Community Corner

Malibu City Manager Updates August 28, 2020

93 confirmed cases and 3 deaths in the City of Malibu - an increase of 2 cases and no increase in deaths from August 19

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Press release from the City of Malibu:

August 28, 2020

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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. Key updates from the County’s COVID-19 Dashboard as of August 26, 2020 include the following:

  • 93 confirmed cases and 3 deaths in the City of Malibu - an increase of 2 cases and no increase in deaths from August 19
  • 236,986 confirmed cases and 5,663 deaths in LA County - an increase of 8,040 cases and 217 deaths from August 19
  • 1,186 current hospitalizations in LA County - a decrease of 192 from August 19

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

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  • 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.

MASK ORDINANCE

On August 10, the City Council directed staff to bring back an urgency ordinance requiring all individuals to wear a face covering while in public similar to the ordinance recently enacted by the City of Hermosa Beach. This item will return to the City Council for consideration on September 14.

SUPPORT FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES

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

  • Temporary Waiving of Sign Regulations - August 10, the City Council directed staff to develop an urgency ordinance to temporarily waive certain sign code requirements during the COVID-19 pandemic. A City Council public hearing is scheduled for September 14 on this urgency ordinance. For more information, please review the Notice of Public Hearing.
  • 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.

Small Business Grant Program

On August 24, the City launched a Small Business Grant (SBG) Program 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 low-or moderate-income worker. The program is being administered by the Los Angeles Community Development Authority (LACDA). To apply, businesses must submit an intake form during the five-day open between August 24-28, 2020. The last day to submit the intake form is Friday, August 28, 2020. More information on the program and eligibility requirements is available on the City’s SBG Program page.

MALIBU URGED TO COMPLETE 2020 CENSUS TO ENSURE FEDERAL FUNDING & CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATION

Every Malibu household is urged to complete the 2020 Census so that the Malibu community receives the federal funding it needs for roads, schools, hospitals and other public infrastructure, and to ensure Malibu is represented in the US House of Representatives. Currently, Malibu’s response rate is extremely low at just 38%, compared to the national rate of 64.6%, the California statewide rate of 66.7% and Los Angeles County’s rate of 62.1%. The Census Bureau will end field data collection and self-response options will close on September 30, 2020 to begin data processing. For more information or to take the Census online, visit https://2020census.gov. If you are unable to respond online, you can call 844-330-2020 and take the census over the phone. For questions or assistance call 844-330-2020.

Malibu REBUILD STATISTICS

  • Single Family Dwellings approved by Planning - 248
  • Single Family Dwellings permits issued – 142
  • Single Family Dwellings complete- 7
  • Multifamily – Malibu Garden apartment permits were issued -12 apartment units

Get all the up to date rebuild statistics on the City’s Rebuild Statistics web page.

MALIBU REBUILDS – November 8, 2020

Following the Woolsey Fire, the City amended the Zoning Ordinance to streamline the permitting process for fire rebuilds and update the Planning Verification process to allow fire victims two years to apply and four years to obtain a building permit to replace non-conforming structures in-kind in the same location on the site and at the same height, without having to bring them into conformance with current codes. The November 8 deadline to submit an application to rebuild non-conforming homes and structures without having to bring the structure into compliance or seek variances is fast approaching. The Fire Rebuild team is available for complimentary one-on-one consultations by contacting Aakash Shah at AShah@malibucity.org.

The Zoning Ordinance provides that extensions of the two- and four-year periods may be granted by the Planning Commission if the Commission finds, based on substantial evidence, that due to unusual circumstances, strict compliance with the two- or four-year time limit creates an undue hardship.

MALIBU REBUILDS – COUNCIL TO CONSIDER AMendments to the TIME EXTENSION process

On September 14, the City Council will consider initiating a code amendment to allow extension requests to be processed administratively by the Planning Director instead of the Planning Commission to further streamline the process.

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.

PLANNING DEPARTMENT PUBLIC NOTICES

If you have been temporarily displaced by the Woolsey Fire and are having difficulties receiving Planning Department public notices, you may receive notices via email by sending your request to the Planning Department at psalazar@malibucity.org. Also, to receive messages regarding public meetings, sign up at https://www.malibucity.org/list.aspx.

NOVEMBER 3, 2020 GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION

The filing period for write-in candidates begins on Tuesday, September 8 and runs through Tuesday, October 20. Please contact the City Clerk for details at hglaser@malibucity.org or by calling 310-456-2489, ext. 228.

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 web page to register or check your current registration.

National PREPAREDNESS Month

September is National Preparedness Month, and the Public Safety Office is hosting numerous events to encourage the public to get prepared. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all trainings, seminars, and briefings will be held online through Zoom digital conferencing service. All residents will be able to RSVP for any event on www.MalibuSafety.Eventbrite.com

The City is hosting the following presentations, seminars, and classes:

  • Tuesday, September 1, 6:00 PM – American Red Cross will provide a presentation on how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting its shelter operation plans, and what can be expected if evacuations occur and a shelter is opened. American Red Cross operates shelters during disasters, evacuations, and other extreme situations.
  • Wednesday, September 2, and Wednesday, September 23, 6:00 PM – New Evacuation Zones seminar will be held, moderated by Los Angeles County Fire Department Battalion Chief Drew Smith and Fire Safety Liaison Jerry Vandermeulen. The Evacuation Zones are part of the Mass Evacuation Plan that City Council adopted at its Regular meeting on February 24, 2020, following a recommendation from the Malibu Disaster Council. The Mass Evacuation Plan, an update to the City’s Emergency Operations Plan, was one of the findings of the working group assembled after the 2018 Woolsey Fire.
  • Thursday, September 10, 6:00 PM – The City will teach a class on Disaster Plans and Emergency Kits. The class will provide information and suggestions on how to create a disaster plan, build your own emergency kit, and ensure the kits have everything needed for the entire family.
  • Thursday, September 17, 6:00 PM – The City will offer an Earthquake Preparedness and Home Hazards course to help ensure every home is as safe as possible in an earthquake. Malibu is uniquely situated to be impacted by both local and distant earthquakes, so preparing now could lessen the impacts of earthquakes when they strike.
  • Thursday, September 22, 6:00 PM – The Community Fire Season Briefing will provide information about the current outlook for the upcoming peak fire season. Los Angeles County Fire Department Assistant Fire Chief Drew Smith, a Fire Behavior Analyst, will provide information on local fuel moisture, expected weather patterns, and what that means for Malibu.
  • Thursday, September 24, 6:00 PM – A Home Ignition Zone seminar, taught by Fire Safety Liaison Jerry Vandermeulen, will teach residents about the dangers of embers that can rain down on a home and property during a wildfire like hail during a storm. If these embers land in receptive fuels or become lodged in something easily ignited on or near a house, the home may be in jeopardy of burning. This area is commonly referred to as the Home Ignition Zone. By being ember-aware and acting ahead of time, a homeowner can substantially reduce the ember threat.
  • Tuesday, September 28, and Thursday, September 30, 6:00 PM – The City will host a Southern California Edison presentation about Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS). The presentations will provide residents with updated information about what to expect in the event of a PSPS and how best to prepare.
  • Disaster Notification System Test - Thursday, September 3, at 4:00 PM - the City will conduct a test of the Disaster Notification System. Residents of Malibu do not have to register, as the City has acquired a database of all cell phone numbers with a 90265 address. If you do not receive a message, contact the Public Safety Office at PublicSafety@MalibuCity.org.

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: EVACUATION PLAN

At its regular meeting on February 24, 2020, the City Council adopted the Mass Evacuation Plan as an update to the City’s Emergency Operations Plan. The Mass Evacuation Plan was created by a working group of public agencies assembled after the 2018 Woolsey Fire to improve disaster coordination, communication, and evacuation among all of the public agencies that might respond to a disaster. The Evacuation Plan was recently updated further to incorporate the State’s new evacuation terminology including:

  • Evacuation Order: Immediate threat to life. This is a lawful order to leave now. The area is lawfully closed to public access.
  • Evacuation Warning: Potential threat to life and/or property. Those who require additional time to evacuate, and those with pets and livestock should leave now.
  • Shelter in Place: Go indoors. Shut and lock doors and windows. Prepare to self-sustain until further notice and/or contacted by emergency personnel for additional direction.
  • Evacuation Order(s) Lifted: The formal announcement of lifting evacuations in an area currently under evacuation.
  • Hard Closure: Closed to all traffic except fire and law enforcement.
  • Soft Closure: Closed to all traffic except Fire, law enforcement and critical incident resources (i.e. Caltrans, city/county roads etc. or those needed to repair or restore infrastructure).
  • Resident Only Closure: Soft closure with the additional allowance of residents and local government agencies assisting with response and recovery.

The City’s Evacuation Plan is available on the City’s website.

2020 WILDFIRE SEASON: EVACUATION ZONES

As part of the City’s Mass Evacuation Plan, the City partnered with the Los Angeles County Fire and Sheriff’s Departments to establish official Evacuation Zones. The Zones follow Malibu’s historic fire corridors. In the event of a large fire, officials may use the Evacuation Zones to quickly identify the timing, order, and routes of evacuation for specific areas to be more effective and avoid traffic bottlenecks. The City will be mailing postcards to residents in September with their assigned Evacuation Zone. Residents are encouraged to become familiar with their Zone and evacuation routes and memorize their Evacuation Zone number. The Zones are available to view on the City’s website.

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 web page 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 August 25, 2020 the LFM was at 71%, which is down from 77% one month ago. 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 BLUFFS PARK AND SKATE PARK TO REOPEN AUGUST 31

Malibu Bluffs Park and the Skate Park will reopen on Monday, August 31, with COVID-19 restrictions in place. The City urges patrons visiting these facilities to follow all posted City rules and COVID-19 guidelines, to help keep visitors and staff safe, and to avoid future closures. The Skate Park will be open Monday – Friday from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM by reservation only, and hours will be adjusted as sunset occurs earlier in the fall. Skate sessions will be available in two-hour blocks through the City’s reservation system. Please visit the City’s Skate Park Web Page for more information regarding the reopening of the Skate Park or to make a reservation.

DRIVE-IN MOVIE SCREENING PERMIT

The Planning Department has approved an event permit filed by the Malibu Film Society for a one-time drive-in movie event on August 28, 2020 to be located at the Chili Cook-Off Site (23575 Civic Center Way) in compliance with the Public Health Orders. To view the event permit and for an onsite event contact, please review the event permit.

PESTICIDE AND RODENTICIDE BAN LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM AMENDMENT

On December 9, 2019, the City Council adopted a Local Coastal Program 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. Subsequently, the amendment was submitted to the California Coastal Commission (CCC) for certification. On June 19, 2020, the CCC deemed the amendment complete but will be proposing modifications to the City’s language. On September 10, instead of holding a hearing within 90 working days from the complete submittal of the amendment to the CCC, CCC staff will be recommending a one-year extension to hold the hearing, as provided by the Coastal Act. CCC staff believes this matter will be brought to hearing prior to one year; however, CCC staff would like additional time to work with Malibu staff. The staff report is available on the CCC website. Until the amendment is certified, a condition of approval regarding the prohibition will be added to coastal development permits. For more information, visit the Project Web Page.

MALIBU MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL CAMPUS PROJECT

The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) has issued a Notice of Preparation of an Environmental Impact Report and Scoping Meeting (NOP) for the proposed Malibu Middle & High School Campus Specific Plan and Local Coastal Program Amendment Project. Members of the public are invited to review and comment on the Initial Study. The public comment period is from August 20, 2020 to September 21, 2020. For information regarding the preparation of the Environmental Impact Report and the virtual Scoping Meeting to be held on September 9, 2020, please review the NOP. For a complete description of the project, please visit the SMMUSD project web page.

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 on 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, 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 Short-Term Rental web page.

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. For more information about the public hearing, view 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 "Planning Commission" in the Agenda Center section. For more information, visit the Trancas Creek Bridge Project web page.

PARKING USE ZONING/LCP AMENDMENT

On August 6, the Council’s Zoning Ordinance and Code Enforcement Subcommittee (ZORACES) discussed a proposed amendment 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 amendments are now ready to be considered by the Planning Commission and a virtual hearing will be held on September 21. Once the Planning Commission makes its recommendations on the amendments, the City Council will hold a hearing. 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 regarding the upcoming Planning Commission public hearing, review the Notice of Public Hearing.

5G WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY AND SMALL CELLS

In response to concerns expressed by residents, the City Council discussed 5G wireless technology and small cells at its August 24 meeting. After extensive input and discussion, the City Council directed staff to bring back a potential timeline for working on an updated Wireless Communication Facilities ordinance.

PARKING MANAGEMENT PLAN – CORRAL BEACH AND ZUMA BEACH AREAS

On August 24, the City Council held a hearing to update Ordinance 460 to implement parking restriction in the Corral Beach and Zuma Beach areas. On September 14, the Council will hold a second reading of the Ordinance. In order to implement the Ordinance, a Coastal Development Permit will need to be processed. The September 14 staff report will be available on the City’s website prior to the meeting.

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.

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 24, a total of 13 passport agencies and centers are in phase one, and nine 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 to view the Department’s reopening plan and current international travel advisories.

CLEAN POWER ALLIANCE DEFAULT CHANGE TO 100% GREEN POWER

In October 2019, City Council voted to adopt Clean Power Alliance’s (CPA) 100% Green Power as the default rate for CPA customers in the City to reduce the impacts of climate change and air pollution. Starting in October 2020, Malibu’s CPA customers will receive 100% renewable power generated by solar, wind and other renewable and carbon-free resources at a premium of 7-9% above SCE rates. Malibu’s CPA customers can choose a different rate option with lower cost and lower renewable content at any time and will receive postcards this week notifying them of the default change. To find out more or change your rates visit cleanpoweralliance.org/rates or call 888-585-3788.

Household Hazardous Waste AND ELECTRONIC WASTE

The City has scheduled the following environmental events with COVID-19 safety precautions:

If residents wish to dispose of HHZ and e-waste before these scheduled events, there are LA County HHW/E-Waste Collection Events and Permanent Collection Centers and S.A.F.E. Centers (Solvents/Automotive/Flammables/Electronics) around LA County available for residents’ use.

VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER

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

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.

PERMANENT SKATE PARK – VIRTUAL PUBLIC DESIGN MEETING #1

The first Virtual Public Design Meeting for the Permanent Skate Park will take place on Wednesday, September 2. Participants will be able to log-on via Zoom or YouTube to watch the meetings, learn about the project, and provide feedback regarding the design. In order to accommodate as many participants as possible, four one-hour sessions will be held at 3:00, 4:00, 5:00, and 6:00 PM, with up to 20 active participants per session. For more information on how to watch or participate in the meeting, please visit MalibuCity.org/SkatePark.

AFTER-SCHOOL CAMPS

A limited number of after-school camps will be offered in Fall 2020. Camps begin the week of September 2 with several sports and science options available for youth, grades 1 through 12. Additional options will be available throughout the fall. For more information or to register, please visit the City’s Community Classes Web Page.

VIRTUAL RECREATION CENTER

The Community Services Department’s Virtual Recreation Center (VRC) allows residents to enjoy recreation programs from home during the pandemic. The VRC 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.

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 City’s online reservation system. No walk-ups are allowed.

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 will be working on the project 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 (PCH to Seabreeze Drive)

The remaining work is anticipated to be completed by October 2020.

Routine Street Maintenance

City maintenance crews continue to monitor and maintain all City streets and canyon roads. This includes but is not limited to signs, striping, litter removal, pothole repairs, storm drain maintenance and various other repair work. Additionally, crews continue to assist Caltrans with litter and debris removal along Pacific Coast Highway. Crews also continue to assist and monitor temporary parking restrictions as requested in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

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 on the City’s Floodplain Management web page.

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.

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 6, the City received three construction bids. The apparent low bidder is Untied Storm Water Inc. Staff will present the construction contract to City Council for approval on September 14.

Bluffs Park Workout Station

This project proposes to install a new work out station at Bluffs Park. On August 13, the City received three construction bids. The apparent low bidder is Civic Construction Associates. Staff will present the construction contract to City Council for approval on September 14.

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.

CIVIC CENTER WAY IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT

This project will improve the horizontal and vertical sight distance, create additional space for motorists, pedestrians, bicyclist and transit to travel along Civic Center Way between Malibu Canyon Road and Webb Way. On August 10, City Council awarded the construction contract to GMZ Engineering, Inc. Work is expected to begin in the next couple of weeks. The City will announce the exact date and any lane closures via traffic alerts and the website. Work hours will be Monday through Friday 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM with some work scheduled on Saturdays. Traffic control for this project will include lane closures and temporary street closures. During any temporary street closures, the City and the Contractor will implement measures to assure that emergency vehicles have access at all times and that the public can utilize the street during emergency evacuations. The contractor will not work during red flag warnings. Additional information is available on the City’s website.

Request For Proposals/Qualifications

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

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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