Tag: wildfires

MALIBU/PACIFIC PALISADES—The city of Malibu posted on its Facebook page that the upcoming PaliBu Day of Service will take place on Saturday, September 27. The event will be hosted by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The event will allow volunteers to help those in the community who suffered a loss during the recent wildfires in January 2025.

The public is asked to bring their family, friends and neighbors out to Pepperdine University at Alumni Park located at 24255 Pacific Coast Highway. PaliBu Day of Service allows the community to support the essential work local nonprofits do to support the Pacific Palisades and Malibu (PaliBu) communities.

Individuals can participate in multiple hands-on projects and visit with local nonprofits at Pepperdine University or volunteer at one of our off-site locations doing a beach clean-up at Malibu Lagoon or caring for our Oak trees at Nicholas Flat Trailhead.

Some of the opportunities at Pepperdine University include:

-Food Drive — Bring donations for the Westside Food Bank’s food drive to feed those in need. Anything ready to eat: ramen, peanut butter, meat pouches, pop top cans, fruit cups, snacks, etc.

-Make Friendship Bracelets for Fire Survivors — The Palisades YMCA will be hosting friendship bracelet making for survivors of the Palisades Fire, continuing their commitment to community

-Pack Lunch for Our Unhoused Neighbors — Our partner, Malibu C.A.R.T., will be preparing lunches to be distributed through our local food pantries in Malibu and the Westside

-Build a Custom Backpack — The Boys & Girls Club of Malibu will be providing volunteers with an opportunity to build a custom backpack containing notes of encouragement, school supplies, and other wellness items

-Paint Rocks — In a symbol of togetherness, paint Kindness rocks for wildfire survivors with the Girl Scout troops from Palisades and Malibu

-Write Notes to Students or Teachers – The Malibu Education Foundation will have a note-writing area to send students and teachers words of support in a community recovering from wildfires

-CPR Training — Learn CPR with McCormick Ambulance Service

-Make Shibori Banner Art and Write Notes to Seniors and Veterans- Share your artistic talents or kind words with local seniors at Art Trek’s station

-Adopt a Pet — The LA County Department of Animal Care will have K9’s for adoption on site and felines at the Agoura Shelter – All fees waived

-Donate Blood — Cedars-Sinai Medical Center will have a team on-site for those who would like to donate blood

For more details and to register in advance visit: http://a42.asmdc.org/events.

 

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 announced on its website on Tuesday, August 19 that it launched the Broad, Franklin and Palisades Fire Fee Waiver Program to help property owners rebuild after the wildfires.

The program waives city planning and building permit fees for like-for-like, owner-occupied homes. To make it the process streamlined, city staff will prepare and record the required affidavit for qualifying property owners.

This program waives City planning and building permit fees for properties that were:

-Damaged or destroyed by the Broad, Franklin or Palisades Fires
-Used as the primary residence by the property owner
-Being rebuilt as like-for-like or like-for-like plus 10%

Important Deadlines

-June 30, 2028 (4 p.m.): Fee waiver applications due
-June 30, 2028: Planning applications must be deemed complete
-December 30, 2030: All required building permits must be obtained

Building permits pulled after December 30, 2030, will require full fee payment before issuance.

To become pre-qualified today:
-MalibuRecovers@malibucity.org or call (310) 456-2489, ext. 400

To obtain more details visit: https://maliburebuilds.org/feewaiver/

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—The city of Malibu is spreading the word about residents getting ready for Wildfire Season.

The city urges all residents to be prepared to evacuate quickly and safely when wildfire threatens the community. Malibu is committed to community-wide preparedness, which can only be achieved through shared responsibility. Every resident plays a vital role.

Residents are responsible for knowing how to evacuate when fire or law enforcement officials issue an Evacuation Order.

-Know your Evacuation Zone (MAL-C111 to MAL-C114): www.MalibuCity.org/Evac

-Follow Protect Genasys for evacuation maps & incident info: https://protect.genasys.com/search

-Sign up for alerts from the City: www.MalibuCity.org/news and the County at https://alertlacounty.genasys.com/portal/en/register

-Monitor fire weather: weather.gov/lox

-Create emergency plans, review them during hazardous fire conditions

-Gather supplies, create a Go-Bag. During hazardous fire conditions, replace expired batteries, food, and medications (don’t forget pet supplies) and printed insurance documents and emergency contact information

-During hazardous fire conditions, keep your vehicle’s gas tank full

-Make sure you can open electric gates or garage doors manually during power outages

-Elderly or disabled residents and horse owners should consider leaving the area early, when an Evacuation Warning is given

-During hazardous fire conditions, check in on elderly or disabled neighbors

To learn more visit: https://fire.lacounty.gov/rsg/.

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—The city of Malibu announced on their Facebook page on Monday, July 28 that as they prepare for wildfire season, they will be hosting the Safety & Preparedness Fair on Saturday, September 6. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Malibu City Hall.

Individuals will learn how to prepare for wildfires, earthquakes, floods, and other disasters.

The event will also include brush clearance and home hardening information, volunteer opportunities, earthquake simulator, emergency services and supplies vendors, law enforcement officers and vehicles, Touch-a-Truck, fire extinguisher training, rock climbing wall, food for purchase from the Tommy’s Food Truck and Shaved Ice, bicycle and scooter safety rodeo for kids and raffle with great prizes.

The city of Malibu and the Malibu CERT Team work together to plan and create the annual Safety and Preparedness Fair. Planning starts several months in advance and carries through to the date of the event. For more details contact publicsafety@malibucity.org.

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—On Tuesday, June 24, the city of Malibu announced that they joined a new regional partnership with state and other organizations — including LA Rises, Steadfast LA, and Southern California Grantmakers — to roll out a new digital platform designed to support communities in the rebuilding process after the wildfires of January 2025.

As part of this collaborative effort, Malibu will work closely with Los Angeles County, the city of Los Angeles, and technology partner Archistar.

Archistar partnered to revolutionize the permitting process and accelerate rebuilding efforts in the wake of the destructive Los Angeles wildfires.

Unveiled by Governor Gavin Newsom and reported on by the Los Angeles Times, this initiative brings world-first digital permitting technology to one of the country’s largest and most complex jurisdictions, cutting through backlogs by:

-Automatically checking building designs for code compliance before submission
-Helping property owners pre-validate plans, avoiding frustrating delays
-Dramatically reducing permit review timelines for government agencies
-Delivering faster, smarter, and fairer approvals for residents and businesses

Once completed, the platform will allow residents and applicants to check whether their proposals comply with local zoning laws, helping them avoid costly delays and re-submittals.

City staff are currently partnering with Archistar to conduct extensive programming and testing to ensure the tool is accurate, user-friendly, and ready for public use. The project is currently in week five which is the Refinement & Training phase. Week six is when Archistar AI is expected to have a Soft Launch.

The initiative reflects Malibu’s ongoing commitment to streamlining recovery efforts and improving service delivery for residents navigating the rebuilding process. To learn more visit: https://www.archistar.ai/en-us/.

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—The city of Malibu announced on Tuesday, June 10 that starting Thursday, June 12, the CalAssist Mortgage Fund will start accepting applications.

CalAssist Mortgage Fund is a state program that provides needed relief from mortgage payments for displaced families whose homes were destroyed or left uninhabitable by a California disaster such as the Los Angeles wildfires or floods.

Individuals who apply can receive the following:

-Get up to 3 months of mortgage relief, up to $20,000, if your home was damaged or destroyed by a California disaster.
-No repayment required
-Free to apply
-Payments go directly to your mortgage servicer
-Have the required documents ready to apply starting Thursday

To be eligible:

-Your primary residence was destroyed or is uninhabitable due to a qualified disaster from January 1, 2023, through January 8, 2025.

-Examples include the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires and the Park Fire in Butte, Tehama and Plumas counties.

-You meet program income limits

-You have a mortgage or reverse mortgage

-You own a single-family home, condo or permanently affixed manufactured home (may include up to four units)

Individuals who want to apply should visit www.CalAssistMortgageFund.org and click APPLY NOW to get started. Funds are limited and applications are processed first come, first serve.

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—The Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce Small Business Recovery Fund grant applications close on Friday, June 6 at 5 p.m.

If a business is in a fire-impacted community, they may be eligible for grants of up to $25,000 to help reopen, rehire and reinvest. Individuals can apply now at LAChamberRecoveryFund.com for funding and resources.

The Small Business Disaster Recovery Fund grant program is designed to support qualified small businesses impacted by the catastrophic Los Angeles County wildfires beginning January 7, 2025, throughout the Eaton and Palisades Wildfire Disaster Impact & Evacuation Area.

It is possible that the number of applicants that meet the eligibility requirements will exceed the available funds. Submitting an application, meeting the eligibility requirements, and/or being approved does not guarantee that you will receive funding.

To be eligible for this Program, small businesses and nonprofit organizations must meet all of the following requirements:

1) The authorized signer (owner or, in the case of a nonprofit, an officer) submitting the application is at least 18 years old as of the date of application submission;

10 million dollars or less in annual revenue for the calendar year 2023;

2) Revenue Size Grant Award Amount

$5,000,000-$10,000,000 $25,000
$1,000,000-$4,999,999 $15,000
Less than $1,000,000 $10,000

3) Registered to do business legally in the state of California on or before June 1, 2023;

4) Is currently open and operating within the Eaton and Palisades Wildfire Disaster Impact & Evacuation Area (see below), or (b) plans to reopen and resume operations within the Eaton and Palisades Wildfire Disaster Impact & Evacuation Area; and

5) Meets both of the following criteria: (a) is/was physically located within the Eaton and Palisades Wildfire Disaster Impact & Evacuation Area and (b) 50% or more of its business clientele base is/was located within the Eaton and Palisades Wildfire Disaster Impact & Evacuation Areas.

6) Nonprofits only: must be registered as a 501(c)(3) and in good standing with the California Department of Justice’s Registry of Charities and Fundraisers.

The following businesses are ineligible:

-Religious institutions, including churches.

-Government offices or agencies, other than Native American tribes.

-Publicly traded companies.

-Corporate-owned franchises.

-Financial institutions, such as banks, lenders, pay day lenders, auto title lenders, check cashers, other businesses whose stock in trade is money and mortgages, and other similar entities.

-Insurance companies, such as life, auto, home, bail bond, and other similar entities.

-Businesses who restrict patronage for any reason other than age.

-Lobbying firms or businesses who dedicate 50% or more of their time or resources to lobbying activities.

-Businesses that generate income through activities performed in violation of local, state or federal law, and through the sale, cultivation, or transportation of cannabis.

-Businesses that exist to advance partisan political activities.

-Businesses or organizations which are, or whose owners, officers, partners, directors, and/or principals are, currently suspended, disbarred, ineligible, or excluded from participation in federal, State, or County assistance programs or from receiving federal or State financial or nonfinancial assistance and/or benefits.

-Businesses with any owner with greater than ten percent (10%) equity interest in it, or nonprofit organizations with any officer, who meets one or more of the following criteria: the owner of the business or the officer of the nonprofit organization has, within the prior three years, been convicted, or had a civil judgment rendered against the owner, or has had commenced any form of parole or probation, including probation before judgment, for commission of fraud or a criminal offense in connection with obtaining, attempting to obtain, or performing a federal, state, or local public transaction or contract under a public transaction, violation of federal or state antitrust or procurement statutes or commission of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, making false statements, or receiving stolen property.

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—The Malibu City Council approved on May 21 expanding the city’s existing engineering work with Woodard and Curran to design a preliminary report for a new wastewater collection system along Pacific Coast Highway.

Since April, the city of Malibu has been reviewing alternative, more resilient sewer service options for properties in the burn area.

On April 24, the Public Works Department shared potential alternatives to the city’s existing sewer infrastructure, and the Malibu City Council decided to explore connecting to a Hyperion Water Reclamation Facility.

The City Council approved the formation of an Ad Hoc Committee — comprised of two appointed Councilmembers — to provide input and guidance on plans for the potential new sewer system.

Resolution No. 25-24 was approved which establishes the temporary volunteer position of Fire Rebuild Ambassador, designed to facilitate the community’s ongoing recovery and rebuilding efforts from the Palisades, Franklin, and Broad Fires.

City Council appointed Malibu resident Abe Roy to serve in the role as the dedicated liaison between homeowners, City staff, and other partner agencies. In addition to his construction and project management expertise, Roy will assist in helping to remove administrative obstacles and enhancing community outreach.

By Danny Jones

MALIBU—The city of Malibu is reminding the public that Sunday, June 1 is the mandatory Brush Clearance Deadline. The city of Malibu has noted the following three zones:

• Zone 0 – (0 – 5 feet from the house) Remove anything flammable (plants, mulch, firewood) away from the house

• Zone 1 (5–30 feet) maintain healthy, well-spaced vegetation, trim trees, remove dead plants & debris

• Zone 2 (30–100 feet, or the property line) thin out vegetation and manage larger landscaping features slow the spread of fire

Malibu’s Fire Safety Liaisons offer free exterior property inspections to identify wildfire vulnerabilities. They’ll provide a no-obligation checklist of simple, and at times inexpensive ways to harden one’s home against the millions of flying embers that can cause properties to catch fire during wildfires.

To schedule a Home Wildfire Assessment or get brush clearance advice:

-Call: 310-456-2489, ext. 388
-Email: FireSafety@MalibuCity.org
-Visit: MalibuCity.org/FireSafety

For detailed step-by-step brush clearance guides, diagrams of the brush clearance zones, details on the requirements, safety tips and more, visit the CAL FIRE website https://www.fire.ca.gov/dspace and LA County Fire Department’s website https://fire.lacounty.gov/fire-hazard-reduction-programs.

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—The city of Malibu announced that the Malibu Rebuild Center opens on Monday, March 10. The new facility is dedicated to providing personalized, in-person support for residents and business owners navigating the rebuilding process.

Malibu centralized resources to better assist the public. The dedicated staff can help with permitting, planning verifications, LA County Fire Department coordination and more. The facility will be located at 23805 Stuart Ranch Rd. Suite 240 (across from Malibu City Hall).

Hours of operation are Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments are encouraged (due to limited facility capacity), but walk-ins are welcome. Anyone with questions can email: MalibuRecovers@MalibuCity.org or call (310) 456-2489, ext. 390. For more information visit: www.MalibuRebuilds.org.

By Trevor

MALIBU—On Tuesday, February 25, the city of Malibu announced that it is taking steps to streamline the rebuilding process for those impacted by the recent fires.

On February 20, the Planning Commission unanimously recommended City Council’s adoption of key policy modifications to the Local Coastal Program and Malibu Municipal Code.

Key changes include:
-Rebuild as it was, with up to 10 percent size increase
-Exemptions from certain Coastal Act provisions
-Faster approvals for replacement structures

The Malibu City Council will hold a Special Meeting on March 4 to take final action. For questions, contact MalibuRecovers@MalibuCity.org or visit: MalibuRebuilds.org.

It was announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began Phase 2 of debris clean up in Malibu on Saturday, February 22.

Progress can be viewed on their interactive map at https://bit.ly/411J2G9.

Property owners can opt-in to the government-sponsored debris removal program to have the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) remove fire debris from their properties free of charge. Property owners who elect to opt-out of the government-sponsored program will be required to obtain County approval before removing any fire debris.

-For more details and to complete the required Right-of-Entry forms, visit recovery.lacounty.gov/debris-removal/roe/.

By Trevor

MALIBU—The city of Malibu announced that on Sunday, February 23, it will host several rebuilding events this week.

The first event will take place on Wednesday, February 26 – Debris Removal Town Hall from 3-5 p.m. at Malibu City Hall & via Zoom.

The second event will be on Thursday, February 27 – Special City Council Meeting on Rebuilding. It will take place at 3 p.m. at Malibu City Hall & via Zoom.

The final event will be on Wednesday, March 12 – Design Professionals Town Hall Meeting at 4 p.m. at Malibu City Hall & via Zoom.

In December 2024, Malibu experienced the Franklin Fire that burned through neighborhoods. A month later, in January 2025, Malibu was impacted by the Palisades Fire, one of the most destructive and deadly fires in California history.

The Malibu Rebuilds site offers essential information and guidance as residents rebuild their homes and work together to restore the community. To obtain more details via www.MalibuRebuilds.org for details.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Tuesday, January 28, the city of West Hollywood announced that as a result of recent wildfires, it the City Council unanimously approved an Urgent Ordinance during a Special Meeting on January 21. This measure is designed to assist those displaced by the fires by providing them with necessary housing support.

Key provisions of the ordinance include:

• A temporary suspension of the one-year lease requirement for dwelling units, allowing evacuees to secure leases shorter than one year but longer than 30 days.
• Hotels and other lodging facilities are authorized to accommodate evacuees for more than 30 days without establishing a tenancy.
• Waiving business license fees and expediting the processing of home-share license applications to facilitate quicker housing solutions.

There is a declared state of emergency for Los Angeles County due to the fires and California State Code Section 396 prohibits price gouging (defined as increasing the price of a good or service by more than 10 percent, including rent) during a state of emergency. If you have been the victim of price gouging, reach out to the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs at (800) 593-8222 or file an online complaint.

The city of West Hollywood has a decades-long history of working to ensure the rights of renters with strong protections.

“Any instances of price gouging are unacceptable. We stand with the evacuees and are working diligently to ensure their right to safe and affordable housing,” the city of WeHo said in a statement on Facebook.

For more details about visit: www.go.weho.org/4jqPZZD. For resources and ways to help, go to weho.org/wehoresponds.

By Trevor

SANTA MONICA/BRENTWOOD—On Friday, January 24, the LADA announced more charges against individuals who committed crimes during the recent wildfires that plagued Southern California.

Two more individuals have been charged in connection with the ongoing wildfires — bringing the total number of individuals charged in fire-related cases to 25. The latest cases include felony charges of first-degree residential burglary and attempt to burn in Santa Monica and Brentwood.

Ivan Ruiz, 35, of Moreno Valley is charged with one count of felony first-degree residential burglary and one count of felony looting during an emergency or evacuation: 2nd degree burglary in case 25ARCF00131. It is further alleged that Ruiz carried out the offense with planning, sophistication, and professionalism within the California Rules of Court; has had prior convictions; and had served in prison and county jail.

On January 20, at approximately 3:45 p.m., Ruiz allegedly broke into a detached garage with living quarters above it in the 100 block of Mabery Road in Santa Monica. The property was located within an evacuation zone during a state of emergency, and Ruiz is accused of stealing items from the premises.

He pleaded not guilty during his arraignment January 22 and his preliminary hearing setting is scheduled for February 7, Dept. 31 of the Airport Courthouse. He is being held on $100,000 bail. If convicted as charged, he faces six years in prison. The case was investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department.

Christopher Reimers, 54, of Los Angeles is charged with one count of felony attempt to burn in case 25ARCF00136. He faces aggravating circumstances of increasing seriousness of prior convictions and having a prior county jail or prison term.

Reimers is being held on $75,000 bail. He pleaded not guilty during his arraignment on January 22 and his 1368 PC report/nonappearance is set for Dept. 30 of the Airport Courthouse. If convicted as charged, he faces three years in prison.

On January 18, at approximately 1:45 p.m., he allegedly used a butane torch to ignite a brown bag filled with plastic and paper. He allegedly placed a flannel shirt over the burning bag and positioned it beneath a USPS mailbox at the intersection of San Vicente Boulevard and Montana Avenue in Brentwood. The case was investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department.

The charges filed in these cases are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

By Trevor

SANTA MONICA—On Wednesday, January 22, the Santa Monica College Foundation announced that it is holding a 4-day distribution event to aid Los Angeles community members in need.

People impacted by the fires can come by the SMC Corsair Gym located at 1900 Pico Blvd. during the following hours to pick up food, clothing, hygiene products and other items donated by the community:

-Wednesday, January 22, 1 – 6 p.m.

-Thursday, January 23, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

-Friday, January 24, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

-Sunday, January 26, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The Santa Monica Community College Disaster Support Fund has been established to support SMC students, faculty, and staff who have been impacted by the fires across Los Angeles County.

This fund will help provide temporary housing, food, water, clothing, transportation, medical supplies, school materials, and emergency funding to support immediate needs.

One-hundred percent of donations going to victims of the fires. They have set a goal of $250,000, and as of January 23 they have obtained over $157,000 in donations.

To learn more or donate at: smc.edu/disastersupport.

By Trevor

MALIBU—The city of Malibu indicated on their Facebook page a warning about lithium-ion batteries as a result of the Palisades Fire.

An individual’s home may be impacted by lithium-ion batteries, battery storage systems, and electrical vehicles that have been partially damaged or destroyed. The city warns that batteries can re-ignite, explode, or emit toxic gases even after the fire has been extinguished.

Household items with lithium-ion batteries include:
-Electric/hybrid vehicles
-Electric bikes/scooters
-Wheelchairs
-Home alarms
-Power banks/stations
-Drones
-Power tool batteries
-Game controllers
-Digital cameras
-Headphones, cell phones, laptops, tablets, calculators
-Vaping devices

Individuals can protect themselves by:
-If you hear a popping or hissing noise, or see smoke or fire:

-Do NOT attempt to extinguish the fire
-Leave the area immediately
-Move upwind at least 330 feet away
-Call 911

Avoid touching fire-damaged products containing lithium-ion batteries—they can still ignite. For more information about recovery resources, visit Recovery.LACounty.Gov/.

By Trevor

MALIBU—The city of Malibu indicated that there is a Potentially Dangerous Situation with winds and Red Flag warning are in effect from 12 p.m. on Monday, January 20 until 10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 21 due to damaging Santa Ana winds and very low humidities.

SCE has put areas of Malibu under a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) warning due to the Red Flag weather conditions.

The following circuits are at risk for a PSPS:

-Cuthbert
-Galahad
-Maguire
-Merlin
-Serra

Note: Portions of certain circuits may have a different status. Refer to SCE.com outage map: https://www.sce.com/outage-center/check-outage-status.

Coastal winds of 25-40 MPH, with gusts of 50-70 MPH. In the mountains, 30-50 MPH winds are expected with gusts up to 60-80 MPH and isolated gusts reaching 100 MPH. There is also a windblown dust and ash advisory until 10 p.m. on Tuesday.

According to the South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD), gusty winds may disperse ash from recent fire burn scars and generate dust, potentially impacting air quality throughout Los Angeles County.

As of January 20 at 4:30 p.m. the city noted that a total of 23,173 acres has been destroyed from the Palisades Fire and the blaze is 59 percent contained. CalFire confirmed 4,996 structures destroyed and 707 damaged in total effected area (Palisades and Malibu).

WESTWOOD—On Friday, January 17, the UCLA Police Department announced that they arrested an arson suspect. Officers responded to an incident at the Hilgard Bus Turnaround after a witness reported seeing a suspect adding leaves and brush to a fire, causing it to grow.

Officers arrived, detained the suspect, and discovered they were armed with an illegal knife. The suspect was arrested for arson and possession of an unlawful weapon. The fire was extinguished, preventing any damage. Details about the suspect have not been disclosed to the public.

Authorities indicated that proactive patrols are in place to ensure the safety of the campus and the community. The UCLA PD warned that there will be ZERO tolerance for copycat behavior involving fires, and violators will be arrested. Anyone who sees anything suspicious, should report it by:

-Calling the UCPD at (310) 825-1491
-Using the Bruin Safe App

By Trevor

PACIFIC PALISADES/TOPANGA CANYON—On Sunday, January 19 at 2 p.m. the Los Angeles Fire Department announced that EVACUATION ORDERS REDUCED TO RESIDENT-ONLY ACCESS.

Those zones include: LOS-0767-J (North of Santa Ynez Road; South of Temescal Fire Rd; East of E Topanga Fire Road, Colina Drive; West of Temescal Fire Road), LOS-0767-G (North of Observation Drive; South of Topanga Canyon Boulevard; East of Montau Drive; West of Topanga Canyon Boulevard).

Resident escorts are required for LOS-0767-J and will be conducted from 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Residents in need of access should meet at 1150 Pacific Coast Highway (Parking Lot 3 North) in Santa Monica.

ADDRESS VERIFICATION REQUIREMENT: When approaching the roadblock, residents must provide proof of residency. Acceptable forms of identification are a photo ID that displays the resident’s name, photo, and physical address. Individuals should have these documents ready to ensure a smooth verification process. EVACUATION WARNINGS REDUCED TO NORMAL: LOS-0767-C, LOS-0767-B, LOS-Q0762-A, LOS-Q0762-C. daily.

The large area is generally defined by: North of Pacific Coast Highway; West of S Cliffwood Avenue / Canyonback Road / Mulholland Drive / Escalon Drive / Encino Hills Drive; South of Reseda Boulevard / Lochgreen Drive / Vanalden Ave, East of Casale Road / Mandeville Canyon Road / Mulholland Drive / Vanalden Avenue.

By Trevor

MALIBU—The city of Malibu discussed on its Facebook page on January 13 that safety tips as the region battles wildfires. Individuals should be aware, if they are asked to evacuate to do so immediately.

-Close all windows and doors.
-Move flammable items away from your home.
-Leave doors unlocked for firefighter access.

NOTICE: Returning to evacuated areas is not permitted. At this time, there are no updates on residents returning to evacuated areas. DO NOT return to evacuated areas. These areas have active hazards and are only available to public safety officials.

These Notify Me alerts will provide subscribers with updates on the Palisades Fire response, evacuations, recovery and rebuilding efforts via text message or email.

T-Mobile: 8 towers are operational and 4 are under assessment. Full coverage in West Malibu. Charging stations have been set up at Bluffs Park, Pavilions and Malibu Equestrian Park.
AT&T: Satellite units and generators are stationed at Zuma Beach and Will Rogers State Park (emergency personnel only).
Verizon: Generators are operational at cell towers at Civic Center and Zuma Beach to maintain service.

Extreme Weather Preparedness Tips:

• Secure items that could blow away in high winds.
• Avoid activities that may spark a flame.
• Charge your devices and have your emergency kit ready.

For evacuation zone statuses and official updates, visit www.MalibuCity.org/PalisadesFire.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Monday, January 13, the city of West Hollywood announced on its Facebook page that as a result of ongoing regional fires, it is postponing the 2025 Mayoral Reorganization & Installation Ceremony and City Council meeting, which had been scheduled for Monday, January 13. During the event, Chelsea Lee Byers was expected to be installed as the new Mayor, with John Heilman as the Vice Mayor.

The Mayoral Reorganization & Installation Ceremony will be rescheduled to the upcoming West Hollywood City Council meeting on Tuesday, January 21.

In addition, the city of West Hollywood is postponing the public opening of the Ice Rink at West Hollywood Park to a forthcoming day. Additional updated information will be provided at weho.org/calendar and weho.org/news.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On January 10, the city of Beverly Hills posted on its Facebook page tips for the public to adhere to when it comes to clearing wildfire ash. Some residents may see ash residue on their cars or while outdoors.

It’s important to clean up ash safely. Follow these essential tips to protect yourself, one’s home, and their loved ones:

1. Wear Protective Gear: Always use a mask (N95 or similar) to avoid inhaling fine ash particles. Wear goggles, gloves, and long sleeves to minimize skin exposure.

2. Avoid Sweeping: Sweeping can stir up harmful ash particles into the air. Instead, use a damp cloth or mop to gently wipe surfaces.

3. Dispose Properly: Place collected ash in a metal container with a lid. Do not use plastic bags—embers can still smolder. Take it to a designated disposal area.

3. Clean Your Air: If possible, keep windows and doors closed to prevent more ash from entering your home. Consider using air purifiers for cleaner indoor air.

4. Check Your HVAC: Ensure your home’s ventilation system is clear of ash buildup. Replace filters to improve air quality.

5. Stay Informed: Keep an eye on local advisories and air quality updates to stay safe as cleanup continues.

For details about the effects of wildfires on your health, and how to reduce exposures, visit www.aqmd.gov.

By Trevor

WESTWOOD—The UCLA Police Department indicated on Friday, January 10 that they made arrests in evacuation zones as a result of the wildfires in the region. As part of a mutual aid agreement, UCLA PD assisted another city with firefighting and evacuation efforts.

Officers made two arrests in the evacuation zone while enforcing curfew and safety orders. In one incident, suspects admitted they came into the area to commit felony vehicle theft. In another incident, officers recovered a firearm illegally housed.

According to reports, there have been widespread looting in Southern Los Angeles, especially regions hit hardest by the Palisades, Eaton and Hurst wildfires.

On January 9, the Police Department responded to a mutual aid request to assist with the challenging and tense fire situation. While patrolling a designated evacuation zone in Santa Monica, our officers spotted individuals who attempted to hide when they saw a police vehicle. Upon investigating, officers recovered a loaded handgun and made an arrest.

UCLA’s campus is not currently under evacuation orders, but the public should be advised that entering an evacuation zone is illegal for your safety and the safety of others.

The UCLA PD is warning the public that anyone breaking the law in evacuation zones will be arrested. Individuals are asked to respect evacuation zones and follow all safety orders.

By Trevor

SANTA MONICA—On Sunday, January 12, the city of Santa Monica indicated in a press release it continues to monitor the Palisades Fire response and though firefighters made progress Sunday, current city mandatory Evacuation Orders and Warnings remain in place amid critical fire weather.

Low humidity and dry conditions continue in the region and the National Weather Service’s Red Flag Warning, is in effect through Wednesday, January 15, indicates unpredictable and dangerous fire conditions. Wind gusts could reach up to 30 mph in Santa Monica and up to 50-75 mph in the mountain areas where the Palisades Fire is still actively burning. There are no active fires burning in Santa Monica.

Evacuation instructions in Santa Monica as of 5 p.m. January 12:

Evacuation Order north of San Vicente Boulevard

The area from San Vicente Boulevard north remains under mandatory evacuation order and public access is not allowed.

Evacuation Warning north of Montana Avenue to San Vicente Boulevard

Residents may voluntarily return to this region, but should remain prepared with essentials and be ready to leave the area if conditions worsen. These areas should continue to be vigilant and have evacuation plans in place.

A curfew is still in effect from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. in all areas under a mandatory evacuation order and evacuation warning. Santa Monica Police Department and California National Guard personnel remain present and visible in evacuation areas.

Evacuation orders and warnings are put in place when an active fire or anticipated fire conditions threaten life and property. For Santa Monica, the decision to implement or change an evacuation zone is made by the Santa Monica Office of Emergency Management, Police, and Fire Departments in coordination with the Cal Fire Incident Management Team and the city and county of Los Angeles.

Fires can grow at a very rapid pace, as has occurred throughout the course of this emergency, with high winds carrying fire embers to new areas where spot fires ignited and spread. Evacuation orders and warnings will be lifted as soon as it’s determined that a fire is no longer a threat to the area.

City Public Works teams have made progress on debris cleanup in previously evacuated areas and continue to work systematically through the city. Crews will cover every street and alley in the city, so residents are asked to please refrain from submitting individual 311 requests.

Regularly scheduled city services such as street sweeping, trash pickup, tree cleanup, and other services began Sunday in evacuation warning areas. Services in the area north of San Vicente remain suspended due to the mandatory Evacuation Order and will become available when the area is subject to an evacuation warning.

If residents find large pieces of ash or debris around their home, they should let it sit and cool in a metal can for a few days, covered, then dispose in the black trash container.

For Los Angeles Department of Water and Power water customers in Santa Monica (residents that live on Woodacres Road, Esparta Way, and Ermont Place north of San Vicente Boulevard), view the Do Not Drink for Pacific Palisades and Surrounding Communities. For questions, call 1-800-DIAL-DWP. All other water customers within city limits are serviced by the city of Santa Monica water utility. Water serviced by the city of Santa Monica water utility remains safe to drink.

City services are expected return to normal on Monday, January 13, with smoke conditions easing in the region. Visit the city’s website for updates.

Residents are asked to sign up for SMAlerts for important safety information and follow the city on Facebook, X or Instagram for regular updates. Call 911 to report down power lines or immediate threats to life or property, and Palisades Fire updates visit www.Santamonica.gov.

By Trevor

MALIBU—Former child star and motivational speaker Rory Sykes, died on Wednesday, January 8 as a result of fires in the Malibu region his mother Shelley Sykes first reported on X. Rory was born blind and suffered from Cerebral Palsy.

“It is with great sadness that I have to announce the death of my beautiful son @Rorysykes to the Malibu fires yesterday. I’m totally heartbroken,” Shelley said Thursday. “He overcame so much with surgeries & therapies to regain his sight & to be able to learn to walk. Despite the pain, he still enthused about traveling the world with me from Africa to Antarctica…He will be incredible missed.”

Shelley reported she attempted to try to put out cinders on his roof with a hose, but was unable to do so because the water was switched off. “Even the 50 brave firefighters had no water all day,” Shelley shared on X. She added, “the water was switched off by   @LVMWD Las Virgenes Municipal Water.”

It has been reported that water was shut off and many fire hydrants had no water or water pressure to help combat the Palisades Fire which has destroyed hundreds of properties in Pacific Palisades, Malibu and other areas.

Rory was born in 1992 in the United Kingdom, but moved to Australia as a child to attend school. He was staying at the family’s 17-acre “Mount Malibu TV Studio estate” at the time of his death. He made appearances as a kid on the British show “Kiddy Kapers” in 1998 and on the series “Mornings with Kerri-Anne” in 2003. He was a professional speaker and worked as a consultant for companies that included the Cerebral Palsy Alliance and for the Tony Robbins Foundation. H co-founded Happy Charity.

“He saw him self as the number one fan of @Apple & @tim_cook & most importantly an avid @RuneScape gamer,” Shelley posted on X.

The Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth, and Hurst fires have destroyed thousands of acres in Southern Los Angeles and led to the death of 16 people the LA County Medical Examiner’s Office noted. Eleven people were killed as a result of the Eaton Fire and five people were killed from the Palisades Fire. The Palisades Frie which broke out on Tuesday is only 11 percent contained as of Saturday night. The Kenneth Fire has been reported at 90 percent contained as of Saturday night.

Governor Gavin Newsom has been facing scrutiny over his handling of the wildfires as a mother on Thursday, January 9 was captured on camera asking him to address the cause of the wildfires and what is being done to help those impact. Newsom lied when he said was on the phone speaking with President Joe Biden about the situation. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has also been scrutinized for not addressing issues pertaining to the lack of water or no water in fire hydrants for firefighters to battle the wildfires.

Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Crowley expressed to Fox 11 that budget cuts impacted the department’s ability to battle the wildfires. A ton of celebrities have lost their homes as a result of the wildfires including Paris Hilton, Mel Gibson, Spencer and Heidi Pratt, Leighton Meester and Adam Brody, Eugene Levy, John Goodman, Miles Teller, Billy Crystal, Jeff Bridges and Anna Faris to name a few.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Wednesday, January 8, the city of Beverly Hills posted on its Facebook page that air quality in the region has become unsafe for the public.

Air quality in Beverly Hills has reached unhealthy levels. The city noted that the thick smoke in the air can be harmful to all individuals, especially those with respiratory issues, children, and the elderly.

As a precaution residents are informed to:

• Stay indoors as much as possible
• Keep windows and doors closed
• Use air purifiers if you have them
• Avoid strenuous outdoor activities
• Wear a mask if you need to go outside

The Beverly Hills Fire Department (BHFD) is monitoring the situation closely involving the Sunset Fire in the Runyon Canyon region of the Hollywood Hills. The BHFD augmented its staffing with additional firefighters and is currently patrolling the areas throughout the day. BHFD have also sent personnel and resources to the Palisades Fire.

Extensive fire resources are being deployed to stop the spread of the fire. At this time, there are no mandatory evacuations ordered in Beverly Hills. The city of Los Angeles declared portions of Beverly Hills as a voluntary evacuation zone which includes areas north of Sunset and east of Coldwater Canyon Drive.

Additionally, at this time there are no threats to our water supply or quality. For more details on the Air Quality Index (AQI), visit www.aqmd.gov. For any concerns or service requests, call our askBH Hotline at (310) 285-1000.

By Trevor

WEST HOLLYWOOD—On Wednesday, January 8, the city of West Hollywood posted on its Facebook page that they are closely monitoring hazardous high winds and nearby fires. These conditions will continue to pose a serious threat to safety through Friday, January 10.

Wind & Fire Risk: Winds remain strong, increasing the risk of fire spread. While there are no reports of major fires or other incidents in West Hollywood, nearby communities are impacted. The Sunset Fire in Runyon Canyon has been contained, but smoke and air quality remain a concern.

Air Quality: Due to smoke, please limit outdoor activity and wear a mask if you must go outside.

Service & Facility Adjustments: In response to ongoing emergencies, some City programs may be impacted. Recreation services at parks will be closed on Thursday, January 9.

Parking Adjustments: Street sweeping enforcement is lifted for Thursday, January 9. Residential permit parking enforcement is suspended until Monday, January 13.

Transit Update: Cityline Commuter and Local services will operate as usual.

Evacuation Transportation: If you need evacuation assistance, the City is offering free rides within LA County through Ambiance Transportation. Call (310) 981-9303 for details.

Stay Informed: To sign up for emergency alerts go to: www.ready.lacounty.gov or text your Zip Code to 888-777. For detailed information, visit go.weho.org/fireupdates.

By Trevor

SANTA MONICA—On Wednesday, January 8, the city of Santa Monica issued an emergency order in response to the impacts of the Palisades Fire. City Manager David White signed the order late Wednesday. The Santa Monica City Council will be required to call a special meeting to officially certify the order within seven days.

Evacuation orders have been issued for all areas of Santa Monica north of Montana Avenue from the beach to 11th Street. In addition to all areas north of San Vicente Boulevard.

The emergency order includes a curfew, from sunset to sunrise, in the areas where a mandatory evacuation order is in effect to support law enforcement efforts in these zones, and other measures to facilitate an effective response.

“The Palisades Fire is currently impacting neighborhoods in the northern part of Santa Monica with approximately 2,472 households under a mandatory evacuation order within the city of Santa Monica and 8,338 under a voluntary evacuation warning,” said Mayor Lana Negrete. “This emergency order further assists our first responders and further protects residents as we weather this regional crisis and, ultimately, begin and support recovery efforts.”

The Santa Monica Police Department, along with mutual aid law enforcement partners, has been deployed during the course of the Palisades Fire to support evacuation efforts and protect life and property.

“The local emergency order provides Santa Monica Police and our mutual aid partners another tool to continue to protect our community,” said White. “Our first responders are out patrolling, staying vigilant and coordinating with our partners throughout this emergency on all fronts. The order helps us ensure nobody enters impacted areas who is not supposed to, particularly those with nefarious intentions attempting to take advantage of the mandatory evacuations.”

The local emergency order also:

-Allows impacted schools to temporarily operate within non-residential zones in Santa Monica

-Suspends preferential parking rules and enforcement for residents providing accommodations for those displaced by the Palisades Fire

-Prohibits price gouging for emergency and recovery goods and services

-Restricts evictions of residential tenants who provide accommodation to those displaced by evacuation orders, including their pets

-Prohibits construction activities in evacuation areas and allows for extended time to complete the work

Find the latest updates on Santa Monica evacuation orders, services and resources at santamonica.gov.

By Trevor

SANTA MONICA—The city of Santa Monica posted on its website that as of 6:45 a.m. Evacuation Orders are in place for parts of the city. The city is working with the Palisades Fire Command Post to monitor wildfire conditions. As of 5:30 a.m., there are no changes to the Santa Monica evacuation zones. Power outages have been reported in the city and across the L.A. County region. Report, monitor and get power outage tips at Southern California Edison’s Outage Center.

Evacuation ORDER: Immediate threat to life. This is an order to LEAVE NOW. The area is closed to public access.

An evacuation order has been issued between the northern border of the city and San Vicente Boulevard, between Ocean Avenue and 26th Street.

Evacuation orders are for the red areas on this map.

Emergency services are deployed to the impacted areas, including Santa Monica Police personnel assisting with evacuations. There is an increased police presence throughout the north of Montana evacuation zone.

Residents are asked to follow police instructions immediately and without hesitation. These orders are issued to protect lives and ensure the safety of everyone in the community.

Suspended city services in this area: street sweeping, trash/recycling/bulky item/alley pickup. Free Big Blue Bus transport to the Palisades Fire evacuation center at Westwood Recreation Center, 1350 S. Sepulveda Blvd, 90025, will be available starting at 8 p.m. Buses will leave hourly.

-Pick-up location: 7th Street and San Vicente Boulevard.

An evacuation warning has been issued for Santa Monica between Montana Avenue and San Vicente Boulevard. It is advised to prepare for a potential evacuation order.

The evacuation warning is issued for the yellow areas on this map.

To assist with current Palisades Fire evacuations, the following street closures are in place until further notice:

• Westbound I-10 at Lincoln Boulevard and northbound PCH
• Northbound Ocean Avenue, 7th Street and 26th Street at San Vicente Boulevard
• Access points for northbound PCH at Moomat Ahiko and California Incline

And the following city facility closures are in place for Jan. 8:

• Annenberg Community Beach House
• Montana Branch Library
• Santa Monica Swim Center
• Reed Park Tennis Office
• Downtown Farmers Market is canceled

BBB Route 9 service has been suspended.

Residents are asked to avoid non-essential travel in northern portions of the city to facilitate evacuations and assist first responders. Residents are asked to turn off their scheduled sprinklers to preserve supply and maintain pressure for emergency services.

High winds are anticipated to continue at least through noon on Wednesday, January 8.

• Sign up for SMAlerts to receive any emergency information pertinent to the city.
• Incident Information/Website:Alerts | Los Angeles Fire Department, Palisades Fire | CAL FIRE
• Evacuation Center: Westwood Recreation Center, 1350 S. Sepulveda Blvd, 90025
• Hotels in Santa Monica are offering specials for those who are evacuated. More information here.
• Air Quality monitoring found here.
• Cal Fire evacuation maps can be viewed here.

By Trevor

MALIBU—On Wednesday, October 16, the city of Malibu disclosed that it is alerting residents and families to create a Red Flag Plan so that when a Red Flag Warning is issued, they are prepared.

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 percent or less, and sustained winds reach 25 MPH or more for at least six hours, typically during Santa Ana winds.

To stay safe, it is crucial for Malibu residents to have a Red Flag Plan. Residents can follow the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s “Ready, Set, Go” wildfire safety program:

READY:

-Prepare your home by clearing brush, creating defensible space, and hardening your property.
-Create a Wildfire Action Plan that includes evacuation planning for your home, family and pets.
-Assemble an emergency supply kit for each person in your household, with food, water, medication, first aid supplies and other essentials.
-Create a family communication plan that includes important evacuation and contact information.
-Sign up for emergency alerts from the City at MalibuCity.org/Alerts and from LA County at Ready.LACounty.gov/Alerts.
-Create a profile in the City’s Everbridge Disaster Notification system at MalibuCity.org/DisasterNotifications (most cell phone numbers and landlines in Malibu are automatically entered, but you can create a profile to add additional contact information and make sure your street address is correct, which helps with evacuation notifications).
-Look up your Malibu Evacuation Zone at Protect.Genasys.com/Search.
-Download the PulsePoint mobile app for real-time fire updates. https://www.pulsepoint.org/

SET:

-When Red Flag conditions are forecast, monitor fire conditions and emergency information on local news, have evacuation routes ready, and ensure you’re prepared to leave quickly.

-Check on elderly or disabled neighbors. Get in touch with family and friends to let them know your plans.

GO:

-If authorities direct you to evacuate, do so promptly. People with disabilities, or who rely on medical devices or wheelchairs, and owners of horses and livestock should consider leaving the area early when Red Flag conditions are declared.

For more details, visit LA County Fire Department’s Ready, Set, Go website.

By Trevor

MALIBU—On October 16, the city of Malibu stated on its website that SCE informed the city that they might implement a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) on multiple circuits across much of Malibu starting Friday, October 18, at 6 a.m. due to forecasted hazardous fire weather conditions (gusty Santa Ana wind and low humidity) forecast for Los Angeles County October 18 through Sunday, October 20. SCE is notifying all customers in the affected areas directly. See circuit maps in Malibu: https://malibucity.org/973/SCE-Circuit-Maps.

For details on SCE PSPS, including potential and current outages, and power restoration times, visit www.sce.com/psps.

While fire conditions in Malibu will be less severe than surrounding areas, large fires that start and spread from those areas could reach Malibu. Residents should be prepared for potential power outages, fires, evacuations, traffic signal outages, downed trees and hazardous road conditions. Come to a complete stop at any intersection with a malfunctioning traffic signal, under CA law.

Make sure phones, tablets and laptops are charged, plan for refrigerated medications. Make sure you there is a way to open electric gates and garage doors when the power is out – see tips: https://www.safetyactioncenter.pge.com/articles/25-do-know-manually-open-garage-door-power. See LA County power outage preparedness guide: https://ready.lacounty.gov/power-outage.

Individuals should closely monitor weather conditions and emergency information on local news, especially AM / FM radio which will function with handcrank, battery, solar and car radios if the power is out. Make sure you are signed up for emergency alerts from Malibu, at www.malibucity.org/alerts, and LA County, at https://ready.lacounty.gov/alerts.

The National Weather Service forecasts potentially hazardous fire conditions across LA County. Widespread elevated fire weather conditions are expected Friday night into Saturday with 15-30 mph wind, gusts up to 45 mph, with a 20-30 percent chance of Red Flag conditions. For weather forecasts, visit https://www.weather.gov/lox.

By Trevor

MALIBU—On Friday, August 30, the city of Malibu posted on its website that to prepare for the upcoming wildfire season, Malibu will hold its Annual Safety and Preparedness Fair on September 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Malibu City Hall parking lot. The city is working to help the community be prepared for wildfires, as well as earthquakes, floods, and other disasters.

Malibu faces various potential disasters, including wildfires, floods earthquakes, and tsunamis, making it important for the community to take active steps to be prepared. The city is committed to offering information, resources, trainings and guidance to help community members be more prepared and resilient, including the Safety and Preparedness Fair.

“The safety of our residents is our top priority,” said Mayor Doug Stewart. “By hosting this fair, we aim to equip our community with the knowledge and tools they need to protect themselves, their families, and their homes during fire season. Safety is a shared responsibility between the City, our partner agencies, and the community, and together we can ensure Malibu remains safe and resilient.”

Earthquake Simulator – Kids and adults can take a wild ride in Safe-T-Proof Earthquake Simulator to experience what it feels like to be in a house when a major earthquake strikes. The simulator effectively demonstrates the importance of anchoring furniture and heavy objects like TVs as part of making your home more earthquake safe.

Fire Extinguisher Training – Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteers will set up and demonstrate their Emergency Information and Supplies Station. They will also offer live-fire training for guests to learn how to safely and properly use a fire extinguisher on small fires. No registration required.

Emergency Preparedness Services and Products Vendors – Participating companies will show their emergency preparedness services and products, answer questions, and some will have on-site sales.

Learn About Volunteer Opportunities – Attendees can learn about a variety of local emergency and safety related volunteer opportunities with Arson Watch, Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Malibu Volunteers on Patrol (VOP), and Community Brigades.

Learn About Brush Clearance and Home Wildfire Hardening – Meet the City’s Fire Safety Liaisons, former wildland firefighters, and learn how you can harden your home against wildfire. They’ll teach you how to protect your home from the millions of embers that can fly out more than a mile ahead of a wind-driven wildfire like the Woolsey Fire, and which are a leading cause of homes burning down during a wildfire. The Fire Safety Liaisons can also give you advice on proper brush clearance and making your emergency plans.

Fun and Educational for Kids – The Expo is a great opportunity for kids to learn about emergency preparedness and meet the hardworking law enforcement, fire and rescue professionals who help keep our community safe.

Bicycle/Scooter Safety Rodeo – Safe Moves, a non-profit dedicated to traffic safety education for children and teens, will host a fun Bicycle and Scooter Safety Rodeo, where kids can learn safety tips while riding real bikes and scooters. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, who must sign a waiver.

Touch-a-Truck – Kids can see, touch and get inside specialty emergency and law enforcement vehicles, including a Fire Engine; LA County Sheriff’s Department Search Rescue truck, patrol car, and motorcycle; a California Highway Patrol (CHP) car and motorcycle; a Southern California Edison utility repair truck; and a tow truck.

Mini-Therapy Horses – Pet the adorable Mini-Therapy Horses that bring therapeutic visits to Veterans and crime victims.

Rock Climbing Wall – Fun, free activity for kids and adults.

Food and Desserts – Food will be available for purchase from the In & Out food truck and Tikiz Shaved Ice.

Raffle – Every attendee will receive a free raffle ticket for a chance to win one of many great prizes.

Participating Emergency Services, Products, and Information Booths
-IPS
-Blaze Blockers
-Natural Disaster Survival Products
-Genasys Protect
-National Weather Services (NWS)
-Wildfire Home Protection Service
-Safe Soss
-Brushfire Battle Systems
-Boys & Girls Club Malibu
-Malibu CERT
-Malibu VOP

For more details contact Emergency Services Coordinator Sarah Flores at 310-456-2489, ext. 237 or SAFlores@MalibuCity.org.

By Trevor

BEVERLY HILLS—On Saturday, May 11, the city of Beverly Hills will host Wildfire Community Preparedness Day. The event will transpire from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Beverly Hills Fire Department Station #2 located at 1100 Coldwater Canyon. The event is free for the public to attend.

Participants can receive education material and handouts regarding vegetation maintenance, home hardening, fuel modification, and emergency planning.

The city of Beverly Hills indicates on its website that catastrophic brush fires are happening at an increasing rate in the state and across the country. The many hillside communities within Los Angeles are under threat of devastating wildfire. As this risk increases, it is important to plan, prepare, and stay aware.

The “Ready, Set, Go!” program is designed to walk individuals through the steps to take to ensure they are prepared in the case of an approaching wildfire.

Being “Ready” for wildfire starts with maintaining adequate vegetation clearance/maintenance around your home. By following the Beverly Hills Brush Maintenance Program, residents can create an area around their home that is free of dead, dry, and hazardous vegetation. Without this vegetation maintenance, the fire will quickly spread throughout the property and to your home and there is little that can be done to defend it.

In addition to the Brush Clearance Program, individuals can harden the home by using fire-resistant building materials. Flying embers from a wildfire can destroy homes up to a mile away. Individuals should prepare for the possibility of evacuation before the need arrives as a result of a wildfire.

Stay informed by following local media and your Beverly Hills Nixle Alerts via text to BEVHILLS to 888777 to receive text message alerts.

By Trevor

MALIBU—On Monday, October 16, Matt Myerhoff, Media Information Officer for the city of Malibu indicated in an email to Canyon News that the state of California passed a law expanding support for Californians whose properties have been damaged or destroyed by wildfires by allowing them three additional years to rebuild before a full reassessment of their property value is initiated. The bill was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom on October 8, covers properties destroyed or damaged from the 2018 Woolsey Fire.

“Malibu is still recovering from the devastating 2018 Woolsey Fire, the worst natural disaster in the City’s history, and AB 1500 will offer substantial help and additional time to help property owners whose homes were damaged or destroyed to get through the rebuilding process,” said Major Steve Uhring. “I am grateful for the hard work and leadership of our State lawmakers and Governor who fought to get this protection for fire survivors.”

Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (District 42, Thousand Oaks), whose District includes Malibu, co-authored the Bill with Assemblymember James Gallagher (District 3, Yuba City), and the city of Malibu initiated the legislation.

“Californians who have had their homes significantly damaged or destroyed by wildfires should not be made to suffer more as a result of circumstances outside their control,” said Assemblymember Irwin. “Assembly Bill 1500 provides victims of the Woolsey and Camp fires with the additional time needed to complete reconstruction and retain their base-year property tax values. Today I join with the residents of the cities of Malibu and Paradise in thanking the Governor for signing this legislation into law so the rebuilding of our communities can continue.”

Current law allows California residents whose property was damaged or destroyed by a disaster to apply the base-year value of that property to the home or structure rebuilt on the same site within five years after the disaster, if the rebuilt property is comparable to the damaged or destroyed property. With the extension, specifically for the reconstruction of properties damaged or destroyed in wildfires, it will help homeowners facing difficulty with permitting and construction delays.

Reconstructing a home or business raises additional costs including debris removal, permits, contractors, materials, etc. As a result of COVID-19, owners faced hurdles with the rebuilding process.

For residents of Malibu, the courts were less capable of processing the claims on liability for the Woolsey Fire and to come to a settlement with Southern California Edison, delaying compensation to residents, many of whom relied on that compensation to rebuild.

Malibu homeowners working on Woolsey Fire rebuild projects and need help or information related to the protections that AB 1500 offers can contact the Fire Rebuild Team at 310-456-2489 or email ashah@malibucity.org.

By Trevor

MALIBU—The city is working to help the community prepare for wildfires, earthquakes, and other disasters with its annual Public Safety Expo on Saturday, June 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Malibu City Hall.

“Malibu is vulnerable to many kinds of disasters from wildfires to earthquakes and tsunamis, so it’s our responsibility to be prepared, and the best time to get started is right now,” said Mayor Bruce Silverstein. “I urge every resident, employee, student and business owner in Malibu to join us for the Public Safety Expo to learn how to make a plan and gather supplies so our whole community can be ready and resilient.”

The free event is part of Malibu’s ongoing efforts to help the community be more prepared for wildfires, earthquakes, floods, landslides and any other disasters that nature might bring.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department will provide a presentation about new brush clearance regulations, and the California Department of Insurance will give a presentation on wildfire insurance issues from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. The presentations will be recorded and will be made available to watch on the city of Malibu website and social media.

-New Brush Clearance Regulations – Ron Durbin from the Los Angeles County Fire Department Forestry Division will be speaking on AB 3074, approved by the governor on September 29, 2020, establishes Zone 0, a 5-foot Ember Resistant Zone that may require removal of all flammable materials within five feet of any structure.

-Wildfire Insurance Issues – Armine Sargsyan, the Community Relations Outreach Analyst from the California Department of Insurance, will be speaking and answering questions on insurance issues that affect homeowners in the Very High Fire Safety Severity Zone, which encompasses all of Malibu.

Public Safety Responder Appreciation Day – The event will be a celebration of “Public Safety Responder Appreciation Day in Malibu.” To honor law enforcement and firefighting personnel, as well as the many public safety volunteers including Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Sheriff’s Volunteers on Patrol and Arson Watch, the community is invited to come and show their appreciation by signing a special thank you book that will be presented to each group.

Earthquake Simulator -Take a ride in an earthquake simulator that recreates a realistic and educational experience of a major earthquake inside a house, highlighting the need to make your home more earthquake safe.

“Jaws of Life” Demonstration – The Fire Department will demonstrate a vehicle extraction rescue using the “Jaws of Life.”

Fire Extinguisher Training – Learn how to use a fire extinguisher.

Free Lunch – Coupons for free lunch will be provided to participants in Expo events from two food trucks offering a variety of tasty hot food, including vegan options, and shaved ice. (There will be a Limited supply. Food will also be available for purchase).

Public Safety Specialty Teams and Vehicles; Volunteer Opportunities; Emergency Preparedness Vendors – The Expo is a great opportunity for kids to learn about emergency preparedness and meet public safety and law enforcement professionals in person. Numerous vendors will have emergency preparedness equipment and supplies for sale and demonstration. Learn about a variety of volunteer opportunities with organizations including Arson Watch and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).

-LA County Sheriff’s Department K-9

-LA County Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad

-Malibu Search and Rescue

-LA County Fire Department

-LA County Animal Care and Control

-LA County Lifeguards

-Arson Watch

-Insurance providers

The vendors, participating agencies and trainings offered at the Expo will be listed on the website.

By Casey

MALIBU—The city of Malibu is offering the next round of the highly popular Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training. The series of seven classes will be held Thursday evenings from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., April 13 through May 25 in the Multipurpose Room at Malibu City Hall located at 23825 Stuart Ranch Road.

“Malibu is paradise, but we are vulnerable to all kinds of disasters, from wildfires to earthquakes and landslides, so it’s up to every one of us to be prepared to help ourselves, our families and our community,” said Mayor Bruce Silverstein. “CERT training is one of the best ways to prepare for wildfires and other disasters, and helps us be more resilient as individuals and as a community.”

According to a news release from the city of Malibu website, “CERT is a highly-acclaimed, nationwide program that empowers community members to help themselves and their neighbors during disasters.”

Volunteers are trained on basic first aid, fire suppression, and search and rescue to be able to provide emergency assistance to their neighbors.

CERT volunteers assist the city of Malibu to prepare and respond to disasters. During the Woolsey Fire, Malibu CERT volunteers contributed over 300 hours of service to the emergency response by distributing food and medical supplies, conducting wellness checks, assisting with evacuations, and administering basic first aid.

In 2017, the Malibu City Council adopted the official CERT Program Guidelines, an important step in formally incorporating the program and the trained CERT volunteers into the City’s Emergency Management System.

Malibu’s CERT Team members must complete Federal Emergency Manager Agency (FEMA) trainings, serve at least 30 volunteer hours per year, attend regular meetings and drills, and become registered as Disaster Service Workers.

For more details about the CERT program, or to sign up, visit www.MalibuCity.org/CERT or call Public Safety Liaison Luis Flores at 310-456-2489, ext. 236, or email publicsafety@malibucity.org.