UPCOMING
- Monday, October 3, 6:30 PM - Planning Commission Regular Meeting - virtual
- Wednesday, October 12, 5:00 PM - Public Safety Commission Regular Adjourned Meeting - virtual
- Thursday, October 6, 3:30 PM - Public Works Commission & Public Safety Commission Joint Special Meeting - virtual
- Thursday, October 6, 7:00 PM - Harry Barovsky Memorial Youth Commission Regular Meeting - virtual
- Monday, October 10, 6:30 PM - City Council Regular Meeting - virtual
- Saturday, October 15, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM - Household Hazardous and Electronic Waste Collection - City Hall
(NEW) CITY COUNCIL DECLARES LOCAL STATE OF EMERGENCY TO FACILITATE REMOVAL OF HOMELESS ENCAMPMENTS DURING WILDFIRE SEASON
The Malibu City Council approved declaring a local state of emergency on September 27, 2022, initiating a program for reducing the risk of wildfires associated with unpermitted and unregulated camping in City limits. The resolution enables the LA County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), LASD-Homeless Outreach Services Team (HOST) and the City to more quickly remove homeless encampments on public property during wildfire season. LASD and the City are prioritizing removing homeless encampments and unhoused people from the brush-covered hills and canyons of Malibu and placing them into emergency shelters. These efforts ensure that the people being removed are connected to a network of healthcare, mental healthcare and housing services. The potential for fires originating from cooking and warming fires in homeless encampments poses a serious threat both for residents and for people living in encampments who may become trapped during a fire. In 2021, the City adopted a similar resolution, based on hazardous fire conditions and the more than 20 brush fires attributed to homeless encampments between January and August, 2021. For more information, see the staff report.
The annual Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count in February showed 81 people experiencing homelessness in Malibu, a decline of 66% from 239 in 2020 and 157 in 2021. The decrease in Malibu reflects the positive results of the work by the Malibu Homeless Outreach Team since being enlisted and funded by the City in 2016, in coordination with City staff and the HOST Team. Learn more about Malibu's efforts to address homelessness.
(NEW) Project Permitting Processes UPDATED to Improve Customer Service for Residents
The City has introduced several new modifications to the Planning Department’s project application process to improve the customer experience and make processes more efficient and transparent for residents who are rebuilding, building, renovating or repairing their homes. Most project submittals can now be made online through a new portal, rather than submitting in-person at City Hall or by email. For more information, visit the portal.
NOVEMBER 8, 2022 MALIBU GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION - CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATES
The nomination period for candidates for City Council in Malibu’s 2022 General Municipal Election closed on August 17, 2022 at 5:30 PM. Six candidates filed nomination papers before the deadline and all six have qualified for inclusion on the ballot to fill the two open City Council seats. Malibu City Hall will serve as a Vote Center for 10 days leading up to and including Election Day, November 8. City election information will be posted and updated on the website as it becomes available.
NOVEMBER 8, 2022 MALIBU GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION - “MEASURE MC” TRANSACTIONS AND USE (SALES) TAX
Measure MC, the City’s Transactions and Use (Sales) Tax will appear on the November 8, 2022 ballot. If approved by voters, the measure will raise the sales tax in Malibu from 9.5% to 10%, and the City could use the revenue for, among other potential uses to benefit the community:
This information was also sent out by mail citywide to households in Malibu. This message is provided as a public service by the City of Malibu for your information only. For more information, visit the City’s Elections webpage or contact the City Clerk at CityClerk@MalibuCity.org or call 310-456-2489, ext. 228.
(NEW) wildfire season - FIRE CONDITIONS UPDATE
Highlights from the Community Fire Season Briefing (watch video) - Conditions for this fall and winter are anticipated to be near to above normal monsoonal showers and thunderstorms through mid-September, with rainfall well below normal in late September through December. Temperatures are expected to be well above normal through December (but not as severe as the recent heatwave). A near normal amount of Santa Ana wind events is expected October through December. Severe/extreme drought conditions continue for the region. Typical peak fire conditions occur in October, November and December, with Santa Ana wind events coinciding with dry fuels before green grasses emerge, resulting in about 8 high risk days.
Live Fuel Moisture and Conditions - LFM currently 61% (near critical) - As part of continuous wildfire preparedness, the City tracks Live Fuel Moisture (LFM) as well as relative humidity, temperature, and dead fuel moisture to determine fire conditions for Malibu. LFM is at 61% as of September 29, down from 63% two weeks earlier. The LFM is the percentage of water content to dry matter in live vegetation. LFM can be as high as 200% and is considered critical at 60% and below. The Los Angeles County Fire Department Forestry Division conducts sampling approximately every two weeks and posts the results on their website.
Low LFM levels reaching critical are typical for this time of year. Historically Malibu will not see an increase in LFM until substantial rainfall of 2 inches or more arrive, normally in late October and early November. However, below-normal rainfall and above-normal temperatures are expected from now until December. Currently, fluctuating temperatures and favorable humidity, wind and Dead Fuel Moistures have kept the fire hazard rating in the Santa Monica Mountains at “Moderate.” We will see Red Flag or highly hazardous fire conditions only with strong and consistent wind and low humidity. Conditions will worsen with the arrival of Santa Ana winds.
wildfire season - Start Getting Prepared Now
Residents should begin preparing for wildfire season now. Closely 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. 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.
wildfire season - SCHEDULE YOUR FREE HOME WILDFIRE HARDENING ASSESSMENT
Malibu homeowners can schedule a free home wildfire hardening assessment with the City’s Fire Safety Liaisons to learn how to protect your home from the millions of burning embers that can fly up to two miles out ahead of a wind-driven wildfire. Flying embers are a leading cause of homes burning down during wildfires. The 30-60 minute inspections follow the Fire Code and nationally recognized best practices. You can learn simple and often inexpensive steps, such as maintaining good brush clearance, keeping dead vegetation and flammable materials such as 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.
(NEW) VIDEO: COMMUNITY FIRE SEASON BRIEFING WITH FIRE BEHAVIOR ANALYST ASSISTANT FIRE CHIEF DREW SMITH
Video is available of the City's Annual Community Fire Season Briefing on September 13 as part of National Preparedness Month and the City of Malibu's annual preparations for fall peak wildfire season. Watch the video. Los Angeles County Fire Department Assistant Fire Chief Drew Smith, a Fire Behavior Analyst, gave a presentation on local Live Fuel Moisture, expected weather patterns, what that means for fire conditions in Malibu this fall, and Fire Department response procedures.
CITY HALL REMAINS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ON A LIMITED BASIS
City Hall remains open to the public on a limited basis. 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. Visitors will be asked to remain outside the building until they can be helped by staff. Appointments can be made online. Facemasks are no longer required, but are strongly recommended, inside City Hall.
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. Facemasks are no longer required, but are strongly recommended while inside City Hall. Seniors can use the general use areas of the Center, including the computer lab, library and various recreation programs. Staff is 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.
(NEW) COVID-19 RESPONSE UPDATE
City staff continues to monitor and respond to the pandemic by participating in regular briefings and conference calls with partner agencies and issuing alerts and notifications regarding changes to the situation. On September 27, 2022, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LADPH) confirmed 13 new deaths and 1,353 new cases. Other key updates from the County’s COVID-19 Dashboard as of September 27, 2022, include the following:
- 2,689 confirmed positive cases and 13 deaths in the City of Malibu to date
- 3,453,057 confirmed cases and 33,587 deaths in LA County to date
- 471 current hospitalizations in LA County, a decrease of 325 since August 30
(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 - 244
- Single Family Dwellings complete - 103
- Multifamily building permits issued - 18 units
- Multifamily building units complete- 12 units
MALIBU REBUILDS - 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.
(NEW) CITY COUNCIL TO CONSIDER PESTICIDE BAN OCTOBER 10
On October 10, the City Council will consider the City's Zoning Ordinance Revisions and Code Enforcement Council Subcommittee (ZORACES) recommendation on the City's pesticide ban. Amendments to Local Coastal Program (LCP) Land Use Plan (LUP) Policy 3.18, pertaining to a citywide prohibition of pesticides, went into effect on September 8, 2021. Amending the policy created a policy mechanism to allow the City to create a regulatory framework to address the use of pesticides, rodenticides, and insecticides throughout the City. In December 2021, the City Council directed staff to develop an ordinance to implement and enforce this policy and to work with Poison Free Malibu to develop the ordinance. The Subcommittee directed staff to move forward with a policy, which may be adopted by resolution. The City Council staff report will be available online prior to the meeting. For more information visit the project webpage.
(NEW) MALIBU MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL SPECIFIC PLAN PROJECT APPROVED
The Malibu City Council completed its review and approved the Malibu Middle and High School (MMHS) Campus Specific Plan Project on September 27. See the staff report. The City will submit the Local Coastal Program (LCP) Amendment to the California Coastal Commission for certification review. Please note that any Coastal Development Permits and other entitlements for the MMHS redevelopment will be considered by the Planning Commission at a later date. For more information, visit the project webpage.
(NEW) TEMPORARY USE PERMIT ORDINANCE MEETING OCTOBER 12
The City's Zoning Ordinance Revisions and Code Enforcement Council Subcommittee will consider recommending modifications for temporary use permits at a Special Meeting on October 12. The staff report will be available online prior to the meeting. On April 14, 2022, the Subcommittee made recommendations and directed staff to come back with a draft ordinance. On December 13, 2021, the City Council directed staff to define what is considered a temporary event, particularly for a series of events, and bring back a draft ordinance for Council consideration.
VIDEOS AVAILABLE OF DARK SKY EDUCATIONAL PRESENTATIONS FOR RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES
Videos are available of the Dark Sky educational presentations that the City held to help residents and businesses navigate the process of getting into compliance with the City’s Dark Skies Ordinance by the October 15, 2022 deadline. Watch the residential properties presentation. Watch the commercial and multifamily properties presentation. The City's Dark Sky Ordinance is meant to protect Malibu’s wildlife, habitat and quality of life from light pollution. Requirements include light fixtures that are fully shielded, have low color temperature, and direct light downwards. For more details, including resources to help homeowners and businesses comply with the regulations, visit the Dark Sky webpage.
(NEW) HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS AND ELECTRONIC WASTE COLLECTION OCTOBER 15
Drop off household chemicals, paint, motor oil as well as batteries and electronic devices to be safely and properly disposed of, Saturday, October 15, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM at Malibu City Hall in the upper parking lot. For more information, including a list of accepted materials, visit the webpage.
MANDATORY WATER USE RESTRICTIONS IN EFFECT DUE TO DROUGHT
With the current drought estimated to be considerably more extreme than the 2015 drought, the Los Angeles County Waterworks Districts (LACWD) has issued mandatory water use restrictions for communities including the City of Malibu, which is served by Waterworks District 29. LACWD asks all customers to cut back their water usage by 30%. Outdoor and lawn watering is restricted to two days a week based on address numbering and property type:
- Tuesdays and Fridays = residential even number
- Mondays and Thursdays = residential odd number
- Mondays and Fridays = commercial
- 10 minutes per station maximum
- Only allowed between 6:00 PM and 10:00 AM
Separately, the City of Malibu also prohibits spray irrigation between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM, and prohibits any landscape irrigation within 48 hours of significant rainfall. See all of the City’s water conservation rules. See the complete list of LACWD water use restrictions at: LACWaterworks.org.
WATER CONSERVATION REBATES AND RESOURCES AVAILABLE
Residents and businesses are urged to make use of the many rebates and resources available to help save money and water. Malibu residents and businesses can apply for a cash rebate to remove grass lawns of $5 per square foot (up to 5,000 square feet or $25,000 total). Other rebates for Malibu residents include water-saving toilets, laundry machines, sprinkler nozzles, rain barrels and cisterns, weather-based irrigation controllers and soil moisture sensor systems. Rebates and resources for commercial customers include water-saving devices, the Water Savings Incentive Program, the Onsite Retrofit Program, and the Public Agency Turf Replacement and Project Assistance Program. All of the rebates are listed on the Socal Water Smart website.
(NEW) MALIBU CITY GALLERY OPENING RECEPTION
The Malibu Arts Commission will host a free opening reception for the next City Hall Art Exhibition featuring the work of S. Heather Edwards on Saturday, October 1, 12:00 PM at Malibu City Hall (23825 Stuart Ranch Road). Edwards' paintings are the product of decades of observation of people, environments, animals and textiles. The exhibition will be on display through November 10 and is open to the public Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM. For more information, visit the Arts Commission website.
(NEW) ALLIED ARTISTS HOSTS AN ART SHOW AT MALIBU BLUFFS PARK
Allied Artists will host a free outdoor art show at Malibu Bluffs Park (located at PCH at Malibu Canyon Road) on Sunday, October 2, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Original art pieces will be offered for sale, with a portion of the sales benefiting local nature conservation efforts. For more information, visit the Allied Artists website.
(NEW) MALIBU LIBRARY SPEAKER SERIES FEATURING AUTHOR AND SHARK ATTACK SURVIVOR PAUL DE GELDER
The Malibu Library Speaker Series will feature shark attack survivor Paul de Gelder on Tuesday, October 11. An elite Australian Navy diver who lost two limbs in a horrific shark attack that changed his life, de Gelder now inspires others to overcome obstacles and champions shark conservation. The event will take place at the Malibu Library at 7:00 PM. Mr. de Gelder will share his experience and journey of overcoming obstacles and discovering triumph. An RSVP is required to attend this free event. For more information and to RSVP, visit the webpage.
(NEW) POETRY WRITING WORKSHOP
Join Malibu Poet Laureate Ann Buxie for "All Breathing Things," a free poetry writing workshop on Saturday, October 15, 11:00 AM at the Malibu Library. Guest instructors include former Ventura County Poet Laureate Phil Taggart and renowned poet Marsha de la O. The event is part of the City's free poetry workshops, in partnership with the Malibu Library, the Malibu Poet Laureate Committee, and the Malibu Arts Commission, offering community members engaging, educational opportunities to find expression through poetry with a renowned local poet. For more information, visit the Poet Laureate webpage.
CALL FOR ARTISTS SOLSTICE CANYON CREEK BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT
The Malibu Arts Commission is seeking an artist to create original work for a pedestrian underpass project at Solstice Canyon Creek located at Corral Canyon Road and PCH. CalTrans expects to begin construction in 2023 on the project to replace the existing bridge and culvert. The project will improve drainage, facilitate the movement of the area's endangered steelhead trout, and create a pedestrian underpass to Dan Blocker State Beach with a public art component. The deadline to submit a proposal is October 5, 4:00 PM. For more information and to apply, visit the project webpage.
TRANCAS CANYON PARK FIELD CLOSED
The Multipurpose Field at Trancas Canyon Park will be closed for its annual rest and renovation from September 6 through October 18. The rest and renovation program is an essential part in keeping the field safe and playable throughout the year. Other facilities at Trancas Canyon Park will remain open.
(NEW) CURRENT BIDS
Shelter Beds - The City is requesting written proposals from qualified homeless service providers and shelter facilities to provide interim shelter beds reserved exclusively for homeless individuals and families that are living in Malibu. Deadline: Tuesday, October, 11, 2022, 4:00 PM. For more information visit the webpage.
Comprehensive Development Services Review - The City is requesting proposals from qualified firms with broad subject matter expertise and experience in development services organization and operations (planning and building) to assess all aspects of the City’s processes, such as but not limited to, identifying appropriate organization structure and culture, resource needs, technology requirements, regulations, and process documentation. Deadline: Tuesday, October 11, 2022, 4:00 PM. For more information, visit the webpage.
Film Permitting - The City of Malibu (City) is requesting proposals from qualified firms to manage the City of Malibu Film Permit functions. Deadline: October 25, 2022, 4:00 PM. For more information, visit the webpage.
Land Management System and Implementation Services - The City is seeking proposals from qualified software vendors to provide an integrated land use management, permitting, and code compliance/case management system. The City seeks a qualified firm with the experience, expertise, and qualifications to provide a fully integrated, proven state-of-the-art solution. The City will also be looking to partner with the selected vendor to provide the associated professional services to complete implementation. Deadline: Thursday, October 27, 2022, 3:00 PM For more information, visit the webpage.
(NEW) SPECIAL EVENTS REPORT
Currently, there are permitted events on September 30 and October 2, 15 and 22, as well as every Sunday for parking for the Farmer's Market, and June 18 through October 3 for the City's Temporary Day-Use Impound Yard. The City of Malibu Planning Department posts a weekly report of approved event permits on the website. In order for members of the public to be informed of pending event permit applications and to provide an additional opportunity for public input, the City has changed the Event Permit Report format to include 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. The updated Event Permit Report has been posted to the City's website. 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).
(NEW) NEW SPEED LIMIT SIGNS POSTED IN SEVERAL LOCATIONS IN MALIBU
The Public Works Department maintenance crew completed the installation of new speed limits signs and traffic striping associated with revised speed limits recently approved by the City Council. The Council approved lowering the speed limits on various streets within the City to improve traffic safety. Temporary orange advisory flags have been added to the new signs to call additional attention to the new reduced speed limits. Speed limits were reduced in the following locations: Civic Center Way, Dume Drive, Encinal Canyon, Road, Heathercliff Road, Kanan Dume Road, Malibu Canyon Road, Merritt Drive, Morning View Drive and Trancas Canyon Road.
(NEW) STREETLIGHT ON CIVIC CENTER WAY CONFIGURED TO MEET DARK SKY REQUIREMENTS
On September 22, Southern California Edison (SCE) energized the City's new streetlight on Civic Center Way. The new streetlight was configured to meet the City's Dark Sky Ordinance, which is meant to protect wildlife, habitats and the quality of life of the community by reducing light pollution. Learn more.
(NEW) SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON ACTIVITIES IN MALIBU
SCE will be performing overhead wire work on Malibu Canyon Road between Mulholland Highway and Malibu Knolls Road. The work will take place Monday through Friday, September 30 through October 7 between 8:00 PM and 6:00 AM. There will be alternative lane closures with flaggers during working hours. In addition, SCE will be flying drones and helicopters over Malibu Road over the next few weeks to conduct aerial inspections of its equipment. The inspections are part of SCE's wildfire prevention and mitigation program. For more information, visit the SCE website.
DAYTIME WORK CONTINUES ON TRANCAS CREEK BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT
Work on the Caltrans Trancas Bridge Replacement Project continues with daytime work weekdays 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Caltrans is currently performing pile driving analysis for the bridge. After the end of October, there will be minimal construction activity, as the project permit does not allow work in the creek area between November 1 and May 1. The original project completion date of early 2024 could potentially be delayed to early 2025. Updates and information about the project, work activities and lane closures are posted on the website.
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