September was a month of movement and reflection in Malibu. From rebuilding milestones and community celebrations to spirited local debates, the city continued to evolve while holding tight to its coastal character. Each story this month captures a piece of Malibu’s ongoing transformation — one built on resilience, creativity, and an enduring sense of place.
Residents Rally Against SMC Campus Antenna Tower
Malibu residents are up in arms about a towering communications pole at Santa Monica College’s new Malibu campus. The 86–91 foot “county antenna” was erected on county land in 2022 without proper city permits and even exceeds its approved 75-foot height. Neighbors call it an eyesore visible from Pacific Coast Highway and Legacy Park, and worry about potential health risks from its electromagnetic emissions.
The pole was intended to boost Sheriff’s radio signals, but with the adjacent sheriff substation still unopened, locals question its necessity. City officials admit the structure violates Malibu’s zoning and aesthetic rules, and they’re now wrestling with how to bring it into compliance or possibly remove it.
Residents, backed by groups like the Malibu Township Council, are mobilizing ahead of the September 29 City Council meeting to demand transparency and action. They want the antenna relocated or lowered and a proper environmental review of its EMF levels. Malibu’s council has the authority to enforce code compliance, but jurisdictional tangles with LA County complicate the path forward. For now, the community is unified in protest, determined to protect Malibu’s scenery and safety from this unwelcome intruder.
Source: The Malibu Times
Malibu Makes an Effort to ‘Uncomplicate’ the Rebuilding Permit Process as many Declare Bureacracy Failure
Rebuilding homes after this year’s devastating Palisades Fire has proven painfully slow, hampered by Malibu’s notoriously complex permit process. City leaders acknowledge that bureaucracy has “been complicated by design to slow development,” as one council liaison put it.
In response, Malibu is taking steps to streamline and speed up fire rebuild permits for residents eager to return home. The City’s Community Development Department, led by Yolanda Bundy, launched a series of “Rebuild Community” meetings with local architects, builders, and homeowners to gather feedback and fix bottlenecks.
They’re even piloting new technology: on September 30, Malibu rolled out an Archistar AI plan-review tool to help flag code compliance issues before architects submit plans, potentially shaving weeks off the review process. Officials are also pursuing emergency measures like fee waivers and relaxed rules for post-fire construction and business recovery.
These efforts come as Malibu hits milestones like its 100th rebuild application one month faster than after 2018’s Woolsey Fire. While strict coastal and geologic regulations still apply, the city’s message to fire victims is that rebuilding should be “faster, clearer, and easier,” not mired in red tape.
Source: The Malibu Times
Beloved Reel Inn Faces Uncertain Future After Fire
Among the most heartbreaking losses of January’s Palisades Fire was Malibu’s iconic Reel Inn seafood shack at Topanga Beach. The 40-year-old local favorite – known for its neon fish sign and affordable fried seafood – was completely reduced to rubble in the blaze.
In the fire’s aftermath, Reel Inn’s owners vowed to rebuild on the same state park-owned site where it had welcomed surfers and families for generations. However, a long-standing land-use dispute quickly muddied those plans. In August, California State Parks (which leases the land) informed the Reel Inn and neighboring historic businesses (like the Topanga Ranch Motel and Cholada Thai) that their leases were canceled and they “can’t rebuild” on the property.
The abrupt notice – ostensibly because the site is needed as a utilities staging area for two years – sparked public outcry. Reel Inn’s owner Andy Leonard lamented that they had been eager to “redo the Reel Inn” within months, only to be met with a shutdown letter. Amid backlash (and even a Wall Street Journal exposé), State Parks softened its stance.
A letter on Sept. 5 reaffirmed a commitment to find a solution allowing the Reel Inn to eventually reopen on state land. The agency admitted earlier communications “may not have conveyed” their intent to partner on a path forward. For now, the Reel Inn site remains a barren lot (currently used by LADWP trucks), and its 22 displaced employees have moved on. The Leonards have rejected a token offer to operate a food truck with no water or power.
They’re holding onto hope – and $200,000 raised via GoFundMe – that with community support and cooperation from the state, the Reel Inn will one day fry fish again.
Source: ABC7 News
Duke’s Restaurant Hosts Post-Fire Community Party
After a year of hardships, Malibu’s famed Duke’s Restaurant is turning its focus to healing the community. The beachfront eatery – which narrowly survived January’s fire only to be shuttered by a mudslide weeks later – invited all fire-impacted locals to a free “ohana” community party this month.
The gathering, scheduled for October 11 at Duke’s on Pacific Coast Highway, will bring together residents who lost homes in the Palisades Fire to eat, reminisce, and reconnect. “Supporting Malibu’s local community is critical to rebuilding after the devastation of the fire,” says Mayor Marianne Riggins.
Duke’s owner, hoping to fully reopen the restaurant by late fall, promised to host at least one big event to uplift those affected. Neighbors displaced since January were eager for a chance to gather in a familiar place and share stories of resilience. The off-menu item at this gathering is hope – a sign that Malibu’s spirit endures.
Organizers say the event also serves as a thank-you to the wider community that has supported Duke’s during its recovery. As Malibu rebuilds, the sight of friends and families dining together by the waves is a welcome taste of normalcy.
Source: The Malibu Times
Zuma Beach Triathlon Raises $150K for Charity
The triathlon spirit made a triumphant return to Malibu in September with the inaugural Zuma Beach Triathlon. Over a thousand athletes, families, and spectators converged on Zuma Beach on September 14–15 for a weekend of swimming, biking, and running – all for a good cause.
The event raised more than $150,000 for two local charities: the Challenged Athletes Foundation and the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu. Participants included first-timers and seasoned triathletes, plus a few celebrities (actor Rob Riggle and Olympian Colleen Quigley among them) whose presence helped boost the event’s profile.
Organizers introduced a new Corporate Challenge, with local businesses forming teams that collectively brought in over $100K of the funds raised. “The Zuma Beach Triathlon has always been about more than crossing the finish line – it’s about coming together as a community to uplift others,” said race founder Michael Epstein.
By the end of the sunny weekend, the triathlon proved to be a win-win: not only an exciting new tradition for Malibu’s sports enthusiasts, but also a powerful fundraiser fueling hope and opportunity for local youth and athletes with disabilities.
Source: Endurance.biz
Malibu’s Fire Safety Liaison Shares Year-Round Preparedness Tips
Peak wildfire season may technically be fall, but Malibu’s first Fire Safety Liaison wants residents to think beyond the calendar. Jerry Vandermeulen, a retired fire chief who became Malibu’s fire liaison in 2019, notes that the old idea of a limited “fire season” no longer applies in Southern California’s changing climate.
Malibu, he says, now faces wildfire threats year-round, so residents must stay prepared 365 days a year. Vandermeulen has been working with neighborhoods across Malibu to boost their vigilance and readiness. He advises homeowners to maintain defensible space and brush clearance not just in summer, but through winter and spring as well – “don’t wait for red-flag warnings,” he cautions.
The city’s three part-time fire liaisons conduct free home wildfire-hardening assessments and help coordinate community emergency plans. Vandermeulen also highlighted positive strides since the Woolsey Fire – from fire-resistant building codes to better inter-agency communication – but stressed that the biggest factor is individual preparedness.
As he puts it: “Stay ready, so you never have to get ready.”
Source: City of Malibu
Community Champions Honored with 2025 Citizenship Awards
Malibu celebrated its local heroes this month with the Jake Kuredjian Citizenship Awards, an annual honor recognizing outstanding volunteer service. At the September 8 City Council meeting, three residents received standing ovations as Mayor Marianne Riggins presented them with the 2025 awards.
Suzanne Guldimann – a former Parks & Recreation Commissioner and longtime environmental advocate – was lauded for decades of work preserving open space and improving city parks.
Andy Lyon, a passionate skateboarding advocate, was recognized for his 15-year campaign to establish a permanent Malibu skate park.
Nick Shurgot, a youth sports volunteer, earned praise for leading local Little League and AYSO soccer programs, even through pandemic years.
“Their commitment, passion, and leadership embody the spirit of Malibu,” said Mayor Riggins. The award, named for a fallen Los Angeles Sheriff’s deputy and Malibu resident, has been given annually since 2002 to those who enhance community recreation and service.
This year’s honorees reflected Malibu’s best traits: creativity, resilience, and a dedication to community.
Source: City of Malibu
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