Tag: City of Malibu

SANTA MONICA—On Tuesday, December 2, the Malibu Education Foundation announced that the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) voted unanimously in support of Malibu becoming its own entity, Malibu Independent School District. The SMMUSD held a special Board of Education meeting on Monday, December 1, from 5-8 p.m. at the SMMUSD District Office located at 1717 4th Street in Santa Monica. The purpose of the meeting was to come to an agreement on three key elements; financial, operational, and the governing framework needed to separate the two currently adjoined school districts. The Malibu meeting is scheduled for after the SMMUSD meeting. According to the city of Malibu, the three governments include Property Tax Revenue Sharing Agreement, outlining how property tax revenues will be allocated; the Operational Transfer Agreement, which details the transition of staffing each facility involved, services, Joint Powers Agreement, and shared oversight during the transition. Santa Monica and Malibu leadership both publicly shared interest in two separate, quality school districts. Both pros and cons have been posted on X and other social media sites. Posts and accusations that the schools are participating in “segregation in 2025,” have been unfounded thus far. “The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) and the City of Malibu are advancing a major milestone in the effort to create two independent school districts; the Malibu Unified School District (MUSD) and the Santa Monica Unified School District (SMUSD). Both SMMMUSD and the City of Malibu remain committed to equity, fairness and ensuring high-quality education for students in both future districts.” The proposal to separate Santa Monica and Malibu into two separate school districts was passed in late November.   By Sharon

MALIBU—On April 10, the City of Malibu issued a press release on the City’s Alert page notifying the public of recent state legislation. There will be both in-person and Zoom meetings to keep residents informed and to help navigate the new Malibu Speed Safety Program.

According to the California Legislative Information webpage, Chapter 631 of Senate Bill 1297 (SB1297) is an Act to amend a bill that is already in play.

“An act to amend Section 70615 of the Government Code, and to add and repeal Article 4 (commencing with Section 22435) of Chapter 7 of Division 11 of the Vehicle Code, relating to vehicles.” This bill was initially approved by Governor Newsom and filed with the Secretary of State on September 27, 2024.

The additional article added to SB 1297 was introduced after four Pepperdine University students lost their lives while standing alongside the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). They were killed on October 17, 2023. The driver was traveling at an excess of 104 miles per hour when he lost control of his vehicle.

Since 2010, a total of 59 people have been killed in vehicle-related incidents on PCH within Malibu city limits.

There are two meetings scheduled to better explain the new policies and who they apply to. The verbiage of the bill states “Not-withstanding other laws,” in multiple places. For example, the new legislation would require those arrested for speeding in the designated areas to pay hefty fines unless they do not meet certain income requirements such as being indigent or less than 250 percent of the poverty level.

The public is invited to a virtual meeting on April 23, at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom. The in-person meeting will be held at Malibu City Hall located at, 23825 Stuart Ranch Rd., on April 30, at 6:00 p.m.

The following came directly from the City of Malibu webpage.

“The City of Malibu is committed to prioritizing the safety of motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists along Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). Following [the] California State Legislature adoption of SB 1297, the City of Malibu is excited to announce the Malibu Speed Safety Program. Join us to learn more about how the program will address safety concerns and speed-related collisions in the community!”

By Sharon

MALIBU—The city of Malibu announced on Friday, June 28 that the current Planning Director, Richard Mollica would be resigning from his position, effective July 25.

He joined the city of Malibu in 2004 and brought a wealth of experience and a dedicated commitment to the community’s planning services. In particular, his environmental and coastal management were instrumental in supporting the vision and sustainability of the city.

“It has been an honor to serve Malibu residents. I was fortunate enough to grow up in my Grandfather’s Malibu Barber Shop alongside my Aunt’s Beauty Salon and enjoyed weekly shrimp brunches at the Malibu Sea Lion. Working for the City has allowed me to give back to the community in ways my family members did as members of the LA County Lifeguards, Lion’s Club, Navy League, and Kiwanis Club. As part of the first graduating class of Malibu High School, I experienced the 1993 fire firsthand. Little did I know at that time that I would play a key role in rebuilding Malibu after the 2007 fires and the Woolsey Fire. It was an honor to give back and reconnect with so many fire victims, some of which were my schoolteachers. I will always cherish my time here and am grateful for the support I have received from the residents and my staff,” said Mollica.

“We are deeply grateful for Mr. Mollica’s contributions to our city. His leadership in planning and development has left an enduring impact on our community. We wish him continued success in his next chapter,” said City Manager Steve McClary.

All services and counter hours remain open, and the city of Malibu will keep the community informed on updates to the operations.

For further inquiries contact the Human Resource Department or City Manager’s Office at (310) 425-2489.

By Trevor

MALIBU—The City announced the return of Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training free of charge via in-person classes from August 17 through September 26. The program offers training in basic first aid, search and rescue, disaster preparedness, disaster psychology, and more.

“Following a major disaster, professional first responders who provide fire and medical services may not be able to fully meet the demand for services,” the city’s webpage for CERT reads. 

“Factors such as communications failures, road blockages, and the number of victims, may prevent people from accessing the emergency services they have come to expect at a moment’s notice when 911 is called.” 

The objective of CERT is to expand “community-wide preparedness,” offering the public knowledge of how to safely respond during a natural disaster or accident until officials can arrive.

The CERT program was developed in 1985 by the Los Angeles City Fire Department. It has since been adopted and enhanced by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Fire Academy. The course is now recognized nationwide, and over 50,000 citizens have been trained to date. 

From August 27 through September 26, CERT classes will be held at Malibu City Hall, Tuesday evenings from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. with the exception of the first (August 17) and second to last (September 21) classes which will be held on Thursdays. Only one class can be missed in order to receive the certification.

The structure of the classes is broken down into several modules:

Disaster Preparedness

Team Organization

Medical Class #1

Medical Class #2

Disaster Psychology

Fire Safety and Utility Controls

Light Search and Rescue Operations

Terrorism and CERT

Course Review and Disaster Simulation Drill

To learn more and sign up for the CERT program, visit www.malibucity.org/226/CERT.

By Paige Strickland

MALIBU—On April 11, the city of Malibu tweeted the opening hours for the Temporary Skate Park.

“The Malibu Temporary Skate Park hours are 8 AM to Sunset, Monday through Saturday. It will be open from 11:30 AM to sunset on Sundays to accommodate our Intro to Skateboarding class! For more information, visit http://MalibuCity.org/SkatePark.”

The Temporary Skate Park is located at 24250 Pacific Coast Hwy.

Users are required to bring their own helmet and must wear it at all times while inside the Skate Park. Users must review and adhere to the Skate Park rules.

Coaching programs and a complimentary Girls Skate Clinic class are taking place at the skate park throughout the spring. Information can be found at Skate Park | Malibu, CA – Official Website.

The city of Malibu submitted a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) on January 3 to the Community Services Department regarding the proposed Malibu Bluffs Park Permanent Skatepark.

The City Planning Department and city agencies are examining the proposed plans. After the project is deemed complete and consistent with the City’s Local Coastal Program, a Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing for the CDP application. The city of Malibu expects the Planning Commission hearing to take place in the
summer of 2023.
By Rob