Devastating life loss, a town destroyed, politics taking precedence resulting in a botched recovery. A conversation with Joe Pluta, founder of the West Maui Improvement Foundation as a force for good and hope for all of Lahaina.
Join us for an in-depth conversation with Santa Rosa Councilmember and one of the chief architects of the Tubbs Fire rebuild Jeff Okrepkie, as we discuss a culture of "getting to yes" and the successes and mistakes made along the way recovering from a devastating wildfire event. Hear directly from the source on what a successful recovery looks like.
A chaotic week on the rebuild scene as Malibu city management undermines its Rebuild Ambassador. Join us as we break down the drama, the personalities and egos behind it, and what could possibly come next as Malibu continues its Palisades Fire rebuild at a pitiful pace.
(00:00) Intro
(01:05) An abrupt end to Abe's tenure
(08:55) What led to this?
(14:30) Staffing and Excuses
(20:55) Protecting staff
(24:10) Attacking Abe
(32:15) Zone Captains step in
(38:40) Press Releases and the Abe "experiment"
(39:55) What's next?
(44:22) Motivating Fire Survivors to Rebuild
Join us and guests Michel Shane and Kevin Keegan as we discuss a ferry service to Malibu dubbed "The Blue Highway" as well as current rebuild updates from the City of Malibu.(00:00) Intro(00:45) Origin of the Blue Highway idea(04:40) Historical Precedent for a Ferry in Malibu(17:40) Potential opposition to the idea(35:50) Technology and the passenger experience(39:55) Rebuild updates from the City of Malibu(41:20) Connecting with the City of LA(49:50) Final thoughts on the Blue Highway-----Pier to Pier: Ferry Ridership Surveyhttps://piertopier.org/CNN Video on The Blue Highwayhttps://edition.cnn.com/2025/08/01/us/video/pacific-coast-highway-ferry-elam-digvidThe Los Angeles Times article on The Blue Highwayhttps://www.latimes.com/california/newsletter/2025-09-03/essential-california-santa-monica-malibu-ferryKevin Keeganhttps://www.thekevinkeegan.com/Michel Shanehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michel_ShanePatricia Keeney Maischosshttps://malibucolonypartners.com/who-we-are/
Join us as we discuss the week's events in Malibu. Was it two steps forward, one step back? Also, a recap of last week's conversation with the team at Zuru and their big bet on the future of Malibu.---------------(00:00) - Intro(00:25) - Monday meeting and headway with the city(04:00) - Connecting w/ the city of LA(18:20) - Closed session ad hoc meeting on coastal engineering(19:45) - The perils of seawalls(25:30) - Debrief on conversation w/ Team Zuru#malibu #malibustrong #rebuild #rebuildandchill #palisadesfire
Making Waves in Malibu: A Deep Dive with ZURU on Their Bold $200M Bet to Reinvent Construction on the Coast!
Join the Rebuild and Chill crew as we cover the latest at the city: hirings and firings, unloved speeches, and combative policy debates.
Show notes:
(0:20) City Manager: Here today, gone tomorrow
(7:45) Abe's first address to Council
(19:32) Plan check blues
(26:00) Where does Council stand now?
(33:55) Encouraging rebuilds
(36:14) Wave uprush debate
Is Malibu's 'complicated by design' permitting process haunting rebuilders? Analyzing the weak rebuild numbers. Are the Governor's orders being flouted or followed? What more can be done or should we accept that Malibu has changed forever.
Join an engaging conversation with Dr. Ben Coorey, visionary founder of Archistar, driving the AI-powered permit revolution. Explore how AI accelerates rebuilding, the evolving roles of architects, designers, and planners, and much more.
This week we cover the big news out of the city, including the first building permit being issued, developer interest on the beaches, and potential progress on a sewer line.#malibu #malibustrong #rebuild #rebuildandchill #palisadesfire (0:18) - First Building Permit issued in Malibu(4:30) - Buying frenzy on beach(8:55) - Sewer developments and effects on rebuilding(23:05) - Excessive corrections and delays in permitting(31:55) - Palisades vs Woolsey - What's changed?(37:10) - Get your fee waivers in!
Join us this week as we talk with Malibu city council member Haylynn Conrad about fire rebuilds, the complications of council government in crisis scenarios, and the future of Malibu.
#malibu #malibustrong #rebuild #rebuildandchill #rebuildandchillpodcast #palisadesfire
Timestamps:
(02:58) - Haylynn's eventful first night as council member
(06:59) - Hiring the new city manager
(12:45) - Road ahead for new city manager
(16:55) - Haylynn's op-ed in Malibu Times
(22:45) - Fear at city hall
(26:05) - Interpreting the building code
(31:00) - Slowness of Malibu government
(34:25) - Can the council meet more often?
(40:28) - The risks to Malibu if rebuilds don't happen
@aberoystory
@luistenadesign
@sp_mv
@electricdannyland
Follow along with us as we chronicle the rocky (and sandy) process of rebuilding in the City of Malibu. In our first episode we break down the latest developments from the City, status of permits issued, and hopes for the immediate future.#malibu #malibustrong #rebuild #rebuildandchill #palisadesfire
Timestamps:
(01:55) - Discussion of 7/22 Malibu City Council meeting
(16:00) - Why is Malibu processing so slowly?
(28:50) - Fire Rebuilds in Malibu vs. LA
(33:30) - How would you fix things?
(44:00) - Final thoughts and Path Forward
@aberoystory
@luistenadesign
@sp_mv
@darrenhgraves
@electricdannyland
