Upcoming

- Saturday, February 18, 10:00 AM - Household Hazardous and Electronic Waste Collection - City Hall upper parking lot

- Monday, February 20 - City Hall, Senior Center and Community Swimming Pool closed for Presidents' Day holiday

- Tuesday, February 21, 8:30 AM - Las Virgenes-Malibu Council of Governments (COG) Governing Board Meeting - virtual

- Tuesday, February 21, 2:00 PM - Homelessness Task Force Regular Meeting - virtual

- Tuesday, February 21, 6:30 PM - Regular Planning Commission Meeting - virtual

- Wednesday, February 22, 9:00 AM - Environmental Review Board Meeting - virtual

- Wednesday, February 22, 3:30 PM - Public Works Commission Meeting - virtual

- Wednesday, February 22, 1:00 PM - Environmental Sustainability Subcommittee Special Meeting - virtual

- Wednesday, February 22, 5:30 PM - Parks and Recreation Commission Special Meeting - virtual

- Monday, February 27, 6:30 PM - 6:30 PM - Regular City Council Meeting - virtual

- Tuesday, February 28, 9:00 AM - Malibu Arts Commission Regular Meeting - virtual

(New) Malibu-Based Non-Profits Can Apply For General Fund Grants Through March 31

The City is now accepting applications for FY 23-24 General Fund Grants. The program provides an important source of funding for non-profit organizations located within the City of Malibu that benefit residents and enrich the community. Applications will be reviewed by the City Council’s Administration and Finance Subcommittee, and the Subcommittee’s recommendations will be presented to the City Council for award during the annual budget approval in June. All application materials must be received by 5:00 PM on Friday, March 31. Applications may be mailed or delivered to City Hall, or sent submitted by email. For application instructions, to download the grant application, and to see previous grant recipients, visit the webpage.

Wildfire Safety 

(New) Updates To La County Fire Department Brush Clearance Program

LA County Fire Department notified the City that many Malibu residents will be receiving Brush Clearance Notices for the first time. Notices are being sent to all properties within the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection designated Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ), which includes all of Malibu. Previously, notices were only sent to homes that were deemed most vulnerable via visual inspection or historical fire data. That means that the number of homes receiving notices in Malibu will increase from 4,100 to 5,600. The inspection requirement for all homes within the VHFSZ has been in place for decades, but recent GIS/mapping software upgrades have allowed all structures to be identified, many of them for the first time. For more information, see the Brush Clearance FAQs and the annual Brush Clearance notice.

(New) New State Law Requiring Five-Foot Ember Resistant Zone

Beginning in 2024, the LA County Fire Department (LACOFD) will be enforcing AB-3074, a newly enacted state law requiring the removal of all flammable materials from within five feet of any structure, which is designated as “Zone 0.” LACOFD personnel will be conducting outreach to inform residents on the 2024 Zone 0 requirements when they conduct this year’s required inspections. Further assistance in preparing and complying with AB 3074 is available by requesting a free Home Wildfire Hardening Assessment from one of the City’s Fire Safety Liaisons by visiting the Fire Safety webpage. More information on AB 3074 is available online. 

(New) Fire Department Suspends Live Fuel Moisture Sampling Due To Rain Activity

The Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACOFD) has temporarily suspended taking samples to measure Live Fuel Moisture (LFM) due to the recent heavy rains and LFM readings exceeding 125%, reducing the risk of extreme fire behavior. LACOFD will resume sampling and posting LFM levels when conditions warrant.

Sign Up For Fire Hazard Tree Removal Program

The Fire Safety Liaisons are still adding properties to the list to remove trees under the City’s Hazard Tree Removal Program. The trees must be dead to be considered for this program. To sign up for this program, please email [email protected] with your name, address and phone number and the type and number of dead trees on your property. This is a first-come, first-served program and there are currently dozens of properties already on the list.

Make Your Wildfire Preparedness A Year-Round Effort

While the recent rainstorms have offered much-needed relief from concerns about wildfire, residents are still advised to continue preparing for wildfires, and to make it a year-round effort. Closely monitor local fire weather conditions and warnings on the National Weather Service Los Angeles/Oxnard website whenever hazardous wildfires conditions are forecast. Create 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. When Red Flag fire conditions are forecast, keep your vehicle fuel tank filled. 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 [email protected], calling 310-456-2489, ext. 388 or visiting the Fire Safety webpage.

Schedule Your Free Home Wildfire Hardening Assessment

Now is a great time for Malibu homeowners to 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 [email protected] or calling 310-456-2489, ext. 388 or visiting the Fire Safety webpage.

Public Safety

(New) First Automatic License Plate Reader Cameras Installed

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) installed the City’s first Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) camera. The ALPR cameras offer an additional enforcement tool for LASD to address theft, property crimes, and other public safety and crime issues in Malibu by helping to identify suspects in fleeing vehicles, stolen vehicles, suspects with outstanding warrants, etc. The City delivered the cameras to LASD on January 4 and is working with LASD and other partner agencies to install the cameras at strategic locations around the City. At the January 4 Public Safety Commission meeting, Deputy Samuel Paul with the LASD Advanced Surveillance and Protection (ASAP) Unit discussed the system’s features and public safety applications, and addressed questions and concerns regarding data usage, proposed locations, privacy concerns, and procedures. The cameras are solar-powered and have backup batteries, and can operate day or night, and during a variety of weather conditions. For more information, see Item 5.A. in the meeting’s staff report.

(New) Homeless Outreach Update

The City’s Homeless Outreach Team, which consists of three outreach workers and a housing navigator from The People Concern, reported that in December 2022, it was in contact with 71 people experiencing homelessness. Eight of them were either relocated or placed into temporary or permanent housing. Among them was a veteran who has lived in Malibu for well over a decade. Although he previously refused assistance, the City's Outreach Team, in coordination with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, were able to identify a housing opportunity for him and he will begin the process of moving into his new home in February. Current and past monthly Homeless Outreach reports are available on the webpage.  

(New) La County Proclaims Homelessness Emergency, Making More Resources Available

On January 10, 2023, the LA County Board of Supervisors proclaimed a Local Emergency for Homelessness, which will expedite contracting, procurement, and hiring related to homelessness, and accelerate the creation of licensed shelter beds, interim housing and permanent housing throughout the County.

Additionally, on February 7, the Board of Supervisors approved the largest-ever one-year spending plan of $609.7 million to address homelessness through three key missions: reducing encampments to bring unsheltered people indoors; increasing interim and permanent housing placements; and ramping up mental health and substance use disorder services for people experiencing homelessness. The Board also approved $76.9 million to address homeless initiatives, including an RV Encampment Program to help 300 people every year living in RVs to find safer housing solutions and to dismantle inoperable RVs, and the creation of a specialized outreach team to engage people camped in high-severity fire zones in unincorporated areas of the County.

Both of these actions are expected to benefit Malibu by expanding the number of available housing units throughout the County. The City of Malibu and its Homeless Outreach Team will continue to partner with the County to facilitate interim and permanent housing placements and service provision for people experiencing homelessness in Malibu, ultimately reducing the number of encampments and helping address public safety concerns in the City. During January 2023, the Malibu Outreach Team successfully placed one unhoused person into permanent housing, four into temporary housing, and three were relocated.  

For more information, visit the County Homelessness Initiative webpage. For more information on the City’s efforts to address homelessness, visit the webpage. 

Planning 

(New) - Public Hearing On Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance, March 6 

On March 6, 2023, the Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the City's Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) proposed ordinance. For details, see the hearing notice. The staff report will be available on the website in advance. On August 22, 2022, the City Council considered the Planning Commission's request for additional studies and direction. At its meeting, the Council gave staff the following directions: Minimize substantive changes in the Local Coastal Program (LCP) for the proposed ordinance which complies with state law in order to protect sensitive coastal resources and public access to the coast; and bring the item back to the Planning Commission without the studies requested. The State of California has identified ADUs as an important tool to create more affordable housing amidst the statewide housing crisis and has passed several laws to make it easier to build ADUs. The City is preparing an ordinance to be consistent with State laws, and to ensure the regulations reflect Malibu’s needs and characteristics. For more information, visit the ADU webpage. 

(New) Coastal Commission Action On Sea View Hotel Project

The California Coastal Commission (CCC) held a public hearing on the Sea View Hotel Project proposed Local Coastal Program Amendment (LCPA) on February 8, 2023. The CCC conditionally certified the LCPA with suggested modifications. City staff gave public comment expressing the City's opposition to some of the changes that were proposed by the CCC. The certification process cannot be completed unless the City Council, within six months, acknowledges the modifications, accepts and agrees to the modifications, and reports its acceptance to the CCC. At this time, the City Council may hold a public hearing to consider the modifications as-is; reject the modifications and direct staff to prepare a new LCPA, or request an extension to act. The CCC may extend, for good cause, time limits related to the LCPA process for a period not to exceed one year. In September 2021, the City Council adopted the environmental document, code amendments and project entitlements for the Sea View Hotel Project. For more information, visit the project webpage.

 (New) Coastal Commission Hearing On La County Low-Impact Camping Local Coastal Program Amendment

The California Coastal Commission (CCC) received the Executive Director’s report on the Los Angeles County’s Local Coastal Plan (LCP) amendment to propose low-impact camping in the Santa Monica Mountains and the CCC received and filed the report and the LCP amendment is now certified. City staff gave public comment expressing the City's opposition. The City has submitted numerous letters of opposition to the project to the CCC and the LA County Board of Supervisors. See the letters. The proposed plan, including the CCC’s suggested modifications is included in the November 15, 2022 LA County Board of Supervisors staff report. 

(New) Special Events Report

Currently, there are permitted events on May 6, 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).

Covid-19

(New) - Covid-19 Statistics

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 February 14, 2023, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LADPH) confirmed 20 new deaths and 1,197 new cases. Other key updates from the County’s COVID-19 Dashboard as of February 14, 2023 include the following:  

- 2,832 confirmed positive cases and 14 deaths in the City of Malibu to date
- 3,692,123 confirmed cases and 35,509 deaths in LA County to date
- 689 current hospitalizations in LA County, a decrease of 18 since February 2

The Use Of Facemasks In City Hall Is "Individual Preference" Due To Low Covid-19 Rates

The use of facemasks in City Hall is now "individual preference," in accordance with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LADPH) guidance on facemask use in indoor spaces due to the County's low COVID-19 rates. For more information, see the LADPH facemask guideines.  

City Hall / General 

(New) Presidents' Day Holiday Hours, February 20

Malibu City Hall, the Senior Center, and the Community Swimming Pool will be closed Monday, February 20 for the Presidents' Day holiday. City parks, the Temporary Skate Park, and the Michael Landon Community Center at Malibu Bluffs Park will be open from 8:00 AM to sunset. 

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: 

- Building Safety Department (including Environmental Health, Coastal Engineering and Geotechnical Engineering): Call 310-456-2489, ext. 390. Email [email protected]. 
- Planning Department: Call 310-456-2489, ext. 485. Email [email protected]. 
- Public Works Department: Call 310-456-2489, ext. 391. Email [email protected]. 
- All other City business: 310-456-2489, ext. 392. Email [email protected].

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 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.

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 - 250
- Single Family Dwellings complete - 119
- 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 [email protected] 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) Join The Organic Waste Recycling Workshops And Get A Free Kitchen Scraps Caddy, March 15

Community members can learn about the importance of, and how to successfully participate in the City’s Organic Waste Recycling Program by joining the virtual workshop on Wednesday, March 15 at 7:00 PM. An additional workshop is scheduled April 19. 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. The link for the event is posted on the website. Attendees will receive a free kitchen scraps collection caddy (limit one per household). The 1.9-gallon, dishwasher-safe caddies are easy to fill, carry, empty, and clean, offering a convenient way to collect food scraps to be recycled. For more information about the program and to register for a workshop, visit the Organic Recycling webpage. For additional guidance on the organics recycling program, review the City's free online Zero Waste Guide.  

Household Hazardous And Electronic Waste Collection, February 18

Residents can drop off used paint, motor oil, batteries and electronics to be safely and properly disposed of at the Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) and Electronic Waste Collection on Saturday, February 18, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM at the City Hall Upper Parking Lot. When dropping off materials, please remain in your vehicle with the windows closed. The event staff will only remove materials from your vehicle trunk or pick-up bed. For more information and the list of accepted materials, visit the webpage. 

Grading Site Best Management Practices Inspections During Rainy Season

During Malibu's rainy season, the Environmental Sustainability Department staff monitors construction sites regularly and sends out e-notifications to the building community, reminding them to adhere to Grading Site Best Management Practices (BMP), keeping sites clean and free of debris with erosion control measures properly in place. The BMPs include ensuring all excavated soil is located on the site in a manner that minimizes the amount of sediment running onto the street, drainage facilities or any adjacent properties. Soil piles must be bermed or covered with plastic or similar materials until the soil is either used or removed from the site. If the BMPs are not in place, City inspection staff will not allow any further construction or further grading until the end of the rainy season, and Code Enforcement will be notified. For more information, see the bulletin.    

Mandatory Water Use Restrictions In Effect Due To Drought

Despite the recent rains, drought conditions continue statewide. The Los Angeles County Waterworks Districts' (LACWD) mandatory water use restrictions remain in effect 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 

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.

Arts, Culture & Recreation  

(New) The Write Time Poetry Workshop, February 18

Join Malibu Poet Laureate Ann Buxie and Dorothy Randall Gray on Saturday, February 18, 11:00 AM at the Malibu Library to explore various forms of poetry and writing approaches meant to inspire new works. Participants should bring writing materials, ideas, and creativity. RSVPs are not required. For more information, visit the Poetry webpage.  

(New) Girls Skateboarding Clinic, February 19

Skate Professionals from Champ Camp will host the City’s Girls Skateboarding Clinic, and provide a supportive and empowering environment for girls to learn skateboarding skills Sunday, February 19, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM at the Temporary Skatepark at Bluffs Park. The free skateboarding clinic is part of the #PlayLikeAGirlMalibu initiative to raise awareness and encourage female sports participation and leadership. For more information or to reserve, call 310-317-1364 or visit the Youth Sports webpage. Pre-registration is required. 

(New) Senior Center Monthly Luncheon, February 23

Enjoy a delicious lunch from Mendocino Farms, socialize with friends, and enjoy entertainment from juggler David Cousin at the Sweetheart Soiree Valentine’s Luncheon on Thursday, February 23 at 12:00 PM at the Senior Center at City Hall. An RSVP is required by calling 310-456-2489, ext. 357. For more information, visit the Senior Center webpage.  

Recreation Guide And City Newsletter Highlights Spring Programs

The Spring Recreation Guide and City Newsletter is available online and will be mailed to residents February 6. Residents can find information for upcoming spring programs offered March through May, including Afterschool Programs, Aquatics, Outdoor Recreation at Charmlee Wilderness Park, Parent and Me Programs, Senior Programs and Excursions, Spring Break Surf and Skate Camp, and the 23^rd Annual Chumash Day Native American Powwow and Intertribal Gathering. See the guide on the Community Services Department webpage.

Youth Commission Recruitment For 2023-2024 Appointment Year

The Harry Barovsky Memorial Youth Commission application period is open through March 31, 2023, for students in grades 7 to 12 during the 2023-2024 school year. Commissioners provide recommendations to the City Council regarding youth programs and projects and gain experience in leadership, public speaking, environmental stewardship, and community service. For information or to apply, visit the Youth Commission webpage or contact Recreation Coordinator Amanda Rigali at 310-456-2489, ext. 252.  

Student Art Exhibit At Malibu City Hall Gallery Open Through March 3

The 2023 Student Art Exhibit featuring original works by students in grades K-12 from Malibu Elementary School, Webster Elementary School, Malibu Middle School, Malibu High School, and Our Lady of Malibu is on display at the Malibu City Gallery February 6 through March 3. The Malibu City Gallery is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, on the lower level of Malibu City Hall (located at 23825 Stuart Ranch Road). Registration or tickets are not needed. For more information, visit the Student Art Exhibit webpage. 

Library Speaker Series With Harlan Lebo, February 28

The 2023 Malibu Library Speaker Series continues with Harlan Lebo, author of "Citizen Kane: A Filmmaker's Journey," a movie-lovers history of the trials, tribulations, and triumphs behind the making of "Citizen Kane," Tuesday, February 28, 7:00 PM at the Malibu Library. Lebo has written books about iconic films "The Godfather" and "Casablanca" and writes about cultural history, science, the humanities, society, and the impact of digital technology. Space is limited for this free event, so RSVPs are required on the webpage or by calling the Malibu Library at 310-456-6438. 

Dial-A-Ride Transportation For Residents Age 60 And Older 

Dial-A-Ride is a valuable, low-cost transit service to help Malibu residents 60 and older and people living with disabilities. Shared-ride transportation helps residents get to and from doctor appointments, grocery stores, the Senior Center, and other healthcare facilities outside the City limits. All riders must register and meet eligibility requirements. Contact the Malibu Senior Center at 310-456-2489, ext. 363, or visit the Senior Center webpage for details. 

Public Works

(New) Point Dume Access Road And Parking Now Open After Storm Damage Repair

The Point Dume access road on Westward Beach, the beach parking lot, and the restrooms in the beach parking lot are open following storm damage repair work. The edge of the road and the restroom building were heavily eroded and at risk of collapse due to very high tides and heavy surf during the recent storms. The Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors conducted emergency repair work on the site for several weeks in coordination with the California Coastal Commission. The beach itself remains open, but sections of the beach are eroded, and boulders are placed along the edge of the access road, making it potentially hazardous for beach goers, especially during high tide and high surf conditions. “Keep off the Rocks” signs in place for safety and to prevent further damage. The adjacent Bay Foundation Dune Restoration Project was damaged during the storms, and Beaches and Harbors used sand from the project area for the emergency repairs. Beaches and Harbors is working with the Bay Foundation on plans for future dune habitat restoration in the area. For further questions, call Beaches and Harbors at 424-526-7777.

Nighttime Lane Closures On Pch From Big Rock To Tuna Canyon January 23 – March 23

The right northbound and southbound lanes of PCH will be closed from Big Rock Drive to Tuna Canyon Road weekdays, 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM, January 23 to approximately March 23 for Southern California Gas Company gas line repair work. The work is required to enable Caltrans to proceed with slope restoration work on the coastal side of PCH south of Big Rock Drive. Crews will replace and relocate two steel gas lines, requiring digging a trench that will be covered by a steel plate during the day. Some daytime work may be required. Residents and businesses near the work site may notice noise, vibrations and dust. Be sure to check Quickmaps, LA County Public Works road closures map or other apps or websites for traffic information before getting on the road. 

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 [email protected].

See Past City Manager Updates