More than 200 people packed the auditorium at King Gillette Ranch Thursday evening for the first of two town halls hosted by Los Angeles County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, whose district includes much of the Malibu Woolsey Fire burn area. Although many in attendance did not lose their homes, they heard from more than a dozen public agencies including FEMA and LA County Public Works on how to start rebuilding homes.Â
The patient crowd came armed with questions that were requested in written form to be answered by representatives from various agencies. At one time, there were boos directed at Malibu City Manager Reva Feldman—in response to a question asked about streamlining the permit process. Feldman, who has been facing criticism from a growing number of Malibu residents, said the city was in the process of trying to hire a consultant to aid the swamped planning staff. Audience members were heard grumbling that a month after the devastating blaze they expected swifter action from the city.
One of the first steps in the rebuild process is ash and debris removal that is currently happening in Malibu. It can be done at no cost to homeowners by submitting a Right of Entry form. The deadline was recently extended to Jan. 28, 2019. Visit the Disaster Assistance Center or download instructions at: LACounty.gov/lacountyrecovers. The form can be returned in person or emailed to: Woolseyfire@dpw.lacounty.gov
Kuehl’s second town hall is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 16 at Pepperdine University at 1 p.m.
