residents to collectively determine the course of action along Malibu's coast. All community feedback will be crucial in finalizing the Malibu Coastal Vulnerability Assessment report which will be presented to the City Council for guidance on the next steps. The identified impacts will play a key role in shaping City policies and programs, with the aim of minimizing risk to vital infrastructure, basic services, and valuable resources. The City of Malibu encourages community members to view the recording of Phase 1 of the Malibu Coastal Vulnerability Assessment virtual workshop hosted on Thursday, November 16, to learn about sea level rise at City of Malibu Coastal Vulnerability Assessment Workshop - YouTube. Learn more about the project by visiting our Coastal webpage. Contact mbuilding@malibucity.org or 310-456-2489 ext. 390 to be added to the Malibu Coastal Vulnerability Assessment email list.
COMMUNITY SERVICES
(NEW) SPRING RECREATION GUIDE AND CITY NEWSLETTER
The City’s Spring 2024 Recreation Guide and City Newsletter is available online and will be mailed to Malibu residents the week of March 4. The Guide includes information on Spring programs offered March through May, such as Afterschool Programs, Outdoor Recreation, Parent and Me Programs, Senior Programs and Excursions, Spring Break Day Camps, and the 24th Annual Chumash Day Native American Powwow and Intertribal Gathering. Registration opens on Monday, March 11 at 8:00 AM, visit the Registration webpage for a list of programs.
(NEW) CHARMLEE WILDERNESS PARK NIGHT HIKE, MARCH 8
Discover the nighttime magic of Charmlee Wilderness Park on Friday, March 8, from 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM. Participants should bring water, a headlamp/flashlight, and dress in layers for this 90-minute walk. Reservations are required for this free event. The hike will be canceled in event of rain. For more information, visit the outdoor recreation webpage.
(NEW) STUDENT ART EXHIBIT AT MALIBU CITY GALLERY CLOSING RECEPTION, MARCH 10
Celebrate student artists at the 2024 Student Art Exhibit Closing Reception on Sunday, March 10 at 11:00 AM. Or view the exhibit in the Malibu City Gallery (23825 Stuart Ranch Rd) Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM until March 8. Admission is free, and no reservations are required. For more information, visit the Exhibition webpage.
(NEW) PARK TALES STORYTIME, MARCH 14
The Community Services Department and the Malibu Library will host Park Tales Storytime on Thursday, March 14, 10:00 AM at Malibu Bluffs Park. The “A Rainbow of My Own” theme includes an art activity and a free snack. Pre-registration is recommended but not required. For more information, visit the Special Events webpage.
(NEW) 2024-25 YOUTH COMMISSION, APPLICATIONS DUE MARCH 15
Apply to be on the 2024-25 Harry Barovsky Memorial Youth Commission by Friday, March 15. Applicants must be students in grades 7 through 12 (2024-25 academic school year) and either reside or attend school in Malibu. The Commission makes recommendations to the City Council on matters concerning the City’s programs and projects that serve young people. For more information, visit the Youth Commission webpage.
(NEW) POETRY PROGRAMS, MARCH 16 AND 23
Join Malibu Poet Laureate Nathan Hassall for two free poetry programs in March. Caffeinated Verse is Saturday, March 16, at 11:00 AM with the featured reader, Marsha De La O at the Malibu Library (23519 W. Civic Center Way). The Ripple Effect takes place on Saturday, March 23, at 2:00 PM at the Michael Landon Center (24250 PCH) and includes poetry writing lessons. The City's free poetry workshops are offered in partnership with the Malibu Library, the Malibu Poet Laureate Committee, and the Malibu Arts Commission. For more information, visit the Poetry webpage.
(NEW) MALIBU LIBRARY SPEAKER SERIES, MARCH 20
Child welfare advocate and author David Ambroz will discuss his book, A Place Called Home: A Memoir, on Wednesday, March 20 at the Malibu Library (23519 W. Civic Center Way). Learn about his experience growing up homeless in New York for 11 years and his subsequent years in foster care, offering a window into what so many kids living in poverty experience every day. An RSVP is required to attend the event.
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