Malibu Prepares For Memorial Day: 5 Things Happening This Week

MALIBU, CA — Happy Monday, Malibu! Call it the calm before the storm: The summer season unofficially starts this weekend as Memorial Day visitors are expected to journey to the city's beaches, parks and businesses in droves.

The details about how the city is preparing for this influx is just one of five things you should know this week:

1. Summer is coming, and Malibu is getting ready with programs geared toward safety and cleanliness.

The city-funded Sheriff's Department Beach Team will kick off its season this weekend. Deputies will patrol Malibu beaches looking for people consuming alcohol (which is illegal — even if you're hiding it in a cup). The aim is to reduce drunk driving on Pacific Coast Highway and canyon roads. The effort also includes the deployment of extra deputies looking for road-safety issues.

The Mountains and Recreation & Conservation Authority will also begin doubling its patrols in state parks this weekend, which is in effect until Labor Day.

And the county Beaches and Harbors division will also increase staffing to assist with parking, maintenance and trash on the beaches.

Finally, Malibu makes a habit of requesting additional patrols by the Sheriff's Department and sheriff's volunteers to help direct traffic and monitor the city for crime.

2. If you haven't heard, artificial intelligence is seeping into what seems like every aspect of daily life. Some of the most impressive executions of AI so far include tools like DALL-E, which allows users to generate digital art using text prompts.

Now, Malibu leaders are exploring whether the city should get in on the action. The Arts Commission will consider whether the city should coordinate a program or event incorporating AI art during its meeting on Tuesday.

The commission meets virtually at 9 a.m., you can visit the city's website if you'd like to join the discussion.

3. It's city budget season! While Malibu's fiscal 2023-24 budget might not sound very exciting, it's an important blueprint that helps set the city's priorities for the next year — what do you think Malibu should focus on?

The City Council wants to hear from you during its meeting Wednesday at 9 a.m. The meeting takes place at City Hall and you can also join virtually.

4. Are you prepared for an emergency? The Malibu Foundation is teaming up with the Agoura Hills Recreation Center for an event geared toward helping seniors prepare for emergencies with special training. Participants in the free training will receive a FEMA-approved "go bag." More information is available here.

5. UCLA Health and Pepperdine University Pre-Med Club are hosting a blood drive at the Malibu Jewish Center & Synagogue on May 25. Donors get a movie ticket or $10 gift card. The drive runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

You can sign up here using the code "PUMED."