Gladstones Malibu will host a public event on Friday, Feb. 20, to honor members of the Los Angeles Fire Department who responded to last year’s fire along the Malibu coastline.
The gathering, scheduled from 11 a.m. to noon at the oceanfront restaurant located at 17300 Pacific Coast Highway, will commemorate the one-year anniversary of the blaze that threatened coastal properties and prompted a swift emergency response. Organizers say the event is intended to recognize the bravery and dedication of the firefighters who worked to protect lives, homes, and businesses during the incident.
The program is expected to include brief remarks from local leaders and fire officials, followed by the unveiling of a commemorative plaque honoring the LAFD personnel who responded. The plaque will serve as a lasting tribute to the department’s efforts and to the resilience of the Malibu community in the face of disaster.
Community members are invited to attend and show their appreciation for the first responders who stood on the front lines during the fire. Light refreshments will be provided.
Organizers encourage residents, business owners, and supporters to gather in solidarity and reflect on the importance of preparedness, partnership, and gratitude as Malibu continues to recover and rebuild.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) opened a Disaster Loan Outreach Center in Pacific Palisades to provide in-person support for homeowners, renters, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations affected by recent wildfires and straight-line winds.
The center will assist individuals who have already applied for disaster loans, offering guidance on next steps, submitting missing information, addressing outstanding questions, and exploring options such as loan increases for mitigation improvements like insulated pipes, weather stripping, or storm windows. In rare circumstances, the center may accept new loan applications.
The Pacific Palisades location is at the Ronald Reagan Palisades American Legion Post 283, 15247 La Cruz Drive. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Appointments can be scheduled at appointment.sba.gov. For more information, visit sba.gov/disaster or call (800) 659-2955. Those who are deaf or hard of hearing can access telecommunications relay services by dialing 7-1-1.
The SBA encourages residents and business owners to take advantage of this opportunity to receive personalized assistance and ensure their disaster recovery process continues smoothly.
“My Dad loved working with him, often telling me that, “Robert was a consummate professional and a brilliant actor,” Katina Zinner, daughter of Academy Award-winning film editor, Peter Zinner, commented when she was informed that Oscar-winning actor Robert Duvall, 95, died on Feb. 15. Duvall’s wife, Luciana Pedraza, an actress and director whom Duvall married in 2005, sadly announced his death on Feb. 16 in a Facebook post.
Robert Duvall, 95, died on Feb. 15. Duvall’s wife, Luciana Pedraza, an actress and director whom Duvall married in 2005, sadly announced his death on Feb. 16 in a Facebook post.
Duvall has a long-standing connection to Malibu, where he owned property, including a home in Serra Retreat, that he sold in 2003, according to virtualglobtrotting.com. Duvall passed away at his home in Middleburg, Virginia, a place he loved as he was a longtime conservationist and advocate for protecting open spaces there and across the country. A cause of death was not immediately disclosed.
A native of San Diego, the actor made his feature film debut as Boo Radley in “To Kill a Mockingbird.” In his decades-long career, Duvall became best known for his roles in “The Godfather,” a film for which both he and Zinner were nominated for Academy Awards, as well as for “Apocalypse Now,” “The Apostle,” “The Judge,” “The Great Santini,” and “Tender Mercies,” for which Duvall was awarded Best Actor in a Leading Role in 1984.
During his esteemed and storied career, Duvall was also nominated for other Academy Awards for “Apocalypse Now,” “The Great Santini,” “The Apostle,” and for legal thrillers, “A Civil Action” and, most recently, “The Judge.” He received the BAFTA Award and Golden Globe Award for his role as the tough Lieutenant Colonel William “Bill” Kilgore in “Apocalypse Now” (1979). He won the Screen Actors Guild Award for playing an attorney in “A Civil Action” (1998).
Duvall’s performances in various television roles also garnered award nominations and he won two Primetime Emmy Awards. including for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for his role as an aging cowboy in the AMC western miniseries “Broken Trail” (2006). Previously, he was Emmy-nominated for playing Texas Ranger Capt. “Gus” McCrae in the CBS western miniseries “Lonesome Dove” (1989), Joseph Stalin in the HBO television film “Stalin” (1992), and the dual role of Adolf Eichmann and Ricardo Klement in the TNT film “The Man Who Captured Eichmann” (1996). Duvall’s last screen credit was the Christian Bale-starring 2002 film, “The Pale Blue Eye.”
Pedraza’s announcement regarding the beloved actor’s death stated, “Yesterday, we said goodbye to my beloved husband, cherished friend, and one of the great actors of our time. Bob passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love and comfort. His passion for his craft was matched only by his deep love for characters, a great meal, and holding court. For each of his many roles, Bob gave everything to his characters, and to the truth of the human spirit they represented. In doing so, he leaves something lasting and unforgettable to us all. Thank you for the years of support you showed Bob and for giving us this time and privacy to celebrate the memories he leaves behind.”
She added, “To the world, he was an Academy Award-winning actor, a director, a storyteller. To me, he was simply everything.”
In a social media post, Malibu actress Jane Seymour wrote: “There are actors who perform, and there are actors who inhabit a role completely. Robert Duvall did the latter. His screen presence carried honesty, weight, and grace. I am thankful for the moments shared for the artistry he gave the world.” Seymour starred alongside Duvall in the 1995 film “The Stars Fell on Henrietta.”
Rainbow over Malibu following the rains on Monday. Photo credit Malibu Farm
The National Weather Service issued multiple advisories as the storm system moved through the region, including a High Surf Advisory through Feb. 20 at 10 p.m., a Flood Watch and a Wind Advisory. Approximately 1.25 inches of rain fell in some areas, with more forecast in the coming days. Another storm system is expected to move in overnight into Wednesday morning, with yet another round of rain possible Thursday. NOAA predicts 2 to 4 inches of additional rainfall for the Santa Monica Mountains this week.
Monday’s storms brought significant mud and debris flows to State Route 27, also known as Topanga Canyon Boulevard, particularly within areas already weakened by the Palisades Fire burn scar. At least eight locations along the 3.6-mile stretch between Pacific Coast Highway and Grand View Drive were blocked by debris. The roadway remains closed as crews continue clearing operations and assessing slope stability.
The burn scar area remains under an Evacuation Warning due to the risk of mud and debris flows. The warning applies to Evacuation Zone MAL-C111, from Topanga Beach Drive west to Carbon Beach Terrace. Residents in and near the burn area are urged to remain prepared for possible evacuations, gather essential supplies and make arrangements for pets and family members who may need extra time to relocate.
Along Pacific Coast Highway, damage included a collapsed wall north of Porto Marina Way, reducing northbound traffic to one lane. Mud and debris also forced lane reductions just south of Topanga Canyon Boulevard. Motorists are advised to avoid unnecessary travel during storm conditions and to check current traffic updates via Caltrans’ Quickmap before heading out.
Authorities stress that drivers should never attempt to cross flooded roadways. Standing water can be deeper than it appears and may conceal structural damage. Under California law, motorists must treat malfunctioning traffic signals as four-way stops. Officials also urge drivers to watch for crews and heavy equipment working along roadways.
In the Santa Monica Mountains, trail conditions have deteriorated significantly. Local land managers are asking hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians to stay off dirt trails after rainfall to prevent long-term damage. A general rule of thumb: for every inch of rain, stay off the trails for at least one day. Fire roads tend to dry faster than narrow hiking paths, and those seeking outdoor activity are encouraged to choose pavement or gravel routes until conditions improve.
“We work hard so you can enjoy the trails safely,” officials shared. “Let’s all do our part so all our trails can stay the kind of trail everyone — young, old, and in between — can enjoy safely. Respect the work. Respect the trail.”
Despite the warnings, first responders were called into action Sunday morning when an 18-year-old woman suffered an ankle injury on the Escondido Falls Trail. A coordinated rescue effort by Malibu Search and Rescue, the Los Angeles County Fire Department, and the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority led to her safe evacuation.
Malibu Search and Rescue, a community volunteer unit operating under the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, frequently responds to emergencies throughout the mountain range. Officials remind outdoor enthusiasts to wear proper footwear, carry water and monitor weather and trail conditions before setting out.
Storm impacts extended beyond roads and trails. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued a safety advisory warning residents to avoid swimming, surfing or playing in the ocean for at least 72 hours after rainfall. Runoff from streets, mountains, and storm drains carries bacteria, chemicals, and debris into the water, creating elevated contamination levels.
Heavy surf, strong rip currents, and beach erosion have also created dangerous coastal conditions. While beaches remain open, the public is urged to stay out of the water, off rocks and jetties, and keep a safe distance from the water’s edge. Significant debris from coastal bluffs and recent fire zones may wash ashore.
Residents in flood-prone areas can obtain sandbags at local fire stations and the Malibu Library. Authorities encourage neighbors to check on elderly or vulnerable residents and to prepare for potential power outages. With wind advisories in effect, downed trees and power lines are a concern. Officials emphasize: never approach or touch a downed power line — assume it is live and call 911 immediately.
The storm system also disrupted regional air travel. Los Angeles International Airport implemented a temporary ground stop for departing flights as heavy rain and possible thunderstorms reduced visibility. Travelers are advised to check directly with airlines for updates.
Sheriff’s Sgt. Chris Soderlund said the weekend along Pacific Coast Highway was busy but largely uneventful in terms of serious injuries.
“We had a busy PCH weekend with flooding and a couple of accidents,” Soderlund said. “Fortunately, nobody was seriously hurt.”
The most significant incident occurred around 2 a.m. in the 22600 block of Pacific Coast Highway, where a vehicle struck and sheared off a fire hydrant. While the collision did not appear to involve impairment or excessive speed, the damaged hydrant created a more complicated situation.
When City of Malibu Public Works crews arrived to shut off the water, they discovered that recent paving work had covered access to the water valves in the street, preventing an immediate shutoff. Crews were forced to bring in heavy equipment to break through the roadway and access the valve.
Water flowed for approximately two hours, temporarily shutting down both northbound and southbound lanes of PCH. The highway was reopened just before the morning commute, around 5 a.m.
Aside from that incident, Soderlund said the storm impacts over the weekend were relatively minor.
“There was some minor flooding, minor rock slides and mudslides, but nothing extraordinary,” he said. However, with additional rain forecast throughout the week, he urged residents to remain cautious.
“People need to slow down when it’s raining. They need their windshield wipers on. They need to have their headlights on,” Soderlund said. “Just drive safe, keep your lights on, and drive slow.”
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will also conduct a DUI and driver’s license checkpoint on Friday.
As crews continue clearing debris and stabilizing slopes, officials caution that the recovery process will take time — particularly in fire-impacted zones where vegetation loss leaves hillsides vulnerable. With additional storms forecast this week, the region remains on alert.
For now, the message from local agencies is clear: avoid unnecessary travel, respect closures, stay off saturated trails andprioritize safety. As Malibu navigates another round of winter weather, community cooperation will be critical to protecting roads, trails, and neighborhoods already tested by fire and storm.
Cleanup efforts are underway across Malibu and the Santa Monica Mountains after a powerful winter storm lashed Southern California with heavy rain, triggering mudslides, debris flows, road closures, and hazardous ocean conditions. While crews have made steady progress clearing roads and restoring access, forecasters warn that additional rain this week could complicate recovery efforts.
The National Weather Service issued multiple advisories as the storm system moved through the region, including a High Surf Advisory through Feb. 20 at 10 p.m., a Flood Watch and a Wind Advisory. Approximately 1.25 inches of rain fell in some areas, with more forecast in the coming days. Another storm system is expected to move in overnight Tuesday into Wednesday morning, with yet another round of rain possible Thursday. NOAA predicts 2 to 4 inches of additional rainfall for the Santa Monica Mountains this week.
Monday’s storms brought significant mud and debris flows to State Route 27, also known as Topanga Canyon Boulevard, particularly within areas already weakened by the Palisades Fire burn scar. At least eight locations along the 3.6-mile stretch between Pacific Coast Highway and Grand View Drive were blocked by debris. The roadway remains closed as crews continue clearing operations and assessing slope stability.
Along Pacific Coast Highway, damage included a collapsed wall north of Porto Marina Way, reducing northbound traffic to one lane. Mud and debris also forced lane reductions just south of Topanga Canyon Boulevard. Motorists are advised to avoid unnecessary travel during storm conditions and to check current traffic updates via Caltrans’ Quickmap before heading out.
Authorities stress that drivers should never attempt to cross flooded roadways. Standing water can be deeper than it appears and may conceal structural damage. Under California law, motorists must treat malfunctioning traffic signals as four-way stops. Officials also urge drivers to watch for crews and heavy equipment working along roadways.
Heavy surf, strong rip currents, and beach erosion have also created dangerous coastal conditions. While beaches remain open, the public is urged to stay out of the water, off rocks and jetties, and keep a safe distance from the water’s edge. Significant debris from coastal bluffs and recent fire zones may wash ashore.
Crews are also monitoring the recovery work zone on PCH between Carbon Beach Terrace and Sunset Boulevard, which experienced minor impacts during the storm. One lane of northbound PCH remains closed for approximately a quarter-mile in two locations: north of Porto Marina Way and south of Topanga Canyon Boulevard. Caltrans District 7 will continue providing updates via news releases and social media. Motorists can check current traffic conditions using the Caltrans QuickMap.
The affected stretch of SR-27 remains an active work zone tied to ongoing recovery efforts from the Palisades Fire and winter storms and is typically closed to the public from midnight to 5 a.m. daily.
The school’s second annual production united students, faculty, parents, alumni, and the wider community
On Jan. 21, Viewpoint School celebrated the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through its second annual “Healing through Music” production, bringing together students, faculty, parents, alumni, and community members for a day of performance, reflection, and connection. The event, held in the Carlson Family Theater (CFT), featured two daytime student assemblies and an evening public performance.
Presented by Viewpoint’s Music, Theatre, and Dance departments in collaboration with the Office of Community Life, “Healing Through Music” explored the unifying power of music across genres and cultures.
“Music is transformative. It can touch our souls, support mental health, reduce stress, and build community,” said Patricia Jackson, chief belonging and community officer. “Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s oratory was rich with rhythm and meaning, and he viewed music as a powerful instrument of change.”
Building on the inaugural production, this year’s performance included new contributions from students, faculty, parents, and alumni, as well as an art gallery curated by Visual Arts Department Chair Nell Yates. The program opened with a medley by Voices Now, Viewpoint’s Upper School vocal ensemble, followed by storytelling and an interactive drum circle led by Los Angeles-based musician and educator Jason Lee Bruns. Other highlights included Scott Joplin’s “Maple Leaf Rag,” performed by composer Bill Brendle and student Jack Lawson; Corey Henderson’s heartfelt rendition of “Let It Be”; and a bilingual performance of “Endless Love” in Mandarin and Korean by students David Wang and Rachael Chun. The evening culminated with a finale featuring the more than 100-member Viewpoint Community Choir.
Notable guest artists included 2016 alumnus Randy White, an R&B singer/songwriter and music therapist, and 2004 alumna Jen Hirsh, an R&B singer/songwriter and “American Idol” semi-finalist. “Healing through Music” is a collaborative effort led by Bill Brendle, director of Voices Now, alongside Middle and Upper School Choral Music Teacher Carrie Dietsch, Theatre and Dance Chair Scott Feldsher, and Chief Belonging and Community Officer Patricia Jackson.
Founded in 1961, Viewpoint School is committed to preparing students for extraordinary futures by nurturing their critical skills, courageous mindsets, and resilient identities. Its scenic 40-acre campus in Calabasas provides a setting where every student is known, respected, and included. Visit viewpoint.org to learn more about the school where tradition and innovation converge.
Founded in 1986, gym will mark four decades of fitness, friendship, and community with a public party
In 1986, Ronald Reagan was president and George Deukmejian served as the governor of California. Gas cost less than a dollar a gallon, due to an oil glut. The Polynesian-themed Tonga Lei was a locals’ favorite eatery, as was Malibu Sea Lion, owned by Robert Morris. Occasionally, Tom Petty and other local musicians would show up unannounced and jam at the Trancas Bar & Grill. The Dume Room was another revered locals’ sanctuary.
Malibu wasn’t even a city yet, but that would soon change.
1986 was also the year when Lonnie Weinstock Falate founded Malibu Fitness.
“We are celebrating 40 years in business and you’re invited!” Malibu Fitness posted on social media. “On Feb. 20, we are having a party at the gym from 4 to 6 p.m. There will be storytelling, live music, food and fun. Bring everyone! Valet provided. Thank you for your continued support!”
Reminiscing, Marty Pritchett shared, “For 40 years, I’ve had the privilege of working at Malibu Fitness and watching it grow into so much more than a gym. It’s been a place where friendships are formed, confidence is built and people of all ages come together to support one another’s health and well-being.
“Malibu Fitness means community, consistency, and care — it’s a second home for so many, and I’m proud to have been part of its story for four decades.”
For her part, Weinstock Falate said, “Having grown up in Malibu, I’ve witnessed firsthand how much our community has changed over the years. Since opening Malibu Fitness in 1986, I’ve learned that adapting and staying flexible isn’t just good business — it’s a way of life here.
“Between the growth of the health and fitness industry and the challenges we’ve faced as a community — fires, floods and COVID — I’ve been tested in more ways than I’ve ever imagined. Through it all, I’ve continued to learn, evolve and stay committed to the work that I love. I have immense respect for the Malibu businesses that have endured alongside us in this small, resilient community.”
It’s that community that has provided the support for Weinstock Falate to stay open.
“I’m deeply grateful for the loyal community and dedicated staff who have supported Malibu Fitness over the decades, some of whom have been with me since the very beginning,” she said. “I’m grateful for my health, proud of the work we do and I feel incredibly fortunate to love going to work every day.”
Characterizing herself as a “Six-day a week gym rat who considers Malibu Fitness to be her second family,” Laureen Sills sang Malibu Fitness’ praises, sharing, “Since 1986, when I joined Malibu Fitness, I have been a consistent member steadily riding the fitness trends from step aerobics in the ’80s to current killer spinning classes, balance ball with weights, and the best yoga classes in Malibu.”
Sills said that Weinstock Falate “always hired the most experienced instructors, trainers, and an ebullient staff who greet everyone with a smile. At Malibu Fitness, many friends share the same health-oriented goals and are always checking on each other, especially when life is ‘life-ing.’”
“The support, kindness and encouragement go far beyond fitness”
“Malibu Fitness is home to me!” Darlene Addison stated. “For the past 11 years, Malibu Fitness has been more than just a gym to me — it has been a lifeline. As a parent caring for a disabled child, the gym has played a huge role in protecting my mental health. The support, kindness and encouragement there go far beyond fitness. Malibu Fitness is truly a community and a family, and I am deeply grateful for what it has meant to me and my family!”
Addison shared that in 2017, “Lonnie did a fundraiser for Callie’s Cause,” referring to a nonprofit organization to support research regarding a rare form of epilepsy called Dravet Syndrome. The Addison family formed Callie’s Cause after their daughter Callie was diagnosed with the disorder.
That’s why Malibu Fitness is so much more than just a place to get in shape. The community is invited to join in the celebration on Feb. 20 from 4 to 6 p.m. Guests will enjoy storytelling, photos and videos highlighting our history and a raffle. Of course, food and refreshments will be offered. Malibu Fitness is located at 29575 Pacific Coast Highway.
“Cheers to Lonnie for 40 years of keeping Malibu healthy and providing so many of us a place ‘where everyone knows your name.’” Sills said.
One year after the devastating Los Angeles fires, State Sen. Ben Allen has introduced new legislation to help California homeowners make wildfire safety upgrades more affordable.
The proposed bill, SB 894, would create a state-backed, low-interest loan program modeled on California’s successful GoGreen energy-finance platform, allowing more households to retrofit their homes against wildfire risks.
“As families across the region continue rebuilding from last year’s horrific tragedy, it is our duty as leaders to find solutions that will not only help them in their recovery, but also prevent these disasters from happening in the first place,” Allen said. “Expanding financing options so that more Californians can affordably retrofit their homes will help save lives, homes, and essential public infrastructure and resources.”
The legislation is sponsored by Megafire Action, a nonprofit organization focused on wildfire prevention, which says public backing can unlock private capital at scale. Polling conducted by Megafire Action found that 83% of California voters support financial incentives for fire-resistant home upgrades, and 81% support certifications that could lead to insurance discounts.
“As we reflect on the destruction of last year’s LA fires, we have a responsibility to ensure families are never left so vulnerable again,” said Eric Horne, California director at Megafire Action. “We applaud Senator Allen for his leadership and dedication to protect Californians against future fires. This bill provides a clear, trusted path for families to safeguard their homes without breaking the bank.”
Allen emphasized that wildfire retrofits are key to stabilizing California’s insurance market. “We will never stabilize California’s insurance market until we address the root problem: too many homes are burning down,” he said. “This proposed program will expand access to proven protections for the families and communities who need them most, protections that many insurers are already rewarding with significant premium discounts.”
SB 894 follows a Senate floor tribute by Allen and Senator Anthony Portantino (D-Pasadena) to the victims of the Palisades and Eaton fires. The legislation also aligns with the state’s recent announcement of a fund designed to bridge gaps between insurance payouts and rebuilding costs.
The bill is expected to be heard by the Senate Banking and Financial Institutions Committee in the coming weeks.
Grant marks the largest corporate gift to date for YMCA’s $25 million capital campaign, with construction set to begin this spring
On the one-year anniversary of the devastating Los Angeles wildfires, Bank of America has announced a $1 million grant to the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles to support the rebuilding of the Lowe Family YMCA, a longtime community hub serving the Palisades-Malibu area that was destroyed in the fires.
The grant marks the first and largest corporate contribution to date for the YMCA’s $25 million capital campaign, launched last summer to rebuild and expand its presence in the fire-impacted community. Construction on the new facilities is expected to begin this spring.
“As we mark the first anniversary of the devastating fires, we also celebrate the incredible progress of the YMCA’s efforts to rebuild its destroyed Via de la Paz site and a nearby campus,” said Raul Anaya, president of Bank of America for Greater Los Angeles. “The wildfires destroyed so much — thousands of homes, businesses, and communities — but they never destroyed LA’s spirit. As a longtime supporter of the YMCA, we’re proud to help bring this space back to life for so many residents and encourage other donors to help bring this important effort over the finish line.”
The Lowe Family YMCA has served children, families, and seniors in the Palisades and Malibu communities for more than 60 years. When the wildfires displaced thousands of residents and caused widespread trauma, the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles mobilized immediately, activating nearby centers and partner sites to provide emergency childcare, case management and trauma-informed care to thousands of affected individuals.
Those efforts continue today, YMCA leaders said, but long-term recovery depends on restoring a permanent YMCA presence in the area.
“We are deeply grateful to Bank of America for their generosity and for being our first corporate donor to this campaign,” said Victor Dominguez, president and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles. “Our corporate partners are critical to engaging our full communities in the rebuilding process. As the Center for Community Well-Being with dozens of locations across the L.A. region, we activated on day one of the fires to support our communities. We will continue to help Palisades rebuild not just the buildings, but the community and connections that make it so special.”
The YMCA has committed to replacing the burned facility with two new resilient campuses — one on the original Via de la Paz site and another at the nearby Simon Meadow site. Together, the dual-campus model is designed to expand programming focused on youth development, mental health services, emergency preparedness and multigenerational engagement, officials said.
In recognition of Bank of America’s leadership gift, the new Community Room at the Palisades Via de la Paz club will be named in honor of the bank.
The $1 million grant is part of a broader recovery effort by Bank of America following the wildfires. Including this latest award, the bank’s philanthropic contributions for fire recovery total $4.5 million. In addition, Bank of America recently announced $10 million in zero-interest capital to three community development financial institutions to support ongoing business and housing needs, as well as a new Rebuild Solution to assist qualifying mortgage clients in rebuilding their homes.
The bank also plans to rebuild its destroyed financial centers in Pacific Palisades and Altadena and continues to provide recovery-related thought leadership and employee volunteerism to local nonprofit organizations. For more information about Bank of America’s wildfire relief initiatives, visit LARebuild. Donations to support the Lowe Family YMCA capital campaign can be made at YMCALA Give.
Malibu prides itself on resilience, local control, and high safety standards. But more than a year after devastating wildfires destroyed over 600 homes, those values are being tested — not by reckless rebuilding, but by a recovery system that has become stalled by its own processes.
I write this not because I lack a permit — I have one, one of only 29 issued out of more than 200 applications — but because most fire survivors still don’t, and the system is not moving fast enough for them. Families remain stuck paying mortgages, property taxes, and insurance on empty lots, waiting for a recovery that has yet to arrive.
To the city’s credit, there has been an effort to address this. Former Item 8.A — a proposal to facilitate the expeditious, efficient, and economical rebuild of structures destroyed by wildfire — was a thoughtful attempt to clarify how Malibu handles true like-for-like fire rebuilds while preserving safety and local control. Brought forward by then-Mayor Bruce Silverstein and Councilmember Haylynn Conrad, it acknowledged a simple truth: recovery is not the same as new development.
That idea deserves revival — and action.
A federal wake-up call, not a threat
The president’s recent wildfire recovery executive order should be understood for what it is: a wake-up call. It reflects growing federal concern that post-disaster recovery is moving too slowly in many communities, often due to procedural barriers rather than safety issues.
This matters because FEMA reimbursement is increasingly evaluated based on tangible progress — permits issued, construction underway, families returning home. The longer recovery stalls, the more scrutiny builds, and the more risk Malibu assumes with the more than $20 million in federal reimbursement it is seeking.
Most importantly, Malibu should not want its rebuilding dictated from Washington, D.C. The best way to preserve local control is to demonstrate that our city can take recovery seriously, remove unnecessary bottlenecks, and move families home safely and efficiently on our own terms.
Acting decisively to streamline recovery is not about surrendering authority — it is how Malibu protects it.
The real bottleneck: geotechnical review
The single biggest obstacle to rebuilding in Malibu today is geotechnical review, particularly for like-for-like rebuilds on previously developed lots where homes stood safely for decades through storms, earthquakes, and prior fires.
This is not an argument for lowering safety standards or eliminating soils analysis. That would be irresponsible.
What is needed is a prescriptive, standardized pathway, where technically appropriate, that relies on conservative assumptions and the extensive geotechnical data Malibu already has — instead of forcing each rebuild to re-litigate the same conditions again and again.
Prescriptive engineering does not mean “less engineering.” It means more rigor upfront: defining conservative, code-compliant parameters that licensed professionals can design to, while allowing city staff to review projects efficiently and consistently.
Item 8.A creates room for the city to consider whether, in appropriate cases, the building official can rely on standardized, professionally developed criteria, while still requiring full verification and oversight by the applicant’s licensed geotechnical consultant during construction.
Right now, there is no clear or predictable pathway at all — and that uncertainty is what is stalling recovery.
Ironically, prolonged permitting delays are already pushing risk in the wrong direction. The Small Business Administration has warned that if permits are delayed beyond 60 days, contractors or borrowers may self-certify construction — a far less safe outcome than a properly designed prescriptive framework.
Delay has consequences
Item 8.A was voted down earlier this year with the suggestion that it be revisited once the new city manager arrived. That delay has left families in limbo — not because their projects are unsafe, but because staff has not been given clear policy direction.
Former Item 8.A is not a technical mandate; it is a council policy. Its purpose is to give staff clear direction to treat wildfire rebuilds as recovery — not new development — and to use existing discretion under state law to move projects forward safely and efficiently. By not advancing this policy, the city is not preserving safety; it is leaving recovery without a clear framework, which in practice stalls families’ ability to return home both quickly and safely.
Item 8.A does not mandate a single technical solution. It simply affirms three reasonable principles:
Wildfire rebuilds are recovery, not new development
Licensed professionals should be deferred to where reasonable
Discretion should be used to move projects forward when safety is not compromised
That is not radical. It is responsible governance.
A path forward
Malibu has a real opportunity to lead — as communities like Santa Rosa have done — by demonstrating that post-disaster rebuilding can be both rigorous and humane, efficient and safe.
The city already has the data, the professional expertise, and the legal tools needed to move recovery forward. What is needed now is clear direction that aligns policy, staff, and rebuilding families around a shared goal: helping people return home safely and without unnecessary delay.
Acting now allows Malibu to guide its recovery on its own terms, strengthen public trust, and show that local leadership can deliver results when it matters most.
Jo Drummond is a 13-year Big Rock resident and a founding member of the Malibu Rebuild Task Force.
