News Flash

Wednesday, JULY 10, 2024

UPCOMING

• Thursday, July 11, 6:00 PM - Caltrans Workshop on PCH Master Plan Feasibility Study - in-person only at City Hall 
• Sunday, July 14, 12:00 PM - "A Tale of a Seaside Town" Art Exhibition Opening Reception - City Hall 
• Monday, July 15, 7:30 AM - 2024 Malibu General Municipal Election Nomination Period Begins 
• Monday, July 15, 6:30 PM - Planning Commission Regular Meeting - in-person at City Hall & virtually via Zoom
• Tuesday, July 16, 6:30 PM - Parks and Recreation Regular Meeting - virtual 
• Wednesday, July 17, 9:00 AM - Environmental Review Board Meeting - virtual
• Wednesday, July 17, 7:00 PM - Organics Recycling Training and Kitchen Caddy Giveaway - virtual
• Thursday, July 18, 1:00 PM - Virtual Caltrans PCH Master Plan Workshop - virtual
• Monday, July 22, 6:30 PM - City Council Regular Meeting - in-person at City Hall & virtually via Zoom 

KEY ANNOUNCEMENTS 

(NEW) STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO FATAL TRAFFIC COLLISION ON PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY ON JULY 4

The City of Malibu is deeply saddened to learn of a report that another fatal traffic collision occurred last night, July 4, 2024, on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) at Carbon Canyon Road. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, on Thursday, July 4, 2024, at approximately 10:17 PM, Deputies from the Malibu-Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station responded to a traffic collision at the intersection of PCH and Carbon Canyon Road. A preliminary investigation revealed that a 2019 Mercedes Benz, traveling eastbound on PCH, crossed the center median for unknown reasons and collided head-on with a 2020 Cadillac traveling westbound. 

Tragically, the driver of the Cadillac succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The passenger of the Cadillac and the driver of the Mercedes Benz sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to a local hospital for treatment. The cause of the collision remains under investigation, and no further information is available at this time

Councilmember Steve Uhring (Mayor at the time), expressed his deep sympathy and concern over the incident: "We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life resulting from last night's accident. This heartbreaking incident underscores the importance of the City's ongoing efforts to address safety on Pacific Coast Highway. 

The Malibu-Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station is seeking witnesses to the collision. Anyone with information is urged to contact the station at 818-878-1808.

2024 MALIBU GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION

ELECTION NOMINATION PERIOD BEGINS JULY 15 FOR NOVEMBER 5, 2024 MALIBU GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION

MANAGEMENT & FINANCE 

MINIMUM WAGE GOES UP FOR ALL EMPLOYERS IN CITY LIMITS JULY 1

Starting July 1, the minimum wage in the City of Malibu will rise to $17.27 per hour in accordance with the City’s Minimum Wage Ordinance. The increase includes a 2.2% cost-of-living increase based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index (CPI). Malibu's minimum wage reflects the City's dedication to an equitable, thriving local economy. By aligning the minimum wage increases with L.A. County and some neighboring cities, the City hopes to help our local businesses stay competitive and be able to attract excellent staff at a time when companies across the nation face serious staffing challenges. All employers in the city limits are required to print out and display the informational poster, which is available to download, print out or share here. The City is conducting direct outreach to businesses to ensure that they are aware of and are adhering to the requirements. For more information, visit the City’s Minimum Wage webpage.  

PCH SAFETY EFFORTS 

The City of Malibu is committed to doing everything possible to improve safety on our 21 miles of Pacific Coast Highway (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. For decades, PCH safety has been a top priority for Malibu. The City Council declared a local state of emergency to address the increasingly dangerous conditions on the highway, culminating in the tragic deaths of four Pepperdine University students struck by a speeding driver while walking along PCH in October 2023. Since 2010, 61 people have lost their lives on PCH. 

join malibu's NEW community-driven PCH SAFETY movement, "CRUISE MALIBU - SURF, SAND, SLOW" 

The City of Malibu is proud to present "Cruise Malibu - Surf, Sand, Slow," Malibu's new Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) safety education and awareness movement. Cruise Malibu aims to empower Malibu residents to help promote safe driving practices along PCH and address the dangerous conditions that have cost more than 60 lives since 2011. Cruise Malibu was designed by a group of community members, Pepperdine students, law enforcement and City staff, and features an original theme song produced by That’s the Sound! Productions and recorded by musician Rick Cowling, lead guitarist, vocalist, bassist and keyboard player for Kenny Loggins. The Cruise Malibu commercial also features a special guest appearance by Mark Hamill, who played Luke Skywalker in the iconic Star Wars films, and his four-legged friend Gertie the French Bulldog.

HOW YOU CAN JOIN THE EFFORT TO MAKE PCH SAFER 

Follow Cruise Malibu on social media: 
X.com/CruiseMalibu
Instagram.com/CruiseMalibuPCH
Facebook.com/CruiseMalibu. 
Please repost our posts and post your own PCH safety message to encourage everyone to slow down, set the pace, and enjoy the coast while they Cruise Malibu. Use hashtag #cruisemalibu. Please post a 15-second video of yourself saying "I choose to cruise on PCH in Malibu" or a photo with "I choose to cruise on PCH in Malibu"  in the caption. If you post a pledge video or photo, or otherwise post about slowing down to keep PCH safe with the #cruisemalibu hashtag and tagging the social media accounts, you will receive stickers and a Cruise Malibu license plate frame. 

Sign up to volunteer with the Cruise Malibu Action Team: Volunteers will be conducting beach outreach days to hand out flyers and stickers, and encourage beach visitors and commuters to take the Cruise Malibu Pledge this summer. Learn more and sign up on the website.

Take the online pledge on the Cruise Malibu website: Anyone who signs the online pledge, posts a pledge video or photo, or otherwise posts about slowing down to keep PCH safe with the #cruisemalibu hashtag and tagging the social media accounts will receive stickers and a Cruise Malibu license plate frame. 

To claim your Cruise Malibu stickers and license plate holders (limit one per person), come to City Hall and check in with the receptionist. 

"Cruise Malibu" Video Featuring Mark Hamill and Gertie the French Bulldog

CALTRANS PCH MASTER PLAN FEASIBILITY STUDY PRESENTATION AND WORKSHOPS, JULY 11, 18, AUGUST 26 

The Caltrans Master Plan Feasibility Study aims to identify safety and multimodal travel improvements for all users of PCH in Malibu, including multimodal travel options for pedestrians and bicyclists, as well as enhancing transit opportunities on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in Malibu. The PCH Master Plan will include community stakeholder engagement activities and community outreach meetings to gather input on various traffic calming measures and other street improvements, including a “boulevard” roadway. This Master Plan will be used in future PCH safety improvement projects. For background information, review the Fact Sheet. For further questions, please contact: D7.System.Planning@dot.ca.gov. 

• IN-PERSON COMMUNITY WORKSHOP - THURSDAY, JULY 11, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, MALIBU CITY HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBERS (no remote participation option)
• VIRTUAL COMMUNITY WORKSHOP - THURSDAY, JULY 18, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM. Click here to join the virtual meeting. 
• IN-PERSON COMMUNITY WORKSHOP - WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, MALIBU CITY HALL, COUNCIL CHAMBERS (no remote participation option)

Watch video of Caltrans' presentation at the June 26 joint Public Works and Public Safety Commission meeting.

SUMMER SEASON PCH SAFETY AND BEACH MESSAGING 

With a busy summer beach season underway, Malibu is welcoming millions of visitors to our beaches and mountains. All summer long, the City is posting messages on social media to help keep PCH, canyon roads, beaches and trails, and Malibu's neighborhoods safe, clean and beautiful for residents, visitors, cyclists, pedestrians and other motorists.  

• Please help keep PCH safe for residents, visitors, cyclists, pedestrians and other motorists this summer! Celebrate responsibly, don't drink and drive. Designate drivers, use taxis or rideshares, or go sober! Report intoxicated drivers by calling 911. 
• Please help keep PCH in Malibu safe for residents, visitors cyclists, pedestrians & other motorists this holiday and all summer! Watch for pedestrians & cyclists crossing PCH & cars pulling in & out of beach parking! 
• Please help keep Malibu's beaches, trails and neighborhoods clean and beautiful for all to enjoy this holiday weekend and all summer! Pack it in, pack it out. Please don't litter, and if you see trash, if appropriate, please pick it up and put it in a trash container! 
• All summer long, please enjoy Malibu's beautiful beaches safely! Swim near a staffed lifeguard tower, beware of rip currents, and keep your eye on the ocean, while on shore. Always accompany children in the water and near the surf. Dogs, alcohol, fireworks, fires, camping and drones are not allowed on beaches in LA County.

Learn more about the City of Malibu's efforts to address PCH safety.

(NEW) STATE BILL TO ALLOW SPEED CAMERAS ON PCH IN MALIBU CONTINUES TO ADVANCE 

SB 1297, a state bill to allow the use of speed camera systems on PCH in Malibu, successfully passed out of the Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee on July 2. This pivotal legislation aims to enhance road safety and reduce speeding-related incidents in the community. SB 1297, introduced by Senator Ben Allen, whose 24th District includes Malibu, received support from several Committee members, community and safety advocates, and law enforcement officials. Deputy City Manager Alexis Brown traveled to Sacramento to speak in support of the bill, which will continue through the Assembly committees. For details, see the press release. For more details on SB 1297, click here.  For more information about the City's efforts to address PCH safety, click here.  

Public Safety

(NEW) CITY RAMPS UP RESPONSE TO ILLEGAL PARKING WITH NEW PARKING ENFORCEMENT CONTRACTOR

On July 3, the City's new Parking Enforcement Services, provided through LAZ Parking, commenced operations to provide an additional layer of support to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and Sheriff’s Volunteers on Patrol (VOPs) during the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Three parking enforcement officers were directed to areas where enforcement was most needed - Point Dume, Winding Way and central Malibu. LAZ Parking also conducted enforcement throughout the City to help ensure public safety, emergency responder access, and beach access for residents and visitors. The holiday weekend parking enforcement operation signals the start of a permanent parking enforcement team that will be assigned to the City later this month. The City Council approved a contract with LAZ Parking in June following recommendations by the Public Safety Commission in order to address the increasingly severe impacts of illegal parking on neighborhoods throughout the City. Illegal parking is a common problem that impacts Malibu’s public safety, coastal access and quality of life. 

FIRE SAFETY

COMPLETE YOUR MANDATORY BRUSH CLEARANCE BEFORE PEAK FIRE SEASON 

The June 1 deadline for mandatory brush clearance has passed, but it is still crucial for Malibu homeowners to get started on their mandatory brush clearance. Proper brush clearance is one of the most important ways to make your home and the community more resistant to wildfires. If you have not yet completed your brush clearance and need help or information, please contact our Fire Safety Liaisons at FireSafety@MalibuCity.org or call 310-456-2489, we are here to help you. Brush clearance helps create the “defensible space” that firefighters need to safely and effectively protect life, property, and the environment. Be sure to complete your brush clearance before the June 1 deadline to avoid fines. For more information including a list of vendors, maps, a video and more, visit the LA County Fire Department website.    

SIGN UP NOW FOR A HOME WILDFIRE ASSESSMENT together with brush clearance before peak fire season

In addition to completing mandatory brush clearance, one of the best ways to protect your home and community is to get a free Home Wildfire Assessment. The assessment involves a 30-to-60-minute exterior inspection of your property by the City's Fire Safety Liaisons looking at what can be done to make the home and property 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 to harden your property, such as removing dead vegetation or wood furniture that is touching the house and covering attic vents with fine steel mesh. For more information and to schedule a free Home Wildfire Assessment, visit the Fire Safety webpage or call 310-456-2489, ext. 238, or email FireSafety@MalibuCity.org.

APPLICATIONS AGAIN BEING ACCEPTED FOR FREE HAZARD TREE REMOVAL PROGRAM 

PROGRAM APPLIES TO DEAD TREES ONLY. OPEN TO MALIBU CITY RESIDENTS ONLY. The City is once again accepting applications for the free Hazard Tree Removal Program. The City secured an additional $326,000 in grant funding to extend the popular program. This is the third round since the program started in 2021. The program is one of the concrete steps that the City is taking to improve wildfire safety across the community in Malibu. It empowers residents to make their homes and properties less vulnerable to wildfire, which in turn protects entire neighborhoods by reducing the fuel that fires need to spread. The City’s Fire Safety Liaisons and a licensed arborist will come to your home and determine if the trees meet the program's criteria for removal. For more information and to sign up, visit the webpage.  

 Planning

(NEW) PLANNING SOLAR PERMIT REVIEWS STREAMLINED 

In an effort to streamline the permitting process for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, the Planning Department has determined that a zoning review of roof-top photovoltaic systems is no longer required. Members of the public may now submit these directly to Building Safety for review through the Development Portal. Not only does this measure expedite the permitting process for solar PV permits. Please note that the Planning Department will continue to review ground-mounted solar PV systems to ensure that these systems are in compliance with applicable development standards. For more information, visit the Planning Department webpage. 

(NEW) WASTEWATER SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS UPDATED FOR HOME OCCUPATION USE

The City amended Malibu Municipal Code to insert additional Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS) requirements for home occupation uses that may place additional strain on the OWTS. The staff report with detailed information is available here. These changes will be effective July 25, 2024.

CODE ENFORCMENT GEARING UP FOR SUMMER  

During the summer months, Code Enforcement Officers will be patrolling the City on weekends to address issues. To report possible code violations outside of business hours, please call the City’s One-Call to City Hall line at 310-456-2489, ext. 3. The Planning Director and Code Enforcement Manager will be notified immediately in order to deploy a Code Enforcement Officer to the site, if warranted. The City’s certified Code Enforcement team provides enforcement for City ordinances, including transient occupancy tax violations, locking trash container lid violations, dark-sky ordinance compliance, public works encroachment permit violations, operating permit violations, environmental program violations, and stop-work orders for unpermitted building activities. For more information about Code Enforcement, visit the webpage. 

PLANNING PUBLIC COUNTER SERVICES EXPANDED

As part of the Planning Department’s effort to improve customer service and streamline the development process, the Planning Department is offering Planning Consultations on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This will give members of the public an opportunity to speak to a senior-level planner during counter hours. Members of the public are encouraged to submit over-the-counter applications at the Public Counter to receive same-day approvals and to obtain zoning information. No appointment is necessary. The Planning Public Counter is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. In addition, the Planning Fire Rebuild team is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. For more information about in-person submittals, the Development Portal, and Planning Counter services, visit the webpage. 

WALK-IN COUNTER HOURS FOR PLANNING 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 by appointment only 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, visit the Rebuild webpage.

(NEW) MALIBU REBUILDS - STATISTICS 

Rebuilding from the Woolsey Fire remains a top priority for the City. 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:                                    372
   (of which 362 have been approved by the Planning Department) 
• Single-family home rebuild applications under planning review:                  10
• Single-family homes complete:                                                                   167
• Multifamily building units complete:                                                              18
• Multifamily building permits issued:                                                              18
• Projects under construction:                                                                       123
• Inspections approved:                                                                            10,333
• Inspections total:                                                                                    18,304
• Single-family home rebuild building permits issued:                                   290

ENVIRONMENTAL sustainability and building safety

take the COASTAL VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT SURVEY   

The City invites community members to share their thoughts on the City's Coastal Vulnerability Assessment and projected impacts of sea level rise associated with climate change in our community. Community input is crucial as the City plans for the future. Click here to take the two-minute survey. The draft report and virtual workshop recording with technical results of projected sea-level rise impacts are available on the website. For more information call 310-456-2489, ext. 390, or email mbuilding@malibucity.org.

MALIBU DEVELOPMENT PORTAL

A new Development Portal has been launched for applicants or owners to submit projects, get status updates, keep track of progress on their projects, and manage documents and fees. Property owners will have access to individual projects, real time updates, Departments' revisions, required documents, and fee information. Other features include managing inspection requests and researching public documents. Click here to access the Portal. For detailed instructions on how to use the Portal, including a tutorial video, visit the webpage. 

COMMUNITY SERVICES 

(NEW) MALIBU BLUFFS PARK MULTIPURPOSE FIELD CLOSED FOR MAINTENANCE, JULY 8 – AUGUST 9

The Multipurpose Field at Malibu Bluffs Park will be closed for bi-annual rest and renovation July 8 through August 9. The rest and renovation are important in keeping the field safe and playable throughout the year. Other facilities at Malibu Bluffs Park will remain open.

(NEW) SUMMER DAY CAMPS AND SWIM LESSONS, JULY 8-11

The Community Services Department offers sports and enrichment camps and swim lessons during summer break. Visit the Registration webpage for a list of programs.

• July 8-11: Parent and Me Soccer (ages 3-5), Improv Acting Camp (ages 6-11), Skateboarding Camp (ages 6-11), and Soccer Camp (ages 6-11) at Malibu Bluffs Park, and Surf Camp (ages 8-14) at Surfrider Beach, Tower 3. 
• Swim Lessons are also offered weekly for Merbabies (ages 1-2), Starfish (ages 3-5), Guppy (ages 4-7), Sea Otter (ages 6-10) and Stingray (ages 7-14) at the Malibu Community Pool.  

(NEW) CINEMALIBU MOVIES IN THE PARK SCREENING OF “SPACE JAM,” JULY 27

CineMalibu™ returns with free, family-friendly outdoor community movie screenings at Malibu Bluffs Park with "Space Jam" (1996, PG) with raffles, games, food trucks, and more on Saturday, July 27. Movies begin at sunset, and pre-event activities begin one hour before sunset. Please bring a blanket and chair. Before the movie, instructors from Momentum Academies will lead a basketball activity. For more information, visit the Cinemalibu webpage. 

MALIBU CITY GALLERY SUMMER ART EXHIBITION OPENING RECEPTION, JULY 14

The City of Malibu Arts Commission invites all of Malibu to the free opening reception of the City’s summer community art exhibition in the Malibu City Gallery, “A Tale of a Seaside Town,” a tribute to Malibu’s deep-rooted surfing culture. Celebrate the artists at the opening reception with complimentary refreshments and live music by Christopher Wooley on Sunday, July 14, 12:00 PM. RSVPs are not required for this free event. The exhibition, featuring original works in multiple media by more than 40 local artists, will be on display July 15 through August 23. The City Gallery is located in Malibu City Hall and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Admission to the gallery is free, tickets or RSVPs are not required. For more information, visit the Arts Commission website. 

PUBLIC WORKS

(NEW) PCH SIGNAL SYNCHRONIZATION PROJECT 

The City's contractor is currently working east of the Malibu Pier. The electrical subcontractor has also started work on new technology for the traffic signals. Additional crews are working further west identifying existing utilities, potholing, and installing new conduits and pull boxes. The electrical and fiber subcontractors continue to pull wire for the signals and installing cameras and blue tooth equipment. For more information, visit the project webpage. 

(NEW) TRANCAS CANYON SLOPE REPAIRS 

The City's contractor continues to install the jute netting along the slope and secure the wire mesh to the anchors as part of the work to repair damage from the Woolsey Fire. All irrigation repairs have been completed and tested. Final testing and adjustments will be completed towards the end of the month. 

(NEW) LEGACY PARK BENCHES RENOVATIONS 

The City's contractor has completed refurbishing work on the first group of 12 benches in Legacy Park and is currently working on the second group, as part of the regular Legacy Park bench maintenance program. Work on the third group of benches is expected to start in July.   

(NEW) LATIGO CANYON RETAINING WALLS REHABILITATION PROJECT 

Bids were received on June 13 and are under review for the Latigo Canyon Retaining Walls Rehabilitation Project. Staff anticipates bringing a contract to Council for approval in September.

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