News Flash • Malibu, CA • CivicEngage

UPCOMING

• Saturday, September 16, 12:00 PM – Wes Van Dyke “Vistas” Art Exhibition Opening Reception – City Hall 

• Monday, September 18, 6:30 PM – Planning Commission Regular Meeting – in-person at City Hall and virtually via Zoom

• Tuesday, September 19, 8:30 AM – Las Virgenes-Malibu Council of Governments (COG) Governing Board Meeting – virtual 

• Tuesday, September 19, 5:30 PM – Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting – virtual

• Wednesday, September 20, 7:00 PM – Malibu Library Speaker Series with Scott Freiman analyzing The Beatles’ music – City Hall, Civic Theater

• Saturday, September 23, 9:00 AM – Malibu Coastal Cleanup Day 2023 – Westward Beach 

• Monday, September 25, 6:30 PM – City Council Regular Meeting – in-person at City Hall and virtually via Zoom

• Tuesday, September 26, 9:00 AM – Malibu Arts Commission – virtual 

• Wednesday, September 27, 9:00 AM – Environmental Review Board Meeting – virtual 

• Wednesday, September 27, 3:30 PM – Public Works Commission Meeting – virtual 

• Thursday, September 28, 6:00 PM – Wastewater Advisory Committee Meeting – virtual 

CITY MANAGEMENT / CITY COUNCIL

(NEW) LOCAL NON-PROFITS RECEIVE 2023/2024 GENERAL FUND GRANTS 

The City congratulates the local non-profits that received the Fiscal Year 2023/2024 General Fund Grants. The grants are awarded each year to local non-profit organizations whose efforts benefit the community. The program is an important way that the City supports the activities of Malibu’s many excellent charitable, volunteer and philanthropic organizations. All applications are reviewed by the City Council’s Administration and Finance Subcommittee, and presented to the City Council for award during the annual budget approval. For more information about the program visit the General Fund Grants webpage.

2023/2024 Grant Recipients

VIDEO: DEVELOPMENT SERVICES REVIEW REPORT PRESENTED TO CITY COUNCIL 

VIDEO: Baker Tilly US, LLP, the consultant hired by the City to conduct a Comprehensive Development Services Review, presented their findings to the City Council during the August 28 Council meeting. The study was conducted in an effort to identify areas of improvement in the City’s development services processes. The City had put out a Request for Proposals (RFP) and hired Baker Tilly to perform the study, which pertains to the City Departments involved in permitting – mainly Planning, Environmental Sustainability, and Public Works. The goal was to identify areas where improvements can be made and to provide recommendations. The review examined processes including organization structure and culture, resource needs, technology requirements, regulations, process documentation and more. The presentation is available to watch online (clip starts at 3:50:55). For more information, see the complete report. 

WILDFIRE safety 

(NEW) VIDEO: ANNUAL COMMUNITY WILDFIRE SEASON BRIEFING WITH ASSISTANT CHIEF DREW SMITH

VIDEO: All residents, employees, business and organization leaders, students, and other Malibu community members are encouraged to watch the video of the annual Community Fire Season Briefing. As part of the City’s wildfire season preparations and National Preparedness Month, Los Angeles County Fire Department Assistant Fire Chief Drew Smith, a Fire Behavior Analyst, gave a presentation on local Live Fuel Moisture, expected weather patterns, and what that means for fire conditions in Malibu this fall and winter. 

WATCH THE VIDEO

(NEW) VIDEO: FIREWISE/FIRESAFE COMMUNITIES, UNDERSTANDING FIRE WEATHER, HOME WILDFIRE HARDENING MEETS CURB APPEAL

VIDEO: For the City’s wildfire season preparedness and National Preparedness Month, Fire Safety Liaisons Bradley Yocum, Gabriel Etcheverry and Jerry Vandermeulen discussed some of the most important ways that community members can be prepared and resilient for wildfires. They discussed how to join or start community-based Firewise and Firesafe groups that enable neighbors to help each other, share resources, fund neighborhood brush clearance, make neighborhood-based evacuation plans and more. Understanding Fire Weather Metrics covered how to understand and track local fire weather conditions such as wind, humidity and fuel moisture. Home Wildfire Hardening demonstrated ways that homeowners can protect their house and property from the millions of burning embers that are a leading cause of homes burning down in wind-driven wildfires, using plants and materials that are both fire resistant and beautiful. 

WATCH THE VIDEO 

(NEW) VIDEO: PRESENTATION ON THE CITY’S PREPARATIONS FOR WILDFIRE SEASON

VIDEO: Public Safety Director Susan Dueñas gave the first in a three-part series of presentations to the City Council on September 11 about the City’s wildfire preparedness efforts in advance of peak wildfire season. Watch the presentation (clip starts at 56:36). Upcoming presentations will highlight what our Sheriff’s and Fire Departments, and Malibu community members are doing to prepare for wildfire season. 

UPDATE ON ACTIONS THE CITY HAS TAKEN SINCE THE WOOLSEY FIRE TO BE MORE PREPARED FOR WILDFIRES

Nearly five years after the devastating Woolsey Fire, the tragic fire that destroyed the town of Lahaina, Maui and claimed more than 115 lives, has brought up memories, trauma and fears about the dangers that Malibu faces this wildfire season. Community members want to know if they will be safe, and what efforts the City has taken to be more prepared since the Woolsey Fire, and to prevent a tragedy like Lahaina from occurring in Malibu. Some of the actions the City has taken since the Woolsey Fire include:  

• Expanded the public safety office into a City Department
• Hired three retired firefighters as Fire Safety Liaisons
• Offers free Home Wildfire Assessments 
• Started a free fire hazard tree removal program
• Created a Zero Power Plan in case of a widespread power and communications blackout (worked with the CERT Team to create emergency information stations and to equip the City’s emergency supplies containers with solar-powered satellite phone and internet capabilities; acquired backup generators for traffic signals; worked with the Malibu CERT Team to install radio repeaters to enable the use of handheld radios Citywide; acquired additional Changeable Message Signs)
• Expanded the disaster notification system database
• Increased the number of CERT classes offered
• Adopted a Mass Evacuation Plan and the County Zonehaven evacuation tool and maps
• Installed dozens of Beacon Boxes across Malibu with local maps to assist out-of-area firefighters responding in Malibu
• Adopted an emergency resolution to facilitate the removal of homeless encampments during Red Flag conditions. 
• See more details.

(NEW) CITY FIRE SAFETY LIAISONS ARE MONITORING FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS AS WE ENTER WILDFIRE SEASON 

LIVE FUEL MOISTURE AT 81% AS OF AUGUST 31, DOWN FROM 83% TWO WEEKS EARLIER, ABOVE THE HISTORICAL AVERAGE. (60% = CRITICAL) 
As of August 31, Live Fuel Moisture (LFM) is at 81%, down from 83% from the previous sampling on August 11, but still historically high for this time of year, and well below the critical threshold of 60%. That is good news for Malibu’s fire conditions. 

As part of year-round wildfire preparedness, the City tracks LFM as well as relative humidity, temperature, dead fuel moisture, wind and historical patterns to determine wildfire conditions for Malibu. The LFM is the percentage of water content to dry matter in live vegetation and indicates how likely a fire is to grow large and spread quickly. LFM can be as high as 200% and is considered critical at 60% and below. The Los Angeles County Fire Department Forestry Division samples plants in the Santa Monica Mountains approximately every two weeks and posts the results on their website. For local fire weather forecasts, visit the NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard website.  

Last year at this time we were already below the critical threshold of 60%. Historically, throughout 40 years of collected data, at this time of year the Santa Monic Mountains typically see LFM at around 63%. Vegetation at 60% LFM or lower will burn like dead fuel. The higher LFM has reduced the threat of fire ignition and spread, however the threat remains and the community is urged to be diligent with Home Hardening and Brush Clearance efforts. The added rainfall this summer has caused a green up in vegetation, so earlier brush clearance efforts must be revisited to lower the ignition potential. Residents are urged to complete a free Home Wildfire Hardening Assessment with the City of Malibu. Learn more and schedule an appointment on the Fire Safety webpage.

(new) COMPLETE A HOME WILDFIRE HARDENING ASSESSMENT (EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS BACKPACKS NO LONGER AVAILABLE)

Malibu homeowners are urged to complete a free Home Wildfire Hardening Assessment with the City’s Fire Safety Liaisons. (The emergency backpacks are no longer available). The assessment involves a 30-to-60-minute exterior inspection of your property looking at what can be done to make the home and property less vulnerable to the millions of flying embers from a wind-driven wildfire, a leading cause of homes burning down in wildfires. You’ll get a checklist of steps to take to harden your property, such as removing dead vegetation or wood furniture that is touching the house and covering attic vents with fine steel mesh. For more information and to schedule a free Home Wildfire Hardening Assessment, visit the Fire Safety webpage or call 310-456-2489, ext. 238, or email FireSafety@MalibuCity.org. 

START PREPARING FOR WILDFIRE SEASON NOW – complete YOUR brush clearance, make a plan, gather supplies, monitor weather

Now is the time for everyone in the community, including businesses, to start preparing for wildfire season. Monitor local fire weather conditions and warnings on the National Weather Service Los Angeles/Oxnard website. Create and/or review your family or business emergency plan, including evacuation routes and reunification locations, and gather emergency supplies. Check the expiration dates on food and medication. Keep vehicle fuel tanks above half full. Make sure you are able to open electric gates or garage doors when the power is out. For preparedness guidance, get the Malibu Survival Guide. Sign up for emergency alerts from the City (scroll to Alert Center) and from LA County. Most importantly, make sure flammable materials and vegetation are cleared away from your home. Schedule a free Home Wildfire Hardening Assessment by emailing FireSafety@MalibuCity.org, calling 310-456-2489, ext. 388 or visiting the Fire Safety webpage. 

HEAVY VEGETATION FROM WINTER RAINS MEANS THAT BRUSH CLEARANCE IS CRUCIAL – THE CITY IS READY TO ASSIST YOU

June 1 was the LA County brush clearance deadline, but you can still complete your mandatory brush clearance. Many Malibu residents received brush clearance notices from the Fire Department for the first time due to updated maps. Proper brush clearance is required by law and is one of the most important ways to protect your home and property from wildfire, and to slow the spread of fires in our community. The record rainfall this winter was badly needed for our drought conditions and water supplies, but the lush vegetation on our hillsides will soon become fuel for a potential wildfire next fire season.  

Residents can get help with complying with brush clearance requirements by scheduling a free Home Wildfire Hardening Assessment with the City’s Fire Safety Liaisons. They will conduct a 30-60 minute inspection that follow the Fire Code and nationally recognized best practices and provide a checklist of simple steps to take, such as good brush clearance, keeping flammable materials like dead vegetation and wood furniture away from the house, and covering up eave vents with metal mesh. Schedule an appointment by emailing FireSafety@MalibuCity.org or calling 310-456-2489, ext. 388 or visiting the Fire Safety webpage. For information on brush clearance in Los Angeles County, including a list of vendors, a checklist and FAQs, visit the LA County Fire Department webpage. 

PUBLIC SAFETY

UPDATED EVACUATION ZONE MAPS FOR MALIBU – KNOW YOUR ZONE, KNOW YOUR ROUTES, KNOW HOW TO EVACUATE 

Malibu’s evacuation zones, maps and numbers have been updated. Malibu’s zones are now numbered MAL-C111 – MAL-C114. Los Angeles County adopted new official disaster response and evacuation zones and the new AWARE online tool in November 2022. All County agencies and cities, including the City of Malibu, will adhere to them in a disaster. The new zones are the same as the City’s Evacuation Zones 11-14, which were adopted in February 2020 as part of the City’s official Mass Evacuation Plan, following a recommendation after the Woolsey Fire.  

Residents, businesses, students, employees and other community members are encouraged to look up the new zones for their home, business or school, and familiarize themselves with the Genasys Protect online tool (formerly known as Zonehaven Aware). During a disaster, Genasys Protect will show maps with valuable information specific to the location and your zone, such as emergency services, status updates, shelter locations, roadblocks, evacuation routes and more. Remember your zone – they will be referred to in alerts and public messaging during any large-scale emergency incidents in LA County. Find more evacuation information for Malibu on the City website.

NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH EVENTS IN SEPTEMBER

postcards MAILED OUT CITYWIDE with tips on staying informed during a disaster 

During wildfires, earthquakes and other disasters, Malibu may experience widespread, long-lasting power, landline phone, cellphone, and internet outages. It is critical for life safety to be able to access emergency information. The City mailed out postcards to all Malibu addresses with tips on how to stay informed during a disaster, especially when there are widespread, long-lasting power outages. Watch for the postcards in the mail, save them, and keep them handy to be prepared for wildfire season. The postcard can also be downloaded and printed here.  

SAVE THE DATE FOR WEEKLY SPEAKERS IN SEPTEMBER AS PART OF CITY’S NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH 

In anticipation of Southern California’s peak wildfire season this fall, the City of Malibu is getting ready and helping residents be more prepared for wildfires and other disasters with National Preparedness Month events throughout September. Each week in September, the City will host a free webinar with speakers from the City, County agencies and outside organizations to offer valuable guidance on the types of hazards that Malibu faces, and how to prepare for them. The Zoom link for each webinar will be posted in the Preparedness Month webpage. See all of the Preparedness Month events on the webpage. 

Tsunami Alerts & Warnings
Wednesday, September 20, 6:00 PM, virtual
Department of Conservation Tsunami Unit: Engineering Geologist Nick Graehl and California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES): Senior Emergency Services Coordinator/ Tsunami Planning Coordinator Matthew Palmer 

Active Shooter Response Readiness
Wednesday, September 27, 6:00 PM, virtual
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department: Sgt. Chris Soderlund

WEEKLY TESTS OF EVERBRIDGE DISASTER NOTIFICATION SYSTEM DURING NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH

As part of the City’s efforts to be prepared, and help the community be prepared for wildfires and other disasters, the City will send weekly test messages using the Everbridge Disaster Notification system during National Preparedness Month. Each week, a test message will go out to one of the City’s four Evacuation Zones (which are the same as the City’s Evacuation Zones 11-14, adopted in 2019). Look up the zone for your home, business, school or organization. No registration is required for the Everbridge test, as most cell phone and landline numbers with Malibu addresses are automatically loaded into the system. However, you can create profile in Everbridge to add or change multiple phone numbers or email, which helps the system to operate more effectively. If you do not receive the test message or need assistance with your Everbridge profile, please contact the Public Safety Office at PublicSafety@MalibuCity.org or call 310-456-2489, ext. 237. 

PLANNING 

(NEW) MALIBU TRIATHLON PUBLIC HEARING, SEPTEMBER 18

On September 18, the Planning Commission will hear an appeal of the Planning Director’s denial of a Temporary Use Permit for the annual Malibu Triathlon. The traditional racecourse utilized the Zuma Beach underpass, which experienced unurheavy flooding due to the heavy rains last winter. The U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife has identified an endangered fish species in the flooded area and will not allow the use of a temporary bridge crossing, which has been used in prior years when moderate flooding occurred. A final racecourse plan which did not propose the use of the undercrossing was not approved at the time of the required Malibu Municipal Code noticing and Director Determination issuance dates. The Planning Commission will consider the appeal and determine if the event will take place on September 30 and October 1. More information, viewing and commenting instructions are available in the staff report.  

(NEW) LECHUZA BEACH ACCESSIBILITY IMPROVEMENTS PUBLIC HEARING, OCTOBER 2

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on October 2 on the development proposed by the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) to improve public access at Lechuza Beach with Americans with Disability Act-compliant parking and bathroom, viewing platforms, advanced onsite wastewater treatment system, and staircase reconstruction. For more information about teh project, visit the California Environmental Quality Act website. The agenda and staff report for the hearing will be posted on the Agenda Center webpage in advance.

(NEW) MALIBU MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL CAMPUS SPECIFIC PLAN PUBLIC HEARING, OCTOBER 9

The Malibu City Council will consider modifications to the Malibu Middle and High School Campus Specific Plan suggested by the California Coastal Commission (CCC) during the October 9 Council meeting. The CCC approved the Plan with suggested modifications on September 8. If the City Council agrees to all modifications, the CCC would report it at its next meeting in order to allow for the amended LCP to be certified in that form. For CCC meeting information, visit the website. For more information about the Plan, visit the project webpage.

(NEW) WOOLSEY FIRE FEE WAIVER DEADLINE EXTENSION

On September 25, the City Council will consider a resolution extending the deadlines to apply for Woolsey Fire rebuild fee waivers in order to support homeowners who are still working on their rebuild projects. On September 11, the City Council directed staff to draft the resolution. The Council also directed staff to process an ordinance to extend rebuild the deadlines for homeowners to submit a Planning Verification for a non-conforming use and to obtain a building permit for Planning Verification approvals for nonconforming structures damaged or destroyed in the Woolsey Fire. 

(NEW) LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM AMENDMENT APPROVED FOR THE SEA VIEW HOTEL PROJECT

On September 8, the California Coastal Commission (CCC) approved the Planning Director’s decision to certify a Malibu Local Coastal Program Amendment (LCPA) for the Sea View Hotel project. For more information, visit the project webpage. 

(NEW) SPECIAL EVENTS REPORT

Currently, there are permitted events on August 31 – September 4, September 9, 10, 17, 20 and 22, October 8, as well as every Sunday for the Malibu Farmers Market and for Farmer’s Market off-street parking. The City of Malibu Planning Department posts a weekly report of approved event permits on the website. In order to help the public stay informed of pending event permit applications and to create opportunity for public input, the Event Permit Report includes all event permit applications deemed complete for review for consistency and compliance with the requirements of the Malibu Municipal Code and the Planning Director’s action on each application. To sign up to receive an email or text message when an updated Event Permit Report is posted, visit the e-notifications page (scroll down to the “Special Event Permit Report” category).

city hall / general 

CITY HALL HOURS

City Hall is open to the public. Regular City Hall hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM and Fridays 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Members of the public may come to City Hall without an appointment during public counter hours. An appointment will be needed for in-person assistance during any other hours. Appointments can be made online. The use of facemasks is now “individual preference” while inside City Hall, in accordance with Los Angeles County Department of Public Health guidelines.  

Public Counter Hours

• Planning: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, walk in. Other times by appointment only.
• Permit Services: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, walk-in and appointment. Other times by appointment only. 
• Building Plan Check: Tuesday and Thursday, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, walk-in and appointment. Other times by appointment only.
• Environmental Health: Tuesday and Thursday, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, walk-in and appointment. Other times by appointment only.
• Geology / Coastal Engineering: Tuesday and Thursday, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, walk-in and appointment. Other times by appointment only.
• Public Works: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, walk-in. Other times by appointment only.

To make virtual appointments with City staff and Departments, please call or email: 

MALIBU SENIOR CENTER AT CITY HALL OPEN FOR IN-PERSON SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES 

The Senior Center is open for general and various in-person services and programs Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Seniors can use the general use areas of the Center, including the computer lab, library and various recreation programs. Staff are also available to assist with Dial-A-Ride questions and program registrations. Fresh coffee is available daily from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. For more information, call 310-456-2489, ext. 357 or visit the webpage.

WOOLSEY FIRE REBUILD 

WOOLSEY FIRE REBUILD PROGRESS REPORT

Yolanda Bundy, the City’s Building Official and Environmental Sustainability Director, gave an update on the Woolsey Fire rebuild effort during the August 14 Council meeting. The 2018 fire, the largest in LA County, and the worst natural disaster in the City’s history, destroyed at least 465 homes in the City and burned about 96,000 acres. In 2019, the Council acted to waive permit fees for “like-for-like” and “like-for-like” plus 10% Woolsey Fire primary residence rebuild projects in order to support homeowners in their efforts to rebuild, and extended the waivers for four subsequent years. To date, the City has waived approximately $5.17 million in rebuild project fees. This does not include an additional $800,000 for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing permits for the homes under construction. Of the 100 unsubmitted projects, 69 original property owners have not started rebuilding. The unsubmitted project fee waivers are estimated to be an additional $2.8 million for an estimated total of $8.77 million. Rebuild numbers (as of August 14) include:

• 365 projects have been submitted
• 53 projects in Planning review
• 51 projects in Building Safety review
• 129 single-family homes under construction 
• 132 single-family homes completed 
• 100 projects have not yet been submitted

For more information see the staff report and the Powerpoint presentation.

(new) – MALIBU REBUILDS – STATISTICS

Staff continues to work with homeowners to rebuild. Here are the current Woolsey Fire rebuild statistics.  See continuously updated statistics on the Rebuild Portal. 

• Single Family Dwellings building permits issued – 268
• Single Family Dwellings complete – 139
• Multifamily building permits issued – 18 units
• Multifamily building units complete- 12 units 

PLANNING CONSULTATIONS AND REBUILD RESOURCES

The Fire Rebuild team is available Monday through Friday at City Hall for complimentary one-on-one consultations about any fire rebuild project. Contact Aakash Shah at ashah@malibucity.org to set an appointment for a meeting by phone or online. For ideas about how to get started with your project, as well as numerous handouts, forms and resources, visit the Rebuild webpage.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY & BUILDING SAFETY

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY DEPARTMENT OUTREACH BOOTH AT SUNDAY FARMERS MARKET, SEPTEMBER 17

The Environmental Sustainability Department staff will have an outreach booth at the Malibu Farmers Market at Legacy Park on Sunday, September 17, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Community members can learn about the City’s environmental programs and services, meet the staff, ask questions and get a free kitchen scraps caddy that are perfect for recycling food scraps to be recycled under the City’s Organics Recycling Program. Learn more about Environmental Programs on the webpage.

sign up for CALIFORNIA COASTAL CLEAN UP DAY IN MALIBU, SEPTEMBER 23

Community members are invited to volunteer for the City of Malibu and Heal the Bay’s 2023 Malibu Coastal Cleanup Day at Zuma Lagoon and Westward Beach on Saturday, September 23, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. September 23 is California Coastal Cleanup Day, California’s largest annual volunteer event, when thousands of community volunteers across the state unite to protect our beach and ocean ecosystems. The event is a great way to keep Malibu’s beaches clean and protect our marine environment. It’s also a great activity for kids to learn about environmental protection and community service. For more information and to sign up, visit the website.  

FREE GARDENING 101 WORKSHOP, SEPTEMBER 30

LA County is offering a free Gardening 101 course covering the simple techniques of drought-tolerant landscaping, organic gardening, and integrated pest management Saturday, September 30, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM at City Hall. Learn how to improve your lawn and garden, conserve water, and reduce waste. No reservations needed. Participants can purchase compost bins at a discount after the workshop (check or cash only please). For more information, visit the website. 

ARTS, CULTURE & RECREATION 

WES VAN DYKE “VISTAS” ART EXHIBITION OPENING RECEPTION AT CITY HALL, SEPTEMBER 16

The Malibu Arts Commission presents “Vistas” by Wes Van Dyke, showcasing oil paintings with realistic landscapes and seascapes. The free opening reception is on Saturday, September 16, 12:00 PM in the Malibu City Gallery at City Hall. Enjoy a live musical performance by A Call 2Peace and a Q&A session with the artist at 1:30 PM. Celebrate the artist, view the artwork, and enjoy free food and refreshments. RSVPs are not required. The exhibition is open through October 27. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. For more information, visit the webpage.

(NEW) MALIBU COMMUNITY POOL HOLIDAY HOURS, SEPTEMBER 25

Due to the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District’s observed holiday, the Malibu Community Pool will be closed on Monday, September 25. City parks will be open from 8:00 AM to sunset, and City Hall will be open from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. For more information on City parks and facilities, visit the website.

(NEW) LEGACY PARK NATURE WALK AND STORYTIME, SEPTEMBER 27

Join park educators and naturalists at Legacy Park on Wednesday, September 27 from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM. The walk will highlight our local waterfowl and wildflowers, followed by story time at the amphitheater. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the Malibu Library. Reservations are required for this free program. For more information or to register, visit the Outdoor Recreation webpage. 

(NEW) INTRODUCTION OF NEW MALIBU POET LAUREATE NATHAN HASSALL, SEPTEMBER 28

The Malibu Poet Laureate Committee will host Changing of the Verse at City Hall on Thursday, September 28, 5:00 PM. Former Malibu Poet Laureates and local poets will read original work, the Malibu Arts Commission and Poet Laureate Committee will recognize outgoing Poet Laureate Anne Buxie for her commitment to literary arts, and the City’s new Poet Laureate, Nathan Hassall, will read his poems and discuss his plan to enhance poetry through 2025. Free, no RSVPs needed. For more information, visit the Poetry webpage. 

(NEW) FALL RECREATION PROGRAMS

Registration for recreation programs is available on the website. Programs will take place from September through November, including Parent and Me Music Together, Parent and Me Ballet, Youth Ballet, Youth Cheerleading and Dance, Youth Flag Football, Youth Soccer, Adult Barre Fitness, Adult Tai Chi, and more. Specialty one-day creative workshops will also be offered, including fairy gardening, ice dyeing, and spooky stamps. For more information, visit the Community Programs webpage.

TRANCAS CANYON PARK MULTIPURPOSE FIELD CLOSED FOR MAINTENANCE, SEPTEMBER 5 THROUGH OCTOBER 23

The Multipurpose Field at Trancas Canyon Park will be closed for annual rest and renovation from September 5 through October 23. The rest and renovation are important in keeping the field safe and playable throughout the year. Other facilities at Trancas Canyon Park will remain open.

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB of malibu 

The City’s fall afterschool programs for students in grades TK through 5 in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Malibu started the week of September 11 at Malibu Elementary School and Webster Elementary School. Weekly programs include All Sorts of Sports, LEGO Super Structures, and Science Explorers. Marine Biology will be offered as a one-day workshop on Wednesday, September 6 at Webster Elementary School and Thursday, September 7 at Malibu Elementary School. Pre-registration is required. Visit the Community Programs webpage for details. 

TINY TOT OLYMPICS, SEPTEMBER 17

Kids ages 2-6 can join the City’s annual Tiny Tot Olympics on Sunday, September 17 at 10:00 AM at Malibu Bluffs Park (24250 Pacific Coast Highway). The event will feature fun, supportive sports stations, bounce houses, face painting and an art activity with Create Studio. Sports stations will include basketball with Momentum Academies, baseball with Train Goat Gainz, skateboarding with Champ Camp, soccer with Super Soccer Stars, surfing with Aspects Academy, tennis with tennis pro John Rom, martial arts with Joey Escobar, ribbon dancing with Gaylene’s Dance Studio, track with Run Malibu, and a torch toss with the Malibu Aquatics Foundation. Registrations are $5 and can made in advance on the website. There will also be a limited number of walk-up registrations available. 

MALIBU LIBRARY SPEAKER SERIES ANALYzING THE BEATLES’ SGT. PEPPER’S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND ALBUM, SEPTEMBER 20

The 2023 Malibu Library Speaker Series continues on September 20, 7:00 PM at City Hall with Scott Freiman’s presentation analyzing The Beatles’ iconic album, “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.” Free with required RSVP. For more information or to RSVP, visit the webpage or call the Malibu Library at 310-456-6438.  

PUBLIC WORKS  

(NEW) CALTRANS TRAFFIC SIGNAL IMPROVEMENT WORK AT PCH AND LAS FLORES 

Caltrans will have intermittent lane closures for a project to improve a left turn lane and traffic signal on southbound PCH at Las Flores Canyon Road to enhance safety and traffic flow starting September 25. The work is expected to be completed by this winter, weekdays, with occasional work on Saturdays, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The work will include installing a protected left-turn lane on southbound PCH, upgrading traffic signal hardware, lighting and poles, upgrading a flashing beacon warning system, and installing a speed feedback device to alert motorists of their speed. Businesses and residents will have access during construction operations and all businesses may keep their regular open hours. Signs will be posted. Proceed with caution and watch for vehicles and workers in the road. Traffic citation fines are doubled in construction zones under California law. 

(NEW) Waterworks District 29 Improvement Project for Encinal Canyon  

LA County Public Works, Waterworks District 29 (WWD29) started work on September 11 to replace waterlines in the Encinal Canyon neighborhood on the following streets: parts of Encinal Canyon Road, Vista Del Preseas, Camino De Buena Ventura, Avenida De La Encinal, Encinal Canyon Road, Calle De La Burrita, Avenida Del Mar, and Via Vienta Street. The project aims to improve water system reliability and ensure the health and safety of water customers. Construction is to be completed by July 2024. work hours are 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays. Minimal traffic impacts are expected. Affected customers were notified directly by WWD29 of any temporary water service disruptions. For more information, visit the WWD29 project webpage.

OUTREACH & FEEDBACK

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 SMcClary@MalibuCity.org.

See Past City Manager Updates