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Elected officials advocate for fire victims

Barbara Burke

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February 21, 2025

Elected officials advocate for fire victims

Some LA County residents getting relief on mortage, extensions on tax deadlines

In an effort to provide wildfire victims with much-needed additional relief, state and federal elected officials are acting to address concerns about how long it could take for victims to rebuild.

On Feb. 13, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order further streamlining permitting laws to accelerate rebuilding structures after the Palisades Fire. The order expands on prior executive orders to suspend California Coastal Act and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) permitting requirements by clarifying the scope of the waivers and clarifies that local planning or permit approval is determinative of eligibility for those suspensions. A prior executive order directed the California Coastal Commission not to issue guidance or take any action that interferes with or conflicts with any of the governor’s several executive orders issued after the fires.

The Feb. 13 executive order was fashioned in close coordination with local governments and provides the full scope of flexibility those governments have requested, according to a statement issued by the governor’s office. The statement also clarified that the governor’s executive orders also expand the availability of temporary housing.

The most recent order also streamlines the rebuilding of recently constructed homes by allowing them to be rebuilt to approved specifications.

Mortgage relief measures

An executive order issued by the governor on Feb. 4 notes that he has worked with state- and federally chartered banks that have committed to providing mortgage relief for survivors in certain ZIP codes, including Malibu’s ZIP code of 90265 and Palisades’ ZIP code of 90272. The governor announced that 270 state-chartered banks and five federally chartered banks would offer mortgage relief to homeowners whose properties were damaged or destroyed, including a 90-day forbearance on mortgage payments and late fees without banks sending any reports to credit agencies. The order also provides homeowners with protections against foreclosures and evictions for at least 60 days.

The participating federally chartered banks are Bank of America, Citi, JP Morgan Chase, U.S. Bank, and Wells Fargo.

California has also deferred the individual tax filing deadline to Oct. 15 for Los Angeles County taxpayers. Additionally, the state also extended the sales and use tax filing deadlines for business filings until April 30, extending past the traditional Jan. 31 filing deadline.

California’s congressional delegation advocates for extending filing deadlines for FEMA and SBA relief

Congressman Brad Sherman (CA-32), who represents Malibu and the Palisades, is leading a bipartisan California congressional delegation that is urging FEMA and the Small Business Administration to extend their March 10 federal disaster assistance deadlines until the end of the year. Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-28), who represents Altadena and Pasadena, joined as the lead co-signer in the letter.

“The March 10 deadlines for FEMA grants and SBA loans for those affected by the Los Angeles fires are outrageously short. The Palisades Fire was only recently contained, and many households are still waiting to find out from their insurance companies about what damages will be covered,” said Sherman. “It may be months before some families hear back from their insurance companies to find out if they will be in need of federal help, so I am urging FEMA and SBA to extend their application deadlines until at least Dec. 31.”

Driving Change: When leadership fails, a call for transformation in Malibu

Michel Shane

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February 21, 2025

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Driving Change: When leadership fails, a call for transformation in Malibu

By Michel Shane

I wrote this out of frustration after attending the last City Council meeting and witnessing the disaster surrounding us.

Significant mudslides have caused more chaos on PCH this past week, directly resulting from burn-scarred areas left vulnerable by the fires. This isn’t just about fire damage anymore; it’s about a cascade of disasters, each compounding the next. While our council debates, nature doesn’t wait — bare hillsides that should have been remediated years ago now send mud and debris across PCH, our lifeline to the world.

The acrid smell of smoke still lingers in our lungs, but the absolute suffocation comes from watching our City Council spend hours discussing issues while our neighbors live in trailers or, worse, on their burned-out lots. DNA and Mike Moore are still fighting to rebuild their homes with modern fire-resistant materials seven years after the Woolsey Fire. Seven years have been spent navigating bureaucratic circles, dealing with endless permit requirements, and watching their community dissolve while officials “study the situation.”

Unfortunately, the urgency of this situation cannot be overstated, so we need to take immediate action.

The numbers stagger the mind: Over 12,000 homes were destroyed in recent Los Angeles fires — a burn zone two and a half times the size of Manhattan. Over 18,000 buildings valued at over $275 billion were reduced to ash. But here’s the statistic that should shame every elected official: Fewer than 40 percent of Malibu’s homes destroyed in the Woolsey Fire have been rebuilt. And of those rebuilt, how many incorporate the proven fire-resistant technologies that could prevent future devastation?

While our council chambers echo empty promises, communities worldwide have shown what’s possible when people refuse to accept paralysis as their fate. Portugal’s Madeira region transformed devastating fires in 2016 into a catalyst for change. Within three years, they implemented comprehensive fire-resistant building codes, created modern evacuation routes, and established an integrated transportation system for daily needs and emergency response. When fires struck again in 2021, no life was lost, and property damage was minimal.

Hong Kong’s response to urban density and natural disasters offers another blueprint for success. Its integrated transportation system — combining modern roads, water routes, and intelligent traffic management — moves 12.9 million passengers daily through a seamless land, sea, and rail network. Its building codes mandate fire-resistant materials and design elements that have dramatically reduced fire damage.

Spain’s Costa Brava communities didn’t just rebuild after their 2017 fires — they revolutionized their coastal infrastructure. Today, their unified approach to fire resistance includes:

Mandatory ember-proof ventilation systems
Fire-resistant building materials throughout structures
Comprehensive water management systems
Strategic firebreaks integrated into community design
Modern emergency response infrastructure

The results? Property values up 40 percent, dramatically reduced insurance costs, and, most importantly, proven resilience against subsequent fire threats.

Here in Malibu, we have an unprecedented opportunity to rebuild and revolutionize our community’s resilience. The Pacific Coast Highway, our lifeline, lies partially in ruins. Yet this crisis, combined with the approaching 2028 Olympics, offers a once-in-a-generation chance to transform our coastal corridor.

We have living proof that fire-resistant construction works. The Getty Center and Pepperdine University are testaments to proper planning and materials. Yet, the Moores face endless regulatory hurdles when they try to widen their driveway for fire engine access. When George Hauptman installs a required water tank for fire safety, he’s trapped in permit limbo. This indicates that our current system is failing us, but it doesn’t have to be this way.

The economic stakes are staggering:

Insurance premiums skyrocket 300-400 percent when coverage is available at all
Property values drop 30 percent in communities without comprehensive fire safety measures
Billions in tourism revenue are at risk
Olympic preparation opportunities slip away
Future development and investment is threatened by our failure to adapt

Imagine PCH reimagined with the sophistication of Hong Kong’s integrated transport system: electric shuttle networks connecting to water taxi and ferry services, reducing daily congestion while providing crucial evacuation options. Their emergency response protocols have reduced evacuation times by 60 percent. Picture centralized parking hubs eliminating the constant stream of cars, while smart traffic management systems, like those used in Singapore, could reduce congestion by 40 percent while providing crucial advantages during emergencies. Like Sydney’s successful system, a water taxi network could serve daily commuters and tourists while offering vital evacuation alternatives during disasters.

The 2028 Olympics present more than an opportunity — they’re a deadline. Barcelona leveraged the 1992 Olympics to transform its entire coastal infrastructure. Thirty years later, its integrated transportation system still serves as a model of efficiency. We have three years to achieve a similar transformation, yet our City Council hasn’t even requested assistance from the Army Corps of Engineers.

The Army Corps of Engineers has successfully helped transform disaster-struck communities worldwide:

New Orleans’ flood control systems after Katrina
New Jersey coastal infrastructure after Sandy
Florida’s hurricane-resistant rebuilding programs
Wildfire mitigation projects throughout the western U.S.

Their expertise includes precisely what we need:

Integrated infrastructure planning
Disaster-resistant construction oversight
Environmental impact assessment and mitigation
Project management and coordination
Emergency response system design

Their rebuilding division can stand ready to assist, but it can’t if our City Council doesn’t ask. While Portugal implemented comprehensive reforms in three years, we’re still debating whether to request help. Their success wasn’t magic — it combined political will with community demand for action.

The time for half-measures and endless studies is over. Here’s what we must demand NOW:

1. Emergency community action

Mass attendance at next week’s council meeting demanding immediate Army Corps assistance
Weekly accountability sessions documenting council members’ actions and inactions
Creation of rapid response teams for permit challenges
Real-time tracking system for rebuilding applications
Public scorecards rating official performance

2. Infrastructure transformation

Implementation of proven fire-resistant building standards from thriving communities worldwide
Launch of pilot water taxi program connecting key coastal points
Installation of smart traffic systems at critical PCH intersections
Development of emergency response hubs with integrated communications
Strategic placement of water storage and management systems

3. Olympics preparation task force

Secure infrastructure funding before opportunities vanish
Create a timeline for transportation system integration
Develop a comprehensive coastal access plan
Establish public-private partnerships for implementation
Launch media campaign highlighting urgency

4. Economic Action Committee

Track and publicize daily costs of inaction
Document insurance increases and coverage denials
Monitor property value impacts in rebuild-delayed areas
Create economic impact reports for public distribution
Build an alliance with the business community for unified pressure

Successful models exist. Colorado’s fire-prone communities transformed their building codes and infrastructure in 18 months when residents refused to accept delays. Consider Austin’s wildland-urban interface code implementation, completed in one year when community pressure forced action. Their unified approach:

Streamlined permit process for safety improvements
Created single-point approval system
Established clear timelines for application review
Implemented automatic approval triggers
Required public documentation of all delays

Meanwhile, our neighbors live in trailers while their permit applications gather dust. Our evacuation routes remain vulnerable while officials “study” solutions. Our Olympic opportunity slips away while councilmembers debate whether to accept the offered help.

The tragedy isn’t just in what’s been lost — it’s in what we lose daily through inaction. Our neighbors are living this failure daily. Commuters inch along an unchanged PCH every morning (when open), passing empty lots where homes once stood and rebuilt houses sitting vacant due to permit disputes. Every afternoon, tourists used to crowd our beaches, unaware that we lack the basic emergency evacuation infrastructure in other coastal communities worldwide. Every evening, families who could be safely housed in fire-resistant homes instead sleep in trailers, waiting for bureaucratic approval to rebuild correctly.

The economic bleeding continues unchecked. Insurance companies are fleeing, leaving homeowners struggling to find coverage. While property values are currently skyrocketing due to severe housing shortages from fire destruction, this artificial inflation masks a dangerous reality — without proper rebuilding and safety infrastructure, our community remains vulnerable to future disasters. Meanwhile, Olympic infrastructure funding opportunities slip away while our council chambers echo with discussions about “further study needed.” This isn’t just government failure anymore — it’sour collective unwillingness to demand better.

That stretch of vulnerable PCH isn’t just a road — it’s our lifeline, community artery, and connection to the world. While other coastal cities have transformed their infrastructure, embraced integrated transportation solutions, and fortified their communities against disaster, we sit in endless meetings debating whether to accept the help offered.

The climate crisis isn’t waiting for committee findings, and the subsequent fire season won’t pause for permit reviews. Our window for transformation narrows with each passing day, each ineffective meeting, and each ignored solution.

Fill those empty chairs. Raise your voices. Join forces. Demand change.

Our community’s future is in the balance. You make the choice, and we bear the consequences.

Tomorrow’s history is being written today. Which side of it will you be on?

Stand up. Speak out. Take action. Now.

You can reach Michel Shane at 21milesinmalibu@gmail.com

Agoura Animal Shelter Pet of the Week: Thursday, Feb. 20

The Malibu Times

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February 21, 2025

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Agoura Animal Shelter Pet of the Week: Thursday, Feb. 20

Loki A5666541 is a 9-year-old pittie who came to Agoura back in November. As with all senior pups, Loki went to the private vet for his senior check, where he received treatment for his ear infections, a dental exam, and had some lumps removed.

Loki is currently crushing life in his amazing foster home but is still looking for his forever – let us know if you think he could be the one for you.

Email us to meet Loki! agoura@animalcare.lacounty.gov

Care Center Hours:
Monday-Saturday 11am-5pm
Closed* on Sunday and holidays

29525 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, CA 91301
agoura@animalcare.lacounty.gov

Haylynn Conrad hits the ground running

Judy Abel

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February 21, 2025

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Malibu’s newest City Councilmember making a meaningful impact after two destructive fires

A mere three hours after being sworn in as Malibu’s newest City Councilmember, Haylynn Conrad faced her first emergency as the Franklin Fire bore down on Serra and Malibu Canyons, taking out nine homes and damaging roughly a dozen more.

Still wearing her swearing-in dress, Conrad raced to the city’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC). For the next week, the mother of two spent most days at Zuma Beach with firefighters.

“I learned all about the different command levels and emergency communications,” she said. “They mobilized and it was really impressive.”

She spent the week attending meetings with LA and Cal Fire officials and, of course, Malibu City Council meetings that were moved to Calabasas. In a gesture of goodwill, Conrad returned to Calabasas to thank Malibu’s neighboring city for the use of its facilities all while running around town delivering donuts to firefighters and staffers at the EOC.

After landing in the deep end on her first night on the council and grateful there were no deaths or injuries in the Franklin Fire, Conrad experienced the relative calm of Malibu’s regular fraught issues of ballfields and PCH safety, but that relative calm didn’t last long when the deadly Palisades Fire swept through Malibu, taking with it 720 structures in Malibu alone.

Seeing immediate need in the grief of the tragedy, Conrad got busy first securing $750,000 for Malibu’s community brigade from an anonymous donor. That philanthropist reached out to Conrad.

“They’re very generous and they also gave to Altadena, Pasadena, and the Palisades,” she said.

She was also able to secure $250,000 for Sheriff’s Capt. Jennifer Seetoo’s Malibu/Lost Hills Station. Another anonymous donor through Conrad matched those funds again for the station. She helped facilitate the donations to the station’s nonprofit arm so money can go to Seetoo’s real-time watch center, including fire response.

Then, the new councilmember was able to secure Starlink hookups for Malibu public schools.

“I got them for all of the schools in the Santa Monica school district too because I’ve learned that if you’re going to give to the district you have to give equitably,” Conrad said. “I made sure they were installed properly at our schools.”

When power and internet are down, the Starlinks allow connectivity through satellite. The kits run around $500 each with some running into the thousands. She estimates she distributed roughly 25.

Conrad thinks the brigade will use the funds for a fire engine and that Seetoo will supply the real-time emergency operations center with more cameras.

With an affinity for Malibu’s senior population, Conrad is working with a Malibu resident who spoke passionately at a fire town hall about helping Malibu’s older residents who are medically vulnerable and need immediate assistance post-Palisades Fire.

“I put together a task force that’s not really through the City of Malibu,” Conrad said. “I kind of go rogue a little bit because I can’t wait for bureaucracy, I can’t. I hate the red tape.”

Conrad and a group of roughly 10 others, including a registered nurse, are assisting area seniors.

“It’s not citywide yet and I would love for it to be. I would love for it to get more traction but right now it’s maybe 15 people in a text message and somebody might have a medical issue,” Conrad said. “Besides calling 911 it’s sort ofsupport. If somebody has questions about a hard closure or soft closure … these people have nurses, they have caretakers, and some of them may or may not be able to get into Malibu.”

The task force is also helping medically vulnerable non-seniors.

“These are just residents, not an official city program. If you notice, the city is trying really, really hard, but is spread so thin,” Conrad said adding that out of frustration she’s taking action with others now privately.

During the fire, Conrad found time to help evacuate local animals. After the fire, she jumped into action, facilitatingdonations to different disaster centers, including $5,000 worth of new clothing for Boys & Girls Club Malibu.

Now Conrad wants to hear from more residents. She’s advertising an initiative, “Hangin’ with Haylynn” for conversations about Malibu issues. The first hangout is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Howdy’s. She intends to meet at different local businesses each week to help support them and invites residents so she can lend a compassionate ear.

“I don’t claim to have all the answers certainly, but I do think it’s nice for people to sit with somebody who is elected or they voted for and maybe vent to them about the fire, or cry or laugh a little,” Conrad said. “Whatever I can do, they could have a concern and maybe I can try to find out an answer. I’m the type of person that loves to help.”

A devastating loss: Malibuite Jo Drummond’s fight to rebuild

Barbara Burke

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February 20, 2025

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A devastating loss: Malibuite Jo Drummond’s fight to rebuild

After losing her family’s home in the Palisades Fire, she advocates for faster and more efficient rebuilding policies

Picture yourself enjoying the trip of a lifetime to the fascinating country of India and then receiving a telephone call from your neighbors informing you that a ferocious wildfire was fast approaching your neighborhood in Big Rock in Malibu.

Unfortunately, Malibuites Jyoti “Jo” and Colin Drummond had that harrowing experience during the Palisades Fire. Jo Drummond shared her story with The Malibu Times.

Feeling helpless after neighbors called them on Jan. 7 to warn them about the impending Palisades Fire, Jo and Colin made as many phone calls as they could from 9,000 miles away.

Celebrating saving a treasured heirloom

“While the brigade was at our home clearing our property — and even though I thought the fire would not come as far into our neighborhood as it did, I had the wherewithal to ask our neighbor to go inside our house and take a very important family heirloom off the dining room wall,” Drummond shared. “Colin’s great great grandmother was the first postmistress general in Rockford, Illinois, during the Civil War after her husband, Malankin Smith, who had been the postmaster, was killed at Vicksburg. So, Abraham Lincoln signed a certificate two times and crossed out all the “him’s,” and changed them to “her’s,” naming her as the Postmistress General. We had that certificate framed and it has been in the family for more than a century. Blake, our neighbor, saved it for us. We had a tearful reunion with Blake as he gave us the certificate back to my husband, Colin.”

Alas, like many other Palisades Fire victims, everything is a total loss — the home where the Drummonds raised their family and made many memories is decimated, except for some jewelry the couple miraculously retrieved after the fire from an underground security box that had been in the floor of their closet.

“Almost 75 percent of the homes in our densely populated neighborhood of Big Rock were destroyed, amounting to 170 homes out of 230,” Drummond lamented. “It’s like a war zone.”

The Drummonds’ home was devastated by the fire despite the family making every effort to protect it against wildfires.

Jo Drummonds Fight to Rebuild David Goldblum2 — Jo and Colin Drummond and family survey the damage after losing their home in the Palisades Fire. Photo by David Goldblum

“We had a composite roof and Vanguard vents,” Drummond noted. “The Brigade came by before the fire hit and put all the cushions in the garage, moved our ping pong table and made sure that there was nothing along the side of the house.”

So, why did their home burn, one wonders.

“Our neighbor’s SUV was running while they tried to retrieve things and unfortunately, it exploded, killing their sweet little cat named Penny as well,” Drummond recounted. “Pieces of the SUV hit our garage and caught it on fire — two homes next to ours did not burn — only four of the homes out of the 11 homes on our street burned, with Rosemarie and Thomas Idhe saving at least six homes.”

During the blaze, a Southern California Edison utility pole fell down, and first responders were concerned because it was unclear whether the fallen line was a live wire or a telecommunications line, Drummond explained. She noted that only the sheriff’s deputies and the community fire brigade were at Big Rock during the fire and that after the fire, the brigade stayed on site putting out spot fires to ensure the conflagration did not roar to life again.

Trying to go forward and deal with the daunting task of rebuilding

Despite the devastating loss of her family’s home, Drummond, who served on the City of Malibu’s Public Works Commission from March 2022 to January 2025, and who will begin serving on the Planning Commission at the beginning of August, is strenuously advocating for expeditious and efficient rebuilding of the approximately 700 homes in Malibu that were destroyed by the Palisades Fire. She brings her service as president of the Malibu Township Council and as the former president of the Big Rock Mesa Property Association to empower her advocacy efforts.

The EPA has just begun removing hazardous materials at Big Rock as of press time. Such EPA Cam 17 analytic testing determines whether “forever chemicals,” including asbestos and benzene, are present at a fire-savaged property. That governmental testing, which is conducted without cost to fire victims, is a precondition to conducting overall debris removal, Drummond noted, emphasizing that one cannot even apply for a debris removal permit until the EPA process is completed.

“We could expedite rebuilding if we can model our procedures allowing self-certifications by structural engineers and the geologists who conduct geotechnical assessments,” Drummond said. “Those procedures can hold up the rebuilding process by at least a full year. The City of LA allows for such self-certifications and applicants are processed through their building and safety departments within 30 days so long as they are not increasing the footprint of their home by more than 10 percent of what it was before it was destroyed.”

Drummond also advocates that the City Council mandate that the city’s Planning Department streamline rebuilding permits and that the provisions of the fire code be incorporated into a rebuilding code that is tailored for Palisades Fire rebuilds. She also thinks the rebuilding code should include requirements that plants be at least 10 feet away from homes and other structures on properties.

“If we had between four to five landscape templates that those who are rebuilding could adopt, and if we could thereby bypass the need for any biological reviews, we could also save a lot of time in rebuilding,” she added. “Tree heights should be limited to 6 feet and we hope to have a mandate that trees be spaced 10 feet apart. The city code only allows for a 42-inch wall or hedge and we are asking for that to be increased to 48 inches for fire protection. Notably, when the SUV exploded in the Palisades Fire, our neighbors’ wall stopped any of the flying SUV parts from hitting their home and therefore, their home did not burn.”

Finally, Drummond strongly advocates that the county reduce the amount of Malibuites’ property taxes that areallocated to the county. She suggests that if that happened, Malibuites could fund a larger fire brigade.

“If we had a community brigade that was 10 times the size of our current brigade, they could be deployed before a fire hits,” she noted. “We would be able to better defend ourselves against wildfires. Currently, between $300 [million] to $400 million of our tax property dollars are allocated to the county and 30 percent of our taxes go to the schools, whileonly 11 percent of our property taxes are allocated to our community. The remaining funds are used to pay for fire departments and the sheriff’s department.”

Drummond recognizes the herculean task that the city and those who need to rebuild must undertake. By collaborating together, she maintains, the task can be more streamlined and successful.

The Malibu Times will be sharing the stories of families who have lost their homes in the Franklin and Palisades fires.Stay tuned for more articles in upcoming editions. If you’ve lost your home and would like to be featured, please reach out to us at editorial@malibutimes.com.

Jo Drummonds Fight to Rebuild David Goldblum3 — Malibu resident Jo Drummond, who served on the city’s Public Works Commission until last month, explores the remains of her house in the Big Rock area. Jo and her husband Colin were visiting India last month when they got the call that the Palisades Fire was burning. Photo by David Goldblum

Randall Schultz 1942-2025

Obituaries

The Malibu Times

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February 20, 2025

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It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Randall Schultz, beloved husband, father, stepfather, and grandfather, who passed away peacefully at the age of 82 on February 1, 2025.

Randall dedicated thirty years of his life as a teacher at Cabrillo, inspiring countless students with his passion for learning and his commitment to education. His legacy will live on through the many lives he touched during his career. He is survived by his devoted wife, Carolyn Asher; his son, John (from a former marriage); his stepdaughter, Kathleen Bolling; his stepson, Michael Sizemore; and his seven cherished grandchildren, all of whom brought him immeasurable joy.

Randall had a deep love for travel and culture. He found solace in the beauty of Mexico and Maui, visiting both destinations regularly. His travels also took him to Europe, where he marveled at the art in Italy, the historic beaches of Normandy in France, and the rich history of Churchill’s War Room in England.

Beyond his travels, Randall was a passionate advocate for environmental causes and animals. He could be found tending to the many creatures that visited his backyard-feeding birds, squirrels, deer, ducks, and geese with the same kindness he showed to everyone he met.

Randall’s kindness, compassion, and love for both nature and family will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Rest, Randall. Your love, generosity, and spirit will live in our hearts forever.

Calabasas City Council takes action against Fire Debris Disposal at local landfill

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February 20, 2025

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Calabasas City Council takes action against Fire Debris Disposal at local landfill

As the recovery effort for the recent Los Angeles County fires moves forward, Calabasas residents are voicing concern over the potential transport of fire debris to the Calabasas Landfill. The Calabasas City Council met on Wednesday, Feb. 12, to address these concerns and take a firm stance on fire debris removal protocols.

In response to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ update on the cleanup process, the City Council passed four key motions. The first motion strongly opposes the idea of fire debris being brought to the Calabasas Landfill. The second motion, which includes six key points, opposes the increase in tonnage limits, expansion of operating hours, and accepting debris from outside waste sheds.

Additionally, the Council directed the City Attorney to explore the possibility of an injunction against state and federal agencies and to advocate for waste to be transported to rural areas in Nevada and other locations better equipped to handle the hazardous materials. The third motion demands rigorous testing and inspections to ensure that no hazardousmaterials end up in the landfill. The fourth motion calls for the creation of a temporary advisory committee focused on advocating for the city’s concerns related to the Palisades and Eaton fire debris removal efforts.

On Feb. 14, the City Council sent a letter of opposition to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, outlining their objections to the proposed course of action. The Council had planned to attend the Board of Supervisors meeting on Feb. 18 at 1 p.m. to voice their concerns directly, but late Monday, they were informed that the issue would not be addressed during the meeting.

Over the weekend, a group of residents in the Calabasas area staged a protest regarding toxic waste potentially being dumped near their homes. Dallas Lawrence, president of the Las Virgenes Unified District Board of Education, voiced his concerns about the waste being disposed of at the landfill, which is located near several schools and a local park.

“We have two major concerns — the proximity of this landfill is so close to multiple schools and it’s only 100 yards away from a public park used by kids every day in our district,” said Lawrence. “This decision, which was not reviewed, which was not discussed publicly, which was done under the shroud of secrecy, has the ability to take one terrible tragedy that happened in the Palisades and create another one that is going to impact us for a generation as we are bringing toxic chemicals into a residential neighborhood.”

Lawrence further expressed his alarm by citing testimony from the Army Corps of Engineers. “The Army Corps of Engineers said under oath at the Calabasas City Council they cannot guarantee toxic chemicals will not slip into this landfill, and that is reason enough for us to stop this action,” he said.

Meanwhile, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently conducting Phase 1 of fire debris cleanup, which focuses on removing hazardous materials such as paint, pesticides, and asbestos from affected areas. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is preparing to launch Phase 2 as early as Feb. 17, which will focus on removing fire-affected debris, including ash, chimneys, trees, and foundations. The Calabasas City Council is advocating that any materials deemed hazardous be handled separately and not transported to the Calabasas Landfill.

The Calabasas Landfill, one of 17 landfills identified for fire debris disposal, is a Class III Municipal Solid Waste Landfill certified to accept non-hazardous debris such as fire ash, damaged green waste, and soil, provided hazardous materials have been removed. The Landfill is equipped with safety features, including a composite liner and leach collection system to monitor and prevent leakage. To ensure safety, debris arriving at the landfill must be accompaniedby a certificate confirming the absence of hazardous waste. The landfill will also increase its material inspection staff from one to three inspectors.

As part of the safety measures, fire debris will be saturated with water and covered with plastic before transport to the landfill. Trucks will follow designated routes, including Malibu Canyon and Lost Hills Road, to minimize the impact on the local community. Once at the landfill, debris will be offloaded following strict LA County Sanitation District procedures and covered each night.

The Calabasas Landfill will extend its operating hours to 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and amend its permit to accept up to 5,000 tons of debris per day, a significant increase from its usual capacity. The City Council remains vigilant in advocating for the community’s interests and will continue to monitor the situation closely.

As the city moves forward, residents and officials alike are working together to ensure that any fire debris handled in Calabasas is done so in the safest, most environmentally responsible manner possible. The City Council’s actions reflect the growing concerns about the long-term effects of the fire debris removal process and its potential impact on the local community.

Malibu Planning Commission to hold Special Meeting on Thursday, Feb. 20 to address Post-Fire Rebuilding efforts

The Malibu Times

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February 19, 2025

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Malibu Planning Commission to hold Special Meeting on Thursday, Feb. 20 to address Post-Fire Rebuilding efforts

During an emotional planning meeting on Tuesday night, officials announced that the Malibu Planning Commission will hold a special session on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers (23825 Stuart Ranch Road, Malibu). The meeting will focus on urgent amendments designed to accelerate the rebuilding process for homes and structures devastated by recent wildfires.

The new public hearing will focus on Local Coastal Program Amendment No. 25-001 and Zoning Text Amendment No. 25-001, proposed by the City of Malibu. The amendments seek to modify zoning standards and procedures in the Malibu Local Coastal Program and Malibu Municipal Code Title 17 (Zoning) to facilitate the reconstruction of properties affected by the 2025 Palisades Fire, 2024 Franklin Fire, and 2024 Broad Fire.

Proposed Actions

The Planning Commission will review and consider adopting Resolution No. 25-37, which supports the amendments. Additionally, the Commission will evaluate an ordinance to revise Title 17 of the Malibu Municipal Code, which would provide regulatory relief and streamlined rebuilding procedures for impacted property owners. The proposal aims to:

Simplify permitting processes for affected residents and businesses.
Reduce bureaucratic hurdles to expedite rebuilding efforts.
Align local regulations with recovery-focused policies to aid in disaster response.

Community Impact and Next Steps

If approved, the amendments will be recommended for further review by the Malibu City Council, which will ultimately determine their adoption. These proposed changes are intended to help residents rebuild quickly and efficiently while maintaining the integrity of Malibu’s coastal environment and zoning regulations.

Residents, business owners, and stakeholders are encouraged to attend the meeting to provide input and stay informed on Malibu’s recovery initiatives. Public comments and discussions will play a crucial role in shaping the final policy adjustments.

Planning Commission meetings are broadcast live and replayed on City of Malibu Government Access Channel 3 and can be streamed on demand at malibucity.org/video.

Staff reports and related documents for agenda items are available upon request by emailing planningcommission@malibucity.org.

Requests to present audio or video content during a Commission meeting should be directed to the Media Team at media@malibucity.org. All materials must be submitted by 12:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting.

For more information, visit the City of Malibu’s website or contact the Planning Department at City Hall.

Ocean water quality rain advisory lifted, fire impact advisory remains

News
Weather

The Malibu Times

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February 19, 2025

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Ocean water quality rain advisory lifted, fire impact advisory remains

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has lifted the Ocean Water Quality Rain Advisory for all county beaches. However, officials caution that some ocean water quality test results remain pending, and beachgoers should continue to avoid water contact near storm drains, creeks, and rivers, as bacteria levels may still be elevated.

Additionally, the Ocean Water Advisory, due to fire impacts, will remain in effect from Las Flores State Beach to Santa Monica State Beach until further notice. Due to recent rainfall, runoff in these areas may contain higher levels ofcontaminants, posing a health risk. Beach users are urged to stay out of the water and avoid contact with any ponded or flowing runoff on the sand.

For updates on water quality conditions, visit the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health website at publichealth.lacounty.gov/phcommon/public/eh/water_quality/beach_grades.cfm/

‘We need some angels!’ Malibu’s small businesses in crisis

Barbara Burke

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February 19, 2025

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‘We need some angels!’ Malibu’s small businesses in crisis

PCH closure and fires devastate local economy, forcing businesses to fight for survival

“We need some angels to help,” said Yvonne Delarosa Green, proprietor of Malibu’s 99 High Tide Collective, a recreational cannabis and marijuana dispensary that is approaching its 10-year anniversary. “We are literally a mom-and-pop business and ours is a healing sanctuary for most of our customers — we provide medicine for people with cancer, sleep difficulties and other illnesses.”

Delarosa Green and her husband, Sam Boyer, co-owner of the establishment, noted that during the pandemic, their business was designated as an essential business and remained open and served the community. They explained that the business does not qualify for help from the Small Business Association or the Federal Emergency Management Agency due to federal laws. 99 High Tide did not receive any government support during the pandemic or past fires, Boyer noted.

“All of us small business owners need help from the city so we can keep our doors open — now, especially in these times,” Delarosa Green said. “We need the city to intercede and enact a provision stating that landlords cannot evict commercial tenants for at least six months and providing a process to negotiate lower rent payments until the situation improves. We desperately need a lifeline and the city could provide us with one.”

99 High Tide Owners — Yvonne Delarosa Green and Sam Boyer, co-owners of the 99 High Tide Collective cannabis and marijuana dispensary, are one of many small business owners needing help from the city to stay open after the recent fires. Photo courtesy of 99 High Tide

Delarosa Green noted that “our business has literally been cut off from most of their clients and we lost many customers whose homes and businesses were destroyed in the devastating Palisades Fire, both from Malibu and Palisades.”

The small, locally owned businesses in Malibu are suffering on a massive scale, she noted, “This is one of the biggest catastrophes in the history of California since they started keeping records. I know how incredibly difficult it was for our family to lose our home in the Woolsey Fire — we all need to support one another through this disaster.”

Chiming in, Boyer noted that the closure of the Pacific Coast Highway due to the Palisades Fire has been much longer than the highway closure during the Woolsey Fire, and that before the Palisades Fire, businesses were already suffering because of the Franklin Fire and before that, the extensive months-long construction on the PCH had severely hampered business. All those circumstances have adversely affected local businesses, he emphasized.

To coin a phrase, Malibu businesses desperately need a break, including the local restaurants whose businesses are always very challenging.

Malibu has already lost some businesses. Most notably, Habitat Home & Garden, a furniture store that was located in the old A&B Hardware, located near PCH and Rambla Vista, and Zadig & Voltaire, which recently shuttered its Malibu Village location.

They shared on social media, “We feel very fortunate to inform you all that our Malibu showroom has survived the fires. While the store is still standing, we have not been able to get to the showroom to see the store in person and assess any damages. While we are grateful to know our building has survived, the same cannot be said for the rest of our community and neighborhood. The devastation all throughout Malibu, Palisades, and Los Angeles County from the fires is absolutely tragic.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who has been affected by these terrible fires and we want you to know you have our support today, tomorrow, and in the days ahead. We have organized a discount program to help support the recovery efforts and provide assistance to families who have been affected by the fires and are in need of furniture. We will be extending a 30 percent discount on all Habitat products to those affected by the fires. Please fill out the link in our bio and our team will contact you to provide you with information regarding the discount program.

Due to the extreme nature of this situation, our Malibu showroom will remain closed indefinitely. However, operations will continue via our other locations, warehouse, and online. Thank you to everyone who has supported us in Malibu the past several years and know that the Habitat family is here to support you!”

Of course, Malibu lost several businesses that were destroyed in the fires in Eastern Malibu.

Everybody wants a community!

Doing business in Malibu, “can’t just be about the bottom line!” Delarosa Green declared. “People want a sense of community with local businesses — however, we need a lifeline to survive. Malibu will be different as we emerge from this fire, but we need it to keep its local character as the locals like it that way.”

She noted that a GoFundMe effort has been established to help keep 99 High Tide’s legacy alive.

“99 High Tide is more than just a dispensary — it’s a sanctuary for healing, a pioneer in the cannabis industry and a symbol of resilience,” said Heather Brady, who spearheaded the fundraising campaign. Readers can find the link to donate here.

“The Malibu businesses that are still standing are in a lot of trouble and we’re at risk of losing many businesses because employees can’t get to work,” said Barbara Bruderlin, CEO of the Malibu Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce.“The residents in the rest of Malibu need to shop and dine locally and do all they can to help save the businesses. The Chamber is working with governmental authorities to try to get funding for local businesses.”

Malibu Bungalow — MaliBUngalows, located at the intersection of Las Flores and PCH, sustained signifiant mud damage during the storm. Photo by Trace Marshall

Many locals are lamenting the onslaught of small business closures online in social media posts and at community meetings focusing on fire-related matters. They are expressing grave concerns that several more locally owned commercial establishments may close if they don’t get any support to help them hang on, especially if PCH is closed indefinitely.

Two locally owned businesses, Crown Boutique and Malibu Galleries, hosted a Valentine’s Soiree in a space locatedacross from Taverna Tony’s on Feb. 14.

“We have a lounge that we invite the community to come to so they can relax, gather and share,” Malibu gallerist Bobbi Bennett said. “People need to gather in such hard times. We’ll be open for a few weeks — all are invited to spend some time and hang out here!”

As readers know, Mother Nature added insult to injury when the rains came on Feb. 13. Intrusive mud and water mercilessly invaded some local businesses, including Duke’s restaurant which sustained severe damage but is already cleaning up and looking forward to reopening.

“When we care, we make the necessary sacrifices for others,” said Lynn Bealer, owner of MaliBUngalows, located at the intersection of Las Flores and PCH, a business that also sustained mud damage. “We truly care about our community — our goal is to remove the mud and reopen as soon as possible. We plan to offer free coffee and a bag of free California poppy seeds as a symbol of resilience, regrowth and rebirth.”

Waxing philosophical and making the best of the dire circumstances that all local businesses are dealing with, Bealer concluded by saying, “When you’re at the bottom in life, the only way is upward and onward!”