Politics & Government

City Of Malibu: City Manager Updates February 4, 2022

See the latest announcement from the City of Malibu.

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Press Release Desk, News Partner
(City of Malibu)

Press release from the City of Malibu:

February 4, 2022

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(NEW) CITY COUNCIL MAKES FINDINGS FROM INVESTIGATION INTO HARASSMENT ALLEGATIONS PUBLIC

The Malibu City Council has waived its attorney-client privilege and made publicly available the findings from the independent investigation into allegations of harassment made by former City Manager Reva Feldman against Mayor Pro Tem Bruce Silverstein. The links to the report of the findings of the investigation, the letter to the City Council informing them of the findings, and the City Attorney’s memo to the City Council are posted on the City website at www.MalibuCity.org/FeldmanAllegationReport.

(NEW) FREE COVID-19 TESTING FEBRUARY 4, 5 AND 8 IN CALABASAS

Free COVID-19 PCR (nasal swab) testing is offered on Thursday, February 3, Saturday, February 5 and Tuesday, February 8, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM at the Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community Center located at 27040 Malibu Hills Rd., Calabasas. Click for a map. No appointments are needed, but pre-registration is required online. Results will be sent directly to you within 24 hours. The testing service is hosted by the cities of Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, Malibu and Westlake Village, and operated by Equity Health and LabLinq Diagnostics.

Find out what's happening in Malibufor free with the latest updates from Patch.

FREE AT-⁠HOME COVID-⁠19 TESTS AVAILABLE TO BE SHIPPED TO YOUR HOME

Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order free at-⁠home rapid COVID-⁠19 tests shipped direct by the U.S. Postal Service. Limit four per household. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days. Click to order. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using an at-home test: if you have a fever, sore throat, runny nose, or loss of taste or smell; at least five days after having come into contact with someone with COVID-19; and before gathering with a group of people, especially with those at risk of getting severe illness from COVID-19. Public Health officials advise also continuing to use other risk-reduction strategies, including getting vaccinated and wearing facemasks in crowded or public settings, especially N95, K95 or surgical quality facemasks that offer more protection from the extremely contagious Omicron variant. 

(NEW) CITY OF MALIBU AND MALIBU MEDICAL GROUP HOST 28TH DAY OF FREE, DRIVE-THROUGH COVID-19 TESTING AT CITY HALL

The City of Malibu and Malibu Medical Group hosted two more another successful, free drive-through COVID-19 testing days at Malibu City Hall on January 22 and 29. Over two days, 118 people received PCR (nasal swab) tests. The City has now offered 28 free testing days since the pandemic started. The City thanks Malibu Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) team members, who donated 55 hours of volunteer time, and City and Malibu Medical Group staff for operating the event. 

(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 - 219
  • Single Family Dwellings complete – 69
  • Multifamily building permits issued - 18 units
  • Multifamily building units complete- 12 units

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF CITY HALL TO THE PUBLIC EXTENDED THROUGH fEBRUARY 11 DUE TO HIGH RATES OF COVID-19 

The temporary closure of Malibu City Hall to the public has been extended through February 11 due to the high rates of COVID-19 cases and community transmission in Los Angeles County. Aside from in-person services in City Hall, the City staff and departments will continue to work and offer all services normally. The City Manager and Public Safety Manager will assess the situation on a daily basis, and will re-open City Hall if conditions improve sufficiently. Any changes will be announced on the City’s website, social media and e-notification system. To sign up to receive COVID-19 e-notifications via text and/or email, visit www.MalibuCity.org/News and scroll to “COVID-19/Coronavirus.” Staff is available to assist anyone with City business by phone, email or video call, including plan review, permit issuance and help with Woolsey Fire rebuild projects. Building Inspection operations will remain the same. 

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

All Brown Act public meetings including City Council and Commissions will continue virtually as scheduled. The Senior Center is closed, but Senior Center staff are available to assist any seniors in the community that need help and the Dial-A-Ride program will continue to operate. For assistance, call the Senior Center at 310-456-2489, ext. 357.

MALIBU REBUILDS - 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 phone or online meeting. For ideas about how to get started with your project, as well as numerous handouts, forms and resources, visit the Rebuild webpage.

(new) 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. On January 31, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LADPH) confirmed 37 new deaths and 8,786 new cases. Other key updates from the County’s COVID-19 Dashboard  as of January 31, 2022 include the following: 

  • 1,901 confirmed positive cases and 13 deaths in the City of Malibu to date
  • 2,668,094 confirmed cases and 28,998 deaths in LA County to date 
  • 3,710 current hospitalizations in LA County, a decrease of 1,089 since January 19

(NEW) MALIBU SECURES STATE GRANT FOR WILDFIRE PREVENTION EDUCATION

As part of the City of Malibu’s ongoing efforts to be prepared for and help residents be prepared for wildfires, the City has secured a $65,000 grant from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) for the City's Wildfire Prevention Education project. The project will provide training for residents in hardening homes against embers by hosting three sessions of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) home wildfire hardening courses, expanding the content of the City’s annual Wildfire and Disaster Preparedness Expo, providing focused wildfire preparedness handout materials, and purchasing a fire extinguisher training system to teach residents how to put out small spot fires caused by weed whacking and other ignition sources. Learn more about the City's fire safety efforts on the webpage. 

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED IN MALIBU FOR THE 2022 LA COUNTY HOMELESS COUNT, RESCHEDULED TO FEBRUARY 23

Malibu community members are invited to volunteer to join the annual Homeless Count taking place in Malibu, which has been rescheduled to Wednesday, February 23. Join the thousands of volunteers who help the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority conduct the annual street count of County of Los Angeles's homeless population. Learn more or sign up to volunteer at TheyCountWillYou.org. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old. For more information, contact Public Safety Liaison Luis Flores at LFlores@MalibuCity.org or 310-456-2489, ext. 236.

PSPS POWER OUTAGE PREPAREDNESS TRAINING FOR SENIORS AND AT-RISK ADULTS, february 16

The City will provide a free virtual training to help seniors and at-risk adults be prepared for Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) on Wednesday, February 16, 11:00 AM. A free backup battery is available to participating Malibu residents who complete the training, a quiz and provide a copy of their photo ID. Limit one per household. The training is open to all, but the backup batteries are available only to residents who live within city limits. RSVP online for this free virtual training. If you have any questions or would like to schedule training for you neighborhood or community group, please email publicsafety@malibucity.org.

Resources to Help Malibu Community Members Stay Aware of Crime and Public Safety in Their Neighborhood 

Malibu residents, businesses, employees, students and others in the community can access valuable information about crime and public safety in their neighborhoods using a crime mapping website and monthly crime and public safety reports from County agencies. Members of the public can track recent crime activity in their neighborhood using www.CrimeMapping.com, which automatically extracts data from Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department databases. Users can also sign up to receive email alerts when crimes occur in a specific location. There is no cost to the City or to individual users. Another valuable resource for situational awareness are the monthly incident reports provided to the City by the County Sheriff’s Department, Fire Department and Lifeguard Division. The most recent reports and an archive of past reports are available to view, download or print on the Public Safety webpage. 

SCHEDULE YOUR HOME WILDFIRE HARDENING ASSESSMENT

The City continues to offer its no-cost Home Ignition Zone Assessment Program for homeowners. The Fire Liaisons will visit your home and give you a checklist of simple, often inexpensive steps you can take to harden your home against flying embers, a major cause of homes igniting during wind-driven wildfires like the Woolsey Fire. To schedule an appointment or for help with wildfire preparedness, email Firesafety@malibucity.org or call 310-456-2489, ext. 387 or visit the Fire Safety webpage. 

COMMISSIONs RECOMMEND SUSPENDING WESTWARD BEACH PARKING PROJECT and further study

During a special joint virtual meeting of the City’s Public Works and Public Safety Commissions on January 20, the Commissions voted to recommend to the City Council to suspend the proposed Westward Beach Road Parking project. Community concerns were raised about the project related to the ongoing beach erosion that led to the recent collapse of the connector road leading from Westward Beach Road into the Point Dume Parking lot and other issues. The Commissions recommended further environmental, safety and coastal engineering review, and getting community input before moving the project forward. The meeting video and staff report are available to view on the website. The item will be scheduled for a future City Council meeting, with details to be announced when they become available. 

(NEW) MALIBU MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT

On December 17, 2021, the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SM-MUSD) submitted the draft Malibu Middle and High School (MMHS) Specific Plan for processing. Implementation of the specific plan is planned in four phases between 2022 -2031 for the continued reconstruction of the middle and high school facilities, restoration of the creek, etc. The Specific Plan also proposes to modify several development standards including the Environmentally Sensitive Habitat (ESHA) setback, height, and grading quantities. The required Coastal Development Permit for Phase 1 of the Specific Plan has also been submitted and is being processed concurrently. It includes abatement and demolition of the school facilities associated with the former Juan Cabrillo Elementary School, a lot merger, new parking areas, ESHA restoration, and associated development. At the January 26, 2021 SM-MUSD Board of Education meeting, the Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) was certified and the MMHS Specific Plan was approved.  

Under the California Environmental Quality Act, the City of Malibu serves as a responsible agency for this project and will be relying on the FEIR recently certified by the Board of Education. The project requires review by the City Environmental Review Board, Planning Commission, and approval by City Council before it is forwarded to the California Coastal Commission for final certification of the Specific Plan. The City has provided an initial set of comments on the application and is working with SM-MUSD to address those comments. At this time, City public hearings have not been scheduled. For more information, visit the project webpage. 

ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS ORDINANCE HEARING MARCH 7 

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the City’s Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) draft ordinance on Monday, March 7. The hearing was rescheduled on January 18 due to the high number of items on the agenda, including Woolsey Fire rebuild time extensions and projects. In addition, the California Coastal Commission submitted redline comments on the City’s draft LCP ordinance. City staff will address these comments in the March 7 staff report. On January 21, the California Coastal Commission issued two memorandums which affect the draft ordinance.   Community members are invited to attend, watch and give public comment. The State has identified ADUs as an important tool to create more affordable housing amidst California’s housing crisis, and has passed several laws to make it easier to build ADUs. The City is preparing an ordinance to be consistent with the State laws, and to ensure the regulations reflect Malibu’s needs and characteristics. The staff report, viewing and commenting instructions will be posted prior to the meeting on the website. For more information about ADU regulations in the City of Malibu, visit the ADU webpage.   

MALIBU INN MOTEL PROJECT HEARING APRIL 4

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on April 4 on the Malibu Inn Motel project environmental document and project entitlements. The hearing was continued on January 11 to allow time for staff to contact the Regional Water Quality Control Board for clarification on whether the proposed project continues to be exempt pursuant to Table 4-zz. Previous meeting materials and more information about the project are available on the webpage.  

SPECIAL EVENTS REPORT 

There are currently two permitted upcoming events, on February 5 and February 10. The City of Malibu Planning Department posts a weekly report of approved event permits on the website. In order for members of the public to be informed of pending event permit applications and to provide an additional opportunity for public input, the City has changed the Event Permit Report format to include 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. The updated Event Permit Report  has been posted to the City's website. 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).

(NEW) MALIBU TO TRANSITION TO TIME-OF-USE RATES, customers can opt out 

Malibu's electricity service from Clean Power Alliance (CPA) is transitioning to Time of Use (TOU) rates, which will reduce the cost of energy earlier in the day and late at night when demand is lower. Starting in March, customers can save money by reducing their energy use during peak hours between 4:00 PM and 9:00 PM. That can help the environment because prices are lower during the day when clean, inexpensive solar power is abundant. It also reduces strain on the electric grid, which can help prevent power outages. Customers can opt out at any time. See your options and learn more on the website.

(NEW) FREE SPRINKLER TIMER AND INSTALLATION THROUGH MALIBU SMART water conservation program

Malibu residents may be eligible for a free Rachio Smart Sprinkler Timer and installation as part of the Malibu Smart water conservation program, a joint effort of the City of Malibu, Los Angeles County Waterworks, and West Basin Municipal Water District. These timers, valued at $200, make it easy to control your sprinklers from your smart phone and automatically adjust water levels based on the weather conditions to reduce water waste. Malibu Smart also offers free installation, valued at $300. The timers are available for a limited time on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign up on the webpage. 

(NEW) fREE WATER-SAVING DEVICEs and $500 rebates for water-efficient laundry machines

West Basin Municipal Water District is offering qualified Malibu residents free indoor water-saving device kits as part of its Change & Save program, which aims to inspire residents to save water and money by upgrading to high-efficiency indoor water fixtures. Kits will be sent by mail to your home in two to four weeks. The program also offers a rebate of up to $500 for the purchase of a qualifying high-efficiency clothes washer. For more information and to sign up, visit the West Basin website.

(NEW) faq for septic system POINT-OF-SALE INSPECTIONs

The City created a frequently asked questions (FAQ) handout for the Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) Point of Sale Inspection Program. For answers to questions about obtaining an operating permit prior to a property’s point of sale, the transfer of an operating permit, and certificates of inspection, see the FAQ handout. To learn more about the City’s Operating Permit Program, visit the webpage. 

(NEW) ONLINE TRAININGS FOR CITY-REGISTERED OWTS PRACTITIONERS  

The City partnered with multiple training providers and associations to offer a list of online training programs for City-registered Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS) Practitioners. City-registered OWTS Practitioners are required to renew their registration with the City every two years by completing a qualified third-party training program. The list of qualified training webinars and courses is posted on the website. 

Household Hazardous and Electronic Waste Collection February 19

Residents can drop off used paint, motor oil, batteries and electronics to be safely and properly disposed of at the Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) and Electronic Waste Collection on Saturday, February 19, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM at the City Hall Upper Parking Lot. When dropping off materials, please wear a face covering and remain in your vehicle with the windows closed. The event staff will only remove materials from your vehicle trunk or pick-up bed. For more information and the list of accepted materials, visit the webpage. 

(NEW) POETRY WORKSHOP FEBRUARY 19

Join Malibu Poet Laureate Ann Buxie on Saturday, February 19, at 11:00 AM for Malibu's next poetry writing workshop, “The Write Time.” The free virtual workshop will be held via Zoom. For more information or to RSVP, visit the webpage or call 310-456-2489, ext. 350. 

(NEW) SPRING RECREATION GUIDE

The Spring 2022 Recreation Guide and City Newsletter is now available online on the Community Services Department’s webpage. The guide will be mailed to Malibu homes on February 6 and features information and news about the Community Services Department's excellent programs and parks, as well as informational articles and contact information for City departments and services. Registration for Spring 2022 programs opens Monday, February 14, at 8:00 AM on the webpage. 

(NEW) SPRING PROGRAM OUTREACH BOOTH at bluffs Park february 6

Residents are invited to visit the Community Services Department’s outreach booth on Sunday, February 6, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM at Malibu Bluffs Park to learn about the City's spring programs and pick up a complimentary goodie bag. Your Community Services staff members will be onsite to greet residents, provide information about programs offered March through May including Outdoor Recreation at Charmlee Wilderness Park, Parent and Me programs, senior programs, sports, and Spring Break Day Camps. For more information, visit the webpage. 

(NEW) LANE CLOSURE ON MALIBU CANYON FOR WORK ON CIVIC CENTER WATER TREATMENT FACILITY

A contractor for the City will close the northbound lane of Malibu Canyon Road just north of Malibu Knolls Road on Tuesday, February 8, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM for work related to the City's Civic Center Water Treatment Facility (CCWTF) Phase II project. For more information about the CCWTF Phase II project, visit the webpage. 

(NEW) CURRENT REQUESTS FOR PROPOSALS

The City has released a Request for Qualifications/Proposals for Assessment District Administration Services with proposals due February 24, as well as a Request for Qualifications/Proposals for Construction Management Services for the City's Civic Center Water Treatment Facility (CCWTF) Phase II, with proposals due February 24. For more information about all of the City's current bids, visit the webpage. 

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 

This press release was produced by the City of Malibu. The views expressed here are the author’s own.

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