Malibu City Manager Updates May 29, 2020

Press release from the City of Malibu:

May 29, 2020

City Manager Updates May 29, 2020

City Manager Reva Feldman’s regular updates were temporarily suspended when the state of emergency was declared in response to the coronavirus pandemic and the City began focusing on emergency operations and messaging. As the State, County and City transition into the recovery and reopening phase, City Manager Reva Feldman will resume the regular updates to keep residents informed of City activities. The City will also continue to send out COVID-19-related notifications as needed.

UPCOMING

• Monday, June 1, 6:30 PM - Planning Commission Regular Meeting
• Monday, June 8, 6:30 PM – City Council Regular Meeting

COVID-19 RESPONSE

The City activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on March 12, 2020. On March 16, the City Council held a special meeting and adopted Resolution 20-14 ratifying the Director’s Proclamation of Existence of a Local Emergency issued on March 14, 2020.

The City’s EOC staff is on-call 24 hours a day seven days a week monitoring information, keeping social media and other information channels up to date and are available to respond to any emergent situation that may arise.

The City continues to work with outside agencies to coordinate policy and support public safety in Malibu in response to the pandemic. These efforts include working with State Parks in March to close the Pier to prevent overcrowding and working with the County to provide additional beach enforcement over Memorial Day weekend as the beaches and beach parking lots reopen.

CURRENT CITY OPERATIONS

While Malibu City Hall and the Senior Center are temporarily closed to the public, essential City staff, including the EOC team, continue to work both remotely and in City Hall.

Staff is answering the City’s main phone line (310-456-2489) Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Residents can contact staff using the following departmental extensions or emails:

• Planning – 310-456-2489, ext. 485 or MPlanning@malibucity.org
• Building Safety – 310-456-2489, ext. 390 or MBuilding@malibucity.org
• Public Works – 310-456-2489, ext. 391 or MPublicWorks@malibucity.org
• All other City business – 310-456-2489, ext. 392 or info@malibucity.org

On May 15, Malibu City Parks opened for limited use with physical distancing requirements and safety guidelines.

The City is preparing to make City Hall open to the public by appointment only starting the week of June 8 with additional safety precautions and a new appointment scheduling system. More information will be provided as we get closer.

VIRTUAL CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS

City Council and Planning Commission meetings have been held virtually since April 13. Agendas and videos can be found by visiting the City’s homepage and clicking on the link just below the search function title VIRTUAL MEETINGS or going directly to https://malibucity.org/virtualmeeting. At this link you can either follow the instructions to sign up to speak during a meeting or watch a meeting.

COVID-19 TESTING AT CITY HALL

The City partnered with Community Organized Relief Effort (CORE) and Malibu Medical Group to provide COVID-19 testing for community members of the greater Malibu area and first responders. The drive-thru tests were conducting in the City Hall parking lot over the course of several weeks. In total 3,314 tests were conducted with 56 positive results.

CITY COMMUNICATIONS DURING COVID-19

The City is committed to providing timely, important information to ensure the health and safety of the Malibu community during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Since mid-March, the City’s emergency communications teams has been work remotely seven days a week and is on-call 24 hours a day to monitor and message out information. The City created a dedicated COVID-19 information web page at www.MalibuCity.org/coronavirus, and has maintained a robust COVID-19 communications program, maintaining regular emergency alerts (twice-daily until mid-May, and once-daily alerts until May 28) with information about the COVID-19 crisis, response and resources for the community, from financial assistance to free meal delivery for seniors to mental health and wellness resources.

The City also put out daily COVID-19 communications using the website Newsflash feature, Nextdoor, social media (Twitter, Facebook and Instagram), audio messages for KBUU 99.1 FM, video messages from the Mayor and Councilmembers, weekly newspaper ads, the City Hall phone hotline, posters and flyers distributed by the Malibu CERT Team, direct mail postcards sent to every household in Malibu, infographics on the City TV channel, the Everbridge Disaster Notification System (reverse 911), Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA - Amber Alerts) and press releases.

The City continues to put out emergency alerts and notifications as new information emerges. To sign up for the COVID-19 E-notification list, enter your email address in the bar near the top of the ‘Notify Me’ page and select preferred delivery methods: email or text message.

VIRTUAL RECREATION

On March 24, less than two weeks after City Hall, the Senior Center and City parks were closed for the COVID-19 pandemic stay-at-home orders, the Community Services Department launched a new Virtual Recreation Center at MalibuCity.org/VirtualRec. The Virtual Recreation Center features a wide variety of programs, activities and classes designed to help residents of any age stay active, engaged, and entertained while safe at home during the pandemic. The programs range from virtual museum tours to online arts and cultural classes, to yoga, dance and fitness and are regularly updated.

CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL

On February 24, 2020, Council adopted a resolution authorizing and approving the expenditure of funds for traffic control services provided by the CHP in emergency or Power Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) situations The City executed an agreement with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to provide on-call traffic control services. CHP officers were deployed along PCH in Malibu over Memorial Day weekend to assist with traffic control.

SUMMER BEACH ENFORCEMENT

Every summer between Memorial Day and Labor Day the City hires additional sheriff deputies, known locally as the Beach Team, to patrol the beaches. The Beach Team began patrols last weekend. This year in response to COVID-19, the City has worked with LA County to provide additional deputies and other County personnel to patrol the beaches and educate the public on physical distancing and other safety measures.

NOMINATION PERIOD FOR NOVEMBER 3, 2020 GENERAL ELECTION

The nomination period for the November 3, 2020 General Municipal Election will open on July 13 and close on August 7, or August 12 if the incumbent does not file. You can find more information and contact information for the City Clerk to make an appointment to pull nomination papers at https://malibucity.org/elections. Please contact the City Clerk to make an appointment to be issued nomination papers at hglaser@malibucity.org.

PUBLIC HEARING FOR PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020-2021

The City will conduct a public hearing for the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2020-2021 on Monday, June 8 at 6:30 pm. The staff report is available on the City website at: Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2020-2021.

The budget hearing is a follow up to the budget workshop held on April 29 during which the Council provide direction to staff on the Proposed Budget and Annual Work Plan for Fiscal Year 2020-2021.

DISTRICT ELECTIONS

On October 25, 2019, Milton C. Grimes of the Law Offices of Milton C. Grimes sent the City a letter that claims the City’s at-large system violates the California Voting Rights Act. The City held Public Hearings on February 10, February 24, and March 12, 2020, to receive input from the community. The Public Hearings scheduled for March 13 and April 2, 2020, were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On March 20, 2020, the Governor issued Executive Order N-34-20, which, in part, suspended the timeframes for conducting the hearings required for changing from an at-large method of election to a district-based election as set forth in Elections Code Section 10010 until such time as neither state nor local public health officials recommend or impose social distancing measures.

Malibu Rebuild PROGRESS

The City continues to prioritize Woolsey Fire rebuilding efforts. On May 22, Mayor Karen Farrer, Mayor Pro Tem Mikke Pierson, City Manager Reva Feldman and Environmental Sustainability Director Yolanda Bundy, presented a homeowner with a Certificate of Occupancy, marking the completion of their rebuilt Malibu West home that was destroyed in the Woolsey Fire. The new home was built using state-of-the-art design and materials to be more fire resistant, sustainable, and water and energy efficient. This was the third home in Malibu to have completed the rebuilding process.

The Rebuild Team continues to hold virtual meetings with applicants, taking in and approving applications, stamping plans for permits, and processing fee waivers and refunds. In mid-May, the City issued the 100th permit to a homeowner to begin rebuilding a home destroyed in the Woolsey Fire.

MALIBU RebuildS STATISTICS

Planning has approved over 552 applications since the fire including 42 since mid-March. Building Safety has issued 102 permits for single family dwellings and issued 1 permit for a 12 unit multi-family apartment complex.

MALIBU REBUILDS – REBUILD PLANNING CONSULTATIONS

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, visit the Rebuild Page, where you can view rebuild options and find all related forms and handouts.

MALIBU REBUILDS - DEADLINES

The City Council has approved several measures to assist fire victims with rebuilding. There are important timelines to pay attention to. Please contact the Fire Rebuild Team at ashah@malibucity.org or call 310-456-2489, extension 385 to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.

• Fee waiver applications must be received by June 30, 2020; all required Planning Department applications for the project must be deemed complete by June 30, 2020; and all required building permit must be pulled by December 30, 2020.
• To rebuild non-conforming homes and structures without having to bring the structure into compliance or seek variances, property owners must apply with the Planning Department by November 8, 2020. Extensions may be requested. Contact the Fire Rebuild team for details.

RESTAURANT RECOVERY PROGRAM

On June 8, staff is bringing an item for City Council consideration that would allow restaurants to temporarily expand seating area when following State and County guidance. A simple over-the-counter permit process will be available.

PLANNING DEPARTMENT

The Planning Department is continuing to provide services and has revamped all operations and procedures to adapt to the City Hall closure. Since the City Hall closure, over 190 projects have been moved forward in the planning process including the issuance of 85 planning decisions. Over 35 public notices have been disseminated to the public for public comment. The Planning Commission has had 4 meetings and staff has brought over 30 items before the Commission for action. The next meeting is June 1. For regular updates on planning services, please visit the Department web page regularly at www.malibucity.org/planning.

CODE ENFORCEMENT

The Code Enforcement team is busy during the City Hall closure responding to complaints, conducting site visits, researching cases and working with the City Prosecutor’s office. Contact Code Enforcement during business hours at 310-456-2489 ext. 484 and after hours at 310-456-2489 ext. 311 (answered by a live operator).

MAJOR ORDINANCES

Staff is working to bring two major ordinances, described below, to the Planning Commission as soon as possible. During the pandemic, legislative items for which significant public participation is anticipated are not be calendared until in-person public meetings can be held again in City Hall.

• Accessory Dwelling Units
  • Staff is finalizing an update of the September 2018 draft that incorporates Planning Commission comments, new state laws passed in October 2019 and updated guidance issued by the Coastal Commission in April 2020. ADUs (known in the City’s existing codes as second residential units) are currently allowed in the City, but must be consistent with the LCP. For more information, visit the project web page at malibucity.org/ADU.
• Short-term Rentals
  • Staff is finalizing a draft ordinance and LCP amendment for the Planning Commission’s consideration based on Council’s December 3, 2019 direction to closely follow the home-sharing ordinance implemented by the City of Santa Monica. The special meeting originally scheduled for this item on March 30 was cancelled due to the pandemic. For more information, visit the project web page at malibucity.org/STR. For complaints or concerns regarding short-term rentals, contact the STR Code Enforcement hotline via email at STR@malibucity.org or by phone at 310-456-2489 extension 308.

PARKING MANAGEMENT PLAN – LAS TUNAS

On January 13, City Council approved Ordinance No. 460 to place parking restrictions along two segments of Pacific Coast Highway (the Las Tunas area) to help control the issue of long-term parking and to make more coastal access parking available. Signs have been posted and the restrictions are now in effect. The CDP to allow the signs to be installed along Las Tunas was approved in March and is now final. In these areas, no parking would be allowed on the landward side of PCH from 12 AM to 2 AM, and on the seaward side from 2 AM to 4 AM.

PARKING MANAGEMENT PLAN – CORRAL BEACH

Staff is preparing an update to Ordinance 460 to allow the Las Tunas parking restrictions to be implemented in the Corral Beach area. A City Council hearing is tentatively planned for June. A CDP is needed prior to sign installation.

PLANNING APPEAL FEES

On May 26, 2020, Council voted to increase the fee for appealing a decision on a Planning application from $500 to $750.

MALIBU HIGH SCHOOL

Planning is working with Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District on a demolition permit for Building D while school is out. The application is pending.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY DEPARTMENT – BUILDING SAFETY

Building Safety continues to provide assistance to the community. Since City Hall was closed to the public in mid-March, staff has completed the following:

• 65 new electronic plan checks under review (Woolsey/Regular)
• 538 Permits issued issued since COVID 19 stated (Woolsey /Regular)
• 1548 Inspections completed done since COVID 19 started (Woolsey/Regular)

BUILDING SAFETY ONLINE SERVICES

To help facilitate Building Safety reviews, Building Safety has transitioned to electronic plan check submittals, permits, and invoices. To start an electronic plan check submittal, please email the following information to mbpcsubmittal@malibucity.org:

• Project site legal address
• Planning Reference/Approval number
• Owner Information: name, LLC or trust, address, phone number, and email address
• Applicant: name, company name, phone number, and email address
• Payor: name, phone number, and email address
• Contractor’s Information (name, license number, company name, CSLB number, address, phone number, and email address).
• Description scope of work:
  • Architectural;
  • Structural (include if piles and/or grade beams are proposed);
  • Civil (if applicable); Deferred submittal (identify if any);

Once the application has been processed, an invoice will be emailed to so the applicant can submit an online payment. After the payment is made, application(s) will be emailed with directions to upload all required documents.

For more information on Building Safety updated services, please visit the Building Safety webpage

WASTE HAULERS RETURN TO PICKING UP RECYCLABLES SEPARATELY

Los Angeles County notified the City that, starting June 1, waste haulers will return to collecting trash and recycling separately for residential customers due to the lifting of certain physical distancing requirements imposed by the Department of Public Health to slow the spread of coronavirus. With those changes, residents are reminded that trash and recycling haulers will be stricter about separation of recyclables from other materials.

Energy Conservation

Staff submitted an application for City Hall to enroll in Peak Management Pricing (PMP).

CLEAN POWER ALLIANCE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Clean Power Alliance (CPA) customers have access to new protections in coordination with SCE to assist those experiencing economic hardship due to COVID-19 including CPA/SCE bill payment assistance, flexible payment plans, and easily sign up for reduced rates through the CARE/FERA programs. Customers can contact SCE at 800-655-4555, or visit www.sce.com/safety/coronavirus, to take advantage of these resources.

Water Conservation

Residents are encouraged to advantage of enhanced water-saving device incentives as part of the City’s ongoing Malibu Smart program. Residents can call 310-554-6210 or email water@malibusmart.org for more information.

CLEAN WATER PROGRAM

Staff continues to promote and monitor the City’s clean water programs. As part of this work, staff is currently conducting construction site inspections and evaluating consultant firms to conduct water quality monitoring.

Coastal Vulnerability Assessment

Staff is working with the City’s consultant to develop the Coastal Vulnerability Assessment. If any community member has historical photos of coastal storms in Malibu and would like to contribute to Malibu’s Coastal Vulnerability Assessment, please send photos and descriptions to cshen@malibucity.org.

Malibu Lagoon State Beach

To address the increased erosion at Adamson House, State Parks is currently working on emergency coastal erosion control and is seeking sources of cobble for a “soft solution” to protect public resources. If community members are aware of any cobble sources, please email Danielle.LeFer@parks.ca.gov

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

The City’s Environmental Health staff continues provide assistance to the community. Since City Hall was closed to the public in mid-March, staff has completed the following:

• 71 Environmental Health plan reviews (fire rebuilds, repairs, and land development cases)
• 41 OWTS Operating Permits issued
• 195 extensions granted to due dates granted for OWTS Operating Permit submittals
• 100 extensions grants to due dates granted for OWTS compliance submittals
• > 50 / day responses to email and telephone inquiries from the public

LIMITED REOPENING OF CITY PARKS

The City reopened parks to the public on May 15 with physical distancing requirements and safety guidelines. Park patrons are encouraged to adhere to posted safety guidelines when utilizing the parks. Playgrounds, gathering areas, athletic fields, athletic facilities, indoor facilities, and the Community Pool remain closed due to the Los Angeles County Public Health Order. Make sure to check out our video regarding safety guidelines for visiting City parks.

TEMPORARY SKATE PARK PROJECT

California Skateparks delivered the skate equipment this week, and installation is underway. The installation work is expected to take two to three weeks to complete. Once complete, the Temporary Skate Park will open as soon as possible after the Los Angeles County Public Health Order regarding skate facilities is lifted. You can view photos of the Temporary Skate Park construction on the City’s Skate Park Webpage.

SENIOR CENTER VIRTUAL NEWSLETTER

The Senior Center Virtual Newsletter for June is now available on the City’s web page.

PHYSICAL DISTANCING CIRCLES

In an effort to encourage safe park visitation practices during the COVID-19 Pandemic, the City of Malibu recently implemented social distancing circles at Malibu Bluffs Park. You can view a photo of the physical distancing circles on the Parks & Facilities web page, or visit our Covid-19 web page for future updates.

EMERGENCY EVACUATION PLANNING

The City recently received a notice from the California Office of Emergency Services outlining Statewide Standardized Evacuation Terminology. The revised terminology includes the following new terms:

• 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 effort to create standard terminology arose from the catastrophic wildfires of 2017 and 2018, which exposed inconsistencies in the terminology that different agencies used when informing residents of the need to evacuate. The City will incorporate these new terms into all public education and planning documents.

HOME IGNITION ZONE ASSESSMENTS

As part of the City of Malibu’s ongoing efforts to promote community-wide wildfire preparedness, the City re-started its no-cost Home Ignition Zone Assessment Program to help residents harden their homes against flying embers, a major cause of homes catching fire during wildfires. There are simple and often inexpensive ways to make homes safer from wildfire, including modifying landscaping around the home, sealing eaves, and moving flammable materials away from structures.

To ensure the safety of everyone, the service is provided by a single staff member, using personal protective equipment (PPE) and maintaining physical distancing to help slow the spread of the coronavirus and protect seniors and vulnerable groups. Fire Safety Liaison Jerry Vandermeulen, who provides the service, is a former Ventura County Fire Battalion Chief. He is certified in “Assessing Structure Ignition Potential from Wildfire” through the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in identifying specific areas that wildfire embers can find receptive fuels in and around a home. He will inspect your home and make recommendations on how to make it more fire resistant. To schedule an appointment, visit MalibuCity.org/FireSafety and click on “Book an Appointment” or contact Jerry Vandermeulen at 310-456-2489, ext. 387 or jvandermeulen@malibucity.org.

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 for the next few months at the following locations:

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

County of Los Angeles and the contractor have resolved the latest change order issues and have resumed construction which is anticipated to be completed by end of July, 2020.

LOWER RAMBLA PACIFICA UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICT

This utility undergrounding project is located in the lower Rambla Pacifica neighborhood. The City has received an estimate from SCE for the undergrounding portion of the work. Staff is currently reaching out to the other utilities to get their project cost estimates. Once all the project costs are generated, staff will inform the property owners the total estimated costs and provide the next step in the process.

CLIFFSIDE UTILITY UNDERGROUNDING

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. Staff is working with the property owners to start the process of forming the underground utility assessment district once the requested funds are provided to the City.

TREE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM

The City Tree Maintenance contractor has completed the tree inventory for all trees located within the City’s right-of-way. The tree inventory identifies the location, type, condition and recommended maintenance. A yearly maintenance plan is currently being generated from the tree inventory assessment. Staff is working with the Tree Maintenance contractor to schedule this year’s maintenance work which is expected to start mid-June. In the meantime staff is finalizing noticing flyers to be distributed by the contractor prior to start of the tree maintenance work.

CHARMLEE TRAIL REPAIR

On Tuesday, May 26, the City Council approved an agreement with Managed Career Solutions to complete trail clearance and remediation work at Charmlee Wilderness Park. MCS will complete the trail work in four phases, prioritizing main arteries and popular trails during Phases 1 and 2. Prioritizing the trail work will allow the City to will reopen the park while MCS completes Phases 3 and 4 of the project. Updates regarding an expected reopening date for Charmlee Wilderness Park will be posted on our web page and social media outlets, when available.

CHARMLEE WILDERNESS WOOD FENCE REPLACEMENT PROJECT

This project consists of replacing the wood fencing around the existing building at Charmlee Wilderness Park that was damaged in the Woolsey Fire. The contractor started work this week and is expected to be completed by early June.

REQUESTS FOR QUALIFICATIONS/PROPOSALS (RFQ/P) FOR LANDSLIDE MAINTENANCE AND MONITORING (BIG ROCK, CALLE DE BARCO, AND MALIBU ROAD)

The City received 4 proposals in response to the RFQ. On March 9th, the City issued a request for proposals for consultants to manage the landslide assessment districts in Big Rock, Calle Del Barco and Malibu Road neighborhoods. On April 16th, the City received four proposals. Staff completed the consultant qualification review process and will be finalizing the agreement for City Council consideration and approval.

ELECTRICAL VEHICLE (EV) CHARGING STATIONS

The project consists of replacing the three existing electrical vehicle charging stations on Civic Center Way with new equipment with features to allow collecting a fee for charging. Staff is working with the City attorney’s office to finalize the software agreement with ChargePoint to proceed with issuing the contract to perform this work.

Bus Shelter at PCH and Heathercliff

The existing bus shelter located on PCH and Heathercliff Road was damaged by an accident. Staff has ordered a replacement shelter and is expecting it to be delivered and installed in June 2020.

MALIBU COVE COLONY UTILITY UNDERGROUNDING

The City received a letter from the property owners on Malibu Cove Colony requesting the City’s assistance with forming an assessment districted to underground the overhead utilities on Malibu Cove Colony Drive. Staff is working with the property owners to start the process of forming the underground utility assessment district once the funding has been provided to the City.

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. The City’s annual weed abatement crews continue to work along the shoulder areas within the City’s public right-of-way along City streets. In addition over Memorial Day weekend and throughout this past week, the Public Works Maintenance crews removed a high amount of trash and debris along Pacific Coast Highway that accumulated over the course of the holiday weekend.

SANTA MONICA COLLEGE – INSTALLATION OF NEW WATER MAINLINE ALONG CIVIC CENTER WAY

This Santa Monica College project consist of upgrading the existing water main along Civic Center Way between Webb Way and the County Library. The project is for the upcoming Santa Monica College Project. Work will require shifting the travel lanes to the center median, however two lanes will remain open. Estimated completion date is June 12.

Southern california edison (SCE)- COATING OF METAL UTILITY POLES

SCE is coating 38 metal utility poles (2 of which are located within the Malibu city limits) along Malibu Canyon for approximately 1.5 miles from the Malibu city limits and into the Unincorporated LA County. Project is expected to be completed in early June 2020.

Caltrans- Emergency Storm Drain Repairs and Debris Removal

Caltrans will be performing storm drain repairs and debris removal in areas that were affected by the Woolsey Fire. Closures are weather permitting and subject to change. One lane of PCH will be open at all times. The contractor is nearing the completion of the project and continues to demobilize.

RECORDING DOCUMENTS

The City Clerk’s Office has recorded over 60 documents for the community since City Hall was closed to the public in mid-March. Residents wishing to record documents should contact the City Clerk at cityclerk@malibucity.org.

Public Records

In an effort to simplify and enhance transparency and access to public records, the City of Malibu is preparing to launch a new public records request portal, NextRequest. Founded in 2015 by three former Code for America fellows, NextRequest is a platform that makes public records easier for governments to provide and the public to access. More information on how to use this new portal will be distributed next week.

2020 CENSUS

The City continues to urge all Malibu residents to complete the 2020 Census. The City has been promoting the census on all its media channels including newspaper advertisements. Unfortunately, Malibu still has a very low response rate on the 2020 US Census, lagging far behind neighboring cities, LA County, California and the nation as a whole. As of May 17, Malibu had a 34% response rate, compared with Los Angeles County at 56%, California at 61% and the US nationwide at 60%.

While staying safer at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is a great time to take the 2020 Census and make sure Malibu gets counted. The US Census is crucial for determining our community’s allocation of federal and state funds for public safety, roads, federal stimulus and other vital resources, and the City’s representation in the federal government. You can easily complete the Census online at My2020Census.gov or by phone at 844-330-2020 (844-468-2020 for Spanish). The Census Bureau also has an engaging interactive map showing response rates in cities, counties and states across the nation at https://2020census.gov/en/response-rates.html.

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.