The Malibu Times • April 25, 2024

In a devastating blow to residents, commuters, and area businesses, Caltrans has announced Topanga Canyon Boulevard will remain closed at least until fall. The closure began March 9 after intense rains hit the area in backto-back storms. Three different slides occurred on the thoroughfare linking the San Fernando Valley to Malibu. But, the biggest slide remains at milepost 1.8, forcing the closure between Grand View and Pacific Coast Highway. That’s where an estimated 9.2 million pounds of mud, rocks, and boulders tumbled onto the two-lane road. For some perspective, that’s enough dirt to fill 5,500 dump trucks.

Caltrans says the soil is still shifting in the area and that there’s

As progress inches slowly toward the creation of a standalone Malibu Unified School District (MUSD), the City of Malibu held a second workshop to inform residents on the complicated process in divorcing from the Santa Monica-Malibu District.

“Matt always loved the rain and he loved going down to the ocean when it rained,” a tearful, grieving,

shocked Jill Rapf said days after unexpectedly losing her wonderful husband and best friend, Matt Rapf, 61. Rapf died suddenly of a heart attack on Feb. 4, while paddling out at Zuma Beach in honor of Lyon

knowing that they can succeed with the right help, the need for our work is advanced.”

“Educational equity is our mission, every child deserves the opportunity to complete middle school and high school, to have a fair chance at a bright future,”

Emily Shane Foundation founder

Ellen Shane said. “We’ve seen students from failing grades to passing, to A’s to B’s, we’ve seen students suffering from low self-esteem, feeling hopeless, to not believing in themselves, to

Last week, the Emily Shane Foundation held its annual Spring Gala fundraiser, “Wings over Malibu,” directly over the waves in the Ocean Room at Duke’s Malibu. Over a dozen items were up for auction to support their Successful Educational Achievement (SEA) Program, a program that empowers underserved, disadvantaged middle schoolers at risk of academic failure by providing them with intensive and individualized academic tutoring and mentorship.

Local band Little Dume,

presented an acoustic set, and members of the Malibu Middle Orchestra serenaded guests as they arrived.

Ellen Shane welcomed guests to the auction and shared what the program has done for students.

“Ninety-seven percent of them are a minority and 80 percent of them score below proficiency in math, 77 below proficiency in reading,” Shane said. “These are the students we serve, the students need our specialized support.”

Some of the auction items included dinner certificates, European cruises, summer camp sessions, and admission passes for

Herron. When his family, friends, and our community lost Rapf, he was surrounded by his tribe as he transitioned in his absolute favorite place — the ocean. So, it was fitting that on April

13, a dreary Malibu morning with rain impending, Rapf was again surrounded by his tribe of hundreds of friends and family who gathered to honor him with a paddle out at

Short in stature, but long on kindness and amiability, Maggie Luckerath was always ready to lend a helping hand to others and to make Malibu a better place.  Luckerath passed away at the age of 78 on April 5 surrounded by friends and family after valiantly battling leukemia. Every town has one — a person who exemplifies the spirit of camaraderie shared only by those who have lived in the area for a long time and who deeply love their town and its residents.  Malibu had Luckerath, whom many would describe as a force of nature — and a force of good for Malibu. Knowing her as “Mama Bu,” several grieving neighbors and friends recalled that she was the hostess with the mostess as she coordinated weekly buffets at the summer concerts that locals treasure on Trancas lawn and that she was so generous.

While a major milestone has been reached in the negotiation process with a Revenue Sharing Agreement (RSA) completed, albeit still pending ratification, two other agreements with Santa Monica still need to be worked out. They include an Operational Agreement and Joint Powers Agreement (JPA).

The Malibu City Council began its meeting by presenting a City Tile to Parker Davis for seven years of service to the City of Malibu. “I just want to thank the council for an opportunity to recognize my seven years of service in Malibu.

It has been a truly unique and exciting experience to grow skills, explore interests, and learn how the government operates,” Davis said. “I really enjoy my seven years here and, I’m looking foward to more to come.”

Public Safety Director Susan Dueñas presented the Proclamation for declaring April 21-27, 2024, to be National Volunteer Week. “Malibu Volunteers on Patrol worked 8,663 hours in 2023, providing traffic control at incidents that happen throughout the year;

Emily Shane’s legacy continues to inspire children to achieve and accomplish their goals

Emily Shane Foundation holds its annual ‘Wings Over Malibu’ event at Duke’s

OPINION

In Case

You Missed it

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

Senate Transport Committee advances two PCH safety bills

Grieving fathers help convince lawmakers to advance measures for PCH cameras and Negligent Operator Treatment

Friends, co-workers remember Tracy VanCura

A cheerful presence in Malibu for 40 years, VanCura worked at many popular restaurants over the years

Malibu Farmers Market celebrates the spirit of pet adoption with its annual Paws for a Cause event

Dozens of

pups,

and young, show up in their best sweaters to get much-needed love

Trump trial: Seeking accountability or waging ‘lawfare’

We truly are in the midst of a historical time in which the pillars of democracy are being tested on a seemingly regular basis. In choosing topics for discussion for the biweekly publication of “From the Left/From the Right” we try to identify timely events that reflect what is occurring on a regular basis in the world of politics and public policy. There are always a number of unfolding events that allow for different ideological interpretations, particularly in light of the fact that we are in the maelstrom of a presidential election that is shaping up as a definitive struggle between authoritarianism and democracy. And strangely enough, two events currently facing both the speaker of the House and the former president may have the effect of forcing leadership and accountability. This would be a welcome change from the nasty vitriol that has infected our political and governmental systems for the last several years.

What is powering the ideological differences currently operative in our democratic system is a partisan deadlock that has left forward movement floundering at a time when concerted action is sorely needed. Hence, there are some relatively hopeful and helpful signs of a resurgence of constructive bipartisanship, a notion that has governed our democratic society for nearly two and a half centuries. Let me offer why I am optimistic.

After many months of stagnation that has left movement on key funding in the House of Representatives in limbo, a final breakthrough has been reached the old fashion way: namely, through give and take, negotiation, and a degree of sturdy posturing that encourages recognition that the stakes for movement outweigh stalemate. Congress has passed legislation that will provide $95 billion in aid for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and the Indo-Pacific and it is on a fast track for approval in the Senate.

It remains to be seen if the cost of bipartisan leadership may be leveled upon current House Speaker Mike Johnson as uneasiness within the GOP over the support for its passage may be used as rationale for his removal. Time will tell whether or not he may pay such a price. For now, leadership will prevail.

What seems to be missing from calls for his resignation is any acknowledgement of the need for compromise. Quite simply, democratic governance is not necessarily that difficult a concept to embrace: Namely, you have to reach consensus with diverse parties to the point

where a majority can live with the pros and cons of the agreement.

I will not pretend to praise the speaker for his ideological predispositions, however I will give him credit for negotiating and crafting the necessary majority needed to move this critical legislative package forward.  His “Let the chips fall where they may” attitude may reflect frustration more than satisfaction; however, it comes with the job and he does deserve kudos for shepherding it through the legislative gauntlet.

That was last week; this is now.

For the first time in history a former president of the United States is facing criminal charges in Manhattan Criminal Court. Unfortunately, he has shown his utter disdain for the court, the judge, the attorney general, and the jurors, and as of this writing has violated the judge’s gag order 10 times. Needless to say, if one of us normal people thought it might be a good strategy to intimidate jurors, judge, and prosecutors as a way of avoiding conviction, unless your name is Donald Trump, I would not advise it.

Regardless of what position you take with respect to his potential innocence or guilt, our judicial system is replete with protections afforded those accused of crimes, chief among them being the fact that it only requires one juror out of 12 to avert conviction. The mere length of time it has taken to get this far into the judicial weeds, and the laborious delays and appeals that have accompanied Trump’s journey, almost certainly give benefit to those who can afford to question seemingly every move. Face it, the protections that Trump has been afforded would bankrupt all but those who populate the highest income brackets.

Mere fines certainly inflict little or no barriers to those who can employ “delay, delay, delay” tactics and then mystify media outlets with a constant flow of mis- and disinformation. But that is the nature of our system of justice.

What is critically important here is that our system of democratic governance is capable of and leans toward fairness, and while not always fair and certainly not infallible, more often than not common sense and seriousness with respect to accountability prevails. Let us hope that faith in and to a system of justice outweighs blind obedience to an individual or cult of personality. Authoritarianism places value upon fear, democracy places value on the better angels in all of us. As long as accountability and leadership are guiding and governing principles we may well be on the road to redeeming faith and support for democratic institutions designed to substantiate one overarching judicial principle: namely, No one is above the law!

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

In a historical first, former President Trump is on trial in New York City for a felony crime. New York District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who is prosecuting the case, notoriously paid a large law firm to sue Congressman Jim Jordan (R-OH) endeavoring to stymie the House Judiciary Committee’s oversight investigation into his indictment of Trump. When running for the AG position, Bragg touted he had the best experience pursuing Trump’s family as a campaign centerpiece. His opponent, fellow Democrat Tali Weinstein, accused Bragg of attacking Trump “for political advantage every chance he gets.” This case is based on former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen’s assertion they paid a woman $130,000 in “hush money” to hide an affair with Trump. The case is predicated on falsifying documents because the money was logged as legal fees by Cohen, who testified he did so at Trump’s direction. Cohen is the prosecution’s star witness, testifying to the grand jury twice. He also pleaded guilty to lying to Congress in 2018. Just last Wednesday, Federal Judge Jesse Furman denied Cohen’s request for early supervised release, stating unequivocally that he had perjured himself to the court, either in 2018 when he plead guilty under oath to tax evasion, or last October when he testified that he had lied in 2018. The star witness in the current trial against Trump is a documented liar and perjurer. He lied

to Congress, he lied to the media, and he lied to the court. Federal prosecutors stated that they had “substantial concerns about Cohen’s credibility as a witness.” Regardless, Bragg has built his case around him.

Typically falsifying records is charged as a misdemeanor. Moreover, Bragg’s predecessor, DA Cyrus Vance Jr. investigated it and didn’t bring charges. Both the Trump and Biden Justice Department investigated the matter and passed on it, as did the Federal Election Commission. Furthermore, New York’s Criminal Procedure Law promulgates the statute of limitations is two years for misdemeanors, and five years for felonies. The purported crime took place in 2016.

Republicans are crying foul over the entire trial, its timing, and how it is being handled. Held in the middle of the campaign for the presidency, the presumptive nominee is under a gag order by Judge Juan Merchan, nor can he leave and hit the campaign trail. Famed Harvard Law School professor Alan Dershowitz, a Democrat, has called the gag order unconstitutional.

Please note that this column is not about litigating this case, nor even arguing its merits so much. That is what the courts are for. More importantly, Americans are losing faith in our judicial system. 54 percent believe that politics are driving this current case. A Gallup poll in June 2023 found only 17 percent of Americans have a great deal of faith in the criminal justice system.

There is a general trend in the Trump investigations that strongly suggest they are not apolitical, in that they don’t resemble previous prosecutions, utilize contested and unusual legal theories, and the prosecutors all have overt political motives. This template was struck immediately after Trump was elected in 2016 with the Russian collusion hoax, resulting in a Congressional impeachment that fizzled in the Senate. Not satisfied, the Democrats impeached him again, after he was voted out of office, in

hopes of a Senate conviction that would preclude Trump from holding office.

Again, the Senate acquitted him.

In this election, multiple Democratic state attorney generals sought to kick Trump off the ballot until the Supreme Court stopped them. From Georgia, to New York, to the Biden DOJ, ardent outspoken Democrat prosecutors are pressing cases against the Republican candidate, with all the trials coincidentally occurring during the year of the election. Enter the term “Lawfare.”

Lawfare is the use of legal systems and institutions to damage or delegitimize an opponent. Ever notice how the political opponents of Russian President Vladimir Putin end up being convicted in court of “crimes” to then disappear into Siberia? Other countries have honed this to a fine art.

If you think we are immune to this in America, and the damage it does to democracy, think again. President Andrew Jackson killed Charles Dickinson in a duel. President Clinton committed perjury and was disbarred but didn’t face trial. Candidate Hillary Clinton broke multiple laws with classified documents but wasn’t prosecuted.

Presidents have been impeached, but never, and I mean never, have local prosecutors of the opposing party used indictments as a political tool like now. Justice is supposed to be blind, and no one is above the law, but the full quote, from Teddy Roosevelt, is “No man is above the law and no man is below it.” Even Trump, hated with a crimson rage by the left, shouldn’t be singled out. Political opponents with prosecutorial powers resulting in unprecedented indictments timed to throw an election should give everyone pause, conservatives and liberals alike.

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

Bill Keldsen, Ex-Malibu

adorable

old

Waves women’s basketball has new head coach

Katie Faulkner is fifth all-time in Montana scoring, 10th in rebounding, and fifth in blocked shots

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

Malibu BGCM ‘Youth of the Year’ winner was at county, moves on to compete at the state level Emily S. meets with state legislators and advocates

Clubs of

FRIDAY 65º | 52º

AM CLOUDS

SATURDAY 66º | 52º

PARTLY CLOUDY

SUNDAY 69º | 55º

SUNNY

MONDAY 71º | 56º

SUNNY

TUESDAY 68º | 52º

PARTLY CLOUDY

WEDNESDAY 67º | 54º

PARTLY CLOUDY

SIRENS

The following incidents were reported between:

mar 7 - mar 28

 3/7 | Grand theft

A vehicle parked near Topanga Beach was broken into and ransacked.

The victims left the key inside the camper shell of the vehicle but it does not lock. The victims returned to see their belongings, including two cellphones and a wallet, missing from inside the vehicle. The victim was notified of an unauthorized charge near Century City for $3,000. The suspects also withdrew $20,000 from the victims’ account. The victim was suggested to close their accounts for any further charges. There were no security cameras available for evidence.

 3/19 | Grand theft

An estimated $18,000 worth of camera equipment was stolen from a visitor at Leo Carrillo State Beach. The victim left their camera gear near the photography shoot location, and upon return, they noticed their equipment was gone. There were no security cameras available for evidence.

 3/27 | Petty theft

Two recycle trash bins worth $50 each were stolen from a property on Pacific Coast Highway. There were no security cameras available that captured the incident, but said the victim believes it was someone from the encampment nearby his home.

 3/28 | Petty theft

An estimated $40 worth of food was stolen from CVS Pharmacy on Malibu Road. The suspect was seen walking around the food aisle, grabbed a few items off the shelves, and proceeded to walk out without paying.

Malibu’s Dick Van Dyke earns historic Daytime Emmy nomination

Malibu’s Dick Van Dyke has made history as the oldest performer to win a Daytime Emmy Award nomination.

The legendary actor and entertainer was nominated Friday for his guest performance on the Peacock network soap opera “Days of Our Lives.” The 98-year-old Van Dyke portrayed an amnesiac in a four-part plot line on the daytime drama series last September. Van Dyke becomes the oldest-ever Daytime Emmy nominee.

The late producer Norman Lear, at age 100, was the oldest person to receive a Primetime Emmy nod in 2022. The legendary Van Dyke has already earned five Primetime Emmys. Three were won for his 1960s classic TV sitcom “The Dick Van Dyke Show.” The entertainment icon has also won a prestigious Tony, Grammy, and Kennedy Center Honor. The Emmys telecast will be held June 7.

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 is in June 2024.

CALTRANS — TOPANGA CYN

Topanga Canyon is 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.

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.

C ALTRANS — SOLSTICE CREEK BRIDGE REPLACEMENT WORK

One lane of northbound PCH is diverted into the center media just before Corral Canyon 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.

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

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.

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.

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-of-area agencies with locally specific information.

Sign up now for free fire extinguisher trainings May 15

The city will offer two free fire extinguisher trainings for community members as part of its efforts toward community-wide emergency preparedness on Wednesday, May 15, at 2 and 6 p.m. at City Hall. Knowing how to confidently and safely operate a fire extinguisher can save your home or business, and even save lives. The one-hour trainings will be taught by the city’s Fire Safety Liaisons. A classroom session will cover fire extinguisher mechanics, decision making on when to use a fire extinguisher, and safety considerations. The second part of the training will be a live-fire, hands-on exercise, with safety supervision. To register, please email Public Safety Coordinator Sarah Flores at saflores@malibucity.org.

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 complete: 18

• Projects under construction: 124 Inspections approved: 10,035

• Inspections total: 17,602

Single-family home rebuild building permits issued: 284

‘Safe on PCH’ weeklong safe driving event coming to Malibu High School

Lindsey P. Horvath, chair of

the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, is partnering with California Highway Patrol (CHP), the City of Malibu, Malibu High School, PTSA Malibu, Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD), and the Malibu-Lost Hills Station to host “Safe on PCH.” This fun and informative weeklong program focuses on safe driving, and will engage students and families in the role we all play in keeping our roads safe to make Malibu a safer community.

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. This important event will foster a culture among youth, and community members of all ages, of collective responsibility and empowerment for road safety. That will contribute to safety on the highway for all people who live, work, commute and recreate on PCH.

Monday, April 29, 12 p.m.: Lunchtime Fair

Lunchtime fair with resources and information from the LASD, CHP, Supervisor Horvath’s Office, and the City of Malibu.

Tuesday, April 30, 9 A.M.: Sheriff Impact Presentation

On Tuesday, the Sheriff’s Department will host the IMPACT Teen Drivers’ parent program called Under Your Influence (UYI), which educates parents and teens with evidence-based strategies to help keep teens, their families, and everyone they share the road with safe. This is a special presentation for parents that will happen from 9 to 10:30 am at Malibu High School’s Parent Center.

Wednesday, May 1, 6:30 p.m. ‘21

Miles in Malibu’ Screening

On Wednesday, Malibu High School will be hosting the “21 Miles in Malibu” film by Michel Shane. Following the film screening, there will be a powerful panel discussion moderated by Horvath to inform and educate students and parents about the dangers on PCH and offer tips to make driving on PCH safer for teenagers. The panelists include Sheriff’s Capt. Jenn Seetoo, CHP Captain Dennis Ford, Robert D. Cohen, Bridget Thompson, and Michel Shane. This is taking place in the Malibu auditorium with an expected attendance of over 200 people. This event requires a separate RSVP; for that go to eventbrite.com/e/21-miles-filmscreening-for-safe-on-pch-weektickets-861113001167?aff=oddtdtcreator.

Thursday, May 2: School Assemblies

On Thursday, two assemblies will be coordinated by Malibu High School and CHP. One targeting sixth- to eighth-graders (30 minutes) and one for ninthto 12th- graders (45 minutes). The assembly will include Impact Teen Drivers’ high school program called “What Do You Consider Lethal” (WDYCL) which engages, educates, and empowers students with evidence-based strategies that help them prevent car

crashes, particularly those caused by reckless and distracted driving.

Friday, May 3: Newsletter

Malibu High School will be holding student classroom breakout sessions focused on the causes and effects of distracted driving. There will be a classroom presentation followed by a group activity.

Mayor Steve Uhring to deliver State of the City address at SMC Malibu Campus on May 10

On Friday, May 10, Malibu

Mayor Steve Uhring will deliver the State of the City address, reflecting on the city’s highlights, challenges, and achievements from the past year and looking toward the year ahead. This highly anticipated event, hosted by the Malibu-Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce, will take place at the new Santa Monica College (SMC) Malibu Campus at 10 a.m.

“Malibu has experienced a transformative period in our city’s history over the past year, with daunting challenges and remarkable achievements, giving us a tale of two cities,” said Mayor Steve Uhring. “Please join us as we gather to reflect on our community’s compassion, resilience, and resolve in the face of tragedy and adversity, and chart an exciting course forward for Malibu.”

Highlights of the event include Supervisor Lindsey Horvath’s update on county issues affecting Malibu; SMC Associate Dean Alice Meyering discussing educational offerings at the new campus; Sheriff’s Capt. Jennifer Seetoo’s update on community crime and safety, particularly efforts to address PCH safety; Stacy Rouse’s update on school district issues; and Ian Roven’s report on local economic conditions and the Chamber’s initiatives to bolster Malibu businesses.

The SMC Malibu Campus is located at 23555 Civic Center Way, adjacent to the Malibu Library. The event is free to attend, but space is limited, and RSVPs are required. The presentations will be followed by a public reception.

Each year, the State of the City draws distinguished speakers, including county and state representatives, along with Malibu’s business and civic leaders, educators, nonprofit organizations, and community members.

To RSVP and access more information, including sponsorship opportunities, please visit the Chamber website at Malibu.org.

Charmlee Wilderness Park Night Hike scheduled for April 26

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 at https://malibucity.org/1090/ Outdoor-Recreation.

2024 on Thursday, April 25, from 1 to 4 p.m. at City of Malibu, 23825 Stuart Ranch Road, Malibu. 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-monicabay-state-of-the-watershed2024-tickets-861204083597?af f=ebdsoporgprofile.

11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Santa Monica College in celebration of its 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

thu apr 25

SECOND ANNUAL NORTH SANTA MONICA BAY STATE OF THE WATERSHED 2024

Join the North Santa Monica Bay State of the Watershed

MALIBU FOUNDATION GROUNDBREAKING EVENT AT SANTA MONICA COLLEGE

Join the Malibu Foundation on Thursday, April 25, from

MHS THEATRE: ‘MEAN GIRLS’

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/Outdoor-Recreation.

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

THE ARTIST Blazing Star Arts Fused Glass will present a solo show and sale benefitting the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area from May 2 to June 30. The show, “Capturing Light — Fused Glass Art Nature,” features specially created, handmade fine art and functional art wares by the Western National Parks and Recreation Areas. Meet the artists on Sunday, May 5, for the Artists Reception, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Santa Monica Mountains Interagency Visitor Center at King Gillette Ranch, 26876 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas.

tue may 7

SMC TO HOST A FREE

INFORMATION SESSION ON CONCURRENT ENROLLMENT FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Santa Monica College will host a friendly, to-thepoint information session about its High School

Concurrent Enrollment Program (HSCE) on Tuesday, May 7, from 4 to 5 p.m. in Room 202, the Lecture Hall, at the SMC Malibu Campus, 23555 Civic Center Way, Malibu. The campus is easy to access with parking readily available. The session includes a free webinar that explains how the HSCE program offers students in grades 9-12 the opportunity to take collegelevel classes — for free — and graduate from high school with college credits. SMC staff will be available at the Malibu event to answer questions about the program and explain how to sign up for classes that will be offered during the summer session. For questions please

champagne and shop for local, handmade, and sustainable products while getting to know local creatives and the story behind their brands. RSVP at https:// thirdspacemalibu.org/pages/ workshops?event-id=26634.

ONGOING

FARMERS MARKET

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).

‘JEWELRY-MAKING

EXPERIENCE’ AT THIRD SPACE

MALIBU

The community is invited to join Third Space Malibu’s Kidd’s Jewelry Heist “JewelryMaking Experience” every Sunday throughout May from 12 to 5 p.m. Those who attend can create their own necklaces, bracelets, keychains, and earrings during an hourlong session with the help of a mentor. Participants can take home two unique pieces of jewelry each. If interested, please

City holds sea level rise workshop for residents at City Hall

Coastal vulnerability discussed; another workshop on Zoom scheduled for Tuesday, April 30

By JUDY ABEL  Special to The Malibu Times

The City of Malibu is taking steps to plan for predicted sea level rise and mitigate potential associated coastal erosion with a Coastal Vulnerability Assessment (CVA) and series of public workshops. Concerned residents and developers attended the second meeting held April 18 at Malibu City Hall. A summary packed with information was presented and then the public was invited to share concerns that will be incorporated into a final report.

A public survey of 76 respondents revealed 67 percent live along Malibu’s coast. A majority of respondents said they enjoyed beach activities such as surfing, walking along the beach, ocean swimming, and wave watching. However, 76 percent said they thought sea level rise and coastal erosion are issues in Malibu and cited loss of sand, increased erosion, rising tides, and wave runup, that they would like to see addressed. Adaptation measures that could be

“Maggie was a force to be reckoned with.  She loved her ‘Bu’ community with all her heart,” Wailani O’Herlihy shared. “She could be outspoken because of her German heritage, but you always knew where she was coming from because she didn’t hide her feelings.  Malibu loved her. Maggie would organize potluck dinners for the Vintage Summer Series and we had gourmet food.”

Reflecting further, O’Herlihy added, “Even though Maggie was sick at the time, she quickly donated medical supplies for Lahaina, Maui, when the fire hit. She was selfless like that — Maggie had a special Aloha for Malibu and we’ll all miss her dearly.”

Born Magadelina Anna Frey, Luckerath began her life in Pennsylvania Dutch Country. She was the youngest daughter of nine children born to two German immigrants, the late Frederick C. and Anna Huber Frey.  Maggie and her siblings lost their father in a tragic accident when she was only 5. Perhaps that reality helped to shape her independent, fairminded, charitable nature that endeared her to many in Malibu. No doubt such a tragedy and its consequences also helped to inform and define Luckerath’s sense of fairness and the incredible kindness that she often extended to strangers who were down on their luck and in need of a helping hand. such obstacles, Luckerath, her siblings, their mother and the extended family remained a tightknit group. Luckerath’s older brother, Fred took over the reins

taken include artificial reefs, submerged rock breakwaters, edging, dredging, revetment, dam removal, and beach dune and lagoon restoration.

The city’s Environmental Sustainability Director Yolanda Bundy reiterated, “A majority of the survey responders have stated that they are seeing changes along Malibu coastline. This is possibly due to sea level rise, coastal erosion, sea water flooding, and other coastal hazards and are interested in what can be done to mitigate the effects of sea level rise.”

Some local areas have been identified by Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors as possible targets for adaptation measures. Zuma Beach and Point Dume were singled out as coastal areas that could benefit from adaptation plans. Mitigation could include beach nourishment, living shorelines such as dunes and other measures to increase the resilience of the county beaches and public amenities.

According to the CVA, Caltrans is also prioritizing sea level rise and climate change adaptation efforts for roadways throughout the state. Caltrans District 7, which covers Malibu, designated high priority for adaptation assessments for several bridges, small culverts, and roadway segments in Malibu for individual

and, with the help of siblings, he built the farm into a thriving business, assisted a little by Amish neighbors whom they employed to lend a hand. Such resilience taught Luckerath frugality — which she stated was a key secret to successful relationships and lives — but it also ingrained in her a common sense and kindness.

Malibu was not Luckerath’s next stop along her life’s pathway. Rather, right after high school, she went to Washington, D.C. where she worked for the federal government, using her people skills and learning her life-long skill sets and perspectives that focused on having not only a local, but a global, perspective.

“Looking back, I guess it was my roots in Southern Lancaster County and being a farm girl who learned hard working ethics at home that gave me the foundation on which to build my later years,” Luckerath once told this journalist. “Straight from the plowed fields of my family’s farm — Twin Oaks Farm near Quarryville, Pennsylvania, I ended up in Washington D.C., working for the Veterans Administration where I was the receptionist at their Administrative building just opposite of Lafayette Park and near the White House.”

Luckerath said that “she loved

adaptation assessments.

Coastal engineer James Jackson of Environmental Science Associates (ESA) addressed the meeting, saying the CVA “evaluates coastal hazards, existing conditions, future sea level rise” including flooding and erosion. It’s predicted that sea level rise will impact critical infrastructure, including wastewater treatment and the Pacific Coast Highway.

ESA predicts 2.5 feet of sea level rise to occur between 2070-75. It gets worse with a projected 6.6 feet rise by 2100-30.

“Sea level rise science is ever-changing and evolving as the scientific community understands and models the effects of sea level rise,” Jackson explained. “These projections are precautionary by design … It’s important for communities to plan ahead.”

Jackson stated low-lying areas are subject to coastal storm flooding and tidal inundation, which makes PCH vulnerable “as you can observe a number of reaches of the highway that are armored with revetment.” He added a sobering prediction: “Beaches in Malibu are primarily narrow under existing conditions. Five percent of the coast has little to no beach in high tides. If sea level rises by 2.5 feet, over 40 percent of the coast could be without a beach and nearly 80 percent of the coast could be without a dry sand beach with 6.6 sea level rise.”

Community input is sought before the Coastal Vulnerability Assessment is finalized.

Another public workshop on Zoom will be held on Tuesday, April 30, at 3 p.m. to provide your feedback and discuss the next steps on the projected impacts of sea level rise. Visit the virtual link to access the meeting. A 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 the Malibu Coastal webpage (malibucity.org/859/Coastal). For inquiries, call (310) 456-2489, ext. 390, or email mbuilding@malibucity.org.

banker, saw a good thing when he encountered it.  Attracted by Maggie’s vivacious personality,

feeling that Maggie mattered to the community — she was a key contributor to the many wefts that locals continue to weave as they create and update Malibu’s colorful

However,  it was a trip that helped to chart her life’s course. Hubert Luckerath, a successful young German

tapestry.

to Luckerath’s vivacious and industrious nature. As those grieving someone lost know, it’s a solace when there is a symmetry to memories of the departed. In Luckerath’s case, being

loving husband of 55 years, Hubert; her daughter, Tanya; and son, Peter. She is also survived by siblings Anita Barthelson, John Frey (Mary), and C. William “Willie” Frey (Joan). She was

Fifteen years after the disappearance and death of Mitrice Richardson, one of her strongest advocates has filed a new complaint against the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department.

In 2009, the 24-year-old Richardson was suffering a mental health crisis and acting bizarrely at Malibu’s Geoffrey’s restaurant. When the graduate student could not pay her bill, she was taken into custody at the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station. Despite assurances that her mother was to pick her up in the morning and that she would remain safe at the station, the young woman was released after midnight with no money. Her cellphone was locked in her car, which had been towed away from the restaurant. Richardson was last seen hours later in a Monte Nido backyard.

She then went missing for nearly a year until her mummified remains were found in a remote creek bed.

Dr. Ronda Hampton, a clinical psychologist, originally filed several complaints years ago, after Richardson’s body was found in a remote Malibu canyon and moved against protocol without the supervision of the LA County coroner. According to Hampton, who served as a mentor to Richardson, those complaints were filed “for various things that went on in the handling of her disappearance,” but at the time all involved with the case were cleared of wrongdoing.

The latest complaint filed March 22 targets Detective Dan McElderry, who apparently resigned from the force in 2017. Hampton claims McElderry and his partner removed Richardson’s body from a remote ravine in Malibu without the supervision of the LA County Office of Medical Examiner present. McElderry was recently cited in the wrongful conviction of Miguel Solorio on a murder charge. Solorio was exonerated in December 2023 after 23

managing partner of Capitol PFG, presented a summary of the state of the schools’ separation process.

Dominico, a property tax expert, explained that the RSA memorializes the future allocation of what are currently all SMMUSD revenues between the successor educational entities. The Operational Agreement will define what will happen to the district’s assets including staffing, liabilities, and operational processes.

The JPA will create a body governed by both parties to administer the separation.

A guiding principle in the separation of Malibu and Santa Monica schools is that each district have the funding to maintain a similar level of service at each school site as prior to separation. And that’s where things get complicated. As Malibu currently

they issued over 14,961 citations for illegally parked cars, contributing significantly to the public safety efforts in Malibu, whereas the Malibu Community emergency response team, volunteered over 1,526 hours in 2023, working towards improvement on communications ability, maintaining emergency supply bins, conducting refresher training for the team and the community, and assisting with conducting two Community Emergency Response Team classes, wheras Arson Watch volunteers worked 3,599 hours in 2023, patrolling our neighborhoods at all hours of the day, during times of high fire risk, to identify fires early before, when it’s easier to have them extinguished,” Dueñas said. “Volunteers help promote positive change with their efforts regardless of the size of the action; volunteerism

years behind bars. According to Hampton, “in reading what the Innocence Project put on their page, which is nowhere in the media really, they name McElderry. They talk about what he did and the accusation is perjury and/or falsification of information.”

The National Registry of Exonerations website states that “McElderry had testified falsely at Solorio’s trial.”

Hampton stated, “To me, if [a detective is]being accused of [perjury and falsification] to the extent that this man [Solorio] has been exonerated after 23 years, and [that detective] … supposedly investigated this guy’s case, but now whatever happened in that case he was exonerated…I’m also in contact with another family accusing McElderry of witness tampering and coercion of witnesses.”

Hampton is also awaiting word on any possible actions taken against McElderry since the December exoneration of Solorio. “I’m honestly waiting for them to tell me because when you file a complaint they come back and tell you something,” she said.

The Malibu Times also made a Pub -

pays a disproportionate share of the school district’s overall budget relative to student population, Santa Monica has required assurances that it will receive transfer payments for some period of time to make up for its loss in revenue from Malibu property taxes and to keep its growth at no less than the historical rate of 4 percent.

Dominico and her associates working for Malibu stress-tested dozens of different scenarios to ensure that Santa Monica will be made whole while also ensuring sufficient funding for a MUSD.

“Malibu has to make up the difference if there’s a shortfall in Santa Monica,” said Mike Matthews, former Malibu High School principal and retired superintendent of the Manhattan Beach Unified School District. Mathews is also a Malibu resident, now an educational advisor for the Malibu unification team. Under some scenarios, Malibu’s transfer payments would cease by the 2041-42 school year, while contractually the latest date would be 2051.

strengthens communities and overall enhances Malibu.”

The City of Malibu honored volunteers at Malibu Volunteers on Patrol, the CERT Team, and Arson Watch.

“The City Council and the City of Malibu declares April 21 through April 27, 2024 as National Volunteer Week and recognize the many volunteers that help make Malibu a better and safer place to live and enjoy,” Dueñas said.

Malibu Volunteers on Patrol Team Leader Mark Russo said it’s been great working with the CERT Team, Arson Watch, and Malibu Search and Rescue.

“We have a really good working relationship with the city and we have a lot of really good members that love contributing their time to patrolling the city of Malibu,” Russo said. “Given the weather and a lot of traffic issues that we’ve had, it’s actually been a busy first part of the

year for us as we come into summer we’re starting to feel an influx of visitors to Malibu so we try to be very concentrated on the weekends as much as possible, but it’s shaping up to be a very busy year.”

Yolanda Bundy presented the City of Malibu’s New Development Application Portal. Planning, building, and safety staff have created and designed a development portal to submit projects to view the status on projects, manage documents as well as collect fees.

Councilmembers thanked Bundy and staff for their work on the report. “I look forward to the improved customer service that this is going to bring and hopefully making everyone’s work day just a little more pleasant as you go through it,” Councilmember Marianne Riggins said.

For public comment, Malibu Community Community Labor Exchange Board President Kay Gabbard spoke and honored Russell McMonigle, who passed away on April 12 at Zuma Beach. McMonigle was found at Zuma Beach by an LA County Beaches and Harbor maintenance employee with a head injury and was pronounced deceased at the scene. According to Malibu/Lost Hills Sgt. Chris Soderlund, the medical examiner said the incident was a natural death. No evidence of foul play was found.

lic Records Act request into complaints against McElderry or any other detective in the Mitrice Richardson case.

The LASD acknowledged the department is typically obligated to respond within 10 days, but invoked its right to an extension of 14 days in circumstances where there is a need to search and examine a potentially voluminous amount of records. The LASD response also indicated the department is currently inundated with Public Records Act requests and is experiencing delays in processing them. The response also indicates that personnel matters could be redacted or exempt due to the privacy rights of the individuals.

Hampton still has questions about the detectives’ actions in the retrieval of Richardson’s body and personal effects.

Hampton intends to resubmit her complaints if she gets no response from LASD.

“If they go back and investigate what this person has done wrong, whether or not he’s still employed or not, they can still go back and find out what are the things he did or did not do in the case and do we need to reopen this in order

“The agreement is not in perpetuity,” Dominico stated, noting that the 2051 termination date is fixed irrespective of how long it takes for the separate MUSD to commence operations.

Attendees asked whether Malibu’s tax base would sink should another natural disaster strike. Dominico answered that even with the Woolsey Fire, Malibu may have lost students who were forced to move, but aggregate city property taxes did not fall.

Dominico warned that for the initial MUSD budget, “It will be tight in the first couple of years.”

Matthews concurred explaining, “We’ve looked at what we would need in terms of staffing, in terms of keeping everything going, and yeah, we believe we can do it. One of the things we hear a lot is, ‘I can’t wait till we can add a lot of stuff,’ and [initially] we’re not going to add stuff. In fact, one of our pieces of advice to the new district will be being a small district can be a dangerous thing because your resources are limited and giant unexpected expenses

to do what should have been done,” she said. “I’m saying go back. We know this guy will engage in less than scrupulous behavior which clearly has led to the conviction of Miguel Solorio for 23 years. So, we know he’ll do that. So, let’s go back and see what else he may have done or not have done. That’s what I’m asking for.

“I don’t feel like I’m grasping at straws. I feel that in every aspect of Mitrice’s disappearance and the way that her remains were treated there was just wrongdoing. I can’t sit here and do nothing and pretend like just because they send me a notice saying there was no wrongdoing … I’m not going to act like I believe that.”

Hampton has vowed to continue to remind “them [LASD] that what they did was wrong. You do not remove remains from a creek bed. They didn’t even take all of them. They had to go back.”

Hampton claims even she discovered remains at the site.

“You can’t tell me there was no wrongdoing,” she said. “At the very least they shouldn’t have removed her body. I’m not going to give up.”

can be very harmful.

“So, our advice will be when we do get increases in revenue to squirrel it away and put it in a really big reserve so that we as a small place can do that. It will even out eventually, but … we’re going to keep things the same, but hold off for a while until we feel secure that we can protect ourselves from anything that might come our way.”

Another Malibu consultant, La Tanya Kirk-Carter, a former chief administrative officer for the Beverly Hills Unified School District, added, “We could be more efficient spending our own money. You’ll get more bang for your buck.”

Dominico concluded, “What this gives us on day one is local control.”

City leaders are encouraging residents to voice their opinions and concerns. Comments or questions can be sent to the Malibu Deputy City Manager Alexis Brown at ABrown@malibucity.org or (310) 456-2489 ext. 300.

“Malibu lost a local icon, Zuma Beach lost a familiar face, Russell McConigle, 73, quietly left us early that morning, most likely from a heart attack. He passed very quickly into his next life away from his beloved beach, birds, and friends,” Gabbard said. “For 15 years we have watched Russell walk up and down Zuma picking up trash and treasures. The last six or seven years pushing or pulling various

carts loaded with his current fully stocked belongings more and more hunched from arthritis and sleeping on hard, cold surfaces. Many of us walked by him with a smile, some offered him food or a new cart, and listened to his stories. He left us the day after our two outstanding People Concern outreach workers took him to see the apartment that could be his in Santa Monica. He loved us knowing he had friends and was loved for who he was.” Gabbard thanked the people who helped McMonigle and organizations who help those experiencing homelessness in Malibu.

“Thank you, City Council, for your support of the People Concern and your current review of the Malibu‘s Housing Element Program but mostly, thank you, Russell, for trusting us enough to let us be your friends,” Gabbard said. “To know you was not easy, but to know you was to love you. Rest in peace, Russell.”

For city updates, City Manager Steve McClary provided a brief update on traffic, road closures, and upcoming events such as the State of the City on May 10.

For the permanent skatepark, Community Services Director Kristin Riesgo said they are going

through the final details to get through plan check and will share those with the city manager this week.

“It is in their hands to get us those final designs so we can start that process,” Riesgo said.

Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Sgt. Chris Soderlund provided an update on crime, safety, and traffic. Soderlund said 16 people, yearto-date, have been arrested for reckless driving and/or racing in the City of Malibu, and 24 people have been arrested for DUI.

Soderlund also announced the upcoming event, “Safe on PCH.” The weeklong program focuses on safe driving, and will engage students and families in the role we all play in keeping our roads safe to make Malibu a safer community. To see the list of events go to the city’s website malibucity.org. Public Works Director

BUSINESS

Change in California’s minimum wage laws for fast food workers drives up food prices amid local restaurant closures

By BARBARA BURKE  Special to The Malibu Times

As of April 1, California’s new law requiring fast food restaurants with 60 or more locations nationwide to pay employees $20 per hour went into effect, increasing the minimum wage for those workers which had been previously set at the state’s broader minimum wage of $16 an hour. The law is the first of its kind in the nation.

For the sake of accuracy, it is important to note that Malibu has a higher minimum wage mandate than the statewide $16 rate — the minimum wage in Malibu as of this writing is $16.90 per hour, a rate that is set to increase to $17.27 per hour, effective July 1. Starting in 2022, the minimum wage for all employers within the city limits has included an annual cost of living adjustment based on the Consumer Price Index.

To evaluate what the new minimum wage law for fast food employees means for Malibu, the first step is to note that, as most locals realize, there is a paucity of lower-cost fast food establishments in this town. Thus, there are not many establishments that are directly impacted by the new law.  Those that are affected are the local Jack in the Box, McDonald’s, Chipotle, Subway and Starbucks locations.

That leads to the next logical topic for locals to consider in this conversation, and in a town where three restaurants closed in the space of a few days, this is no casual conversation.

First, it is no secret that it is hard for employers to hire and retain employees in Malibu, what with the time it takes to commute from elsewhere to work here and the unrelentingly high cost of gas.

“The new minimum wage law means that other restaurants in Malibu will have to increase their employees’ wages to stay competitive,” said Lawrence Longo, proprietor

of Malibu’s Irv’s Hamburgers, Prince Street Pizza, and the adjacent Sparky’s Sports Bar. “We offer our employees excellent, competitive wages as we like to keep employees.”   Fair enough. Of course.

However — and savvy readers know where this conversation is going — just how are fast food restaurants structuring their businesses to cover the increased costs of paying the minimum wage increase?  No, they did not decrease their CEO’s phenomenally high compensation packages. Yes, Captain Obvious, they are offsetting the expense increases by passing the costs on to consumers.

Many would respond, “Fair enough. Of Course. That’s how business works.”

However, it’s worthwhile to review what little data is available on this point. Little, I say, because the new law has only been in effect for a few weeks.

According to a statewide study conducted

by Kalinowski Equity Research, Chipotle has raised prices by 7.5 percent to fund the new wage costs, as predicted in a February earnings call, when Chipotle CEO Jack Hartung told investors, “To cover the cost of the wage increase, we would need to take a mid-single-digit price increase in California.”

However, most McDonald’s franchises have not increased their prices — at least not yet, including, The Malibu Times confirmed, the local McDonald’s. As for Starbucks, a manager speaking on condition of anonymity stated that the company has increased prices due to the minimum wage increase and other increases in food costs, but that — interestingly — the company’s rate of increases depended on what region in California a franchise is located in.

Taking the analysis regarding the impact of the new law yet further, according to a well-written article by Jack Kelly in Forbes,

entitled, “California’s New Minimum Wage Law will bring higher pay to fast-food workers, along with unintended job losses,” posits that although the bump in pay is intended to help improve the standard of living for more than a half-million fast food workers in California, “there may be unintended consequences that could do more harm to those employees, including restaurant closures, job cuts, reduced hours and increased deployment of automation to bring down expenses.”

In anticipation of the April 1 mandate, affected California restaurant employers started both slashing jobs and reducing employees’ hours, especially pizzerias, according to the Wall Street Journal, which also noted that other establishments reduced or entirely deleted their employees who delivered food, opting instead to use delivery services, which is another way to pass the buck on to the consumer.

“Nasdaq reports that California businesses are expected to increase their prices at an anticipated rate of about 10 percent,” The Forbes article stated. “If higher prices deter customers from eating at these establishments, that could lead to additional closures and job losses.”

Of course, savvy consumers also should be on the lookout for “shrinkflation,” which is the practice by companies of reducing the size or quantity of a product while keeping the same price, another strategy used in the food industry to cut costs.

However, all of these analyses must be addressed in the context of our ever-burgeoning automation and use of artificial intelligence in the restaurant sector.

The robots are coming

The increase in minimum wage in the fast food sector in California may incentivize companies to hasten their automation efforts, many economists and market strategists opine. Companies have already started to implement software to automate kitchen operations, the Forbes article reported, adding that Robotics integrator RobotLAB launched a franchising program last year to help businesses implement robotics solutions into their operations.

Chipotle has been working with Vebu Labs, based in El Segundo, on a robot that aids in the preparation of avocados, called the Autocado. It is also testing a chip-making robot from Miso Robotics, according to a CNBC report.

Kiosks are another way to lower employment-related costs and, according to Restaurant Business, they are expected to become far more common in California.

Whatever strategies are forthcoming in the local restaurant sector to restructure business operations in response to the new minimum wage law, it is important to know that AB 1228 also established a Fast Food Council, which is empowered to make future increases to the minimum wage for fast food restaurant employees and to adopt other minimum standards for fast food restaurants statewide. Undoubtedly, there will be more news to follow in that regard.

Malibu may increase wages for all restaurant workers over time, menu increasing, and ... the robots are coming

(From left) Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, California State Transportation Agency Secretary Toks Omishakin, and Supervisor Lindsey Horvath visited Topanga Canyon on Saturday, April 20 to talk with geologists and get input from community stakeholders on the landslide closure, it’s impacts, and the work to reopen the highway. Photo screenshot

REAL ESTATE

MATT RAPF CONTINUED FROM A1

First Point, the very place that he grew up and made many friends and memories.

“How can he be gone?” a devastated Jill posted a few days after Matt passed, juxtaposing her post with the image of a brawny, smiling Matt in the ocean, the very picture of health and optimism, the image of him that many Malibuites will always recall.

“It was an epic paddle out in Matt’s honor,” Skylar Peak said. “He loved the rain piercing the ocean’s surface and our hills above beautiful Malibu.”

Andy Lyon, Rapf’s childhood friend, agreed: “The paddle out was amazing. We really lucked out because the forecast was for horrible weather and that freed up the whole beach and everyone could park.”

First Point was where Lyon and Rapf surfed for decades, Lyon noted, adding, “We could see Matt’s house from the paddle-out circle which was about a quarter of a mile from where he first surfed.”

Touchingly, Lyon recounted, “I was honored to take Matt’s ashes out on a big

board with a wreath of leis.  I took him on his last go out and took him around the circle so everyone could see and honor him. Jill was able to spread his ashes and it was beautiful.”

Another of Rapf’s friends, Greg Beaton, described the entourage’s energy as family and friends embraced one another within the circle of love, honor and remembrance.

“This is what surfing is all about–Having your friends around you, energy from the ocean and conversations that are as deep as the ocean,” he said.

After the paddle out, those celebrating Rapf’s life proceeded to Malibu Gathering Church, where attendees honored him further, recalling how he befriended and helped so many in the community, his sometimes dark sense of humor, and his love of family.

“The memorial service was cathartic, emotional, and moving, and everyone felt Matt there with us,” Jill Rapf said. “It was not just somber or emotional because there was so much joy in it and the standingroom-only gathering was such proof of Matt’s life well lived and that he had

WINGS OVER MALIBU

CONTINUED FROM A1

Disneyland in Anaheim.

Two students thanked the foundation and explained what the SEA Program helps.

“We are here tonight enjoying a great evening together, to help support this important mission,” Shane said. “The SEA Program isn’t just a legacy to Emily; it’s a force for good in the lives of so many students, it’s a testament to the power of compassion, the importance of community, and the potential in every child.”

touched so many people — there was such a great community response and it was a melding of all those who knew him, including people who he grew up with, who he surfed with, his real estate community, and his recovery community.”

Pastor Brian Kelly recalled how giving Rapf was, noting that just last December, he and five other dads took a trip to the Dominican Republic to learn about how Mission of Hope is helping Haitian children.

“Matt was part of the Gathering Church for the last 15 years and God’s grace changed Matt’s life,” Kelly said. “Matt knew how important it was to remember that what changes your life is knowing that despite being more flawed than you know, God loves you more than you know. Matt was a great example of how God helps you be a better person, husband, father, and friend.”

Tracy Stoker, who grew up with Rapf and attended church with him, shared, “I had the opportunity of watching Matt from the age of 10 through his teenage years and as a 20-to-30-year-old, and then,

the transitions he made as he matured into life and its limits.”

Barry Kearson, Rapf’s Alcoholics Anonymous sponsor, spoke of his giving nature: “Matt was generous, sometimes to a fault, and he was a caring human being who did so many things for people struggling with alcohol and addiction — our sponsor-sponsee relationship was very intimate and like many who are grieving his loss, I still cannot believe that he is gone.”

Dale Rhodes also spoke about Rapf’s sobriety journey and his extensions of deep friendship.

“I have known Matt since we were 18 years old,” Rhodes said. “I was a competitive surfer, a kid from the valley who sometimes clashed with local surfers back in the ‘80s, but Matt and I became friends and ultimately, he has been my AA sponsor for the last 10 years.”

There were so many sharing reflections about Rapf’s friendship connections.

“Matt loved us and we loved him back,”

Jill Rapf said.

Beaton shared, “Matt lived his life with

The foundation honors the life of Emily Shane, who was killed walking along PCH in 2010 at age 13. The SEA program provides critical academic oneon-one tutoring and mentorship to struggling middle school students at risk of failure and solely serves those who cannot otherwise afford this necessary help outside the classroom. The program helps give these children hope, confidence, and a future.

The foundation also held a fundraiser, “Crystallizing Success,” at Sorenity Rocks at Cross Creek last year, where dozens of donors enjoyed an evening of wine, crystal healing stations, and an opportunity to donate to the SEA Program. The

passion and expression with family first and service above self inside and out of Alcoholics Anonymous.”

“At the end of his life, the life none of us knew would be cut so short, Matt was truly a beautiful soul who loved his family foremost and his community of Malibu, and especially, his church family,” Stoker said. “His legacy lives on through his sweet wife, Jill, who continues to embody the love and devotion that Matt held dear.”

Jill Rapf and Lyon both commented that at the end of the day after the memorial, the rain subsided and a double rainbow emerged right where the paddle out had been and there were other rainbows as well, all seemingly helping to ensure that Matt Rapf would want those grieving him to also feel and share joy.

And now, as the Rapf family and Matt’s friends carry on in life, they are embraced by his tribe, buoyed by his love, and they will always honor him.

“Matt was a kind man — a family man,” Peak said. “His honorable soul left us too early — Malibu is a better place because of him — Long live Matt Rapf!”

foundation’s “Pass it Forward” motto encourages kindness and social consciousness as each student performs one good deed per session with their mentor/tutor. Mentors and tutors are all university students or recent graduates. Students, parents, and tutors shared their experience, and what the program has done for them.

Emily’s father, Michel Shane, has also recently produced a film, “21 Miles in Malibu,” where he exposes the dangers of the Pacific Coast Highway.

The film will also be screened at Malibu High School on Wednesday, May 1. Following the film screening, there will be a

powerful panel discussion moderated by LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath to inform and educate students and parents about the dangers on PCH and offer tips to make driving on PCH safer for teenagers. The panelists include Sheriff’s Capt. Jenn Seetoo, California Highway Patrol Capt. Dennis Ford, Robert D. Cohen, Bridget Thompson, and Michel Shane. The Emily Shane Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charity based in Malibu and serves children across Los Angeles and Ventura counties. To learn more about the foundation, visit emilyshane.org.

Ellen and Michel Shane held the annual “Wings over Malibu,” a fundraiser for the Emily Shane Foundation, at Duke’s Malibu on Thursday, April 18. Photos by Samantha Bravo/TMT.

On Saturday, April 13, friends and family gathered to honor Matt Rapf with a paddle out at First Point, the very place that he grew up and made many friends and memories. Photos by Dale Rhodes.

Our Lady of Malibu’s annual signature gala delights attendees and raises funds for the school

“Ooooh!” exclaimed attendees as they entered the exquisite setting at Calamigos Ranch on April 20. “Ooh la la!”

With luminescent chandeliers glowing above the beautiful lawn area and elegant table settings, the scene evoked the Boulevard des Moulins and, of course, the event included a place to make wagers in a perfectly curated space evoking the famous Place due Casino.

The gathering began amidst lively camaraderie with delicious hors d’oeuvres and libations followed by a delicious dinner.

The occasion: Our Lady of Malibu’s annual gala, the school’s signature fundraising event.

The attendees: Elegantly dressed ladies in shiny sequined gowns adorned with fancy, fascinating fascinators accompanied by gents sporting velvet jackets.

The goal: To raise enough money to help support Malibu’s oldest private school. OLM has served this community for 65 years and has educated and nurtured many of the town’s leaders by providing an academically rich, inspiring education.

Indeed, school parent Gina Longo, the current president of the parent guild and member of the team of dedicated parents and teachers who painstakingly and lovingly ensured that the event was memorable and successful, once graced the school’s halls and, predictably, she was full of fun and grace as she warmly greeted attendees.

Malibu Life

A elegant evening in ‘Monte Carlo’ The Malibooz

Mary Grace, who offered one of the most intriguing auction items, shared how she thoroughly enjoys helping schools and other nonprofits fundraise.

“With the Zulu Nyala African Safari that is on bid tonight, I have raised more than $9 million in the last nine years!”

Grace said enthusiastically.

However, nothing was more cherished — and nothing garnered more competitive bidding in the live auction — than the priceless, one-of-a-kind artworks created by the schoolchildren.

Proud parents vied for the delightful opportunity to bring home creative works made by their childrens’ class.  Ultimately, a custom handprint quilt made by the transitional kindergarten (TK) class commanded the highest bid of $4,000, an amount that goes quite far in covering the unparalleled academic experience enjoyed by every OLM student.

Malibu’s John Zambetti and his childhood friend, Walter Lindsay Egan, and their band, The Malibooz, have entertained audiences nationwide for six decades, singing surf music, and composing and performing songs that are etched in many readers’ memories of their youth.

On April 14, the Malibooz was inducted into the California Hall of Fame. Carefully vetted by the Hall of Fame Committee, both The Malibooz, the band, as well as Egan individually, were inducted at a joyous event that provided the band members with a wonderful opportunity to reflect on just how far two kids from the city — and the many iterations of The Malibooz — have traveled, literally and figuratively, as they performed gigs and shared many musical and life experiences with fans old and new over the years.

As fans turned to social media to congratulate the band members, one longtime, loyal admirer summed up the sentiments of many of the band’s devotees. “What a well deserved honor. I’ve been blessed to witness the ride

There were, of course, grateful recognitions of those who contributed greatly to the OLM community — teachers who work assiduously to ensure that students receive quality academics, parents who nurture students and volunteer in classes as well for fundraising events, and, most importantly, the children.

Longo noted that David Tutera and his spouse, Joey Toth, parents of two students at OLM, wanted to find a way to help raise funds for OLM.

“The 2024 OLM GALA ‘Shining Star Award’ goes to the Mitnick Family!” Longo announced enthusiastically, while also acknowledging the multitudinous contributions of time, energy and funds that made the evening unforgettable.

— Congratulations!” Jon Mitchell posted.

At the ceremony, those introducing the awardees noted that when Zambetti entered Loyola High School in New York in the fall of 1962, he was already playing lead guitar in his surf band, The Statics, with his elementary school friends. He quickly decided to transition into a band with some of the

upperclassmen at his high school. However, after playing for a year with them, he was unhappy with their musicianship and decided to start his own band, The Malibooz. So, in early 1964, he approached his best friend and classmate, Walter Egan, who he knew was playing folk guitar. He told Walter

Spain’s ghosts: The Spanish Civil War

By Benjamin Marcus, Entertainment Editor

Ana M Afzali, Ph.D., an expert on Spain, details the fascinating story of a fallen hero in her latest book

“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” – George Santayana, “The Life of Reason,” 1905.

Because in 1983, he spent a couple months surfing Mundaka and partying in Guernica, Your Humble Narrator has an ongoing interest in Spain, the Basque Country, Guernica, the Spanish Civil War, Hemingway and all things España. When he met Ana Afzali at Zinque, he had jibes and questions about Generalissimo Francisco Franco, Islamic symmetry and her book on the Spanish Civil War.

For the longer, vividly illustrated, Guernicolorized Writer’s Cut of this interview, go to: https://www.benmarcusrules.com/ civil-war-ana-afzali-on-the-spanishcivil-war

To communicate with the author: aafzali@citruscollege.edu

The Google translation of your book description on Amazon explains: “The biography of the Republican commander Gonzalo Pando Rivero offers an intimate and detailed approach to the life of the doctor who changed the scalpel for the shotgun that fateful day in

IJuly 1936 after the Franco military uprising that started the Spanish Civil War … With this study, the historian Ana Afzali offers us the itinerary of a great character of the Civil War who fought until the end for democracy in Spain with such important figures in history as Dolores Ibárruri, Enrique Líster, José Miaja, Santiago Álvarez, Ernest Hemingway and Gerda Taro.”

Interesting that a doctor would change the scalpel for the shotgun. Do Spanish doctors have a Hippocratic oath? “First do no harm.”

Gonzalo Pando started realizing very early on in his life how the working class was being mistreated by landowners, and he was a true defender of democracy. Before the war he saved lives. When the war broke out he tried to save democracy and human rights and he gave his life in the process.

The book has been published in Spain and it is available on Amazon. I am currently working on the English edition and in search of the right publisher for it.

While surfing Mundaka in 1983, we had a couple wild nights in Guernica — kind of like the painting. When Mundaka went flat I wanted to do a quick trip to Madrid and the Prado to see Picasso’s painting. I jokingly told the Basque girls I was going to Madrid to spit on Franco’s grave. They got all excited and said, “Yes! That’s what we

can hardly believe that next week, May 5 to be exact, marks 10 years since I wrote my first column for The Malibu Times. I am happy to report that I have never missed a deadline, and neither the fire nor illness stopped me from getting my columns in on time.

Since my first column appeared in The Malibu Times on May 5, 2014. I have seen people come and go on the paper, and I’m beginning to feel a little like the last of the Mohicans. Many changes take place in a decade.

Sometimes I think my brother Phil and I might have journalism in our DNA. We were both editors-in-chief of our high school newspaper. He went on to write for two newspapers and wrote three cover stories for New York Magazine. I wrote more than a dozen columns for The Daily Beast, a national online newspaper.

Shortly after arriving in Malibu over 12 years ago, I called Arnold York, and asked him if I could write a column about the impressions of an Easterner moving to the West Coast. He was not especially enthralled with the idea.

I then tried Ann Sobel at the Malibu Surfside News. She was even less interested than Arnold. I remember her asking me how I could possibly write a column about Malibu after having been here for only a few days. I tried to explain that I intended to write a humor column, not a social treatise like Alexis de Tocqueville did about

do!” I was kidding. They weren’t.

Franco did a lot of terrible things in Spain during the war and later during his almost four-decade dictatorship. He also empowered the Catholic Church to do a lot of terrible acts, like steal newborn babies from their mothers to give them for adoption to right-wing families. It is now coming to light that the Catholic Church took advantage of its situation and priests sexually abused thousands of children with impunity. The cases are now coming to light, and I am glad for that. I hope victims receive the reparation and apology they deserve.

Franco was buried for a long time in the Valley of the Fallen. The Valley of the Fallen is no longer his shrine, thank God.

So you are a medievalist and earned your doctorate at UCLA and you are now a professor, correct?

Yes, I have been a professor in the Spanish Department at Citrus College since 1997. It is my second home; I love working there and students challenge me and help me keep current.

I have also been cooperating with the Smithsonian, and I lecture for Smithsonian Journeys in Spain when my calendar permits. I am an expert on Spain and on the history of the Camino de Santiago, where my family goes back over 300 years. I have lectured on this topic all over Spain, Portugal, and the U.S.

When we spoke a few days ago

America. She was still not impressed.

Finally, I ended up writing for The Malibu Patch , but when the editor departed, so did I. I tried Arnold again, and this time he said, “Let’s give it a try and we’ll see if it works out.” That was 10 years ago.

It’s strange how things work out. I started writing my column every other week, and was actually concerned I might not have enough material to write about on a regular basis. It turned out that I had a lifetime of material, and soon my column started appearing on a weekly basis. The fact is, I can’t stop writing. I literally have close to a threeyear supply of columns languishing somewhere in the depths of my computer. I see humor in almost everything, which I think helps me get through life.

I have tried to entertain, to make you laugh. As I wrote in my very first column titled “I Serve Light Fare”: “With a few exceptions now and then, this is a humor column. My purpose is to entertain. If you take offense at anything I write, I apologize in advance. If you take what I write literally, you do so at your own risk. Humor trumps truth for me every time.” I hope I have occasionally brought a smile to your face in these difficult times.

I don’t know how much longer I will be writing, but then again, I don’t know how much longer I will be doing anything. I don’t take longevity for granted.

I do want to warmly thank Arnold York and Hayley Mattson for giving me an uncensored forum, and you, my readers, for taking the time to read what I have to say.

you said that you gave a presentation about your book, among other places, in Madrid, to an audience composed mostly of military personnel and generals. I’m sure the book was pro-Republican and anti-Fascist. Is there still a loud, violent right wing in Spain?

I had a warm reception at the Military Historical Library of Madrid. I am very proud of our military and within it you will find people with very diverse political views.

I think democracy is more delicate than most people think. The tragedy of the Spanish Civil War showed that. This makes my work relevant today. Our democracy is in trouble under the current political landscape.

How was the reception of your book in Spain?

Exceptional. There were also many articles published there about this project. I was interviewed, among other people, by Pablo Iglesias, the ex-vice Prime Minister of Spain. During that interview, he agreed with me that history is easy to forget and that this story should be told on the big screen as the world is about to repeat the mistakes of the past.

What is the most surprising aspect of your book about the Spanish Civil War to American and Spanish readers alike, and what would you like to see happen with it?

Most people think that fascism was defeated for the first time during World War II when, in reality, this

happened during the battle of Trijueque in Guadalajara in Spain, in 1937. This battle was won by my great uncle, Gonzalo Pando Rivero. In the book I published never-before-seen pictures of him with his soldiers and other generals taken shortly after that victory. They look like a scene out of a movie. Even Netflix has shown interest in this story. I would love to see socially conscious producers like Steven Spielberg show interest in this story and bring it to the big screen.

Are they as obnoxious and wrong in Spain as the right wing in America?

You are asking me to give you my political views. I have stated this many times and I will repeat it now:

that if he bought an electric guitar, he could join John’s new band. John went with Walter to speak to his parents to assure them that, if they gave Walter the money for a Fender Stratocaster, The Malibooz would be making enough to pay it back in no time, a prognostication that proved to be very true.

Once Egan joined the band, it really soared and soon became a favorite in the New York City area. In late 1964, along with another bandmate, Chris Murray, John wrote the tune “Goin’ to Malibu.” In 1965, they recorded it along with Egan’s song, “That’s a Lie,” and later on that year, they were able to get gigs playing at the New York State World’s Fair where The Malibooz played a concert at the New York State Pavilion and then in a color TV broadcast at the RCA Pavilion. At the RCA pavilion TV show, host Colin Murphy approached Zambetti after they had played the first of five songs and asked him to explain the difference between surf music and the “English Sound.” John went into an extemporaneous explanation, showing the differences between the two genres on his guitar. That classic moment is captured on the band’s “Malibooz Rule!” album. For that album, Egan and Zambetti decided to fly the original three other members of The Malibooz out to California to re-record “Goin’ to Malibu.”

“In 1996, Rhino released the box set ‘Cowabunga Surf.’ ‘Goin’ to Malibu’ was part of the collection and MTV picked it up that summer as the theme song for their MTV hit ‘Malibu Beach House,’” Zambetti recalled. “So, quite remarkably, a song written by a 14-year-old from the Bronx later became the theme song for the MTV ‘Malibu Beach House’ 30 years later! That demonstrates how long-lasting and lucky Malibooz has been and how its relevance transcends more than surf music — it has helped to define not only a genre but also a popular culture still treasured by many.”

In 1966, having graduated high school along with drummer Tom Scarp, the three bandmates entered Georgetown University. By that time they were mostly playing British invasion style peppered with some originals so they eventually changed their name from The Malibooz to Sageworth.

After college, Egan continued as guitarist and primary songwriter for Sageworth. Zambetti played for a year with a band called Wine-Dark-Sea.

Then, he went to medical school in New York City, paying his expenses by doing session work and playing clubs at night. In 1976, when Egan signed to Columbia records, he invited Zambetti to come out and record with him. Egan enjoyed a successful solo career highlighted by his mega-hit, “Magnet & Steel,” his homage to Stevie Nicks, which was released in 1978.

Due to the success of Egan’s solo career, in 1981, Columbia offered to release a Malibooz single. This was quickly followed by an offer from Rhino Records to release a Malibooz album. Hence, The Malibooz’s first album: “Malibooz Rule!”   Scott Monahan joined the band at that time on keyboards and vocals. David Chamberlain soon joined, playing bass. Both Scott and David have been mainstays of the band ever since, contributing their ideas, and even some original tunes along the way. More recently. Michael Mason has joined on drums to complete the current lineup.

Over decades during which society — and the music

I am a historian. My work is not political. I simply document what I have learned of our past so that it does not repeat itself in the future. Your book and the subject matter are scarily relevant to today. Do you think America is as divided now as Spain was in the 1930s?

Yes, I do. I was actually thinking about how similar the political landscape was in Spain just before the Spanish Civil War as it was in the U.S. when I was writing this book in 2021. When I turned the TV on, I saw in horror how the U.S. Capitol was under attack, it was Jan. 6. There is more ignorance in the world and more powerful weapons today. Democracy is not as strong as we think, we must protect it.

industry, and the band members, and their fans — have changed vastly, The Malibooz has stayed reassuringly the same, playing surf music and spreading joy to the band’s loyal fans, yet concurrently they have also evolved and generated music that is relevant and trend setting. The Malibooz have recorded seven albums and more than 30 of their songs have been featured in movies and television shows. In 2010, they released their “Queens’ English” album, which included guest performances by a dozen of the original British invasion icons, including Tony Hicks of The Hollies, Spencer Davis, Chad & Jeremy, and the Quarrymen. “Queens’ English” received the Album of the Year Award from the Malibu Music Awards that year. Their current album, “QE 2,” includes The Malibooz’ cover of The Beatles’ “We Can Work It Out,” which is currently in rotation on the SiriusXM Beatles’ Channel.

The Malibooz continue performing live, to the delight of their loyal fans, most recently on March 31, when they opened for Herman’s Hermits at The Canyon Club and delighted a standing-room-only crowd.

The band has sold records in more than 64 countries. They have been Grammy semi-finalists eight times and they continue placing songs in movies and TV, including having two songs featured in the new movie, “21 Miles in Malibu,” a documentary by one of Malibu’s talented producers and writers, Michel Shane (“Catch Me if You Can,” “I, Robot”), that addresses the perils of Malibu’s main thoroughfare, the Pacific Coast Highway, and that admonishes civic leaders at all levels of government in California to stop the madness inherent in Malibu’s Pacific Coast Highway’s horrendous infrastructure challenges and pandemic of speeding.

2024 represents the 60th anniversary of The Malibooz and the band members were very honored to be inducted into the California Music Hall of Fame.

Egan was also inducted as a solo artist. And the band plays on!

Malibu teen volunteer travels to Guatemala with MUSE School and Mending Kids, and also serves locally

Axel Polito also helps developmentally disabled youth learn to surf in Malibu and Lakota youth in South Dakota

By BARBARA BURKE Special to The Malibu Times

From the shores of our panoramic Pacific in Malibu, to volunteering at the Cheyenne River Youth Project in South Dakota to help Lakota youth, to supporting small patients facing big surgeries in Guatemala, Malibu’s Axel Polito, 14, lives a life of service, caring, and sharing, and he revels in helping others.

“Axel is my hero! I admire his fortitude as I’ve seen him come up against every obstacle and get beyond it,” Tim Hazelip, president of the Mighty Underdogs, said about Polito and his volunteering. “Axel is precious — he’s my favorite person in Malibu!”

MUD is a group of dedicated surfers who understand the healing power of surf therapy and of the ocean.

“I’ve helped a couple of little ones to get used to the water,” Polito said. “One of the kids who I helped refused to get in the water, but after a while, I finally got her in with a promise of orange chicken. All the kids are super fun there and no matter if they fall once or twice, they just get back on and then want you to take them back out.”

As he discusses the benefits to volunteering, school and his future, Polito is unassuming and engaging. Clearly very intelligent, he carefully deliberates before he speaks, and he analyzes issues with a maturity and global perspective that far exceeds his years. Polito simply likes to help others. In a phrase, he feels called to do so. And, importantly and impactfully, he does so joyfully.

“I think that volunteering can open a new lens into other people’s lives and hardships,” Polito said. “My mom and dad always drive the point home that whenever you can, leave something better than when you first found it. MUSE, the school I go to, also provides great input with regard to how I view volunteering.”

Most recently, Polito and other MUSE students, chaperoned by human rights teacher Jeffrey Martin, traveled to Guatemala with Mending Kids, a local organization that provides free life-saving surgical care to

sick children worldwide by deploying volunteer medical teams and supporting communities to become medically self-sustaining.

“My experience in Guatemala was like no other,” Polito said. “Seeing all those different kids with conditions and playing with them was cool in and of itself, because, when you do something like that, you notice how similar everyone is in the grand scheme of things.

“Also, after playing with some of the kids, and then going into the surgery rooms and seeing the same kids getting a tumor cut out or a tumor sucked out from their mouths, it really drives home how we are all the same inside and outside and that no matter how big or small you are, good things can happen for you.”

As with any cross-cultural exchange, especially when such a trip is one’s first international trip, there were small hiccups, most notably that Polito is not Spanish-fluent and the kids he worked with in Guatemala and their parents did not speak English. That was not a communication barrier for long. Soon, Polito learned

all members of the parent guild, the room representatives and all who donated the fun and impressive auction items.

that people find other ways to communicate.

“All the kids and parents were super welcoming and we drew with the kids and made pipe cleaner animals,” he said. “I became proficient in making bears and hearts.”

Clearly, Polito’s big, giving heart has endeared him to Hazelip and Martin, his mentors regarding volunteering.

“Axel has the heart of a lion!” Hazelip said. “He’s a great asset to MUD.”

Agreeing, Martin notes that MUSE’s service learning trips have shown that Polito is ingrained with the gifts of empathy and patience.

“Axel is one of those quiet people who is a steady force and he’s very easy to travel with because he’s flexible,” Martin said. “Moreover, on our pediatric ENT mission to Guatemala, he displayed a careful patience when playing with the patients and their siblings. He worked with them tirelessly — he never took breaks, and the Guatemalan children were drawn to him.”

Polito also enjoyed helping with the Cheyenne River Youth Project, a South Dakota-based organization dedicated to helping Lakota youth.

“At the Cheyenne River Youth Project we help with their community center,” Polito explained.

Specifically, the MUSE student volunteers worked hard at the center, under the careful eyes of Martin and with guidance from project Executive Director Julie Garreau — whom Martin says has done wonders in Eagle Butte, South Dakota, to serve Lakota youth and their families.

Every evening when students are on volunteer travel, Martin sends parents an update. An example letter for the South Dakota trip was entitled, “Day #4-Taking Initiative, Contributing and Taking Care of each other!”

The list of tasks were vast, including working all day and getting ready for time with the younger kids who come for the afternoon program and meal. The parents’ letter informed that “Volunteers packed shampoo, soap and body lotions, made a board game for the afternoon time and arranged for prizes, cleaned rust and gunk off pans, cleaned bison blood out of a large freezer,” and they prepared for Taco Tuesday. Such rudimentary tasks teach volunteers the value of giving to others and of having a greater perspective beyond their own community. Such opportunities empower students to support one another while pursuing a common goal, as well as to gain the skill sets to make sure that they tend to their own needs, while all the while helping others meet their needs.

“Axel is an example of what the program is all about,” Martin said. “Students return from our service trips with a little more maturity and a new appreciation for all of their educational opportunities.”

When asked what his long term goals are, Polito responds, “During adult life, I would love to keep helping anyone that needs it, no matter how big or small the community is. Every summer, I work at MUD so I think that continuing that for a while would be amazing.”

What else is possibly on the horizon for Polito?

“After high school, I’m hoping to get into a good college like Yale and get a master’s degree in engineering,” he said, adding, “If I get that far, then I hope to get a job in either computer-generated imagery or aerospace engineering.  I also would love to get into something like neurosurgery as that is something I’ve wanted to do since I went to Guatemala.”

Tutera, a celebrity wedding planner and host of the TV show “My Fair Wedding,” provided custom crystal candelabras in a soft lavender hue with pink candles. The base candelabras were surrounded with aromatic and gorgeous roses, compliments of Passion Roses.

“We wanted to elevate the evening so we added stunning linens for the dining room and we included glass-colored votive candles in white, blush and soft pink,” Tutera said, describing the spectacular venue he curated. “It was fun to help our school and most importantly, all of our children who learn there.”

Longo also sincerely thanked emcee Crystal Sparks and singer Brenna Whitaker, who sang lovely tunes, including George Gershwin’s “Summertime” and the song “Sway.”

Longo emphasized that the entire parent community contributed, as did the wider community, but she especially recognized the tireless event organizational efforts of Lisa Hall, Greer Brath, Larken Cumberland, the So family, Jen Hardy, Charlie Solomon, Joey Amini, Courtney Macker and Anna Gorby, as well as

At the event, speakers also expressed gratitude to outgoing Principal Rich Nambu, whom Father Matt Murphy praised highly, to those who donated and those who bid, and bid, and bid yet more, and also to Father Matt, who led the group in prayer and who, to the delight of those assembled, also actively bid on the many experiences, services, artworks and jewelry items on offer.

After delicious dining and a raucous roup, attendees began to gamble at the roulette tables and play blackjack. They thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

“Roll the dice!” One participant said, “Roll the dice again.”

Easy come, easy go — all funds collected benefitted the school.

“A Night in Monte Carlo” was one of those wonderful, exciting and joyous events, and attendees lingered under chandeliers and a beautiful starscape on a lovely Malibu evening.

“We had a very successful fundraiser bringing together our community and school to raise funds for OLM,” Longo said. “It takes a village!”

Tim Hazelip, president of the Mighty Underdogs enjoys a moment with Axel Polito and his dad, John Polito. Contributed photo

Our Lady of Malibu held it’s annual fundraiser at Calamigos Ranch in Malibu on Saturday, April 20. Photos by Samantha Bravo/TMT MONTE CARLO

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.

LEGAL NOTICES

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

Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the internet website. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. NOTICE TO TENANT: You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call 916-939-0772 or visit this internet website http://www.qualityloan. com, using the file number assigned to this foreclosure by the Trustee: CA-18-825804-CL to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase. NOTICE TO PROSPECTIVE OWNER-OCCUPANT: Any prospective owner-occupant as defined in Section 2924m of the California Civil Code who is the last and highest bidder at the trustee’s sale shall provide the required affidavit or declaration of eligibility to the auctioneer at the trustee’s sale or shall have it delivered to QUALITY LOAN SERVICE CORPORATION by

Notice

If the

CORPORATION 2763 Camino Del Rio S San Diego, CA 92108 619-645-7711 For NON SALE information only

Sale Line: 916-939-0772 Or Login to: http://www. qualityloan.com Reinstatement Line: (866) 645-7711

Ext 5318 QUALITY LOAN SERVICE CORPORATION . TS

No.: CA-18-825804-CL IDSPub #0201678 4/11/2024 4/18/2024 4/25/2024

MALIBU 82

2024064573 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

THE FOLLOWING PERSON IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS

AS:

1. BULOGYX

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

Articles of Incorporation or Organization Number (if applicable):

Registered Owner(s):

1. BARBARA L DIJKLER

30765 PACIFIC COAST HWY 160, MALIBU, CA 90265

If Corporation or LLC- CA State of Incorporation/Organization

This business is conducted by: AN INDIVIDUAL

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

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

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

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

MALIBU 84

2024064571

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

THE FOLLOWING PERSON IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS

AS:

1. MALIBUDDHA

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

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

1. BARBARA L DIJKLER

30765 PACIFIC COAST HWY 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 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).

is set aside for any reason, including if the Trustee is unable to convey title, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the monies paid to the Trustee. This shall be the Purchaser’s sole and exclusive remedy. The purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Trustor, the Trustee, the Beneficiary, the Beneficiary’s Agent, or the Beneficiary’s Attorney. If you have previously been discharged through bankruptcy, you may have been released of personal liability for this loan in which case this letter is intended to exercise the note holders right’s against the real property only. Date: QUALITY LOAN SERVICE

a crime). Signed, BTT (BURN-TIGHEN-TONE) FITNESS, INC., KRISTI VACANTI, PRESIDENT

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on 4/3/2024. 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 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

If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the property. NOTICE

TO PROPERTY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call 916-939-0772 for information regarding the trustee’s sale or visit this internet website http://www. qualityloan.com , using the file number assigned to this foreclosure by the Trustee: CA-23-970777-NJ

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-23-970777-NJ to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase.

Nature

Proceedings Against You, You Should Contact A Lawyer. A public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash or cashiers check (payable at the time of sale in lawful money of the United States) (payable to Assured Lender Services, Inc.), will be held by a 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, legal fees and costs, charges and expenses of the undersigned trustee (“Trustee”) for the total amount (at the time of the initial publication of this Notice of Trustee’s Sale) reasonably estimated to be set forth below. The amount may be greater on the day of sale. Trustor(s): Help Kids, a California Corporation

Section2924m(c) of the Civil Code, so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase.* Notice To Potential Bidders:  We Require Certified Funds At Sale By Cashier’s Check(S)

Payable Directly To “Assured Lender Services, Inc.” To Avoid Delays In Issuing The Final Deed. The Property Covered In This Action Includes All Such Real Property And The Personal Property In Which The Beneficiary Has A Security Interest Described Herein. It Being The Election Of The Current Beneficiary Under The Deed Of Trust To Cause A Unified Sale To Be Made Of Said Real And Personal Property In Accordance With The Provisions Of Section 2924F(b)(2) Of The California Civil Code. Date: 4/15/2024 Assured Lender Services, Inc. Kathy Damico, Trustee Sale Officer Assured Lender Services, Inc. 111 Pacifica Suite 140 Irvine, CA 92618 Phone: (714) 508-7373 Sales Line: (877)440-4460 Sales Website: www.mkconsultantsinc.com Reinstatement Line: (714) 508-7373 To request reinstatement and/or payoff FAX request to: (714) 505-3831 This Office Is Attempting To Collect A Debt And Any Information Obtained Will Be Used For That Purpose.

MALIBU 91

NOTICE OF PERMIT REQUEST

This is to inform you that an Administrative Coastal Development Permit has been filed for the property located below, pursuant to Section 22.44.940 of the Los Angeles County Zoning Code. The Director of Regional Planning shall make a decision regarding this permit request after 30 days of this public notice. Any individual opposed to the granting of this permit may express written opposition to the Director by May 22, 2024 . Please note all correspondence received by Los Angeles County Planning shall be considered a public record.

Project No.: PRJ2024-001240-(3)

Project Location: 4209 Ocean View Drive, Malibu, CA within the Santa Monica Mountains Planning Area

Applicant: Rachel Anderson

CEQA Categorical Exemption: Class 3

Project Description: 16 roof-mounted solar modules and appurtenant equipment including junction boxes, and associated wiring affixed to the existing single-family residence.

More information: Jon Schneider 320 W. Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. (213) 974-6411. jschneider@planning.lacounty.gov. planning.lacounty.gov.

Case Material: https://bit.ly/PRJ2024-001240

pw.lacounty.gov/contracts/opportunities.aspx.. The estimated annual contract amount is $3,500,000. Instructions for accessing the RFP document are available at the following link: http://pw.lacounty.gov/brcd/ servicecontracts or may be mailed to you upon request by calling (626) 458-4199 or TDD at (626) 282-7829. 4/25/24

CNS-3803664#

MALIBU TIMES

MALIBU 94

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY OF MALIBU PLANNING COMMISSION

The Malibu Planning Commission will hold public hearings on MONDAY, May 20, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Malibu City Hall, 23825 Stuart Ranch Road, Malibu, CA and via teleconference on the projects identified below.

COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT NO. 19-012, CONDITIONAL CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE NO. 21-004, AND SITE PLAN REVIEW NO. 23-027 - An application for the construction of a new one-story, 9,219 square foot single-family residence, including a 1,000 square foot subterranean two-car garage, 1,523 square foot basement, 676 square foot gym, detached 465 square foot guest house, swimming pools, driveways, decks, landscaping, water features, hardscape, grading, retaining walls, and onsite wastewater treatment system; including a site plan review for construction of visually impermeable freestanding walls up to 12 feet in height and a conditional certificate of compliance to recognize the existing property as a single lot

Location: 25200 Pacific Coast Highway

APNs: 4459-013-021 and 4459-014-018

Zoning: Rural Residential, Two-Acre (RR-2)

Applicant: 180 PCH, LLC

Owner: PAR PCH LLC

Appealable to: City Council and California Coastal Commission

Environmental Review: Categorical Exemption CEQA

Guidelines Sections 15303(a) and 15303(e)

Application Filed: March 7, 2019

Case Planner: Allison Cook, Contract Planner (805) 415-1991 capstonecityplan@gmail.com

Guidelines Sections 15303(a) and (e) and 15304(b)

Extension Filed: March 4, 2024

Case Planner: Raneika Brooks, Senior Planner (310) 456-2489, extension 276 rbrooks@malibucity.org

For the projects identified above with a categorical exemption for environmental review, pursuant to the authority and criteria contained in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Planning Director has analyzed these proposed projects and found that they are listed among the classes of projects that have been determined not to have a significant adverse effect on the environment. Therefore, the projects are categorically exempt from the provisions of CEQA. The Planning Director has further determined that none of the six exceptions to the use of a categorical exemption apply to these projects (CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2).

Extension requests will be presented on consent calendar based on staff’s recommendation but any person wishing to be heard may request at the beginning of the meeting to have the application addressed separately. Please see the recording secretary before start of the meeting to have an item removed from consent calendar.

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

Copies of all related documents can be reviewed by any interested person at City Hall during regular business hours. Oral and written comments may be presented to the Planning Commission on, or before, the date of the meeting.

LOCAL APPEAL – A decision of the Planning Commission may be appealed to the City Council by an aggrieved person by written statement setting forth the grounds for appeal. An appeal shall be filed with the City Clerk within ten days following the date of action (15 days for tentative maps) for which the appeal is made and shall be accompanied by an appeal form and filing fee, as specified by the City Council. Appeal forms may be found online at www.malibucity.org/ planningforms or in person at City Hall, or by calling (310) 456-2489, extension 246.

more than three months have elapsed since such recordation. The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the property address or other common designation, if any, shown herein. If no street address or other common designation is shown, directions to the location of the property may be obtained by sending a written request to the beneficiary within 10 days of the date of first publication of this Notice of Trustee’s Sale. If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee, and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse. 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 F2300162. 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, if conducted after January 1, 2021, 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.mkconsultantsinc.com, using the file number assigned to this case F23-00162 to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee.

Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid, by remitting the funds and affidavit described in

If you need reasonable accommodations or auxiliary aids, contact the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator at (213) 974-6488 (Voice) or (213) 617-2292 (TDD) with at least 3 business days’ advanced notice. 4/25/24

CNS-3805548#

MALIBU TIMES

MALIBU 92

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Notice of intent to ADOPT A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION

The Los Angeles County Hearing Officer will conduct a public hearing to consider the project described below. A presentation and overview of the project will be given, and any interested person or authorized agent may appear and comment on the project at the hearing. The Hearing Officer will then consider to approve or deny the project or continue the hearing if it deems necessary. Should you attend, you will have an opportunity to testify, or you can submit written comments to the planner below or at the public hearing. If the final decision on this proposal is challenged in court, testimony may be limited to issues raised before or at the public hearing

Hearing Date and Time: Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.

Hearing Location: Hall of Administration, 500 W. Temple Street (Basement), Assessment Appeal Board Hearing Room B4 (Board Room C), Los Angeles, CA 90012. Virtual (Online) at bit.ly/ZOOM-HO. By phone at (669) 444-9171 or (719) 359-4580 (ID: 824 5573 9842).

CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 18-003 - An application for 50 events per calendar year at the Trancas Country Market Shopping Center which will consist of live music performances and movie nights; events are expected to have between 50 to 100 attendees each

Locations: 30745 and 30811 Pacific Coast Highway APNs: 4469-045-001 and 4470-012-001

Zoning: Community Commercial (CC)

Applicant: Kenneth Ehrlich

Owner: Zuma Beach Properties LLC

Appealable to: City Council

Environmental Review:

Categorical Exemption CEQA Guidelines Section 15304(e)

Application Filed: June 20, 2018

Case Planner: Samantha Elias, Assistant Planner (310) 456-2489, extension 256 selias@malibucity.org

EXTENSION OF COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT NO. 16-064, VARIANCE NO. 17-011, SITE PLAN

REVIEW NO. 17-042, AND MINOR MODIFICATION NO. 17-008 - A request to extend the Planning Commission’s approval for the construction of a new 4,312 square foot, one-story, single-family residence with attached two-car garage, 505 square foot second unit, 265 square foot pool cabana, swimming pool, spa, fire department turnaround, retaining walls, decks, and onsite wastewater treatment system; including a variance for fuel modification to encroach into Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Area, a site plan review for construction on slopes between 3 to 1 and 2.5 to 1, and a minor modification for a reduced front yard setback

Location: 5263 Horizon Drive

APN: 4469-005-002

Zoning: Rural Residential, Two-Acre (RR-2)

Applicant: SS Design

Owner: Dougal Murray

Appealable to: City Council and California Coastal

Commission

Environmental Review: Categorical Exemption CEQA

Guidelines Sections 15303(a) and (e)

Extension Filed: March 15, 2024

Case Planner: Tyler Eaton, Senior Planner (310) 456-2489, extension 273 teaton@malibucity.org

EXTENSION OF COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT NO. 18-013, VARIANCE NO. 19-039, AND SITE

COASTAL COMMISSION APPEAL – For projects appealable to the Coastal Commission, an aggrieved person may appeal the Planning Commission’s approval to the Coastal Commission within 10 working days of the issuance of the City’s Notice of Final Action. Appeal forms may be found online at www.coastal.ca.gov or in person at the Coastal Commission South Central Coast District office located at 89 South California Street in Ventura, or by calling 805-585-1800. Such an appeal must be filed with the Coastal Commission, not the City.

If you need reasonable accommodations or auxiliary aids, contact the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator at (213) 974-6488 (Voice) or (213) 617-2292 (TDD) with at least 3 business days’ advanced notice.

4/25/24

CNS-3805557#

MALIBU TIMES

MALIBU 93

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Notice is given that proposals for On-Call Slope Mowing Services (BRC0000480) will be received by the Los Angeles County Public Works, per the instructions listed on the RFP until 5:30pm, Tuesday, May 14, 2024. There will be an optional online Proposers’ Conference on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, at 9 am. To participate, proposers will need to sign in using the electronic sign-in sheet accessible at the following link: https://

PLAN REVIEW NO. 19-091 - A request to extend the Planning Commission’s approval for the construction of a new 8,164 square foot, maximum 18 feet tall, single-family residence, including a 995 square foot garage, 3,770 square foot basement, and attached 881 square foot second unit, 1,067 square foot swimming pool, spa, landscape, hardscape, retaining walls, grading, and onsite wastewater treatment system; including a variance for the proposed fuel modification to extend into Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Area and a site plan review for construction on slopes between 3 to 1 and 2.5 to 1

Location:6361 Sea Star Drive

APN: 4469-047-001

Zoning: Rural Residential, Two-Acre (RR-2)

Applicant: Burdge and Associates Architects, Inc.

Owner: Sea Star One, LLC

Appealable to: City Council

Environmental Review: Categorical Exemption CEQA

(310) 456-2489, extension 385

ashah@malibucity.org

EXTENSION OF COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT

NO. 18-005 - A request to extend the Planning Commission’s approval for the construction of a new 3,459 square foot, one-story single-family residence plus an attached 781 square foot three-car garage, rooftop deck with railing, up to 16 feet, 8 inches in height, 996 square foot basement, 1,250 square feet of covered area, swimming pool, ground floor deck, hardscape, grading and landscape, and installation of a new onsite wastewater treatment system

Location: 29300 Larkspur Lane, Lot B

APN(s): 4468-008-033

Zoning: Rural Residential, Ten-Acre (RR-10)

Applicant: Schmitz and Associates, Inc.

Owner: 29200 Larkspur LLC

Appealable to: City Council and California Coastal

Commission

Environmental Review: Categorical Exemption CEQA

Guidelines Sections 15303(a) and 15303(e)

Extension Filed: March 22, 2024

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

For the projects identified above with a categorical exemption for environmental review, pursuant to the authority and criteria contained in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the Planning Director has analyzed these proposed projects and found that they are listed among the classes of projects that have been determined not to have a significant adverse effect on the environment. Therefore, the projects are categorically exempt from the provisions of CEQA. The Planning Director has further determined that none of the six exceptions to the use of a categorical exemption apply to these projects (CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2).

Extension requests will be presented on consent calendar based on staff’s recommendation but any person wishing to be heard may request at the beginning of the meeting to have the application addressed separately. Please see the recording secretary before start of the meeting to have an item removed from consent calendar.

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

Copies of all related documents can be reviewed by any interested person at City Hall during regular business hours. Oral and written comments may be presented to the Planning Commission on, or before, the date of the meeting.

LOCAL APPEAL – A decision of the Planning Commission may be appealed to the City Council by an aggrieved person by written statement setting forth the grounds for appeal. An appeal shall be filed with the City Clerk within ten days following the date of action (15 days for tentative maps) for which the appeal is made and shall be accompanied by an appeal form and filing fee, as specified by the City Council. Appeal forms may be found online at www.malibucity.org/ planningforms or in person at City Hall, or by calling (310) 456-2489, extension 246.

COASTAL COMMISSION APPEAL – For projects appealable to the Coastal Commission, an aggrieved person may appeal the Planning Commission’s approval to the Coastal Commission within 10 working days of the issuance of the City’s Notice of Final Action. Appeal forms may be found online at www.coastal.ca.gov or in person at the Coastal Commission South Central Coast District office located at 89 South California Street in Ventura, or by calling 805-585-1800. Such an appeal must be filed with the Coastal Commission, not the City.

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 25, 2024 MALIBU 96

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that sealed

90265, at or before 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, MAY, 23, 2024, at which time they will be publicly opened and read by the City Clerk (or designated representative).

SCOPE OF WORK

In general, the proposed improvements consist of demolition of existing Midwest Guard Rail Systems (MGS) and retaining wall lagging, new MGS, new retaining wall lagging (timber or concrete), new asphalt concrete (AC) dikes, excavation, grading, demolition and disposal, AC, clearing and grubbing, traffic control, and all other appurtenant work included and shown in the Contract Documents and Specifications.

The bid shall be submitted and the work shall be performed by a Class “A” or Class “C12” State of California licensed contractor in strict conformance with the project specifications for Latigo Canyon Retaining Walls Rehabilitation Project, Specification No. 2087 now on file in the City’s Public Works Department.

Copies of plans and specifications may be obtained by prospective bidders from the Public Works Department through mpublicworks@malibucity.org.

All prospective bidders shall abide by the provisions of the Bid Terms and Conditions listed in the project’s specifications.

The City reserves the right to retain all bids for a period of 90 days after the bid opening date for examination and comparison and to delete any portion of the work from the Contract. The City reserves the right to determine and waive nonsubstantial irregularities in any bid, and to reject any or all bids. The bid shall be balanced so that each bid item is priced to carry its share of the cost of the work and also its share of the contractor’s overhead and profit. The City reserves the right to delete any bid item to the extent that the bid is qualified by specific limitation. An unbalanced bid shall be considered as grounds for rejecting the entire bid. The City shall award the bid to the lowest responsible bidder as the interest of the City may require.

In accordance with the provisions of Division 2, Part 7, Chapter 1 of the California Labor Code, the California Department of Industrial Relations has established the general prevailing rates of per diem wages for each craft, classification and type of work needed to execute contracts for public works and improvements. The per diem wages published at the date the contract is advertised for bids shall be applicable. Future effective wage rates which have been predetermined are on file with the Department of Industrial Relations, are referenced but not printed in said publication. The new wage rates shall become effective on the day following the expiration date and apply to this contract in the same manner as if they had been included or referenced in this contract. The website for California Department of Industrial Relations Prevailing Wage Unit is currently located at www.dir.ca.gov, prevailing wages are located on the website at http://www.dir. ca.gov/dlsr/pwd/index.htm.

The wage rate for any classification not listed by the California Department of Industrial Relations, but which may be required to execute the proposed contract, shall be in accord with specified rates for similar or comparable classifications or for those performing similar or comparable duties, within the agency’s determinations.

At the time of submitting the bid the Bidder shall be registered with the California Department of Industrial Relations in accordance with the provisions of Section 1771.1 of the California Labor Code, as amended by Senate Bill 854. No public work contract may be awarded to a non-registered contractor or subcontractor.

Without exception, the bidder is required to state the name and address of each subcontractor who will perform work or labor or render service to the prime contractor and the portion of the work which each will do in their bid as required by Section 23, “Subcontracts”, of the Standard Specifications and in conformance with Public Contract Code, Sections 4100 to 4113, inclusive.

The City will not consider awarding any contract based upon any bid submitted by any contractor nor consent to subletting any portions of the Contract to any subcontractor located in a foreign country during any period in which such foreign country is listed by the United States Trade Representative as discriminating against U.S. firms in conducting procurements for public works projects.

All bidders are hereby notified that any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, Business Enterprises must be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color or national origin consideration for an award.

The Contractor may substitute securities for retention monies pursuant to Public Contract Code Section 22300.

Date this 18th day of April, 2024

BYRDESIGN,

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on 3/29/2024. 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

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 Website https://www.mkconsultantsinc.com, using the file number assigned to this case 48110836. 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 may call (877) 440-4460 or visit this Internet Website https://www.mkconsultantsinc.com, using the file number assigned to this case 48110836 to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase.

“NOTICE TO 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 incorrect insertion or omission.

Animals

ANIMAL SHELTER 29525 West Agoura Road, Agoura,

Alaska, Europe, Hawaii plus dozens of other popular trips! Starting at $1649 per person (double occupancy required.) YMT Vacations plans everything, leaving you to relax and enjoy. Call 1-844-301-9235 for more details. Use promo code YMT2024 for $250 off. Limited time only. (Cal-SCAN)

(www.happyjackinc.com) (Cal-SCAN)

Announcements

DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 400 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-844-203-2677 www. dental50plus.com/calnews #6258 (Cal-SCAN)

Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-

Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-844-4395645 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move. (Cal-SCAN)

Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-855-4247581 (Cal-SCAN)

DID YOU KNOW Newspaper-generated content is so valuable it’s taken and repeated, condensed, broadcast, tweeted, discussed, posted, copied, edited, and emailed countless times throughout the day by others? Discover the Power of Newspaper Advertising. For a free brochure call 916-288-6011 or email

0380 (Cal-SCAN)

The difference in winning and losing market share is how businesses use their advertising dollars. CNPA’s Advertising Services’ power to connect to nearly 13 million of the state’s readers who are an engaged audience, makes our services an indispensable marketing solution. For more info call Cecelia @ (916) 2886011 or cecelia@cnpa.com

Get your deduction ahead of the year-end! Donate your car, truck, or SUV to assist the blind and visually impaired. Arrange a swift, no-cost vehicle pickup and secure a generous year-end tax credit. Call Heritage for the Blind Today at 1-844-491-2884 today! (Cal-SCAN)

Become a Published Author. We want to Read Your Book! Dorrance Publishing-Trusted

DIRECTV OVER INTERNET

- Get your favorite live TV, sports and local channels. 99% signal reliability! CHOICE Package, $84.99/mo for 12 months. HBO Max and Premium Channels included for 3 mos (w/CHOICE

Jacuzzi Bath Remodel can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. For a limited time, we’re cutting all installation costs in half and offering a FREE safety upgrade! (Additional terms apply. Subject to change and vary by dealer. Offer ends 6/30/24 Call 1-833-9854766 (Cal-SCAN)

Switch and save up to $250/ year on your talk, text and data. No contract and no hidden fees. Unlimited talk and text with flexible data plans. Premium nationwide coverage. 100% U.S. based customer service. For more information, call 1-844-9080605 (Cal-SCAN)

Get your deduction ahead of the year-end! Donate your car, truck, or SUV to assist the blind and visually impaired. Arrange a swift, no-cost vehicle pickup and secure a generous year-end tax credit. Call Heritage for the Blind Today at 1-844-491-2884 today! (Cal-SCAN)

contract, no hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS 1-855-404-2509 (Cal-SCAN)

ing *Sprinkler Work. Insurance. Bonded. Free Estimates. Jose Duarte, Owner. 323-733-2699 or 323-333-7003

Handyman

MANNY’S THE HANDYMAN Construction, including demolition. Carpentry, plumbing, electrical, masonry/concrete, retaining walls, drywall, tile, roofing & painting, framing, finish carpentry. Power washing: decks, driveways & roofs. 30 yrs experience. Call Manny: 323-445-9622.

Your local handyman Professional Repair Services * Knowledge in all trades. We Fix It!. Call Bob 818635-9319. Lic#924813

Holistic Healthcare

Insurance

SAVE BIG on HOME INSURANCE! Compare 20 A-rated insurances companies. Get a quote within minutes. Average savings of $444/ year! Call 1-844-410-9609! (M-F 8am-8pm Central) (Cal-SCAN)

Legal

OLAN LAW Personal Injuries, Auto Accidents, Wrongful Death, Uninsured Motorist, Premises Liability, and Product Liability. Call David Olan 310-566-0010 www.olanlaw.com Lost

DUARTE LANDSCAPING Complete Garden Service Yard & Hillside Clean Up. Tree * Trimming * Topping * Shaping *Palm *Clean-

The Dr. Jones Difference Bio Identical Hormone Therapies, Organic Ultra Health Regenerative Medicine, Organic Medical Reversal of Cardiac Disease, Metabolic Disease, and Diabetes. Organic Menopause, and Andropause Reversal Libido Enhancement, Mega Boost Energy, Lose Weight, Increase Mental Acuity Improve Sleep, and Energy. Lower Death and Cancer Risks from All Causes, Increase Lifespan and Quality of Life by Decades. Contact Dr. Jones at (310) 878-7018. Free Consultation Call.

The men’s and women’s squads were a combined 13-1 in conference matches

The Pepperdine men’s and women’s tennis squads are both champions of the West Coast Conference.

The Waves women’s team capped an undefeated season in the conference with a sweep of Saint Mary’s on April 20 at Pepperdine’s Ralphs-Straus Tennis Center to win the WCC regular-season crown. The men’s team defeated Pacific in Stockton to secure a share of the regular-season conference title with San Diego on April 21.

The Pepperdine women’s team, ranked eighth in national polls, defeated Saint Mary’s 7-0. Before the match, the Waves honored senior team members Anna Campana, Nikki Redelijk, Janice Tjen, and Lisa Zaar during a senior day ceremony. Then, the Waves dominated Saint Mary’s. All six of the Waves won in straight sets in singles after Campana and Zaar grabbed the doubles point with a 6-1 victory.

The Waves received their first singles point when a Saint Mary’s player retired due to an injury during the first set of competition against Tjen. Pepperdine took a 3-0 lead when freshman Vivian Yang won the first 10 games of match before her opponent notched a game en route to a 6-0, 6-1 win.

Junior Savannah Broadus won her matchup 6-0, 6-0. Campana won her match 6-3, 6-0. Redelijk jumped to a 3-0 lead in the first set of her match and went on to a 6-2 triumph. She won the next set 6-0.

Freshman Jasmine Conway won the first set of a tight matchup 6-4. Conway was down 4-3 before stagging a comeback and winning the second set, 6-4.

The Pepperdine men’s team, ranked 43rd, beat Pacific 4-3 to clinch a share of the WCC regular-season top spot.

Waves head coach Adam Schaechterle said the victory was a special experience.

“For my own guys, I’m so proud of how they play for each other,” he said. “We started the season 1-5, and we lost one of our best players for the season, but these guys love each other and it shines through in how they compete.”

Schaechterle said Pacific played tough.

“Huge respect for how they battled, and for their success this season,” he said.

The contest began with both teams winning matches in doubles play. Then, the Waves duo of sophomore Linus Carlsson Halldin and graduate student George Davis rang up three consecutive points to break their matchup open and secure the doubles point with 7-6 (4) win by way of a forehand hit from Davis.

The squads went back and forth in singles play also. Both bunches grabbed three first sets apiece and three matches needed three sets to decide winners.

SPORTS

Pacific grabbed the first singles point. Waves senior Pietro Fellin then won a contentious match 6-4, 6-3 to give his team the lead again. It was Fellin’s team-leading eighth straight win.

Freshman Zach Stephens seized his fifth WCC singles win at the fifth position with a 6-4, 7-5 victory. Pacific won the next two matches.

Freshman Edward Winter then staged a comeback in the second set. He was behind 5-3 after losing the first set 4-6. However, in the ninth game, Winter tied the match at 5. The game then entered a tiebreaker, which Winter won 7-6 (4). The Wave gained a 3-0 advantage in the last set and went on to a 6-1 triumph.

The men’s team finished the regular season with a 13-10 overall record and 7-1 record in the conference.

The Waves have won their six last contests — a WCCbest winning streak this year. The squad has first-round bye in the WCC Tournament at Aztec Tennis Center in San Diego. Their first match will be in the event’s semifinals on Friday at 10 a.m.

The women’s team finished the regular season with a 15-6 overall record and a 6-0 record in the WCC.

The team has eight straight unbeaten seasons in the conference. The Waves didn’t surrender a single doubles point or singles match to conference opposition this season — a Waves team last did that in 2017. The Pepperdine women’s tennis has won 41 WCC titles including 12 regular-season championships. The group is the top seed in the WCC Tournament in San Diego.

The Waves have a first-round bye and will begin play in the semifinals on Friday at 1:30 p.m.

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Firestad

Firestad emerges as California’s leading fire sprinkler company, boasting a revolutionary high-pressure fire protection system. Their cutting-edge technology not only shields homes but extends its coverage to the entire property, including landscaping and outbuildings. Renowned for its discreet installation, Firestad seamlessly blends into its environment with color-matched powder-coated stainless steel pipes and durable brass nozzles designed to withstand adverse weather conditions. Compatible with popular smart home systems such as Alexa and Apple HomeKit, Firestad incorporates advanced weather intelligence features, ensuring optimal performance. Moreover, Firestad offers customizable upgrade options to enhance fire prevention, including a smart high-pressure water pump for areas with low water pressure and a backup generator for power outage protection. Additional safety measures like backup water tanks and swimming pool adapters further reinforce its reliability. With a unique “Clear Fire Retardant” approach, Firestad effectively minimizes fire risks, providing unparalleled peace of mind for homeowners and their families.