November 13, 2025

LATEST UPDATES

MySafe:LA Talks with Mayor Riggins on Rebuilding in Malibu

MySafe:LA host Cameron Barrett recently sat down with Malibu Mayor Marianne Riggins to discuss how the City is rebuilding after back-to-back wildfires with a forward-looking approach.

The City has issued more than 415 total permits, including 16 for single-family homes. As of November 6, the first home along Pacific Coast Highway is already under reconstruction. Alongside rebuilding efforts, Malibu continues to enhance wildfire preparedness to strengthen community resilience.

Malibu remains committed to helping residents rebuild and return home.

Listen to the Full Conversation

City Advances Economic Recovery Initiatives

To support long-term recovery from the Palisades Fire and strengthen the City’s fiscal foundation, Malibu is advancing several strategic initiatives.

In April 2025, the City conducted an economic impact analysis that showed a sharp decline in visitors and disruptions to local businesses, which highlighted the need for strategies to restore tourism and retail activity. In response, the City is developing an Economic Recovery Strategy aimed at restoring Transient Occupancy Tax and sales tax revenues. The initiative will include community outreach, data-driven analysis, and partnerships with Pepperdine University and USC to attract expertise and investment. The strategy reflects Malibu's community values and commitment to sustaining the local economy.

Additionally, Malibu is exploring public funding strategies to support post-fire recovery efforts and strengthen the City's long-term economic resilience.

RESOURCES SPOTLIGHT

Expanded Mortgage Relief for Palisades Fire

The CalAssist Mortgage Fund Program now offers expanded support for Los Angeles County residents affected by the 2025 LA Fires. Homeowners with incomes up to $211,050 may qualify for mortgage relief.

Up to 3 months of payments (maximum $20,000)
No repayment required — grants go directly to your mortgage servicer
Funds are limited — apply now!

For questions or assistance, contact the Capitol Office at (916) 651-4024 or the District Office at (310) 414-8190.

Learn More

FIRE PREPAREDNESS

Take the Next Step in Wildfire Safety: Get a Home Wildfire Assessment Today

Fire Safety Liaison Gabe Etcheverry shares how Malibu’s Home Wildfire Assessments help residents strengthen their properties against wildfire risks and build more resilient homes.

Residents are encouraged to schedule an assessment to identify potential vulnerabilities and take proactive steps toward wildfire safety.

Watch the Video

Schedule an Assessment

Understanding Zone Zero: Strengthening Your Home’s First Line of Defense

Flying embers continue to contribute to the spread of wildfires. Under AB 3074 and SB 504, property owners must create an ember-resistant zone within the first 0-5 feet of their structures, also known as Zone Zero. Zone Zero is the highest risk zone for ember ignition during a wildfire, and maintaining this zone is a critical step in mitigating fire risks.

Governor Gavin Newsom’s Executive Order N-18-25 directs the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection to complete the formal rulemaking process for Zone Zero in Highest Fire Hazard Severity Zones by December 31, 2025. The rulemaking will provide regulatory guidance for local governments, property owners, insurers, and fire-safety planners.

Beyond Zone Zero, property owners are encouraged to maintain additional defensible space for better protection:

Zone 1: 5–30 feet — Reduce direct flame pathways by removing dead plants, pruning trees, and maintaining an ember-resistant landscaping plan.
Zone 2: 30–100 feet — Reduce radiant heat and larger fuel buildup by mowing grass and create adequate spacing between trees and shrubs.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

NOVEMBER

Palibu Recovery Expo

11:00 AM - 2:00 PM at Pacific Palisades Village

The heart of Pacific Palisades will close its streets and open its arms to the communities of Malibu and the Palisades for the second of a series of Palibu Recovery Expo—a large-scale outdoor event showcasing over 100 exhibitors, from major companies to local nonprofits and government agencies, all focused on helping residents rebuild, recover, and thrive.

NOVEMBER

Fire Rebuild Community Session (Fire Rebuild Families)

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM at Malibu City Hall

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.

View Meeting Details & Links

CITY SERVICES

Streamlined Generator Permit Process

The City of Malibu Community Development Department is pleased to announce the implementation of a streamlined process for the review and permitting of generators. This initiative reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to enhancing efficiency and improving customer service within the development review process.

Under the new procedure, applicants submitting generator-only projects may now bypass Planning Division review by completing a simple form that confirms the proposed generator meets planning requirements. The standard review turnaround time for generator-only submittals is ten (10) business days. To submit, visit the Development Portal. For additional information, contact MBuilding@MalibuCity.org.

Fee Waiver Program

The City of Malibu's Fee Waiver Program aims to assist 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 rebuild their primary residences more affordably.

To qualify, properties must have been damaged or destroyed by one of the designated fires, used as the owner’s primary residence, and be rebuilt as like-for-like or like-for-like plus 10%.

For more information or to apply, contact the Rebuild Center at MalibuRecovers@MalibuCity.org

or (310) 456-2489, ext. 400.

Learn More

City Awards Community Grants to Support Local Resilience and Education

The City of Malibu has awarded new grants as an extension of its General Fund Grant Program, continuing its commitment to supporting local organizations that strengthen the community.

This year’s allocations include $100,000 for the Community Brigade to enhance emergency preparedness and neighborhood resilience, and $315,000 for the Malibu Education Foundation (MEF) to support local schools and educational programs that benefit Malibu students.

The grant award to the Community Brigade reflects the City’s ongoing investment wildfire preparedness and protection.