So many people lost their homes, and many still haven’t been able to return. In Malibu, the sight of rebuilding is everywhere, as families try to piece together their lives from the ashes. The last thing our community needs is a massive crowd of people at the 2025 Malibu Chili Cook-Off when some residents can't even go back to their house yet.

The threat of looting is real. Burnt houses, like open wounds, have already suffered from looting. Bringing a large influx of visitors, even for an event meant to celebrate, could amplify these concerns. It could also divert essential resources and attention away from where they are most needed—helping people rebuild their homes.

This isn’t just about a single event. It’s about the future of Malibu. Rebuilding takes time, effort, and uninterrupted access for construction crews and emergency services. Traffic from an event of this scale would slow down construction efforts that are already struggling to stay on track. We don’t need more delays. We need a clear path forward—literally and figuratively—for the families working day by day to recover what was lost.

We want safety. We want to feel secure in our homes again. Right now, that safety feels fragile. Hosting the Chili Cook-Off this year could compromise that. Law enforcement and first responders should be focused on supporting rebuilding and protecting vulnerable neighborhoods, not managing a large-scale public event. Malibu deserves stability, not distractions.

We must prioritize our community's recovery over temporary festivities. Postponing or cancelling the cook-off until our neighbors feel secure in their homes again is a compassionate and responsible measure. It’s not just about slowing down construction; it’s about safeguarding the dignity, safety, and well-being of Malibu’s residents.

Join us in urging the organizers and the city to reconsider the 2025 Malibu Chili Cook-Off for the sake of those still healing and rebuilding. Protect Malibu and support our residents by signing this petition. Together, we can ensure that our community comes first