CITY MANAGER UPDATES
NOVEMBER 22, 2022

UPCOMING

- Wednesday, November 23 - Friday, November 25 - Community Swimming Pool closed in observance of Thanksgiving holiday 

- Wednesday, November 23, 3:30 PM - Public Works Commission Regular Meeting – virtual

- Thursday, November 24, Friday, November 25 - City Hall, Senior Center, closed in observance of Thanksgiving holiday 

- Thursday, November 24 - Temporary Skate Park and Michael Landon Center closed in observance of Thanksgiving holiday

- Monday, November 28, 6:30 PM - City Council Regular Meeting – virtual

- Tuesday, November 29, 7:00 PM - Malibu Library Speaker Series with Author David Grann - Malibu Library

- Thursday, December 1, 1:00 PM -  2023 Building Code Update Workshop – virtual

- Thursday, December 1, 7:00 PM - Harry Barovsky Memorial Youth Commission Regular Meeting - virtual

HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAY!

The City of Malibu staff and City Council wish everyone in the community a safe and happy holiday, filled with health, happiness, family, friendship and love. We are grateful to serve this community and work together to help protect Malibu's beautiful natural surroundings and environment, and protect Malibu's safety and community character.

WILDFIRE SEASON

(NEW) FIRE CONDITIONS UPDATE

Live Fuel Moisture (LFM) and Conditions - LFM is at 56% as of October 27, down significantly from 63% two weeks earlier. 60% and below is considered critical. As part of continuous wildfire preparedness, the City tracks LFM as well as relative humidity, temperature, and dead fuel moisture to determine fire conditions for Malibu. The LFM is the percentage of water content to dry matter in live vegetation. LFM can be as high as 200%. The Los Angeles County Fire Department Forestry Division conducts sampling approximately every two weeks and posts the results on their website. The low LFM level increase the potential for ignition and flammability, but without strong, sustained winds, the potential is lower for large fire spread. Two or more inches of rainfall spread out over several weeks would be needed to significant raise the LFM level. Fire season is not over. October, November and December are the peak period for wildfire conditions in our region, with an average of eight Red Flag days, so community members are encouraged to continue their wildfire preparedness and monitor weather conditions closely.

Fire Conditions through Thanksgiving and the weekend - The National Weather Service forecasts possibly critical Red Flag fire conditions Wednesday night, November 23 through Friday, November 25, with otherwise elevated fire conditions through Saturday, strongest wind on Thanksgiving day, Thursday. Conditions mean that, in case of a fire start, there is the potential for fast fire growth and dangerous fire behavior, especially Thursday. See detailed weather information on the NWS LA/Oxnard website.

One of the measures of daily fire conditions used by fire officials are "Low, Moderate, High, Very High, and Extreme" fire danger. Last week, conditions in Malibu were at "Very High" and "Extreme" fire danger, which will continue through Saturday. Like last year, we are currently in a cycle with Santa Anas winds every few days, which elevates the dangerous fire conditions by further drying out the already critically dry fuels. Conditions will worsen until significant rain arrives, bringing the "green-up" with new grasses. A strong change in weather is expected next week with growing chances of multiple storms and rain.

(NEW) HOLIDAY SAFETY TIPS

Christmas Trees - As we head into the holidays, our Public Safety Team has some safety tips for the community. A Christmas tree can go from a delightful household holiday symbol to a potential starting point of a dangerous house fire as it becomes dry and flammable, so don't wait too long to dispose of your holiday tree. The City offers free Christmas trees recycling December 27 through January 10, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (closed December 30 - January 2) at the Chili Cookoff lot at 23575 Civic Center Way. For curbside collection, remove all metal stands and decorations, and cut up the tree so that it fits into the yard waste bin. Check and refill the tree's water pan regularly. Keep holiday trees at least three feet away from any heat source. Make sure lighting cords are not worn out, check for broken bulbs, and do not overload electric outlets.

Decorative Candles - Decorative candles are the source of numerous house fires every year. Keep candles safely away from any flammable materials, and do not leave them burning unattended. 

Turkey Fryers - Every year, many people are badly burned, and nearly 1,000 house fires are started by the improper use of deep fryers to cook turkeys. Always use turkey fryers outdoors, on a flat surface at least 10 feet from any structures. Keep children and pets away. Do not leave the fryer unattended. Use safety equipment such as hot mitts and keep a fire extinguisher on hand. Make sure your turkey is completely defrosted before frying it. See more turkey fryer safety tips from the US Fire Administration.

Fireplaces - Always ensure that the chimney flue is open while using the fireplace to prevent smoke and carbon monoxide from flooding the house. Before starting a wood fire in your fireplace, make sure it is approved for wood burning. Have your chimney inspected annually and cleaned if necessary. 

Celebrate Responsibly to Help Keep Our Roads Safe - Celebrate responsibly by designating drivers, or using taxis or rideshares. 

LA COUNTY ESTABLISHES NEW DISASTER RESPONSE AND EVACUATION ZONES THAT MATCH MALIBU’S EVACUATION ZONES

The City of Malibu joins Los Angeles County public safety agencies, County Board of Supervisors District 3, and the Cities of Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, and Westlake Village In “Know Your Zone,” an effort to introduce the community to the County’s newly established official evacuation zones and the County’s new Zonehaven AWARE online tool. The County’s new zones in the Malibu area are the same as the City of Malibu’s Evacuation Zones that are part of the Mass Evacuation Plan that the City Council adopted 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 created by a working group convened after the 2018 Woolsey Fire to improve communication, coordination and response on wildfire evacuations in Malibu. Enter an address into the Zonehaven AWARE interactive map to find your zones, as well as real-time status updates, shelter options and other valuable information specific to that zone.

START GETTING PREPARED FOR WILDFIRES NOW

Residents should be preparing for wildfire season. Closely monitor local fire weather conditions and warnings on the National Weather Service Los Angeles/Oxnard website. Create 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. Most importantly, make sure flammable materials and vegetation are cleared away from your home. Schedule a free Home Wildfire Hardening Assessment by emailing [email protected], calling 310-456-2489, ext. 388 or visiting the Fire Safety webpage.

SCHEDULE YOUR FREE HOME WILDFIRE HARDENING ASSESSMENT 

Malibu homeowners can schedule a free home wildfire hardening assessment with the City’s Fire Safety Liaisons to learn how to protect your home from the millions of burning embers that can fly up to two miles out ahead of a wind-driven wildfire. Flying embers are a leading cause of homes burning down during wildfires. The 30-60 minute inspections follow the Fire Code and nationally recognized best practices. You can learn simple and often inexpensive steps, such as maintaining good brush clearance, keeping dead vegetation and flammable materials such as wood furniture away from the house, and covering up eave vents with metal mesh. Schedule an appointment by emailing [email protected] or calling 310-456-2489, ext. 388 or visiting the Fire Safety webpage. 

MALIBU SECURES FUNDING TO CONTINUE FIRE HAZARD TREE REMOVAL PROGRAM

As part of the City’s efforts toward community-wide wildfire safety, the City secured additional funds from the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy to continue the 2021 Hazard Tree Removal Program. The goal of the program is to remove dead trees that represent a threat to life safety, property, infrastructure, and access for community members and emergency responders. Dead trees also add fuel load to any future wildfire. Residents who were on the waiting list when the funds were exhausted last May will be given priority. For more information, call Fire Safety Liaison Gabe Etcheverry at 424-422-8802 or email [email protected].

PUBLIC SAFETY

(NEW) UPDATE ON CITY EFFORTS TO ADDRESS HOMELESSNESS 

The City’s Homeless Outreach Team, which consists of three outreach workers and a housing navigator from The People Concern reported that, in October 2022, it was in contact with 103 people experiencing homelessness, five of whom were either relocated or placed into permanent or temporary housing. The Outreach Team, in coordination with City Staff and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, proactively engage with people experiencing homelessness in an effort to prevent fires related to homeless encampments. Due to the re-opening of the Los Angeles Homeless Service Authority (LAHSA) Winter Shelter Program, the Outreach Team will prioritize assisting clients with shelter placement in addition to refocusing efforts on engaging with people living in RVs and vans on Pacific Coast Highway. Current and past monthly Homeless Outreach reports are available on the website.

RESIDENTS ENCOURAGED TO INSTALL "KNOX BOXES" TO GIVE SHERIFF'S DEPUTIES EMERGENCY ACCESS TO GATED PROPERTIES 

Community members are encouraged to install a "KnoxBox" emergency key system to enable Sheriff’s Deputies to access unstaffed gates to residential properties to ensure rapid law enforcement access in case of emergencies. In order to effectively and efficiently respond to emergency calls, Deputies need to be able to access all residential and commercial properties, including gated communities. The KnoxBox system is separate from the system used by the LA County Fire Department. A Knox Master Key is given exclusively to Deputies. Community members can buy a KnoxBox online. Once the purchase is made, the Malibu-Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station is notified, and a Deputy will help verify access following its installation by a locksmith. For more information, contact Public Safety Liaison Luis Flores at 310-456-2489, ext. 236 or [email protected].

BUILDING SAFETY

(NEW) VIRTUAL COMMUNITY WORKSHOP ON 2023 BUILDING CODE UPDATES, DECEMBER 1  

The City of Malibu will host a 2023 Building Code Update Virtual Community Workshop on Thursday, December 1, 2022, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM. The State adopts the California Building Standards Code, Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations, every three years, which covers structural, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems for all buildings statewide. As the new state codes become effective on January 1, 2023, local building standards based on modifications to the 2019 codes will no longer be applicable to new construction in Malibu. The workshop will cover: 

- The new Building, Residential, and Green Building Standards Codes as well as the amendments developed by the Los Angeles Regional Uniform Code Program to determine the building standards necessary for the Los Angeles basin; and the unified set of local amendments relevant to designers, developers, and the public at large.

- What modifications to the County code are specific to City administrative procedures

The Zoom meeting link and more information about the City’s Building Safety plan review and permitting process are on the Building Safety webpage.

CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS, NOVEMBER 14, 2022 MEETING

(NEW) JAKE KUREDJIAN CITIZENSHIP AWARD WINNERS

The City Council selected Richard Lawson and Judy Villablanca as the 2022 recipients of the Jake Kuredjian Citizenship award on November 14, 2022. The award was created to honor the late Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Hagop “Jake” Kuredjian and recognizes outstanding individuals who have donated time and resources to enhance the quality of parks and recreation programs within the Malibu community. Richard Lawson has been a teacher at Malibu High School since 1996 and continues to focus on positive outcomes of mental and physical health. Judy Villablanca served on the Malibu Parks and Recreation Commission for over five years. She was instrumental in developing several recreation programs and projects, including the Temporary and Permanent Skate Parks. The award recipients will be recognized at the November 28, 2022 City Council meeting. Visit the City’s website to learn about the award and see past recipients. 

(NEW) UNITED AGAINST HATE WEEK, NOVEMBER 13-20

The Malibu City Council Proclaimed November 13-20 as United Against Hate Week. United Against Hate was created by civic leaders in direct response to the sharp rise in expressions of hate in our communities. Their goal is to empower people to take action in their local communities and alter the course of this growing intolerance so that we can restore respect and civil discourse, embrace the strength of diversity and build inclusive and equitable communities for all. During United Against Hate Week, community members are encouraged to post signs, host events, share stories, attend rallies, and connect with schools and neighborhood civic institutions to discuss how we can address and reduce hate in society. To learn more, visit the United Against Hate website.

(NEW) CITY COUNCIL TO REVIEW RACE EVENT POLICIES

The City Council directed staff to bring back an item in January 2023 to form and appoint members to an Ad Hoc Committee to review the City’s Road Race Policy and the proposed Super League Triathlon agreement and return to the City Council with a recommendation The Council also directed staff to request five years of financial data from Super League Triathlon to be reviewed by the Ad Hoc Committee. For more information, see the agenda and staff reports from November 14, 2022 and watch video of the Council meeting.

PLANNING

(NEW) SPECIAL EVENTS REPORT

Currently, there are permitted events November 25, 26, December 10, 17, 24 and January 3, 2023, as well as every Sunday for parking for the Malibu Farmers Market. 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).

SANTA MONICA COLLEGE CAMPUS NEARING COMPLETION, REGISTRATION OPEN FOR SPRING 2023 CLASSES

The Santa Monica College Malibu Campus on Civic Center Way is nearly completed and registration is now open for spring 2023 classes. For more information, including photos, campus facilities, faculty, and classes available in spring 2023, visit the website.

PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD OCTOBER 17 - DECEMBER 16 FOR MRCA PROPOSED PLAN FOR EXPANDING CAMPING FACILITIES IN MALIBU

The Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority (MRCA) seeks input from reviewing agencies and the public about the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for its Malibu Lower-Cost Accommodations Public Works Plan. The Plan proposes a variety of park facility improvements and public outreach programs at the Malibu Bluffs Open Space and the existing campground at Ramirez Canyon Park. On December 12, staff will present a draft comment letter to the City Council for its consideration. Based on the City Council comment, the comment letter will be sent to the MRCA. Send written comments October 17 through December 16 by mail to “Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority, RE: Malibu Lower-Cost Accommodations Public Works Plan. Attn: Mario Sandoval, Project Manager. 26800 Mulholland Highway. Calabasas, CA 91302.” Send comments by email to [email protected]. See details about the Plan, including maps, background, and potential environmental impacts in the Notice of Preparation and on the project website.

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