🌊 The Malibu Current with Councilmember Haylynn Conrad

📅 March 24, 2026

Dear Malibu,

Spring arrived on Friday, and with it came one of the most consequential Council agendas of the year. Last night at City Hall, we reviewed the independent After-Action Review on our city's emergency response to the Franklin and Palisades Fires, a report that every resident should read. I also want to share good news on beach bathrooms, a milestone on PCH safety, a celebration of local business, and what is coming up this weekend, including one of Malibu's most special community traditions turning 25.

This is my first weekly newsletter in this format, and I want to be direct about what it is: a plain-language update on what is happening in our city, why it matters, and how you can be part of it. I will tell you what I know, where I stand, and where I need your voice. Let's get into it.

🏛️ City Council Recap: Monday, March 23

🔹 After-Action Review on the Franklin and Palisades Fires: Last night's Council meeting centered on the independent report examining how our city managed emergency operations during the 2024 Franklin Fire and the 2025 Palisades Fire. The review, conducted by Witt O'Brien's, evaluates coordination, communication, evacuation procedures, and our Emergency Operations Center processes. It is separate from the LA County report released in September 2025 and focuses solely on Malibu's own operations.

→ 🏄‍♀️ Why I pushed for this: Transparency is not optional after a disaster. Malibu lost more than 700 structures during the Palisades Fire alone. Our residents deserve to know what worked, what did not, and what we are doing to strengthen our response for the future. Some recommendations are already being implemented. Others will require policy discussion and budget consideration. I will keep pushing to make sure none of them sit on a shelf.

→ 💡 What you can do: The full report and a companion Q&A document are available now. I encourage every resident to read them. The Public Safety Commission will also review the report at its April 1 meeting.

👉 Read the After-Action Review (PDF)

👉 View the AAR Q&A sheet (PDF)

💼 Economic Development & Small Business

🔹 Congratulations to Good Point Pilates on three years in Malibu: I had the pleasure of presenting a Certificate of Recognition on behalf of the city to celebrate their third anniversary. Small businesses are what give Malibu its character, and seeing one grow and sustain itself over three years is something worth recognizing. If you have not visited, check them out.

🔹 Nonprofit Grant Applications: deadline is Tuesday, March 31. The 2026–2027 General Fund Grant Program is open now for Malibu-based nonprofits. This year's application has been streamlined into a single online form, making it more accessible. Grant funding supports services that range from environmental protection and youth programming to arts, public safety, and senior services. The Administration and Finance Subcommittee reviews applications in May, with final awards during budget adoption in June.

→ 🏄‍♀️ Why this matters: Our nonprofits are essential partners. They fill gaps and serve residents in ways that city government alone cannot. If you run or know a local nonprofit, please share this before the deadline passes.

👉 Apply for 2026-2027 General Fund Grants

👉 Learn more about the Grant Program

🎓 Education & Youth

🔹 Youth Commission applications close March 31. The Harry Barovsky Memorial Youth Commission is accepting applications from any student in grades 7 through 12 (for the 2026–2027 school year) who lives or attends school in Malibu. As a mom whose kids have grown up in Malibu schools, on AYSO fields, and in the ocean, I believe young people should have a seat at the table. This commission gives them one. If you know a student who cares about their community, encourage them to apply before the deadline.

👉 Apply for the Youth Commission

🌿 Environment & Infrastructure

🔹 Beach bathroom repairs: $1.3 million approved. After months of advocacy, the LA County Beaches and Harbors Commission approved $1.3 million to repair our public beach restrooms. I have been raising this issue directly with the Commission, and I am grateful to see it moving forward. Our community deserves functioning facilities, regular maintenance, and consistent upkeep. Real stewardship means following through, not just presenting plans.

→ 🏄‍♀️ My take: Malibu welcomes over 17 million visitors a year. Closed bathrooms and portable facilities are not acceptable as a permanent solution. This funding is a step forward, and I will continue to hold the county accountable as repairs move ahead.

🔹 PCH smart signal synchronization is live. This is a meaningful safety milestone. New synchronized signals along Pacific Coast Highway are now operational, improving traffic flow and reducing the kind of dangerous conditions that have contributed to too many tragedies on our roads. We have lost 61 lives to road incidents in Malibu. Every improvement that makes PCH safer is one I will celebrate and continue to push for.

🔹 Caltrans PCH lane closures this week (March 23–29). Residents should be aware that Caltrans has active lane closures on Pacific Coast Highway and Topanga Canyon Boulevard for Palisades Fire repair work. Plan ahead and expect intermittent delays.

🔹 Tsunami Awareness Week runs through March 29. California's annual reminder to review your family's preparedness plan. The City has safety tips and information available for residents who want to participate.

👉 View Caltrans closure details on the City website

🤝 Community & Events

🔹 25th Annual Chumash Day Powwow: this Saturday and Sunday, March 28–29. One of Malibu's most special traditions returns to Malibu Bluffs Park. The name "Malibu" comes from the Chumash word "Humaliwo," and this free, family-friendly gathering honors the original people of this land with tribal dances, artisan vendors, food trucks, live mural painting, and a Grand Entry at noon each day. Hours are 10 AM to 6 PM both days. Parking is available at Stuart Ranch Road with free shuttles to the park (no on-site parking at Malibu Bluffs). I love that this gathering has grown into such a meaningful community tradition over 25 years.

👉 Get Chumash Day event details

🔹 Caltrans Commission Meeting recap (March 20). Malibu residents had the opportunity to speak directly to the Caltrans Commission on safety and infrastructure issues affecting our roads, including PCH, Malibu Canyon Road, and ongoing construction. Public comment at these regional meetings makes a real difference, and I encourage residents to keep showing up when these opportunities arise.

📅 Dates to Know

🔹 Saturday–Sunday, March 28–29: 25th Annual Chumash Day Powwow, 10 AM–6 PM, Malibu Bluffs Park (free)

🔹 Through March 29: Caltrans PCH lane closures for fire repair work

🔹 Through March 29: California Tsunami Awareness Week

🔹 Tuesday, March 31, 5:30 PM: Deadline for General Fund Grant applications (nonprofits)

🔹 Tuesday, March 31, 11:59 PM: Deadline for Youth Commission applications (grades 7–12)

🔹 Wednesday, April 1: Public Safety Commission reviews After-Action Review

🐝 One Last Thought

I said at the top that I would be direct with you, and I meant it. Malibu faces real challenges: fire preparedness, road safety, beach infrastructure, the gap between what our city controls and what outside agencies manage. I believe progress starts with honest conversation and residents who stay engaged.

This newsletter is one way I plan to keep that conversation going. If something here raised a question, or if you have thoughts to share, I want to hear from you. Email me at hconrad@malibucity.org.

Thank you for reading, and thank you for caring about this place we all call home.

Together, we're building a community and better future that works for everyone. Thank you for staying connected!

Haylynn Conrad
Councilmember, City of Malibu
hconrad@malibucity.org