MALIBU—On June 8, the city of Malibu provided an update on its annual Weed Abatement Program reminding the public to be proactive and remove weeds, vegetation, and other combustible vegetation that my serve as fuel during California’s wildfire season. Malibu employees have been weed eating and removing small branches, and debris akin to kindling from the city’s right of ways and are encouraging residents to do the same. Information was sent out to area residents regarding fire prevention and what needs to be done to lower the risks of fire during wildfire season (October-December) in a flyer. “The good news is, Malibu doesn’t have to be caught off guard. We know what time of year Red Flag fire conditions occur. Each year, Malibu experiences 7-8 Red Flag Fire events between October 1 and December 31, totaling 14-18 days of increased wildfire risk. Red Flag conditions are declared by the National Weather Service when humidity drops to 15% or less, and sustained winds reach 25 MPH or more for at least six hours, typically during Santa Ana winds,” the city of Malibu stated on its website. By Sharon

MALIBU—On Tuesday, June 9, the city of Malibu announced that the deadline for the Woolsey Fire Fee Waiver Program is approaching.

Property owners have until Tuesday, June 30, to apply for Malibu’s Woolsey Fire Fee Waiver Program. To qualify, all required Planning Department applications must be deemed complete by Tuesday, June 30, and all required building permits must be pulled by Wednesday, December 30, 2026. No fees will be waived after that date.

In 2018, the Woolsey Fire was ignited in November and was not contained until November 21. The fire spread to 96,949 acres (39,234 hectares), destroyed 1,643 structures, killed 3 people, and prompted the evacuation of more than 295,000 people in the region. The blaze started in Woolsey Canyon on the Santa Susana Field Laboratory property. Hundreds of homes on both sides of Pacific Coast Highway were destroyed during the fire.

The program helps eligible Woolsey Fire survivors rebuild by waiving certain city rebuilding fees for like-for-like or like-for-like plus 10 percent rebuilds of homes that were the owner’s primary residence on November 8, 2018. The program may transfer to heirs of previously qualified property owners. Eligible waived fees may include rebuilding fees, onsite wastewater treatment system upgrades, damaged accessory structures, and related hardscaping or landscaping.

Property owners who already paid eligible rebuilding fees may qualify for a refund. Fees for post-approval revisions will still be charged under the City’s adopted fee schedule. To learn more and apply: https://www.malibucity.org/958/Fee-Waiver-Deadlines. To discuss your project or contact Aakash Shah at 310-456-2489, ext. 385 to schedule an appointment.

By Danny Jones

SANTA MONICA—On Tuesday, June 9, the Santa Monica Police Department confiscated a loaded handgun and various drug paraphernalia. Officers conducting patrol in the area of Appian Way and Arcadia Terrace observed a vehicle parked in violation of several municipal and vehicle code sections.

During the contact, officers observed open containers of alcohol, marijuana, and a nitrous oxide tank in plain view. All four occupants of the vehicle were under the age of 21 and arrested for various drug and gun charges.

A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of a loaded handgun. The name of the individual has not been disclosed to the public. Anyone with details related to criminal activity in Santa Monica is asked to contact the Santa Monica Police Department at 310-458-8491.

By Danny Jones

SANTA MONICA—On Tuesday, June 9, the city of Santa Monica revealed that registration for the Santa Monica Public Library, or SMPL, 2026 Summer Reading Program will open June 13. Patrons of all ages can sign up online at smpl.beanstack.com or in person during open hours at any SMPL location.

From June 13 through August 15, registered participants can track their reading progress and earn tickets for the chance to win exciting prizes. Participants ages 4-18 can enter to win a Nintendo Switch 2, while adults ages 18+ can enter to win a Kobo eReader. Participants who register in person will also receive birthday-themed goody bags — in celebration of the Main Library’s 20th birthday — featuring surprise treats from SMPL, the Friends of the Santa Monica Public Library, and local businesses, while supplies last.

“At Santa Monica Public Library, summer reading is all about celebrating curiosity, creativity, and the joy of discovering something new,” Santa Monica Public Library Director Erica Cuyugan said. “This year’s birthday-themed program invites the community to join the celebration with books, games, hands-on activities, and memorable events for all ages.”

From 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on June 13, there will be a celebration for the Main Library’s 20th birthday. Held in the Main Library North Courtyard, 601 Santa Monica Blvd., the celebration features a magic show by David Skale, balloon twisting, and other festive activities.

Additional summer youth event highlights include:

-A Family Concert with Andrew and Polly on Saturday, June 20, from 11 a.m.-noon at the Pico Branch Amphitheater
-A Dino Chase Through Space Puppet Show on Monday, June 22, from 2:30-3:30 p.m. in the Main Library’s MLK Jr. Auditorium
-A Teen Game Night on Thursday, June 25, from 4-6 p.m. in the Main Library’s Youth Activity Room

SMPL will also host two pop-up library events this summer, including one at Pride on the Promenade on Saturday, June 13, from 12 p.m.-4 p.m.

SMPL will bring Southern California’s only beachside pop-up library to the Annenberg Community Beach House for a day of fun in the sun. Guests can check out beach reads, play games, and enjoy storytimes on Friday, August 7, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. All ages are welcome.

SMPL’s Summer Reading Program is supported by the Friends of the Santa Monica Public Library and the Kiwanis Club of Santa Monica. For more information visit www.santamonica.gov/library.

By Danny Jones

SANTA MONICA—On June 8, officials with the city of Santa Monica issued a request to those visiting area parks to not feed rodents, specifically, squirrels. According to reports, Palisades Park is experiencing the largest uptick in the squirrel population.  Officials reported that the squirrels in that area have become a nuisance and are bold and aggressive.

Rodents depend on the handouts, creating an unnatural food supply, and are pursuing those visiting the park for snacks.  Squirrels like other rodents’ nest near their food source and breed twice annually once around February and during the summer (June-August). Squirrels can birth anywhere from 2 to 9 kits.

According to Coast and Canyon Wildlife Rehabilitation specialist, Marcia Rybak, the local squirrel population is no longer leaning on their own instincts to forage for food. Rybak told KCBS that, “The problem is, it’s always the food supply.  Everything is shelter and food with wildlife, or all animals, really.”

Coast and Canyon Wildlife Rehabilitation is a volunteer run organization that rescues orphaned wildlife in the area, primarily baby squirrels. According to the Coast and Canyon website, their team of volunteers “cared for over 1,100 orphaned, injured, or displaced wild animals in Los Angeles County. We pride ourselves in never turning away an animal in need and never letting the cost of animal care determine its future.”

City officials started posting signs advising the public not to feed the rodents.  Rybak noted if people stop feeding the squirrels, they will move on.

Santa Monica does not use poisons to thin the population due to the threat of harming other wildlife.  Wildlife experts encourage the city to stop the public feeding of the squirrels, and “Let nature take over,” to protect the local ecosystem and the structural integrity of the Palisades Bluffs, which reports indicate that the squirrels burrowing habits have begun to take over.

By Sharon

MALIBU—On June 8, the city of Malibu announced hazardous beach conditions expected between June 8 and June 11. The National Weather Service Surf Forecast for the Malibu Coast and Los Angeles County Beaches reporting surf heights from four to six feet high. Large breaking waves, dangerous rip currents have been reported. Beach goers are advised to stay off the rocks and jetties for their own safety. Strong rip currents have the capability of pulling swimmers and surfers under the water. The waves can knock people over in the water, and wash people off the beaches, increasing the risk of drowning and could capsize small boats, rafts, and watercrafts. In addition to the hazardous surf warnings, there are also high bacteria levels warnings in effect. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) issued an Ocean Water Use Warning for the following Los Angeles County beaches. “These warnings are issued because recent water samples showed bacteria that exceed the state health standards, which may increase the risk of illness,” the LACDPH reported. The bacteria warnings apply to the entire swimming area of the following beaches: -Malibu Lagoon at Surfrider Beach -Escondido Creek and Escondido State Beach -Solstice Creek at Dan Blocker County Beach, -Mother’s Beach in Marina Del Rey, -Inner Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro, -100 yards up and down the coast from the storm drain at; -Castlerock Storm Drain at Topanga County Beach in Malibu, -Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu, 100 yards up and down the coast from the Lagoon, -100 yards up and down the coast of Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, The Bel Air Bay Club at Will Rogers State Beach, and 100 yards up and down the coast from the Club’s border fence. Santa Monica Canyon Creek at Will Rogers State Beach near Will Rogers Tower 18, has been cleared. For updated beach warnings check the LACDPH website. By Sharon

BEVERLY HILLS—On Sunday, June 28, the city of Beverly Hills will host a free shredding, e-waste and compost event to securely shred sensitive documents, recycle old electronics, and pick up some free compost for your garden.

The event will take place from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. or until the truck is full at Civic Center Drive and 3rd Street.

E-waste disposal will also be available at the Beverly Hills Farmer’s Market. There will be no e-waste collection on July 5.

Event Information and Tips:

-Contactless drop-off event, staff will assist with unloading
-Bag or box your paper material to be shredded
-Remove all paper clips, binding clips, rubber bands, and staples when boxing your paper.

Items accepted include Paper material only, medical records, financial records, utility bills, tax documents, pay stubs, all sensitive paper documents.

Items not accepted include Hard drives, books, e-waste, books, binders, cardboard, x-rays, cd’s, tapes, VHS, hanging folders.

Limit: Maximum of 50 pounds of paper material to shred per person. If you have more than the maximum amount contact askBH.

For more details on the event and Beverly Hills’ ongoing sustainability efforts, visit www.beverlyhills.org/shred or call (310) 285-1000.

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—The city of Malibu is asking for community feedback regarding the future of Topanga State Park and Will Rogers State Historic Park.

Following the Palisades Fire that burned over 8,000 acres in Topanga State Park and impacted Will Rogers State Historic Park, California State Parks launched a public recovery planning process to guide the long-term restoration and resilience of these treasured public historic and natural spaces.

The process will help determine how the parks are rebuilt, how historic and natural resources are preserved, and how the parks can best serve future generations.

Community members are invited to participate by sharing memories, photos, ideas, and feedback that will help shape recovery priorities and the parks’ future. Throughout 2026, California State Parks will host workshops, stakeholder meetings, surveys, and other opportunities for public input.

“Our recovery work is focused on restoring access safely, protecting sensitive resources, and fostering long-term resilience. We are committed to a transparent planning process that includes community input at every stage. Thank you for being part of this effort and helping shape the future of these parks,” said Richard Fink II, Angeles District Superintendent.

To learn more visit: https://www.myinput.com/topanga-will-rogers.

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—The city of Malibu is seeking to hire an Assistant City Manager. The rare opportunity helps to shape policy, lead strategic initiatives, strengthen regional partnerships, and advance Malibu City Council priorities. The salary for the position is between $235,976-$307,895 with a competitive benefits package.

The city seeks a strategic, collaborative leader with a passion for public service and a proven ability to navigate complex issues in local government. The ideal candidate is a trusted advisor, skilled communicator, and consensus builder with experience in municipal leadership, public policy, intergovernmental relations, and managing high-priority initiatives who is committed to transparency and exceptional public service.

Apply by June 30, 2026, all interviews will be held in person on July 15, 2026. A qualified candidate will typically possess a bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, political science, public policy, urban planning, or a related field, and at least eight years of increasingly responsible municipal government or public sector leadership experience, including five years of management experience.

Experience in city management, intergovernmental relations, legislative affairs, major projects, community engagement, or strategic policy implementation is highly desirable. A master’s degree in public administration, public policy, business administration, urban planning, or a related field is desirable.

To view the complete job description, qualifications, and apply visit:
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/malibucity.

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—On Monday, June 8, the city of Malibu announced that in late May, the city started removing graffiti on fire-damaged properties along Pacific Coast Highway in the Palisades Fire area as part of the city’s Graffiti Cleanup Pilot Program.

This voluntary program helps clean up graffiti on private properties within Malibu city limits that were impacted by the Palisades Fire and have graffiti visible from the street. Removing graffiti helps decrease blight, discourage repeat vandalism, improve public safety, and support the community’s ongoing recovery and rebuilding efforts.

The City’s Code Enforcement Division and Public Works Department completed the first round of graffiti abatement last week. A total of 61 eligible properties has been identified, signed consent forms have been received from 29 property owners, 28 additional consent forms are pending, and graffiti has already been removed from 7 properties. Three property owners declined participation.

The program is voluntary and requires property owner permission before work can begin. Malibu staff continue conducting outreach through phone calls, emails, and follow-up communications to encourage participation and answer questions.

The program runs through April 12, 2027. In order to have graffiti removed from an individual’s property through the program, and the homeowner must provide a signed Trespass Authorization to the LA County Sheriff’s Department. To get this process started on one’s fire-impacted home or business, contact Code Enforcement at Code@MalibuCity.org or call City Hall at 310-456-2489.

Graffiti within the public right-of-way continues to be addressed by Caltrans and the City of Malibu Public Works. Individuals can report graffiti to Caltrans at (213) 897-1200 or Public Works at 310-456-2489 ext. 391.

By Danny Jones