http://onlinedigitaleditions.com/malibutimes/html5/index.html?&locale=ENG As climate change and sea level rise become more commonplace in our recurring discussion and conversations, so has it become more frequent in our public policy and land use planning. We urge you to take a moment and consider the implications of these changes and consider how best to mitigate the looming impacts. Don […]

http://www.malibutimes.com/opinion/article_df4b8ee8-0ead-11eb-944a-7babc1bc074d.html We recently saw the success of a project at the Malibu Planning Commission. This was a project by a long standing member of the community who has labored long and hard to make the community a better place. As a result of expert planning and rational engagement, combined with passionate clients, we experienced success […]

Dear City of Malibu Residents: Please take a moment to review the update to our Local Coastal Program as it has the potential to impact you and your home!  We at Schmitz and Associates would like to inform you of the proposed fire resistant landscape local coastal program amentment which is going before the CCC […]

Short-Term Rentals – August 10, 2020 Malibu City Council Public Hearing Dear City of Malibu Residents: Please take a moment to review the update from our City Council below and consider attending the meeting!  The Malibu City Council will hold a virtual public hearing to consider a short-term rental ordinance on Monday, August 10, 2020 […]

Don Schmitz recently took time to share his thoughts regarding the tumultuous impeachment furor rolling through DC. Here in sunny California, nearly 3000 miles from our Capitol, many find themselves straining to see through a semi-translucent veil cast by media leaning one way or another. While the impacts of this process may not be immediate, […]

https://abc7.com/society/point-dume-replacement-stairs-hit-roadblock/5350661/

The California Coastal Commission has cleared the way for Malibu’s emergency Woolsey Fire rebuild ordinance to achieve its final approval. The amendment proposed by the City includes revisions to existing temporary housing regulations to allow for temporary housing structures to be placed on a property during reconstruction and allows for these temporary structures to be […]

On February 27, the Coalition for Fire Safe Communities, led by Don Schmitz, spoke to a room packed with community members and elected officials interested in an innovative new system to fight devastating wild fires. He described the idea, known as First Fire Defense System, as many things, but in short, more effective than using […]

In contrast to the City of Malibu’s original comments and speculations, it now appears that home owners may not receive any concessions from fire requirements. According to quotes made Monday by Los Angeles County Fire Chief Daryl Osby, rebuilds will have to conform to all county fire codes, regardless of feasibility. This is could be […]

Don Schmitz and the team are preparing to continue outreach on behalf of the community, and will be arguing that local water districts and the City must react analytically and develop appropriate policies. To ensure that residents have the water demands necessary to mitigate and stop future wildfires, we must carefully considered what transpired in […]