Politics & Government

City Of Malibu: City Manager Updates January 22, 2021

Video of the LA County Department of Public Health's January, 19, 2021 COVID-19 Vaccine Virtual Town Hall is available to view on-demand ...

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(City of Malibu)

Press release from the City of Malibu:

January 22, 2021

Upcoming

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 January 20, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health confirmed 262 new deaths and 6,492 new cases of COVID-19. Other key updates from the County’s COVID-19 Dashboard  as of January 20, 2020 include the following:  

Find out what's happening in Malibufor free with the latest updates from Patch.

  • 288 confirmed positive cases and 6 deaths in the City of Malibu to date
  • 1,038,092 confirmed cases and 14,384 deaths in LA County to date
  • 7,253 current hospitalizations in LA County, a decrease of 845 since January 12 

 The City’s Emergency Operations Center has been activated since March 12 to manage the City’s response. Current operational objectives include: 

  • Monitor news for changes to regulations that impact City residents and businesses
  • Post updates on all social media platforms on an as-needed basis
  • Identify City rules and regulations that need adjustment due to the pandemic
  • Respond to community concerns regarding compliance with State and County Public Health Orders
  • Maintain field operations per health guidelines and ramp up virtual operation capabilities
  • In addition, the City continues to provide nearly all regular City services and all staff are working. In order to protect visitors and City staff, visitors are allowed in City Hall by appointment only.

DRIVE-THROUGH COVID-19 TESTING AT CITY HALL JANUARY 28

The City, in partnership with Malibu Medical Group, will offer drive-thru COVID-19 testing at City Hall on Thursday, January 28, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Anyone seeking to be tested must be in line by 2:00 PM to get a test that day. Through this partnership the Malibu Medical provides RT-PCR tests, commonly referred to as the nasal swab test, and Rapid Antigen tests to those with symptoms to help identify positive cases more quickly and help slow the spread of COVID-19 through the area. Registration is required. To register, click on this link and complete the HIPPA Compliant form. 

Find out what's happening in Malibufor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The cost will be passed along to your insurance or the CARES Act. Therefore, you will need to supply all demographic information, insurance information and a copy of your insurance card. If you are uninsured, you must provide a driver license number or your Social Security number and sign an attestation verifying your lack of insurance coverage. All PCR results will be sent directly to patients through the laboratory’s patient portal. All Rapid Antigen results will be published through the Malibu Medical Group patient portal.  

watch video of LADPH's COVID-19 Vaccine Virtual Town Hall 

Video of the LA County Department of Public Health's January, 19, 2021 COVID-19 Vaccine Virtual Town Hall is  available to view on-demand. Public health officials give the latest information on the vaccines and distribution plans. For more vaccine information, visit the LADPH vaccination webpage.

UPDATED LA COUNTY HEALTH OFFICER ORDERS

On December 30, the Los Angeles County Public Health Officer issued a revised Temporary Targeted Safer at Home Health Officer Order to remain in effect for as long as the State's Public Health Officer's Regional Stay at Home Order remains in effect for the Southern California region. On December 17, the County Public Health Officer issued a revised Public Health Isolation Order (for people who tested positive for COVID-19) and a revised Public Health Emergency Quarantine Order (for those who came in close contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19). More information and guidance on how to comply with these orders is available on the LA County Department Public Health’s website.

STATE ISSUED REGIONAL STAY AT HOME ORDER IN EFFECT

On December 6, the State issued a Regional Stay at Home Order for Southern California went into effect as the region's ICU capacity fell below the threshold established by the State Order. The order prohibits private gatherings of any size, closes in-person operations except for critical infrastructure, and establishes capacity limits for retail and grocery stores. More information is available on the State's website. The order will not be lifted until the region's projected ICU capacity meets or exceeds 15%.

TRAVEL ADVISORIES 

On December 30, Los Angeles County issued a mandatory directive on travel requiring any travelers returning to LA County, or travelers coming to LA County to self-quarantine for 10 days. This is in furtherance of the State’s Travel Advisory, which provides both that Californians stay home or in their region and avoid non-essential travel. People who arrive into any region of California should self-quarantine for 10 days after arrival. 

(new) seniors can now make an appointment for COVID-19 VACCINE 

Residents 65 and older in Los Angeles County can now make an appointment to get the COVID-19 vaccine online or by phone at: 833-540-0473. Space is limited but will grow as the County obtains more vaccine doses, so please be patient. The County has committed to eventually getting a vaccine to every person who wants one. 

Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) is working closely with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the CDC on the allocation, distribution, and administration of COVID-19 vaccine throughout the County. Vaccine is being made available to individuals in three phases of prioritization (with sub-phases and tiers) until larger vaccine supplies become available. You can get general information on the vaccine and sign up for alerts and updated on the LACDPH's COVID-19 Vaccine webpage. Here are some additional resources from LACDPH:

(NEW) LA COUNTY TO LAUNCH LOAN PROGRAM TO HELP STABILIZE SMALL BUSINESSES DURING THE PANDEMIC

The County's Small Business Stabilization Loan Program is an affordable and flexible business loan program to support and help stabilize businesses the County. Loans range from $50,000 to $3 million, and can be used for working capital, equipment purchases, inventory or refinancing of existing loans that are at higher interest rates. The application period starts January 28, 2021, and will remain open indefinitely. Eligible businesses will be required to attend the “Applying for An Affordable & Flexible LACDA Loan” webinar and complete a one-on-one counseling session. Learn more on the program website.

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. 

MALIBU REBUILDS STATISTICS

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

  • Single Family Dwellings building permits issued - 166
  • Single Family Dwellings complete - 20
  • Multifamily – Malibu Garden Apartment permits were issued -12 apartment units

MALIBU REBUILDS – DEADLINE FOR NON-CONFORMING STRUCTURES IS NOVEMBER 8, 2021

The deadline for the residents to submit an application to rebuild non-conforming homes and structures destroyed in the Woolsey Fire without having to bring the structure into compliance or seek variances is November 8, 2021. To submit your rebuild application, contact Aakash Shah at ashah@malibucity.org or at 310-456-2489, ext. 385.

MALIBU REBUILDS - FEE WAIVER DEADLINEs 

The deadline to apply for Woolsey Fire rebuild fee waivers was December 30, 2020. The deadline passed to apply to the Planning Department for fire rebuild projects in order for them to be considered complete by December 30, 2020. Going forward, to qualify for a fee waiver relating to building permits, all required building permits must be obtained by June 30, 2021. On January 11, 2021, the Council directed staff to come back with an item to evaluate the fiscal impact of extending the fee waiver program, and will discuss it on February 8, 2021 as part of the mid-year budget hearing. For more information, visit the City’s Fee Waiver web page. 

MALIBU REBUILDS - deadline for non-conforming structures extended to NOVEMBER 8, 2021

The City Council voted on December 14, 2020 extend the deadline to apply to rebuild non-conforming structures destroyed in the Woolsey Fire without having to bring the structure into compliance or seek variances until November 8, 2021. In addition, the deadline to obtain building permits has been extended to November 8, 2023. The staff report is available on the City's website. To submit your rebuild application, contact Aakash Shah at ashah@malibucity.org or at 310-456-2489, ext. 385.

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 Page. 

WILDFIRE SEASON PREPAREDNESS

The City’s Public Safety staff are prepared and ready to respond in the event of a wildfire that is threatening Malibu. Although fires can happen any time during the year, the most damaging fires occur in the fall and early winter when hot, dry, powerful Santa Ana winds are blowing, and fuel moistures are low. With each Red Flag Warning, the City’s EOC Team is placed on standby and all city employees are advised to be prepared for a full response. In addition, Public Safety staff participate in daily conference calls with County Fire and the National Weather Service to ensure that the City’s situational awareness is up to speed. Wildfire preparedness resources are listed below:

WILDFIRE SEASON: WILDFIRE AND FIRE SAFETY WEBPAGE

To help prepare for peak wildfire season, community members are encouraged to visit the City’s Wildfire Preparedness & Fire Safety webpage for information and resources, including, Home Ignition Zone Assessments, the Community Wildfire Protection Plan, How to Create a Defensible Home, How to Build an Action Plan, Red Flag Warning and Fire Weather Watch, Weed Whacker Safety and more. For more information or assistance, or to request a Home Ignition Zone Assessment, contact Fire Safety Liaison Jerry Vandermeulen at 310-456-2489, ext. 387 or FireSafety@malibucity.org. 

WILDFIRE SEASON: CURRENT LIVE FUEL MOISTURE

Tracking live fuel moisture (LFM) is an important part of maintaining situational awareness and determining critical fire danger and/or Red Flag Conditions. The LFM in the Santa Monica Mountains remains at the critical level of 60%. LFM is defined as the percentage of water content to dry matter content in live vegetation. LFM can be as high as 200% and critical levels (60% or less) are usually reached by mid-October in a “normal” year. The Los Angeles County Fire Department Forestry Division conducts sampling approximately every two weeks and posts the results on their website.

SHORT-TERM RENTAL PERMIT PROGRAM EFFECTIVE JANUARY 15, 2021

The City has received 188 applications and has issued 116 permits. Effective January 15, 2021, the short-term rental of residential property can only be conducted in accordance with a valid Short-Term Rental (STR) Permit as established by Ordinance No. 468. Advertising or operating residential property as a short-term rental without a permit as of January 15, 2021 will be considered a violation of Ordinance No. 468 and Malibu Municipal Code Chapter 17.55 (Property owners may apply for a permit at any time, but may not operate without a permit). The short-term rental of property or the advertisement, offer, or facilitation, of such rental without a valid short-term rental permit shall be subject to a fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) per day or violation, or twice the advertised short-term rental’s daily rental rate per day or violation, whichever is higher. The STR Permit Application is available on the City's website. To date, the City has received approximately 100 applications that are currently being reviewed. Please submit applications as soon as possible as they may take some time to review. Applications received now are not guaranteed to be processed by January 15. For questions or assistance filling out your application, contact STRSupport@malibucity.org or call the City’s short-term rental support line at 310-456-2489, ext. 381. 

(new) OVERSIZE VEHICLE ORDINANCE

In order to implement the City's Oversize Vehicle Ordinance (adopted in December 2017), which restricts parking for commercial and non-commercial oversize vehicles and trailers citywide, a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) is required. On January 19, 2021, the Planning Commission approved two CDPs to install regulatory signs for the ordinance at the City boundaries. Once the local and California Coastal Commission appeal periods have expired, the signs will be installed. For more information, see the staff report.  

WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FACILITY URGENCY ORDINANCE adopted

On Wednesday, December 9, the City Council held a Special Meeting and adopted an Urgency Ordinance, as amended, to regulate the permitting of wireless facilities in public rights-of-way and adopted a resolution to establish design and development standards and standard permit conditions for wireless facilities in public rights-of-way. For more information on the background of the Urgency Ordinance view the agenda and staff report online.

(new) WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FACILITY ORDINANCE UPDATE hearings

The City is updating its Wireless Communication Facility (WCF) Ordinance. The Planning Commission will hold a virtual public hearing on the draft WCF ordinance on February 1, 6:30 PM. The staff report will be posted on the website prior to the meeting. Once the Planning Commission makes its recommendation on the draft ordinance, a City Council public hearing will be scheduled to consider the draft ordinance. In addition to public meetings, as part of efforts to incorporate community input, the City will be releasing an online survey in the near future. For more information visit the project web page.

(new) proposals for wcf APPLICATION REVIEW services in council january 25

On September 29, 2020, Council directed that the City issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Wireless Communication Facilities (WCF) Application Review Services. The City received four proposals, conducted interviews and evaluated the proposals and associated fees. The City Council considered the award of contract item on January 11, and directed staff to come back with an amended scope of work to include post-approval compliance including conducting final inspections, emissions and noise testing, enforcement of unpermitted facilities, and mapping existing wireless facilities. For more information see the staff report. The revised agreements will be considered by the Council on January 25 and the staff report will be posted prior to the meeting on the website. 

report of wcf APPLICATIONs under REVIEW available on the website

In order to keep members of the public informed of WCF applications under review by the Planning Department, pending WCF applications are posted on the City’s website. The report will be updated when the status of an application changes, or a public comment period begins. To sign up for notifications of a new or updated WCF applications, email psalazar@malibucity.org.  In an effort to better inform the community and give opportunities to provide public comment on pending applications, the public notice has been revised to clarify the public comment period, explain the status of the application pending review and how to inspect records, and provide more information regarding the location of the pending WCF application. 

HOLIDAY LIGHTS AND THE DARK SKY ORDINANCE

Seasonal lighting is allowed between November 15 and January 15 only. To protect Malibu’s dark skies, outside of the seasonal lighting dates, string lights are only allowed in occupied dining and entertainment areas, and may not be used as landscape lights. For more information on the regulations, visit the Dark Skies Ordinance webpage.

DIGITAL WINTER RECREATION GUIDE AND CITY NEWSLETTER

The redesigned Digital Winter Recreation Guide and City Newsletter is now available online. The guide features several changes, including a more modern look and streamlined layout that will be more reader-friendly and easier to navigate. The guide covers January through March 2021 and includes information regarding the Virtual Student Art Exhibit, recreation programs, facilities, and the Permanent Skate Park project. The guide is available on the City's Parks webpage. 

(NEW) FULL MOON HIKE AT CHARMLEE WILDERNESS PARK

Join local instructor Marguerite Nesteruk at Charmlee Wilderness Park on January 28 for our first full moon hike of 2021. The hike will begin at 6:30 PM, and participants will explore the park and local wildlife while experiencing the park's beauty in a nighttime setting. The free hike is available to adults 18 and older, and you can RSVP by e-mail to Adrianna Fiori at afiori@malibucity.org.

(NEW) APPLY NOW FOR TAX SAVINGS UNDER THE COUNTY HOMEOWNER'S EXEMPTION

Homeowners in LA County can apply to have the assessed value of a home or condo that is the primary residence reduced by $7,000 for tax purposes under the the Homeowners’ Exemption (HOX). The deadline to apply for this year is February 15, 2021. If you miss the deadline, you may still apply and get prorated savings this year, and the full amount in following years. For more information and to apply, visit the County Assessor's website.

(NEW) CIVIC CENTER WATER TREATMENT FACILITY PHASE 2 COMMUNITY MEETING JANUARY 26

The City will hold a virtual community meeting to present an update to the public on the design of the Civic Center Water Treatment Facility (CCWTF) Phase Two on Tuesday, January 26, 2021, 6:00 PM to consider a Coastal Development Permit (CDP), Variance, and an addendum to the Final Environmental Impact Report. The CDP will allow the expansion of the CCWTF to Phase 2 of the Prohibition Area, including portions of the Civic Center, Malibu Colony, and Serra Retreat communities. Project components include improvements to the treatment plant site. For more details, see the Notice of Public Hearing. Meeting information and viewing and commenting instructions are posted. For background information about the CCWTF, visit the project web page. 

CIVIC CENTER WAY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT phase one extended to february

This project will improve visibility and create additional space to improve safety and mobility for motorists, pedestrians, bicyclist and public transit along Civic Center Way between Malibu Canyon Road and Webb Way. Due to unforeseen conditions and weather concerns, Phase 1 of the project including the Civic Center Way closure has been extended. The project is expected to be completed by March 2021 as originally announced. However, the Phase 1 closure (Civic Center Way between Vista Pacifica and the private driveway of 23901 Civic Center Way) has been extended until the first week in February. At that time the Phase 2 closures will start (both directions between the entry to Malibu Canyon Village Condos to Webb Way). The Phase 2 closure is expected to be completed by the end of February, weather permitting. Work hours will be Monday through Friday 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM with some work scheduled on Saturdays. Emergency vehicle access, and access to adjacent side streets or private driveways will be preserved. Work will stop during Red Flag warnings. Additional information is on the City’s website. Additional information is on the City’s website. 

(NEW) CLIFFSIDE UTILITY UNDERGROUNDING DISTRICT

The City received a letter from the property owners on Cliffside Drive requesting the City’s assistance with forming an assessment district to underground the overhead utilities on Cliffside Drive east of Fernhill Drive and the City Council directed staff on July 13 to proceed with the project and assist with forming the assessment district. The City received two proposals and have completed the evaluation process. The City Council approved an agreement with 30 Three Sixty Public Finance, Inc. to perform Assessment Engineering Services for this project and staff is working with the assessment engineer and community. Once the facilities, including ownership, are identified, staff will hold a meeting Southern California Edison (SCE), cable/telecommunication companies and community representatives.

DUME DRIVE AND FERNHILL DRIVE SPEED HUMPS PROJECT complete

This project includes the installation of speed humps on Dume Drive and Fernhill Drive from Grayfox Street to Cliffside Drive. The project has been completed and staff is preparing the closeout documents.

CITY HALL ROOF REPLACEMENT PROJECT

Work is expected to begin in February 2021 on the project to replace the City Hall roof. Staff has completed design, construction bids were received in November, 2020, and the project was awarded to the low bidder, 101 Roofing and Construction, Inc., on January 11. 

MCCLURE TUNNEL IMPROVEMENTS AND SAFETY ENHANCEMENT PROJECT

Caltrans began work in the first week of January 2021 on a project to upgrade the tunnel lighting system in the McClure Tunnel and install a queue warning system on the Santa Monica Freeway (I-10) and PCH in Santa Monica. The project is anticipated to be completed in Spring 2021. The work zone spans one-mile from Lincoln Blvd on I-10 to the Broadway Pedestrian Overcrossing on PCH. Overnight full closures (7:00 PM to 6:00 AM) of the McClure Tunnel and nearby ramps will occur during construction. Motorists should plan to use alternate routes. 

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.

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