LATEST UPDATES

CBS News Los Angeles Shares Malibu Resident’s Rebuilding Story

LA County and LAEDC Release Second Public Update on Wildfire Economic Impact Study

The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC)’s Institute for Applied Economics hosted the second public webinar examining the economic impacts of the January 2025 Eaton and Palisades Fires.

Building on findings first released in September 2025, this second update delivers a deeper, data-driven assessment of how wildfire impacts and early recovery continue to unfold across the burn areas. Severe job and business losses in primary burn areas continue to shape rebuilding demand, workforce needs, housing market pressures, and uneven tourism recovery.

Malibu Stitchers and City Leaders Unite to Inspire Hope After the Palisades Fire

Malibu Councilmember Haylynn Conrad and the “Malibu Stitchers,” the Malibu Senior Center Knitting Club, created a commemorative crochet art piece in tribute to the 2025 Palisades Fire, which was displayed at the entrance to City Hall for the City’s Palisades Fire one year anniversary event.

The women of the knitting club — some of whom lost their homes in the fire — have found friendship, support, and a renewed sense of community through the group. Through this project, they wanted to transform the devastation and disruption they experienced into a message of resilience and hope.

RESOURCES SPOTLIGHT

Emergency Rent Relief Program Relaunches Monday, February 9

Paid Hospitality Training Available for Fire-Impacted Residents

The Hospitality Training Academy (HTA) is offering paid training opportunities to help fire-impacted residents launch careers in food service and hospitality.



Current openings include:

• Prep Cook Pre-Apprenticeship – Learn kitchen safety, knife skills, and food handling.
• Line Cook Apprenticeship – Advance culinary skills and earn a U.S. Department of Labor certification.
• Barista Apprenticeship – Gain hands-on barista and customer service experience with food safety certifications.

Applicants must be LA County residents, age 18 or older, impacted by the 2025 fires, and authorized to work in the U.S.

UPCOMING EVENTS

FEBRUARY

11

Fire Rebuilds Design Professionals Meeting

12:00 - 2:00 PM at Malibu City Hall and live streamed on the City's YouTube Channel

These sessions will provide the latest information on permitting, construction, and recovery support programs. City staff will be available to answer questions and offer one-on-one guidance to help residents navigate the rebuilding process.

FEBRUARY

11

Art Conservation Clinic

6:00 - 8:00 PM at Malibu City Hall

Led by volunteers from Art Recovery Los Angeles, this workshop is designed to teach participants the basics of conservation and restoration for sentimental items and heirlooms damaged by wildfires. Topics include materials, techniques, removing the smell of smoke from small objects, and more. RSVP Required at MalibuCity.org/ArtConservation.

FEBRUARY

18

The California Department of Insurance: Auto Insurance Webinar

6:00 - 7:00 PM via Zoom and live streamed on the City's YouTube Channel

Join the California Department of Insurance to learn about your coverage and the California Low Cost Auto Insurance Program. Each session features a live Q&A where you can get answers directly from Department experts.

Learn more about the event and register here.

CITY SERVICES

Fire Permit Fees Waived for Eligible Malibu Homeowners Rebuilding

Following the 2025 Palisades Fire, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a measure to waive and refund County Fire permit and inspection fees for eligible Malibu homeowners rebuilding their primary residences. The Los Angeles County Fire Department will cover these costs for owner-occupied single-family homes damaged by the fire and rebuilt as a result. 

Homeowners do not need to submit a separate County application – eligibility will be determined through the City of Malibu’s existing fee-waiver process. Refunds for previously paid eligible fees will be issued within six to eight weeks after eligibility is confirmed, with email notifications sent to property owners. This coordinated effort helps reduce financial burdens and supports a safe and timely rebuilding process for fire-impacted residents.

PALISADES FIRE REBUILD DASHBOARD

As of February 5

Please direct all media inquiries to PIO@MalibuCity.org.

MORE INFORMATION & RESOURCES