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Palisades Fire Remembrance: Finding Strength in Community
On Wednesday, January 7, the City of Malibu hosted "Palisades Fire Remembrance: Finding Strength in Community" at City Hall, marking one year since the Palisades Fire. The gathering honored the lives lost, families displaced, neighborhoods destroyed, and the resilience that emerged from Malibu’s greatest disaster.
Community members came together to reflect and support one another. The program featured a moment of silence, performances by the Senior Center Choir, a poem by Malibu Poet Laureate Charlotte Ward, and a crocheted art tribute created by Councilmember Haylynn Conrad and the Senior Center knitting group. Remarks were shared by Mayor Marianne Riggins, Senator Ben Allen, Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, LA County Sheriff Robert Luna, and LA County Assistant Fire Chief Drew Smith.
Thank you to everyone who attended. Those who were unable to join in person can watch the event on the City of Malibu’s YouTube channel.
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Sunstone Cities Economic Recovery Strategic Plan: Progress Update
Sunstone Cities continues to advance the City of Malibu’s Economic Recovery Strategic Plan by gathering data, gaining insights from local stakeholders, and tracking economic conditions over time. Key milestones underway include the development of an Economic Trends Report and analysis of long-term employment and business patterns.
In the coming months, Sunstone Cities will work closely with the City to review findings and translate insights into clear priorities, practical strategies, and actionable steps to support Malibu’s near-term recovery and long-term economic resilience.
| | | Advancing Fire Rebuilds: Community Development Department Continues to Hold Rebuild Workshops | | |
The Malibu Community Development Department (CDD) continues to host ongoing meetings to support rebuilding efforts across the community. On January 14, CDD hosted a Geotechnical Fire Rebuild Workshop with City Council leadership, City staff, and the City’s geotechnical peer review consultants to improve the fire rebuild process. Mayor Marianne Riggins and Councilmember Haylynn Conrad joined staff, geologists, and engineers for the discussion.
The workshop focused on incorporating design professional's feedback, streamlining review timelines, and clarifying rebuild requirements related to liquefaction, slope stability, fault hazards, and landslide risks, particularly in geologically complex areas such as Big Rock Mesa and the coastline. City staff and consultants reaffirmed their commitment to transparency, efficiency, and public safety, with additional refinements and resources underway. Updates to Malibu's Fire Rebuild Geotechnical Guidelines are designed to support safe rebuilding while minimizing delays.
In addition, on January 15, CDD Director Yolanda Bundy and Assistant Director Tyler Eaton met with 16 local design professionals, along with Mayor Riggins and Councilmember Conrad, to share key updates on post-fire rebuilding efforts. The meeting covered fire rebuild permit progress, an overview of upcoming FEMA and rebuild workshops, and important reminders for beachfront properties. Staff also shared updates on building code standards following Governor’s Executive Order N-37-25, as well as common issues currently being observed in beachfront rebuild projects.
Don’t miss the upcoming Design Professionals Meeting on Wednesday, February 11 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM.
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Fire Recovery and Resilience Workforce Program
Through a partnership between the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) and the region’s America’s Job Centers of California, the Fire Recovery and Resilience Workforce Program provides immediate hiring and training support for workers impacted or dislocated by the January 2025 windstorms and wildfires. The goal of the Program is to ensure that all impacted workers have access to financial security, career pathways that lead to new and better jobs, and opportunities to participate in the recovery and rebuild of fire-impacted areas.
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DEADLINE: Rent Relief for LA County Landlords
Directed by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and administered by the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer & Business Affairs in partnership with The Center by Lendistry (TCbL), this program will distribute more than $23 million in rental and mortgage relief to eligible landlords and homeowners affected by the Palisades, Eaton, and other wildfires.
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Habitat for Humanity Community Workshop
3:00 - 5:00 PM at Malibu City Hall, on Zoom or live streamed on the City's Youtube Channel
Join Habitat for Humanity and the City of Malibu to learn about rebuilding programs and resources available to residents impacted by recent fires. Meet with the Habitat LA team to learn about available assistance and determine your eligibility for financial support as you rebuild your home.
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Rebuild Resources for Malibu Residents
As you rebuild in Malibu, the City offers a wide range of helpful forms and handouts on the Malibu Rebuilds website to guide you through each step of the process. Resources include rebuilding information, recovery resources, business resources, and many more tools to support residents and businesses throughout recovery and rebuilding.
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Los Angeles County Fire Department – Fee Waiver Program
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 fees for single-family homes that were owner-occupied prior to January 7, 2025, and are being rebuilt due to the fire. Homeowners do not need to complete a separate County application — eligibility will be determined through the City of Malibu’s existing fee-waiver process and shared directly with the Fire Department. For those who already paid eligible fees, refunds will be issued within six to eight weeks after the City provides the eligibility list, with confirmation emailed to property owners. This coordinated effort is intended to reduce financial burdens and support a safe, timely rebuild for fire-impacted residents.
| | Community Development Department Holds First Fire Rebuild Zone Captain Meetings of the Year | | |
Community Development Director Yolanda Bundy and Assistant Director Tyler Eaton met with Zone Captains for the first Zone Captain Meetings of the year on January 14 and 21, continuing the productive and collaborative dialogue established in 2025. Staff shared updates on rebuild projects in the Rebuild Center pipeline, reviewed key takeaways from the recent Geotechnical Workshop, highlighted upcoming rebuild milestones, and answered questions about the rebuild process.
Fire rebuild homeowners are encouraged to connect with their Zone Captain or visit the Rebuild Center for guidance and support throughout the rebuilding process.
For more information and resources, visit MalibuRebuilds.org, email MalibuRecovers@malibucity.org or call 310-456-2489, ext. 400.
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PALISADES FIRE REBUILD DASHBOARD
As of January 22
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