Tag: FEMA

MALIBU—The city of Malibu announced on Monday, January 12, the city of Malibu posted on its Facebook page that in partnership with FEMA, it will host a virtual workshop on beachfront construction focused on rebuilding safely in the FEMA Coastal Flood Zone.

It will take place on Wednesday, January 21 from 9 a.m. to 12 .m. via Zoom:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89315817752
Meeting ID: 893 1581 7752

The workshop is for contractors, engineers, and architects and will cover:
• FEMA flood zone building requirements
• Post-fire rebuilding in coastal areas
• Flood-resilient design and construction

 

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—The city of Malibu announced on Tuesday, September 30, that city staff are working to recoup federal disaster reimbursement for public infrastructure damages as a result of recent wildfires in January 2025. The Palisades and Franklin Fires impacted the Malibu area with varying degrees of damage.

On January 8, 2025, President Biden issued a Major Disaster Declaration, unlocking FEMA Public Assistance funding. Since then, City staff have worked tirelessly to secure reimbursement for fire recovery costs—ensuring Malibu residents aren’t left to shoulder the financial burden. A total of 17 projects totaling more than $13.28 million in damages have been submitted.

The breakdown:

• Debris Removal (Cat A): $1.86M – clearing burned material from city roads, parks, and properties.

• Emergency Protective Measures (Cat B): $5.16M – costs for the Emergency Operations Center, City Hall smoke cleanup, sandbags, guardrail protection, septic tank abatement, and emergency security.

• Roads & Bridges (Cat C): $1M – fire-related roadway and bridge repairs.

• Water Control Facilities (Cat D): $3.16M – storm drains and deep-water systems, especially in Big Rock.

• Parks & Facilities (Cat G): $2.1M – repairs at Las Flores Creek Park and other recreation areas.

FEMA covers 100 percent of emergency work for the first 180 days. After 180 days, any expenses would follow FEMA 75 percent thereafter (with California covering 18.75 percent and Malibu 6.25 percent).

Malibu is also pursuing Hazard Mitigation Grants for projects like drainage repairs, traffic signal backup power, and private property wildfire mitigation—building resilience for the future.

To see the presentation to the Malibu City Council on the reimbursement work visithttps://malibucity.org/DocumentCenter/View/36486/FEMA-Reimbursements-Presentation-to-Council-982025-?fbclid=IwY2xjawNJ_e5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBrVHRJRnJuajczS20wVVJRAR6xKbOEotb6Iy4LS62WK0Kq5VbMGXh1XdZcRFnJinr9UHK-LxrfK_uPuT_oQQ_aem_3_vfsbuvdOONinLGrVzxwQ.

 

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—The city of Malibu posted on its Facebook page that the deadline to apply for FEMA assistance has been extended for LA County residents affected by the wildfires. Apply by Monday, March 31.

Those impacted by the Palisades Wildfire that ravaged the areas of Southern California on January 7 can apply for help in the recovery and rebuild process. The Palisades Fire destroyed over 23,0000 acres and damaged thousands of properties in the Malibu and Pacific Palisades region.

Over 30,000 were forced to evacuate the region as the wildfire spread. California Governor Gavin Newsom announced a State of Emergency during the wildfires. Officials indicated the wildfire in Pacific Palisades was the result of dry vegetation and high Santa Ana winds. The Los Angeles region has only received 16 inches of rain since October 1. The Pacific Palisades region is home to many A-list celebrities including Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Aniston and Tom Hanks.

Palisades Charter High School, a location used in the 1976 horror flick “Carrie” was destroyed by the Palisades Fire. The school announced earlier in the day that it was closed as a result of the fire on its website. Some famed alumni of the school include Forrest Whitaker and J.J. Abrams.

Actor James Woods posted video on social media showing the threat of the fire to his home and the surrounding region.

“We were blessed to have LA fire and police depts doing their jobs so well. We are safe and out. There are several elementary schools in our neighborhood and there was an enormous community effort to evacuate the children safely. Can not speak more highly of the LA fire and LAPD.”

Movie premieres for the films “Unstoppable” and “Wolf Man” were cancelled as a result of the wildfires. In addition, the Screen Actors Guild Awards nominees, which were to be announced live by actors Joey King and Cooper Koch was cancelled. Other awards ceremonies and events were delayed or cancelled as a result of the fires. The Critics Choice Awards which was set to take place on January 12 has been postponed several weeks.

Celebrities who have had homes destroyed as a result of the wildfires include Mandy Moore, Cameron Mathison, Anna Faris, Adam Brody, Leighton Meester and Paris Hilton to name a few.

For more info, visit: disasterassistance.gov

By Trevor

MALIBU—On Tuesday, January 28, the city of Malibu posted on its Facebook page that anyone impacted by the Palisades Fire can apply for FEMA Disaster assistance up till March 10. To apply individuals should visit: www.DisasterAssistance.gov.

Malibu residents can also now visit a FEMA Mobile Registration Intake Center at the Malibu Library (23519 West Civic Center Way) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday, or from 11 a.m. to 5 pm on Friday, for on-site assistance with the application process. This support includes:

-An overview of FEMA disaster assistance
-Review of assistance applications
-Information about application status, other eligible assistance, reimbursements and temporary shelter placements
-Collecting new information or documents for case files

For questions, FEMA’s helpline is available daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. PST at (800) 621-3362.

By Trevor