The Planning Commission will hold a July 6 hearing to hear potential concerns about the proposed event from nearby residents.
By Olivia Damavandi / Assistant Editor
The Planning Commission at its July 6 meeting will determine the fate of the 29th annual Malibu Chili Cook-Off and Carnival, the city’s annual end-of-summer tradition sponsored by the Kiwanis Club.
With the commission’s blessing, this year’s Cook-Off will take place from Sept. 3 to Sept. 6 on an undeveloped parcel owned by the Malibu Bay Company, located at the northeast corner of Stuart Ranch Road and Civic Center Way. Parking for the event will be provided on the La Paz site, located just south of the MBC parcel.
For the last 28 years the event has been held on a site formally known as the Chili Cook-Off parcel, which is now the Legacy Park site, located just across the street from the MBC parcel.
The application, submitted by the Kiwanis Club and Malibu Bay Company, includes a request for a coastal development permit. Temporary events generally do not require CDPs. But the Chili Cook-Off requires one in order to evaluate its potential to impact public access to coastal resources, and because it is a multi-day event occurring during the summer.
Another potentially controversial aspect of this year’s proposed Chili Cook-Off is that its proposed new location is in close proximity to the Malibu Knolls neighborhood.
The Planning Commission is holding the hearing to allow Malibu Knolls residents to comment on the proposed event.
In keeping with tradition, the proposed Chili Cook-Off is comprised of a carnival that includes amusement rides, a chili cook-off competition, live musical performances and various booths occupied by merchandise, food vendors and public service groups.
This year’s Chili Cook-Off will include 45 to 65 vendors and an estimated 3,000 to 5,000 guests.
The Kiwanis Club of Malibu has raised more than $4 million for the local community over the years, most of which have gone to benefit youth programs in the area.