The Malibu Times • April 11, 2024

Chumash Day teaches, celebrates, and inspires

Tribes from across North America unite for a weekend of celebration and ceremony

The 24th annual Chumash Day Powwow and Intertribal Gathering brought powerful storytelling and cultural celebration to Malibu Bluffs Park over two days of traditional music, singing, and dancing, vibrant and intricate clothing, tribal ceremonies, and prayer.

Despite the event being named after the Chumash, various tribes and nations from across North America were represented, equally sharing recognition as the original natives of their respective lands.

The tribesmen and women were united in the dance circle in the heart of the park, with the circle signifying Mother Earth and everyone’s connection to the land, and each tribe in attendance was recognized by the uniting symbol of the Eagle staff, held by Ricky Two Bears.

Celebratory dances brought joy and smiles to the circle and social dances brought different styles of dances and clothing styles to the forefront of the event,

Chumash and Fernandeño

Tataviam Elder Beverley Folkes,

who has participated in each of the 24 iterations of the Chumash Day powwow, said she looks forward to reconnecting with old friends and

fellow tribes on that yearly weekend of celebration. “Oh it’s wonderful,” Folkes said. “It builds camaraderie

among all tribes and that’s what it’s all about. There’s no one tribe that feels superior, we’re all celebrated the same.”

The event succeeded in bringing hundreds out to the park to socialize, observe, and celebrate

State and local public agency representatives held an online Wildfire and Disaster Insurance town hall workshop for residents on April 4 to address homeowners insurance and how they can navigate resources to get coverage for fires, floods, and earthquakes. The event was co-hosted by California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, Assemblywoman Jacqui Irwin, who represents California’s 42nd District, and the Las Virgenes-Malibu Council of Governments. Introducing Lara, Irwin noted, “As a

Seeing a total solar eclipse is a phenomenon for the ages. For many, viewing this celestial event is a once in a lifetime experience. For others, a first viewing leads to a lifetime of eclipse chasing.

Planning to see an eclipse takes a little science and researching weather conditions, luck in finding accommodations, and patience. Honestly, once you have arrived at your destination for chasing an eclipse, it’s like waiting for the Great Pumpkin: Have you been a good boy or girl? Is your pumpkin patch sincere? And most impor-

tantly, will the weather hold clear skies?

After much effort and a little luck, I successfully saw the Great American Eclipse in 2017, alone with my son in a wide open field in Salem, Oregon. It was a spectacular sight to see my first total solar eclipse under perfect conditions.

For this week’s eclipse, I chose to chase it in Buffalo, New York, for no particular reason other than I had never visited Buffalo before and was curious about its fascinating history of opening American commerce to the Midwest in the early 1800s with the construction of the great Erie Canal.

The weather Sunday, April 7, was gorgeous, blue cloudless skies and in the 60s. The forecast for Buffalo on April 8 didn’t look promising with a prediction of clouds.

Program aimed to train local citizens to support firefighting, emergency, and prevention efforts

For many Malibuites and residents in other nearby communities who experienced the ravages of the Woolsey Fire, one of the most often-stated reactions and criticisms regarding the communities’ disaster responses was that there were significantly debilitating communication failures during the hours, days and weeks following the conflagration. Citizens have repeatedly discussed how communication failures greatly exacerbated the stress involved in trying to efficiently and effectively fight the fire, trying to evacuate people and animals, trying to assess and address the significant damages caused by the disaster, and for many, trying to get a clear understanding regarding how they could rebuild both structures and their personal lives. The stories of devastation are legion, and over the last five and a half years, several studies have been conducted and several initiatives have been launched in the public sector to address those challenges because we all know that it’s not if, but when, another disaster may befall Malibu and nearby communities.

Many have wondered what, if any, role there is for private citizens as we prepare for future disasters, including developing as much resiliency as possible and having clear disaster preparedness and

To start off the Malibu City Council meeting on Monday, California State Parks presented a Fire Defense Program. District Superintendent of the Angeles

State Parks Richard Fink gave a presentation on wildland fire management, policies, fire responsibilities, and permits. Fink said it’s the responsibility of the owner/operator to maintain 100 feet of defensible space regardless of property boundaries. For more information, residents can contact Environmental Scientist Noa Rishe for a fuel modification request at (310) 6993951.

The council received a few public speakers concerned about the backlog in appeals in the planning department. One speaker said that they noticed that some projects may take up to nine to 14 months to get through planning to go to the City Council for an appeal and said, “I think we can do a lot better than that. I think that we should do a lot better than that for our residents.”

In Case You Missed it

The top stories from last week you can read at MalibuTimes.com

El Salvador: Good or bad example for the U.S.?

From the Left

The state of the world right now is, to put it into wildly pathetic and dangerously ominous perspective, uncertain. We are without a doubt facing perilously difficult circumstances that threaten our coexistence  and with the prospect of nuclear weapons and one fatal miscalculation could find humanity near the edge of extinction.

The prelude to such a catastrophe is reflected in the growing battles over whether nation-states are inclined to choose autocracy over democracy. Even in our country, we find ourselves threatened with a struggle internally that could damage or even relinquish our leadership as the world’s standard bearer for freedom, liberty, justice, civil rights, the rule of law, transparency, accountability, empathy, diversity, reason, religious tolerance, freedom of speech, or other forms of equality ingrained in our short history.

In 1935, Sinclair Lewis published a book entitled “It Can’t Happen Here” just as Adolph Hitler was making Germany great again, and proceeds to outline how an authoritarian individual could manage to wrestle control of our government at a time when raging conversations of American isolationism, fascism, socialism, and communism were being seriously debated.

Writing in the New Yorker in October 2016, Alexander Nazaryan captures the period in which the novel character Buzz Windrip, who manages to win election as an authoritarian president, is modeled after Huey Long, the Louisiana political demagogue who was assassinated the month before the novel was published. Nazaryan asserts “Lewis was never much of an artist, but what he lacked in style he made up for with social observation … and though a novel it may be, the gripes about Roosevelt and the New Deal here have the quality not of fiction but of reportage.” And now here we are in the 21st century questioning whether authoritarian predispositions are preferable to democratic ideology.

Who would have thought that Putin in Russia, Xi Jinping in Chi-

na, Kim Jong Un in North Korea, Orban in Hungary, and Nayib Bukele in El Salvador could be looked upon as role models worthy of our consideration! While Republican Donald Trump is cruising to accept the GOP nomination later this summer, he is known to have quite an affection for these individuals and sounds downright jealous and envious of their leadership. For purposes of this article, let me introduce you to the little-known Bukele, who was elected president of El Salvador at the age of 39, and if he has not caught Trump’s eye as yet the self-proclaimed “world’s coolest dictator” may appeal to the “dictator for one day.”

The push for authoritarian status, which by its very nature entails concentration of power and loyalty not to the precepts of democratic governance but rather to the power concentrated within both the leader and/or their leadership is at issue here. According to the Human Rights Foundation (HRF) in 2021, “his party was the first to control both the presidency and a legislative majority since the restoration of democracy in 1992 and after the new Assembly was sworn in, his bloc acted quickly with a series of measures that deeply undermined the independence of the judiciary.”

In addition, on May 1, 2022, the Assembly “removed the Attorney General and all five members of the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice, replacing them within hours …. effectively ended the ban on presidential reelection, which allowed the president to seek his immediate reelection … and Bukele and his Assembly are considering a constitutional reform that would authorize a one-party state, codify the nationalization of pension funds, and require all lawyers and public prosecutors to be approved and affiliated with the national government,” according to the HRF.

Bukele has attacked gender theory and decided he would not allow gender ideology in schools. Ana Piquer, Americas director of Amnesty International, states “every use or trace of gender ideology has been removed from public schools,” without giving more details about the implications of this decision in one of the countries that has one of the highest femicide rates in Latin America. Data from U.N. Women show “in 2019, the rate was 6.48 murders per 100,000 women. In addition, the organization cites reports from the Attorney General’s Office of El Salvador, which indicate that, in the first half of 2021 alone, 315 women were reported missing. Meanwhile, the 2019 National Sexual Violence Survey reported 63

percent of women nationwide expressed having experienced at least one incident of sexual assault.”

From the publisher HAYLEY MATTSON

Due to press time, we will cover the LA County Supervisors meeting, focusing on Supervisor Horvath’s endorsement of two pivotal bills in the California State Legislature aimed at enhancing the safety of Pacific Coast Highway. SB 1297, proposed by Senator Ben Allen, aims to expand the utilization of speed cameras along the PCH. SB 1509, introduced by Senator Henry Stern, seeks to cultivate safer driving practices by requiring the Department of Motor Vehicles to be notified of infractions committed by drivers exceeding the speed limit by 26 miles per hour or more. in next weeks edition. Additionally, we will provide coverage of the Malibu City Council Special Meeting held on Wednesday next week as well.

According to Allison Meakem, an associate editor at Foreign Policy, “Bukele has amassed a genuine support base by measurably improving the lives of many Salvadorans. But to get there, his government has committed grave alleged human rights abuses and shown a disdain for democracy and the rule of law.”   Forgoing democratic principles and shunning democracy altogether may help in the short run, but when confronting major policy issues and impacts upon the population, it can lead to human rights violations that last for decades. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Do we re-

From the Right

Nayib Bukele, president of El Salvador, was re-elected Feb. 4 in a landslide victory by 80 percent of voters. Why should you care about a small Central American election? Two reasons: People walk to the U.S. by the millions from Central America as illegal immigrants, and there are policy lessons for us to learn from our neighbors. Salvadorans are the third largest Hispanic population in America, now at 2.5 million. Of all the Central American nations, El Salvador is the largest source of immigration to our country. The country is historically a bloodbath of crime and gangs.

In 2015, the homicide rate was 103 per 100,000 people, 6,657 killed, making it the most violent country in the Western Hemisphere. Its capital, San Salvador, was the world’s most murderous city. Gangs like MS13 ruled the streets, openly dealing drugs, walking into homes and taking them over, and extorting money from business owners lest they be murdered. A 15-year-old girl was shot in a crosswalk for selling tortillas in a gang territory without permission. Interesting that many of the ideologies the American far-left embraces were the norm in El Salvador. After a fluctuating civil war from 1980 to 1992, the Marxist Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN) was elected to power. The Marxists always promise the abolition of financial inequities and a worker’s paradise, but it never, ever

happens, and it predictably didn’t happen there. El Salvador also has strict gun control laws, with no 2nd Amendment guaranteeing a citizen’s right to be armed.

They had implemented every gun control scheme espoused by the left in America: licensing to own a firearm with three-year renewals, complete registration of all firearms by the government, bans on private sales of firearms, and a limit of one firearm purchase every two years. Apparently though, the criminals that rape, steal, and murder with impunity weren’t concerned about breaking the gun laws, and preferred their victims to be unarmed and helpless.

President Bukele is the first president since 1984 not of the two major parties, the right-wing Nationalist Republican Alliance, or the communist FMLN. Promising a return to law and order in 2019, he was elected president and deployed thousands of soldiers and police directly into the gang-controlled areas whereupon homicides dropped by 50 percent, but the fight was far from over. In March 2022, gangs killed 80 people in one weekend, so Bukele’s government initiated “Guerra contra las pandillas” (war against gangs), after their legislature approved a state of emergency called “regimen de excepcion” (state of exception), which suspended rights of association, legal counsel, and increased time spent in detention without charges. Essentially under martial law, El Salvador now has the highest incarceration rate in the world, with 79,184 suspected gang members arrested, prison sentences increased from six to 45 years for convicted gang members, and the age of “criminal responsibility” reduced from 16 to 12.

ally want to toy with this potential course of action?

Lance Simmens is an independent columnist for The Malibu Times, he along with Don Schmitz write a bi-weekly column on national topics from the perspective of their political leanings you can forward any comments you have to editorial @malibutimes.com.

So, what can Americans learn from this? Critics brand him an authoritarian, defined as enforcing strict obedience to the government at the expense of personal freedom. Really, though, the discussion should be about us here at home. Most of us have watched in hopeless sadness as leftist politicians empty out our prisons of convicted felons and defund the police, while activist DA’s refuse to prosecute criminals. Accordingly, many of our iconic cities are becoming unlivable, and as the roving gangs of criminals smash and grab goods, stores are closing.

Beautiful downtown San Francisco is becoming a ghost town, as is downtown Portland, where they have slashed policing while handing out needles to addicts with safe spaces to inject. It is past time to admit the soft-on-crime policies are an abject failure, and pivot back to the firm legislation adopted in the 1990s, like three strikes and mandatory sentences. Failure to do so will continue the downward spiral toward dystopia, and the backlash could reflect the gravity of our southern neighbor. We can restore the rule of law now without compromising civil liberties, but delay will make the crime cancer worse, and the cure more painful.

Don Schmitz is an independent columnist for The Malibu Times, he along with Lance Simmens write a bi-weekly column on national topics from the perspective of their political leanings you can forward any comments you have to editorial@ malibutimes.com.

Laws were enacted so anyone disseminating messages from gangs would spend 15 years in prison. Checkpoints are established around gang areas searching backpacks and looking for gang tattoos. The government erased gang graffiti and destroyed graveside monuments with gang affiliations on them to prevent them from becoming shrines. Harsh, brutally harsh, and brutally effective. Murders dropped another 70 percent, now at 2.4 per 100,000, the lowest in the Americas apart from Canada. Our U.S. government expressed concern about these methods, but with a shrug and a “go home Yankee,” politicians in Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Ecuador, and Peru are enacting similar policies to regain law and order. At home, Bukele’s approval rating is at an unprecedented 90 percent.

“I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live by the light that I have. I must stand with anybody that stands right, and stand with him while he is right, and part with him when he goes wrong.” — Abraham Lincoln

DON SCHMITZ OPINION COLUMNIST

LANCE SIMMENS OPINION COLUMNIST

Camarillo woman killed on Malibu Canyon

Malibu Canyon Road closed on Wednesday April 3, from Civic Center Way to Piuma in both directions due to a fatal traffic incident. The Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s station received a call at 5:30 p.m. that a vehicle went over the side of the canyon.

Tracy Vancura, 63, of Camarillo, was thrown from the vehicle and found dead at the scene, according to the L.A. Department of Medical Examiner. Her vehicle plunged 150 feet over the side of the mountain road, and she was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead.

Sheriff’s deputies say they are unsure which direction the victim was driving or if speeding was involved. The California Highway Patrol are investigating and determining how the vehicle lost control and careened over the canyon. Malibu Canyon reopened later that night.

Los Angeles County program is giving away free gun locks

SIRENS

The following incidents were reported between:

MAR 10 - MAR 12

 3/10 | Vandalism

A vehicle parked near Cross Creek Road was broken into and vandalized. The victim said the damage was estimated to cost $3,000 to repair. There were no security cameras available for evidence.

 3/11 | Vandalism

A vehicle park near Carbon Canyon Road was broken into, and the windows were shattered. The victim heard her alarm go on at night and when they went to turn off the alarm, the victim found a hammer that did not belong to her on the passenger seat. The victim believes the suspect used a hammer to break into her vehicle. There are no security cameras available near her residence, but said the neighbors across the street may have security footage of the incident.

 3/11 | Grand Theft

A vehicle parked near Cross Creek Road was broken into, and a wallet and iPhone were stolen. The victim noticed the dents on the door prior to returning to the vehicle. The damage was estimated to cost $1,000 to repair.

 3/12 | Burglary

An estimated $3,800 worth of merchandise was stolen from Malibu Brewing Company. The victim said the suspect entered through the locker room and was seen taking items from their merchandise shelf. The suspect was described as a male, wearing tan shorts and black shoes. The security footage was submitted for evidence.

hat, and sunscreen! Parking available at Point Dume Entrance (Limited two-hour free parking), Westward Beach County Parking Lot (hourly rate), and Westward Beach Road (free). To sign up visit, signupgenius.com/go/ 20F0E49A9AD2FAB9-monthly1?useFullSite=true#/.

Malibu Farmers Market Annual Paws for a Cause takes place on April 14

In an effort to decrease firearm violence, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is giving away 60,000 gun locks to the public. LA County health officials are trying to get the word out that gun violence is preventable and that local statistics on gun violence is staggering. Officials stated in LA County alone, a child is killed or injured by gun violence every 30 hours, often from guns left unlocked and loaded. The free locks are similar to a bike lock with a steel cable that is looped through the gun to prevent a round from being chambered and the gun from firing. It requires a key to open and then the gun can be used normally.

The free locks are available online and at six county-run medical centers: Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Torrance, High Desert Regional Health Center in Lancaster, Martin Luther King Jr. Outpatient Center in Willowbrook, Los Angeles General Medical Center near downtown LA, Olive View-UCLA Medical Center in Sylmar, and Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center in Downey.

Later this year, gun locks will also be available at LA County libraries including in Malibu, no questions asked.

Volunteers needed for Point Dume Nature

Preserve weeding day

Get your hands dirty and feel good doing your part! This event held every second Wednesday of the month is to remove invasive plant species by hand-pulling. Bring gardening gloves, water, a

Offering an extraordinary opportunity to connect with like-minded animal lovers, savor unparalleled culinary creations, and possibly find a new furry friend to become a lifelong companion, the annual Malibu Farmers Market Paws for a Cause pet adoption event, one of the largest animal rescue gatherings in LA County, will take place on Sunday, April 14, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Malibu Farmers Market, 23555 Civic Center Way, Library Plaza, Malibu (malibufarmersmarket.net). Promising a diverse array of animals in need of forever homes — from majestic horses to playful puppies and kittens to graceful seniors and everything in between — Paws for a Cause is a special day filled with compassion, community, and culinary delights sponsored by the Cornucopia Foundation’s Malibu Farmers Market.

At the Paws for a Cause event, visitors can meet and interact with lovable animals up for adoption by many of the leading pet rescues in the LA area, gain valuable insights from experts in the field, and explore an exquisite selection of local gourmet foods, all while embracing the joy of giving back. According to Debra Bianco, CEO of the Cornucopia Foundation and overseer of the Malibu Farmers Market, Paws for a Cause celebrates the spirit of pet adoption and offers a new lease on life for animals of all ages and sizes. We encourage everyone in the community to bring a friend, come for lunch, shop to your heart’s content, and support a noble cause! Let’s make a difference together at this one-of-a-kind event!”

The Cornucopia Foundation was one of the first organizations to get hands-on environmental education into the schools of Southern Cal ifornia. To partially fund its mis sion, the Cornucopia Foundation in 2000 established the Malibu Farmers Market, which is dedicat ed to environmental stewardship, animal welfare, and philanthropy. Bianco has meticulously hand-se lected vendors who not only pro duce the highest quality goods, but also share the foundation’s com mitment to ethical practices and sustainability.

Private street residents asked to help with installation of ‘Bot Dots’ to aid firefighters

ers responding to fires by allowing the installation of “Bot Dots” that indicate fire hydrant locations. The reflective blue dots are highly visible at night and are placed at the edge of the roadway. Many Bot Dots were never installed, and some have been scraped away during storm debris clearance work. The Bot Dots cannot be placed on private streets without permission and access from the property owner or Homeowner Association (HOA). For more information, or to help provide street access, please contact the Fire Safety Liaisons at firesafety@malibucity.org.

Clean Power Alliance update

Clean Power Alliance (CPA) is a locally controlled electricity provider in Southern California, including Malibu and 30 other communities. As part of the city’s commitment to protecting the environment, addressing climate change, and building resiliency, city staff attends local meetings, researches potential grants, and stays up-to-date on relevant legislation.

Through collaboration between the city and the CPA, Malibu’s residents and businesses are leading the way to a greener future. The recently released quarterly status report shows that 95.2 percent of Malibu participates in Clean Power Alliance, and 96.5 percent of active customers have taken the 100 percent Green Power option. Overall, member agencies reduced greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 10 billion pounds

since 2018, which is equivalent to planting 74 million trees over 10 years. For more information, visit the webpage malibucity.org/energy.

Homeless Outreach update

The city’s Homeless Outreach Team, which consists of two outreach workers and a housing navigator from The People Concern, reported that in February 2024, it engaged with 69 people experiencing homelessness in Malibu, 11 of whom went into permanent or interim housing where they will be connected to a broad network of services. The high number of people that exited homelessness throughout February is a reflection of the Outreach Team’s success in being proactive with their engagement, service provision, and housing identification, as well as a strong partnership with city staff and the LA County Sheriff’s Department. Current and past monthly Homeless Outreach reports are available on the webpage www.malibucity. org/1051/Outreach-Support.

Update on CHP traffic enforcement in Malibu

The CHP Malibu Task Force reported on its enforcement work between March 4 and March 10. They issued 87 citations: 77 for speeding, six for other moving violations, one for unsafe turning, one for distracted driving, one for a seatbelt violation, and one for an equipment violation. Three verbal warnings

Elizabeth Cochrane 1923 - 2024

L ongtime Malibu resident Elizabeth Cochrane passed away peacefully on February 29, 2024.

Born on October 31, 1923, Elizabeth lived 100 happy years!

Elizabeth attended high school in Kittery, Maine, and attended Traip Academy. In 1944, she began nursing school at Johns Hopkins University, graduating with an R.N. degree. While attending the University, she met a medical school student whom she would eventually marry and have three children. She often mentioned that 1947 was a banner year. In one amazing week, Elizabeth graduated from nursing school on a Wednesday, her fiancé graduated from medical school on Thursday, and she was married two days later on Saturday! She was honored to be married by Peter Marshall, Chaplain of the United States Senate.

After a few years of living on military bases, the young (family) eventually settled in Southern California. After fifteen wonderful years of living in California, Elizabeth and her three children moved back to the East Coast to be closer to her beloved mother and father. Elizabeth married Edward Cochrane in 1971 and spent 25 happy years with him, happily blending a family of 6 children.

In 1999, Elizabeth began a new chapter in her life, relocating from Florida to Malibu. A big step for anyone, but Elizabeth bravely took upon the change. She loved her family and wanted to be surrounded by their love. Liz (as she was known) soon became a familiar face at Malibu schools. She happily took on carpool lines and changing diapers once again. She adored her granddaughters and was thrilled to be living with her son, Malibu physician Bruce Lockwood. Liz’s daughter Paula lived in nearby Santa Monica, and Liz could not have been happier with her decision!

Throughout her life, Elizabeth loved singing in church choirs. Liz was an avid reader and was seldom seen without a book. She loved buying books at the Malibu Library, often bringing home bagfuls of books. She drove well into her nineties and liked to meet friends for lunch at Wood Ranch or Lily’s in Malibu for a hamburger and fries (her favorite meal). Liz always had a smile on her face and an easy laugh. Everyone loved her from the moment that they met her. Elizabeth took life in stride with an optimistic attitude when she had to evacuate for a month after the Woolsey

were issued. A motorcyclist going 115 mph was arrested for reckless driving. Year to date, the CHP Malibu Task Force issued 612 citations. The city signed a long-term contract to bring CHP patrols back to Malibu as part of the city’s efforts to address PCH safety. This active, visible enforcement sends a strong signal that speeding and reckless driving in Malibu will not be tolerated. For more information on the city’s efforts to address PCH safety, visit the webpage at malibucity.org/pchsafety.

Participate in the LA County storm damage survey to help with the recovery effort

The Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has created an online survey to gather storm damage information as part of the effort to assist residents, businesses, cities, and property owners impacted by the recent storms. You can help by completing the survey. Identifying damage helps direct recovery activities and resources after any disaster, and helps to determine if the county is eligible for disaster assistance, which in turn helps LA County communities. (Disaster assistance is not guaranteed, so residents and businesses are encouraged to continue working with their insurers.)

For more information and to take

Residents on private streets in Malibu are asked to help firefight-

Donna Tainter, born November 11, 1925, passed away March 30, 2024.

Donna is preceded by her loving husband, Lloyd Tainter, and stepson, Christopher Tainter. She leaves behind her daughter, Marilyn Lauritsen, stepdaughter Phyllis Theodos, grandsons Brett Tainter and Michael Gibb, and granddaughters Chelsea Klosowski, Noel Lewis, and Nicole Wilson. Donna is also survived by niece Laurie Johnson and nephews John McDonough and Michael McDonough.

Donna was a resident of Malibu for sixty

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found D.J. a job. Things got a little easier until 2021, when Tampa was diagnosed with stage two lung cancer. For the next two years, she fought back with weekly trips to Gilbert to do chemo and radiation treatments and infusions. She won the fight and beat the cancer. Another year goes by, and Tampa has trouble breathing. She ends up in the hospital on a ventilator for ten days, ICU for three weeks, and two weeks in rehab. She came home for three weeks and went back to the hospital, and after another week, she was diagnosed with pneumonia and COPD. Not wanting to die in the hospital, she came home with the help of hospice. Two more weeks go by, and on March 12, 2024, she slipped away with her husband by her side. She leaves behind her husband, D.J., and daughter JoAnna. She is preceded in death by her parents, sister, and both brothers.

Submission deadline is Monday at noon. Please email submissions to: The Malibu Times

c/o Calendar Editor, to editorial@malibutimes.com

Only events with a connection to Malibu will be considered. Calendar events are scheduled in advance and subject to change.

thu aPR 11

SILVER FOX WALK

Each month, staff will guide participants on a walk through one of Malibu’s parks or hiking trails. This will be a beginner’s-level walk. RSVP required. Instructed by Community Services Department staff. This month’s walk is at Malibu Bluffs Park from 11 a.m.

more info, visit malibucity.org/ calendar.

MALIBU LIBRARY SPEAKER SERIES AT PEPPERDINE: LA

TIMES REPORTER ROSANNA XIA

The City of Malibu, Pepperdine University, and LA County Library are partnering to host a special Earth Month Malibu Library Speaker Series on April 11 featuring Los Angeles Times environmental reporter Rosanna Xia, discussing how environmental journalists are writing about climate change. Xia will discuss lessons learned on how to turn complex issues into memorable and deeply felt stories. She will also introduce her new book, “California Against the Sea,” and

CALENDAR

On Thursday, April 11, at 7 p.m. at Pepperdine’s Elkins Auditorium at Pepperdine University. (enter Seaver Drive at Malibu Canyon Road). An RSVP is not required to attend this free event. For parking information, call the Malibu Library at (310) 456-6438.

sat APR 13-14

MALIBU ART ASSOCIATION

SPRING FLING ART SHOW

The Malibu Art Association Spring Fling Art Show will take place on April 13 and 14 at 3728 Cross Creek Road from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy music, food, drinks, and of course, art. This is in conjunction with and sponsored by Surf Canyon. For more information, visit surfcanyon.co/.

THU

APR 17

SEMINAR AT TRACY PARK

GALLERY

Eden Mansions Presents: Investing in Spain

You are invited to Nick Söderblom’s investment seminar on April 17 at 6 p.m. at Tracy Park Gallery Malibu Colony Plaza, 23823 Malibu Road Suite 700, Malibu. For more information, call (424) 279-0147.

tHU

APR 18

EMILY SHANE FOUNDATION

ANNUAL FUNDRAISER WINGS OVER MALIBU

The Emily Shane Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit charity based in Malibu and serving children across Los Angeles and Ventura

MON APR 22

WASTEWATER AND RECYCLED WATER RATE STUDY PUBLIC HEARING AT CITY HALL

The Malibu City Council will hold a public hearing on wastewater and recycled water rates for the Civic Center Water Treatment Facility (Phase One) on Monday, April 22, at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall and virtually via Zoom. During the hearing, wastewater and recycled water rates will be established for Fiscal Years 2024-25, 2025-26, 2026-27 and 2027-28. If approved by the City Council, the proposed rate increases will be effective for services provided on or after July 1. For more information, visit the CCWTF Rates webpage www. malibucity.org/1059/WastewaterRecycled-Water-Rates.

are required for this free event. The hike will be canceled in case of rain. For more information, visit the outdoor recreation webpage malibucity.org/1090/OutdoorRecreation.

SAT APR 27

THE RIPPLE EFFECT: A GENERATIVE POETRY WORKSHOP

When things ripple, they emanate from a center and move outwards. Ripples are an unfolding interaction. In terms of poetry, poems “ripple out” from us and join the ripple of existing and yetto-be-penned poems which creates a dialogue that continuously overlaps. Join us for a generative, poetry writing workshop where we will sit in the “ripple” of pen and a notepad! Led by Malibu

• PREPARING FOR TRIATHLONS

• LIFEGUARD TRAINING

• SURFING AND PADDLE STRENGTH Dive into Excellence with Our Masters Marlins Swim Program!

• SWIMMING FOR REGULAR EXERCISE OR COMPETITIONS

• OPEN WATER TRAINING

For inquiries or to schedule a meet and greet with Coach Erik to discuss your goals, contact us at (415) 361-6552. Join the Malibu Marlins Swim Club, a USA Swimming Club Team, and make a splash with us at the Malibu High School pool!

BUSINESS

Santa Monica Mountains: A precious community treasure

New federal funding will be used by MRCA to preserve an area between Latigo and Solstice canyons

By BARBARA BURKE Special to The Malibu

There are many elements and opportunities that factor into defining what makes for a healthy, prosperous community, and for many people in Malibu, one factor that is of paramount importance is having open space such as parks and hiking trails for recreation as well as for preserving precious habitats and ecosystems.

Thus, when I recently received Congressman Brad Sherman’s newsletter and discovered that in its most recent budget deal, the Congress allocated $963,000 to fund the acquisition of private lands in the Santa Monica Mountains, I needed to find out the details.

“This funding will be used by the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) to acquire properties to increase the amount of preserved habitat along the coastal slope of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA) between Latigo Canyon and Solstice Canyon,” Sherman stated. “This project focuses on purchasing private parcel acquisitions on the west flank of the National Park Service’s Solstice Canyon Unit to protect open space and to incrementally ensure wildlife movement potential to MRCA parklands in Latigo Canyon.”

Many Malibuites reading this information may well be exasperated at the mention of MRCA as they believe that Joe Edmiston, who is the executive director

of both MRCA and of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, spends a lot of time — and money — acquiring private land, ostensibly to foster the public’s access to enjoy the Malibu coastline and the Santa Monica Mountains, but then failing, some say abysmally, to ensure that the acquired parcels are properly maintained and operated.

Other longtime locals characterize Edmiston as “controversial but highly effective,” as did the renowned and talented local journalist, author, and historian Suzanne Guldimann in her article entitled, “Imagine a World Without SMMNRA,” that was published in the Topanga New Times on Sept. 8, 2023.  As with all brilliant works penned by Guldimann, the piece is well worth a careful read as it recounts local environmental advocates’ arduous, tenacious, laudable, and intransigent battles against developer after developer after developer to thwart overdevelopment of the precious Santa Monica Mountains.

As Guldimann victoriously notes, the SMMNRA is now spread across 153,250 acres — and growing — and it “encompasses 26 zip codes in two counties on the edge of one of the most densely populated areas in the country.”

For his part, Sherman opines, “The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area stands as America’s largest urban national park, providing a variety of outdoor activities and tremendous scenic views for millions of visitors. It’s critical that we work to preserve sensitive habitat and recreational trails in this treasured national park.” Critical indeed.

Only time will tell whether Edmiston and his team will, to coin a phrase uttered by Benjamin Franklin, manage “to keep” the sanctuary that is SMMNRA, both a locals’ and visitors’ sanctuary that preserves irreplaceable ecosystems and habitats for innumerable species of wildlife, flora, and fauna as well as for we humans who are both blessed and honored to live here.

Thesis:

Question: “I see that your newsletter states that Congressman Sherman has, over the years, garnered +$20 million to protect the SM Mountains — do you have any background information and perhaps a quote from the Congressman about how precious the SM Mountains are?”

Congressman Sherman: “The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area stands as America’s largest urban national park, providing a variety of outdoor activities and tremendous scenic views for millions of visitors. It’s critical that we work to preserve sensitive habitat and recreational trails in this treasured national park.

“That’s why during my time in Congress, I’ve taken the lead in securing over $20 million in federal funds to acquire and preserve critical open space and complete the Santa Monica Mountains’ 65-mile Backbone Trail. Over half of these amounts were secured the last time the mountains were in my district in 1997-2002. I am fortu-

nate that the redistricting commission put Malibu and the Santa Monica Mountains back in my district effective 2023.

“As such, I have been a consistent supporter of federal funding across U.S. agencies that support the 30 National Scenic and Historic Trails — collectively referred to as the National Trail System — as well as the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LCWF), to protect natural resources in California and across the U.S. As a result of my fervent advocacy, the National Park Service used LWCF funds to acquire 45 acres of land beside the Backbone Trail to expand recreational opportunities, ensure the continued preservation of the Santa Monica Mountains, and maintain its beautiful scenery.

“I have also worked for decades to support a wildlife crossing over the 101 Freeway, including helping to introduce and pass into law legislation which adjusted the boundaries of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area to include that corridor. In 2022, I joined Governor Gavin Newsom and others in celebrating the groundbreaking of the Wallis Annenberg Liberty Canyon Wildlife Crossing.

“Recently, I joined Congressman Adam Schiff and others in introducing the Rim of the Valley Corridor Preservation Act which would expand the boundaries of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area to include the area known as the Rim of the Valley Corridor. This would allow for improved preservation and recreational opportunities.

“I will continue to work to pass this important legislation and keep fighting to preserve and protect the Santa Monica Mountains — an environmental jewel of Southern California and the United States.”

Times

Hikers trek through Solstice Canyon, with a Pacific Ocean view awaiting them, which is part of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Photos courtesy of National Park Service

native cultures, and Folkes said it’s inspiring to see how strongly the celebration has grown and been received by the city.

“It’s an exciting time,” she said. “That a community like Malibu has supported the powwow for this long says something. It’s a feather in their cap, the city of Malibu’s cap.”

A theme across the many representatives of different tribes was the importance put on the preservation of their cultures and traditions.

Anthony Loupe is a member of the Chumash tribe, and carried the California state flag in the Grand Entry ceremony. He explained the opportunity to represent his people was very important to him.

“I have never been so involved ever in my life,” he said. “It’s intimidating, but as part of your journey a time comes to step up and lead the next generation in ceremonies, traditions, and values that we must hold.”

Ba’ac Garcia is a professional fancy dancer and a member of the Tohono O’odham nation based out of Arizona. Garcia was among some of the younger dancers at the powwow and he shared his thoughts on the importance of new generations becoming involved with the nation’s cultures and traditions.

“The younger kids need to be part of events like this because here we bring the culture alive,” Garcia said. “The powwows show younger generations that we are still here. We show them that they are native Americans as well and that they could express their culture in their ways as well.”

Despite the evolution and growth of the Chumash Day powwow, some tribe members fear the preservation and celebration of cultures could dwindle if engagement could not be created among the younger generations of Native Americans.

Mari Huehueicoyotl, a dancer and member of an Aztec tribe said she has attended the powwow for the last seven years, and has noticed participation in her tribe’s people has declined. She expressed a desire to spread education on native peoples

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City Manager Steve McClary provided an update on traffic, road closures, and upcoming city events. McClary said Caltrans will be conducting an assessment for the upcoming rain to observe if Malibu Canyon is safe from rockslides. McClary said Caltrans will be installing a traffic signal on PCH and Tuna Canyon on Wednesday.

McClary provided an update on PCH safety and enforcement and said California Highway Patrol issued 321 citations for the month of Marc h , and 80 percent of those were for speeding. So far this year, they have issued 846 citations, 86 percent of those were from speeding. McClary also highlighted the upcoming events to celebrate Earth Month. To read more about the city’s events, read the article on page B2.

Malibu/Lost Hills Sgt. Chris Soderlund provided an update on the traffic, enforcement, and the recent fatalities that occurred last week.

On March 29, at approximately 06:30 a.m., Dimitri Failla, 32, was struck and killed by a semi-truck on PCH near the intersection of Cross Creek Road. Failla died from blunt force injuries.

Malibu / Lost Hills Station Traffic Investigators, as well as LASD homicide detectives responded to the scene to investigate the cause of this incident and said the incident was a suicide. The driver of the semi-truck remained at the scene and was cooperating with detectives. Alcohol, drugs, and speed do not appear to be a factor, according to Soderlund.

“I feel for the family and the drive r involved, he was delivering a load of fuel up to the Navy Base in Point Mugu, so he

from Mexico and involve younger generations in the celebration and preservation of their history and traditions.

She said the powwow continues to be an event of unity and cultural education and said the event offers a unique opportunity to explore diverse cultures and understand why these cultures must be preserved.

“Here we have an appreciation for culture and a respect for our history, somewhere where we find common ground in our struggles and eliminate divisions among us that would usually arise between two countries like the United States and Mexico,” Huehueicoyotl said.

“We recognize here that all cultures are beautiful and the opportunity to learn about the lives and cultures of others is special and brings us together in a brotherhood.”

The weekend gives tribes the platform to celebrate different cultures, but also allows for educated tribe members to advocate for the rights and empowerment of marginalized peoples.

was just driving back,” Soderlund said.

On March 3, Tracy Vancura, 63, of Camarillo, was thrown from her vehicle in Malibu Canyon and found dead at the scene, according to the L.A. Department of Medical Examiner. Her vehicle plunged 150 feet over the side of the mountain road, and she was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead. No other vehicle was involved. The incident is still under investigation.

On April 4, LASD pulled over three vehicles that were speeding on PCH. Soderlund said the vehicles were traveling 104 miles in a 55-mile zone The vehicles

Kiara Love Flores, head woman, dancer and member of the Kuupangaxwichem tribe of Southern California, said powwows like this give communities that may not be educated on the plight of native peoples an opportunity to get informed, become supporters and advocates for native peoples, and understand the significance of their history and influence.

“A hundred years ago, if an event like this was held, we would have been killed or arrested,” Flores said. “It’s important to continue traditions and support native peoples because, believe it or not, [we] are always being challenged of [our] rights to even gather like this today and many people may not know that’s true.”hundreds out to the park to socialize, observe, and celebrate native cultures, and Folkes said it’s inspiring to see how strongly the celebration has grown and been received by the city.

“It’s an exciting time,” she said. “That a community like Malibu has supported the powwow for this long

were impounded for 30 days

After council updates, Planning Director Richard Mollica gave a brief update on the 2023 Annual Progress Report Regarding the Implementation of the City’s Housing Element. To view the report, visit malibucity.org/ housingelement.

The council received a report on the Classification and Total Compensation Study Results and the Draft Environmental Impact Report for the Topanga Lagoon Restoration Project.

The meeting ended just before 9 p.m.

The next City Council meeting is scheduled for April 22.

says something. It’s a feather in their cap, the city of Malibu’s cap.” A theme across the many representatives of different tribes was the importance put on the preservation of their cultures and traditions.

Anthony Loupe is a member of the Chumash tribe, and carried the California state flag in the Grand Entry ceremony. He explained the opportunity to represent his people was very important to him.

“I have never been so involved ever in my life,” he said. “It’s intimidating, but as part of your journey a time comes to step up and lead the next generation in ceremonies, traditions, and values that we must hold.”

Ba’ac Garcia is a professional fancy dancer and a member of the Tohono O’odham nation based out of Arizona. Garcia was among

some of the younger dancers at the powwow and he shared his thoughts on the importance of new generations becoming involved with the nation’s cultures and traditions.

“The younger kids need to be part of events like this because here we bring the culture alive,” Garcia said. “The powwows show younger generations that we are still here. We show them that they are native Americans as well and that they could express their culture in their ways as well.”

Despite the evolution and growth of the Chumash Day powwow, some tribe members fear the preservation and celebration of cultures could dwindle if engagement could not be created among the younger generations of Native Americans.

Mari Huehueicoyotl, a dancer and member of an Aztec tribe said

she has attended the powwow for the last seven years, and has noticed participation in her tribe’s people has declined. She expressed a desire to spread education on native peoples from Mexico and involve younger generations in the celebration and preservation of their history and traditions.

She said the powwow continues to be an event of unity and cultural education and said the event offers a unique opportunity to explore diverse cultures and understand why these cultures must be preserved.

“Here we have an appreciation for culture and a respect for our history, somewhere where we find common ground in our struggles and eliminate divisions among us that would usually arise between two countries like the United States and Mexico,” Huehueicoyotl said. “We recognize here that all cultures are beautiful and the opportunity to learn about the lives and cultures of others is special and brings us together in a brotherhood.”

The weekend gives tribes the platform to celebrate different cultures, but also allows for educated tribe members to advocate for the rights and empowerment of marginalized peoples.

Kiara Love Flores, head woman, dancer and member of the Kuupangaxwichem tribe of Southern California, said powwows like this give communities that may not be educated on the plight of native peoples an opportunity to get informed, become supporters and advocates for native peoples, and understand the significance of their history and influence.

“A hundred years ago, if an event like this was held, we would have been killed or arrested,” Flores said. “It’s important to continue traditions and support native peoples because, believe it or not, [we] are always being challenged of [our] rights to even gather like this today and many people may not know that’s true.”

Tribal members and non-tribal attendees participated in the Chumash Day Powwow. Photos by Emmanuel Luissi/TMT

With Earth Day approaching, where can you recycle CRV containers?

The difficulty in redeeming CRV tax and recycling cans and bottles locally

The 54th Earth Day on April 22 is billed as the world’s largest event dedicated to preserving our planet. City-sponsored events in Malibu include Electronic and Household Hazardous Waste Collection, Document Shred Day, Organic Recycling Virtual Training, the 2024 State of the Watershed, and a Firescaping class, with all events free and open to the public.

The city will also be posting sustainability tips on social media throughout Earth Month. But there’s been scant discussion on recycling cans and bottles that are subject to the state CRV (California Redemption Value) tax and receiving your deposit back from your purchase.

The CRV tax was initially imposed in 1987 to encourage the recycling of bottles and cans that would otherwise end up in

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response plans.

landfills. CRV is a fee that is paid to the state by beverage distributors, not a deposit. Distributors pass the fee along to customers through California law.

The program is administered by CalRecycle. Beginning Jan. 1, 2024, more beverage containers, especially those containing alcohol, are now charged the CRV value of either 5 or 10 cents per container. But the CRV is much less a redemption value now than it is a fee or part of the selling price. It’s more like a convenience charge, which the distributor is choosing to recover from the customer, but technically which the customer can recover by returning the container. However, redemption for cash value is extremely difficult, not to mention time-consuming.

In the last few years the business model for recycling centers bottomed out, forcing many to simply close because the bulk return rates were not sustainable for profits. Many grocery stores that used to recycle materials either inside or outside their stores stopped the practice, claiming that handling the materials is unhygienic.

Community brigades provide a roadmap to resilience, responses during disasters

Malibu native Keegan Gibbs, who serves on the City of Malibu’s Public Safety Commission and was a central figure in a citizen-based Woolsey Fire response effort known as the “Pt. Dume Bombers,” and Brent Woodworth, chairman and CEO of the nonprofit Los Angeles Emergency Preparedness Foundation, have spearheaded a years-long herculean effort to form community brigades consisting of private individuals who are highly trained and correctly equipped to fight fires.

The community brigade effort has been a collaborative effort by Gibbs, Woodworth, LA County supervisors, LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone and Assistant Chief Drew Smith, and Lost Hills Sheriff Department

Capt. Jennifer Seetoo.

Now, a two-year pilot community brigade program will take efforts toward resiliency and community engagement from concept to reality.

Gibbs serves as the director of operations for the Community Brigade program. Woodworth has been instrumental in developing and implementing the effort. “LAEPF was established in 2008 and focuses on

According to CalRecycle, “If there are no longer traditional recycling centers to provide takeback opportunities in your area, state law puts the redemption obligation on CRV beverage retailers. A check of CalRecycle’s in-store CRV redemption locator database shows the following retailers returned signed affidavits to CalRecycle choosing to redeem in-store rather than pay a $100 daily penalty to fulfill their legal redemption requirements. Those stores are ARCO ampm, 29145 Heathercliff Road; John’s Garden; Malibu Chevron, 23670 Pacific Coast Highway; Malibu Ranch Market; Malibu Shell; Trancas Canyon Chevron, and Vintage Grocers. When contacted, it appeared only Vintage Grocers and John’s Garden were accepting pre-counted can and bottle returns for CRV redemption with the latter, a restaurant, not equipped to receive large quantities of takebacks, but certainly willing to return deposits on containers purchased at the eatery. The other retailers in the database may not be actively in compliance with CalRecycle.

engaging business, community, private sector, academic and-faith based resources in disaster preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery.” Woodworth explained.

Notably, Woodworth is extensively knowledgeable about preparing for and responding to natural disasters — he has spearheaded disaster response efforts for more than 70 disasters in more than 50 countries.

“Malibu has faced dozens of fires over the last 70 years,” Gibbs remarked. “However, our approach to addressing the issue at a community level has changed very little. This is an opportunity to draw the line in the sand at the Woolsey Fire, and create cultural change that we can share with future generations, not just in Malibu, but across California. This will be a return to the resilient Malibu of the past, but empowered by joining forces with LA County Fire.

“Community Brigades is a trailblazing pilot program that will help bridge the resource gap between professional first response agencies and local communities during disaster events. The mission is to create lasting cultural change in communities and empower them to better prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.”

As for other major grocery stores in Malibu, Whole Foods does not accept CRV redemptions; Pavilions, which previously accepted returns, no longer does; and Ralphs removed their automated return machines located at their storefront about six years ago. Ralphs and Pavilions, as well as CVS Pharmacy, have been paying a $100 daily fine to CalRecycle for non-compliance. As of their last payment on March 28, Ralphs has paid $186,000 instead of providing recycling machines. The Ralphs Corporation was unavailable for comment.

Redemption programs are about to change, though, with reforms beginning Jan. 1, 2025. Beverage retailers over 5,000 square feet and more than $1.5 million annual sales, excluding fuel, in what CalRecycle terms “unserved convenience zones” will no longer have the option to pay $100-per-day to not redeem. Instead, obligated retailers, including Ralphs Malibu, will have the option to either redeem CRV containers in store, or join a non-profit dealer cooperative that redeems on its behalf.

CalRecycle stated there is $300 million approved by lawmakers to expand recycling efforts that could include reverse vending machines, mobile recycling, and bag-drop recycling.

A reverse vending machine is described as an unattended machine allowing CRV containers for input one-by-one, or others allowing consumers to input many containers at once.

If a certified recycling center or obligated beverage retailer fails to fulfill its legal redemption obligations, Californians can file a formal complaint by calling 1-800-RECYCLE or emailing complaints@calrecycle.ca.gov. Non-compliant businesses face CalRecycle inspections and escalating penalties of up to $10,000 for each violation.

The public is encouraged to weigh in on the proposed new recycling rules electronically, by mail, or by joining an April 30 hybrid public hearing starting at 9 a.m. in the CalEPA headquarters in Sacramento (Zoom registration required for remote participation).

The challenges the program addresses include the level and complexity of risks associated with living in the Wildland Urban Interface, helping to clarify the reasonableness of the public’s expectations of government agency capabilities and urging residents to be proactive in their communities’ resilience efforts so as to minimize loss through encouraging and implementing mitigation strategies and expanding available resources and local knowledge through community engagement. That last task that includes developing collaboration and integration of communitybased resources.

One key objective of the program is perhaps one of the most challenging goals — to build trust between agencies that respond to disasters and the communities they serve.

Memoranda of agreements have been signed between the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Los Angeles County Fire Department and LAEPF to launch the brigades, which will strongly focus on efficient communication, prioritizing life safety and hardening structures and properties so as to better prepare for — and better respond to — disasters, including wildfires, earthquakes, floods, and mudslides. The program’s seven pilot communities are Malibu West, Point Dume, Big Rock, Hidden Hills, Corral Canyon, Topanga Canyon, and County Line.

“The Community Brigade Program is a monumental cultural change in how fire departments work with the community,” Woodworth explained. “It took five years to negotiate the details of the program. The County Board of Supervisors approved the documents in October 2023 — Supervisor Lindsay Horvath and her team were extremely supportive — and we recently gave a program overview to the Malibu City Council.

“The Brigade represents a huge cultural change for how trained citizen volunteers can interact with the largest fire department in the country — the Los Angeles County Fire Department.”

The vision is to provide trained citizens who can collaborate with first responders and assist citizens during emergencies as well as help residents harden their structures before disasters strike so as to mitigate risk.

“In formulating the brigade program, we engaged local people involved in the private sector, the nonprofit and faith communities, business sectors, and local, county, state, and federal government agencies.” Woodworth stated, adding that LAEPF is funded by a grant from CalFire and private donations.

Early on in the effort, The Malibu Foundation provided funding for the program to acquire necessary radio equipment — equipment that will function during a disaster, as opposed to anyone again experiencing the paralyzing communication conundrums that first responders and residents grappled with during and after the Woolsey Fire.

“We have developed a program that is highly sustainable and operational that can be implemented for many years to come.” Woodworth said. “We also designed the program so it can be replicated by other communities.”

Taking a stance that if one is forewarned, he can be forearmed, Gibbs noted that a pivotal part of the program involves pre-incident disaster preparedness — the program conducts detailed assessments of residences and companies to determine what steps are necessary to properly harden structures.

To date, 390 residences in Malibu and surrounding areas have been assessed, according to Woodworth, who added that participating residents receive a free, comprehensive report with colored photos depicting what areas need to be addressed, as well as a video and a written evaluation detailing what residents and business owners can do to mitigate the risks of

property destruction.

Such efforts are of paramount importance — readers may wish to read another article in this edition concerning the Wildfire Insurance Townhall sponsored by the City of Malibu, Assemblywoman Jacqui Irwin and the California Insurance Commission on April 4, which informed attendees that such assessments may prove to be very useful to homeowners and business owners grappling with the challenges they face regarding obtaining and retaining insurance in the current insurance landscape. Due to an exodus of insurance companies leaving the California insurance market, citizens are facing huge challenges in finding insurers who are willing to write policies in Wildland Urban Interface areas. Virtually all of Malibu and the Santa Monica Mountains fall within that classification, Woodworth noted.

A second keystone objective of the Community Brigade program is to thoroughly train, certify, and educate volunteers in compliance with LA County Fire Department requirements so that volunteers can work within the existing command structure of both the fire and sheriff’s departments. To accomplish those goals, participants are provided with comprehensive training.

“We ask that those who undertake volunteering make a commitment to serve for at least three years,” Woodworth said. “That is because the Community Brigades makes quite a sizable investment in each individual, both with regard to providing training and in providing them with VHF radios so they can communicate with authorities, with personal protective equipment that costs more than $2,000 for each person and that meets LA County Fire Department standards.”

All volunteers must undergo complete background checks and training.

“Volunteers are divided into two designations with different engagement roles,” Woodworth added, noting that those who will be in field operations — those who will be out in the community supporting first responders during an active emergency — must meet all certification and training requirements and they will be designated and insured as volunteer disaster service workers. Their field training will include learning about wildland fire behavior, firefighter training, and field training with apparatus, equipment, and appliances. A second designation is for equally important volunteers who will provide support administratively and who will support communications efforts during disasters.

Citizen involvement opportunities

People who are interested in volunteering can sign up to express their initial interest here: www. communitybrigade.org

“We already have more than 160 people that have signed up, and we anticipate many more as we continue our community outreach efforts,” Gibbs said. The program aims to be fully operational by September, Woodworth stated.

“Residents should think about it this way — we live in a fireplace and eventually, someone will throw a match into it — the smartest approach to deal with that reality is to be better prepared to identify and mitigate wildfire and other disaster risks, as well as to respond to the emergencies when they happen,” he said. Toward that end, Gibbs and Woodworth note, all residents in a Wildland Urban Interface should focus on developing and maintaining a unified approach to disaster preparedness and response because we all share the risk, we all bear the responsibility to do whatever we can to limit fire hazards, and we all share in whatever outcomes occur.

(From left) Tyler Hauptman, Brent Woodworth, Keegan Gibbs, and LACO Asst. Fire Chief Drew Smith are shown at a press conference for the community brigade program. Contributed Photo

It seemed my fate and the hopes of 1 million visitors to Buffalo would be dashed by Monday morning under a thick layer of overcast.

Crowds began gathering at the lawn of the former Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane, reimagined into the new Richardson Hotel, a perfect location for viewing. The architecturally significant building is an imposing Romanesque tower and campus. The grounds were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, best known for Manhattan’s Central Park.

As a live band played for an eclipse watching party folks lined up in eclipse finery including T-shirts and hats.

I wasn’t the only person from LA who came to Buffalo.

Tiffany Begin from Cypress, California, wanted to view the eclipse in the path of totality which includes Buffalo. “We planned this trip in October,” Begin said as the crowd started cheering as the clouds parted.

The city of 273,000 residents was expected to swell to 1 million by April 8. I was turned away for dinner Sunday night at two separate restaurants because they literally ran out of food.

With cloudy skies on Monday, even a minute before the eclipse started, I was unsure if the weather would allow for even a glimpse.

While my last eclipse was special because it was just solely my son and myself, this was special due to the community feel. People of all backgrounds and ages united in awe and wonder each time the clouds parted revealing the gradually increasing eclipse. Snatches of blue sky elicited cheers from the friendly crowd all wishing each other a great experience.

As the moment of totality approached, the event’s loudspeakers switched from playing Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the

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including wildfires, floods, and heat waves, Commissioner Lara seeks to push the insurance industry to be part of the solution.”

Attendees’ greatest concerns centered on the fact that in many zip codes across California, name brand insurers have either stopped selling new policies or imposed strict limits on agents, such as only allowing them to coordinate writing five or less policies a month.

“When you look at California’s market, the top 12 insurance companies cover 85 percent of the state’s homeowners market, and since 2022, seven of the 12 insurance groups have paused or restricted new business,” Lara said.

In 2017 and 2018, California experienced nine of the ten largest wildfires in the state’s history and seven of the ten most destructive fires statewide, including the Woolsey Fire, Lara noted.

“As a result, we face a really tough question: Can consumers actually get the home or renters insurance that they need?” Lara said.

“Non-renewals are a plague and premiums for those companies that are writing policies have doubled and sometimes tripled, leaving consumers with only an option to obtain a policy with the California Fair Plan or from a ‘surplus lines’ company, which is very lightly regulated,” Amy Bach, United Policyholders executive director said, noting that her organization is a nonprofit whose mission is to be a trustworthy and useful information resource and a respected voice for consumers of all types of insurance in all 50 states.

“California’s Fair Plan is overwhelmed and experiences long delays in processing applications.”

Panelists noted that the California Fair Plan was established so that all California property owners have access to basic fire insurance for high-risk properties when access to coverage in traditional markets is not available. For more information, go to  https://www. cfpnet.com.

Lara explained that insurers writing policies in California contribute to funding the Fair Plan, and their contribution is determined based on the percentage of policies they write in the state.

“The Commission’s California sustainable insurance strategy is really an effort to determine what is happening throughout the state and is a result of meeting with California homeowners, business owners, fire chiefs, insurance company agents, realtors, our farmers and other stakeholders in the agricultural community, ranchers, homeowners associations and even summer camps that are having trouble getting insurance,” he said. “We’ve held meetings in all 58 counties, either in person

REAL ESTATE

Heart” to the Beatles’ “Here Comes The Sun” as the sky drew eerily dark and lamp posts lit up along with large windows of the former asylum.

Fortunately, Buffalo had over three minutes of totality allowing the assembled crowd to witness the corona of the sun peeking out from the sides of the moon’s blockage. We witnessed solar rays without the need of eclipse glasses.

With the path of totality stretching across North America from Mexico over 15 states and into Canada, my family members near Austin, Texas, were able to view totality before New York. Austin, also cloudy, got lucky as Buffalo did with clouds parting as if on cue.

Buffalo public schools were closed Monday so parents could supervise their children’s viewing while hopefully using eye-protective lenses.

Buffalo native Carol Pasek took in the spectacle of the day with humor, saying, “The best part about looking up at the eclipse for a person of age is we have no double chin.”

For anyone interested in seeing an eclipse, it’s worth noting that outside the band of totality, you will only catch a partial eclipse and, of course, weather depending, you may not see it at all.

Jeff Goldberg of Pasadena, California, said, “Wow! We just all saw it and the clouds moved away for us. Unbelievable! I would have to say that the difference between 99.9 and totality is literally the difference between night and day.”

As the crowd dispersed in search of Buffalo chicken wings and roast beef on weck, Buffalo specialties, some were heard to remark that they needed to start travel plans for the next eclipse.

The next eclipse will be in parts of Europe, including Spain and Iceland in 2026. For those staying closer to home, the next coast-to-coast U.S. total eclipse will be in August 2045.

or virtually like this meeting. The takeaway is that this insurance crisis is unprecedented in the history of our state.”

Lara also noted that, “When it comes to the affordability and availability of insurance, our goal is really to create a modern sustainable insurance market that incentivizes safety and reduces risks, but that doesn’t retreat from high-risk areas and instead utilizes long-term strategies to continue to provide coverage to consumers.”

He explained that his agency “plans to make massive improvements while focusing on shrinking the Fair Plan, which will still provide a temporary option in the short term for many Californians.”

Lara’s Sustainable Insurance Strategy strives to protect California consumers and address the pressing challenges posed by climate change. He explained that the strategy focuses on streamlining insurers’ rate applications, introducing risk management tools such as catastrophe modeling, strengthening the Fair Plan, and depopulating that plan as quickly as possible.

“This ambitious strategy is aimed at safeguarding the overall health of the insurance market, which is comprised of consumers, homeowners and business owners, while ensuring the long-term sustainability of the insurance industry,” Lara stated, noting that the strategy “aims to increase options for consumers,” and that he “is pressing insurance companies to offer discounts for fire-hardened homes whose owners have taken security measures to deter

wind-driven embers and also for those who maintain defensible spaces as well as for being in firewise communities.”

The Firewise USA program is led by the National Fire Protection Association and offers a structured approach for communities to enhance their wildfire resilience in California, several speakers noted. For more information, readers can consult readyforwildfire.org, which is coordinated by Cal Fire.

Overall, Lara emphasized that consumers should find a good insurance agent or broker and importantly, should avoid underinsuring their home.

Guests who also contributed to the conversation included Agoura Hills Mayor Pro Tem Penny Sylvester, Calabasas Mayor Alicia Weintraub, Chief Daniel Berlant of Cal Fire, and Bach. Sylvester and Weintraub both shared that they are receiving many complaints from constituents. Irwin noted that although regulators have waited for entrepreneurs to offer innovative insurance solutions in a competitive marketplace, none have done so and both insurance companies and insureds are waiting for the commission to take action.

The road ahead

The discussion turned to the fact that some homeowners and renters are receiving notices of non-renewal and are finding it extremely challenging to find insurers that are willing to write new policies or to renew existing policies.

“As an example, State Farm has announced that for now, it will not be renewing policies in some fire-

prone areas.” Lara said. “That affects approximately 30,000 homeowners’ policies and the rest are a combination of businesses and those seeking rental insurance.”

Addressing such actions by insurers, Lara said, “There’s a misconception that when insurance companies pause or restrict new business, consumers will be dropped immediately and left without coverage. But that is not true because, under California’s consumer protection laws, insureds have time to explore their options to find coverage before they are non-renewed.”

“The Department of Insurance has experts ready to assist effective consumers in finding alternative coverage either in the competitive market or with the Fair Plan,” Lara said. “As insurance commissioner, I hold insurance companies accountable, and the commission is making sure that insurers are financially solvent and that they meet the needs of the consumers.”

Noting that California is not alone in experiencing significant premium increases, Lara said, “California’s rates are still way lower than those in Texas and Florida where they’re unfortunately also going through an insurance crisis. We in California are right in the middle nationally but the risk continues to increase.

“Prices have increased nationally. We need to get back to a point where insurance companies are competing for your business to drive down the cost.”

“The current insurance mess is rampant and the actions by insurers who choose not to write new policies or renew polices is occurring statewide despite the fact that the commission has approved justified rate increases and currently some rate increase requests are pending,” Lara said, noting that over the past decade insurance companies have fared far worse in California than nationally.

In the absence of cost-effective available policies, Bach noted that insureds are becoming innovative regarding how to obtain afford-

Sharing important resources for homeowners facing a notice that their insurer will not renew coverage, Bach advised that readers consult uphelp.org/dropped-by-yourhome-insurer-don’t-panic-tryour-tips. The California Insurance Commision oversees insurers’ policy rates, Lara noted, adding that Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order on Sept. 21, 2023, urging the Commission to take swift action to address issues with the insurance market and expand coverage options for consumers, while maintaining strong consumer protections and keeping plans affordable.  Lara stated that his office hopes to have new insurance regulations in place by the end of the year. The executive order was issued in response to the insurance industry pressing for the department to factor in their cost of reinsurance as well as predictive, as opposed to historical, modeling in rate setting. Predictive modeling factors in the future risk of disasters such as wildfires. Unlike the rest of the nation, California has not considered predictive modeling when setting rates.

able insurance. For instance, some HOA’s have formed their own captive insurance companies.

“There are also some risk-pooling efforts,” She said. “My organization is looking into all kinds of innovative ideas because obviously, we now see from how much power a private industry has over our economic health and it’s not healthy.”

Addressing the bottom line, Bach noted, “There is no question that we are going to be paying more for home insurance going forward, but we need to keep it fair and reasonable and rate oversight will help accomplish that — the key is to ensure that insurance companies are not over-exaggerating the risk that they are undertaking.”

“We are pushing hard to convince insurers to offer discounts for home hardening.” Bach stated.

“Insurance is the No. 1 source of money that helps people rebuild and recover after a disaster and therefore, having insurance is prudent even if it is not required by a mortgage lender.” Bach continued, saying, “FEMA money is needs-based and the maximum FEMA grant is $42,000 and the average grant is only $5,000. SBA loans are low-interest, but must be repaid. Charitable monies only cover very basic needs — not the cost of rebuilding a home.”

Overall, the complicated subject regarding insurance rates often engenders more questions than answers and The Malibu Times will closely follow developments with regard to homeowners insurance availability and costs in fire-prone areas.

People gather on the lawn by the Richardson Hotel in Buffalo, New York, to view the total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8. Photo by Nina Skriloff

Malibu Life

Malibu Dance Academy’s little dancers triumph at regional competition

Young performers learn life’s lessons about being on a team and working hard to improve skills

“The thing I like best about taking lessons from Miss Kyrra is that I loved the Rainbow Dance competition, especially when my mom went backstage and hugged everyone!” Little Freyja Jennings, 7, said. “I also like dancing with Miss Kyrra because she first taught me how to do the splits and because I like the costumes for Wonderful World!” Freyja and a bevy of other beautiful ballerinas and jazz dance students are learning to dance at the Malibu Dance Academy. Proprietor Kyrra Richards delights in teaching students from ages 5 to 14. In the process of teaching the pupils dance techniques, Richards also teaches them the invaluable lifelong skills that one learns from being a part of a team and consistently contributing to it, working hard to improve their skills, experiencing delight when their team wins a competition, being graceful when they don’t, and also knowing that it takes hard work to do so.

The Academy’s troupe, consisting of dancers aged 5 to 8, recently won best overall team at the Southern California Region’s National Dance Competition. “The students competed in several dance categories, taking first place in jazz dance,” Richards said. “They also won the best overall category, which considers all

the competing groups together.” We were all so proud of them!” Freyja’s parent Tina Jennings said. “All the moms and families were all jumping up and down when we learned that the troupe

won first place overall!” Richards started teaching dance to students at Malibu Fitness in September 2022. The idea of opening a Malibu studio grew organically as more and more

students and parents sought dance lesson opportunities.

“I opened Malibu Dance Academy in January, and I have developed a structured program for young artists to learn proper

technique in a warm, nurturing environment.” Richards said. “The Academy is a place where families are welcomed and encouraged to be part of the experience.

April is an opportunity to celebrate Earth Month. From recycling to volunteering, there are unlimited ways to participate with family and friends and reduce your carbon footprint.

The Malibu Times gathered a few events being held here in Malibu as well as our surrounding communities to help donate your time to make a global impact.

The City of Malibu, Pepperdine University, Heal the Bay, and other organizations are holding a series of events in celebration of Earth Month, highlighting recycling, waste reduction, water conservation, and energy efficiency, and empowering the community to adopt sustainable practices. All events are free and open to the public.

On Tuesday, April 9, Pepperdine University held an Earth Day Fair where student and community organizations posted outreach booths, and educational events. The City of Malibu participated with an outreach booth, shared information about ongoing programs and upcoming events, and offered students and faculty the opportunity to connect with the environmental community outside the school campus. For more information, visit the website at https://www.pepperdine.edu/

climate-calling/.

On Thursday, April 11, Pepperdine, the City of Malibu, and the Malibu Library held a special Earth Month Malibu Library Speaker Series featuring Rosanna Xia, Los Angeles Times environmental reporter and columnist. Xia will examine how environmental journalists today are writing about climate change and discuss lessons on how to turn complex issues into memorable and deeply felt stories. Xia will also introduce her new book,

“California Against the Sea,” and share insights from her award-winning reporting on sea level rise. RSVPs not required to attend this free event.

On Wednesday, April 17, at 7 p.m., join the city’s virtual training on organics recycling, waste reduction, and proper separation of kitchen food scraps. The Organic Waste Recycling Program is an important way for the community to help address climate change and protect the environ-

PEOPLE

A chat with the ‘War Sheep’

MALIBU SEEN

By Benjamin Marcus,

Entertainment Editor Talking story with Lombardo’s ‘All Together Now’ statue

Riding around the Malibu on a fresh spring day. Hoped to get some ’Bu Bagels at the Farmer’s Market but didn’t see them. Drums were beating up on the hill from the Chumash Festival. Lot of people in town enjoying the fresh. Went by the Deli Formerly Known as Malibu Kitchen to see what was happening there, and to talk to Suzy about helping with her taxes. Passed by that statue outside of Starbucks and decided it would be good to get their angle on things. But made a big mistake. What’s shaking?

PIG 1: Just hanging. Lazing on a sunny afternoon.

PIG 2: Digging the scene with a gangster lean.

PIG 3: Watching people come and go, speaking of Michelangelo. This little piggy went to market. This little piggy stayed home. This little piggy had roast beef. Where’s the other two?

PIG 1: Wait, what?

PIG 2: This little what?

PIG 3: Did he say “pigs?”

Yes I did, Is that not politically correct these days? Pigs? What should I call you? Hog? Sow? Boar? Porker? Sus scrofa domestica?

PIG 1: How about…

PIG 2: Sheep?

PIG 3: Yeah, how about sheep?

Sheep? Is that what you are? For some reason all this time I thought

Wyou were pigs! SHEEP 1: Well, one of us is a swine.

SHEEP 2: Yeah, one of us is boarish.

SHEEP 3: But it’s not one of us.

Apologies. I just assumed.

SHEEP 1: You know…

SHEEP 2: What happens…

SHEEP 3: When you assume.

Let me make it up to you and get your opinion on things.

SHEEP 1: Well, OK.

SHEEP 2: Fire away.

SHEEP 3: Redeem yourself.

I worked on a sheep station in New Zealand many years ago and I must say, sheep aren’t the sharpest tools in the wool shed — so to speak. The Creator must have known what was coming for them.

SHEEP 1: Well you’re the fool who thought we were pigs.

SHEEP 2: So who’s the fool?

SHEEP 3: Say it loud, we’re sheep and we’re proud.

Well, you seem to be a happy trio anyway. Kicking your heels up. The Folies Bugere? Folies Woolgere?

SHEEP 1: What’s not to like?

We’re in the Malibu!

SHEEP 2: The center of attention!

SHEEP 3: If we charged $5 for a selfie, we could retire.

Where would you retire to? NorCal? New Zealand?

SHEEP 1: Not. The Louvre.

SHEEP 2: The Prado.

SHEEP 3: The British Museum!

La di da. High falutin’. That would make your creator proud anyway. Who is your creator anyway?

(There is a moment of reverential silence)

SHEEP 1: Giuseppe Lombardo: Artista.

SHEEP 2: Signore Giuseppe Lombardo: Creatore!

SHEEP 3: Signore Maestro Giuseppe Lombardo. Genio!

SHEEP 1: A modern Da Vinci?

SHEEP 2: A bold statement!

SHEEP 3: Our creator deity. Everyone needs a creator deity. He is ours!

Excuse me a minute when I look him up. Okay the Ærena Galleries and Garden speaks well of him: “Giuseppe Palumbo’s whimsical, anthropomorphic sculptures delve into the human psyche through irony, wit, and humor. By applying classical techniques to his contemporary subjects, Palumbo’s textured and spirited bronzes embody the essence of each being he portrays. The surprising humanization of common animals urges the viewer to identify with the creatures and forge surprisingly intense emotional connection with the artwork, shattering not only the barriers between viewer and artwork, but between human and beast.”

SHEEP 1: Here here, well spoken, Bruce!

SHEEP 2: Are you forging surprisingly intense emotional connections with the artwork?

SHEEP 3: Have the barriers between not just viewer and artwork but the human and beast been shattered?

Well I’m pretty intensely embarrassed I thought you were pigs anyway.

SHEEP 1: Whatever, we get that a lot.

SHEEP 2: Dancing pigs. Dancing Hobbits. Dancing Oompa Loompas.

SHEEP 3: Anything else about Signore?

Eye View: Too little time

hen I first moved here over 12 years ago, my friends back East warned me that California was prone to earthquakes, and that I might not survive here. I studied up on what to do if an earthquake struck. I read articles online, collected pamphlets, and, of course, read what the City of Malibu put out. My problem is that my memory is not as good as it was when I was younger. Quite honestly, nothing is as good. The truth is I

ment. Participants will receive a free 1.9-gallon, dishwasher-safe kitchen scraps caddy that is easy to fill, carry, and empty. For more information, including the city’s online Zero Waste Guide, visit the webpage at www.malibucity.org/Organics.

On Saturday, April 20, Heal the Bay will be holding an “April Nothin’ but Sand Beach Clean Up” from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Santa Monica Pier to celebrate Earth Month. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own buckets, garden gloves, a reusable mask, and water bottle. Heal the Bay will provide cleanup supplies for the first 300 people who are registered. To register, visit donate.healthebay.org. To learn more about upcoming events, visit their calendar at healthebay.org/events/.

On Saturday, April 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., residents can wrap up their spring cleaning at the city’s free household hazardous waste and electronic waste collection and secure document shred day. Drop off latex paint, motor oil, batteries, and electronics, and bring confidential papers to shred onsite (limit five standard-size boxes per household). Located in the upper parking lot of City Hall. For more information, visit the webpage at malibucity.org/earthmonth.

On Tuesday, April 23, from 6 to 8 p.m., the city is hosting a Firescaping Workshop class in partnership with the West Basin Municipal Water District, Los Angeles County Waterworks Districts, and the Los Angeles County Fire Department. This free event will help Malibu residents learn the benefits and techniques of fire-resistant landscaping for home improvement. For more information and to register, visit the West Basin website at app.grammarly.com/ ddocs/2426829216.

The City of Malibu invites all community members

have forgotten what to do when the big one strikes. I think I am supposed to — a) hide in my bathtub, b) go outside, c) go inside, d) lie on the floor next to the bed with a pillow on top of me, e) jump out the nearest window, f) none of the above, or g) all of the above.

The most recent earthquake which registered 4.5 was by far the strongest since I moved to California. I was sitting in a chair outdoors on my patio contemplating life and minding my own business when the house started to shake, and I heard a loud noise that sounded like a jet plane had just landed on my head.

My mind tried to adjust and quickly calculated two things— I was experiencing an earthquake, and it seemed like I was still alive. I immediately tried to think of what I was supposed to do in such a

to attend the second annual North Santa Monica Bay (NSMB) State of the Watershed 2024 at City Hall to learn about local agency efforts to enhance water quality, increase water supply, and preserve wildlife and habitats. On Thursday, April 20, from 1 to 4 p.m. The city is hosting the event in partnership with Watershed Coordinator Melina Sempill Watts and the NSMB Watershed Area Steering Committee — including the cities of Calabasas, Westlake Village, and Agoura Hills — Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, and the Los Angeles County Flood Control District. To learn more about the North Santa Monica Bay Watershed Area visit safecleanwaterla.org/watersheds/north-santa-monica-bay/.

On Thursday, April 25, the Malibu Foundation will be holding a groundbreaking event to celebrate the planting of the first microforest planted at a community college in the country.

“With your participation and support, Los Angeles County can inspire the rest of California and the country. This day presents a chance to witness the collaborative efforts of Santa Monica College, the City of Santa Monica, and the Malibu Foundation,” Malibu Foundation Executive Dirtector Evelin Weber said in a press release. “We’ll explore both the microforest at Santa Monica College and the microforest located on the median at 18th and Olympic. The median park is the first of its kind in the United States and one that is open to the public. The community can learn about the forest and participate in helping provide the community with increased environmental benefits.”

To learn more about the Malibu Foundation, visit www.themalibufoundation.org.

Residents are also invited to join the Dark Skies movement to reduce light pollution, which impacts nocturnal animals during International Dark Sky

Well he’s not actually Italian. He’s from Rochester, New York, originally, which is where my mom is from.

SHEEP 1: Sheep are wandering grazers, by nature.

SHEEP 2: We’re stuck here. What’s the gossip?

SHEEP 3: What’s the buzz? Tell us what’s happening.

Hmm,OK. Well, this morning some ding-dong overpowered his McLaren near Sunset, lost it, and took out some cars parked on the beach side of PCH.

SHEEP 1: Crazy Rich Persian, probably.

SHEEP 2: Don’t assume; you know what happens.

SHEEP 3: Those car guys. They were a menace here when Malibu Kitchen was here. We miss the Kitchen. We miss Bill. And Jerry.

SHEEP 1: We’ve been hearing drums all weekend.

SHEEP 2: They doing drum circles up at Pepperdine now?

SHEEP 3: Have they gone hippie?

No, that was the 24 th Annual Chumash Day Powwow and Intertribal Gathering at Malibu Bluffs Park. So what else is happening in Malibu? Restaurants are closing like those slamming doors at the start of ‘Get Smart.’ Nicholas Eatery is gone, a shame because those people worked hard. And a couple of places on the other side of town.

SHEEP 1: Well, people can be sheeple.

SHEEP 2: Businesses come to Malibu and see dollar signs and

think they’re going to get rich. But they get fleeced!

SHEEP 3: And the only ones who get rich are the landlords.

OK, what else? Restaurants are closing and Cross Creek Ranch hasn’t opened yet, and they better get on the good foot along with whatever is going in the Deli Formerly Known as Malibu Kitchen. Bill is selling cookies and accoutrement at Zinque and Prince Street Pizza and the Farmer’s Market, which is out of Legacy Park and back in a parking lot. Surf Canyon is growing and evolving. There have been landslides this winter — Topanga Canyon is still closed. One of your lost flock walked in front of a big rig just down the road and a woman drove off Malibu Canyon Road just up the canyon. City of Malibu is taking suggestions for what to do with all that empty dirt they own. You know, the Good, the Bad and the Ugly. People are kvelling. People are kvetching.

SHEEP 1: Plus ca change.

SHEEP 2: Plus la meme.

SHEEP 3: Sunrise, sunset.

OK, I’m looking online and you can buy a replica of you three — called ‘All Together Now’ - for $3,250.

SHEEP 1: Righteous bucks!

SHEEP 2: A deal at half the price!

SHEEP 3: Here’s how to order yours now!

For more information on Signore Maestro Genio Creatore Giuseppe Lombardo or to order your own, private dancing sheep with an attitude, go to: https://www.gallerygiuseppe.com/store/all-together-now

dire circumstance when a miraculous thing happened—the shake, rattle and roll abruptly ended. Before I could even contemplate a reaction, it was over. I had far too little time to figure out what to do, even if by some miracle I could remember the appropriate course of action.

I have been told that some earthquakes last a lot longer than the recent one did, so I hope my friends in Jersey are wrong, and that I have enough time to figure out how to survive when the big one strikes.

Week from April 2-8. This year, Dark Sky Week is scheduled to coincide with the 2024 total solar eclipse. The International

As a mom, I recognize how magical and precious time with your kids is, and I know that parents search for opportunities that allow their children to grow and be surrounded by people who care.”

A professional dancer for more than 20 years, Richards has danced in many roles and venues, including music videos, commercials, premieres, stage productions, print campaigns, and concerts. Her dance repertoire includes dancing with Nickelodeon, Spike TV, Fox, the Hollywood Bowl, Coca Cola, the LA Philharmonic, and dancing for Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, the Jonas Brothers, ZZ Top, infamous Broadway legend Donna McKechnie, and director Richard Jay-Alexander, among many others.

Richards grew up dancing competitively, winning scholarships, national championships, and titles. Her passion for dance brought her to Southern California as a UCLA Bruin and she was the captain of the the school’s Dance Team and Spirit Squad. She performed regularly at the Rose Bowl, Pauley Pavilion, and Staples Center. Along the way, Richards married Malibu local Dane Skophammer, the bladesmith who owns Iron Sand Malibu. The couple enjoy parenting their two small daughters.

Dancing is Richards’ way of giving to the world. After two USO tours performing for troops in Afghanistan, she developed an arts and recreation program for former war refugee children in New York City with the International Rescue Committee. Inspired by the healing ability of the arts, she also created a dance program at the Westside Children’s Center and Camp to Belong for foster children. Richards has trained and mentored young dancers for more than 25 years and has taught and developed arts curricula for New York’s Broadway Dance Center, Fox Studios Child Development Center,

Los Angeles Accelerated School, the Archer School for Girls, and many others. Locally, she has taught dance at Malibu Methodist, Malibu Performing Arts Center, and Musical Theater LA. She has directed several elite dance studios, winning national championships and choreography awards. She even judges international dance competitions.

Here in Malibu, the Academy offers ballet and jazz classes.  For older students, it provides lyrical and contemporary dance experiences. Those dancers participating in the competition team learn ballet, jazz technique, and choreography. Tina Jennings said the program has been bene -

ficial to her daughter.

“I think that one of the most valuable parts of Freyja being a part of the Malibu Dance Academy is definitely her exposure to Kyrra and what’s most important in the experience is the skills that students gain from it.” Jennings said. “I just know I am putting Freyja in a space where she will learn kindness and strength, discipline and how to just have fun.”

Parents Sara and Marc Provissiero wholeheartedly agree.

“The real turning point for our daughter Olivia, 7, was when the students had a recital at Pepperdine

LEGAL NOTICES

last year.” Sara said. “The event was professional and was a grade A quality show — Kyrra curated a wonderful experience for the dancers and that’s when Olivia decided she wanted to be in the dance competition team.”

Jennings, who grew up in Malibu and was a part of Malibu Dance by the Sea before pursuing theater, also commented about Richards providing students with stellar competitive competitions.

“She thinks about the whole experience for each dancer — through this year, Freyja has learned the strengths of resilience and of going to practice dance even when she didn’t want to, of knowing that she is on a team and that she doesn’t want to let her teammates feel let down, and now, she wants to practice and be a strong member.” Jennings said. “It’s important for kids to feel a part of a group that works together to produce a product — they all have to show up for one another.”

Freyja expressed her enjoyment at being in the program.

“I want to keep dancing because when I’m at dance class, I’m always with my best friends.” she said.

Echoing that, little Olivia chimed in: “It’s really fun and I have a lot of my friends and Ms. Kyrra by my side!”

The students and their families are looking forward to their recital performance at Pepperdine University in late May, Jennings said.

“Malibu Dance Academy is about so much more than dance. Underneath the twirling tutus are children finding their strength and confidence,” she continued. “Through imaginary butterfly parties, marshmallow fingers, and tickle bugs, these mini ballerinas are building positive relationships with their bodies and preparing for performances far beyond tonight’s stage. I am honored to be a part of the children’s lives.”

To

heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the WILL or estate, or both of MARILOU MILLER.

A PETITION FOR PROBATE has been filed by MARGARET JANE GEGENWORTH in the Superior Court of California, County of

THE PETITION requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A HEARING on the petition will be held in this court as follows: 04/22/24 at 8:30AM in Dept. 99 located at 111 N. HILL ST., LOS ANGELES, CA 90012

IF YOU OBJECT to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

IF YOU ARE A CREDITOR or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. YOU MAY EXAMINE the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice

may

by sending a written request to

beneficiary within 10 days of the date of first publication of this Notice of Sale. Notice To Potential Bidders: If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the property. Notice To Property Owner: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call (877) 440-4460 or visit this Internet Web site www.mkconsultantsinc.com, using the file number assigned to this case 231205444. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Web site. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. Notice To Tenant: You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call (877) 440-4460, or visit this internet website site www.tlssales.info, using the file number assigned to this case 231205444 to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee’s sale. When submitting funds for a bid subject to Section 2924m, please make the funds payable to “Total Lender Solutions, Inc. Holding Account”. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase.

Date: 3/25/2024 Total Lender Solutions, Inc. 10505 Sorrento Valley Road, Suite 125 San Diego, CA 92121 Phone: 866-535-3736 Sale Line: (877) 440-4460 By: Rachel Seropian, Trustee Sale Officer MALIBU 79 REQUEST

Notice is given that proposals

or may be mailed to you upon request by calling (626) 458-4080 or TDD at (626) 282-7829. 4/11/24 CNS-3798129# MALIBU TIMES MALIBU 80

A public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash, cashier’s check drawn

duly

trustee. The sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by the Deed of Trust, with interest and late charges thereon, as provided in the note(s), advances, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, interest thereon, fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee for the total amount (at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale) reasonably estimated to be set forth below. The amount may be greater on the day of sale. BENEFICIARY MAY ELECT TO BID LESS THAN

THE TOTAL AMOUNT DUE. Trustor(s): Iris Martin, an unmarried woman Recorded: 2/16/2007 as Instrument No. 20070337577 of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of LOS

the Beneficiary’s Agent, or the Beneficiary’s Attorney. If you have previously been discharged through bankruptcy, you may have been released of personal liability for this loan in which case this letter is intended to exercise the note holders right’s against the real property only. Date: QUALITY LOAN SERVICE CORPORATION 2763 Camino Del Rio S San Diego, CA 92108 619-645-7711 For NON SALE information only Sale Line: 916-939-0772 Or Login to: http://www. qualityloan.com Reinstatement Line: (866) 645-7711

Ext 5318 QUALITY LOAN SERVICE CORPORATION . TS No.: CA-18-825804-CL IDSPub #0201678 4/11/2024 4/18/2024 4/25/2024 MALIBU 82

2024064573

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

THE FOLLOWING PERSON IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS

AS:

27009 SEA

DRIVE, MALIBU, CA 90265 Assessor’s Parcel No.: 4460-017-038 NOTICE TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS: If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the property. NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call 916-939-0772 for information regarding the trustee’s sale or visit this internet website http:// www.qualityloan.com, using the file number assigned to this foreclosure by the Trustee: CA-18-825804-CL

Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the internet website. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. NOTICE TO TENANT: You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call 916-939-0772, or visit this internet website http://www. qualityloan.com, using the file number assigned to this foreclosure by the Trustee: CA-18-825804-CL to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee.

Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase. NOTICE TO PROSPECTIVE OWNER-OCCUPANT: Any prospective owner-occupant

1. BULOGYX

30765 PACIFIC COAST HWY #160, MALIBU, CA 90265, LOS ANGELES COUNTY

Articles of Incorporation or Organization Number (if applicable): Registered Owner(s):

1. BARBARA L DIJKLER

30765 PACIFIC COAST HWY 160, MALIBU, CA 90265

If Corporation or LLC- CA State of Incorporation/Organization

This business is conducted by: AN INDIVIDUAL

The date registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 04/2019

I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime).

Signed, BARBARA L DIJKER, OWNER

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on 3/26/2024. NOTICE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION.THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE). Publish in The Malibu Times: 4/11, 4/18, 4/25, 5/2/2024 MALIBU 84 2024064571

“NOTICE TO READERS: California law requires that contractors taking jobs that total $500 or more (labor and/or materials) be licensed by the Contractors State License Board. State law also requires that contractors include their license numbers on all advertising. Check your contractor’s status at www.cslb. ca.gov or 800-321-CSLB (2752). Unlicensed persons taking jobs that total less than $500 must state in their advertisements that they are not licensed by the Contractors State License Board.”

ALL REAL ESTATE advertised herein are subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, ancestry or national origin or intention to make such preference, limitation or discrimination. We will not knowingly accept any advertisements for real estate in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

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Previous assistant at Grand Canyon University also coached at UCLA, Indiana, UMass, and Memphis

The Pepperdine Waves men’s basketball team has a new head coach. Ed Schilling was named the squad’s coach on April 2. Schilling, 58, steps on Pepperdine’s orange and blue sideline after 13 years as an assistant coach with various college hoops squads including Grand Canyon, Indiana, UCLA, UMass, and Memphis. Schilling is thrilled to be the Waves new coach.

“The university’s prestigious academic reputation, [and] beautiful campus and passionate vision for basketball success from President [Jim] Gash, Dr. Tim Perrin, and Tanner Gardner make this opportunity a remarkable blessing,” he said.

Gardner, Pepperdine’s director of athletics, is excited to welcome Schilling to the Pepperdine Family.

“I look forward to partnering with him to chart a bright future for Pepperdine men’s basketball,” he stated.

Schilling was an assistant coach of Grand Canyon University’s basketball team the last four seasons. He helped guide the team to Western Athletic Conference titles in 2023 and 2024, and three NCAA tournament berths.

In the basketball world, Pepperdine’s new coach is known as a coaching and player development veteran.

Gash said Schilling has shown the highest levels of leadership during his time in college and professional basketball.

Pepperdine pulls off two sweeps ahead of April 14 doubleheader against San Francisco and Portland

The Pepperdine Waves men’s tennis team snagged two wins in the West Coast Conference last weekend.

The Waves defeated rival Loyola Marymount University on April 6 at the

SPORTS

“His extensive experience throughout his career has exemplified the visionary leadership, strategic thinking, adaptability, and emotional intelligence required to navigate the world of college athletics,” Gash stated. “I look forward to a new era of Pepperdine basketball under Coach Schilling’s leadership.”

Schilling was an assistant coach at Indiana from 2017 to 2019. He had the same role on UCLA’s men’s basketball staff from 2013 to 2017. UCLA had a 96-45 record, made three Sweet Sixteen appearances, and sent nine players to the NBA, while Schilling was an assistant coach.

Schilling was an assistant coach under famed head coach John Calipari on three different teams. He coached under Calipari on the NBA’s New Jersey Nets. Schilling was a member of Calipari’s college coaching staffs at UMass and Memphis.

UMass advanced to the Final Four.

From 2007 to 2013, Schilling trained more than 60 players a year — including young players preparing for pro hoops — at St. Vincent’s Sports Performance and its NBA readiness program. He also coached the Adidas High School All-American Team in several competitions and was a trainer and director as Champions Academy in Indianapolis. Schilling coached high school basketball at Park Tudor School, Western Boone Junior-Senior High School, and Logansport High School in Indiana, his home state.

Schilling has also co-authored two books — “Guard Play” and “Five Star Basketball.”

Quotes from several high-profile college coaches were included in a release from Pepperdine about Schilling’s hiring.

Calipari said Schilling is a terrific coach, teacher,

and developer of young players.

“His success is centered around his faith and his caring heart,” he said. “We worked shoulder to shoulder and I got to see firsthand what a good man and caring coach he is. If my son were playing today, I would want him to play for Ed.”

Nevada head coach Steve Alford said Schilling is an outstanding basketball coach.

“He and Pepperdine are a perfect fit,” he said.

Grand Canyon head coach Bryce Drew is excited for the future of Waves basketball.

“Ed really helped us go to three NCAA tournaments and always coached and lead with integrity and God at the center,” he said.

Schilling follows Lorenzo Romar as Pepperdine’s coach. Romar was relived of the position in March after coaching the Waves from 2018 to 2024.

Pepperdine finished last season with a 13-20 record.

LMU Tennis Center and then knocked off Santa Clara the next day at the Ralphs-Strauss Tennis Center on Pepperdine’s campus. Both victories were 4-0 sweeps. The Waves head into their April 14 home doubleheader against WCC competitors San Francisco and Portland with a 9-10 overall record and 3-1 record in the WCC. The Waves play San Francisco at 10 a.m. and Portland at 2 p.m.

The Waves won all three doubles matches when their tandems secured wins on courts two and three at the same time. Linus Carlsson Halldin and George Davis won their matchup 6-4 and Chris Papa and Zach Stephens notched a 6-4 win also. Additionally, Pietro Fellin and Edward Winter defeated their opponents.

The Waves dominated in singles play also. Robert Shelton won 6-3, 6-0, and Winter won 6-3, 6-3. Stephens secured the win with a 6-4, 6-2 triumph. Carlsson Halldin, Davis, and Fellin were all winning their matches when Pepperdine’s victory was in the books.

The Waves win over Santa Clara was also dominant.

Fellin, Winter, and Stephens won in singles after Papa and Stephens secured the doubles point with a 6-2 win. Five of six Waves won their first set in singles play.

Winter won his matchup 7-5, 6-1. Fellin won 6-3, 6-1, and Stephens won 6-3, 6-4. Carlsson Halldin, Davis, and Shelton’s matches went unfinished since Pepperdine had already notched the win.

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Mister Roberts Painting Company

Mister Roberts Painting brings 59 years of trusted expertise in Malibu and surrounding areas. Owner and long-time local, Wink Roberts and his highly skilled craftsmen have won countless honors including a first-place award with the American Institute of Architects. They have painted thousands of houses and commercial structures in Los Angeles, Vail and Hawaii. Start to finish, they bring punctual, professional management to your project, no matter how big or small. They have a long list of loyal clients because they treat every home like a legend.

Mister Roberts Painting uses only high quality, leading-edge materials and techniques to ensure your project lasts, even in challenging marine environments. Services include new and existing interiors/ exteriors, historic architectural restorations, specialty finishes, cabinets, furniture, drywall and much more.

A Malibu local since the 1960s, Wink Roberts is a surfer (Makaha Winter Internationals/3rd Pt. Juniors), sailor (Crazy Horse Saloon Prindle Regatta Champion), Program Director/Captain (Pepsi Skateboard Team), actor, stuntman and screenwriter.