Malibu City Manager Updates August 14, 2020

Press release from the City of Malibu:

August 13, 2020

Upcoming

• Saturday, August 15, 9 AM - 2 PM, Free E-Waste & Shredding Event - Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station
• Monday, August 17, 6:30 PM, Virtual Planning Commission Meeting
• Tuesday, August 18, 5:30 PM Virtual Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting
• Monday, August 24, 6:30 PM, Virtual City Council Meeting

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. Key updates from the County’s COVID-19 Dashboard as of August 12, 2020 include the following:

• 88 confirmed cases and 3 deaths in the City of Malibu - an increase of 5 cases and 1 death from August 5
• 216,139 confirmed cases and 5,171 deaths in LA County - an increase of 18,227 cases and 346 deaths from August 5
• 1,481 current hospitalizations in LA County - a decrease of 287 from August 5

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.

2020 Wildfire SEASON PREPAREDNESS

The City’s Public Safety staff are in full stride preparing for the upcoming fire season. Although fires can happen any time during the year, the most damaging fires occur in the fall and early winter when Santa Ana winds are blowing, and fuel moistures are low. City staff participated in a virtual exercise with regional response partners on Thursday, August 6 to begin coordinating communication and response actions. The exercise scenario focused on a fire in Topanga that was moving quickly toward Malibu. Some of the strategies that were discussed included directing evacuees west, utilizing Zuma as a temporary safe refuge, and deploying emergency generators to traffic signals if power is lost. Some of the action items from the exercise included working with the agency partners to draft emergency messaging templates that will be consistent across the region, developing a plan for managing a temporary safe refuge area at Zuma Beach, and conducting a public education campaign regarding the newly established evacuation zones. To complement this exercise, City staff will participate in virtual Emergency Operations Center exercises to practice new procedures based on COVID-19 pandemic restraints.

Community preparedness events are being planned in September as part of National Preparedness Month. Events will include a series of webinars and community meetings using a virtual meeting platform. In addition, staff recently developed a weed whacker fire safety flyer that is available to community groups to distribute and/or post on community bulletin boards. The flyer can be found in English and Spanish on the City’s Wildfire and Fire Safety Page.

2020 Wildfire SEASON: Wildfire and Fire Safety Web Page

To help prepare for peak wildfire season, community members are encouraged to visit the City’s Wildfire and Fire Safety page, for ongoing information and resources. Topics featured on the webpage include:

• 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
• Live Fuel Moisture
• House Fire Safety
• Weed Whacker Safety

For more information about any of these topics, contact Fire Safety Liaison Jerry Vandermeulen at 310-456-2489, ext. 387 or JVandermeulen@malibucity.org, or FireSafety@malibucity.org.

2020 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. As of 8/11/20, LFM was at 72%, which is down from 77% one month ago. At this time last year, LFM was at 78%. In the Santa Monica Mountains, 60% live fuel moisture is considered critical.

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. The full Los Angeles County Live Fuel Moisture summary and the current Santa Monica Mountains Live Fuel Moisture graph are both available online.

2020 Wildfire SEASON: SIGN UP FOR ALERTS AND DISASTER NOTIFICATIONS

If you are not already signed up to receive alerts and disaster notifications, now is the time to get that done. Make sure all members of your family, business, or organization are signed up for emergency, weather and traffic alerts by text and email from the City. To sign up, visit the E-notify web page and scroll down to Alert Center. When there is an imminent threat to any part of our community, the City issues disaster notifications to the specific area that is being threatened. To sign up for the City’s Disaster Notification system, visit the Disaster Notifications sign up portal. If the threat is widespread, the City can issue a Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) which goes to all cell phones within the City. You do not need to be signed up for a WEA. For more information about all of the City’s different types of alerts, go to the City’s Alerts and Emergency Notification Page.

2020 Wildfire SEASON: OBTAIN A DOLPHIN DECAL FOR RESIDENT ONLY ROAD CLOSURES

Malibu’s Dolphin Decal vehicle identification program was established to assist emergency personnel in identifying residents and other individuals who need to access their homes and businesses during some types of emergencies. In the event of a Resident Only road closure, the Dolphin Decal may expedite passage into the restricted area. When approaching a roadblock, all motorists will be checked for proof of residency or business in the Malibu area or to ensure they have a Dolphin Decal on their vehicle. This decal is used to assist in identification only and gives no special rights or privileges to the holder. Decals are non-transferable and non-refundable. There is no expiration date on the decals.

To get a Dolphin Decal, complete the application form available on the City’s website. Mail the completed form with a copy of a utility bill, driver’s license, or other proof of residency along with a check for $5 to: City of Malibu, 23825 Stuart Ranch Road, Malibu, CA 90265.

For more information, go to the City’s Dolphin Decal Program Page or call City Hall at 310-456-2489.

2020 Wildfire SEASON: EMERGENCY SURVIVAL GUIDE

The Malibu Emergency Survival Guide is now available. The Guide is based on the Los Angeles County Survival Guide but customized for Malibu. This comprehensive booklet includes information about creating an emergency plan, emergency food and supplies, what to do when disaster strikes, basic first aid, important phone numbers and hazards specific to Malibu. The City encourages neighborhood and community groups to make an appointment to pick up the booklets in bulk to distribute in your neighborhood. To make an appointment to pick up the guide for your neighborhood/community group, contact Sarah Kaplan, Public Safety Specialist, at skaplan@malibucity.org or 310-456-2489, ext. 368.

MALIBU REBUILDS STATISTICS

Since the Woolsey Fire, the Planning Department has approved approximately 554 applications of which 243 are for single-family residences. Based on those approvals, Building Safety has issued 132 permits for single-family dwellings and issued 12 permits for a 12-unit multi-family apartment complex. Seven single-family homes have been completed, and several more are close to completion. Get all the up to date rebuild statistics on the City’s Rebuild Statistics web page.

NEW BUILDING SAFETY ONLINE PERMITTING SERVICES

Over the counter permits (building, mechanical, electrical, spa/pool, and plumbing) can now be submitted through the new Online Building Permit Request Portal. To help facilitate Building Safety reviews, Building Safety has transitioned to electronic plan check submittals, permits, and invoices. Visit the City’s Building and Safety Page. to find out how to start an electronic plan check submittal and permit request or email mbuilding@malibucity.org for more information.

MALIBU REBUILDS DEADLINES

Residents are encouraged to submit their rebuild projects in order to meet upcoming deadlines:

• November 8 – Apply to rebuild non-conforming homes and structures without having to bring the structure into compliance or seek variances.
• December 30 – Obtain a complete Planning application by this date in order for eligible home-owners to receive fee waivers. All required building permits must be pulled by June 30, 2021.

For details about the fee waiver program and rebuild options, visit the City’s Rebuild page https://www.malibucity.org/904/Rebuilding. The Fire Rebuild team is available for complimentary one-on-one consultations by contacting Aakash Shah at AShah@malibucity.org.

SHORT-TERM RENTALS

The next public hearing regarding short-term rental (STR) regulations will be at the City Council meeting on September 14, 2020. Based Council’s direction at its August 10 public hearing, staff will present three draft ordinances: 1) Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) No. 17-002, which was discussed on August 10, back for reconsideration 2) a revised version of ZTA No. 17-002 that removes the primary resident and other requirements so as to focus on providing enforcement tools against nuisance properties while the Hosted STR ordinance is processed, and 3) the Santa Monica-style “Hosted” STR Ordinance, which involves a Local Coastal Program (LCP) amendment and ZTA. The “Hosted” ordinance would require the presence of an onsite host during most short-term rentals. 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 including the background on these proposed regulations, visit the City’s STR webpage.

SMALL BUSINESS GRANT PROGRAM

On August 10, City Council approved funding to launch a Small Business Grant (SBG) Program meant to support small, local businesses in the community that are struggling amidst the coronavirus pandemic. The City’s SBG Program will provide grants up to $10,000 to eligible businesses that create or retain a job for a low- and moderate-income worker. Program will be administered by the Los Angeles Community Development Authority (LACDA). To apply, businesses must submit an intake form during the five-day open application period, August 24-28, 2020. The intake form will be available on the LACDA website starting on Monday, August 24. For more information on the program and eligibility go to the City’s SBG Program web page.

SUPPORT FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES

The City Council continues to implement planning regulations to help local businesses impacted by COVID-19 public health orders:

• Temporary Waiving of Sign Ordinance - August 10, the City Council directed staff to develop an urgency ordinance similar to the South Pasadena ordinance to temporarily waive certain sign code requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Restaurants - The City Council recently adopted the Temporary Restaurant Recovery Program allowing local restaurants to temporarily expand their seating areas to adjacent common areas or sidewalks with physical distancing and other public health protocols in place to slow the spread of coronavirus. To date, the Planning Department has processed 14 permits For more information about this program, visit the project web page.

PARKING MANAGEMENT PLAN – CORRAL BEACH AND ZUMA BEACH AREAS

On August 24, the City Council will hold a public hearing to update Ordinance 460 to implement parking restriction in the Corral Beach and Zuma Beach areas. A Coastal Development Permit would need to be processed prior to sign installation in these locations. To view the staff report, visit the City Council agenda center.

COASTAL COMMISSION HEARINGS – AUGUST 12

On August 12, the California Coastal Commission (CCC) considered three items related to Malibu. Here is a summary of the items:

• Fire-Resistant Landscape Ordinance – The CCC certified the LCP amendment without objection and the City’s ordinance is now in effect. In March 2020, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 461 which amended the Malibu Municipal Code and Local Coastal Program to foster more fire-resistant landscapes.
• Appeal Hearing – Prior to the CCC hearing, the appellant withdrew the appeal, so the City Council’s June 8, 2020 approval of a Coastal Development Permit for a project located at 21490 Paseo Portola CDP is now final.
• Pepperdine University Study Wellness Center – The CCC approved the Notice of Impending Development.

The staff reports are available on the CCC website.

TRANCAS CREEK BRIDGE REPLACEMENT

Caltrans is proposing to replace the existing Trancas Creek on Pacific Coast Highway. On September 8, the Planning Commission will hold a virtual public hearing to consider the project. The project requires a Coastal Development Permit to be issued by the City as well as adoption of the CEQA environmental document. On Friday, July 31, the Environmental Review Board reviewed and commented on the project. For more information regarding the hearing, please review the Notice of Public Hearing. The staff report will be available on the City’s website prior to the meeting. To receive an e-notification regarding the availability of the agenda and report, go to the notifications page and subscribe to Agenda Center/Planning Commission. For more information, visit the project web page.

EMERGENCY OUTDOOR SIREN SOUND STUDY RESULTS

In December 2019, the City contracted with Mission Critical Partners to perform a sound study for a system of outdoor emergency warning sirens in Malibu to determine the quantity and location of sirens needed for effective coverage. The final report was completed in June and includes three options for consideration, estimated equipment costs for each and sound coverage maps illustrating the results during normal conditions as well as high wind events. In addition to the City’s topography, two factors that have a big impact on siren sound coverage are wind and home insulation. Sound coverage is dramatically reduced when people are inside their homes and winds are blowing at 40 mph or more. The results were presented to the Public Safety Commission on August 5 and will be presented to the City Council at the September 14 Meeting.

One Call to city hall 800-395-9084

Please dial 800-395-9084 to reach One Call to City Hall services. The 800 number will be answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week for community members to report issues or contact City staff during non-business hours. For life-threatening emergencies, please call 911.

AUGUST 15 SHRED DAY AND E-WASTE DRIVE

On Saturday, August 15 from 9 am to 2 pm, the Lost Hills Sheriff ‘s Station (27050 Agoura Rd, Calabasas) will be hosting a personal document destruction and electronic waste disposal event. For more information and learn what materials are being accepted, visit the Environmental Program Calendar https://www.malibucity.org/envirocalendar or www.LostHiIlls.LASD.org

SELF-REGENERATING WATER SOFTENER BAN

The City has adopted a ban on the use of salt-based regenerative water softeners for properties connected to the Civic Center Wastewater Treatment Facility to reduce the salts in the groundwater. Installation of new salt and potassium chloride-based self–regenerating water softeners is prohibited. Existing self-regenerating water softeners at properties connected to the Civic Center Wastewater Treatment Facility must be removed by October 28, 2020.

PASSPORT SERVICES

In order to keep City staff and the community safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, the City is not accepting passport appointments at this time. The U.S. Department of State has a phased plan for reopening services and, as of Monday, August 3, a total of 12 passport agencies and centers are in phase one, and six agencies and centers are in phase two of its three-phase reopening plan. Appointments at passport agencies and centers are limited to customers who must travel internationally in the next 72 hours due to a life-or-death emergency. Please visit https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html to view the Department reopening plan and current international travel advisories.

NOVEMBER 3, 2020 GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION

There will be a limited number of Vote Centers available for the November 3, 2020 election. Register to vote by October 19, 2020, to automatically be sent a Vote by Mail ballot for the November 3, 2020 election. Visit the County https://lavote.net/home/voting-elections/voter-registration/register-to-vote/register web page to register or check your current registration.

VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER

The Environmental Sustainability Department’s Virtual Environmental Center Malibucity.org/VirtualEnviro allows residents to enjoy virtual activities from home and learn about the City’s environmental projects. Virtual activities include Smart Gardening webinars (July-September), California Friendly Landscaping and Turf Removal webinars (July-October), and recycling tips.

VIRTUAL RECREATION CENTER

The Community Services Department’s Virtual Recreation Center allows residents to enjoy recreation programs from home during the pandemic. The Virtual Recreation Center features a wide variety of programs, activities, and classes designed to help residents of any age stay active and entertained. Programs are updated frequently, so make sure to check back regularly. You can visit the Virtual Recreation Center at MalibuCity.org/VirtualRec.

Malibu bluffs park and skate park closed

Due to current COVID-19 conditions, and to protect the health and safety of visitors and City staff, Malibu Bluffs Park and the Skate Park are temporarily closed. Online reservations for the Skate Park have also been suspended during the closure. Please visit the Community Services Department Web Page Services Department Web Page at MalibuCity.org/Parks for updates regarding the reopening of Malibu Bluffs Park and the Skate Park, as they become available.

Community Pool

The Community Pool is open with limited programming and COVID-19 safety guidelines. Swimmers may view available dates/times or register for the SeaWolves Swim Program, Masters Swim, and Lap Swim online at MalibuCity.org/Register. Please note: Due to limited pool space, Lap Swim is only available by making a reservation through the online reservation system. No walk-ups are allowed.

CIVIC CENTER WAY IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT

This project will improve the horizontal and vertical sight distance and create additional space for all modes of travel along Civic Center Way between Malibu Canyon Road and Webb Way. On August 10, 2020, Council awarded a construction contract to GMZ Engineering, Inc. Work on the project is expected to begin around August 24. Work hours will be Monday though Friday 7:00AM to 4:00PM. Traffic control for this project will include lane closures and partial street closures. Motorists should expect delays in the area during construction.

POINT DUME SPEED HUMPS

This project has been put on hold due to scheduling issues with the City’s Annual Street Overlay Project. Staff will work with the Point Dume community when the project is ready to move forward.

Guardrail Replacement Project

The Guardrail Replacement Project consists of replacement of the damaged guardrails from the Woolsey Fire at various locations within the City. The contractor continues to work at the following locations:

• Encinal Canyon (between Avenida Del Mar and Avenida De La Encinal)
• Birdview Avenue (between Westward Beach Road and Bluewater Road)
• Wildlife Road (between Zumirez Drive and Selfridge Street)
• Latigo Canyon (between PCH and Ocean View Drive)
• Corral Canyon (between PCH and Seabreeze Drive)

County of Los Angeles now anticipates that the project will be completed by October 2020.

Storm Drain Trash Screens

This project proposes to install new trash screen protection devices on storm drain inlets to help eliminate debris, trash, leaves, etc. from entering the storm drain system. On August 6th, the City received three construction bids. The apparent low bidder is Untied Storm Water Inc. Staff will be bring the construction contract to City Council for award on September 14.

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. During the July 13th City Council meeting, staff was directed to proceed with the project and work with the property owners to start the process of forming the underground assessment district. A Request for Qualifications for assessment engineering services is currently advertised. Proposals are due on September 10.

FEMA Preliminary Flood Maps Appeal

The City is in the process of appealing the revised FEMA Preliminary Flood Maps. These revised maps change the flood zone and flood depth along the City’s coastline. The proposed changes could have an impact to all existing properties and any new development along the beach. Since December 2019, the City’s consultant (Moffat & Nichol) conducted several conference calls with FEMA regarding the City’s proposed methodology to determine the base flood elevations along the coastline. They also performed a new land survey and then re-calculated the depth of flooding along the coastline. The majority of the sections analyzed showed a lower base flood elevation. Last week, the City’s consultant submitted the revised calculations to FEMA for their review. The City is expecting FEMA’s review process to take until November 2020. More information can be obtained at the City’s website: https://www.malibucity.org/806/Floodplain-Management

FEMA informed the City that they will suspend processing any Flood Map revisions starting August 14, 2020. All applications for Flood Map revisions received prior to August 14, 2020 will be processed and completed. The City verified with FEMA that they have received the City’s Flood Map revisions. FEMA is currently reviewing the City’s Flood Map revisions and will not suspend this process.

Requests for Proposals/Qualifications

The City currently has the following request for proposals/qualifications out for bid:

• Request for Proposals for City Treasurer
• Request for Qualifications for Engineering Services - Cliffside Dr. Proposed Undergrounding District

E-NOTIFICATIONS

The City maintains a robust e-notification system so the community can stay informed about all of 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.