Letter: Looped In

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Letter to the Editor

This letter, written prior to the Jan. 14 Malibu City Council meeting, is addressed to City Manager Reva Feldman.

I was surprised to learn today that the city received the long-awaited response from FEMA to the beach remapping on Nov. 9 and those of us who are so concerned about it had no idea. 

I realize the city is consumed with the fire rebuild, and I do appreciate that, but you indicated that there is a 30-day appeal time on the letter (which puts it to Jan. 9) or apparently we accept the FEMA map as the letter may have amended it. 

I also understand you have requested an extension from FEMA to respond, but we haven’t gotten one yet and I’m not sure if there is any guarantee we will get one.

As we discussed today, I would very much appreciate it if you could forward to me ASAP a copy of the letter and please advise what is happening with the extension. 

As you know, the next council meeting is not until Jan. 14, after the deadline, so perhaps we can convene a special meeting to discuss what to do about FEMA if they don’t give a reasonable extension. The FEMA situation does not even appear on the agenda for the council meeting. For that reason, I’ve copied the city council.

I realize the fire rebuild is most pressing, but the FEMA remapping affects everyone who lives on the beach, so that is a critically important issue to us, too.

Thus, I would respectfully request that:

1. You send a copy of the FEMA response (and perhaps advise The Malibu Times and Malibu Surfside News of this situation).

2. You arrange for a meeting for those who are interested in this issue ASAP so we may understand the city’s position and what will happen next.

Thank you.

E. Barry Haldeman