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One-Year of Resilience: Franklin Fire Community Commemoration
On December 8, the City of Malibu hosted a recognition ceremony during the City Council meeting to mark the one-year anniversary of the Franklin Fire, offering the community an opportunity to reflect on the past year, honor the resilience of those affected, and acknowledge the ongoing recovery efforts that continue to bring neighbors together.
| | | LA County Awards $310,000 to Support Fire-Impacted Local Businesses | | |
Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath recently announced $310,000 in grant funding for Malibu and Topanga Canyon businesses impacted by wildfire-related road closures. The Malibu–Topanga Business Interruption Fund provides up to $20,000 in direct assistance to small businesses experiencing financial hardship from extended closures on PCH and Topanga Canyon Boulevard following the Palisades Fire.
The program is part of the County’s broader wildfire recovery efforts. Through the LA Region Small Business and Worker Relief Funds, public and philanthropic partners have collectively delivered more than $23.6 million in support to over 2,200 businesses and nearly 2,900 workers across the region.
| | | Local Business Recovery and Reopenings Continue to Gain Momentum | | |
Malibu’s business community continues to show resilience as the City supports recovery and economic revitalization following the fires. In the past six months, more than 75 businesses have reopened, launched, or are preparing to open, strong indicators of renewed activity and community strength.
Several new and returning businesses have already opened their doors, including:
- Malibu Colony Pilates
- La Nena Cantina
- Be Kind Studios
- Pura Vida
- Buzz Wax
- LAYA Swimwear
- Malibu Jiu Jitsu Studio
- Malibu Dance Academy
- Teressa Foglia Hat Studio + Shop
- Malibu General Store
Additional businesses are reopening this month, with more scheduled to open in early 2026:
- The Bunker Surf & Skate Shop
- Malibu Bliss Massage
- Wally’s Wine & Spirits
- ChitChat Coffee & Matcha
- Zadig & Voltaire
- MadHappy Boutique
We encourage Malibu business owners to participate in our Local Business Survey to continue guiding the City’s efforts to strengthen and support our local economy.
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LA County to Launch Emergency Rent Relief Program
The Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) will soon launch the Emergency Rent Relief Program to support communities recovering from the January 2025 wildfires. The program will provide over $23 million in rental and mortgage relief to eligible landlords to help prevent eviction, stabilize households, and preserve affordable housing.
Applications will open on Wednesday, December 17, at 9:00 AM, and the deadline to apply is Friday, January 23, 2026, at 4:59 PM.
While applications are not yet open, landlords can learn more and complete an interest form to receive updates when the application period begins.
| | | Small Business Administration Extends Hours for Wildfire Disaster Assistance | | |
Why Smokey Bear’s Sign Matters: Your Daily Fire Danger Guide
Fire Safety Liaison Gabe Etcheverry recently visited local fire stations to highlight the history of Smokey Bear and explain how daily fire danger ratings are shared with the community.
Smokey Bear, created in the 1940s and later inspired by a real rescued bear cub, has long been a national symbol for wildfire prevention. Today, you’ll see Smokey’s sign at stations across Malibu, displaying one of five fire danger levels (from low to extreme). These ratings help residents understand how easily a fire could start and how quickly it could spread based on current conditions.
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Share Your Input on Malibu’s Evacuation Plan
City of Malibu is updating its existing Evacuation Plan and is seeking community feedback to help strengthen evacuation routes, alert systems, and transportation options. Resident input is an essential part of ensuring the plan reflects current needs and real-world experiences.
Please pass it along to neighbors and community groups so we can gather as many perspectives as possible. All responses are confidential.
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Malibu Rebuilds – Community Gathering of Hope
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM at Malibu City Hall & live streamed on Malibu's Youtube channel
This warm, family-friendly event is designed to bring our community together during the rebuild process and the holiday season. Enjoy hot cocoa, tea, cider, and light breakfast snacks, and take part in meaningful and creative activities, including a Story Wall where you can share messages of hope, gratitude, and resilience.
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LAEDC Small Business Recovery Center Event
11:00 AM - 1:30 PM at American Legion Auxiliary | 15247 La Cruz Dr, Pacific Palisades
In this FREE workshop, you’ll gain: Google Sales Tools
- Google Business Profile: Get your business discovered locally
- Google Merchant Center: Create free product listings across Google
- Pointy: Promote your in-store inventory online
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Malibu Fee Waiver Program
The City of Malibu has a Fee Waiver Program to support property owners rebuilding after the Broad, Franklin, and Palisades Fires. The program eliminates City planning and building permit fees for like-for-like, owner-occupied homes, helping residents move forward with recovery more affordably.
Eligible properties must meet the following criteria:
- Damaged or destroyed by the Broad, Franklin, or Palisades Fires
- Owner-occupied as the primary residence
- Rebuilt as like-for-like, or like-for-like plus 10%
Additionally, LA County has approved the deferral and refund of select permit fees for eligible Malibu homeowners rebuilding single-family homes.
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PALISADES FIRE REBUILD DASHBOARD
As of December 11
| | MORE INFORMATION & RESOURCES | | | | |
