The Malibu Times • July 4, 2024

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A flawed and incomplete Temporary Use Permit (TUP) previously approved by the City of Malibu for a July 4 party at Nobu restaurant has been revoked. The TUP was rescinded June 26 after tickets to the exclusive event at the celebrated venue were already being advertised online.

Numerous elements of noncompliance and the city’s false assertion that it was required to issue a discretionary permit apparently led to the city’s flip-flop on the restaurant’s permit.

The annual event led to near-disaster on Pacific Coast Highway last year, infuriating public safety officials and residents when overcrowding at Nobu led to the mother of all traffic jams that snarled access for hours.

The event in question, called “Red, White, and Bootsy,” is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Prices for tables range from $10,000 to $75,000, which include huge amounts of booze. (No alcohol-free spots are advertised.) Guests are required to wear white. Paid sponsorships from luxury brands target the celebrity and influencer clientele attending.

The Malibu Times identified numerous inconsistencies and falsehoods in the application for the TUP. It states the event is by invitation

“It has been an honor to serve Malibu residents,” Malibu Planning Director Richard Mollica stated as he turned in his resignation on June 28 after serving as a city employee for 20 years.

“I was fortunate enough to grow up in my grandfather’s Malibu barber shop alongside my aunt’s beauty salon, and I enjoyed weekly shrimp brunches at the Malibu Sea Lion.

“Working for the city has allowed me to give back to the community in ways my family members did as members of the LA County Lifeguards, Lion’s Club, Navy League, and Kiwanis Club. As part of the first graduating class of Malibu High

“Cruise Malibu Campaign is more than just a slogan, it’s a movement,” Deputy City Manager Alexis Brown said to start off the event last week.

“A call to action for all of us to embrace a safer more mindful approach to driving along Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu’s main street. As we cruise through tonight’s presentation, we are reminded to slow down and soak in the stunning scenery and contribute to the safety and tranquility to our coastal paradise.”

Pepperdine students, the LA County Sheriff’s Department, CHP, and city staff.

On Thursday, June 27, community members, City of Malibu leaders, law enforcement, and partner agencies gathered at Malibu Bluffs Park for the community launch event of the city’s Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) safety campaign “Cruise Malibu — Surf, Sand, Slow.” The campaign was designed by a focus group of longtime residents,

family. “My partners wanted to sell as part of their estate planning,” Soboroff added.

“It’s bittersweet to sell The Park at Cross Creek,” said Steve Soboroff, managing director of Soboroff Partners, a shopping center development and leasing company with properties across Southern California that helped develop the retail center. Soboroff managed and co-owned the center with the Gerschel

On July 1, Soboroff and the Gerschels announced the sale of the retail center to PacificWest Asset Management Corporation, based in Costa Mesa. Bill Bauman, Vice Chairman of Newmark’s Capital Markets team, represented the purchaser, while Kyle Miller of Newmark represented the sellers. The sale price was not disclosed.

The property, which totals 39,350 square feet on 5.96 acres, is the only retail center in Malibu that is currently fully occupied. The Park at Cross Creek was

“Today’s event is a celebration of community spirit, collaboration, and a shared commitment to making Malibu a safer place for everyone,” Brown said.

Brown introduced Mayor Steve Uhring to the podium, and Uhring introduced the guest speakers, also known as the Cruise Malibu Focus Group.

Some residents have expressed their frustration on NextDoor and asked their neighbors to email the mayor and and mayor pro tem to move the construction to the nighttime.

Construction on PCH has created frustration among residents who commute through Malibu on a daily basis. One parent expressed her concern on the construction near Carbon Canyon and said she even pulled her child out of Malibu High School to a school in Santa Monica because of the traffic and asked the city and Caltrans for their support in making these improvements.

Last week, the Public Works and Public Safety Commission held a joint meeting to receive a presentation from Caltrans and their proposed PCH master plan.

“This construction can’t go past August, we really need roads to be open for school transportation — we can’t afford to spend two hours to getting from one end of Malibu to the high school, it’ll devastate our schools,” Commissioner Wade Major said. “We desperately need that consideration and for the current work as well.”

“Tell them to move the project to the night, tell them how miserable the traffic is!” Romy Bennett from Rambla Pacifica said in a Nextdoor post. “Email again and again and have your neighbors and friends email. I just emailed again!”

The day after the meeting, at the Cruise Malibu Campaign event at Malibu Bluffs Park, Public Works Director Rob DeBoux provided a statement and said the construction can’t be moved to overnight due to safety concerns.

“If they do it during the night, it would substantially lower production, cost, and make it very dangerous,” DuBoux said. “What they’re doing out there, they need to have good vision, they’re digging in the ground, if they cross a gas line and they don’t see it, it could explode.”

Public Works Chair Jo Drummond and Chair Chris Frost asked if they are able to open up the middle lane to let traffic flow.

“We’re looking into that,” DuBoux said.

By BARBARA BURKE Special to The Malibu Times

OPINION

In Case

You Missed it

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

The need for speed ... cameras: Part One Automated traffic enforcement works for small-town Iowa, but will it work for Malibu?

Malibu Search and Rescue saves hikers in severe heat SAR, MRCA advise visitors on coming to recreational areas during times of excessive heat

Our Lady of Malibu congregation and school community celebrates departing leaders

Father Matt Murphy and Principal Rich Nambu are leaving to serve other faith communities

Parks and Rec Commission consider nominations for the Jake Kuredjian Citizenship Award

Longtime preschool teacher and lifeguard Shari Larra and Poison Free Malibu and its founders get nods

New coach selected to lead Waves on the diamond

Tyler LaTorre coming from Westmont College to become the 18th head coach in Pepperdine’s baseball history

the

oday, we take part in a wide range of activities to commemorate our nation’s independence. Beneath the canopy of laughter, joy, and radiant sunshine lies a deeper significance—the reflection on why we come together and what America means to each of us.

The foundation of our Fourth of July customs can be traced back to the 18th century and the profound narrative of the American Revolution. Amidst the turmoil of conflict, the Continental Congress boldly proclaimed independence on July 2, 1776. Merely two days later, amidst fervent deliberation and discourse, 56 delegates from the 13 colonies ratified

the Declaration of Independence, a monumental manuscript penned by the youthful Thomas Jefferson at the age of 33, shaping the fate of a burgeoning nation. Among these delegates, ages spanned from the youngest, Thomas Lynch Jr. and Rutledge, Edward at 26, to the eldest, Benjamin Franklin at 70. The identities of the signers remained undisclosed until early 1777, when Congress permitted the publication of an official version bearing their names. On Jan. 18, 1777, printer Mary Katherine Goddard’s rendition in Baltimore, at the behest of the delegates, bore the signatures authenticated by John Hancock, affirming their desire to memorialize their commitment for posterity.

The Revolutionary War broke out in 1775 due to escalating tensions between Great Britain’s 13 North American colonies and the colonial government representing the British crown. The conflict was sparked by confrontations between British troops

On debate’s aftermath and President Biden’s fitness

As the smoke slowly clears above the disaster that was the initial 2024 presidential race, I am left relatively speechless. I have known Joe Biden for nearly 50 years, from the days when I worked on the U.S. Senate Budget Committee in the early 1980s, through his years as vice president, to his run for president. Growing up in Philadelphia, it was said often that he was the third senator from the state of Pennsylvania. He would affectionally refer to me as the Altar Boy from Philly, even though I was staff to a senator from Tennessee. The debate was a disaster, for both sides. One candidate spent 90 minutes spewing forth nothing but unchecked lies, while the other found difficulty in forming coherent sentences. While age plays a role in measuring the abilities and capabilities of the candidates, by itself it does not offer the sine qua non of how we should vote for an individual, particularly between two individuals only several years apart. There is much talk in the days following the debate about the prospects of Joe Biden forgoing the presidential nomination in favor of a more youthful candidate. I would offer that such a drastic move should be discussed within the confines of the Biden family. As of this writing there is little indication as to whether this option is in play. If it is decided that for the good of the country, such a maneuver is warranted it would represent the highest nobility and sense of honor that an individual could possess. If the decision is to continue to operate under the existing regimen, then so be it. But either way, this is not a politically motivated decision; it is one built on the foundation of a man who has spent more than a half-century seeking to make this world and this country a better place.

Far more important are the relatively diametrically opposed approaches to how each would govern. Trump views himself with dictatorial power, even if only for one day, he demands strict loyalty that emanates from agreement with whatever position he takes on particular issues, regardless of whether they comport with rhyme or reason. There is very little room, if any, for spirited debate based upon evidence, facts, or common sense. Biden, with a half-century of experience and commitment to

navigating the legislative, judicial, and political juggernaut that governs how democracy actually works, prides his accomplishments upon the metric of actually getting things done.

Trump sees things as they either are or were in his contorted views. Biden sees things as they either should or could be. Trump sees things that used to be and wants to revert to a time when America, at least in his jumbled mind, was great. Well, in the long term, we continue to attempt to build upon a succession of greater things, the definition of progress. While focusing on the rear-view mirror we run the risk of running off the road. Biden, on the other hand, in a Kennedy-esque way adjusts to a future that builds upon the past. Robert F. Kennedy once said, “Some men see things as they are and say why. I dream things that never were and say why not.” Focusing upon the future represents progress and dedication to our children and their children. Moving forward is hard and carries risks, but we need to do things because they are hard not because they are easy, to borrow from JFK explaining why we chose to go to the moon. We either choose to advance or retreat, it is as simple as that.

As one who spent 22 years in Washington, D.C., in various senior political and public policy positions, in several presidential administrations, it is important to seek the advice and counsel of intelligent and experienced staff to help lead the charge. Without the benefit of expertise, experience, and dedication, short-term solutions may appear useful in the immediate term yet seriously lacking in the long term and saddle future generations with unnecessary burdens, we owe our future generations the best we can offer.

While the president is charged with making ultimate decisions, the more input he or she derives from professionals who are experts in the various fields that are covered on a normal day will dictate largely upon whether the administration is successful or not.

As a plethora of political pundits and ordinary voters spend time questioning whether President Biden is capable of handling another term, I would offer the following: First and foremost, the decision is one that he and his family must agree upon, and I am confident that they will make the best decision for both the president and the country. Regardless of what decision is made, the most important thing for the nation is to move forward not backwards.

Lance Simmens is an independent columnist for Atascadero News / Paso Robles Press, he alongside 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 editor@13starsmedia.com.

and colonial militiamen in Lexington and Concord in April 1775. By the following summer, a fullscale war for independence was underway. France’s entry into the conflict in 1778 transformed it into an international struggle. With French assistance, the Continental Army compelled the British to surrender at Yorktown, Virginia, in 1781, effectively securing American independence, which was formally recognized in the Treaty of Paris in 1783.

The roots of the conflict trace back over a decade before its outbreak. The French and Indian War (1756-1763) expanded British territories but burdened the colonies with unpopular taxes.

Colonists protested against taxation without representation and demanded equal rights as British subjects. In response, delegates including George Washington, John and Samuel Adams, Patrick Henry, and John Jay convened the First Continental Congress in 1774, denouncing British policies but not yet calling for independence.

The conflict escalated with the Battles of Lexington and Concord in April 1775, marking the beginning of the Revolutionary War. Initially,

With 51 million people, I watched the presidential debate, a 30 percent decline from the first BidenTrump debate in 2020 when 73 million tuned in. Both candidates are a known element to voters, and in every debate cycle both sides claim victory, but not this time. Universally acknowledged, Trump trounced Biden. I watched the CNN post-debate panel in fascination waiting for the spin which was not forthcoming, as in dismay they speculated on what the DNC was going to do to swap out Biden for another candidate. Only Rachel Maddow tried to salvage it speaking about how incumbent presidents historically do poorly in the first debate, comparing it to Obama’s poor performance against Romney. Obama, a brilliant orator, at his very worst was exponentially better than Biden. Any party faithful observing their candidate do well and defeating their opponent in a solid debate feels exhilarated, and as a Republican I should have been happy with what I observed. So why did I end up feeling sad and apprehensive? I have always rankled when citizens say “He’s not my president” which I heard a lot about GWB and especially Trump. Biden IS my president, and although he’s been a disaster for America in an unprecedented fashion, he is the command-

few colonists sought complete independence, but sentiments shifted rapidly, fueled by growing hostility toward Britain and revolutionary literature like Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense.” The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776, leading to the formation of the United States. The war’s turning point came with the surrender at Yorktown in 1781, although formal peace was not achieved until the Treaty of Paris in 1783. Independence Day celebrations became an annual tradition, fostering unity and political discourse among emerging parties like the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans.

Reflecting on history, Americans continue to uphold their freedoms while striving for progress. Independence Day serves as a reminder to safeguard these freedoms for future generations. In the timeless refrain of our national anthem, may the star-spangled banner yet wave o’er the land of the free and the home of the brave. This Fourth of July, let us unite in the spirit of camaraderie and renewal, reaffirming our commitment to the ideals that define us as Americans.

er-in-chief. The mumbling incoherent sentences, the vacuous stares, illustrated for all the world to see that this 81-year-old man is losing his faculties and is not fit for office.

For any of us that have been paying attention, this has been increasingly obvious for the last two years, but he has been protected by his handlers and the media, which is largely in the pocket of the DNC. He wanders off aimlessly on stages, tries to shake hands with people that aren’t there, and forgets where he is and what he is talking about. He refuses to take a cognitive test with the party faithful backing him, telling us not to judge him based on our own lying eyes of what we see on camera, because he is “very sharp” in meetings. Few news outlets questioned this ridiculous charade, and White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre called the sad videos “cheap fakes.”

After a week of non-stop preparations, Biden utterly failed by any metric to defend his policies, record, or demonstrate his competency to be president for the next four years, let alone for the next six months.

The emperor has no clothes, and although we all should have known it, the party faithful have pretended otherwise, yet they were stunned by this inevitable unmasking.

Americans are busy living their lives, going to school and work, raising their families. They can be forgiven for not paying attention, but I was surprised that the political experts on the CNN panel were shocked by Biden’s condition. Such willful self-delusion is surprising to observe, but when viewed through the radical partisanship that has gripped us, coupled with Trump derangement syndrome of many, I shouldn’t be surprised.

In reaction to the revealing debate a friend wrote “I would vote for Biden if he was a corpse before I would vote for Trump,” and there you have it. The DNC’s problem is that rabid hatred won’t win the White

House, and there is open discussion on how to replace Biden. Eighty-two percent believe Biden should drop out, including 55 percent of Democrats. Seventy-two percent of voters believe he is not mentally fit to serve as president.

Watch for pressure from big donors, the Clintons and Obamas for him to withdraw. If he does, it will be a brokered convention in August, with open floor debates and backroom deals. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is fundraising, Gov. Newsom has been running national ads for the last year “just because,” and of course there is the unpopular VP Kamala Harris. Pass the popcorn. Should Biden refuse to step down, the vice president and cabinet could declare he is unable to discharge his duties and she would assume the presidency, as established in the 25th amendment. Biden could fight that, and it takes two-thirds of Congress to agree to remove him, but this would allow Harris to go into the convention as acting president, the Democrats could pivot to her, and she alone would have access to his millions in campaign contributions. All her statements to date, however, have been loyal to Biden.

This discussion of the 25th Amendment sadly centers on political machinations, rather than the good of the country. In 1919, President Wilson suffered an incapacitating stroke, which was covered up by his physician and wife Edith. Astonishingly, she functionally ran the executive branch for the next two years. Biden is increasingly demonstrating old age dementia. Is he qualified to make a snap decision at 3 a.m. if Russia detonates a nuke in Ukraine, or China invades Taiwan? No. 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.

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“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 From the Right LANCE SIMMENS OPINION COLUMNIST From the Left
FROM THE LEFT AND THE RIGHT
Sharks athletes in various sports garner league honors Malibu boys and girls swimmers among several spring competitors who garnered league recognition

SIRENS

The following incidents were reported between:

june 1 - june 7

 6/1 | Vehicle Burglary

A vehicle parked near the Malibu Pier was broken into and ransacked. The victim’s iPhone, purse, and wallet were stolen. There was no damage made to the vehicle. The victim was unsure how they entered their vehicle. There were no security cameras available for evidence.

 6/1 | Vehicle Burglary

A vehicle parked near Topanga State Beach was broken into and the victim”s iPhone and iPad were stolen. The victim hid the key in a bush nearby, went surfing, and upon return, the key was missing and their glovebox was rummaged through. There was no damaged made to the vehicle. There were no security cameras available for evidence.

 6/4 | Burglary

A vehicle parked near Serra Road was broken into and ransacked. The victim hid the key in the right rear tire, and upon return, their laptop, wallet, and credit cards were stolen. Their laptop was worth $2,500. There were no security cameras available for evidence.

 6/7 | Burglary

A vehicle parked near Surfrider Beach was broken into and ransacked. The victim left the key under the grill of the vehicle, and upon return, the key was missing and their wallet was stolen. The victim received a notification of a $5,721 charge made to their credit card at a Bloomingdale’s and Walgreens in Santa Monica.

 6/7 | Burglary

A vehicle parked near Dan Blocker County Beach was broken into, and an iPhone, wallet, and $800 in cash was stolen. The suspects were seen by a passerby who saw two males, described as Hispanics, go into the vehicle, take the belongings, and run off to another vehicle.

Have

a safe and happy July 4 holiday

With the Independence Day holiday on July 4, please remember that all personal fireworks are illegal in Los Angeles County. Every year, illegal fireworks cause thousands of injuries, especially among children, they cause house fires and wildfires, and using them can lead to costly fines. This Fourth of July, please celebrate responsibly, and instead of using illegal personal fireworks, attend one of the many permitted public fireworks displays. These offer a safe community gathering place, where families can enjoy picnics, barbecues, and outdoor recreation. For a list of public fireworks displays in Los Angeles County, visit the LA County Fire Department webpage or call (888) 654-FIRE.

Nomination period

begins July 15 for Nov. 5 election

The nomination period for candidates running for Malibu City Council in the Nov. 5 General Municipal Election opens on Monday, July 15, at 7:30 a.m. and ends Aug. 9 (unless one or more of the incumbents does not file, in which case the nomination period will be extended to Aug. 14). Three City Council seats will be on the ballot. Nomination packets may be picked up in person from the City Clerk’s Office at Malibu City Hall (23825 Stuart Ranch Road) throughout the nomination period during the City Clerk’s office hours, which are posted on the city’s website.

To schedule an appointment to pull nomination paperwork to begin the nomination process, email City Clerk Kelsey Pettijohn at KPettijohn@MalibuCity.org or call (310) 456-2489, ext. 228. Before any candidate raises or spends any money in connection with their campaign, they must first fill out and sign the Declaration of Intent to Solicit and Receive Contributions Form and the Fair Political Practices Commission Form 501 and file them with the City Clerk. Both forms are available on the Elections webpage along with other information on dates, voter registration, vote-bymail ballots, and candidates. The page will be regularly updated with new information.

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 May 2024, it engaged with 67 people experiencing homelessness in Malibu, four of

NEWS BRIEFS

whom were placed into permanent or interim housing where they will be connected to a broad network of services. Among them was a veteran who had recently arrived to the city, suffering from symptoms following a stroke that had rendered him paralyzed and unable to speak. Through a coordinated and comprehensive approach, the Outreach Team was able to transition him into temporary housing where he now remains housed, healthy, and safe. Current and past monthly Homeless Outreach reports are available on the webpage and malibucity.org.

Summer season PCH safety and beach messaging

As Malibu prepares to welcome millions of visitors for the summer, the city is posting messages to help keep PCH, beaches and trails, and Malibu’s neighborhoods safe, clean, and beautiful for residents, visitors, cyclists, pedestrians, and other motorists all summer long.

Please help keep PCH safe for residents, visitors, cyclists, pedestrians, and other motorists this summer!Celebrate responsibly, and don’t drink and drive. Designate drivers, use taxis or rideshares, or go sober! Report intoxicated drivers by calling 911.

• Please help keep PCH in Malibu safe for residents, visitors cyclists, pedestrians, and other motorists this holiday and all summer! Watch for pedestrians and cyclists crossing PCH and cars pulling in and out of beach parking!

Please help keep Malibu’s beaches, trails, and neighborhoods clean and beautiful for all to enjoy this holiday weekend and all summer! Pack it in, pack it out. Please don’t litter, and if you see trash, please pick it up and put it in a trash container!

Malibu City Gallery

Summer Art Exhibition Opening Reception scheduled for July 14

The City of Malibu Arts Commission invites all of Malibu to the free opening reception of the city’s summer community art exhibition in the Malibu City Gallery, “A Tale of a Seaside Town,” a tribute to Malibu’s deep-rooted surfing culture. Celebrate the artists at the opening reception with complimentary refreshments and live music by Christopher Wooley on Sunday, July 14, at 12 p.m. RSVPs are not required for this free event.

The exhibition, featuring original works in multiple media by more than 40 local artists, will be

on display July 15 through Aug. 23. The City Gallery is located in Malibu City Hall and is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission to the gallery is free, tickets or RSVPs are not required. For more information, visit the Arts Commission website at malibuartsandculture.org/306/ATale-of-a-Seaside-Town.

Public Works Projects

Public Hearing on Wastewater service charges

The City Council held a public hearing on June 24 for the Wastewater Service Charges for developed properties within the City’s Civic Center Water Treatment Facility (CCWTF) — Phase One, to be placed on the Los Angeles County tax rolls for the operations, maintenance, and management of the CCWTF. The Council approved the Engineer’s Report and collection of Wastewater Services charges. All costs associated with the CCWTF are paid by revenue generated by the wastewater and recycled water service fees. The city is responsible for costs applicable to city-owned properties in the Assessment District. For more information, see the staff report at malibucity.org.

PCH Signal Synchronization Project

The city’s contractor is currently working near Carbon Beach Terrace. Additional crews are working east of the Malibu Pier identifying existing utilities, potholing and installing new conduits and pull boxes. The electrical subcontractor has also started work on new technology for the traffic signals. Crews continue work on curb ramps and pedestals at additional locations. For more information, visit the project webpage at malibucity.org.

Trancas Canyon Slope Repairs Crews completed the slope preparation adjacent to Trancas Canyon Park prior to placing jute netting and wire mesh, as part of the work to repair damage from the Woolsey Fire. Jute netting is schedule to be installed this week and continueinto next week. Additional crews are working on irrigation system repairs.

Trancas Canyon Playground resurfacing to continue after summer Field operations will begin on the project to resurface the playground at Trancas Canyon Park following the Labor Day holiday weekend.

Malibu Bluffs Park South Walkway repairs

Work is complete on the project to repair the south walkway at Malibu Bluffs Park.

Legacy Park Benches renovations

In Loving Memory

The city’s contractor has completed refurbishing work on the first group of 12 benches in Legacy Park and is currently working on the second group, as part of the regular Legacy Park bench maintenance program.

Morning View Drive Street resurfacing

Work started on June 24 on the Morning View Drive street resurfacing project.

Latigo Canyon Retaining Walls Rehabilitation Project

Bids were received on June 13 and are under review for the Latigo Canyon Retaining Walls Rehabilitation Project. Staff anticipates bringing a contract to council for approval in September.

Malibu Rebuild statistics

Staff continues to work with homeowners to rebuild. Here are the current Woolsey Fire rebuild statistics. See continuously updated statistics on the Rebuild Portal. Out of 465 destroyed homes:

• Single-family home rebuild

applications submitted: 372 (of which 360 have been approved by the Planning Department)

• Single-family home rebuild applications under planning review: 12

Single-family homes complete: 164

• Multifamily building units complete: 18 Projects under construction: 125 Inspections approved: 10,188 Inspections total: 17,947

• Single-family home rebuild building permits issued: 289

Supreme Court overturns Chevron Doctrine

In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court has significantly curtailed the power of federal agencies to interpret laws, mandating that courts must now rely on their own interpretations of ambiguous statutes. This decision, which will have broad implications across various sectors, overrules the 1984 Chev-

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 JUL 4

POINT DUME PARADE

Join the Malibu community on

Thursday, July 4, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the 23rd Annual Point Dume Parade. Residents decorate their vehicles or carts in colorful stars and stripes. This year, there will be food and carnival games in the park at Malibu Elementary School until 1 p.m. Donations are being accepted to support Malibu Elementary School PTA. Venmo: @MALIBUELEMENTARYSCHOOL

INDEPENDENCE DAY CITY HALL CLOSED

Malibu City Hall will be closed in observance of Independence Day. Special holiday hours for city parks and facilities will be posted in the News & Announcements section of the website homepage the week prior to the holiday.

FRI JUL 5

SMARTY PANTS STORYTIME

Let’s get ready for school! Enjoy books, songs, rhymes, and movement while learning school readiness skills and having fun at the Malibu Library from 10:30 to 11 a.m. For ages 2-5 with their parent or caregiver. This program is part of Smart Start at the Library, LA County Library’s collection of programs and services for early learners ages 0-5 and their caregivers. Attendance is limited, and advance registration is required. Please register every individual in your party, including kids. This will be used to save your spots in the program. We cannot guarantee availability for any unregistered attendees. Program and materials provided in collaboration with

CALENDAR

DMH and MHSA. To register visit: visit.lacountylibrary.org/ event/10811470.

MON JUL 8

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS AT THE MALIBU LIBRARY

Join the Malibu Library on Monday, July 8, from 4 to 6 p.m. in the meeting room to learn and play the popular role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons. Beginners and experts are welcome. For teens ages 13-17. For more info, go to visit.lacountylibrary.org/ event/11034142.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

The Malibu City Council meets regularly on the second and fourth Monday of every month. The next meeting is on Monday, July 8, at 6:30 p.m.

TUE JUL 9

MALIBU COMMUNITY LANDS

OUTREACH MEETING

The City of Malibu owns five parcels of vacant land spanning over 61 acres and is launching a robust outreach and engagement program to collect your input on the use of these community lands. The city invites the community to share their valuable insights and ideas regarding the future development of five properties on Tuesday, July 9, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Meet and learn more in a presentation by Deputy City Manager Alexis Brown.

WED JUL 10

MALIBU LIBRARY BOOK CLUB

Join the Malibu Library on Wednesday, July 10, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the meeting room for a community reading program of exceptional scope, one book for all of Los Angeles County. This special book club will feature discussion about L.A. Weather by

María Amparo Escandón. For adults. “One Book, One County,” is a community reading program for Summer 2024 that celebrates collaboration, education, and conversation across our county and emphasizes the power of connected libraries to create connected communities. This program is unique because instead of one book for one library system, all 9.8 million county residents are invited to read one book together, with supportive programming provided by a network of partnered Los Angeles County library jurisdictions. Learn more about this initiative at LACountyLibrary.org/ onebook.

NATURE WALK WITH KIDS

Discover the nature that is all around us! Take a walk through Legacy Park with a City of Malibu naturalist on Wed, July 10, from 10 to 11 a.m. We’ll start at Malibu Library and finish with a short storytime in the park. For ages 2-10 with parent or caregiver. Attendance is limited and advance registration is required. Register at MalibuCity.org/Register and choose Outdoor Recreation/Hikes/ Nature Walk and Storytime. To register go to visit.lacountylibrary. org/event/11133322.

THU JUL 11

PARK TALES: SPLASH INTO READING

Park Tales is a fun and educational program for the entire family. Children and their caregivers will listen to stories narrated by a Malibu Library librarian, create an art activity, and enjoy a complimentary snack on Thursday, July 11, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Malibu Bluffs Park located at 24250 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu. Register online at MalibuCity.org/Register.

THU JUL 11

MAKE A SUNCATCHER

Join the Malibu Library on Thursday, July 11, from 4 to 5 p.m. to make a suncatcher. A suncatcher is decorative art used to catch and reflect sunlight, creating beautiful displays of color. Join us as we make radiant suncatchers and discuss their origins across multiple cultures and regions. For ages 13-17. This event is part of the Summer Discovery Program at Malibu Library.

sAT JUL 13

OUTDOOR YOGA AT KING GILLETTE RANCH

Find your center in the outdoors — join instructors Greg and Dawn for a unique kundalini yoga and wellness experience under the sycamores, with live acoustic music from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, July 13. All skill levels are welcome. Free event, free parking. Reservations required. For reservations or more info, please contact samo@wnpa.org. Santa Monica Mountains Visitor Center, King Gillette Ranch, 26876 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas 91302.

SUN JUL 14

COMMUNITY DRUM CIRCLE AT

KING GILLETTE RANCH

Reinvigorate, reset, hang out, and relax at this free outdoor event on Sunday, July 14, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Santa Monica Mountains Visitor Center, King Gillette Ranch, 26876 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas 91302. No experience necessary. Fun for the whole family! Drums provided courtesy of REMO, or you can bring your own. Reservations required. For reservations or more info, contact samo@wnpa.org. Free event, free parking. Co-sponsored by Western National Parks Association, National Park Service, and REMO Drums.

MON JUL 15

MALIBU GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION NOMINATION PERIOD BEGINS

Malibu’s General Municpal blection Nomination Period Begins at 7:30 a.m. Email City Clerk Kelsey Pettijohn at kpettijohn@ malibucity.org or call (310) 4562489, ext. 228, to schedule an appointment to pull nomination paperwork.

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JUL 16

PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING

The Regular Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting takes place at Malibu City Hall, Multipurpose Room on Tuesday, July 16, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Malibu Multipurpose room.

MON JUL 15

MAKE YOUR OWN BIRD FEEDER

Make your own bird feeder on Monday, July 15, from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Malibu Library. Create a fly-through restaurant for our avian neighbors, and learn the different methods of bird identification with library books and smartphone apps. For adults. Join our free Summer Discovery Program game for all ages! Earn badges and prizes as you log reading & activities. Visit LACountyLibrary.org/SummerDiscovery to learn more and sign up!

SALSA DANCING WORKSHOP

Learn the fundamentals of swing, ballroom, and salsa at the Michael Landon Community Center from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. $25 per workshop. During these workshops, easy-to-learn dance techniques will be taught including lead, follow, rhythm, and timing. Instructed by MC Callaghan. Ages 18 and over.

The need for speed…. cameras, Part Two: Scouting locations

Where to place five speed cameras in Malibu?

Speed cameras are coming to Malibu — hopefully sooner than later — as they wind a circuitous, precipitous route through the California legislature headed for the desk of Gov. Gavin Newsom.

It will be interesting to see where the cameras are installed and the size of the warning signs that are required by law. It will be also interesting to see the numbers these cameras generate once they are installed, because they will be placed along the most egregious public NASCAR track in America, and will most likely dwarf small-town Iowa (see Part One) for citations written, fines paid, and revenue produced.

And hopefully, the number of injuries

PCH is a charnel house. Speed cameras have to happen, and the sooner the better. And another thought: When these speed cameras go in, Malibu might consider launching a citywide, countywide, statewide, nationwide and worldwide public relations campaign that is an extension of the sign on the side of Paul Grisanti’s pickup truck, parked strategically to send drivers a message: “SLOW DOWN MALIBU.” Or those T-shirts with “GIVE US SPEED CAMERAS! SLOW THE F DOWN!”

Malibu is home to some of the world’s greatest creatives — from Mel Brooks to Bob Dylan to Janusz Kaminski to John Lydon to Spike Jonze. There is a tremendous amount of talent in front of and behind the camera who could produce a series of public service announcements letting the world know — in dramatic or humorous or musical but no uncertain terms — that Malibu is now zero tolerance when it comes to excessive speed and/or erratic

Or use poetry: This idea borrows from the Burma Shave campaign of 1926-63 which displayed a line of rhyming signs

Like those speed camera T-shirts people are wearing now, there could be a caveat

You’ll lose your license, and not be allowed

Malibu is one big speed trap, from Duke’s

SMMUSD announces bus service canceled for general education students

District cites shortage of bus drivers, which has become a problem in districts across the nation

Dozens of Malibu parents are scrambling to find transportation to Webster Elementary, Malibu Middle School and Malibu High School now that the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District announced it cannot provide bus service for the upcoming school year. The announcement this week came as a shock to parents who rely on the hometo-school service, especially for those who live more than 10 miles from the campuses.

A SMMUSD notice states: “We are considering this to be a temporary situation as we continue to recruit to fill our critical bus driver shortage. Special education students will continue to have bus service as designated in their Individual Education Plan (IEP).

“We understand that this will be challenging for some of our families who rely on these four daily routes … Bus service for California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) athletics and field trips will continue to be supported as they were in the 2023-24 school year.”

During the 2023-24 school year, the district said it averaged only 10 student bus riders to Webster and 58 to Malibu Middle/High School.

The school district claims it “ended this school year short five drivers, and we are aware that two additional will be leaving in the fall. This is out of 22 drivers to be fully staffed serving all of SMMUSD, in particular our special education students. Santa Monica does not provide any bus service for general education students.”

The bus driver shortage is not limited to Malibu alone. It has actually been called a national crisis. According to CBS News, 51 percent of districts around the country report severe driver shortages. Two years ago, the network profiled the fourth-highest-ranking FBI official, turned company CEO, Mike Mason of Virginia. Mason, who retired at 63, heard his local school district was understaffed by 125 drivers. He took a $30,000 job as a school bus driver, making a fraction of his old income, and donates all the money to charity.

One such parent who asked to keep her identity private told The Malibu Times that after using the bus for many years it became “increasingly unreliable for pick-up.” The family eventually started driving the kids to school from Big Rock, with a round trip taking “anywhere from 40 minutes to 2 hours with no way to know in advance on what end of that time range the trip will fall.” The parent decided to transfer her children to Santa Monica High School.

Another parent complained to The Malibu Times

“We sold nearly 130 bus passes for the 2023-24 school year, well below our historic bus pass sales,” according to the SMMUSD memo. “Many parents have moved to alternative forms of transportation for their students.”

ron v. Natural Resources Defense Council decision that established the Chevron doctrine. The doctrine previously required courts to defer to agencies’ reasonable interpretations of ambiguous laws. The court’s 6-3 ruling, authored by Chief Justice John Roberts, deemed this doctrine “fundamentally misguided.”

Justice Elena Kagan, joined by Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson, dissented, warning that the ruling would cause significant disruption to the legal system. The original Chevron decision had become a cornerstone of federal administrative law, referenced over 18,000 times by federal courts.

The case arose from challenges to a National Marine Fisheries Service rule requiring the herring industry to bear the costs of onboard observers monitoring catches. The Supreme Court agreed to hear the appeals focusing solely on the Chevron

question. Chief Justice Roberts argued that the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) requires courts to decide legal questions independently, without deferring to agency interpretations.

Concurring opinions by Justices Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch emphasized that the Chevron doctrine was inconsistent with both the APA and the constitutional separation of powers. Justice Kagan, in her dissent, argued that agencies, with their technical expertise, are better suited to interpret regulatory laws and that the decision undermines decades of established legal precedent.

The ruling is part of a broader conservative effort to reduce the power of federal agencies, seen also in recent decisions affecting the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Securities and Exchange Commission. While some applaud the decision for preserving the separation of powers, others, like the Southern Environmental Law Center, criticize it as a “recipe for chaos,”

predicting inconsistent interpretations of federal laws by judges lacking agency expertise.

Minimum Wage increases for all employers in city limits July 1

Starting July 1, the minimum wage in the City of Malibu will rise to $17.27 per hour in accordance with the City’s Minimum Wage Ordinance. The increase includes a 2.2% cost-of-living increase based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Malibu’s minimum wage reflects the City’s dedication to an equitable, thriving local economy. By aligning the minimum wage increases with L.A. County and some neighboring cities, the City hopes to help our local businesses stay competitive and be able to attract excellent staff at a time when companies across the nation face serious staffing challenges. All employers in the city limits are required to print out and display the informational poster, which is available to download, print out or share. The City is conducting direct outreach to businesses to ensure that they are aware of and are adhering to the requirements. For more information, visit the City’s Minimum Wage webpage at malibucity.org/MinimumWage.

of chronically late service, saying his child received tardy notes regularly and that after complaining to the district, his complaints were passed off to various employees who never followed up.

Parents this newspaper heard from said they do not want to add to the traffic on Pacific Coast Highway by driving their children individually to school.

Another said, “the bus service is vital to Malibu enrollment and attendance, especially at the middle and high school levels. It’s unacceptable that the district has decided to throw their hands in the air and give up on Malibu students.”

Malibu parents may be wishing for other such angels as Mason willing to step up. SMMUSD says it is recruiting with on-the-job training pay, salary increases, and benefits packages.

SMMUSD invited interested parents to attend a meeting July 10, at 11 a.m. at Webster Elementary School, 3602 Winter Canyon Road to discuss the bus issue.

Wade Major, president of Advocates for Malibu Public Schools (AMPS), was intending on using the service this year. He said, “Efforts at finding a solution are underway.”

The Malibu Times will cover the meeting. Interested parents may want to come prepared with ideas or to look for carpool families.

sesson is on Thursday, July 11, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Malibu City Hall, Council Chamber. The next virtual meeting is on Thursday, July 18, at 1 p.m.

During the meeting, commissioners shared their ideas on what can be done to improve PCH and make it safer for drivers and pedestrians. One idea was to implement trees along the highway.

“If the community and everyone feels like this is what they want, the trees, don’t let that go,” DuBoux said.

Executive Liaison of Special Projects Ryan Snyder also said they can take the input and figure out how to implement everyone’s suggestions.

Frost said vehicles racing on PCH continues to be an issue.

“The more we can do get CHP out here, we’re making a huge difference,” Frost said.

Snyder said they’re unaware about the racing.

The next Caltrans’ PCH Master Plan Feasibility Study

The study aims to identify safety and multimodal travel improvements for all users of PCH in Malibu, including multimodal travel options for pedestrians and bicyclists, as well as enhancing transit opportunities on PCH. The PCH Master Plan will include community stakeholder engagement activities and community outreach meetings to gather input on various traffic calming measures and other street improvements, including a “boulevard” roadway.

This Master Plan will be used in future PCH safety improvement projects. For background information, review the Fact Sheet at malibucity.org/ DocumentCenter/View/34265/PCH-Master-PlanFactsheet-6-20-24. For further questions, please contact: D7.System.Planning@dot.ca.gov.

Students will have to find other transportation to and from school in the Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District after the district canceled bus service for general ed students. Photos by Samantha Bravo/TMT
The Public Works and the Public Safety commission held a joint meeting at City Hall on Wednesday June 26 and received a PCH master plan feasibility study from Caltrans. Photo by Samantha Bravo/TMT.

Fire prevention spray company ordered to pay millions after default judgment

Malibu customers of Sun FireDefense will receive settlement payouts

A fire defense company doing business in Malibu and Santa Barbara has been ordered to pay millions for deceiving customers with false claims its product would be a fail-safe protecting homes from wildfire.

Jim Moseley is the CEO of Sunseeker Enterprises, which sold a fire defense spray called Sun FireDefense. The spray was sold as an innovative long-lasting fire retardant that was to provide protection against heat and burning embers up to 3,000° F. The company claimed its formula penetrated and bonded with wood and other building materials, insulating against heat transfer and creating a self-extinguishing reaction when hit by flame. The company also claimed it had a life span of five years of protection from one

single application when applied to the exteriors of structures, framing, or roofing. And written materials from the company stated the spray was “safe and non-toxic once applied so applications are not dangerous to humans or pets.”

Sunseeker was sued by the State of California which won a default judgment

last week. The defendant, SunseekerEnterprises, was ordered to pay restitution and civil penalties of more than $2 million. Restitution of $2,264,093 will be distributed to 14 “homeowner victims” according to the judgment filed in Santa Barbara Superior Court by Judge Colleen K. Sterne. Plaintiffs were represented by

city and county attorneys in Santa Barbara and Los Angeles including the city attorney of Los Angeles, Hydee Feldstein Soto. The highest payout of $22,000 will go to a 45-year Malibu resident who had previously told The Malibu Times that after applying $22,000 worth of product to coat part of her home, the product started to peel away sooner than advertised.

After the victim payouts, any remaining money will be placed in an escrow account pending completion of the restitution process. The defendants must also pay separate civil penalties in the amount of $2.5 million within 30 days to be split equally between the County of Santa Barbara and the City of Los Angeles.

The company had already been put on notice with an injunction two years ago to stop advertising Sun FireDefense. This week’s judgment cemented that by permanent injunctive relief stating the company is not allowed to advertise a slew of promises, including that SPF 3000 Clear Spray (“SPF 3000”) provides protection against fire or wildfire; protects against heat and embers up to 3,000 degrees, or

Independent pharmacies are closing at record rates due to PBMs

Malibu’s Dume Plaza Pharmacy is still open, but struggling

“Patients are at risk of losing their local pharmacies that they depend on, such as possibly the Dume Plaza Pharmacy, due to unfair pricing practices by Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs),” Congressman Brad Sherman said in response to a Malibu Times request asking him to address the underlying regulatory and economic causes of independent pharmacies closing in Southern California and elsewhere.

“The prospect of millions of patients being stranded without their pharmacy while PBMs rake in profits is as outrageous as it is imminent,” Sherman said. “High drug prices have long been frustrating for millions of hard-working Americans, and that is why my colleagues and I helped pass the Inflation Reduction Act, which took a substantial step towards lowering drug costs.”

That legislation did help millions of Americans. However, it does not address PBMs’ role in a multitude of independent pharmacies facing imminent peril. To be clear, other market forces are also contributing to obstacles faced by independent pharmacies, such as customers buying their prescriptions online or receiving home delivery, both of which result in those customers not going into a pharmacy where they might possibly purchase over-the-counter items such as cosmetics and sundries.

But here’s the thing — to obtain a clear understanding regarding the role of PBMs in the demise of many independent pharmacies, it’s important to realize that there’s a good chance that the mail-order or online pharmacy where one orders their prescription is owned by — you guessed it — a PBM or its affiliated entities.

Moreover, data analytics establish that the three largest PBMs affect more than 180 million lives or roughly 75 percent of the market, and those PBMs are so profitable that they are now among the Fortune 25 companies.

Seventy-five percent of the market! Query: Isn’t that anticompetitive?

According to the California Pharmacists Association, PBMs have a disproportionate market influence.

News reports establish that when Cigna posts billions in profits, it attributes a lot of those profits to pharmacy benefit manager Express Scripts. The combined revenues of the largest California health insurers and their PBMs consistently outpace the combined revenue of the FAANG companies: Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, and Google.

The association posits that with that kind of market influence, employers, government entities, and other health-care purchasers need to have transparency into PBM practices, many of which add hidden costs that lead to higher health-care prices for consumers.

The role of PBMs in setting pharmaceutical pricing

The prices that customers pay for prescriptions and the payments pharmacies receive from insurers are largely determined by PBMs, the entities that negotiate reimbursement rates from drug manufacturers to insurers.

PBMs determine which pharmacies they mandate or steer patients to use. They determine which pharmacies are in their network and the amount that the pharmacies will be reimbursed for a prescription. Further, they have been cutting reimbursement rates to boost their own profits, many experts allege. Hence, Sherman’s focusing on pursuing Congressional action.

A white paper issued by the National Community of Pharmacists Association is well worth a read. The

title explains the gist of the article: “The Truth about Pharmacy Benefit Managers — They Increase Costs And Restrict Patient Choice And Access.”

Delving further, the article provides some astounding facts, including that “PBMs raise drug costs by almost 30 percent due to the rebates they charge manufacturers to be on their formularies. PBM rebates, which amounted to $143 billion in 2019, add nearly 30 cents per dollar to the price consumers pay for prescriptions.”

Wow!

When exploring why PBMs prohibit patients from visiting the pharmacy of their choice, one discovers that PBMs are owned by or own the pharmacies they direct patients to use. Query: Isn’t that anticompetitive?

Whether Point Dume Pharmacy will ultimately close is unclear — its owner did not respond to Malibu Times’ calls, and Kathryn Natalia, the managing director who runs the daily operations of Point Dume Village, which is owned by Marquis Property Company, said she had not received notice that the pharmacy was closing. However, for several months, residents have noticed that the shelves in the pharmacy are bare, and some have expressed extreme frustration because the pharmacy could not fill their prescriptions and did not return calls. When Malibu Times stops by, sometimes the pharmacy is open. However, recently, it has often been closed.

So what’s a citizen to do? Call your congressman!

“I remain committed to working with my colleagues to lower prescription drug costs by expanding upon the success of the Inflation Reduction Act, and support local independent pharmacies by passing new legislation that would employ measures for more transparency in drug pricing, better regulating PBM pricing practices

to any temperature; is effective for more than 5 years after a single application, or any amount of time; offers Class A fire protection to cedar shake shingles, open-air roof systems, decking, and structural lumber; is Class A rated; creates a self-extinguishing reaction; is non-toxic to humans and animals; was developed through collaboration with NASA; was developed through collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service; is non-combustible; is non-carcinogenic; that the National Fire Protection Association, the Discovery Channel, the Los Angeles Times, and the National Fallen Fire Fighters Foundation endorses SPF 3000.

Last year The Malibu Times spoke with Moseley who vigorously defended his company and claims that he made as a salesman for its products. Asked if he was confident going to trial scheduled in March, Moseley answered, “Absolutely.” However, last week’s judgment against Sunseeker Enterprises was a default judgment, meaning Moseley may not have responded to the summons, taken any action, or appeared in court at all.

and more,” Sherman said. States can also take a role in regulating PBMs — they could prohibit them or limit their involvement to only having an administrative role in Medicaid and other state-funded programs, as well as in state employees’ health benefit plans. The U.S. Supreme Court’s opinion in Rutledge v. Pharmaceutical Care Management Association, issued in 2020, instructs that ERISA does not preclude a state’s ability to regulate the relationships between independent pharmacies and PBMs.

The SCOTUS decision held that a state could require PBMs to reimburse pharmacies at a fair and reasonable rate and at a rate that is no less than the rate paid to the large retail pharmacy chains affiliated with the PBMs.

Unlike other states, California failed to pass proposed legislation addressing PBMs business practices

AB 913, Pharmacy Benefit Managers failed to pass in the California Legislature’s last session.

The bill’s summary informs that existing law, the Pharmacy Law, establishes the California State Board of Pharmacy within the Department

of Consumer Affairs to license and regulate pharmacists. Further, existing law provides for the licensure and regulation of health care service plans by the Department of Managed Health Care, and for regulation of health insurers by the Department of Insurance.

Further, existing law — known as the Knox-Keene Health Care Service Plan Act of 1975, requires a pharmacy benefit manager under contract with a health care service plan to, among other things, register with the Department of Managed Care.

The proposed — but failed — bill would require the California Board of Pharmacy to license and regulate pharmacy benefit managers that manage prescription drug coverage provided by a health-care service plan or health insurer.

The bill proposes that PBMs would have to file a report to the board. Further, they would be prohibited from contracting to prohibit or restrict a pharmacy or pharmacists from disclosing to an enrolled patient or insured health care information that the pharmacy or pharmacist deems appropriate. Finally, the bill would require the board to promulgate necessary regulations and

prepare annual reports to the Legislature, with aggregate data received by PBMs.

A majority of states have passed bipartisan legislation regulating PBMs. Twenty-five states require licensure, 15 require registration, and two require certification.

What’s up, California?

The association advocates legislation that would require PBMs to be licensed by a regulatory body that has authority to enforce laws and it would require PBMs to file an annual transparency report with the regulatory body, informing about its aggregate costs, fees, rebates, and other financial reports. Ideally, the association maintains, California law should limit PBMs’ abilities to steer patients to their preferred pharmacies and prohibit the use of untrue, deceptive, or misleading advertisements.

While lobbyists lobby and legislators dawdle, like many independent pharmacies, Point Dume Pharmacy is barely hanging on and those in Malibu who used to count on it are stuck in traffic as they travel — often in congested beach traffic — all the way to central Malibu just to get their prescriptions.

The Dume Plaza Pharmacy on Point Dume is often closed. Pharmacies such as Dume Plaza Pharmacy have been struggling due to unfair pricing practices by Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). Photo by Samantha Bravo/TMT
ABEL Special to The Malibu Times
Jim Moseley, the CEO of Sunseeker Enterprise, which sold a fire defense spray called Sun FireDefense. File photo

REAL ESTATE

Riddick family prevails in ADU suit against the City of Malibu

California Supreme Court declines to review intermediate court’s decision in city’s appeal

Against a backdrop of the embroiled, continuing, and contentious conundrum regarding building alternative dwelling units in Malibu and statewide, and after years of time-consuming litigation, Malibu’s Elizabeth and Jason Riddick have prevailed in their arduous battle against the City of Malibu.

The legal dispute came over the city’s refusal to grant the Riddicks permits to build an ADU to accommodate Liz’s immunocompromised mother Renee Sperling, who is in her 80s and suffers from various medical conditions, including glaucoma, ar-

School, I experienced the 1993 fire firsthand.”

Elaborating, he added, “Little did I know that I would play a key role in rebuilding Malibu after the 2007 fires and the Woolsey Fire. It was an honor to give back and reconnect with so many fire victims, some of whom were my school teachers. I will always cherish my time here and am grateful for the support I have received from the residents and my staff.”

City Manager Steve McClary reacted to Mollica’s resignation announcement.

“We are deeply grateful for

the first new retail center to open in Malibu in 35 years. Its diverse mix of locally owned small businesses and national retail tenants located in five buildings thoughtfully integrated into their surroundings, along with a sensory garden and multiple

thritis, asthma and osteoporosis.

The Malibu Times caught up with the Riddicks at Postal Annex as they had their application seeking permits from the city to construct their ADU notarized.

The Riddicks are jubilant, but cautious.

“I hope our application to build goes smoothly with the City of Malibu,” Liz Riddick said. “I hope they don’t challenge us during the plan check process.”

The Riddicks long and winding road seeks to add a space for grandmother

Recently, the California Supreme Court declined to review a court of appeals ruling that the city’s coastal policies do not prohibit homeowners from building attached dwelling units attached to their homes.

The procedural history is protracted. The Riddicks’ long journey seeking to build a 460-square-foot ADU to accommodate Sperling’s needs began in 2021, when the Malibu Planning Commission denied their application on the basis that, although the Riddicks ADU proposal complies with state law, it fails to comply with Malibu’s Local Coastal Program.

The Riddicks appealed to the Malibu City Council — and lost.

The Riddicks took the city to court — and won.

The Los Angeles Superior Court held that the city’s coastal policies do not prevent homeowners from building ADUs that are attached to their primary residences. Therefore, the court determined that the city’s failure to correctly process the Riddicks’ permit constituted a violation of state law, which instructs that homeowners have a right to build ADUs, noting that ADUs are an essential element of California’s struggles to address the state’s housing shortage. The court ordered the city to process

Mr. Mollica’s contributions and his leadership in planning and development has left an enduring impact on our community,” McClary said. The city’s press release announcing Mollica’s departure noted that he joined the City of Malibu in 2004. The communique stated that he brought “a wealth of experience and a dedicated commitment to our community’s planning services. His vision and expertise, particularly in environmental and coastal management, have been instrumental in supporting the vision and sustainability of our city.”

Mollica is one of the city’s longest-term employees. He worked in the Planning Department for

tenants, The Park is home to a learning garden operated through a partnership with Big Green, which connects children with real food; a state-of-theart playground designed by Shane’s Inspiration that can be enjoyed by children with mobility challenges and developmental disabilities; a Horse Hitching Post for the

15 years before being named the assistant planning director in 2019, and then as acting planning director in 2020. His pay and benefits totaled $244,006.16 in 2022, according to Transparent California.

Mollica’s resignation surprised many. His decision to leave could simply be attributable to his achieving 20 years of service with the city, a hallmark milestone with regard to retirement benefits for public employees. However, it notably follows several recent developments in the planning department.

First, in recent years, there has been high turnover in the city’s planning department. Second,

objections and contentious litigation by locals and interest groups who did not want him to develop The Park at Cross Creek.

“It was a labor of love to bring this center to life after the lengthy entitlement process,” said Soboroff.

“Our goal was to create a place where all of Malibu felt welcome, and I am gratified

the Riddicks’ permit application.

The city appealed to the California Court of Appeals — and lost. The appellate court, in a published and precedential decision, ruled that the Riddicks could build their attached ADU and, furthermore, that they did not have to apply for a coastal development permit.

The city sought the California Supreme Court’s discretionary review — and lost.

“The city’s petition was denied,” Liz Riddick stated in an email to The Malibu Times. “In other words, Malibu’s LCP allows attached ADUs that comply with state standards, and they cannot use total development square footage or side yard setback requirements to deny applications.”

TDSF is the term for the amount of building square footage that is allowed on a residential lot in Malibu, including the main residence and any accessory structures, such as guest houses, garages, barns, sheds, gazebos, and cabanas, according to the city’s website which explains the city’s Planning Department regulations.

Expressing her frustration regarding becoming embroiled in litigation with the city, Riddick added, “Now, was that so complicated? How many lawyers, councilmembers, planning commissioners and planning staff does it take to understand the plain language in our local coastal program?”

Elaborating, Riddick stated, “This was a very time-consuming and expensive English lesson paid for by the taxpayers of Malibu. Seems like the only ones who really benefited were the lawyers and the law firm that counseled Malibu and represented the city in this four-year battle.”

Next steps for the Riddicks

The Riddicks have filed their application for permits seeking to construct their attached ADU. To

Mollica has resisted efforts to combine the planning and building safety departments back into a single administrative unit, as recommended by Baker Tilley, an outside consultancy firm hired by the city.

Finally, Assistant City Planner Adrian Fernandez recently sent a letter to the city describing staff dysfunction, which City Councilmember Bruce Silverstein read at the last City Council meeting on June 24.

Fernandez’ letter stated, “I bring to light the abuse and dysfunctioning experience by planning staff and the root cause of it. My hope is that it will bring positive change.” Fernandez’ let -

several letters from some of them telling me they want me to know that they now appreciate The Park. That has been incredible validation.”

From a project “that was extremely controversial to it being cool,” that sums up the journey of The Park at Cross Creek, Soboroff said.

“Many people in Malibu have a knee jerk reaction

obtain all relevant permits, they must, of course, comply with all city regulations.

Next Steps for Malibuites and the City Council

“The City of Malibu is complying with state law, but the city has constraints with regard to ADUs,” City Councilmember Paul Grisanti said. “People will still need to have septic tanks that accommodate adding on an extra bedroom and bath, and if septic tanks are 40 years old or so, a determination must be made by the city concerning whether the septic tank must be replaced.”

ADUs are but one component of the ongoing deliberations concerning the state of housing in Malibu. Recently, the city settled with the California Department of Housing and Community Development and Attorney General Rob Bonta regarding the city’s obligation to comply with the state’s Housing Element Law’s mandate that every city and county in California periodically update its housing plan to meet its Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA), a term pertaining to a city’s share of the regional and statewide housing needs.

“Located in Los Angeles County, Malibu was required to update its housing plan by October 15, 2021, to accommodate its 79-unit RHNA target.” The CDFC announced in its April 24 press release announcing the settlement. “The city submitted a Housing Element Update in 2022, but it was not found to substantially comply. After receiving a notice of violation from the state, the city and the state conferred in good faith to chart a course for the city to attain compliance.”

Grisanti states that the new housing element has been submitted to the state and the city hopes to get a favorable determination from the state. The Malibu Times will keep readers informed concerning the outcome.

ter further alleged personal harassment from two City Council members and from members of the public during a council meeting concerning an application to build a property in mid-Malibu right across from the Malibu Pier called The Malibu Inn. His letter stated that he had experienced death threats, public attacks, and private verbal abuse from many sides.

Interim City of Malibu Attorney Trevor Rusin would not comment concerning Fernandez’s statements, citing the city’s policy of not commenting regarding personnel matters. Deputy City Manager Alexis Brown also cited such privacy policies when asked to comment on Mollica’s resignation.

possibly be involved in future local projects, Soboroff said, “I look forward to continued involvement in helping Malibu’s future.

I believe that some other projects in Malibu could also successfully go from initially being controversial to being cool — and they are very needed.”

The city’s next steps toward finding a new planning director The city’s announcement regarding Mollica’s resignation stated, “The city is committed to ensuring continuity of planning operations during this transition period. All services and counter hours remain open, and we will keep the community informed on updates to the operations.” For further inquiries concerning how one applies for the vacancy Mollica’s departure has created, readers can contact the city’s human resource department or the city manager’s office at (310)-456-2489.

Such as? be strategically placed somewhere in the center of the city.

“That added density would not ultimately increase traffic, but would increase the quality of services,” he said. “I would love to help with such a project. Either way, I intend to help the world, especially those with special needs and the been a very compassionate and caring landlord and he has built a good family of tenants here. I’ve met the new landlords and I know they’ll continue his legacy.” The new owners expressed enthusiasm over their new purchase.

“As a property and asset manager, PacificWest is excited about our client’s

Special to The Malibu Times
Jason and Elizabeth Riddick sign their application to build an alternative dwelling unit on their property, with the help of Postal Annex employee Cruz de la Cruz. Photo by Barbara Burke/TMT

“This is a volunteer group; this is above and beyond the call of duty for those that are wearing a law enforcement uniform here, but it just goes to show their passion and commitment to really tackling this issue for everyone,” Brown said.

The panel included a Q&A with Malibu residents, producers, Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Department, and representatives from Pepperdine. The panel also debuted a PCH safety music video/TV commercial, the new theme song and a call for volunteers to join the PCH safety effort. Those whoattended were encouraged to take the pledge to “cruise PCH at or below the speed limit in Malibu” and received a Cruise Malibu gift.

Colin Drummond, one of the creators of the campaign, began the discussion with four key elements: Memorable; residents (commuters, visitors); cruise, not drive; and cruise control.

“This is about changing

culture, this is about changing how people understand how they should behave in Malibu,” Drummond said. “People are in their heads when they’re driving ... so I think there’s some real value in taking a moment, and just being present in such a beautiful place.”

Drummond compared the way people drive to how people are influenced to stop smoking.

“People do change, and culture does have a very strong influence on people,” he added. “We’re planting the seed today, and hopefully it starts a chain reaction.”

Sgt. Christopher Soderlund has been providing traffic safety reports to the city and community at every City Council meeting on Mondays and has been a part of the focus group since January.

“Since January we have been meeting weekly, in person or online, to come up with the logo, the motto, the song, so it’s a collaborative effort between all of us,” Soderlund said.

“When we were talking about this, ultimately, it was to change people’s behaviors, we can do that with enforcement on our end, but we can only give out so

only, yet pricey tickets are advertised by The h.wood.Group, the event’s promoter, online. The application states the party takes place indoors only, while prior Instagram coverage clearly show guests — 700 last year, outnumbering the restaurant’s capacity — occupying the outdoor patio space. The TUP application stated all non-VIP guests were required to arrive by a shuttle service from an off-site location in Santa Monica and stated that no ride-share services or walk-ins would be allowed. However, in advertisements for the event, guests are encouraged to use ride-share services, flatly contrary to the application’s representations. The

many tickets in a day, we only have so many deputies, we only have so many CHP officers, and so we can’t stop everyone, so we needed to think of a way, to come up with a solution to have that awareness on the public to change their behavior and change the way they drive on PCH.”

Sgt. James Arens has been the traffic sergeant for a little over a year at the station and said the ultimate goal was to “Set the Pace on PCH.”

“Set the pace, so that way all the cars behind you, go the same speed,” Arens said. “It takes a group effort; everyone in the community can get involved — you can see the beach, the ocean, the mountains. It’s a gorgeous view; there’s no reason why anyone needs be going very fast through PCH. Enjoy the drive and set the pace.”

Arens provided a brief update on the collisions and fatalities on PCH.

“In the last 10 years, there have been 3,345 traffic collisions with speed as the main primary division factor,” Arens said. “In that same frame, law enforcment has issued 46,338 citations for speeding

TUP application also indicated the only drive-up entrances would be for VIP guests, but the number of those entitled to VIP drop-off and parking privileges was not stated in the application or approval and therefore not limited.

Another condition to the TUP regarded not exceeding noise levels.

With five different DJs and musical acts advertised, it beggars belief that the revelry could satisfy noise level requirements. A Malibu Times investigation into noise complaints last year revealed no active code enforcement cases against Nobu despite ongoing complaints to the city from neighbors regarding loud music and trash.

The Planning Department’s approval, reported last week, was con-

alone in the City of Malibu, and since January 2024, 2,382 citations have been issued for speeding in Malibu, and since 2011, up to 2023, there were 58 people killed.”

Award-winning producer and writer Robin Cecola shared how the “Cruise Malibu” campaign theme song came into fruition.

The song, “PCH SLOW DOWN!” is a re-recording of the hit song, “Lake Shore Drive,” by Skip Haynes and initially recorded by Aliotta Haynes Jeremiah. The song features custom lyrics aligning with Malibu’s new awareness campaign, PCH SLOW DOWN!

Skip Haynes passed away in 2017 and Cecola said he reached out to his partner of 30 years, Rikki Poulos, and asked if they can rewrite the song to which she said her neighbor was one of the parents who lost their daughter last year at the tragic accident on PCH.

“It was one of the saddest days of my life, to go to the funeral and be a part of it,” she said.

Cecola shared the process and the collaborative efforts in producing the song and said,

ditioned on agency approvals and the submission of a satisfactory updated parking plan. That plan appears to have not been submitted.

With paid sponsorships and millions of dollars in revenue at stake from the event it appears unlikely the July 4 event will be cancelled.

The June 10 TUP approval indicated that if Nobu violated its terms it would face a mere $5,000 fine, an entirely inconsequential amount for the deep-pocketed restaurant and event planner.

A public records act request last year revealed that despite the annual July 4 event and various private soirées that engendered numerous complaints from residents, in its 10 years of operation the city had never required a single TUP from Nobu

“this was Skip’s baby, he would love to be part of this, and she gave her blessing and we took it off from there.”

To hear the song and music video visit the campaign’s website at www.cruisemalibu. org or the City of Malibu YouTube channel.

City Manager Steve McClary acknowledged the efforts of the residents and panel members that created the campaign.

“I wanted to thank you personally for all that you’ve done, it’s been great,” McClary said.

McClary also mentioned the recent passing of SB 1297 to allow speed camera systems in Malibu.

“As we draw this wonderful event to a close, I would like to extend my heartful gratitude to each and every one of you for joining us today,” McClary said.

“Your presence and support truly highlight the strong community spirit that makes Malibu so unique; today’s launch marks the beginning of a new chapter for our city, a chapter where we come together to promote safety, mindfulness, and a deeper

or issued a single fine, save for the after-the-fact TUP granted Nobu and nominal fine stemming from the 2023 fiasco.

Malibu City Councilmember Bruce Silverstein has long been a vocal opponent of the city’s permissive application of permitting rules as set forth in the Malibu municipal code. Silverstein wrote to City Manager Steve McClary and posted on social media, “In my view, the City should demand that Nobu confirm that it will not proceed without a permit in violation of the law, and then seek an emergency Temporary Restraining Order if Nobu does anything other than confirm that it will adhere to the law. And, if Nobu commits to abide by the law and then proceeds with its unlawful special event, the Sheriff’s

appreciation for this stunning environment we are privileged to call home.”

The city also has a pledge wall at City Hall where residents can sign and pick up lawn signs to raise awareness on for residents, visitors, commuters, pedestrians, and cyclists.

You can help raise awareness and change driver behavior on PCH:

Slow down and drive safely and patiently. Set the cruise control, enjoy the ride, put down the phone, that text can wait.

Observe posted speed limits in construction zones, where there are workers and work vehicles, equip-

Department should shut down the event and arrest the manager of the facility…

“I could be mistaken, but I believe that the City Manager has the authority to direct the Acting City Attorney to proceed with emergency enforcement given the lack of time to convene a meeting of the City Council.”

Silverstein goes on to pose the question “whether Nobu will abide by the City of Malibu’s decision or proceed with the unlawful event and simply pay a token ‘fine’ that is a pittance in comparison to the profits Nobu will generate from the event — much like many other scofflaws in Malibu do on a regular basis.”

Although Sheriff’s Department Malibu Liaison Sgt. Christopher

ment, and changing traffic patterns. Fines for traffic citations are doubled in construction zones under California law.

• Come to Malibu City Hall and sign the Pledge Wall to show your commitment to slowing down and helping to make PCH safer.

• Pick up a free lawn sign at City Hall and post it on your property. Pick up a free poster at City Hall and post it at your business or workplace.

• Post a photo on social media with your lawn sign or poster, with the hashtag #GoSafelyPCH Sign the online pledge at GoSafelyPCH.org.

Soderlund would not comment directly about Nobu, he did say the department, “will have maximum deployment on July 4. We are going to be deployed to ensure public safety for everyone. The beach team is fully staffed, we have additional traffic deputies on PCH, a helicopter is assigned to Malibu, we will have a mounted posse on horseback, and motorcycle deputies. CHP is in their maximum enforcement period as well.”

The Malibu Times made several attempts to reach The h.woodGroup, the company that buys out the restaurant to put on the event, but has not received a response. Requests for comment were also made to Nobu restaurant this year and last year without response.

The Cruise Malibu panel included (from left) producer/writer Robin Cecola, Malibu resident Colin Drummond, Malibu/Lost Hills Sgt. Chris Soderlund, Sgt. James Arens and representatives from Pepperdine University. Photo by Samantha Bravo/TMT.

Malibu Life

Skydog Ranch in Malibu saving abused and neglected horses at two sites

Thriving group of volunteers on a mission to keep horses from the slaughterhouse

Saving abused and neglected horses is the mission of a Malibu woman, Clare Staples, who is so good at running her nonprofit she now has two locations in Malibu. As the founder and president of the rescue Skydog Sanctuary at Skydog Ranch, Staples grew the property in Corral Canyon to another Skydog location near Encinal Canyon.

After a career in the entertainment business, the Skydog founder has been devoting her life to rescuing horses and donkeys, one animal at a time, with the help of an army of hardworking volunteers.

Staples started her rescue after buying a horse with a branding on his neck. Researching that branding on her mustang led her to the “plight of the American mustang in the West,” she said.

The situation isn’t pretty. “I realized how many of them were ending up in the slaughter pipeline at livestock auctions and kill pens,” Staples said. That startling news inspired her rescue and nonprofit in 2016. Her intention at the start was to just save “75 horses and call it good, but it turned into something much bigger,” she added.

While Skydog Ranch now houses 20 horses and donkeys in Malibu between the two ranches it has 300 more wild horses that spend their days roaming

and running free in Oregon on a massive 9,000-acre ranch near Bend.

It’s a beautiful story as Staples explained: “We rescue those horses from really bad situations. We take special needs, seniors with medical issues, or ones that

have landed in really abusive situations. We then get them back into good health and release them to freedom.”

Those animals with special needs requiring extra attention stay in Malibu in a smaller setting for their well-being.

“They live a very comfortable life here in Malibu,” she said. One reason for the success of Skydog is the thriving staff of volunteers who take good care of the horses and other animals and help nurse them back to health. “We

have an enormous volunteer program,” Staples said. At times, there are up to a dozen volunteers who come to the Malibu ranches to groom the horses, bathe them and even muck their stalls. “It’s an

MALIBU’S BEST SHT

Indio Downey debuts for his hometown at last Friday’s Trancas Summer Nights concert

Musician raised in Malibu emerges from the darkness of addiction to delight fans and find inspiration

It’s been a long and winding road for Malibu’s Indio Downey as he traversed from his carefree childhood growing up in Malibu, then, unfortunately, spiraled down — down, down, down — into the painful and sometimes seemingly insurmountable abyss of addiction, but then, painfully, slowly and ... finally, successfully, climbed out of that insidious nightmare.

On the evening of June 28, Downey stood tall and talented on Trancas lawn, preparing to perform with his band in his hometown.

Affable and approachable, Downey smiled as he shared a few details about his treacherous journey and survival and about how important Point Dume is to his creativity and Malibu is to his essence and ethos.

Answering questions right before the sound check, Downey displayed humility, gratitude, and contemplation during our colloquy. Did he attend Malibu High School? Yes, but only for one year and then, the addiction began and soon ensnared him.

Was he looking forward to playing here in Malibu?

And how!

“I’m really excited to play at Trancas lawn in my hometown as Malibu is such a very special, unique community and provides all of us with such an awesome culture!” Downey said. “Playing near the beach in Malibu is awesome!”

Amidst the cacophony, the calm and confident Downey smiled serenely as he surveyed that mayhem in front of the stage, briefly flashing an expression that revealed he fondly recollected his carefree childhood days in Malibu.

An ever-growing crowd of attendees gathered, toting lawn chairs and beach blankets as kids and dogs cavorted joyously without a worry in the world.

Special to The Malibu Times
Clare Staples is the founder and president of Skydog Sanctuary, and has been working with wild horses for over 10 years. Contributed photo

The Power and the Glory

MALIBU SEEN

Dirk

exhibits Ben Thouard’s underwater photography and screens ‘End of the Road’

“Never underestimate the power of television.” — Tony Hawk

Surfing will be in the Olympics for the second time ever in 2024, but because Paris don’t surf, the ocean events will be held almost exactly halfway around the world, at the surf spot called Teahupo’o on the island of Tahiti in French Polynesia.

What most people lazily call “choo-poo” in two syllables is properly pronounced with five syllables: “Tay-ah-hoo-poh-oh.” Laird Hamilton says it right, while others just use one syllable: “Chopes.”

One, two or five syllables, Teahupo’o is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the Surfing World — a powerful and glorious wave exploding with great vengeance and furious anger on a sheer, shallow, sharp coral reef about two-thirds of a mile from the town of Teahupo’o, which is about 70 kilometers from Papeete, which is about 9,790 miles

from Paris.

This is the second time surfing will be held at the Olympics, and because of the nasty, brutish and short challenge and danger of the wave — and the fantastical, Bali Hai, Gauguin-ish natural beauty of the setting — surfing has the potential to steal the whole show.

The best Olympic events have a wow! factor, as in “Oh my gawd! How do those downhill skiers go that fast on ice and not die?”

Or, “Oh my gawd, how do those women gymnasts do flips on the balance beam!”

Or, “Oh my gawd, isn’t curling hazardous to your lower back!?”

The surfing at the 2020 Japan Olympics was held in kind of funky surf, and that “Wow my gawd!” factor wasn’t there. But if Teahupo’o shows its teeth, it will certainly be the most dangerous Olympic event ever held: Imagine downhill skiing the Kitzbuhel with staghorn coral lining the course, and being chased by a killer avalanche.

That’s how dangerous Teahupo’o can be. A surfer in the wrong place at the wrong time could easily drown there or hit the reef.

There will be 48 competitors from 21 countries. Some of them, like Brazil’s Gabriel Medina and Hawaii’s John John Florence and

Burt’s Eye View:

French Tahitians Kaulii Vast and Vahine Fierro, are fully Teahupo’o certified and qualified. Their bold surfing at Teahupo’o makes even experienced surfers exclaim: “Oh my gawd! How do they do that?!”

But because of the Olympic selection process, surfers like Kelly Slater won’t be competing, while surfers from China and Israel are going to be tested to the limit — like throwing freestyle skiers onto that Kitzbuhel course, lined with coral, chased by avalanches.

Renowned for his stunning underwater surf photography, Ben Thouard has an exhibit that will showcase large limited edition prints capturing the beauty and power of Teahupo’o and other breathtaking surf spots.

Born in Toulon, in the south of France, Thouard has been living in Tahiti since 2008. As he honed his surfing skills, Ben also discovered a talent for art and began attending painting classes. Unsurprisingly, his subject of choice was the ocean and its dynamic waves. This dual passion for surfing and art has not only defined Ben’s personal journey, but has also greatly influenced his professional career as an oceanic underwater surf photographer.

Dirk Braun is a filmmaker and photographer and owner of DIRK BRAUN Gallery on Malibu Road. He produced and directed the recently released feature documentary

Chopped liver

PERSPECTIVE

My brother Phil bought me a basket of food from Katz’s Delicatessen, the deli where Rob Reiner’s mother uttered the classic line, “I’ll have what she’s having.” The basket included smoked salmon, bagels, cream cheese, chocolate babka, matzo ball soup, and a jar of chopped liver. No finer gift could a human being possibly want.

Of all the goodies, my favorite was the chopped liver. Spread on a cracker and washed down with a glass of wine or a whiskey sour made in the blender like my Dad used to do, the chopped liver was simply divine.

And so, it got me to thinking — why, oh why, has chopped liver gotten a bad rap? I myself have been guilty of saying, “What am I, chopped liver?” Naturally, I contacted my friends at Google to find out the origin of this denigration of a delicious spread.

The experts at Google, who know everything, tell me that the expression “What am I, chopped liver?” is an East Coast expression, coming originally from the Jewish community. Since I come from a Jewish community on the East Coast, nothing so far surprises me. I am happy to bring the expression to the West Coast, and this, my friends, might be my only contribution to the people of sunny California. So far, I have learned where the expression comes from but not the why. Google goes on to say that chopped liver is a figure of speech for something of little value, held in little regard, and that people use the expression because chopped liver is usually a side dish of little importance. And this is where Google and I part ways.

I have never considered chopped liver as a side dish of little importance. Rather it is the perfect beginning of a meal, especially if you are trying to gain weight. Quite frankly, I suggest that the expression be changed to something like, “What am I, broccoli?” Now we’re talking!

film, “Flying Boat,” about the pilots and mechanics still flying and maintaining the last remaining examples of the Grumman Albatross, the most well-traveled and diversely capable aircraft ever made.

In February, Braun was pointed toward Ben’s photography and alerted to the power and the glory of Teahupo’o. In May, Braun packed up his new school digital high-res cameras and scratchy old school Super 8 Canon film camera with rolls of Kodak film and flew to Tahiti with cinematographer Artur Gubin to capture Ben’s story and the magic of this legendary place.

And, he got it. Asked to sum up his week in Tahiti in 100 words or less, Braun said:

“Tahiti is a far-flung exotic paradise, and in this film we were able to include local Tahitian Olympic athlete Kauli Vaast, who is representing France; Ben’s wife and two daughters; and another local man named Peva Levy, who speaks about the mysticism and dangers of this storied surf spot and how Ben Thouard has exposed a whole new perspective of this wave.”

Back in Malibu with two fresh Tahitian baguettes for this reporter, Braun filmed some scenes at the Malibu Newsstand and along Malibu Road and then sat down to edit with Kimberly Hunt for “The One Yard Stare” — taking hours of footage from in the air, on the ground,

Continued from B1

amazing community of some of the most wonderful (people) that I’ve ever met in my life,” said the British-born Staples

In the eight years the sanctuary has operated, Skydog has rescued more than 500 horses. Sometimes the rescues occur in conjunction with other animal rescue groups hoping to find forever homes for wild, abused, neglected, or sick equine.

“When we rescue a horse and ask for help, people are so generous,” the founder mentioned about Skydog’s million followers on social media. “We tend to take horses and donkeys that stay forever, but we’ve rescued at least 250 horses in collaboration with other sanctuaries and rescues.”

Because Skydog operates as a sanctuary, the animals are not available for adoption. They live the rest of their lives at one of the three ranches.

and underwater into a 8-minute, 30-second documentary film that will take you on an exciting journey.

Did he get it in the can, man?

According to the auteur:

“This film starts at the Malibu Newsstand which is about a hundred feet from the gallery, then travels across the equator to Tahiti. Ben Thouard captures a unique perspective from underneath towering waves that are a natural phenomenon. He’ll stay out there patiently for hours and hours at a time and at the right moment, free dive down and position himself under the impact zone of these massive waves and capture remarkable and unique photographs. Tahiti always reveals itself and its power and it never lets you forget where you are. A ‘flat’ day there, which is actually how they’ll describe it, is larger than any surf we ever get here in Malibu.

“On a big day at Teahupo’o, there will be many boats in the channel with captains ready to make the necessary escape to avoid a breaking wave. Out of nowhere, from a different direction will come a massive rogue wave and it’ll be a quick reaction and jolt of full power in order to not let the ocean serve a treacherous consequence and send everyone overboard and dragged across the dry reef. It is a magnificent thing to witness, the energy of these waves and those who are able to ride them, standing tall in

a barrel and victoriously making it out.”

As an Olympic preview, Braun will be showcasing Ben’s largescale limited edition photographs and screening “End of the Road” at DIRK BRAUN gallery on July 12 from 5 to 8 p.m. Present will be Thouard, who is tearing himself away from the Society Islands to come to Malibu to show his photography, discuss the power and the glory of Teahupoo — maybe even show everyone how to pronounce it properly — and watch the documentary that features him and his family and how he captures the magic.

Thouard is the only photographer in the water for the 2024 Olympics and he will return to Tahiti in time for the event. To start this event will need four days of competition for men’s and women’s shortboard events over a nine-day window July 27 to Aug. 5. But this is a surf spot in the middle of the Pacific Ocean in the middle of south swell prime time, and it’s almost guaranteed Teahupo’o will deliver — but will it deliver too much?

Dirk Braun Gallery: DIRKBRAUNgallery.com/ endoftheroad

Ben Thouard: www.instagram. com/benthouard/ www.benthouard.com/

Pausing to reflect a moment, he shared that his interest in becoming a musician began during that childhood when he heard bands around LA play superb concerts.

“Three bands in particular influenced me,” Downey said. “I saw Wolf Müller and Kings of Leon when they played at the Music Box, and I enjoyed Queens of the Stone Age there, and I was intrigued by other bands who played at the Viper Room and at the Ford Theater.”

These days, Downey draws inspiration from Point Dume, he said, noting that it is there where he is most creative and that his song, “Dume,” one of five tracks from his recently released EP, “Cigarettes in Bed,” derives from his affinity with one of Malibu’s most iconic areas. Music, Downey notes, is transformative — and music was key to his transformation from being an addict to becoming a prolific creative.

“’Dume’ is about the fatal attraction of self-destruction,” Downey explained. “Doom is my biggest fear and within the context of the song, it’s a metaphor for my past addiction, but I switched the spelling to Dume as a play on Point Dume.”

“Cigarettes in Bed,” released in February, is infused with influences from both slacker rock and grunge,

and the Trancas audience gyrated joyously as they danced and grooved with the various songs Indio played. “Indio’s sound melds the head-banging rebellion of early 2000s punk and the grungy melodrama of ‘90s alt rock with a sincerity and conviction all his own,” music commentator Carmel Walsh wrote recently. “Cigarettes in Bed is gritty and dynamic, pairing

rock anthems with

simmering moments of self-reflection.”

So true.

“My goal as a musician is to contribute to a very exciting rock scene in LA,” Downey says. “I also want to get into the habit of playing in Malibu!”

From the looks of the crowd enjoying his music on Trancas lawn where locals love to gather for concerts, he’s most welcome to play again anytime — and often.

“Our main goal is to re-wild these horses back out to as natural a setting as they can,” Staples said. “We rescue animals that need sanctuary placement. They’re either wild horses that have gone through numerous trainers and can’t adapt to domestic life, horses with expensive medical issues, and we focus on them. People who donate for a horse to come here get to follow them for the rest of their lives.”

Although we may not see it in Malibu, there are thousands of endangered horses in the West. Staples explained that “on U.S. public lands in nine western states the Bureau of Land Management rounds up 20,000 wild horses a year. There are now more horses in government holding facilities than there are wild out on the range. They often end up in bad situations because they’re incredibly cheap to buy and the BLM will pay you $1,000 to take a horse or donkey off their hands, many of which go into the slaughter pipeline. They’re sold in huge numbers at livestock auctions. There are way too many horses landing in the slaughter pipeline to be shipped to Mexico and Canada to be slaughtered for their meat.”

Skydog is advocating for legislation called “The Safe Act” to get passed. The bipartisan legislation would stop the shipment of horses across the border. “We don’t have slaughterhouses for horses in

America. They were shut down many years ago because America considers horses as companion animals and, like dogs, they’re a huge part of our history. We founded this country with their help and it’s really sad that nowadays they’re being betrayed in such a massive way by our government. Our government lands are being cleared for extractive mining and to grass livestock for cattle ranching interests.”

Skydog is bombarded daily with emails concerning horses in this devastating pipeline. “We do everything we can,” Staples said.

“We’ve rescued hundreds and we hope to continue and advocate for wild horses to stay on public lands so that there’s less of a strain on rescues.”

“It’s the greatest joy of my life to say ‘yes’ to a horse which we’re continually doing,” she stated.

“It’s an extraordinary thing to see a horse come to us in really horrible condition; they’re often starved, injured, or abused and

[we get] to bring them back to health and life! We have the most incredible team of vets and equine staff that take extraordinary care of these animals. To see them put on weight and come back to the horses they were born to be is such a privilege. These horses are the most extraordinary souls. It’s the most rewarding thing. There’s nothing as sustainable as the happiness involved in saving an animal’s life.

“We have some of the most beautiful wild horses in America at our sanctuary as well as abandoned, unwanted, unloved horses that ended up in a bad situation that are now running with herds of wild horses really demonstrating the beauty of wild horses in America and being ambassadors for all the wild horses that are still stuck in holding pens or the slaughter pipeline. It’s the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done.” Those wishing to volunteer or donate can email volunteer@ skydogranch.org.

punk-tinged
SKYDOG RANCH
INDIO DOWNEY
Continued from B1
Clare Staples grew her Skydog Ranch sanctuary in Corral Canyon, adding another Skydog location near Encinal Canyon. Contributed Photos
Artist Indio Downey performs at the Trancas Concert Series on Friday, June 28. Photos by Samantha Bravo/TMT

2024121488

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

THE FOLLOWING PERSON IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS

AS:

1. HERRERA CUSTOM CABINETES

6861 SEPULVEDA BLVD #3, VAN NUYS, CA 91405, LOS ANGELES COUNTY

Articles of Incorporation or Organization Number (if applicable):

Registered Owner(s):

1. JOSE RENE HERRERA PEREZ

6861 SEPULVEDA BLVD #3, VAN NUYS, CA 91405

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: 06/2024

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, JOSE RENE HERRERA PEREZ, OWNER

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on 6/05/2024.

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).

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PUBLIC NOTICE

Title Order No. : 15950713 Trustee Sale No. : 87060

Loan No. : 20212 APN : 4451-011-073 NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 12/16/2022 . UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. On 7/10/2024 at 10:30 AM, CALIFORNIA TD SPECIALISTS as the duly appointed Trustee under and pursuant to Deed of Trust Recorded on 12/21/2022 as Instrument No. 20221189174 in book N/A, page N/A of official records in the Office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, California, executed by: LA VERNE RAMBLA, LLC, A CALIFORNIA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY , as Trustor JAYCO PREMIUM FINANCE OF CALIFORNIA, INC., A CALIFORNIA CORPORATION , as Beneficiary WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER FOR CASH (payable at time of sale in lawful money of the United States, by cash, a cashier’s check drawn by a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state). At: Behind the fountain located in Civic Center Plaza located at 400 Civic Center Plaza, Pomona, CA 91766, NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE – continued all right, title and interest conveyed to and now held by it under said Deed of Trust in the property situated in said County, California describing the land therein: See Exhibit “A” Attached Hereto And Made A Part Hereof The property heretofore described is being sold “as is”. The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real property described above is purported to be: 3229 RAMBLA PACIFICO MALIBU, CA 90265. The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said 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 said Deed of Trust, with interest thereon, as provided in said note(s), advances, if any, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, estimated fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of trusts created by said Deed of Trust, to-wit: $6,306,371.19 (Estimated). Accrued interest and additional advances, if any, will increase this figure prior to sale. The beneficiary under said Deed of Trust heretofore executed and delivered to the undersigned a written Declaration of Default and Demand for Sale, and a written Notice of Default and Election to Sell. The undersigned caused said Notice of Default and Election of Sell to be recorded in the county where the real property is located and more than three months have elapsed since such recordation. DATE: 6/7/2024 CALIFORNIA TD SPECIALISTS, as Trustee 8190 EAST KAISER BLVD., ANAHEIM HILLS, CA 92808 PHONE: 714-2832180 FOR TRUSTEE SALE INFORMATION LOG ON TO: www.stoxposting.com CALL: 844-477-7869 PATRICIO

S. INCE’, VICE PRESIDENT CALIFORNIA TD SPECIALIST IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. “NOTICE TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS: If you are considering bidding on this prop -

LEGAL NOTICES

erty 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 on 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 the outstanding lien 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 844-477-7869, or visit this internet Web site www.stoxposting.com, using the file number assigned to this case T.S.# 87060. 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.” For sales conducted after January 1, 2021: 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 (844) 477-7869, or visit this internet website www.STOXPOSTING.com, using the file number assigned to this case 87060 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; by remitting the funds and affidavit described in Section 2924m(c) of the Civil Code; 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. TS# 87060 / APN # 4451-011-073 LEGAL DESCRIPTION EXHIBIT A PARCEL A: PARCEL 1 OF PARCEL MAP NO. 21911, IN THE CITY OF MALIBU, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, AS PER MAP FILED IN BOOK 284 PAGES 10 AND 11 OF PARCEL MAPS; IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY RECORDER OF SAID COUNTY. EXCEPT THEREFROM ALL OIL, GAS, MINERALS AND OTHER HYDROCARBON SUBSTANCES LYING BELOW THE SURFACE OF SAID LAND, BUT WITHOUT THE RIGHT OF SURFACE ENTRY, AS RESERVED BY MARBLEHEAD LAND COMPANY, A DELAWARE CORPORATION IN A DEED RECORDED IN BOOK 33268, PAGE 35 OF OFFICIAL RECORDS. PARCEL B: AN EASEMENT FOR INGRESS AND EGRESS PURPOSES OVER THAT PORTION OF RANCHO TOPANGA MALIBU SEQUIT, AS CONFIRMED TO MATTHEW KELLER BY PATENT, RECORDED IN BOOK 1 PAGE 407 ET SEQ., OF PATENTS, IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY RECORDER OF SAID COUNTY, INCLUDED WITHIN A STRIP OF LAND 20 FEET WIDE LYING 10 FEET ON EACH SIDE OF THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED CENTER LINE: BEGINNING AT THE INTERSECTION OF THE SOUTHWESTERLY LINE OF RAMBLA PACIFICO, AS DESCRIBED IN A DEED RECORDED IN BOOK 15036 RAGE 375 OF OFFICIAL RECORDS OF SAID COUNTY, WITH A LINE PARALLEL WITH AND DISTANT NORTHWESTERLY 10.00 FEET, MEASURED AT RIGHT ANGLES, FROM THAT CERTAIN COURSE DESCRIBED IN THE DEED TO DON R. HUFFORD, RECORDED SEPTEMBER 18, 1967 AS INSTRUMENT NO. 114 IN BOOK D-3769 PAGE 792 OF OFFICIAL RECORDS OF SAID COUNTY, AS HAVING A BEARING AND LENGTH OF NORTH 54 DEGREES 30

MINUTES 55 SECONDS EAST 318.06 FEET; THENCE

ALONG SAID PARALLEL LINE SOUTH 54 DEGREES 30 MINUTES 55 SECONDS WEST 55.49 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 68 DEGREES 51 MINUTES 51 SECONDS WEST 125.97 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 55 DEGREES 43 MINUTES 55 SECONDS WEST 119.756 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 68 DEGREES 48 MINUTES WEST 77.62 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 81 DEGREES 15 MINUTES WEST 152.76 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 62 DEGREES 20 MINUTES WEST 54.61 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 51 DEGREES 35 MINUTES WEST 27.51 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 33

DEGREES 44 MINUTES 21 SECONDS WEST 59.73 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 9 DEGREES 59 MINUTES 10 SECONDS WEST 96.42 FEET TO THAT CERTAIN

COURSE DESCRIBED IN SAID DEED TO DON R. HUFFORD AS HAVING A BEARING AND LENGTH OF SOUTH 19 DEGREES 13 MINUTES 41 SECONDS EAST 91,42 FEET. THE SIDE LINES OF SAID STRIP LAND SHALL BE PROLONGED OR SHORTENED SO AS TO

TERMINATE NORTHEASTERLY IN THE SOUTHWESTERLY LINE OF RAMBLA PACIFICO AND SOUTHWESTERLY IN THAT LAST MENTIONED CERTAIN COURSE.

EXCEPT THEREFROM THAT PORTION OF SAID EASEMENT QUITCLAIMED AND TERMINATED BY DEED IN FAVOR OF DOROTHY MEIER BRADFORD, AN UNMARRIED WOMAN BY QUITCLAIM DEED RECORDED JANUARY 15, 1991 AS INSTRUMENT NO. 199163345 OF OFFICIAL RECORDS, PARCEL C: AN EASEMENT FOR INGRESS AND EGRESS AND FIRE ROAD PURPOSES OVER THAT PORTION OF RANCHO TOPANGA MALIBU SEQUIT, AS CONFIRMED TO MATTHEW KELLER BY PATENT, RECORDED IN BOOK 1, PAGE 407, ET SEQ., OF PATENTS, IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY RECORDER OF SAID COUNTY, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: A STRIP OF LAND TO ADD TO THE EXISTING 20-FOOT WIDE EASEMENT ROAD AND TO FORM A 30-FOOT WIDE EASEMENT DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCING AT THE INTERSECTION OF THE SOUTHWESTERLY LINE OF RAMBLA PACIFICO, AS DESCRIBED IN A DEED RECORDED IN BOOK 15036 PAGE 375 OF OFFICIAL RECORDS OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY, ALONG THAT CERTAIN COURSE DESCRIBED IN THE DEED TO DON R. HUFFORD, RECORDED SEPTEMBER 18, 1967 AS INSTRUMENT NO. 114 IN BOOK D-3769 PAGE 792 OF OFFICIAL RECORDS OF SAID COUNTY, AS HAVING A BEARING AND LENGTH OF NORTH 54 DEGREES 30 MINUTES 55 SECONDS EAST 318.06 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 54 DEGREES 30 MINUTES 55 SECONDS WEST 58.26 FEET TO THE TRUE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE SOUTH 64 DEGREES 22 MINUTES 09 DEGREES WEST 125.39 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 60 DEGREES 27 MINUTES 54 SECONDS WEST 118.93 FEET TO A CORNER ON THE EASTERLY SIDE LINE OF SAID 20-FOOT WIDE EXISTING EASEMENT; THENCE NORTHEASTERLY ALONG SAID EASTERLY SIDE LINE NORTH 55 DEGREES 43 MINUTES 55 SECONDS EAST 119.72 FEET; THENCE NORTH 68 DEGREES 51 MINUTES 51 SECONDS EAST 126.08 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. ALSO THAT PORTION OF LAND DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT SAID INTERSECTION OF THE SOUTHWESTERLY LINE OF RAMBLA PACIFICO IN SAID DEED RECORDED IN BOOK 15036 PAGE 375, OFFICIAL RECORDS WITH A LINE PARALLEL WITH AND DISTANT NORTHWESTERLY 30.00 FEET, MEASURED AT RIGHT ANGLES, FROM SAID CERTAIN COURSE DESCRIBED IN THE DEED TO DON R. HUFFORD, AS HAVING A BEARING AND LENGTH NORTH 54 DEGREES 30 MINUTES 55 SECONDS EAST 318.06 FEET; THENCE ALONG SAID PARALLEL LINE SOUTH 54 DEGREES 30 MINUTES 55 SECONDS WEST 52.48 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 64 DEGREES 22 MINUTES 09 SECONDS WEST 123.83 FEET TO A CORNER ON THE WESTERLY SIDE LINE OF SAID 20-FOOT WIDE EXISTING EASEMENT; THENCE NORTHEASTERLY ALONG SAID WESTERLY SIDE LINE NORTH 68 DEGREES 51 MINUTES 51 SECONDS EAST 125.86 FEET; THENCE NORTH 54 DEGREES 30 MINUTES 55 SECONDS EAST 53.17 FEET TO ITS INTERSECTION WITH THE SOUTHWESTERLY LINE OF RAMBLA PACIFICO AS DESCRIBED IN SAID DEED RECORDED IN BOOK 15036 PAGE 375, OFFICIAL RECORDS; SAID INTERSECTION BEING IN A CURVE CONCAVE NORTHEASTERLY AND HAVING A RADIUS OF 230.00 FEET; A RADIAL LINE OF SAID CURVE TO SAID INTERSECTION BEARS SOUTH 49 DEGREES 41 MINUTES 58 SECONDS WEST; THENCE NORTHEASTERLY ALONG SAID CURVE THROUGH A CENTRAL ANGLE OF 2 DEGREES 29 MINUTES 46 SECONDS AND AN ARC DISTANCES 10.02 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING, A RADIAL BEARING TO SAID POINT OF BEGINNING BEARS SOUTH 52 DEGREES 11 MINUTES 44 SECONDS WEST. ALSO THAT PORTION OF LAND DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCING AT THE INTERSECTION OF THE SOUTHWESTERLY LINE OF RAMBLA PACIFICO, AS DESCRIBED IN SAID DEED RECORDED IN BOOK 15036 PAGE 375, OFFICIAL RECORDS WITH A LINE PARALLEL WITH AND DISTANT NORTHWESTERLY 30.00 FEET, MEASURED AT RIGHT ANGLES, FROM SAID CERTAIN COURSE DESCRIBED IN THE DEED TO DON R. HUFFORD, AS HAVING A BEARING AND LENGTH NORTH 54 DEGREES 30 MINUTES 55 SECONDS EAST 318.06 FEET; THENCE ALONG SAID PARALLEL LINE SOUTH 54 DEGREES 30 MINUTES 55 SECONDS WEST 52.48 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 64 DEGREES 22 MINUTES 09 SECONDS WEST 123.83 FEET TO THE TRUE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE LEAVING SAID POINT OF BEGINNING, SOUTH 60 DEGREES 27 MINUTES 54 FEET WEST 117.77 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 68 DEGREES 48 MINUTES 00 SECONDS WEST 74.42 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 81 DEGREES 15 MINUTES 00 SECONDS WEST 185.54 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 62 DEGREES 37 MINUTES 42 SECONDS WEST 48.52 FEET TO THAT CERTAIN COURSE DESCRIBED IN SAID DEED TO DON R. HUFFORD AS HAVING A BEARING AND LENGTH OF SOUTH 22 DEGREES 25 MINUTES 19 SECONDS WEST 142.07 FEET; THENCE ALONG 5AID LAST MENTIONED COURSE SOUTH 22 DEGREES 25 MINUTES 19 SECONDS WEST 46.47 FEET, THENCE LEAVING SAID COURSE NORTH 62 DEGREES 37 MINUTES 42 SECONDS EAST 16.18 FEET TO THE WESTERLY SIDE LINE OF SAID 20-FOOT WIDE EXISTING EASEMENT; THENCE NORTHEASTERLY ALONG SAID WESTERLY SIDE LIME NORTH 33 DEGREES 44 MINUTES 21 SECONDS EAST 9.06 FEET; THENCE NORTH 51 DEGREES 35 MINUTES 00 SECONDS EAST 30.02 FEET; THENCE NORTH 62 DEGREES 20 MINUTES 00 SECONDS EAST 57.21; THENCE NORTH 81 DEGREES 15 MINUTES 00 SECONDS EAST 155.00 FEET; THENCE NORTH 68 DEGREES 48 MINUTES 00 SECONDS EAST 75.41; THENCE NORTH 55 DEGREES 43 MINUTES 55 SECONDS EAST 119.73 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. PARCEL D: AN EASEMENT FOR INGRESS AND EGRESS OVER PRIVATE DRIVEWAY AND FIRELANE LYING WITHIN A STRIP OF LAND 24 FEET WIDE, AS SHOWN ON PARCEL MAP NO. 21911, FILED IN BOOK 284 PAGES 10 AND 11 OF PARCEL MAPS. EXCEPT THEREFROM ANY PORTION LYING WITHIN PARCEL A, ABOVE MALIBU 135

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE TS No. CA-18825804-CL Order No.: DEF-507636 YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 2/14/2007. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. A public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash, cashier’s check drawn on a state or national bank, check drawn by state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, or savings association, or savings bank specified in Section 5102 to the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state, will be held by duly appointed 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 ANGELES County, California; Date of Sale: 7/23/2024 at 10:00 AM Place of Sale: Behind the fountain located in Civic Center Plaza, located at 400 Civic Center Plaza, Pomona CA 91766 Amount of unpaid balance and other charges: $4,638,915.21 The purported property address is: 27009 SEA VISTA 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-18-825804CL . 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-18825804-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 as defined in Section 2924m of the California Civil Code who is the last and highest bidder at the trustee’s sale shall provide the required affidavit or declaration of eligibility to the auctioneer at the trustee’s sale or shall have it delivered to QUALITY LOAN SERVICE CORPORATION by 5 p.m. on the next business day following the trustee’s sale at the address set forth in the below signature block. The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of

the property address or other common designation, if any, shown herein. If no street address or other common designation is shown, directions to the location of the property may be obtained by sending a written request to the beneficiary within 10 days of the date of first publication of this Notice of Sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, including if the Trustee is unable to convey title, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the monies paid to the Trustee. This shall be the Purchaser’s sole and exclusive remedy. The purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Trustor, the Trustee, the Beneficiary, 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 619-6457711 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 #0202866 6/20/2024 6/27/2024 7/4/2024

MALIBU 137

2024116161

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

THE FOLLOWING PERSON IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS:

1. V V VAPE 22627 PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY, MALIBU, CA 90265, LOS ANGELES COUNTY Articles of Incorporation or Organization Number (if applicable): 201924210634

Registered Owner(s):

1. BASEKIN INC 1628 S WESTGATE AVE 205, LOS ANGELES, CA 90025

If Corporation or LLC- CA State of Incorporation/ Organization CA

This business is conducted by: A CORPORATION

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

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, BASEKIN INC, WEILING TOK, CEO

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on 5/30/2024. 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 AU-

THORIZE 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: 6/20, 6/27, 7/4, 7/11/2024 MALIBU 138

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

Case No. 24NNCP00276

Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles

Petition of: ELENA KARELINA TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS:

Petitioner: ELENA KARELINA a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Present Name: ELENA KARELINA Proposed Name: KARELINA NIKOLA SUSKIN

The Court orders that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. Notice of Hearing:

Date: AUG 23, 2024 Time: 8:30 AM, Dept.: V

The address of the court is:

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES

LASC-NORTHEAST DISTRICT ALHAMBRA COURTHOUSE, 150 WEST COMMONWEALTH AVENUE, ALHAMBRA, CA 91801

A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county (specify newspaper): The Malibu Times Date: JUN 10, 2024

ROBIN MILLER SLOAN, Judge of the Superior Court

DAVID W. SLAYTON Executive Officer/Clerk of Court PUB: 6/20, 6/27, 7/4, 7/11/2024 The Malibu Times MALIBU 142

2024104441

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

THE FOLLOWING PERSON IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS: 1. KENNA JEWELRY TOOLS

414 W. 6TH STREET, LOS ANGELES, CA 90014, LOS ANGELES COUNTY

Articles of Incorporation or Organization Number (if applicable): Registered Owner(s): 1. TUNA INTERNATIONAL LLC

414 W. 6TH STREET, LOS ANGELES, CA 90014

If Corporation or LLC- CA State of Incorporation/ Organization CA

This business is conducted by: A LIMITED LIABILITY

COMPANY

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

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, TUNA INTERNATIONAL LLC, AVEDIS TUNA, MEMBER

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on 5/14/2024. 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: 6/27, 7/4, 7/11, 7/18/2024

MALIBU 145

NOTICE OF ELECTION

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a General Municipal Election will be held in the City of Malibu on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, for the following officers:

Three Members of the City Council for the Full Term of Four Years

The nomination period for these offices begins on Monday, July 15, 2024, and closes on Friday, August 9, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. If nomination papers for an incumbent officer of the City are not filed by August 9, 2024, the voters shall have until August 14, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. to nominate candidates other than the incumbent.

If no one or only one person is nominated for an elective office, appointment to the elective office may be made as prescribed by California Elections Code Section 10229.

Vote centers will be open between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.

Visit https://www.lavote.net/home/voting-elections to check voter registration.

Kelsey Pettijohn

City Clerk

Dated: July 1, 2024

Publish: The Malibu Times, July 4, 2024 and July 11, 2024

SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO. 517

Ordinance No. 517 (the “Ordinance”) proposes to amend sections 15.40.050, (OWTS Requirements for Buildings), 15.40.080 (Cumulative Impacts), 15.42.050 (Wastewater Design Flows), 15.44.030 (OWTS Operating Permit Requirement), 15.44.040 (Renewal of OWTS Operating Permits), and section 15.44.50 (OWTS Inspection and Operating Permit Criteria) of the Malibu Municipal Code. The Ordinance requires certain home occupation uses that place a great strain and impacts on the OWTS system to more stringent requirements including annual inspections, possible advance OWTS required for certain home occupation uses, operating permits valid for 2 years and a complaint and monitoring system. Nothing in the Ordinance permits a use that would not otherwise be permitted by other pertinent provisions of the Malibu Municipal Code. The City Council found that the Ordinance is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act.

A full copy of the Ordinance is available for review in the City Clerk’s office.

I CERTIFY THAT THE FOREGOING ORDINANCE NO. 517 was passed and adopted at the Regular City Council meeting of June 24, 2024.

Councilmembers:

AYES: 5 Grisanti, Riggins, Silverstein, Stewart, Uhring NOES: 0

ABSTAIN: 0 ABSENT: 0

Kelsey Pettijohn City Clerk

Publish: The Malibu Times, July 4, 2024 MALIBU 148

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Notice is given that proposals for On-Call Closed-Circuit Television Inspection of Sewers program (BRC0000367) will be received by the Los Angeles County Public Works, per the instructions listed on the RFP until 5:30pm, Tuesday, July 23, 2024. There will be an optional online Proposers’ Conference on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at 9 am. To participate, proposers will need to sign in using the electronic signin sheet accessible at the following link: https:// pw.lacounty.gov/contracts/opportunities.aspx. The estimated annual program amount is $25 million. Instructions for accessing the RFP document are available at the following link: http://pw.lacounty. gov/brcd/servicecontracts or may be mailed to you upon request by calling(626) 458-4199 orTDDat(626) 282-7829. 7/4/24

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MALIBU TIMES

MALIBU 149

Farm friends soaking up the Malibu sun.

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“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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Contractor

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Real Estate Agent

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Malibu Volleyball Club places second in national tournament to wrap up club season

The group finished the championships with a 16-1 record and advanced to their 17-team division’s title game

The Malibu Volleyball Club was on the winners’ podium at the end of the USA Volleyball Boys Junior National Championships in Dallas on June 29.

The team of 16-year-olds finished second in the four-day event’s 16 Club division. The group finished the championships with a 16-1 record and advanced to their 17-team division’s title game.

Malibu head coach Derek Saenz said finishing as runner-up was a big deal for his team.

“It is the biggest stage these boys have ever been on,” he noted. “They were happy. We got to get on the podium and be part of a big ceremony.”

The USA Volleyball Boys Junior

National Championships was held at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center.

The event featured a multitude of teams composed of boys ages 12 to 18 competing in over 20 divisions.

The Malibu team is composed of players that play on the Malibu High School boys volleyball team, also coached by Saenz. Three of the players — Madeus Lupo, Alex Galen, and Timur Podgore — were named to the championships’ all-tournament team.

Malibu was defeated by IMUA Universal Volleyball Club, a team from the Inland Empire, in the championship game 25-18, 25-20.

Malibu beat the squad 25-23, 20-25, 15-5 in a crossover match the day before.

Saenz said that was Malibu’s best game of the tournament.

“That match was intense because we know it was a final-match preview,” he said. “It was very close in the first two sets, and then we crushed 15-5 in the third.”

Malibu began the volleyball spectacle with a 25-17, 25-16 victory over Sidewinder, an Arizona club, on June 26. That same day Malibu also beat Rancho Valley, a San Bernardino team; Slainte, a team from San Francisco; and 808AC, a team from Hawaii.

Malibu beat West Edge, a Woodland Hills team, 25-14, 25-18 at the beginning of the second day. Malibu also beat Diablo Black, a Bay Area squad, that day.

On June 28, Malibu downed the Bay Area’s Aloha, Guam’s Guahan Boys, and then IMUA.

Malibu beat Guahan Boys 25-17, 25-18 and 808AC 25-16, 25-23 before losing in the title match on the championships’ final day.

Malibu’s second-place finish in the tournament came over a month after the Malibu High boys team advanced to the semifinals of the CIF playoffs.

The success the boys had during the high school season, Saenz explained, was a partial confidence boost since not everyone from the high school team plays on the club squad.

“But it got them used to playing against older, bigger guys, compared to playing 16U,” he noted about the high school campaign.

The Malibu Volleyball Club roster includes Kane Bendler, Luca Calvo, Maxson Chiate, Lucas Galan, Martin Kurial, Sebastian Longo, Lucas Neven, and Nicolai Rainin.

The championships was the last event of the club season for Malibu.

Saenz wants his players take a break from volleyball during the summer but

to also spend time getting bigger and stronger in the weight room.

“They have developed so much, he said. “You can tell by their attention to detail, how they work out, and how they are mindful of their nutrition. They want it and it shows up in more than just what

they do in the hours we are together.”

The coach noted that how onlookers are sometimes surprised at seeing a Malibu group compete at national events.

“Malibu has tremendous athletic talent, and I’m glad people are starting to notice us,” Saenz stated.

Waves’ Edward Winter is ITA’s Southwest Regional Rookie of the Year

Australian native is the third Pepperdine tennis player ever to be named for the award

Pepperdine Waves men’s tennis player Edward Winter was named the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Southwest Regional Rookie of the Year on June 12.

Winter, from Adelaide, Australia, played at the first position in every dual match he stepped on the court. He also had six victories over ranked opponents.

Winter began the Waves’ spring campaign with victories over Michigan State’s Ronnie Hohmann III, ranked 12th in singles at the time, and UC Santa Barbara’s Pablo Masjuan, who was slotted at 20th.

Winter secured a comeback, three-set victory over Peter Alam of Pacific to win a match and help Pep-

perdine grab a share of the West Coast Conference regular-season championship.

The ITA announces regional award and nation -

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

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Year, ITA Assistant Coach of the Year, ITA Player to Watch, ITA Rookie of the Year, ITA Most Improved Senior, ITA Senior Player of the Year, ITA Community Service Award, and the Arthur Ashe Leadership and Sportsmanship honor.

Winter was one of nine recipients of a Southwest Regional Award. The others were from schools including Arizona, San Diego, and UCLA. Winter was also the WCC Freshman of the Year and a first-team all-WCC singles player and second-team all-conference doubles player. He began his freshman campaign as one of the ITA’s Top 10 newcomers. The first-year Wave was a top 60 singles player all season and ranked as high as 23rd in the ITA singles polls. Winter was the WCC Singles Player of the Week twice and the WCC Doubles Team of the Week once.

Winter competed in the NCAA Singles Tournament in May. He was defeated in the opening round by Tennessee’s Shunsuke Mitsui, an All-American. Winter is the third Pepperdine player ever to be named the ITA Southwest Regional Rookie of the Year. Daniel De Jonge received the title in 2020, and Sebastian Fanselow was tapped for the honor a decade earlier.

al award winners — which includes players and coaches — at the end of every college tennis season. The honors include Wilson ITA Coach of the
McKENZIE JACKSON Special to The Malibu Times
McKENZIE JACKSON Special to The Malibu Times
(From left) Malibu Volleyball Club’s Madeus Lupo, Alex Galan, and Timur Podgore were named to the all-tournament team at USA Volleyball Boys Junior National Championships in Dallas. The team finished second in its 17-team division. Photo by Derek Saenz
Pepperdine Waves men’s tennis player Edward Winter was named the ITA’s Southwest Newcomer of the Year. Photo by Kyle Cajero.

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