The Malibu Times • April 18, 2024

Malibu holds public discussion on the Revenue Sharing Agreement in school district separation

“I am excited tonight because we have reached a milestone in a very long negotiations process with the Santa Monica-Malibu School District (SMMUSD),” Deputy City Attorney Christine Wood said to start off the special City Council meeting last week. “There’s been a long process of both petitions and presentions before the county committee, but since about 2020, we have been in negotiations with the SMMUSD to negotiate a revenue sharing arrangement of sorts. As a result of what happened last fall, we have formulated and reached a preliminary agreement with the Santa Monica Unified School District around a revenue-sharing arrangement.”

There are times when extreme tragedy can serve as a catalyst for positive change.

California legislators who are privileged enough to serve on the transportation committee of the California State Senate bore witness to that on April 9 when two grieving fathers, Michel Shane and Barry Stewart, testified about how the unforgivably negligent acts of irresponsible individuals who were senselessly, excessively speeding on Malibu’s main street — the Pacific Coast Highway — mercilessly claimed the lives of their precious daughters, leaving their families, and friends in devastating despair and the entire Malibu community exasperated and demanding that authorities address the perils of PCH and nearby mountain roads.

Shane shared the heart-wrenching story of his daughter Emily, who was killed by a speeding motorist 14 years ago near the intersection of Heathercliff and PCH. Stewart recounted the devastating loss of his

daughter Peyton and three of her Pepperdine University classmates, who were killed on Oct. 17, 2023, in eastern Malibu in a collision involving a speeding driver allegedly traveling at 104 mph. The fathers were accompanied

Tem Doug Stewart, City Manager Steve McClary, and Deputy City Manager Alexis Brown. Doug Stewart and McClary testified before the committee and emphasized the

He stated that the two bills were desperately needed to further efforts to ensure the well-being of Malibu’s residents and visitors.

Senators debating the two

bills noted that Malibu’s traffic environment is uniquely hazardous, with few sidewalks or separated bike lanes, limited parking, regionally popular beaches, too much parking along both sides of PCH, and

Friends, co-workers remember Tracy Vancura

On Wednesday, April 10, The “Tracy and I worked together for almost 20 years,” Luis Loza, a waiter in Malibu at Ollo Restaurant tearfully said. “We worked at Coogie’s Beach Cafe together and Tracy was always very kind to everyone — not just toward our guests, but also toward our co-workers.”

Loza and many other restaurant workers and restaurant patrons in Malibu are grieving the

Animal lovers flocked to the Malibu Farmers Market on Sunday for the annual Paws for a Cause pet adoption event. Despite the rain, the unique gathering offered a heartwarming sight as furry friends, donning their cozy sweaters, eagerly sought their furever homes.

From playful puppies and kittens to graceful seniors and everything in between — Paws for a Cause is a special day filled with compassion, community, and culinary delights sponsored by the Cornucopia Foundation’s Malibu Farmers Market.

At the event, visitors were able to meet and interact with lovable animals up for adoption by many

of the leading pet rescues in the LA area, gain valuable insights from experts in the field, and

explore an exquisite selection of local gourmet foods, all while

John Mazza elected as Planning Commission chair, Drew Leonard as vice chair at Monday night meeting

The commission approved the operation of two new restaurants:

The election of the chair and vice chair was the first item addressed at the Planning Commission

meeting on Monday night. John Mazza will serve as chair, and Drew Leonard will serve as vice chair.

The commission approved the extension of Coastal Development Permit No. 14-079 to combine two adjacent lots into one, and to construct a new singlefamily residence and associated development.

The commission approved Coastal Development Permit No. 23-019 and Site Plan Review No. 23-024, an application for a new single-family residence, a second unit, and associated development on Harvester Road. The item was continued from March 18.

Over a dozen speakers attended the meeting in person and shared mixed opinions on the project.

Some supporting the project and others disapproved, saying the project is not consistent with the neighborhood characteristics of other surrounding homes in the Malibu Park neighborhood. Planning Director Richard Mollica answered the commissioner’s questions in regard to ESHA. City Biologist

Honoring the Legacy of Matt Rapf

Dear Editor,

Last Saturday, we gathered to pay tribute to a remarkable man whose presence touched the lives of many, Matt Rapf. As we came together to celebrate Matt’s life, we were reminded of the extraordinary impact he had on those around him. Matt was not only a skilled surfer, a successful realtor, and a dedicated family man, but he was also a beacon of faith and love in our community. His unwavering devotion to his family and friends and his deep-rooted connection to the City of Malibu exemplified the essence of a life well-lived. There was even a beautiful rainbow in the sky for Matt after a downpour of rain, which reminded us all of him.

Matt’s spirit radiated warmth and kindness, leaving an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire us for years to come. His boundless love for Malibu and his profound faith were evident in every aspect of his life, serving as a guiding light for all who knew him. As we bid farewell to our friend, we take solace in knowing that his spirit will live on through the countless lives he touched.

Matt’s memory will forever be cherished by those who had the privilege of calling him a friend, and his legacy will continue to resonate throughout our community. Rest in peace. Your presence will be deeply missed, but your spirit will continue to shine brightly in our hearts.

Diane Levy, Malibu

What can we do?

Dear Editor, I don’t know why some restaurants make it, and others do not. I once read that the overwhelming majority of restaurants ultimately fail. We live in an age where the knee-jerk reaction is to play the blame game regardless of the facts. Sometimes, just sometimes, “s—-t” happens, and nobody is to blame.

In Malibu today, several local restaurants appear to be doing very well. Malibu Seafood, Paradise Cove, and Geoffrey’s are three restaurants that come to mind. Yet all of them rely on visitors who play a significant role in their success. We have national restaurants like Nobu, which have done fabulously, and we have national restaurants, such as Mr. Chow’s, that did not do well. Sometimes, it is the location which determines a restaurant’s outcome. Several restaurants have failed at Point Dume Village. The one thing we all know is that Wilfredo is an example of an immigrant who came here, worked his butt off, and succeeded, and now he is hurting. l went to the pre-opening of Ciel Orange, ate there a couple of times a month, and was there with two other people just weeks ago. I frequently commented to my wife how few people were patronizing the restaurant. If we wish these small local establishments to succeed, we need to give them our business. Blaming the landlords and the government won’t help them. It is up to us.

And what we can do to help Wilfredo now is to patronize Tramonto’s, Wilfredo’s excellent Italian restaurant. We already booked a reservation to eat there with another couple.

Burt Ross, Malibu

A tradition of service? A community?

Dear Editor,

On Friday morning (March 29),

a pedestrian was killed (an apparent suicide) on southbound PCH on Malibu Creek bridge after being hit by a semi-truck. This is a difficult thing for all concerned, but not the main focus of this story. PCH was closed in both directions from Cross Creek Road to the entrance to Serra Retreat. I arrived at PCH/Cross Creek Road as traffic was building in both directions. I talked to an officer who informed me of the death and told me the road would be closed for hours.

Because Topanga Canyon is closed, the only way to get to the West Side was over Malibu Canyon, the 101, the 405, then the 10, a diversion of about 40 miles, maybe two hours in the morning rush.

I then rode down to the Cross Creek entrance to Serra Retreat to ride through there, and around the blockage, and was told by the gate warden that it was a private entrance and cars and motorcycles could not go through.

I rode back to the scene of the tragedy and talked to a sheriff’s deputy, asking them to contact the gate at Serra Retreat to let people through and get some traffic flowing again; it was after all the morning rush hour.

I was told that it was a private road and they could do nothing.

My concern is twofold, why was the northbound carriageway closed as there is a central median on the bridge, and why wasn’t southbound traffic routed through Serra Retreat?

Isn’t the catchphrase of the LASD “A Tradition of Service”?

Is Serra Retreat part of the Malibu community?

Does the doctor in the queue of traffic have no right to service? Does the patient at a westside hospital’s need for surgery, that is cancelled because of a multi-hour delay for the doctor, have no right to service? What about every other person in that traffic jam, do they have no right to service?

Do the residents in Serra Retreat not want to be part of the Malibu community? How does that actuate in the next fire that comes into Malibu. Should we just ignore them?

Perhaps what should happen in these circumstances is the LASD team should task an officer with getting traffic going as quickly as possible using the skills and resources they have available to them.

It seems to me that both the LASD and residents of Serra Retreat should be looking to serve and help the community; instead, what many people in the queue experienced was a lack of service and self-interest trumping a sense

IFrom the publisher HAYLEY MATTSON

was deeply saddened to hear about Maggie Luckerath’s passing, fondly known as “Momma Bu.” When we first came to Malibu, she extended her kindness to my family and me, inviting us to join her at the summer concerts at Trancas. Maggie was a passionate advocate for supporting others, and her absence will be deeply felt.

Last Saturday, loved ones gathered to pay tribute to Matt Rapf following his unexpected passing in February. Matt touched countless lives and left a profound impact that we can only aspire to have in our own lifetime. Our thoughts are with his family as they navigate their lives without him.

Significant progress was made with the ad-

of community. Poor form by both.

Kevin Hughes, Malibu

We must fight to preserve Malibu and Topanga

Dear Editor,

The letter below was sent to Malibu Mayor Steve Uhring and the City Council:

Having lived in the Rodeo Grounds for 28 years and next to the Feed Bin for two years, I have some familiarity with this land. I fought the takeover of the land by State Parks, which attempted to circumvent our State’s Relocation Act by a subterfuge, using a private entity to officially purchase the land from the L.A. Athletic Club, who had owned but leased it to residents since the late ‘20s when they discovered that the cost of building their planned boat harbor was too high. In 2001, the residents formed an association, for which I was co-president, and hired attorneys Frank Angel and Craig Dummit to force State Parks to follow state law. The land that the motel sits on is fill dirt, placed there when PCH was built. It was discovered that dumping the dirt bulldozed and removed from the bluffs was one-third the cost of dumping the excess dirt in the ocean. The motel, as Kraig Hill stated, was run down 25 years ago and now is in such terrible shape as to make restoration unfeasible. During the various meetings surrounding the proposed purchase by State Parks, we saw that a variety of NGOs were salivating at the potential opportunity to take over the motel cabins. Yet to what purpose would rebuilding the cabins accomplish? Somehow, the idea of showing

vancement of safety bills SB 1297 and SB 1509. Both bills received approval from the State Senate Transportation Committee on April 9 and will proceed through the legislative process. Congratulations to all those involved in this important endeavor!

The Emily Shane Foundation’s annual fundraiser, “Wings Over Malibu,” is tonight at Duke’s. Proceeds benefit the SEA (Successful Educational Achievement) Program, aiding underserved middle schoolers in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. The program fosters hope and confidence through personalized tutoring and mentorship, empowering students for a brighter future. Visit linktr. ee/emilyshanefoundation for more information.

these structures to be classic motor courts of the ‘30s would better be served with a fantastic online presentation. Unless, of course, you wanted to bring in the association with Charlie Manson, drugs, and ritual beheadings of chickens hung from Topanga Bridge into the mix. This brings up the idea of a visitors center. For whom? Santa Monica Mountains already has Malibu Creek. Visitors centers are another idea whose time has long passed. This information would be much better presented online. They cut all the trees and put them in a tree museum. I suspect that L.A. County residents much prefer the funky old Feed Bin to some concrete and glass building with some official’s name on it. Do not our officials understand that the Feed Bin and Bait Shop and similar actually preserve a lost era of Malibu better than anything that is being proposed?

Widening Topanga Beach is a total waste of funds. Topanga is a rock beach and not friendly for swimming. The rocks are why it was too expensive to build a boat harbor and why it is a good surfing break. It is not Zuma or Santa Monica.

As to the construction of the almost-six-times-longer bridge, we already have a perfectly adequate bridge and the state is broke. Already, because of potential rock slides on PCH below Big Rock and the mud Caltrans is not cleaning up at Paseo Miramar, the traffic is terrible, adding 40 minutes from anywhere east of Sunset Boulevard. This is already having an impact on Malibu residents and businesses. Have you noticed how many houses and apartments in Malibu are now for rent? As of May 1, I lose a tenant because of the extended commute. Caltrans promises to keep two lanes (out of four) open. Unless, of course, there

is an unforeseen issue, which, as we know, never happens in construction projects. The purchase of the 1,600 acres in 2001 was based on a lie that somehow it would connect Topanga State Beach to Topanga State Park up in Topanga. But that would mean crossing Topanga Canyon Boulevard and climbing 60-degree slopes. We pointed this out back when the original purchase was being considered, but this was ignored. Why? The LA Athletic Club, who owned the land, had hired a lobbyist who was a friend of then Gov. Gray Davis and suddenly the land went from not being on State Parks’ acquisition list to being No. 1.

If State Parks wants to serve LA County residents and others, what they need is a campground in the Rodeo Grounds and Topanga Lane. These can be simple with just tent sites with a charcoal pit, and unlike other proposed campgrounds in Malibu, fire is not much of a danger because the area is very wet and even during a Santa Ana wind event, there are no houses downwind. It would require a footbridge over Topanga Creek for access when water is in the creek. And if anyone claims that the lagoon area is pristine, how can that be when people have lived there — and upstream still do — and the homeless have always lived in the creekbed. And there have been cars buried in the creek and I have footage of a dumpster sailing along during a flood.

All this means the best solution is very limited use and no terrible development that changes the character of the area from somewhat rural to urban. We must fight to preserve the reason people like coming to Malibu and Topanga.

The following incidents were reported between:

MAR 12 - MAR 24

 3/12 | Grand theft

A vehicle parked near Moonshadows Malibu was broken into and ransacked. The victim said two pairs of headphones worth $600 each were stolen. There was no other damage made to the vehicle. There were no security cameras available for evidence.

 3/13 | Vehicle burglary

A vehicle parked near Winding Way was broken into and ransacked. The victim said the driver side key hole was damaged. There were no security cameras available for evidence.

 3/16 | Burglary

A vehicle parked near Winding Way and PCH was broken into and the window was shattered. The victim said there was nothing missing from their vehicle. The window was estimated to cost $300 to repair. There were no security cameras available for evidence.

 3/17 | Vehicle burglary

A vehicle parked on Kanan Dume Road was broken into and the window was shattered. The victim said the window was estimated to cost $1,500 to replace. The victim said an estimated $500 in miscellaneous items were stolen. There were no security cameras available for evidence.

 3/24 | Vehicle burglary

A vehicle parked near Rambla Vista Drive was broken into and the vehicle registration was stolen. The victim said they were unsure if there was anything else stolen at this time. There was no security cameras available for evidence.

Month-long overnight lane closures on 101 freeway in Agoura scheduled

Upcoming overnight closures on Highway 101 in Agoura Hills are signaling a major milestone for the world’s largest wildlife crossing. The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing in Agoura Hills started construction nearly two years ago.

The $90 million project funded through state and private agencies, along with individual contributions, is being built by Caltrans, which is about to start the complex process of installing the large-scale concrete beams that will be the first horizontal supports for the crossing. Caltrans’s plan includes placing the girders late at night as well as other measures to make the process as convenient as possible for highway users.

Beginning April 16, Caltrans will close half of Highway 101, all lanes in one direction beginning at midnight. Closures will occur on Monday through Friday nights until 5 a.m. each night; only one direction of the freeway will be completely closed. Lanes in the opposite direction will stay open for traffic and there are easy detours at Liberty Canyon. The entire process of placing these concrete beams is expected to take from 30 to 45 days to complete and will feature the placement of a total of 82 concrete beams, or girders, across all 10 lanes of the freeway.

Completion is scheduled for the end of 2025 or early 2026.

Soderlund gives Sheriff’s Update on

Glenn Ray Harvey, age 72, of Santa Barbara, California, passed away on March 22, 2024, after a hard, longfought battle against an infection.

Glenn was born on September 13, 1951, to Royal Harvey and Margaret Wood in Santa Monica, California. He spent his childhood in Venice, California, before mov-

crime and traffic safety

Sgt. Chris Soderlund, Malibu’s liaison to the Malibu-Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station, gave an update to the City Council on crime and traffic safety on April 8. In March, there were 28 part one (serious) crimes reported in Malibu, 99 year-to-date, compared with 96 for the same period one year ago. In March, deputies issued 552 citations in Malibu, with unsafe speed being the most commonly cited violation. In March, there were 29 traffic collisions, six of which involved injuries. Tragically, there were two recent traffic-related fatalities in Malibu. On March 29, a person experiencing homelessness was killed by a semi-truck in what deputies believe was a suicide. On April 3, a motorist was killed when her vehicle went over the side of Malibu Canyon. In March, the Malibu special assignment deputies (a two-deputy car during the afternoon and a two-deputy car overnight) made seven felony arrests and 31 misdemeanor arrests. The arrests included: reckless driving and possession of a nitrous oxide tank (a dangerous, illegal speed-enhancing tool); felony criminal threats (a group of female Pepperdine students reported being harassed while they were out running); felony vandalism; assault with a deadly weapon; and felony possession of a fixed-blade knife (the person was also suspected of illegal street racing). On April 4, a deputy attempted to stop three speeding motorists on PCH at Trancas Canyon. The motorists fled at speeds up to 104 mph in a 55 mph zone. The three motorists were arrested for reckless driving and their vehicles were impounded for 30 days.

Progress of City of

Malibu projects

Malibu Pch Signal

Synchronization Project

Crews are currently working between Big Rock and just north of Las Flores with one north lane closed, needed as three separate crews are working on site (utility investigation/boring operations/ fiber installation). Unfortunately, crews are unable to implement the alternate traffic control (shifting the lanes to the center to keep two lanes open) due to safety reasons, existing infrastructure, and specific locations of ongoing work.

Pch Median Project

Construction is expected to begin in April on PCH from John Tyler Drive to Puerco Canyon on the city’s PCH Median Improvement Project, which will contribute to PCH safety. Estimated completion June 2024.

Caltrans — Topanga Cyn

Topanga Canyon closed in both directions until further notice due to the large, active landslide. The slide cannot be cleared until it stops moving and engineers have determined it is safe for workers and the public to begin work clearing it. The slide is gradually slowing down. An assessment will be done after the rain forecast for Saturday, April 13.

Caltrans — Tuna Canyon

Caltrans plans to install a temporary traffic signal at the PCH/ Tuna Canyon intersection to assist with left turns onto PCH, as Tuna Canyon is one of the only routes through/out of Topanga Canyon.

Caltrans — Pch At Big Rock

One lane of northbound PCH remains closed near Big Rock Drive due to an active landslide. Over the past few weeks, the majority of large rocks have descended. An assessment will be done after the rain.

Caltrans — Pch

At Corral Cyn / Latigo Canyon

One lane of northbound PCH remains closed north of Corral Canyon due to the active landslide there. Rock fencing is being installed on top of the K-rail, and when complete next week, lanes should return to normal.

Caltrans — Solstice Creek Bridge Replacement Work

One lane of northbound PCH is diverted into the center media just before Corral Cyn for a project to repair or replace culverts along PCH to restore endangered fish habitat, and to replace the Solstice Creek Bridge. Watch for active construction with workers and work vehicles, and a 30 mph speed limit.

Updates on lane and road closures on PCH and Topanga Canyon

The city is in constant communication with Caltrans as their engineers continue to assess the safety and stability of the slopes and roadway at the landslide sites in Topanga Canyon and on PCH. Lane closures on PCH for the City’s Traffic Signal Synchronization Project are necessary to complete the city’s most significant project to date to improve safety and mobility on PCH, a top priority of the community. The signal project work cannot be done at night safely and without incurring major project cost overruns and delays. Completion is expected in late 2024.

Caltrans District 7 on X (Twitter). For city information, follow us on X (Twitter), Facebook, Instagram and the city website at malibucity. org. Sign up for city traffic alerts on the website at www.malibucity. org/list.aspx.

Please drive cautiously in the slide areas, and watch for workers and work vehicles in the road. Fines for traffic citations in construction zones are doubled under California law.

Volunteers needed for Point Dume Nature Preserve weeding day

Get your hands dirty and feel good doing your part! This event held every second Wednesday of the month is to remove invasive plant species by hand-pulling. Bring gardening gloves, water, a hat, and sunscreen! Parking available at Point Dume entrance (Limited two-hour free parking), Westward Beach County parking lot (hourly rate), and Westward Beach Road (free). To sign up visit, signupgenius.com/go/ 20F0E49A9AD2FAB9-monthly1?useFullSite=true#/.

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

ing to Malibu, California, in 1976. In 1996, Glenn relocated his family to Santa Barbara, California, where he lived until 2024.

Glenn’s successful professional life as a business entrepreneur and general contractor eventually led him to build, own, and operate several businesses, including Glenn Harvey Construction, Co., Santa Monica Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc., Malibu Refrigeration, Air Conditioning & Heat Inc., and the Lodge at Sandpoint, Inc.

Glenn had many hobbies, including construction projects, riding motorcycles, rebuilding cars, horseback riding, tennis, pickleball, boating, fishing, skiing, surfing, road trips, going to the beach, spending time with his dog Ranger, and entertaining his friends and family with festive gatherings.

Those closest to Glenn describe

him as a larger-than-life man who fiercely loved his family. Glenn leaves behind the love of his life and long-time partner, Leslie Wood, his son, Michael Harvey, his two daughters, Jacqueline and Amanda Harvey, and grandchildren, Manuel and Sierra Harvey.

Glenn was predeceased by his grandmother, Margaret Reinhart, his mother, Margaret Wood, stepfather, Charles King, and brotherin-law, Dmitri Wood.

Services will be held in Santa Barbara, California, on May 4, 2024. For those seeking additional information on the time and place of the service to celebrate Glenn Harvey’s life, please contact his daughter, Jacqueline Harvey, at jnharvey1515@gmail.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to your local animal shelter, a cause Glenn felt strongly about.

The city understands the inconvenience and frustration caused by the traffic congestion. The closures are necessary for the safety of motorists and workers. We will continue to post any significant changes on social media and other platforms. If no updates are posted, it is because nothing has changed. Meanwhile, check navigation apps and Quickmap.dot.ca.gov for road conditions and closures or call Caltrans Highway Information Network at (800) 427-7623 before hitting the road, and follow

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

OVER MALIBU

tHU APR 18

DECORATE YOUR OWN PLANT

AT THE MALIBU LIBRARY

Join the Malibu Library on Friday, April 18, and learn about the basics of planting and caring for potted flowers. You will also have a chance to decorate a mini ceramic terra-cotta pot using acrylic paint. For ages 13-17, on Thursday, April 18, from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Malibu Library.

EMILY SHANE FOUNDATION

ANNUAL FUNDRAISER WINGS

The Emily Shane Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit charity based in Malibu and serving children across Los Angeles and Ventura counties, will be hosting its annual gala spring fundraiser Wings Over Malibu on the evening of Thursday, April 18, directly over the waves in the Ocean Room at Duke’s Restaurant in Malibu. The gala’s proceeds will benefit the foundation’s SEA (Successful Educational Achievement) Program, which empowers underserved, disadvantaged middle schoolers at risk of academic failure by providing them with intensive and individualized academic tutoring and mentorship.

Highlights of Wings Over Malibu 2024 include a live auction, an online silent auction, exclusive wines by The Narcissist Wine Company, delicious appetizers, and the popular local band Little Dume, presenting an acoustic set. Members of the Malibu

Middle Orchestra will serenade guests as they arrive. Tickets will be available for purchase at emilyshane.org.

FRi

APR 19

SPRING FLING

Join Stoked Surfboard Art on Friday, April 19, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Trancas Country Market, 30745 Pacific Coast Highway. Check out the new stoked designs and live music by Sophie Holt. There will be 25 percent off selected items.

FREE SEMINAR AT SANTA

MONICA COLLEGE MALIBU

CAMPUS

SVF Audubon Society Seminar:

The Swallows are Back! Join the Free Seminar at Santa Monica College Malibu Campus 23555 Civic Center Way, Malibu Room 202/Lecture Hall on Friday, April 19, from 10 to 11 a.m. To register go to commed.smc.edu and search for “Swallows” to find this free

seminar registration. For questions call (310) 434-8600.

SAT

APR 20

DOCUMENT SHRED DAY

Drop off any documents in need of shredding on Saturday, April 20, at Malibu City Hall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or until the truck is full. This is a drive-thru event, so residents will not be able to wait and watch the bin be shredded. Participants are strongly encouraged to remain in their vehicles. All shredded material will be recycled. Protect yourself against identity theft and fraud by disposing of old records properly. Securely dispose of personal/business records. Limit of five boxes (or five 13-gallon bags) per household. Acceptable items include:

Tax forms and bank statements

• Pay stubs

• Checkbooks

Insurance policy information

Medical information

Legal files

• Utility bills

• Credit card statements

• Credit card offers

Receipts and invoices

Investment records

SAT

APR 20

OUR LADY OF MALIBU: A NIGHT IN MONTE CARLO

Our Lady of Malibu is hosting a Night in Monte Carlo on Saturday, April 20, from 6 to 11 p.m. Enjoy casino games, dinner, drinks, live band, dancing, live and silent auction, cash prize raffle drawings.

MON APR 22

WASTEWATER AND RECYCLED WATER RATE STUDY PUBLIC HEARING AT CITY HALL

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

SHOW

Don’t miss Malibu Middle/High School’s first annual art show on Wednesday, April 24, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the parent center. View student’s drawings, paintings, photography, digital arts, visual arts, ceramics, sculptures, film, and more. Food and drinks will be provided. Admission is free.

THU APR 25

SECOND ANNUAL NORTH SANTA MONICA BAY STATE OF THE WATERSHED 2024

Join the North Santa Monica Bay State of the Watershed 2024 on Thursday, April 25, from 1 to 4 p.m. at City of Malibu, 23825 Stuart Ranch Road Malibu, CA 90265. Hybrid option: Registered guests will receive a Zoom link from Eventbrite the day of the event. Link to register here: www.eventbrite.com/e/ north-santa-monica-bay-stateof-the-watershed-2024-tickets861204083597?aff=ebdsoporgpr ofile.

MALIBU FOUNDATION

GROUNDBREAKING EVENT AT SANTA MONICA COLLEGE

Join the Malibu Foundation on Thursday, April 25, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Santa Monica College in celebration of their groundbreaking initiative to address biodiversity loss by planting the first microforest at a community college in the country. Please RSVP of your attendance at info@themalibufoundation.org.

FRI APR 26-28

MHS THEATRE: ‘MEAN GIRLS’

TUE APR 23

CITY TO HOST A FIRESCAPING WORKSHOP

The city is hosting the West Basin Firescaping Workshop class on Tuesday, April 23, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Malibu City Hall, in partnership with the West Basin Municipal Water District, LA Waterworks, and the Los Angeles County Fire Department. This event is free and will allow Malibu residents to learn the benefits and techniques of fireresistant landscaping for home improvement. Dinner will be included.

Topics Include:

Protecting Your Home First Five Feet

• Defensible Space

• Fire-Resistant Plants

For more information and event registration, visit westbasin.org/ firescaping.

WED APR 24

CELEBRATE DIA: MAKE A PINATA AT THE MALIBU LIBRARY

Join the Malibu Library on Wednesday, April 24, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. as we celebrate children and families by enjoying books and, reading, and creating paper bag piñatas. For ages 5-12 with parent or caregiver, but fun for the whole family.

1ST ANNUAL MMS/MHS

begins at 10 a.m. at Charmlee Wilderness Park, 2577 Encinal Canyon Road. They will meet in the Charmlee Wilderness Park parking lot at 9:45 a.m., then gather for lunch at noon at Malibu Brewing Company, 30745 Pacific Coast Highway. (Each person is responsible for their own tab). You can attend one or both activities. RSVP Required at https://tinyurl. com/3eaeavw2. For more info go to Info@MalibuDemocraticClub. org.

TUE APR 30

COASTAL VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT WORKSHOP (VIRTUAL)

Join the City of Malibu at the upcoming public workshop on Tuesday, April 30, at 3 p.m., on Zoom to provide your feedback and discuss the next steps on the Coastal Vulnerability Assessment and projected impacts of sea level rise. Visit the virtual link to access the meeting. The recording of the first virtual workshop presenting technical results is available at Virtual Workshop Recording. Access the draft Coastal Vulnerability Assessment report, interactive GIS map, and additional information on our Malibu Coastal webpage (malibucity.org/859/Coastal). For inquiries, call (310) 456-2489, ext. 390, or email mbuilding@ malibucity.org.

ONGOING

FARMERS MARKET

Come out and support Malibu High School theatre’s next play, “Mean Girls.” The play runs from Thursday, April 26, through Sunday, April 28. Tickets are on sale now. Visit artsangelsmhs on Instagram for more info. The link to purchase tickets is in their bio.

FRI APR 26

CHARMLEE WILDERNESS PARK NIGHT HIKE

Discover the nighttime magic of Charmlee Wilderness Park on Friday, April 26, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. During the 90-minute hike, participants will learn about the nocturnal surroundings of the Santa Monica Mountains. Participants should feel comfortable walking on uneven terrain. Bring water, a headlamp or flashlight, appropriate shoes, and dress in layers. Reservations are required for this free event. The hike will be canceled in case of rain. For more information, visit the outdoor recreation webpage malibucity.org/1090/OutdoorRecreation.

SAT APR 27

THE RIPPLE EFFECT: A GENERATIVE POETRY WORKSHOP

When things ripple, they emanate from a center and move outwards. Ripples are an unfolding interaction. In terms of poetry, poems “ripple out” from us and join the ripple of existing and yet-to-be-penned poems which creates a dialogue that continuously overlaps. Join us for a generative, poetry writing workshop where we will sit in the “ripple” of each other’s energies, read, and discuss poems to stimulate our imaginations, and write original poems from prompts provided in the workshop. This workshop is for everyone, regardless of ability level. Participants should bring a pen and a notepad! Led by Malibu Poet Laureate Nathan Hassall. The next workshop is on Saturday, April 27, from 2 to 4 p.m.

Sun APR 28

MALIBU DEMOCRATIC CLUB TO HOST HIKE AND LUNCH

On Sunday, April 28, the Malibu Democratic Club is hosting a hike and lunch event. The hike

The Malibu Farmers Market returns to the Library Plaza on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., located at 23555 Civic Center Way, adjacent to the library. For updates, follow up on instagram @ malibufarmersmarket.

WEEDING DAY AT POINT DUME

NATURE PRESERVE

Get your hands dirty and feel good doing your part! This event held every second Wednesday of the month is to remove invasive plant species by hand-pulling. Bring gardening gloves, water, a hat, and sunscreen! Parking available at Point Dume entrance (Limited two-hour free parking), Westward Beach County parking lot (hourly rate), and Westward Beach Road (free).

BRIDGE GROUP

If you have never played bridge, here is your chance to learn! Beginners and experienced players are welcome to play with this relaxed bridge group every Friday at the Malibu Senior Center from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. A friendly and welcoming long-standing group welcomes all levels of players. Led by volunteer Vin Joshi.

KNITTING

Join the City of Malibu’s Community Services Department and Sheila Rosenthal for a knitting workshop that takes place on Mondays and Fridays at 9:00 a.m. This program is a welcoming gathering space for fiber artists that fosters community through open stitch. Make a scarf, hat, blanket, or homemade gift. No experience necessary. Please bring size eight needles and one skein of yarn. This is an ongoing, drop-in program. Instructed by Sheila Rosenthal.

RELAXING THROUGH COLORING

The art of coloring activates different areas of the brain, using logic, forming colors, and creativity. Join this free, unstructured program. Instructed by Judy Merrick. Complimentary program. Visit malibucity.org for dates and times.

STRETCH AND STRENGTH

Participants will focus on increasing flexibility, balance, circulation, and muscle tone while learning to relax through breathing techniques. Bring yoga blocks and a mat. Instructed by Marsha Cooper. $5 per class. Visit malibucity.org for dates and times.

Drop off any documents in need of shredding on Saturday, April 20, at Malibu City Hall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or until the truck is full.

Photo by Samantha Bravo/TMT

BUSINESS

The roles of chambers of commerce: Advocacy, not partisanship

By BARBARA BURKE Special to The Malibu Times

People often wonder what Chambers of Commerce do and, equally importantly, what they refrain from doing.  Given their well-deserved recognition worldwide, nationwide, statewide, and locally, and the deference that regulators and lawmakers in all levels of government accord them, it’s beneficial to discuss what roles chambers of commerce do perform, while also always remaining mindful of their self-imposed constraints, which mandate that they remain objective and support all, not merely one or some, individual businesses. That principle is central to understanding chambers’ proper role because, simply stated, impartiality is the cornerstone of why chambers matter.

Although there are international and nationwide chambers that advocate on issues affecting commerce at all levels, Malibuites who are worried about our often-challenged local business sector are

quite likely most interested in considering the role of California’s statewide and local chambers because they most greatly directly affect local commerce.

“All politics is local,” the late brilliant sociologist and politician Sen. Daniel Patrick Monynihan often quipped during his decades-long effective leadership in Washington, D.C. Similarly, to a great extent, commerce that is conducted in brick and mortar establishments, as opposed to digital commerce, is also primarily local.

Sometimes, citizens seek to have a local chamber of commerce advocate for one business or group of individuals to obtain a benefit or to be given standing in a governmental context because they are of the understanding that is what chambers do.

Au contraire — that is what lobbyists sometimes do.

A hypothetical helps: chambers of commerce have zero role concerning whom a governmental authority should specifically contract with to fulfill a particular commodities need or to perform a services

function.

However, importantly, a chamber would have a proper role, indeed a critically important role, in helping to further the conversation regarding whether it would be in the interest of the local community and local business sectors for a governmental entity to decide whether government should assist the local business community by taking a specific action such as, by way of example, whether our local municipality should seek federal funding when Malibu’s experiencing a natural disaster such as a wildfire or excessive rains causing landslides and flooding has significantly negatively impacted local businesses.

The seminal relevant principle in this conversation centers on the fact that local chambers do not support only one person or enterprise or a small subgroup of businesses within a business sector because that is antithetical to their goal of promoting all businesses in all business sectors.

According to the website for the Malibu and Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce, the organization’s mission is, in relevant part, to promote the community by assisting businesses to grow and develop. Further, the Chamber’s role is to work on behalf of all local businesses to “ensure local and state elected officials are educated on the impact their decisions will have on our economy.”  It is, the mission statement continues, the Chamber’s job to analyze the impact each issue will have on local businesses and to relay this information to its members and the community.

Similarly, the California Chamber of Commerce provides businesses statewide a voice and a place at the table with regard to shaping laws.

The statewide Chamber works on policies that promote the state’s entire economy.

If one has a concern about a particular business don’t call a chamber of commerce — enter stage left a Better Business Bu-

embracing the joy of giving back. of the Malibu Farmers Market, said Paws for a Cause celebrates the spirit of pet adoption and offers a new lease on life for animals of all ages and sizes. for lunch, shop to your heart’s content, and support a noble cause!” she said in a press release prior to the event. “Let’s make a difference together at this one-of-a-kind event!”

reau, whose role it is to accredit individual businesses with hopes of improving a trustworthy marketplace by maintaining standards for truthful advertising, investigating and exposing fraud against consumers and businesses and providing consumers with information before they purchase products and services. Of course, pursuant to the seminal principles set forth in our federal and state constitutions, all citizens, both corporate and individual, are able to, and ideally should choose to, chime in so as to help define and contribute to the ongoing narrative concerning local business-related matters — that is what the first amendments to both the United States and California Constitutions guarantee.

Chambers of commerce uniquely add to the marketplace of ideas regarding what struggles and successes all local business sectors encounter and experience. By fulfilling that important role, chambers are thereby instrumental in furthering the ongoing business sector conversation.

Waves women’s basketball has new head coach

Katie Faulkner is fifth alltime in Montana scoring, 10th in rebounding, and fifth in blocked shots

By MCKENZIE JACKSON Special to The Malibu Times

Pepperdine has hired a new hoops coach for the second time this month.

Coaching veteran Katie Faulkner was named the head coach of the Waves women’s basketball team on April 12.

Faulkner, most recently the associate head coach of the University of Washington women’s basketball team, said it has been a privilege to get to know Pepperdine leadership — President Jim Gash, Senior Vice President Tim Perrin, and Director of Athletics Tanner Gardner — and see the support for Waves women’s hoops.

“This combined with the driving mission of the university makes it an incredible place for young women to compete, grow, and discover what’s possible for their lives,” Faulkner said in press release. “I consider myself extremely blessed to lead this program into the future.”

Faulkner replaces Kelsey Keizer, who was the interim coach for the 2023-24 season. Keizer, previously an assistant coach, stepped into the role after Tim Hays resigned from the position last August. Faulkner got the Pepperdine coaching gig nine days after Ed Shilling was named the head coach of Waves men’s basketball team.

Faulkner has 10 years of coaching experience and is a former college basketball standout.

She was a leader on Washington’s bench from the 2021-22 season to this season.

Faulkner helped Washington advance to the WNIT Final Four in 2023, which was the program’s first postseason qualification in six years. That year’s Washington team had a 19-15 record, its best record in six seasons. This year, Washington qualified for the inaugural Women’s Basketball Invitational Tournament.

Faulkner was an assistant coach at Oregon State from 2016-21. Oregon State qualified for the NCAA tournament in four consecutive seasons while Faulkner was there. The team made a run to the Elite Eight in 2018. Oregon State won the Pac-12 championship in 2017 and had five All-Pac-12 first team players. Faulkner was named to WBCA’s 30 under 30 coaches list in 2018.

Faulkner helped Washington sign consecutive top-20 recruiting classes. At Oregon State, she aided the team in signing McDonald’s All-Americans in three consecutive classes, five top 20 recruits, and four top 10 recruits.

She was a graduate assistant for Wisconsin in the 2015-16 season. Faulkner first stepped on the sideline as an assistant coach at the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs the season before. She helped the team compile a 26-7 record and reach the Division II Sweet Sixteen.

Faulkner, from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, was the Gatorade Player of the Year as a high school sophomore in 2007. As a player at the University of Montana, she was a four-time all-Big Sky Conference selection and the 2013 Big Sky Player of the Year as a senior. Faulkner led Montana to two NCAA Tournaments. She graduated in 2013.

She is fifth all-time in Montana scoring, 10th in rebounding, and fifth in blocked shots. Faulkner played professional hoops in Luxembourg for one year after college.

Gardner said Pepperdine is thrilled to have Faulkner as the women’s team’s head coach.

“Katie is a proven winner as a player and coach, and she is a skilled leader who will develop and empower the young women of Pepperdine women’s basketball to be champions on and off the court,” he said.

Washington head coach Tina Langley said Pepperdine made the right choice in hiring Faulkner. “She is a rising star in this profession,

whose experience and knowledge of the college basketball landscape will make an immediate impact,” she said. “I am confident that together, Tanner and Katie will form an incredible partnership that will help build Pepperdine’s program and continue to propel it forward.”

Faulkner’s college coach, Robin Selvig, praised his former player.

“She is fiercely competitive, a strong leader and will be a perfect role model for the young women of Pepperdine Basketball. Congratulations Katie!” Selvig said.

The Waves finished last season with a 5-25 record including a 1-15 record in the West Coast Conference.

Katie Faulkner, seen here during her time as an assistant coach at Oregon State (2016-21), has been named the new women’s basketball head coach at Pepperdine. She spent the last three seasons on the women’s basketball staff at Washington. Photo from Oregon State Athletics

Clean Power Alliance update

Clean Power Alliance (CPA) is a locally controlled electricity provider in Southern California, including Malibu and 30 other communities. As part of the city’s commitment to protecting the environment, addressing climate change, and building resiliency, city staff attends local meetings, researches potential grants, and stays up-to-date on relevant legislation. Through collaboration between the city and the CPA, Malibu’s residents and businesses are leading the way to a greener future. The recently released quarterly status report shows that 95.2 percent of Malibu participates in Clean Power Alliance, and 96.5 percent of active customers have taken the 100 percent Green Power option. Overall, member agencies reduced greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 10 billion pounds since 2018, which is equivalent to planting 74 million trees over 10 years. For more information, visit the webpage www.malibucity.org/ energy.

Homeless Outreach update

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

Current and past monthly Homeless Outreach reports are available on the webpage www.malibucity. org/1051/Outreach-Support.

Update on CHP traffic enforcement in Malibu

The CHP Malibu Task Force reported on its enforcement work between March 4 and March 10. They issued 87 citations: 77 for speeding, six for other moving violations, one for unsafe turning, one for distracted driving, one for a seatbelt violation, and one for an equipment violation. Three verbal warnings were issued. A motorcyclist going 115 mph was arrested for reckless driving. Year to date, the CHP Malibu Task Force issued 612 citations. The city signed a long-term contract to bring CHP patrols back to Malibu as part of the city’s efforts to address PCH safety. This active, visible enforcement sends a strong signal that speeding and reckless driving in Malibu will not be tolerated. For more information on the city’s efforts to address PCH safety, visit the webpage at malibucity.org/pchsafety.

Registration is now open for the next CERT training, starting today, April 18

Registration is now open for the city’s next Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training. As part of its ongoing efforts toward community-wide wildfire and disaster preparedness, the city is offering the next round of the highly popular free training with seven classes to be held on Thursday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m., April 18 through May 30, at Malibu City Hall. The program is administered by the city and other public safety agencies across the country and empowers commu-

nity members to help themselves and their neighbors during disasters. Through hands-on training, participants learn the most upto-date information on basic disaster preparedness, the use of a fire extinguisher, disaster medical care, first aid, search and rescue, disaster psychology, and neighborhood team building. For more information and to sign up, visit the webpage, at malibucity.org or email publicsafety@malibucity.org, or call (310) 456-2489, ext. 237.

New ‘Agents of Discovery’ program promotes environmental education and exploration of Malibu’s habitats

The City of Malibu Community Services Department invites children join the new “Agents of Discovery” augmented reality program, which promotes environmental education and encourages exploration of Malibu’s beautiful natural habitats.

The mobile app guides kids ages 4-12 on a “mission” throughout Malibu’s beautiful Legacy Park to learn about native plants, insects, animals, and birds. The mission starts at the Malibu Library and has 11 challenges, such as finding and identifying plants and animals and answering trivia questions. Children who complete the mission will get a free Malibu Agents of Discovery badge at the Malibu Library. The Malibu Library is located at 23519 West Civic Center Way, Malibu, across the street from Legacy Park. To get started, download the free Agents of Discovery mobile app from Google Play or the Apple App Store. Click on the “Legacy Park” mission, and the city’s great blue heron will guide the user through the challenges.

While the challenges are meant to start and end at the library, they can be started anywhere in Legacy Park by opening the app and scanning the QR code on one of the informational signs posted around the park.

New challenges will be created each season to provide young explorers with new opportunities to learn about Legacy Park’s ecosystems and habitats.

For more information about the Agents of Discovery Program, visit the webpage at malibucity.org/ Agents.

City Fire Safety Liaisons get advanced radios for improved communications and collaborations

The City Fire Safety Liaisons procured three fully programable radios that meet the Cal Fire standard for working within the operational area of a wildfire. The radios were funded by a Fire Prevention grant. This will enable the Fire Safety Liaisons to have full incident communications with Los Angeles County, Ventura County, and Los Angeles City fire departments, Cal Fire and all other out-of-area agencies responding to an incident in Malibu. These important tools will help the Fire Liaisons get accurate, real-time incident information back to city leadership, staff, and the Emergency Operations Center, advocate for the community, and assist out-ofarea agencies with locally specific information.

Wastewater and Recycled Water Rate Study public hearing set for April 22

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

Senior center anniversary party, April 25

Enjoy a delicious lunch, socialize with friends, and celebrate the 21st anniversary of the City of Malibu Senior Center on Thursday, April 25, at 12 p.m. at City Hall. The event will include live entertainment and giveaways. Space is limited, and RSVPs are required by calling (310) 4562489, ext. 357. For more information, visit the Senior Center webpage at https://malibucity. org/343/Senior-Center.

Malibu Rebuilds

Statistics

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: 160

• Multifamily building units

sudden, tragic loss of Tracy Vancura, 63, of Camarillo. Vancura died at the scene of a one-vehicle accident on April 3 after she was ejected from her Toyota Scion, which tumbled about 150 feet down an embankment on a steep, winding section of Malibu Canyon Road near Pacific Coast Highway, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner.

One driver who stopped at the accident scene stated that he was driving through the canyon at approximately 5:30 p.m. when he “saw some bystanders waving their hands and asking for help and shouting, ‘The car went down!’”

William M. Bema said he and those bystanders climbed down the steep canyon wall. “We rushed down the hill and as we got closer, we saw big tree branches were folded over the car and we saw a body lying there,” Bema said.

As the word spread around Malibu, loyal Marmalade Cafe customers who were shocked by the devastating news brought condolence cards that were added to a small memorial area honoring Vancura at the front of the restaurant on Cross Creek Road.

“Tracy was a beloved member of the Marmalade Cafe family for over 13 years,” said Lindsay Arnold, director of operations for the restaurant. “We are all devastated by this loss. Tracy was adored by her colleagues and guests. Tracy was also a joy to the

complete: 18

• Projects under construction: 124

Inspections approved: 10,035

Inspections total: 17,602

Single-family home rebuild building permits issued: 284

Final Report and recommendation from study to help City with staff recruiting and retention efforts

On April 8, the City advanced efforts to improve its competitiveness in the labor market, make the City a highly attractive workplace, and ensure the City can attract and retain top-level professional staff. The final report and recommendations of the Classification and Compensation Study were presented, which the Council initiated in 2023. It was the first such study since 2006.

The report’s recommendations will be incorporated as requests for the next Fiscal Year’s draft Budget, subject to approval by the City Council. The study, a tool commonly used by city governments, examined the job descriptions and salaries of all positions in the City and compared them with other cities to determine if Malibu’s salaries, benefits, job types and working conditions are competitive. The ultimate goals are to be able to hire and retain excellent staff to be able to provide the best possible city services to the community, and to be a good employer that upholds the values of the community. Over the last several years, the City has faced increasing challenges in attracting and retaining staff due to factors including long commutes, lack of affordable housing, high workloads, and high competition due to the increasing prevalence of remote working, among others.

community and had a special way to make everyone who came into the restaurant feel welcomed and valued. We will miss her warmth, dedication, and most of all, her sweet, gentle spirit. Our condolences go out to her family and friends as they mourn this terrible loss.”

Loza elaborated about how much Vancura meant to him and others in the restaurant community in Malibu.

“She was always extremely hard-working. I don’t recall her ever taking a vacation!” He said.  “Moreover, Tracy was always friendly and she always did kind things, such as bringing doughnuts to our kitchen staff each week.”

Colleen Smith, Vancura’s co-worker at Marmalade, also emphasized how important Vancura was to Malibu locals and workers.

“Tracy has been working in the community for 40 years, starting with Sand Castle and then Coogie’s and then Marmalade Cafe,” Smith said. “She and I worked together for 16 years, and we have been friends for 28 years.

Tracy loved her son, Charles, and her cats and dogs. She also had a heart for cars and racing, and she especially enjoyed watching her son drag boat racing.”

Vancura is survived by her son, Charles MacLardie Jr., and his father, Vancura’s ex-husband and friend, Charles MacLardie Sr.

“We rekindled our love a few years ago,” Charles Sr. shared. “We will miss her terribly — it was just we three musketeers, Tracy, Charles, and I, and we took care of one another — Tracy was the one who kept us solid. Please tell people reading your article to keep Tracy in their thoughts.”

A memorial will be held in the near future at the convenience of family and friends, he added. Smith summed up the sentiments of those who loved Vancura: “The sparkle of her eyes, the brightness of her smile, and the goodness of her soul will always stay in our hearts.”

County, city, and Malibu High School to host ‘Stay Safe on PCH Week’

Informative events will be held from April 29 through May 3 to raise awareness

of

safe driving

By SAMANTHA BRAVO Of The Malibu Times

Lindsey P. Horvath, chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, is partnering with Malibu High School to host “Safe on PCH,” a weeklong program focused on safe driving. The series will feature several events that engage students and families in the role we all play in creating a safe Malibu community. The fun and informative series is being presented in partnership with the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the City of Malibu, Malibu High School, PTSA Malibu, Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD), and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department-Lost Hills Station. Horvath will help lead this first-of-its-kind series.

“A safer PCH is a responsibility we all share,” Horvath said in a press release. “Our Third District team looks forward to engaging students and the Malibu High community in this series focused on responsible driving with practical tips and resources. I share Malibu’s commitment to a safer PCH for all and this is one way we are coming together to achieve our shared goal.”

“PCH is an iconic state highway used by millions of visitors every year, but it is also Malibu’s Main Street, and it impacts the daily lives of every person in our community,” Malibu Mayor Steve Uhring said. “We are proud to join in this important event so that we can foster a culture of safety for everyone who lives, works, commutes, and recreates on PCH.”

Malibu High School Principal

Patrick Miller said they are thankful to their partners and their help with Safe on PCH Week at Malibu High School and the upcoming screening and panel discussion of the film “21 Miles in Malibu” on Wednesday, May 1.

“We know there is a large amount of community interest in seeing the film with the previous two community screenings being at capacity, and are thankful to our PTSA for coordinating this event as part of Safe on PCH Week,” Miller said in a press release. “We are proud to support Safe on PCH Week as a way to bring awareness of the unique dangers of driving on PCH and in our canyon roads. Our Malibu High kids generally don’t fit the stereotype associated with them and are responsible young people. However, given our location, many of our students drive 30, 45, 60 minutes each way to school on dangerous roads.”

Miller said this week is a chance to highlight the importance of being safe when driving.

“These are young people whom we care about, love, and we want the best for each of them. The activities this week, including

the community film, will inform students on safe and defensive driving with a focus on speed, we need our students and all drivers to slow down on PCH,” Miller said. “The week will also highlight the importance of not being distracted especially by phones, and the significant negative impact of driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol.”

Miller said they are thankful to Supervisor Horvath’s Office, Michel Shane, Captain Seetoo, the Lost Hills Sheriff station, the California Highway Patrol, and all other partners for their help.

“However, this is not just a school problem for our young people and student drivers to solve. This is a community-wide concern and we need our parents, community members, and all drivers who drive in, around, and through our community to pay attention, slow down, and drive safely,” Miller said. “One, our kids are watching. And two, I do still worry more about our students and children being the potential victim in a crash as we experienced as a school community with the homicidal driver in 2010 that killed Emily Shane and more recently in front of Westlake High School.” The weeklong program aims to foster a culture among youth and community members of all ages, in efforts to help make PCH safer for all.

Monday, April 29: Lunchtime Fair

During each student’s lunchtime, there will be a fair where students can get safe driving resources and information. There will be representatives from the California Highway Patrol, LA County Sheriff’s Department, City of Malibu, and Supervisor Lindsey Horvath’s office in attendance. Stop by to get some cool resources and learn about how to stay safe on the road!

Tuesday, April 30: Sheriff IMPACT Presentation

Sheriff’s presentation to parents is from 9 to 10:30 a.m. (more info to come)

Wednesday, May 1: “21 Miles in Malibu” film by Michel Shane When: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Where: Malibu High SchoolRoom TBD

Panelists: Capt. Jennifer Seetoo, Captain Dennis Ford, Dr. Robert D. Cohen, Michel Shane

Link: Eventbrite for Film RSVP

Thursday, May 2nd: CHP presentation for students

Friday, May 3: Principal Newsletter Principal newsletter out to parents on driver safety info: x.com/lindseyphorvath/status/17 71593021831746034?s=46&t=-k 8PlTpup-Zp0KliDIUS

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City of Malibu held a special meeting and work session for Malibu residents to gain insights into the revenue-sharing arrangement.

This milestone achievement reflects the commitment of both the City of Malibu and SMMUSD to uphold guiding principles that prioritize equity, fairness, and local control in education.

Malibu residents and parents attended the meeting in person and through Zoom to ask questions about the report.

This tentative agreement is subject to approval by the Malibu City Council and the SMMUSD Board of Education.

“The agreement on the revenue-sharing arrangement is a testament to the collaborative spirit and shared vision of the City of Malibu and SMMUSD,” the city said in a press release. “It represents a significant achievement in the journey toward establishing an independent Malibu Unified School District, one that will provide the community with greater autonomy and decision-making authority over educational policies.”

“As we celebrate this milestone, we recognize that there is still work to be done,” the press release says. “However, with continued collaboration and cooperation, we are confident that we will build a stronger foundation for the future of education in both communities. We look forward to further engagement with the community as we move forward in this process.”

The City of Malibu will be holding a second workshop on Saturday,

April 20 at 10 a.m. Details regarding the second workshop location will be provided in a subsequent announcement.

Councilmember Marianne Riggins said the meeting went great for the community and public to see their work, make comments, and provide feedback.

“We’ve had mediation sessions with the Santa Monica Malibu Unified School Board’s mediation group and their ad-hoc and their board to talk about all the different issues of concerns for both parties,” Riggins said. “We hope to have joint sessions with the Santa Monica Malibu School Board to also share it with more people. Eventually it’s going to come where the school board will have a public meeting to vote on ratification of this, and after they vote on it, then the City Council has a chance to vote on it.”

Some of the concerns raised during the meeting was how will the city will continue this agreement in the future.

“We’re going to have a joint powers authority that will be installed that will be an arbiter if there are disagreements but also to make sure that the term sheet and the revenue-sharing arrangement are all followed through the future,” Riggins said.

For more information on the City of Malibu’s school separation efforts, please contact Deputy City Manager Alexis Brown at (310) 4562489, ext .300, email abrown@malibucity.org, visitwww.MalibuCity. org/MUSD, or visit SMMUSD’s webpage at www.smmusd.org/MalibuUnification.Comments may be also be submitted to the SMMUSD “Let’s Talk” portal at smmusd.org/superintendent.

The Malibu City Council is shown Wednesday, April 10, during a special meeting and work session discussing the separation of the Santa Monica/Malibu Unified School District.

Photo by Samantha Bravo/TMT

Earth Day 2024: City of Malibu to host North Santa Monica Bay State of the Watershed on April 25

The city is also offering a guided nature immersion hike and gathering led by Chumash teacher Elena Rios

By BARBARA BURKE Special to The Malibu Times

April is Earth Month and the City of Malibu is offering residents various opportunities to be informed about our environment.

The City of Malibu is hosting an event on Thursday, April 25, from 1 to 4 pm.

“The North Santa Monica Bay State of the Watershed 2024 is an event for the community showcasing what our local cities and agencies are doing to improve local water quality, to create local water supply opportunities and

to work to sustain our local ecosystems,” said Melina Sempill Watts, the watershed coordinator, North Santa Monica Bay Watershed, for Safe, Clean, Water L.A.

At the event, Las Virgenes Municipal Water District will share about the Pure Water Project, which takes tertiary treated cleaned wastewater and runs it through reverse osmosis to get it to better-than-drinking-water quality, Watts explained, adding, “It’s pretty much ‘Star Trek’ science level of cool!”

Meanwhile, Watts noted, “Agoura Hills is the first city in L.A. County that will be running the first flush of stormwater, notorious for magnifying water quality problems, into the Tapia Water Reclamation Facility from whence the treated water will then go into the Pure Water Project for direct re-use. It’s a fascinating ride!”

Dr. Christine Whitcraft from California State University Long Beach will give the keynote presentation, which will address the condition of  the Malibu Lagoon. The event will also feature speakers from National Parks, State Parks and the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains talking about the state of our local ecosystems. Interested readers can find out more about the State of the Watershed event and register via eventbrite.com and can attend in-person at City Hall or by Zoom.

Malibuites are also invited to join Elena Rios, a Chumash teacher for a guided nature immersion hike. Enrollment is limited and more information is at: https://safecleanwaterla.org/event/join-elena-rios-for-a-guided-nature-immersion-gathering.

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Courtney McCammon said the property was not within ESHA. Mazza argued that point: “The city biologist has her opinion — that opinion can be appealed, that opinion can be appealed to the Coastal Commission; the Coastal Commission is the final arbiter of that decision, not our city biologist.”

After addressing the ESHA, height, and other public concerns, the commission motioned to approve the item and required a detailed fence plan. Motion carried.

TWO PCH SAFETY BILLS

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commercial establishments adjacent to the major highway with few safe ways to cross. Those conditions are all worsened by significant speeding, leading to an inordinately high incident of collisions and fatalities in Malibu, according to those who testified.

SB 1297, authored by Senator Ben Allen, who represents Malibu, proposes a pilot program employing speed cameras on the PCH in Malibu. Before the committee hearing, many advocates of that bill strongly feared that lawmakers would reject the proposal outright, Doug Stewart told The Malibu Times. However, he noted that when committee members heard the two fathers’ heart-wrenching testimony, they became more receptive to the proposal. If the legislation passes and

becomes law, the speed cameras will be placed along Malibu’s 21-mile stretch of Pacific Coast Highway and the systems will be coordinated with radar feedback signs to effectively deter speeding and reckless driving and promote safer road behaviors.

“As a father, I am heartbroken every time I see yet another news report of a fatal car crash on PCH,” Allen said, noting that he and his family are expecting a baby soon and the dangers of such a perilous thoroughfare are too overwhelming and call for legislative action.

“The Malibu community is devastated by far too many serious injuries and deaths each year,” Allen continued. “Today’s passage of SB 1297 out of committee is the first step to providing the City with the necessary tools to crack down on reckless speeding and save lives.”

Citing astoundingly concerning statistics, Allen noted that over the

For new items, the commission motioned to approved Coastal Development Permit No. 17-093, Site Plan Review No. 17-061, and Demolition Permit No. 19-019, an application to demolish an existing single-family residence and associated development, and construct a new single-family residence and associated development, with adjustments.

Commissioner Kraig Hill motioned to continue the project, saying the last-minute revisions are “unacceptable.”

“I’d like to continue this project, I find it completely unacceptable that we’re getting these last-second, we heard there’s a Coastal Commission comment that we don’t have here. I don’t get it, motion to continue,” Hill said.

past five years, Malibu has had the highest number of fatalities and serious injuries resulting from vehicle crashes among similarly sized cities. Simply stated, there is an epidemic of fatalities and severe injuries in Malibu caused by PCH accidents.

Malibu is number one for injuries and fatalities involving pedestrians, motorcycles, and bicycles, Allen recounted, noting that since 2010, the year that Emily Shane was killed, 60 people have been killed in traffic accidents along PCH in Malibu. In 2023, the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department issued a staggering 7,580 violations for speeding. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the City of Malibu contracted with the California Highway Patrol to address this issue.

Since their officers’ deployment in January, CHP has issued 846 moving violations, with a notable 727 of those citations being for speeding.

“Thanks to Senator Allen and his staff and with the support of the City of Malibu, we got a very warm reception by the transportation committee concerning the speed camera pilot proposal,” Doug Stewart said. “We could see the attitudes change as the fathers testified — those on the committee began to realize that they could also be in those fathers’ shoes.” Stewart noted that the bill currently only calls for five cameras throughout the 21-mile stretch of Malibu and the city and the bill’s proponents are hopeful that they can get that modified to allow up to nine cameras given that Malibu’s segment of the PCH is 21 miles long and that all areas of Malibu experience extreme accidents too often. The decision regarding the specific placement of the cameras will be determined if and when the bill becomes law.

After discussion, the commission motioned to approve the item with adjustments.

After another intermission, the commission motioned to approve Conditional Use Permit No. 24-003; An application to allow the operation of a new restaurant (Clark’s Oyster Bar), including outdoor dining area and onsite sale and consumption of alcohol.

The commission motioned to approve Conditional Use Permit No. 24-004, an application to allow the operation of a new restaurant (Pura Vida Miami), including the outdoor dining area.

The next Planning Commission is on May 6 at the Council Chambers.

Malibu native Sen. Henry Stern proposes another bill seeking to deter speeders

Another legislative bill addressing the perils of excessive speeding in Malibu and statewide that the Senate Transportation Committee considered is Senate Bill 1509, authored by Malibu native Sen. Henry Stern. The Negligent Operator Treatment bill aims to address negligent driving behaviors on California roadways and proposes amendments to existing law to deter reckless driving behaviors and to promote responsible habits behind the wheel. A key provision of the bill would amend current statutes to classify convictions for driving more than 26 mph over the speed limit on roads that are not freeways as a twopoint violation against an individual’s driver’s license.

That proposed law also received

strong support from the delegation of Malibu City officials who attended the committee hearing. Notably, the Malibu City Council previously voted to endorse SB 1509 on March 11, recognizing the importance of proactive measures to enhance road safety and prevent future tragedies within the community.

Unlike the warm reception that the pilot program using cameras in Malibu received, that bill received some opposition, most notably from the Teamsters, who expressed concerns that those with commercial driving licenses could literally lose their livelihood if they were found guilty of exceeding posted speed limits, whether they were driving a vehicle professionally or their individual vehicles.

The question of whether imposing points on a license would significantly deter speeding was also discussed exhaustively. Ultimately, the senators voted to pass the bill out of committee with the understanding that Stern and his staff would coordinate with those opposing the bill to make some modifications that made sense to both sides. Clearly, there is more to follow before that bill becomes law and The Malibu Times will keep readers informed in that regard.

“Speeding remains the primary factor in collisions and fatalities on PCH in Malibu,” stated Malibu Mayor Steve Uhring. “SB 1509 represents a crucial step toward addressing this issue by holding negligent drivers accountable for their actions. We commend Senator Stern for his leadership on this issue and urge continued support for this important legislation.”

Following the hearing, Stern conveyed his personal connection to Malibu and commitment to moving SB 1509 forward.

“SB 1509 isn’t just a bill; it’s my pledge to my childhood home, Malibu,” he said. “With each step as this bill moves forward in the legislative process, we’re honoring the lives lost on our roads, transforming tragedy into action. I know the legacy of people like Emily Shane, who was killed on PCH, will no longer be a story of loss and inaction, but will now be a story of hope and change.”

John Mazza is sworn in as the Malibu Planning Commission chair during the meeting of Monday, April 15. Screenshot from Planning Commission meeting

Drew Leonard is sworn in as the Malibu Planning Commission vice chair during the meeting of Monday, April 15. Screenshot from Planning Commission meeting

Malibu Life

Malibu BGCM ‘Youth of the Year’ winner wins at county, moves on to compete at the state level

Emily S. meets with state legislators and advocates for Boys & Girls Clubs of Malibu this past week

On Saturday, Feb. 24, the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu (BGCM) hosted its annual Youth of the Year ceremony at its newly opened Third Space storefront in Malibu. Four out standing youth representatives shared their personal stories of adversity and goals for the future.

The Youth of the Year honor recog nizes an individual between the ages of 14 and 18 who demonstrates academic excellence and leadership skills while acting as a role model for other youth within the club.

After the speeches, the judges went to a separate room to rank the candidates and announce the winner.

After a tough competition, the judges chose Malibu High School senior Emily S. as the winner.

Some of Emily’s passions are reading, writing, education, and social justice. Emily will be the first of her family to attend college right after graduation.

In her speech, Emily bids farewell to her membership at BGCM as she tran sitions to attend a four-year university.

“Transitioning into college, I am fo cused on what truly matters to me — fighting against injustice, fostering curi osity, and investing in a brighter future,” Emily said. “My personal experiences

Malibuites of all ages thoroughly enjoyed joining Pepperdine students at the university’s 8th Annual Climate Calling Conference showcasing a special Earth Month Malibu Library Speaker Series on April 11 that featured Los Angeles Times environmental reporter Rosanna Xia, who discussed her explorations, discoveries, and writing about climate change in coastal California. Xia, a brilliant, experienced journalist who is blessed with the enviable and invaluable ability to distill difficult scientific concepts into comprehensible terms for readers, discussed her career at the newspaper, her observations of diverse climatic changes along California’s 1,200mile coast line, her recent award-winning nonfiction work, “California Against the Sea: Visions for Our Vanishing Coastline” (Heyday Books), and her perceptions about mankind’s precarious, but not impotent, position concerning complicated options for responding to and dealing with mother ocean’s encroaching on valuable land and infrastructure along California’s coast.

“We can’t solve the climate crisis if we don’t know the problems of the past,” Xia matter-of-factly stated, noting that her writing often delves into the history of how indigenous peoples grappled with and accommodated the realities attributable to a changing coastline. She then commented that “knowledge is the beginning of action and action is the end result of knowledge.”

Xia exhaustively researches all applicable historical records, relevant data, scholarship, and experts’ debates before penning a piece. Ever attentive to demographics, scientific facts, and studies, and after exhaustively interviewing experts and stakeholders involved in various coastal communities’ grappling with how to respond to and

PEOPLE

Fragile

MALIBU SEEN By

Malibu landrockmudslides are nothing new under the rain

To be efficient, let’s condense landslides, mudslides, and rockslides into one word — landmudrockslides — and they are currently causing hesitations, constipation, recriminations, recalculations along Pacific Coast Highway and up into the canyons. Traffic delays along PCH, limiting businesses in the Malibu and along the coast, but delivering COVID-like threats to businesses, citizens and schoolkids in Topanga, with a giant mudrocklandslide near Grandview that could cut off Topanga for months.

No bueno. But it’s nothing new.

The cliffs and canyons of Malibu are a delicate geological alchemy of impacted sandstone, clay and other mud and rocks that turn to slurry and slide when enough rain falls. And in the last two winters, Malibu has had more than enough rain.

There is a perception that this rainy season wasn’t as wet as last year, but that might not be true.

Seasonal rainfall is measured from June 30 to July 1. Couldn’t find rainfall totals for Malibu and even Chat GPT came up empty. But for 2022-23, rainfall for LAX measured out at 24.12 inches, which is 12 inches more than normal, but still short of that rainy winter some of you remember in 2004-05, which got a total of 26.51 inches of rain.

This year’s totals are yet to be tallied, but the tally in money and inconvenience is going to be high.

But it’s nothing new. As a matter of fact, the long-awaited and much-anticipated official opening of the Pacific Coast Highway Formerly Known as the Roosevelt Highway was delayed by a landslide. According to the Los Angeles Times on June 23, 1929: “Following preliminary surveys of the contemplated route, the construction on the road through the Malibu started about six years ago. Upon the completion

of the concrete highway, the opening to public travel was postponed because of several landslides about thirty-two miles north of Santa Monica. The slides, occurring two months ago, brought many thousands of cubic yards of loose rock over the highway, burying the concrete deep.

“State highway engineers and steam shovel crews started to work at once on the herculean task of clearing the sides and getting the road open again, and present indications are that the work will be entirely completed in time for Saturday’s celebration.”

Thirty-two miles from Santa Monica places the landslide roughly around Deer Creek, which is just east of Sycamore Canyon, where the opening ceremony was eventually held, because Mrs. Rindge wanted nothing to do with the Roosevelt Highway and wouldn’t allow the ceremony to be held on her property. The Rancho Malibu was still private, except for that long, intrusive, noisy, nosy public scar running through it from Las Flores Creek to the county line.

(Is it possible a vengeful Mrs. Rindge and her merry band of dynamiters had something to do with that landrockmudslide? I guess we’ll never know.)

Doing the math, “occurring two months ago” from mid-June would place the slide in mid-April, which jibes with what has been happening around Malibu this winter, and last winter, and many winters between 1929 and now.

If you haven’t yet watched “Don’t Make Waves” (1967) — and all Malibu residents should — the movie Quentin Tarantino described as a “silly sex comedy” stars Sharon Tate, Tony Curtis, and Claudia Cardinale in a movie set along the beaches and cliffs of Malibu. Residents at the time whined about paying $100,000 for a beachfront house.

And Spoiler Alert: The movie ends with a torrential rainstorm turning a Malibu cliff into slurry and taking a house with it — all the way down to PCH, which is blocked with emergency vehicles and mud.

So yes, Malibu is as famous for mudslides as it is for firestorms. Malibu mudlandrockslides aren’t quite as deadly or house-wrecking as firestorms, but they are more than a little inconvenient. A timeline comparing mudlandrockslides to Malibu fires would be interesting, but memories are long around here and long memories go back through time to 1979.

Paul Grisanti remembers:

Burt’s Eye View: The 50-Cent Rule

Ihave, on occasion, been guilty of cursing. Let me rephrase that ... I have been guilty of cursing on many occasions. I would like to blame it on my having been in the rough and tumble world of New Jersey politics, but that would be a rather feeble excuse. The fact is I like to curse, and we are all entitled to a foible here and there.

The problem was that when I became a father of two young kids, I was expected to set a good example, and I did not. No sooner than my kids entered elementary school, I noticed, to my horror, that they were emulating their old man’s behavior. I knew this had to stop.

I came up with a great strategy. Sitting on my

cent rule. If and when either of my children used a curse word, I would deduct 50 cents from the culprit’s allowance. Already gifted in the art of negotiation, my children came up with their own rule called “what’s good for the goose is good for the gander.” In other words, if I were to curse, I would put 50 cents in a jar for them. How could I argue with the fairness of that?

It wasn’t long before I was losing lots of money, much to the utter delight of my kids. Once, I was sitting at my desk, engaged in a business call. Out of my mouth came a couple of four-letter words, and out from under my desk popped two little munchkins shouting, “That will cost you a dollar.” When in response, I shouted, “Damn,” all I got back was, “That’s another 50 cents.”

The next day, the two rules were suspended. I was going broke. I am happy to report that my kids, now adults, are well-behaved, but their old man still has a way to go.

achievements, Emily has been offered a full-ride scholarship to attend Northeastern University. She’ll travel to Boston on April 19 for Admitted

Students Day, marking another exciting milestone. Emily won $1,000 at the Los Angeles County final round on April 6 and now has the opportunity to pursue the state-level scholarship. The Malibu Times will update the community on the competition on April 15, as we went to print the day of.

“I got here full time in January of 1978. The closure in 1979 resulted in PCH becoming a Malibu ‘locals only’ playground. People couldn’t drive through, but no one was prevented from walking through the closure. Friends and clients who worked in town, drove to the closure, parked and then walked to where they had previously left another car to complete their commutes. Others carpooled, or arranged for a friend or spouse to meet them on the other side of the slide. In retrospect it seemed like the closure lasted for over a month … It would be interesting to find out how long it actually was …”

In fact, that landslide was a two-act deal, according to Scott Harrison in The Los Angeles Times for Aug. 8, 2016:

“One of the toughest years for PCH was 1979. A slow, torturous rock slide closed Pacific Coast Highway twice that year — from April 14 to May 6, then again from May 8 to May 20. An estimated 25,000 commuters struggled to find alternative routes. It was so bad officials created a water taxi service from Malibu to Santa Monica.”

The Malibu landrockmudslide of 1979 was extremely inconvenient to Malibu residents who had to drive east into town for whatever reason — but kinda nice for Malibu residents who embraced the silence of no traffic on PCH for an extended period. Two extended periods.

Plus ça change, plus c’est la meme. It dumped in Malibu over the weekend of April 13 and 14: Torrential. Tropical. Biblical. Dumped, and then the sun popped out and sparked rainbows and double rainbows and lit up social media with arcing color.

Were there rainbows over the paddle out and party for Matt Rapf? Hopefully, that would have been nice and symbolic.

So far this year, from July to March, the rainfall total is 21.57 inches, with a whopping 10.02 inches falling in February. Totals for that Sunday the 14th deluge — and for April as a whole — are still pending, but the weather is so whack it could keep raining into June and no one will be surprised.

It’s likely that this season will surpass 2022-23 and maybe even 2004-05.

Which is great for California as a whole, because California consumes a staggering 38 trillion gallons of water a day, every day, so these torrential winters are needed to keep reservoirs and aquifers recharged and

in each location.

adapt to sea level rise, she writes about innumerable permutations regarding what options are available to individuals and groups of people in general, and to governmental policy makers in particular.

Xia was a Pulitzer Prize finalist in 2020 for explanatory reporting, and her book has been anthologized in the Best American Science and Nature Writing series. Readers may enjoy reading an excerpt that the Los Angeles Times published, and the book review by Science, which ably captures the work’s range, themes, and tone. The book also recently won the Golden Poppy Award for nonfiction, which is an award voted on by more than 230 independent bookstores and booksellers in California, and the California Book Awards just named it a finalist for the nonfiction category — the winners of each category will be announced next month.

In her presentation at Pepperdine, as well as in her news writings and book, Xia considers what the future holds for California’s coast and its inhabitants, comprehensively evaluating humanity’s seemingly innumerable potential reactions to climatic changes. In doing so, she hovers delicately but deliberately at the complex intersections of climatic realities, response opportunities, and potential solutions.

Xia is brilliantly and intuitively mindful that in the context of rising waters and changing coastlines, to some extent, humanity is precariously close to manifesting the potential risks underlying the tragedy of the commons theory, a principle that refers to a situation in which individuals with access to a public resource, also called a commons — in this instance, California’s coastline — act in their own best interest and, in doing so, risk ultimately depleting or destroying resources. The complicated conversations her article and book address concern interrelationships between politics and economics, science and emotions, and individual and collective choices.

Her central thesis is perhaps best encapsulated by a simple, yet telling passage near the beginning in her book when she discusses visiting 20 different coastal towns along California’s diverse, extensive coastline and speaking with stakeholders

keep things flowing.

But these well above average rainy seasons also bring problems, as we saw on Monday morning, when Malibu woke up to the news that Malibu Canyon Road had been closed, yet again, from a Sunday rockslide at 4:41 a.m., according to Malibu Patch, near a tunnel where Las Virgenes Road becomes Malibu Canyon Road and crosses Piuma Road in Agoura Hills. Caltrans is on it and had the road cleared by 9:13 that night, but “northbound and southbound lanes would remain closed until about 3 p.m. Monday while a geologist makes sure the area is stable and to give the area time to dry.”

So stay home, and watch “Don’t Make Waves” (1967) — you’ll love it.

“The more I listened, the more this book evolved. My own understanding of land, of permanence, of our duty to each other has expanded since I first considered our relationship with the shore. There exists more than one way to live with rising water, but our current understanding of what the coast should be has overshadowed the possibilities of what it could be.”

A consummate bottom-liner, Xia notes that humanity is at an inflection point relative to coastal sea rise, and that we “are the first generation to feel the consequences of a warming planet and the last generation that can steer a different course.” The book, her Pepperdine presentation and her articles focus on explaining the dynamics involved with each climate change challenge and center on the potential and necessity for humans to focus on our capacity to change.

Xia does not shy away from — rather she engages head-on with — complex possible solutions to addressing sea-level rise, such as managed retreat. In so doing, Xia posits that instead of being at war with and trying to manage coastal changes and climate change, Californians embrace such dynamics as “an opportunity to heal, to care for, and to love this one Earth that is ours.” Readers who assume that Xia is a Polyanna who unrealistically embraces an impossible-to-attain panacea risk missing her central brilliance — she points out that there are various possible solutions to the climate crisis. In doing so, she is comprehensive and visionary, as evidenced by the fact that she engaged her audience in brilliant colloquy after completing her presentation.

Adults who long ago begrudgingly emerged from the inspiring incubator of academic colloquy delved into some of her recent articles. For instance, long-time non-violent environmental activist Malibuite Valerie Sklarevsky wanted to discuss Xia’s recent article discussing the dumping of radioactive material off the coast of coastal California decades ago, latimes.com/ california/newsletter/2024-02-21/ ddt-wwii-munitions-and-radioactive-waste-l-a-s-ocean-dumping-reckoning-continues-essential-california.

“I’m an old lady now and for years, I’ve protested the dumping of nu-

clear waste off the shores of Southern California,” Sklarevsky stated, handing out a Malibu Times article from April 22, 1992, titled “Non-violent activist takes responsibility for protests” that recounted her various protestations against such environmental pollution. As if to say that her decades-long campaign against radioactive waste has been given voice anew, Sklarevsky stated she was heartened by the younger audience members being so attentive and engaged with Xia’s discussion concerning such investigations. Eager college students aspiring to be journalists or environmental scientists, or both, explored process and technique with Xia, asking her about her tone when addressing the climate change conundrum.

“How much hope for the future should be incorporated into an article?” is a question Xia grapples with when writing her pieces.

“If I end an article implying that there is no hope to solve an issue, that leads to ‘nowism’ and passivity,” Xia said, noting that she strives to strike a realistic balance between climatic challenges and possible solutions. Ultimately, she observed that, “The climate crisis is also a crisis of culture,” a crisis we all need to address.

The conversation ended much too soon in many attendees’ minds. However, the narratives that Xia engendered and inspired will endure as attendees left very mindful of one of Xia’s concluding postulations: “We are running out of time, but we still have time to make a difference.”

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. No cashier’s checks older than 60 days from the day of sale will be accepted. Trustor: Zuniga 23732, LLC, a California limited liability company Duly Appointed Trustee: Total Lender Solutions, Inc. Recorded 5/13/2022 as Instrument No. 20220521740 in book

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

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

The Malibu City Council will hold a public hearing on MONDAY, May 13, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. on the item listed below in the Council Chambers at Malibu City Hall, located at 23825 Stuart Ranch Road, Malibu, CA and via teleconference.

Public comment can be submitted ahead of the public hearing to citycouncil@malibucity.org for inclusion in the public record. To view and participate during the public hearing, please review the meeting agenda posted at MalibuCity.org/AgendaCenter and follow the directions for public participation.

WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FACILITY ORDINANCE UPDATE

Local Coastal Program Amendment No. 16-007 and Zoning Text Amendment No. 16-005 – The City Council will consider California Coastal Commission recommended modifications to the City Council approved Ordinance No. 484 for a comprehensive regulatory system for the placement of wireless communications facilities, including procedures, permitting, and penalties by amending Malibu Municipal Code (MMC) Title 17, including, but not limited to, Chapter 17.46, and amending Local Coastal Program (LCP) Local Implementation Plan (LIP)

Sections 2.2 and 3.16, Chapter 13 and Appendix 1 (Table B, Permitted Uses)

Applicant: City of Malibu

Location: Citywide Case Planner Adrian Fernandez, Assistant Planning Director afernandez@malibucity.org (310) 456-2489, ext. 482

In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Public Resources Code Section 21080.9, CEQA does not apply to activities and approvals by the City as necessary for the preparation and adoption of an LCP amendment (LCPA). This application is for modifications to an LCP amendment which was approved with modifications by the California Coastal Commission. LIP Section 1.3.1 states that the provisions of the LCP take precedence over any conflict between the LCP and the City’s Zoning Ordinance. In order to prevent an inconsistency between the LCP and the City’s Zoning Ordinance, if the LCPA is approved, the City must also approve the corollary amendment to the Zoning Ordinance. This amendment is necessary for the preparation and adoption of the LCPA and because they are entirely dependent on, related to, and duplicative of, the exempt activity, they are subject to the same CEQA exemption.

The LCPA and Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) are not a project within the meaning of CEQA Guidelines Section 15378, because they have no potential to result in physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly. The ZTA and LCPA do not authorize any specific development or installation on any specific piece of property within the City’s boundaries. Moreover, when and if an application for installation is submitted, the City will at that time conduct preliminary review of the application in accordance with CEQA. Alternatively, even if the ZTA and LCPA were a “project” within the meaning of State CEQA Guidelines Section 15378, they are exempt from CEQA. CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility is not subject to CEQA. Moreover, in the event that the ZTA and LCPA are interpreted so as to permit installation of wireless communications facilities on a particular site, the installation would be exempt from CEQA review in accordance with either State CEQA Guidelines Section 15302 (replacement or reconstruction), State CEQA Guidelines Section 15303 (new construction or conversion of small structures), and/or State CEQA Guidelines Section 15304 (minor alterations to land).

A written staff report will be available at or before the hearing for the project. All persons wishing to address the Council regarding these matters will be afforded an opportunity in accordance with the Council’s procedures.

Copies of all related documents can be reviewed by any interested person by appointment at City Hall during regular business hours and on the City’s website at https://www.malibucity.org/WCF. Oral and written comments may be presented to the City Council on, or before, the date of the meeting.

IF YOU CHALLENGE THE CITY’S ACTION IN COURT, YOU MAY BE LIMITED TO RAISING ONLY THOSE ISSUES YOU OR SOMEONE ELSE RAISED AT THE PUBLIC HEARING DESCRIBED IN THIS NOTICE, OR IN WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE DELIVERED TO THE CITY, AT OR PRIOR TO THE PUBLIC HEARING.

Richard Mollica, Planning Director

Publish Date: April 18, 2024

CEEDING 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

You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the property. NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call 916-939-0772 for information regarding the trustee’s sale or visit this internet website http:// www.qualityloan.com, using the file number assigned to this foreclosure by the Trustee: CA-18-825804-CL

Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the internet website. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. NOTICE TO TENANT: You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call 916-939-0772, or visit this internet website http:// www.qualityloan.com, using the file number assigned to this foreclosure by the Trustee: CA-18-825804-CL to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you

NO

IN

THAT

MAY HAVE A SIGNIFICANT EFFECT

ENVIRONMENT, THE

IS NOT SUBJECT TO CEQA. THE PROPOSED ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT (ZTA) UPDATES THE CITY’S TEMPORARY USE PERMIT (TUP) REQUIREMENTS IN THE MALIBU MUNICIPAL CODE (MMC), INCLUDING ELIGIBILITY AND PROCESS CRITERIA FOR TUPS AND ACTIVITIES THAT ARE NOT SUBJECT TO TUPS DUE TO THEIR LOCATION AND/OR EVENT LIMITATIONS. ANY ACTIVITY AND/OR PROJECT DEVELOPED AS A RESULT OF ZTA ACTION THAT REQUIRES THE CITY’S DISCRETIONARY APPROVAL, SUCH AS ISSUANCE OF A TUP OR OTHER PERMIT WILL BE ANALYZED IN ACCORDANCE WITH CEQA PRIOR TO SUCH APPROVAL. THE ZTA IN NO WAY LIMITS THE EXERCISE OF THE CITY’S SOLE AND ABSOLUTE DISCRETION. AS SUCH, THE ZTA IS NOT FOUND TO HAVE A SIGNIFICANT EFFECT ON THE ENVIRONMENT.

A WRITTEN STAFF REPORT WILL BE AVAILABLE AT OR BEFORE THE HEARING FOR THE PROJECT. ALL PERSONS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL REGARDING THESE MATTERS WILL BE AFFORDED AN OPPORTUNITY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE COUNCIL’S PROCEDURES.

Owner(s): 1. BARBARA L DIJKLER 30765 PACIFIC COAST HWY STE 160, MALIBU, CA 90265 If Corporation or LLC- CA State of Incorporation/Organization This business is conducted by: AN INDIVIDUAL The date registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 01/2024

that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime). Signed, BARBARA L DIJKER, OWNER This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on 3/26/2024. NOTICE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION.THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE). Publish in The Malibu Times: 4/11, 4/18, 4/25, 5/2/2024 MALIBU 85 2024071863

EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN

(b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION.THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE).

Publish in The Malibu Times: 4/11, 4/18, 4/25, 5/2/2024 MALIBU 86

2024061028

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

THE FOLLOWING PERSON IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS

AS:

1. PONCE BEAUTY

30745 PACIFIC COAST HWY STE 276, MALIBU, CA 90265, LOS ANGELES COUNTY

Articles of Incorporation or Organization Number (if applicable):

Registered Owner(s):

1. SOUTH SWELL VENTURES, INC.

30745 PACIFIC COAST HWY STE 276, MALIBU, CA 90265

If Corporation or LLC- CA State of Incorporation/ Organization

FL

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, SOUTH SWELL VENTURES, INC., JAMES LAPINSKY, PRESIDENT

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on 3/20/2024.

NOTICE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE

IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER.

A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION.THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE).

Publish in The Malibu Times: 4/11, 4/18, 4/25, 5/2/2024

MALIBU 87

ORDINANCE NO. 516

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MALIBU AMENDING

MALIBU MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 2.04.030(B) RE-

GARDING CITY HOLIDAYS TO INCLUDE JUNETEENTH

AS A CITY HOLIDAY AND INSTITUTING A WINTER

CLOSURE AND AMENDING THE DEFINITION OF HOLIDAY IN MALIBU MUNICIPAL CODE 8.24.030

The City Council of the Malibu does ordain as follows:

SECTION 1. Recitals

A. The City of Malibu recognizes the importance of reflecting the diversity of its community and acknowledging significant historical events; and

B. Juneteenth, also known as Emancipation Day or Freedom Day, commemorates the effective end of slavery in the United States, marking the day on June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, arrived in Galveston, Texas, with news that the Civil War had ended and that all enslaved individuals were henceforth free; and

C. Juneteenth carries profound historical significance as a celebration of emancipation and the ongoing struggle for civil rights and equality in America, symbolizing the triumph of freedom over oppression and serving as a reminder of the resilience and perseverance of African Americans throughout history; and

D. The addition of Juneteenth as a recognized city holiday underscores Malibu’s commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and the acknowledgment of important milestones in the journey toward social justice and equality; and

E. The establishment of a winter closure for the week between December 24th and January 1st in replacement of the Christmas and New Year holidays aligns with the city’s aim to create a more inclusive holiday calendar that respects the diverse religious and cultural practices of its residents while still allowing for collective rest and reflection at the end of the year; and

F. This winter closure is designed as a family-friendly closure, aiming to contribute to staff well-being by fostering a healthy work-life balance and providing dedicated time for staff to spend with their loved ones and engage in personal activities; and

G. This amendment to the Malibu Municipal Code regarding city holidays is in accordance with the city’s values of equity, diversity, and community cohesion, fostering an environment that honors the past, embraces the present, and looks toward a more inclusive future.

H. The addition of Juneteenth to the list of city holidays necessitates an update to the definition of “holiday” in Malibu Municipal Code Section 8.24.030, which references Section 2.04.030(B).

I. The City Council of Malibu hereby amends the Malibu Municipal Code to include Juneteenth as a recognized city holiday and to establish a winter closure for the period between December 24 and January 1, with the provision that the City Manager has the authority to determine the specific days of the winter closure each year, taking into account operational needs and community considerations.

SECTION 2. Amendment

A. Section 2.04.030(B) of the Malibu Municipal Code is amended to read as follows:

1. New Year’s Day, January 1

2. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday, the third Monday in January

3. President’s Day, the third Monday in February

4. Memorial Day, the last Monday in May

5. Juneteenth, June 19;

6. Independence Day, July 4;

7. Labor Day, the first Monday in September;

8. Veteran’s Day, November 11; 9. Thanksgiving Day, the fourth Thursday in November;

10. The Friday following Thanksgiving Day;

11. Christmas Eve, December 24

12. Christmas Day, December 25

13. New Year’s Eve, December 31

During the Christmas and New Year Holidays, City Offices will observe a Winter Closure. The Closure shall be a designated period of one week beginning no later than December 24 and end no earlier than January 1 as determined by the City Manager. If December 24 falls upon a Saturday, the Friday preceding will be observed as a holiday. If January 1 falls upon a Sunday, the Monday following will be observed as a holiday.

If June 19, July 4, or November 11 falls upon a Sunday, the Monday following will be observed as the holiday, or if any such dates fall on a Saturday, the Friday preceding will be observed as the holiday. The holidays

in the city may be changed by resolution of the city council or by amendment of this section.

B. Section 8.24.030 of the Malibu Municipal Code is amended to read as follows:

The following words, phrases and terms as used in this chapter shall have the meanings indicated as follows:

“City Manager” means the city manager of the city of Malibu or the city manager’s designee.

“Construction” means any site preparation, assembly, erection, substantial repair, alteration or similar action, for or of public or private right-of-way, structures, utilities or similar property.

“Emergency machinery, vehicle or alarm” means any machinery, vehicle or alarm used, employed, performed or operated in an effort to protect, provide or restore safe conditions in the community or for the citizenry or work by private or public utilities when restoring utility service.

“Emergency work” means any work performed for the purpose of preventing or alleviating the physical trauma or property damage threatened or caused by an emergency or work by private or public utilities when restoring utility services.

“Holiday” means all designated holidays in Section 2.04.030(B), except 2.04.030(B)(10), (11) and (13) shall not be considered holidays for purposes of this section.

“Person” means any individual, firm, association, partnership, joint venture or corporation.

“Weekday” means any day, Monday through Friday, which is not a legal holiday.

SECTION 3. Environmental Review.

Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality and its related Guidelines, this Ordinance is not a “project” under State CEQA Guidelines section 15378 because there is no potential that amendment to the list of City holidays will result in either a direct physical change or reasonably foreseeable indirect change in the environment. In the alternative, and even assuming this Ordinance constitutes a “project” within the meaning of CEQA, the Ordinance is nonetheless exempt from CEQA review pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines section 15061(b)(3) because it can be seen with certainty its adoption has no potential for direct physical impacts to the environment.

SECTION 4. The City Clerk shall certify the adoption of this ordinance

PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 8th day of April 2024.

STEVE UHRING, Mayor

ATTEST:

Kelsey Pettijohn, City Clerk (seal)

Date:

APPROVED AS TO FORM:

TREVOR RUSIN, Interim City Attorney

I CERTIFY THAT THE FOREGOING ORDINANCE NO. 516 was passed and adopted at the Regular City Council meeting of April 8, 2024, by the following vote:

AYES:4 Councilmembers: Grisanti, Riggins, Stewart, Uhring

NOES:0

ABSTAIN:0

ABSENT: 1 Councilmember: Silverstein

Kelsey Pettijohn, City Clerk (seal)

Publish: The Malibu Times, April 18, 2024

MALIBU 89

“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.

THE MALIBU TIMES reserves the right to refuse the publishing of any advertisement(s) and to delete any objectionable word(s), phrase(s) and/ or image(s) from such advertisement. If there is an error or omission in the printing and/ or publication of an advertisement, The Malibu Times’ liability is limited to only one

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SPORTS

I’m a consistent player. I don’t make a lot of mistakes. That allows me to stay in games. I have been fortunate to find a way to win games because of that consistency.”

Sharks head coach Joyce Stickney said Taha has been a stellar surprise for the team.

Malibu High senior Amar Taha had only played tennis sparingly before this spring.

“I’ve played a couple times with my brother, a couple of times with my friends,” he said, “but nothing too much.”

However at the urging of friends, the 17-year-old, who is a striker and defender on the Malibu Sharks soccer team, decided to grab a racket and give it a swing on the tennis court as a member of the Sharks boys tennis team.

“I wanted to try something new,” he said. “I decided to give this a shot. The past couple of years the team has been really good, so that was a motivating factor.”

Malibu has been Citrus Coast League title contenders the past few seasons. Taha’s addition to the squad had them atop the four-team league standings entering the final week of the regular season on Monday. He is the Sharks’ No. 1 singles player and has the wins to prove it. Taha said it hasn’t been easy though.

“I’m not an experienced player,” he said. “I do enough.

“At first, I thought he was coming out to enjoy the camaraderie, enjoy the sport,” Stickney recalled. “Then, I find out he is a player that uses strategy and smarts. He is also competitive. He will look at the scores of the other teams and figure out who is ahead by how many points. He is someone paying attention to how we can be better. He has improved so quickly, so immensely.”

Taha improved his record to 8-1 in Malibu’s 10-8 victory over Hueneme on April 11. The win gave the Sharks an 8-1 record in the Citrus Coast League. They played Carpinteria for the league title on Tuesday. The group hosts Nordoff on Thursday. The Sharks play in the league tournament at Hueneme High School in Oxnard on April 22 and 24.

Taha said Malibu is a confident squad.

“After we got off to a good 3-0 start, we all realized the potential this team has and that we can make a run and win the entire league,” he recalled. “That is our goal. That is what we are going to try and do.”

Stickney said the team is a delight to coach.

“They have really been able to turn it on for the matches,” she said.

The 13-member team includes seniors Grant Pernice, Joseph Chu, Solel Marques, Stephen Smith, Vince Carcano, Micah Fong, and Neko Marazzi. Sophomores

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Ore Porat and Topher Hilling are also on the roster with freshmen Pendle Livesey, Levi Borress, and Noah Levin. Marques and Fong are the team captains.

Stickney said the freshman, who only played the sport for fun previously, have also been a competitive boost for Malibu.

“This has also presented an opportunity for our seniors to mentor the younger people,” she said. “We have really strong leadership. Our top players are all seniors.” Fong said it is important for the seniors to be leaders.

“This year’s freshman class is very promising for future seasons, and by mentoring them we give them the right outlook on the sport and allow them to foster their interest in it,” he said. “By the time these freshman are seniors, I bet the team will look great.”

Stickney recalled instances where a senior Shark put his arm around a younger teammate’s shoulder to encourage him after a tough match. At team dinners, the coach stated, seniors always bring freshmen into their conversations.

“They aren’t cliquey,” Stickney said.

The team aspect of tennis factored into Malibu’s victory over Carpinteria earlier this season. At the end of the nine singles and nine doubles sets, the contest was tied 9-9. However, the Sharks were given the victory because their players won more games over their Carpinteria opponents.

The triumph exemplified how the Sharks are a team, Stickney remembered.

“Every game you win might be the deciding factor,”

she said. “Even if you lose the match, if you win as many games as possible, that might help your team win.”

Taha stated that Carpinteria is Malibu’s toughest competition.

“They are a great team,” he said. “They are the one team we have to beat and get over the hump to win a title.”

Taha is an example of the tough competitiveness Malibu has displayed on the court all season.

“He has had some really tough games with really long points,” Stickney said. “It was Ramadan, so he has been fasting, and you would never know it. He never complains. Even if the game goes into a tiebreaker, he stays strong.”

The CIF Southern Section playoffs follow the Citrus Coast League Championships. Last spring, the Sharks advanced to the second round of the Division Championships, where they lost to the Schurr Spartans 13-5. Malibu defeats Northview 10-8 at home in the opening round of the postseason.

Taha said this season has been special.

“I try to give it my all in everything I do, but mainly for the guys around me,” he said. “I just wanted to do my part and try to win games. We have a great group of guys.”

Marques expects he and his teammates to win the Sharks’ first Citrus Coast League crown since 2016.

“It will be extremely exciting considering we have almost never won it before,” he said. “The tennis team is very successful and strong this year.”