City Of Malibu: City Manager Updates April 23, 2021

Press release from the City of Malibu:

April 23, 2021

Upcoming

• Monday, April 26, 6:30 PM - City Council virtual meeting 
• Monday, April 26, 6:30 PM - Proposal to City Council to map Wireless Communications Facilities (WCF) in the City
• Tuesday, April 27, 9:00 AM - Cultural Arts Commission virtual meeting
• Tuesday, April 27, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Spring Go-Go Gifts Drive-Thru Program - Malibu Bluffs Park
• Wednesday, April 28, 3:30 PM - Public Works Commission virtual meeting
• Thursday, April 29, 9:00 AM - Caltrans Solstice Creek/Culvert Rehab virtual community meeting

(NEW) COUNTY COMMITTEE CONTINUES MALIBU'S School District Separation Petition Until June - Video of Hearing Available to View

The City has moved one step closer in its bid to separate its public schools from the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. The City made its case in front of the County Committee on School District Organization at a virtual preliminary hearing on Saturday, April 17. The video of the meeting is available to view online. Hundreds of Malibu residents, educators, students and parents shared their views with the Committee in support of an independent Malibu Unified School District. This remains a contentious issue and the City has been working hard to dispel misinformation about the true impacts of separating from SM-MUSD. The committee heard several hours of testimony from both the City and School District, and ultimately decided to continue the hearing to early June. In the meantime, the City team will continue to communicate Malibu's to residents of both Malibu and Santa Monica. SM-MUSD agrees that the two communities need separate school districts; the only question is how to separate in a way that is fair and equitable for both jurisdictions and won’t harm any students in the process. Sign up for the City's e-notifications to receive updates and stay informed as the separation process continues. For more information, visit the City's webpage.

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 April 20, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LADPH) confirmed 35 new deaths and 439 new cases of COVID-19. Other key updates from the County’s COVID-19 Dashboard as of April 20, 2021 include the following:  

• 413 confirmed positive cases and 7 deaths in the City of Malibu to date
• 1,229,998 confirmed cases and 23,702 deaths in LA County to date
• 484 current hospitalizations in LA County, a decrease of 9 since April  13

COVID-19 VACCINATION - City HOSTed ITS FIRST VACCINATION SITE ON APRIL 13 - second dose event scheduled for may 7

The City will hold a vaccination event on May 7 at City Hall for the second dose for the people who received their first dose on April 13 at City Hall. On April 13, 126 Malibu residents received their first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and each of them should receive an email from Curative with their appointment time for the second dose at the City Hall on May 7. County residents may still get a vaccine appointment through the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health vaccine website. 

COVID-19 VACCINATION - ALL CALIFORNIANS ELIGIBLE FOR THE COVID-19 VACCINE as of april 15 

Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Thursday, March 25, 2021 that, under the state’s new guidelines, all Californians became eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine as of April 15. See the guidelines. 

Vaccination Appointments in LA County - For Los Angeles County residents, see what documents you will need, learn what to expect before, during and after vaccination, and make a vaccination appointment on the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health website. Residents with disabilities or without computer access can call 833-540-0473 between 8:00 AM and 8:30 PM, 7 days a week for help with appointments.

Vaccine Appointment Assistance for Seniors - Malibu residents 65 and over who need assistance with booking a COVID-19 vaccine appointment can call the City of Malibu’s COVID-19 Vaccination Appointment Help Line at 310-456-2489, ext. 357. Seniors may also reserve a free ride through the City’s Dial-A-Ride service to and from confirmed COVID-19 vaccination appointments in Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica and Westlake Village by calling 424-346-8444. Due to HIPPA constraints, City staff cannot make an appointment for you, however, they can help you navigate the system and provide information. (Dial-A-Rides are available for other medical appointments for a small fee). The COVID-19 Help Line and Dial-A-Ride services are available Monday through Friday. Riders are required to register for the Dial-A-Ride program by calling 310-456-2489, ext. 357 or visiting the Senior Center web page.

COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave - On March 19, Governor Newsom signed SB 95 requiring all California employers of 25 or more to provide COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave for employees who are unable to work due to COVID-19 including going to get vaccinated. The Governor has made the leave retroactive to January 1, 2021. Learn more. 

CITY COUNCIL APPROVES "HERO PAY" FOR MALIBU GROCERY WORKERS DURING THE PANDEMIC

The Malibu City Council unanimously approved an ordinance on April 12 requiring that grocery workers in city limits receive a temporary "hero pay" increase of $5 per hour added to their hourly wages. The measure is meant to address the economic impacts of the pandemic and the personal health and safety risks that grocery workers endure by working in close contact with the public while providing an essential service during the pandemic. The ordinance, modeled after the City of Los Angeles's hero pay action, goes into effect immediately and is set to expire in June, but may be extended. See the staff report.

COVID-19 - MASK ORDINANCE STILL IN EFFECT IN MALIBU

The City's Ordinance No. 473 requiring the use of face coverings in order to slow the spread of the coronavirus and protect vulnerable people during the pandemic is still in effect in City limits. Face covering must cover the nose and mouth. Exceptions: when in a residential zone, in a vehicle, while more than six feet away from people from another household, children under 2, people with medical requirements, who need to communicate hearing impaired people, while participating in water-based activities. Violators may avoid the $50 fine by immediately complying. See the complete requirements and exceptions. 

COMMUNITY WILDFIRE PROTECTION PLAN (CWPP)

The public comment period for the City's CWPP closed on April 9. Questions and comments that were received during the comment period along with the answers are posted on the Fire Safety webpage. The City is currently waiting for the final draft of the CWPP and will make it available as soon as it is received. The CWPP identifies and prioritizes areas for hazardous fuel reduction treatments and outlines an action plan that will protect at-risk communities and essential infrastructure, as well as recommendations to reduce structural ignitability throughout the at-risk community. The CWPP is used as a guide for future projects and makes it easier for the City to receive grant funding to implement recommended action items. For more information or help with wildfire preparedness, contact the City's Fire Safety Liaison at Firesafety@malibucity.org.

PREPARATION FOR SUMMER CROWDS BEGINS

City staff recently convened its annual meeting with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors, California State Parks, Mountains and Recreation & Conservation Authority (MRCA), and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to coordinate efforts in preparation for summer crowds. The City regularly funds a Sheriff’s Department Beach Team from Memorial Day to Labor Day to assist with enforcement on the beaches. The Beach Team includes a Sergeant and six Deputies. Due to the loosening of COVID-19 restrictions, it is anticipated that crowds will start increasing before Memorial Day. Therefore, the Sheriff’s Department will increase weekend patrols starting May 1. The MRCA plans to double patrols in its parks from Memorial Day to Labor Day. State Parks will have seven-day coverage and will also be monitoring and addressing litter. Beaches and Harbors will be increasing staffing in mid-May to assist with parking, maintenance, and trash. CHP will continue to implement its Street Racing Task Force. Residents can request assistance from CHP with street racing by calling 323-259-3200.

(NEW) COMMUNITY WILDFIRE PREPAREDNESS DAY MAY 1

The City of Malibu invites all community members to participate in Wildfire Community Preparedness Day on May 1. This national campaign encourages people and organizations everywhere to come together on a single day to take action to raise awareness and reduce wildfire risks. During the pandemic, this year’s Wildfire Community Preparedness Day is focused on what residents can do on and around their home to help protect against the threat of wildfires. Learn about what you can do on the Prep Day webpage and on the Fire Safety webpage.

(NEW) schedule an appointment now for a home wildfire hardening assessment with malibu's NEW FIRE SAFETY LIAISON 

As part of Malibu’s ongoing efforts toward community-wide wildfire preparedness, and with the appointment of Chris Brossard as the new Fire Safety Liaison, the City continues to offer its no-cost Home Ignition Zone Assessment Program to help residents harden their homes against flying embers, a major cause of homes igniting during wildfires. During wind-driven wildfires such as the Woolsey Fire, powerful, sustained winds can send burning embers travelling up to a few miles ahead of the fire front. According to fire behavior experts, more than 50% of homes lost during a wildfire catch fire due to flying embers, not direct flame contact or radiant heat. To schedule an appointment or for help with wildfire preparedness, contact Chris at Firesafety@malibucity.org or 310-456-2489, ext. 387 or visit the Fire Safety webpage.

SIGN UP NOW FOR THE CITY'S VIRTUAL COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM (CERT) TRAINING 

Due to COVID-19, the City’s regular schedule of ongoing CERT training courses is temporarily shifting to a hybrid model where students take the classroom portion online in the safety of their own homes. Registration is now open for the online classroom portion. Upon completion of the online section, they will be eligible to take the in-person training portion when it is safe to do so. The City will announce schedule of the in-person portion and final drill as soon as they are set, and will directly notify those who have completed the online portion. CERT training includes instruction in disaster preparedness, fire suppression, disaster medical, search and rescue, disaster psychology and terrorism. Students will be guided through the sign-up process and sent periodic check-ins during the self-paced online portion. During the drill, students get a chance to use the skills they learned in the classes. For more information or to register, email PublicSafety@malibucity.org or call 310-456-2489, ext. 368 or visit the CERT webpage. 

MALIBU REBUILDS - STATISTICS

Staff continues to work with homeowners to rebuild. Here are the current rebuild statistics: 

• Single Family Dwellings approved by Planning - 301
• Single Family Dwellings building permits issued - 174
• Single Family Dwellings complete - 27
• Multifamily – Malibu Garden Apartment permits were issued -18 apartment units

MALIBU REBUILDS – WOOLSEY FIRE REBUILD & FEE WAIVER PROGRAM

The Woolsey Fire rebuild fee waiver and like-for-like rebuild deadlines have been extended. Homeowners are encouraged to schedule a complimentary in-person or online, one-on-one consultation with the Rebuild Team to explore their fee waiver and rebuild options, which are posted in the Rebuild webpage. Contact the Rebuild Team at ashah@malibucity.org or 310-456-2489, ext. 385. For more information, visit the Fee Waiver webpage.

MALIBU REBUILDS - PLANNING CONSULTATIONS AND REBUILD RESOURCES

The Fire Rebuild team is available for complimentary one-on-one consultations about any fire rebuild project. Contact Aakash Shah at ashah@malibucity.org to set an appointment for phone or online meeting. For ideas about how to get started with your project, as well as numerous handouts, forms and resources, visit the Rebuild webpage. 

(NEW) SURFACE PARKING LOT USE ZONING/LCP AMENDMENT 

On May 10, the City Council will hold a virtual public hearing to consider proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and Local Coastal Program (LCP) to allow stand-alone surface parking lots as a conditionally permitted use. Currently, parking lots are allowed in conjunction with another use but not as a stand-alone use. The staff report will be available on the City's website prior to the meeting. This item was previously considered by the City Council on November 9, 2020 (see the staff report). If approved by City Council, the LCP amendment would have to be certified by the California Coastal Commission before the regulations could go into effect. For more information about the upcoming hearing, please review the Notice of Public Hearing.

(NEW) MALIBU FARMERS MARKET HEARING MAY 17

On May 17, the Planning Commission will hold a virtual public hearing to consider an amendment to the conditional use permit previously issued to the operator of the Malibu Farmers Market, Cornucopia Foundation. The proposed amendment will ensure the local Farmers Market can continue to serve the public during the construction of the college by allowing parking for the market to be located off-site on the City-owned Chili Cook-off property located at 23575 Civic Center Way. For more information about the upcoming hearing, please review the Notice of Public Hearing.

GAS STATIONS DARK SKY ORDINANCE COMPLIANCE HEARING MAY 17

On May 17, the Planning Commission will consider deviation requests of the City's Dark Sky Ordinance requirements for two gas stations. The staff report will be available on the City's website prior to the meeting. This item was scheduled for the April 19 Planning Commission meeting but was continued to allow the applicant additional time to respond to public comments regarding alternatives to the proposed lighting plan. The staff reports are available online. These hearings are part of an effort to bring all gas stations within the City into compliance with the Dark Sky Ordinance. 

WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FACILITY (WCF) ORDINANCE UPDATE – APRIL 26 COUNCIL HEARING

On April 26, the City Council will conduct a second reading of the draft WCF Ordinance. The staff report is available online. For more information about the WCF ordinance including a redline version of the draft ordinance and previous staff reports, visit the project web page.

PROPOSAL TO MAP WCF FACILITIES IN THE CITY 

On Monday, April 26, 6:30 PM, a scope of work and cost proposal to identify and map Wireless Communications Facilities in the City will be considered by the City Council as part of the City's work to update the WCF Ordinance. The staff report is available online. 

ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS – PUBLIC HEARING MAY 20 

In response to recent changes in State laws, on May 20, the Planning Commission will hold a special meeting on the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) draft ordinance which amends the Malibu Municipal Code and Local Coastal Program. Details regarding the hearing will be available in the coming weeks. In general, an ADU is a smaller, independent residential dwelling unit located on the same lot as a stand-alone, single-family home. For more information including ADU-related State bills, visit the project web page.

SHORT-TERM RENTALS - HOSTED ORDINANCE

On April 7, City staff responded to the comments provided by California Coastal Commission (CCC) on January 13 for the City's Local Coastal Program (LCP) Amendment for its Hosted Short Term Rental (STR) Ordinance. See the City's comments. The STR regulations cannot go into effect until the Amendment is certified by the CCC. On November 2020, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 20-51 and Ordinance No. 472 (Hosted STR Ordinance) to establish provisions to regulate short-term rental of property citywide which include, but are not limited to, requiring the presence of an onsite host during short-term rentals, primary residency requirements and multifamily restrictions. For more information, visit the City’s STR webpage. 

MALIBU INN MOTEL – ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENT COMMENT PERIOD ENDS APRIL 28

The public comment period ends April 28, 2021 for the Malibu Inn Motel. Additional project information and instructions on submitting public comments are available in the Revised Notice of Intent. For more information on this project, visit the web page. 

PESTICIDE BAN UPDATE - ccc HEARING POSTPONED UNTIL MAY 2021

The March 2021  California Coastal Commission (CCC) hearing on the City's pesticide ban Local Coastal Program Amendment will be postponed until May 2021. On December 9, 2019, the City Council adopted an LCP amendment that bans the use of pesticides, including insecticides, rodenticides, or any toxic chemical substance which has the potential to significantly degrade biological resources in the City. The amendment was submitted to the CCC for certification. In September 2020, the CCC granted CCC staff an one-year extension to hold the hearing. On February 23, 2021, City staff and Poison Free Malibu held a meeting with California Coastal Commission staff regarding  the City's Local Coastal Program amendment. Based on this meeting, City staff requested that the March 2021 CCC hearing be postponed until May 2021, to allow City staff to work with CCC staff on further modifications to the Local Coastal Program amendment. This date was confirmed by CCC staff on March 30. Prior to the hearing, a Notice of Public Hearing will be published in a local newspaper and a CCC staff report will be available on the CCC's website. More information is available on the City's project page.

CLEAN POWER ALLIANCE INVITES CUSTOMERS TO SHARE THOUGHTS ON ELECTRICITY RATES     

Clean Power Alliance (CPA) was formed when communities coordinated their electricity buying power to provide more, and affordable, clean power options, including 100% Green Power. Due to dramatic increases in the costs of energy out of CPA’s control, the CPA Board will be considering a rate increase in the next months. While no decisions have been made yet, the CPA board is considering various ways to continue to maintain financial stability so they can continue to serve the community. Customers’ and communities’ voices are important to CPA, especially as they prepare to go through their budget priority development and rate-setting process for next year. CPA is reaching out to all customers to engage them in the discussion, to inform them and to invite them to share their thoughts prior to board action on rates and budget for next year on the CPA website. 

2021 Earth Month, Earth Day Activities

April 22 was the 51st global Earth Day and April is Earth Month. The City of Malibu is observing this important environmental movement by encouraging residents to participate in local Earth Month activities all month, including programs for seniors, hikers, and the City’s electronic and household hazardous waste collection and document shredding day. All the events are free of charge and open to the public with COVID-19 safety protocols in place. See the lineup of Earth Month events in the City’s Virtual Environmental Center and sign up for environmental event notifications. Throughout Earth Month, the City will post daily tips on social media about how to conserve energy and water, reduce waste, and shrink your carbon footprint so we can fight climate change. Follow the Environmental Sustainability Department on Facebook Instagram and Twitter. 

(NEW) TRAIL TOK AT CHARMLEE WILDERNESS PARK may 4

The Community Services Department is offering a fun Trail Tok activity on Tuesday, May 4, 4:00 -5:30 PM for youth ages 10 to 16. The hike will take place at Charmlee Wilderness Park and participants will explore nature while hiking some of Malibu's most scenic trails. For more information or to register, visit the registration webpage or call 310-456-2489, ext. 239. 

(NEW) SENIOR SPRING GO-GO DRIVE-THRU PROGRAM

The Malibu Senior Center will host a Spring Go-Go Gifts Drive-Thru Program on Tuesday, April 27 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Malibu Bluffs Park. Participants will celebrate the changing of the seasons, be greeted by staff, and receive a garden-themed gift bag including a California Native Plant Society Gardening Book, gardening tools, native plant seeds, floral soap, and a crossword book. Senior Center members must RSVP by Monday, April 26 at 5:00 PM by calling 310-456-2489, ext. 357 or by email at LCrespo@MalibuCity.org

2021-2023 MALIBU POET LAUREATE - CALL TO ARTISTS

Malibu residents and affiliates who have a passion for promoting and enhancing the literary arts in Malibu are encouraged to apply for the role of 2021-2023 Malibu Poet Laureate. Interested artists or community members who wish to nominate a person must apply by May 21, 2021. The selected Poet Laureate will serve a two-year term and act as the official liaison in poetry to the City of Malibu. For more information, or to submit an application, please visit the Poet Laureate Web Page.

POLLI-POWER Environmental PROGRAM

The Community Services Department invites local students in grades TK through 5 to participate in the 2021 Polli-Power Program from April 12 through May 31. The program is a fun and educational series of free activities related to pollinator habitats and conservation. The first 100 families to register will receive a free art and home garden bag. Register online. Follow the Community Services Department on social media for more details or visit the Polli-Power web page. 

CIVIC CENTER WAY OPEN FOR PUBLIC USE - SOME WORK AND LANE CLOSURES WILL CONTINUE FOR THE IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT  

Civic Center Way was reopened to the public last week as the Civic Center Way Improvements Projects nears completion. Please be aware that some final work continues that will require some intermittent lane closures and motorists, pedestrians and cyclists should proceed with caution in the construction zone. The remaining work includes final paving, striping, irrigation, painting, planting material, clean-up and final detailing. For more information, visit the project webpage. 

CALTRANS SOLSTICE CREEK AND CULVERT REHAB PROJECT VIRTUAL COMMUNITY MEETING APRIL 29

Caltrans, at the City of Malibu's request, will hold a virtual community meeting Thursday, April 29, 6:00 PM to present its upcoming Solstice Creek and Culvert Rehab project in Malibu. Residents are encouraged to watch the meeting, and review the projects. Caltrans will make a presentation and then answer questions. For more information and meeting instructions, visit the webpage. Residents may send questions and input to Caltrans by email at alisa.almanzan@dot.ca.gov..

MALIBU PARK DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS

On April 21, 2021, bids were received for the design and construction to repair and improve several drainage structures in the Malibu Park Neighborhood and Birdview Avenue. Staff is reviewing the bids and will award the contract at an upcoming Council meeting. The locations are along Cuthbert Road, Busch Drive, and Harvester Road, Morning View Drive, and Birdview Avenue. These repairs and improvements are a result of the severe storm drainage failures associated with the aftermath of the Woolsey Fire. 

CIVIC CENTER WATER TREATMENT FACILITY PHASE 2 Meeting planned in May

In May, a community meeting about the CCWTF Phase 2 will be scheduled and details will be announced on the City website, social media and e-notifications. On October 12, City Council approved an agreement with 30 Three Sixty Public Finance, Inc. to perform Assessment Engineering Services for this project. The project was approved by the Planning Commission on February 1. The consultant is working on the easements in the Serra and Malibu Colony neighborhoods. Additional information is available on the project webpage. 

Malibu Canyon Road Waterline - lane closures on Malibu Canyon

This project consists of upgrading the existing waterline on Malibu Canyon Road from PCH to Malibu Knolls and from Malibu Crest to Potter Road (HRL). This work will result in intermittent lane closures on Malibu Canyon Road Monday through Thursday 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM and Fridays 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Construction started in late February 22 is expected to last for two months. 

ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS UPGRADE

The contractor is scheduled to upgrade the electric vehicle charging stations on Civic Center Way on Thursday, April 29.

DISASTER PROJECTS

The Public Works Department released a Request for Qualifications for engineering design services to develop construction plans, specifications and estimates for projects resulted in the Woolsey Fire and subsequent storms. Proposals are due May 20. For more information, visit the Bids webpage.

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 RFeldman@MalibuCity.org. 

See Past City Manager Updates 

This press release was produced by the City of Malibu. The views expressed here are the author’s own.