AWARD WINNING NEWSPAPER SINCE 1946
First Malibu rebuild permit issued after Palisades Fire
Rebuild workshop Aug. 12.
While the County of Los Angeles is reporting 157 building permits issued for rebuilds post-Palisades and post-Eaton fires, and the City of Los Angeles reports 54 permits issued, the City of Malibu has just announced its first rebuild permit has been issued for a home wiped out in the January fire. That news was announced by Yolanda Bundy, the city’s community development director, who answered questions along with Principal Planner Tyler Eaton while speaking at the second Own Your
Bundy started the meeting with an acknowledgement of local architect Tom Torres, who gave many hours of his expertise to recent fire victims in their efforts to rebuild. Torres passed away last week, and Fire Rebuild Ambassador Abe Roy called for a quiet observance in honor of Torres’ steadfast commitment to rebuilding the community.
Bundy reported some important statistics on Malibu’s road to recovery, stating 480 residential properties have been cleared by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). A total of 185 property owners cleared debris privately. The city is still working with 15 properties that did not qualify for government debris removal and eight properties that were nonresponsive.
On Monday, Aug. 18, the Malibu Planning Commission held its regular meeting, with the primary focus on reviewing and refining amendments to the city’s Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) ordinance under Zoning Text Amendment No. 25003. The proposed updates are intended to bring the Malibu Municipal Code (MMC) into alignment with California state law, incorporating feedback from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) while accounting for the city’s unique location within the coastal zone. Accessory Dwelling Units—often called ADUs or “granny flats”—have taken center stage in California’s housing policy as the state works to tackle its ongoing housing shortage. These secondary units, built on residential lots and either attached to
Those properties will be charged to have their lots cleared after missing the deadline.
Bundy explained rebuilding fee waivers are now available for Malibu’s last three fires — the Broad Fire of November 2024; the Franklin Fire of December 2024, and the Palisades Fire. Qualifications require that the residence was a primary residence at the time of the fire and was a single-family home or duplex. “Commercial properties, unfortunately are not eligible,” Bundy stated. Proof of residency may include voter registration, driver’s licenses, or government issued IDs.
Fee waivers are only for households for whom the destroyed house was their primary residence. It is not intended for investors, second homes,
or separate from the primary home, are seen as an affordable way to expand housing options. In Malibu, however, regulating ADUs is especially complex. Because the entire city lies within the coastal zone, local rules must not only comply with state ADU laws but also align with Malibu’s Local Coastal Program (LCP), which is subject to oversight by the California Coastal Commission.
On Jan. 8, 2024, the Malibu City Council approved Ordinances 510 and 511 to update the city’s ADU regulations. Ordinance 510 amended the LCP and was sent to the Coastal Commission for review on March 19, 2024. Ordinance 511 updated the MMC and was submitted to HCD, which has statutory authority to ensure local ADU ordinances align with state law. On Nov. 13, 2024, HCD issued a letter indicating that revisions were needed to bring Malibu’s ordinance into compliance. Monday night’s meeting focused solely on amendments to the MMC, with LCP amendments to be addressed at a future date.
as a tool to help understand policies and file claims easier.
By
The growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) is already being used by insurance companies and public adjusters navigating the thousands of claims since January’s wildfires and calamities nationwide. Now a local fire recovery group is demonstrating how insurance customers can use AI
The Eaton Fire Survivors Network is a grassroots community of over 6,500 survivors and allies of Los Angeles’ January blazes. Although most members are from Altadena, a growing number of Palisades Fire survivors are joining the nonprofit advocacy group.
One member, Andrew King, a former high school principal who lost his Altadena home, just made a virtual presentation on how AI can
Aplethora of accolades and remembrances from near and far were bestowed on the family of Howard “Hub” Ferguson, 89, as soon as those
After four closed-door sessions yielded ‘no reportable action,’ questions remain about whether Malibu will move forward with appointing Ronda Perez amid allegations from her past city roles
The Malibu City Council held a special meeting on Aug. 18 for the sole purpose of recessing to a closed executive session to address personnel matters concerning whether to appoint Ronda Perez as city manager. The session was the fourth executive session in recent days convened to address the hiring decision. All of the sessions culminated in the council coming back on the record in public proceedings and Trevor Russo, Malibu’s interim city attorney, stating that there was “no reportable action” stemming from the executive sessions. Pursuant to state law, executive sessions are not public as they afford city councils the opportunity to receive and consider legal advice and other information prior to making decisions on the record and announcing those decisions publicly.
On July 30, the Malibu City Council had announced in a press release that the council unanimously approved appointing Perez as city manager. However, in the interim between that
Proposed Amendments to the Malibu Municipal Code
The Planning Commission considered several amendments to Title 17 of the MMC, specifically Chapter 17.44, which governs ADUs. These changes, presented by city staff and special counsel Todd Leishman from Best Best & Krieger (BB&K), aimed to clarify definitions, streamline permitting processes, and address HCD’s concerns while maintaining local safety standards. The key proposed revisions included:
1. Section 17.44.040 (Definitions): Minor updates to definitions for clarity and consistency with state law. These changes were described as “clean-up and fine-tuning” to ensure precise language.
2. Section 17.44.050 (Permitted Locations): A significant point of discussion was the requirement that ADUs be located on streets at least 20 feet wide to ensure adequate ingress and egress, given Malibu’s designation as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. HCD had flagged
near and dear to him got the sad news that on Aug. 13, Malibu had lost one of its own. Ferguson was surrounded by some of his loving family members in Nova Scotia, where he was visiting, when he collapsed and died minutes after taking family pictures. His passing leaves a multitude of people from many walks of life in Malibu and many other locations very heartbroken, yet immensely grateful for having known and loved him, and also for having received his love,
announcement and actually negotiating and signing a contract with her and swearing her in, the council put a pause on the contract negotiating process, holding the four executive sessions to consider the matter.
What happened?
The Malibu City Council was approached by concerned citizens about issues relating to Perez’s behavior and actions during her employment with the cities of Palmdale and Lancaster, according to sources close to the matter. Specifically, councilmembers were informed about the decision by the Palmdale City Council to not extend Perez’s city manager contract, and that pursuant to a mutual agreement between Perez and the City of Palmdale, Perez’s contract will expire on Jan. 18, 2026, at the end of its three-year term.
“It appears that Perez will
MALIBU’S
In the aftermath of the Palisades Fire, residential lots along Pacific Coast Highway now stand cleared of rubble and debris, leaving behind stark, empty spaces where homes once stood. Photo courtesy of The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
By JUDY ABEL Special to The Malibu Times
By BARBARA BURKE Special to The Malibu Times
RONDA PEREZ
HOWARD “HUB” FERGUSON
By BARBARA BURKE Special to The Malibu Times
JUDY ABEL Special to The Malibu Times
By HAYELY MATTSON Publisher, Editor-in-Chief
OPINION
Letters to the Editor
*Letters to the Editor may not reflect the view, opinion and/or ethics of The Malibu Times. They are however, letters from the people of Malibu. We support your right to express your opinion. Submit your letter to editorial@ malibutimes.com or visit malibutimes.com.
Congratulations on new principal at Malibu Elementary
Dear Editor,
City Council weighs major decisions on leadership New
The Malibu Elementary School community is fortunate to have a new principal in Sally Wennes as the school year begins. She is an educator who works hard, trusts her staff, listens to parent input, and is enthusiastic about her students.
For the last two school years, I was a grandparent volunteer in a firstgrade classroom at Arroyo West Elementary School, a Distinguished School in Moorpark. After teaching junior high students at Malibu Park in the 1980s and then high school students for 25 years at Moorpark High, working with first graders was a different and rewarding experience. One of the reasons the school and the experience was special was the wonderful principal, Ms. Wennes.
Sad as I was to see Ms. Wennes leave Moorpark, I am happy to see that she has been hired at Malibu Elementary. I am confident that parents and staff will come to respect, enjoy, and appreciate her as much as they did in Moorpark. Her main priority is the well-being and learning of the children on her campus. They realize she cares about them and knows them as individuals.
Education has been an important part of Sally’s life for decades. She learned well from her father, Rev. Dr. Howard Wennes, who was an institution at Cal Lutheran University. She passed her own love of learning on to her daughter and son, who were both my students on Academic Decathlon teams that won U.S. National Championships. Their mom was a big supporter of the teams. As a principal, Ms. Wennes treats all students with the love, concern, and hope she had for her own kids and their classmates.
I wish Sally Wennes all the best as she starts her Malibu tenure.
Larry Jones, Malibu
Diversity
Dear Editor, I believe in my inner core that diversity is one of our country’s greatest strengths. The variety and inclusion of a multitude of cultures has made our melting pot so successful. Diversity has been an obvious positive, that is until recently. In our current Alice In Wonderland time, when up is down and right is wrong, diversity has somehow become a dirty word. Our current occupant of the White House is waging an unprecedented crusade against diversity in our schools and universities and in our workplaces.
When I attended elementary school in Teaneck, New Jersey, back in the 1950’s, the student body was entirely white. There were no peo-
ple of color—no African Americans, even though many of them lived in Teaneck, but all on the other end of town.
I attended high school at a boarding school in Pennsylvania. Most of the students came from the East Coast, and with a handful of exceptions, all were white. It was only when I attended Harvard that I got my first real taste of diversity, and I loved it. I roomed with an African American from Missouri, and an African from Uganda. I met students from all over America, and although there weren’t many, I got to know several of the foreign students. There were also students with disabilities—one blind, another in a wheelchair, and then me with my polio limp. The exchange of thoughts from all these students of different religions, nationalities, and economic backgrounds was eye-opening.
After college I went to NYU Law School where virtually all the students were white males. I was Senator Ted Kennedy’s first summer intern. The United States Congress was overwhelmingly white male, not remotely similar to the people they were supposed to represent.
As mayor of Fort Lee, I presided over a town again almost exclusively white, although there was a smattering of immigrants from the Far East.
I went on to work on Wall Street and then in the New Jersey state government. Again, almost everybody with whom I worked was a white male.
We Americans can be justifiably proud of the changes which have taken place in the past 50-plus years. Teaneck schools have long been integrated; students from all over the world attend my high school; well over half the students at Harvard receive financial aid, and foreign students from 140 different countries attend Harvard; roughly 60% of the incoming class at NYU Law School are women; Congress reflects America today more than it ever has before; and even Wall Street has opened up to women and people of color.
Fort Lee is now home to thousands of Asians, and women have played an active role in the local government.
The Supreme Court found that gay marriage is constitutional, and the overwhelming of Americans support this conclusion. Laws have been passed to provide assistance to the disabled, and more and more our society has become inclusive—again, that is all until now. The progress our country has made is under threat, and the attempts to oppose diversity and inclusion will not make America great again, they will only return us to our darkest days.
Burt Ross, Malibu
Welcoming the new principal at Malibu Elementary
Dear Editor, I am writing to warmly welcome Sally Wennes to Malibu as she steps into her new role as principal of Malibu Elementary School. She is a principal whose warmth, energy, and dedication have left a lasting mark on every school she leads.
From the publisher HAYLEY MATTSON
“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.”
— Bernard M. Baruch
She comes to us with over 20 years in public education, including successful tenures as principal in Moorpark, Oxnard, and Conejo Valley. Having watched her lead at the school my granddaughter attends in Moorpark, I can say with confidence that Malibu parents are gaining a principal who loves her students, loves her teachers, and truly loves her work. She is the kind
of principal who is constantly present: visiting classrooms, chatting with children on the playground at lunch, greeting families at drop-off and pick-up. She knows every child by name, treats each with kindness and respect, and always wears a smile.
Malibu Elementary is in excellent hands.
Green, Malibu
Driving Change:15 years. 61 deaths. Stop insulting our intelligence
Fifteen years...
Fifteen years of hollow promises since Emily’s death. I know our community is suffering with rebuilds and figuring out the future, so this may seem irrelevant to you now. However, I bring it up because this affects us differently, and we can’t let our attention slip, especially in a crisis.
Caltrans has announced a plan for roundabouts on Pacific Coast Highway.
If you want to know what a statistic looks like, look at me. I am what happens when agencies talk about “traffic fatalities” and “acceptable losses.” Surviving something like this changes you. It strips away any patience for bureaucratic games when lives hang in the balance.
Sixty-one people have died on this road since 2010. Sixty-one families were torn apart while bureaucrats shuffled papers. How many more outside of Malibu?
My first reaction wasn’t relief. It was cold, hard dread. The terror that the same agency whose idea of “bike safety” is a can of white paint on a highway and you’re immediately safe is now in charge of implementing a real solution. They are going to screw this up.
Let me be brutally clear: a roundabout isn’t a suggestion circle. It is a life-saving machine. But in the hands of the incompetent, it’s just
another way to waste millions of dollars and kill more people. And here’s the part that should fill you with rage: while Caltrans was busy holding meetings, Carmel, Indiana, already solved this problem. They built over 140 roundabouts, and traffic deaths fell by 90 percent. Injury crashes were cut by 84 percent at dangerous intersections. This isn’t a dream—it’s documented proof that Caltrans has willfully ignored while people died. Yes, PCH has unique challenges—15 million visitors annually. We’re not demanding roundabouts everywhere. However, at major intersections where deadly left turns occur, and where locals commute daily, roundabouts offer proven solutions.
The physics are simple: roundabouts naturally force drivers to slow to 15-25 mph. For a
PUBLISHER
EDITOR IN CHIEF
COMPANY ADMINISTRATOR
COPY EDITOR
PROFREADER
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS CONTRIBUTORS
DISPLAY ADVERTISING
ADVERTISING COORDINATOR
Hayley Mattson
Hayley Mattson
Cami Martin
Michael Chaldu
Judy Abel
Jen Rodman, Anthony Atkins, Ebers García
Judy Abel, Barbara Burke, McKenzie Jackson, Burt Ross, Benjamin Marcus, Michel Shane
Anthony McDemas
Karen Kagan
but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live by the light that I have. I must stand with anybody that stands right, and stand with him while he is right, and part with him when he goes wrong.” — Abraham Lincoln
Malibu Country Mart marks 50 years with sweet treats, family fun, community and nostalgia
New study suggests far greater death toll from January fires
Honoring Wallis Annenberg: One of the most generous philanthropists
MICHEL SHANE COLUMNIST
Marilyn
Point Dume Club’s first art walk exudes creativity and community fun
city manager’s swearing-in held, no update given
| 65º
| 64º
| 64º
| 61º TUESDAY
| 59º
Oak Tree decay warning reportedly known before tragic camp accident at King Gillette Ranch
Disturbing new reports indicate that the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) may have been aware of dangerous tree conditions just one day before a fatal accident at King Gillette Ranch.
According to KTLA News and the Orange County Register, documents obtained through a public records request show that a tree care service examined a valley oak tree at the ranch on July 8 and identified decay, recommending trimming to “alleviate end weight at a minimum to mitigate risk.” The following day, July 9, a 25-foot limb from the same oak snapped off, killing 9-year-old Lamar McGlothurn and injuring several other campers and counselors from Camp Wildcraft during parent pick-up.
In addition, the parent of a junior counselor reported that camp staff were made aware another branch had fallen earlier that week, raising further concerns about the tree’s condition.
In response, the MRCA announced it has launched an internal investigation alongside the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. The law firm Richards Watson & Gershon has also been retained to review the circumstances leading up to the tragedy.
The fatal incident has prompted questions about safety protocols at outdoor camps and the timing of warnings regarding hazardous trees. Authorities have not yet released details on potential liability or whether the camp or MRCA will face legal action.
11-year-old girl attacked by mountain lion in Malibu is recovering
An 11-year-old girl is recovering after a mountain lion attacked her last week while she was feeding chickens outside her family’s home in the 32000 block of Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu. The incident occurred around 5:40 p.m., according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. The girl suffered injuries to her arms, leg, and lower back and was taken to
a hospital by her family. Authorities confirmed her injuries were non-life-threatening.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Lost Hills Station responded to the scene, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) was called in to investigate. Officials later euthanized the animal.
While attacks on humans are rare, this incident has renewed local concerns about wildlife encounters in residential areas. Residents and hikers in nearby Charmlee Wilderness Park expressed unease, highlighting the tension between human activity and wildlife in the Santa Monica Mountains region.
The Malibu attack is the latest in a troubling pattern of cougar incidents involving children in the greater Los Angeles area. In September 2024, a mountain lion attacked a 5-year-old boy during a picnic at Malibu Creek State Park. Family members and nearby adults intervened, and park rangers euthanized the one-year-old lion, which was underweight and possibly hungry. In August 2021, a 65-pound mountain lion dragged a 5-year-old boy across his front yard in Calabasas before his mother fought it off. Wildlife officers later killed the lion.
Despite such incidents, mountain lion attacks on humans remain extremely rare. Biologists estimate only 10–15 adult and subadult mountain lions live in the Santa Monica Mountains at any given time. The small population faces significant threats from habitat fragmentation, vehicle strikes, and exposure to rodenticides. Since 2002, at least 32 local cougars have been killed in vehicle collisions, and tests revealed that 28 of 29 lions carried anticoagulant poison, with seven deaths directly attributed to these toxins.
Conservationists have been closely monitoring the Santa Monica Mountain lions with GPS collars to understand their behavior and population trends. The isolated habitat, hemmed in by the Pacific Ocean, major highways, and dense urban development, has created the lowest genetic diversity seen in Western mountain lions — comparable to the critically endangered Florida panther in the 1990s.
Efforts to improve safety for both humans and wildlife are underway.
The Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing at Liberty Canyon, slated to open by late 2026, will allow mountain lions and other wildlife to safely cross the 101 freeway, helping increase genetic diversity and reduce roadkill deaths.
Last weekend’s Malibu attack follows a spate of concerning wildlife encounters in Southern California. Just last week, a 6-year-old boy in Carson was bitten by a coyote at his sister’s softball game, requiring 20 stitches. Experts emphasize vigilance and preparedness while urging residents not to panic.
Officials encourage residents to remain alert while maintaining perspective on the rarity of such events.
Deadline approaching for Malibu-Topanga Business Interruption Fund grants
Small businesses affected by the closures of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and Topanga Canyon Boulevard following the January 2025 windstorms and wildfires have a critical opportunity for financial re-
lief. The Malibu-Topanga Business Interruption Fund (BIF) is offering grants ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 to support local businesses that suffered significant revenue losses during this period.
Eligible businesses must meet the following criteria:
• Be a small business with annual revenue under $6 million and fewer than 100 employees. Be located within Malibu (zip code 90265) or Topanga (zip code 90290).
• Have experienced a 10% or greater revenue loss year-over-year between January and May 2025.
The program is designed to help businesses recover from the economic impact of the highway and canyon closures, which disrupted customer access and daily operations. Applications are open but limited, and business owners are encouraged to apply promptly to secure funding.
For more information and to apply, visit the official Malibu-Topanga Business Interruption Fund website.
Follow the LA County Fire Department’s “Ready, Set, Go” program to stay safe during wildfires
As wildfire season continues to pose a serious threat across Southern California, the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD) urges residents to take proactive steps to protect themselves, their families, and their property through its “Ready, Set, Go” (RSG) wildfire safety program.
READY: Preparation is key. Homeowners should clear brush, create defensible space, and harden structures to minimize fire risk. Families are encouraged to assemble a Wildfire Action Plan, including evacuation routes for people and pets, and prepare emergency supply kits with essentials such as food, water, medications, and first aid supplies. A family communication plan with key contact information is also critical. Residents can sign up for emergency alerts via the City of Malibu at MalibuCity.org/ Alerts and LA County at Ready. LACounty.gov/Alerts. Malibu residents should also ensure their contact information is accurate in the City’s Everbridge Disaster Notification system at MalibuCity.org/ DisasterNotifications and check their evacuation zones at Protect. Genasys.com/Search. For real-time fire updates, download the Watch Duty app at watchduty.org.
SET: When Red Flag conditions are forecast, monitor local news and fire updates, have evacuation routes ready, and ensure you can leave quickly. Check in on elderly or disabled neighbors, and notify family and friends of your plans. Battery-powered or solar radios are recommended to receive updates if power is out.
GO: Evacuate immediately when orders are issued. Seniors, people with disabilities, those who rely on medical devices, and owners of livestock or horses should consider leaving early during Red Flag conditions.
For more information on the Ready, Set, Go program and wildfire safety, visit the LA County Fire Department website at fire.lacounty.gov/RSG.
By preparing in advance, monitoring conditions, and acting quickly, Malibu residents can significantly reduce their risk and ensure the safety of themselves and their loved ones during wildfire season.
Malibu launches Fall 2025 Recreation Guide and new online registration platform
The City of Malibu has announced that the Fall 2025 Recreation Guide and City Newsletter are now available online and will be mailed to residents the week of Aug. 11. The guide highlights Malibu’s extensive recreation programs, parks, facilities, and community services, offering residents valuable information and opportunities to get involved this fall.
Fall in Malibu is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors, get active, and participate in a wide variety of programs and events designed for all ages. From wellness workshops and sports activities to family-friendly community gatherings, the city’s offerings aim to strengthen connections and foster community as Malibu continues to heal and recover from recent wildfires.
Programs running from September through November include afterschool activities in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu, sunset hikes at Charmlee Wilderness Park, complimentary wellness workshops with The Mindry, Parent-and-Me programs, poetry workshops, and engaging activities at the Senior Center. The guide also features special events such as the Malibu Library Speaker Series, Senior Resource Fair, and the Halloween Bu Bash Carnival.
This season introduces the city’s partnership with Rec Technologies, offering a modern, mobile-first online registration platform. Residents can now register for programs and reserve facilities via their cellphones, with new payment options including Google Pay and Apple Pay. Participants can also check in for programs using a personal QR code.
Registration for Fall programs opens Wednesday, Aug. 27, at 8:00 a.m. Residents can access the guide and register online through the City’s Registration webpage. For ongoing updates and information on Community Services programs, visit the Community Services webpage.
Malibu Library welcomes renowned scientist Dr. Karen G. Lloyd for 2025 Speaker Series
The City of Malibu and LA County Library are proud to announce Dr. Karen G. Lloyd as the next featured guest in the 2025 Malibu Library Speaker Series. The free event will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 3, at 7 p.m. at the Malibu Library, 23519 Civic Center Way, and will include an engaging Q&A session.
Lloyd, the Wrigley Chair in Environmental Studies and Professor of Earth Sciences and Marine and Environmental Biology at the University of Southern California, is internationally recognized for discovering new and unusual forms of microbial life deep within Earth’s crust. Her groundbreaking research has taken her to extreme environments worldwide, from deep-sea
methane seeps and subseafloor sediments to mud volcanoes, hot springs, Arctic fjords, and ancient permafrost.
Her work has been published in prestigious journals such as Nature and Science, and she has delivered two TED Talks. Lloyd is also the author of “Intraterrestrials: Discovering the Strangest Life on Earth.”
Event Details:
Date & Time: Wednesday, Sept. 3, 7 p.m.
• Location: Malibu Library, 23519 Civic Center Way, Malibu Admission: Free with RSVP at www.MalibuCity.org/LibrarySpeakers
About the Series
Launched in 2013, the Malibu Library Speaker Series is a partnership between the City of Malibu and LA County Library. The program brings experts, authors, and other notable figures to discuss a wide variety of topics, including science, literature, entertainment, the arts, education, sports, travel, food, and the environment.
Suspected
Washington state killer arrested in Los Angeles after car found abandoned in Calabasas
A suspected killer from Washington state was briefly on the loose in Los Angeles County after his car was discovered abandoned in Calabasas on Aug. 11, but authorities arrested him the following day in L.A.’s Westlake district.
Alexander Lee Rogers, 51, was wanted on suspicion of murder by the Longview Police Department. Rogers’ BMW sedan, partially spray-painted black, was found parked illegally in the 23000 block
of Calabasas Road, according to the Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station.
Longview authorities believe Rogers is responsible for a double stabbing at a home on Aug. 5. Dawn Peters, 64, was killed, while her brother-in-law, Andrew Peters, 73, was hospitalized in critical condition and is reportedly recovering.
After the vehicle was discovered, the Lost Hills Station warned the public via social media that Rogers could still be in the area, and advised residents not to approach him and to call 911 if sighted.
On Aug. 12 at 12:45 p.m., officers from the LAPD Olympic Division responded to a call from a security guard who spotted Rogers near Sixth Street and Lafayette Park. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said Rogers was positively identified and taken into custody without incident. He is currently being held at Olympic Station.
At a press conference, McDonnell thanked Washington state authorities and the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department “for their efforts in helping to take this very dangerous suspect into custody.”
The Longview Police Department told ABC 7 that Rogers knew the victims and may have been performing handyman work at their home. He had recently been released from prison after serving 20 years for attempted murder related to a machete attack. Rogers is also a registered sex offender in Cowlitz County, Washington.
Authorities noted that Rogers had been captured on a police officer’s body-worn camera on the morning of the killings during an unrelated traffic stop, for which he was issued a warning. Those images were circulated before his arrest.
CONTINUED ON PAGE A7
SAT AUG 30
BIG BLUE BEACH CRAWL
On Saturday, Aug. 30, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the City of Malibu invites the community to join a special outreach event at Zuma Beach as part of the “Malibu: Surf, Sand, Slow” safety campaign. Focused on raising awareness about slowing down and driving with caution on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), the event is a key piece of the City’s multi-faceted PCH safety strategy, which also includes infrastructure and technology improvements like the Traffic Signal Synchronization Project, increased enforcement through additional CHP patrols, and support for legislation such as SB 1297 to allow automated speed safety cameras. Originally planned before the 2025 wildfires by the City’s PCH Safety Focus Group, the campaign was created in response to the tragic loss of four Pepperdine students along PCH. Volunteers and attendees will help spread the message that safety comes first on Malibu’s iconic coastal highway.
FRI SEP 5
THE WISDOM OF EVE OPENS AT THE BLUE DOOR PLAYHOUSE Theatre Palisades is proud to present its second production of 2025, The Wisdom of Eve by Mary Orr, running September 5–21 at The Blue Door Playhouse
in Culver City. Adapted from the classic film All About Eve, this riveting play peels back the curtain on the cutthroat world of Broadway, following the seemingly devoted fan Eve Harrington as she becomes the assistant to legendary actress Margo Crane. But beneath her innocent façade lies relentless ambition, leading to manipulation, betrayal, and the unraveling of friendships and careers.
Directed by Sherman Wayne and produced by Martha Hunter, this sharp, witty drama brings to life timeless themes of envy, power, and the ruthless pursuit of success. Performances take place Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. on September 5–7, 12–14, and 19–21 at The Blue Door Playhouse, 9617 Venice Blvd., Culver City. Tickets are on sale now, with a special $5 early bird discount available using promo code WISDOM5. Don’t miss this unforgettable theatrical experience—visit TheatrePalisades.org for tickets and details.
SAT SEP 6
7TH ANNUAL SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS FAIR
As part of National Preparedness Month, the City of Malibu will host the 7th Annual Safety and Preparedness Fair on Saturday, Sept. 6, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Malibu City Hall. This free, family-friendly event welcomes community members of all ages to learn how to prepare for wildfires, earthquakes, floods, and other disasters that can impact Malibu. Attendees can explore hands-on demonstrations, discover life-saving skills, connect with emergency responders, and find products and services to help
CALENDAR
keep their homes and families safe. Mayor Marianne Riggins emphasized the importance of “shared responsibility” in preparedness, especially as Malibu continues recovering from the Broad, Franklin, and Palisades Fires. Whether you’re just beginning your preparedness journey or looking to enhance your existing plan, the Safety Fair offers valuable tools and connections to help the community stay ready, strong, and resilient.
SAT SEP 13
THE NATTY PROPHETS AT MALIBU MUSIC
On Saturday, Sept. 13, at 6 p.m., enjoy an evening of California Rastafari with live music from The Natty Prophets. Formed in 2018 in Southern California, this reggae band has shared the stage with artists like Wyclef Jean, Rebelution, Iration, The Expendables, and Pato Banton. With multiple albums and singles available on all platforms, their latest releases include the 2024 album “Crowns of Gold” and the March 2025 single “Made Out of Love.” This free, all-ages event offers an unforgettable night of uplifting rhythms and good vibes. Space is limited, so arrive early to secure your spot. Visit malibumusic.com.
ONGOING
MALIBU FARMERS MARKET SUNDAYS
The Malibu Farmers Market takes place every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering a wide range of fresh, local produce and artisanal goods. Currently located at Legacy Park, the market provides a great opportunity to support local farmers and vendors while enjoying the scenic beauty of Malibu. For updates and more
information on the market, visit malibufarmersmarket.net. Make sure to stop by for a vibrant shopping experience this Sunday!
MONDAY COMPOSERS
BREAKFAST | MONDAYS
The Monday Composers Breakfast takes place weekly at Dreamland Malibu, located at 22969 Pacific Coast Highway, in Malibu, every Monday from 9 to 11 a.m., with a simultaneous Zoom option for those unable to attend in person. Guests are encouraged to check in or join the mailing list for the latest updates on upcoming meetings, CBC events, member performances, and more.
KNITTING | MONDAY AND FRIDAY
Join Malibu’s Community Services Department and Sheila Rosenthal for a knitting workshop that takes place on Mondays and Fridays from 9 to 10:30 a.m. This program is a welcoming gathering space for fiber artists that fosters community through open stitch. Make a scarf, hat, blanket, or homemade gift. No experience necessary. Please bring size 8 needles and one skein of yarn. This is an ongoing, drop-in program. Instructed by Sheila Rosenthal. Visit malibucity.org for location.
KUNDALINI YOGA CLASS |
MONDAYS
Join us every Monday at 6:30 p.m. for a special 90-minute Kundalini yoga class with live Kirtan music, featuring local guest musicians. This unique experience combines movement, breathwork, and sound to create a deeply uplifting and meditative practice. The class is $28 per
person or included with your yoga membership. After class, enjoy complimentary herbal tea grown in Malibu and stay for a relaxing Kirtan — a guided song circle to close out the evening in community and connection. Visit veritas-yoga.com for more information.
TOTAL BODY WORKOUT | TUESDAYS
A comprehensive low-impact strengthening class targeting all the major muscles of the upper and lower body with special attention to form, stabilization, core strength, and balance. Please bring your own hand weights and yoga mats. Instructed by Jackline Daneshrad. The classes are Tuesdays from 12:45 to 1:45 p.m. Cost is $5 per class. Preregistration is recommended. At the Michael Landon Center at Malibu Bluffs Park.
SENIOR TECH HELP | TUESDAYS
Receive one-on-one tech help with your laptop, tablet, or cellphone. Seniors can receive assistance using social media, Google Drive, Skype, Microsoft Word, email, and more. RSVP required. Instructed by Community Services Department staff. Tuesdays from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Malibu Senior Center
VOLUNTEER WEEDING DAY AT POINT DUME NATURE PRESERVE | WEDNESDAYS
Join every second Wednesday of the month from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for a hands-on volunteer event at the stunning Point Dume Nature Preserve. Help protect Malibu’s natural beauty by handpulling invasive plant species and restoring native habitat.
This is a great opportunity to give back to the environment, enjoy the outdoors, and connect with fellow nature lovers. Be sure to bring gardening gloves, a hat, sunscreen, and water. Free two-hour parking is available at the Point Dume entrance (space is limited), with additional parking at the Westward Beach County lot (hourly rate) and along Westward Beach Road (free). Sign-ups are encouraged. Get your hands dirty and feel great doing your part for local conservation!
COMMUNITY SOBER CIRCLE |
WEDNESDAYS
Welcome to Aura House by Veritas Yoga — a space for personal integration, accountability, conscious connection, soulful conversation, and community rooted in mindfulness. Join them weekly for a sober gathering featuring guest speakers or facilitators, open shares and honest discussion, heart-centered practices, journaling, and nourishing tea and snacks. Every Wednesday at 7 p.m.
TOPANGA FARMERS MARKET | FRIDAYS
The Topanga Farmers Market is a Certified Farmers Market held every Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Topanga Community Center. With 45 exceptional vendors, the market offers a diverse selection of fresh, locally grown produce and handcrafted artisanal goods. It’s a wonderful way to support local farmers and makers while soaking in the natural beauty of Topanga Canyon. Whether you’re shopping for seasonal fruits and vegetables or one-of-a-kind crafts, the Topanga Farmers Market has something for everyone!
this requirement as potentially non-compliant with state law, which limits local restrictions on ADUs. Staff proposed adding the phrase “except as required by state law” to the provision, allowing flexibility if HCD or state law overrides the requirement. This amendment was a direct response to HCD’s feedback and aimed to balance fire safety with state compliance.
3. Section 17.44.060 (Approvals): The amendments clarified the relationship between the MMC and the LCP, stating that MMC regulations apply unless they conflict with LCP policies. The ordinance distinguishes between two classes of ADUs:
• Class 1 (Statutorily Regulated): These ADUs meet specific size, location, and design criteria outlined in state law, making them exempt from discretionary permits like Coastal Development Permits (CDPs) in certain cases.
Examples include conversions of existing space (e.g., garages) or detached ADUs up to 800 square feet with four-foot side and rear setbacks.
Class 2 (Locally Regulated): These encompass all other ADUs not covered by state exemptions, requiring an administrative ADU permit approved by the Community Development Director.
4. The amendments also increased the allowable number of detached ADUs on lots with multifamily dwellings, permitting up to two detached ADUs for proposed multifamily dwellings and up to eight for existing ones, not exceeding the number of primary dwelling units. This provision aligns with state law but raised concerns about density in Malibu’s constrained lots.
5. Section 17.44.070 (Process and Timing): Language was updated to replace “approve or deny”
ministerial (non-discretionary) review processes. This ensures faster processing times for ADU applications.
6. Section 17.44.080 (General ADU and Junior ADU Requirements): The requirement for deed restrictions was limited to Junior ADUs (JADUs), which are smaller units (up to 500 square feet) within the primary residence. Language on how height is measured was removed, as it is addressed elsewhere in the code. Height limits remain unchanged, with detached ADUs capped at 18 feet and attached ADUs at 25 feet, or the height of the underlying zone, whichever is lower.
7. Section 17.44.090 (Specific ADU Requirements): This section applies to Class 2 ADUs and includes provisions to ensure a minimum 800-square-foot ADU is allowed, per state law, with 16foot height limits and four-foot side and rear setbacks. Language on size measurement was removed for consistency. A new lot coverage requirement, referred to as “impermeable coverage,” was proposed to align with existing city standards, though this applies only to locally regulated ADUs.
8. Clarification Language: Vice Chair of the Planning Commission Elizabeth Riddick proposed revising the introductory paragraph of Section 17.44.060 to clarify the interplay between the MMC and LCP: “The following approvals apply to ADUs and JADUs developed under this chapter. Because the city of Malibu lies entirely within the coastal zone, ADU applications may be subject to the requirements in the local coastal program in addition to the provisions of this chapter. If an ADU application is exempt from the need to obtain a coastal development permit, then only this chapter governs.” This language was adopted to ensure clarity for residents navigating the complex regulatory landscape. Public comment was limited, with resident Jo Drummond rais-
impact of ADUs on fire safety and evacuation. Drummond questioned whether an 800-square-foot detached ADU is exempt from local regulations and whether septic upgrades would be required, particularly for fire rebuilds. She suggested that water balance studies, rather than percolation tests, should suffice for existing septic systems and urged the commission to avoid mandating costly upgrades, especially for fire victims using low-flow fixtures. Commissioners expressed a range of concerns, reflecting the tension between state mandates and Malibu’s unique environmental and safety challenges:
• Fire Safety and Road Width: Commissioner John Mazza was particularly vocal about the 20foot road width requirement, citing the need to prevent loss of life in wildfires. He proposed adopting language similar to Los Angeles County’s ordinance, which requires two means of access for certain ADUs, but staff noted that the county’s provision had not yet been approved by HCD. The commission ultimately retained the amended 20-foot requirement with the “except as required by state law” clause, acknowledging HCD’s likely rejection of stricter local standards.
LCP Constraints: Riddick emphasized that the LCP significantly restricts ADU development in Malibu. Attached ADUs are generally exempt from CDPs under a recent court ruling, but detached ADUs typically require a CDP, making them difficult to build on lots already at or near their Total Development Square Footage (TDSF) limits. She expressed frustration with the complexity of the regulations and advocated for clear, accessible language to avoid confusing residents.
Septic Systems: Questions arose about how ADUs would impact septic systems, particularly in areas with geohazard constraints or post-fire rebuilds. Staff clarified that ADUs must comply with
(OWTS) regulations, which may require separate CDPs. However, ADU approvals are processed separately from OWTS permits, meaning an ADU could be approved but not occupied until septic requirements are met.
• Multifamily Density: Mazza voiced concern over the state’s provision allowing up to eight detached ADUs on lots with existing multifamily dwellings. Mazza illustrated the issue with a scenario in which a nine-unit motel on a 9,000-square-foot lot could attempt to add nine ADUs. Special counsel clarified that state law limits the number to either eight ADUs or the number of primary units, whichever is lower. Still, commissioners warned that even this allowance could significantly increase density, straining infrastructure such as septic systems and evacuation routes.
Fire Rebuilds: The meeting touched on the governor’s executive order suspending LCP requirements in fire-impacted areas, allowing both attached and detached ADUs to proceed under the MMC. Commissioners noted that this benefits fire victims but questioned the duration of the exemption, with staff indicating that governor’s orders typically expire after three years unless renewed.
The Commission’s discussion highlighted critical issues, including tensions between state-mandated ADU approvals and local safety concerns, the complexity of coastal zone regulations under the LCP, the redundancy of a 20-foot road width requirement given fire department oversight, and the limited accessibility of ADUs due to high costs and regulatory hurdles, particularly for fire victims.
1. State vs. Local Control: Malibu’s ADU ordinance must comply with state law, which prioritizes ministerial approvals and limits local restrictions.
HCD’s rejection of the city’s previous ordinance underscored the challenge of aligning local
The proposed amendments aim to thread this needle by adopting state-compliant language while preserving some local standards, such as lot coverage for Class 2 ADUs.
2. Coastal Zone Challenges: The LCP’s oversight by the Coastal Commission complicates ADU approvals. Attached ADUs and conversions of existing space are often exempt from CDPs, but detached ADUs typically require them, limiting their feasibility on smaller lots. The commission grappled with how to clarify this for residents, leading to the adoption of Chair Drew Leonard’s proposed language.
3. Fire Safety: Malibu’s history of devastating wildfires, including the Woolsey and Palisades fires, loomed large. Commissioners debated whether the 20-foot road width requirement was redundant, given the fire department’s jurisdiction over ingress and egress, but retained it with the caveat that state law takes precedence.
4. Housing Accessibility: While ADUs are intended to increase affordable housing, commissioners noted that high costs and regulatory hurdles make them less appealing in Malibu. Conversions of existing spaces, like garages, were seen as more practical than new construction, particularly for fire victims seeking temporary housing.
Implications for Malibu Residents
The proposed changes aim to streamline ADU approvals while addressing Malibu’s unique challenges, but their impact depends on several factors:
• Fire Victims: Residents rebuilding after the Palisades or Franklin fires benefit from the governor’s executive order, which suspends LCP requirements, allowing both attached and detached ADUs under the MMC. However, a certificate of occupancy for the primary residence is required before an ADU can be occupied,
• General Residents: For those outside fire-impacted areas, attached ADUs and conversions of existing spaces (e.g., garages) are the most feasible options, as they are often exempt from CDPs. Detached ADUs face significant hurdles due to LCP requirements, particularly on lots with limited TDSF or narrow streets.
• Density and Infrastructure: The allowance of multiple ADUs on multifamily lots raises concerns about septic capacity, evacuation routes, and neighborhood character, particularly in densely built areas. The proposed lot coverage requirement for Class 2 ADUs aims to mitigate some of these impacts.
• Clarity and Accessibility: The commission’s emphasis on clear language, as seen in Leonard’s amendment, reflects a commitment to making the ordinance user-friendly. However, the interplay between the MMC and LCP remains complex, and residents may still struggle to navigate the process without professional assistance.
After extensive discussion, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 25-65 with the proposed amendments, including Mazza’s clarification language and the modified 20-foot road width provision. The resolution recommends that the City Council approve Zoning Text Amendment No. 25-003 to update the MMC. The vote was 4-0, with Commissioner Mazza abstaining due to concerns about fire safety and the road width requirement. The amended ordinance will be forwarded to the City Council for final approval, after which it will be resubmitted to HCD for review. Staff expressed confidence that the revisions address HCD’s concerns, particularly with the added flexibility on the road width requirement. However, the LCP amendments, which are critical for broader ADU implementation, remain under review by the Coastal Commission, leaving some uncertainty about the full scope of ADU development in
remain on Federal Medical Leave Act leave until the end of her contract,” the Antelope Valley Press reported on June 4. Assistant City Manager Sal Mendez is serving as city manager pro tem in her absence.
Prior to the Palmdale City Council June meeting, there was a closed-session performance evaluation of Perez on March 27. Before the closed session began and during open proceedings, nearly 30 people spoke in Perez’s support, including business and community members and some city staff. The city’s June meeting was scheduled to discuss Perez’s city manager position due to an incident that occurred with another city employee at the Indian Wells Retreat Center. The alleged incident occurred during a cocktail hour for city employees at the center, according to postings by the public group Antelope Valley (AV) Scanner, which has 46,300 members, and City of Palmdale documents acquired by The Malibu Times
After more than two hours behind closed doors, the council returned to report that no action had been taken that could be made public. Ultimately, the City of Palmdale placed Perez on FMLA leave until her contract expires.
Perez originally joined the City of Palmdale in October 2021 as an assistant city manager, later taking the position of interim city manager in March 2022 after J.J. Murphy was placed on administrative leave in February 2022 over allegations of harassment, discrimination, and whistleblower retaliation. Those allegations surfaced after former Assistant City Manager Maithi (Marie) Ricci filed a lawsuit against the City of Palmdale and Murphy.
Perez’s public employment service
Prior to joining the City of Palmdale, Perez served as the executive director of Antelope Valley Economic Development and Growth Enterprise (AV EDGE) during its first year of existence. She previously worked for the City of Lancaster, holding titles of senior operations manager, director of Parks, Recreation and Arts, and assistant city manager.
While in Lancaster, Perez was the subject of numerous complaints of her creating a hostile work environment, according to allegations made in a Los Angeles County Superior Court lawsuit filed in May by Kathleen Abaied, the city’s former head of human resources.
The City of Palmdale has issued a request for proposals (RFP) for a forensic audit to screen for possible fraud for dates almost exactly concurrent with Perez’s service as city manager for the municipality. The RFP is devoid of mention of Perez, so it is unclear exactly what concerns the city had that engendered the issuance of the RFP. The auditing contract has not yet been awarded and responsive proposals by various vendors are being evaluated.
However, according to sources familiar with the City of Palmdale’s “Discussion of public employee discipline/dismissal/release of city manager pursuant to Government Code §54957,” Perez was given notice on March 31, that the City of Palmdale was considering allegations against her, including, violating the anti-harassment provisions of the City of Palmdale’s Rules and Regulations. The report alleges several incidents concerning that charge, including Perez allegedly engaging in a fight with a staff member at the City of Lancaster on September 19, 2023, at a League of California
Cities Conference.
The report also recounts an alleged incident at the contract cities municipal conference in Palm Springs on May 16, wherein Perez, “was allegedly intoxicated and was observed throwing up into a pool bucket that had been used to deliver beer to the pool and she allegedly yelled insultingly at City of Lancaster staff.” The report states, “This conduct was observed by two city staff members and other conference attendees,”
Further, the report alleges that on Sept. 9, 2024, at a Sheriff’s Booster Golf Tournament, “Perez had been drinking and began behaving belligerently towards staff. Further, she was observed by several staff members going over to a tree, pulling down her pants, and peeing on the golf course.” The report states, “The above facts were verified by four staff members,” and that “Employees have photographic evidence of Perez peeing in public at the fundraising golf tournament.”
The report also recounts incidents that “may involve private employment or medical information of staff members,” including that Perez allegedly assaulted an employee by slapping that employee in front of another employee,” an allegation the report states was corroborated by two employees. Further, there are several allegations in the report recounting alleged incidents that involved, “Perez discrediting the city and potentially sexually or otherwise harassing city employees” in various contexts.
The report states, “Perez admitted in closed session to discrediting the city and placing employees at potential health risk by consuming Xanax with staff members with knowledge that other employees were consuming Xanax without a prescription.”
Some or all of these allegations have been brought to the attention of various Malibu City Council members, according to sources familiar with the matter. Importantly, the above-recounted statements are allegations — there has been no formal public adjudication of such accusations.
What happens next?
After four Malibu City Council executive sessions with no reportable action, it is unclear where things stand between the city and Perez. California’s Brown Act requires city councils to conduct most of their business in meetings open to the public, but does permit councils to meet in closed sessions, including in proceedings concerning personnel matters relating to potential employees. The Brown Act requires a city council to publicly report certain actions taken in a closed session that are of a final nature.
Because the City Council has met in four closed sessions, and after each session has reported “no reportable action,” it could mean that the city hasn’t taken final action that requires public disclosure per the Brown Act. Alternatively, the city’s legal council could be interpreting the Brown Act as not requiring disclosure to the public of a decision not to negotiate or sign a contract with Perez.
While Malibuites wait and wonder, as of this writing, further discussion or action regarding whether to hire Perez as city manager is not on the agenda for the City Council’s meeting on Aug. 25. Josh Spiegel, an attendee at the City Council’s open session on Aug. 18, seemed to echo many Malibuites’ sentiments when he simply noted that Malibu has almost 1,000 homes to rebuild after the recent fires and said, “We have to get this decision right!” The Malibu Times has not yet heard from the city concerning its request to interview the proper city officials concerning what is not happening with regard to the hiring decision.
maximize your ability to advocate for yourself and better understand your insurance policy.
King stated a caveat: “I’m not an AI expert,” but he did create a guideline of prompts and said it’s likely that public adjusters also use AI to help settle insurance claims for their clients.
King created a few AI tools, including Personal Property Itemization — AI assistant in order to maximize his insurance policy. But again, he had a concern about using AI or third-party platforms like Tugboat. claims, a free service for one year for fire victims, and that is data privacy.
“When you use AI, Tugboat, or any other AI platform, remember that your inputs are not going to be kept just on your computer. They’re going to be likely processed, stored, or reviewed by third parties,” King said. “While these tools are helpful in refining ideas, while they’re helpful and helping you think outside the box or even to help jog your memory, they are not private or confidential spaces. I really want you to be mindful of weighing the benefits against the risk, and avoiding including any sensitive personal information or proprietary information that you might not want made public. A really good example of this is CGPT recently accidentally set a lot of their information into the public ether into the internet and that was a huge concern for a lot of folks, but that was because people had set some of their chats on share and that made sharing public to everyone.
“AI is a tool, but be mindful of the privacy component to it. If you don’t feel comfortable using it, don’t, but if you are willing to kind of go through the process, feel free to try it out.”
Possible scenarios for using AI would be to understand your policy limits, identify special endorsements, argue that utilities should be covered under loss of use or alternative living expenses, document personal property loss, and even write letters to your adjuster.
If you want to upload your policy
to ChatGPT, for instance, use the paperclip icon in the message box by clicking on the left + icon. It’s best to upload your full policy rather than an estimate page. AI can then summarize your policy, but do ask on what page the information can be found because “sometimes AI makes mistakes,” according to King. “Do not take its word, because sometimes it might misread something. AI, sometimes what they call ‘hallucinates.’ It’s up to you to verify this information.”
If you ask AI to identify any special endorsements like guaranteed replacement costs, or green coverage, it may find some that your insurer neglected to inform you of or verify part of a policy you believe to be true. For inventorying your personal property loss, AI can help jog your memory about the thousands of items lost in your home. After typing in some prompts, AI will list hundreds of items that you probably owned, many that you may have forgotten about, from garage items to sporting gear and even the storage units they were contained in. AI platforms can even estimate the replacement costs for many items including low, average, and high cost estimates, including tax and installation charges if labor is required. Users can upload photos of their rooms, if you have those, and ask AI for a replacement value on the items pictured. King concluded with a statement from Microsoft Research’s Kate Crawford who once said, “AI is not magic. It’s a tool. And like any tool, it reflects the goals and value of the people who wield it.” He added, “This is only as good as the inputs you put in, but it’s a pretty good helper. It’s not going to solve all the problems, but my hope is that it makes this process just a little bit easier. Hopefully, this is something that you can rely on, just to get the ball rolling.”
The presentation can be found on the Eaton Fire Survivors Network on YouTube at
time shares, or developers. “The spirit and intent is to make sure that developers or speculators end up paying the fees and are not taking advantage of the program,” Roy commented. “Our city definitely needs the revenue as well.” The deadline to apply is June 30, 2028. The waivers only apply to permits obtained on or before Dec. 30, 2030.
Bundy urged anyone in the rebuild process to “Please come and see us. We really want to hear from each one of you and put those red stamps of approval for you and get you there as soon as possible.”
The rebuild executive mentioned that the latest governor’s order exempts rebuilders from installing rooftop solar panels and batteries otherwise required for new residential builds.
Planner Eaton explained the easiest way to get
“Views are very precious in Malibu and these laws were designed to help your neighbors kind of maintain some views in this processing,” according to Eaton. Still, he added, “Your 10% square footage, we’re going to give to you. Your design professional can really play with these and be creative and figure ways that meets the code but gives you the final product that you’re looking for.”
Eaton spent time on the “hot topic” of ADUs (accessory dwelling units): “The governor’s order N2025 does allow ADUs with the rebuild of your home.” Clarifying the city’s rules, however, he explained, “We allow to 1,000 square feet maximum. It must meet all the requirements of Malibu Municipal Code Section 1744 … the building code still applies.”
Eaton added, “We (the city) review for federal, state, and local law compliance. Your design professional is going to design your home to fit within those rules and submit your project to the city… We are the reviewing body, reviewing the materials that are submitted to us and your design professional is the creative body. We issue permits and approvals, and the design professional will coordinate between all the private technical consultants, your geologists, your contractor, all those different technical consultants to
The second half of the meeting was dedicated to innovative, new, state-of-the-art fire-resistant building materials. To view the meeting and for more information, go to malibufirerebuilds.org
guidance, and support for so many years.
Hub was a man of many talents, many accomplishments, many inspirations and aspirations, and many multi-faceted and impactful endeavors. Those providing condolences to the family have shared vignettes recounting time they spent with Hub, providing comfort and solace to Hub’s widow, Candace Bowen, their grandson, Aaron “Shwayze” Smith, a popular American rapper whom Hubs and Candace raised in Malibu, and to Hub’s extended family. If one wishes to get a sense of the measure of the man, Aaron’s heartfelt and grieving comments about Ferguson, whom Aaron called Pop, provide an excellent context.
“My Pop definitely inspired my career. The fact that he was big in acting and that my Nana, Candace, is an actor and producer, meant my childhood was always filled with creativity,” Smith said. “Even more importantly, Pop and Nana allowed me to grow up in a stable house, and Hub helped me to become a man by showing me his incredible work ethic and instilling it in me. He was always very encouraging with regard to everything I did, from my playing soccer and basketball as a kid to my musical career.”
Smith elaborated, stating, “Pop put my grandmother on a pedestal and that was wonderful to see. Pop was the kind of guy that once you got to know him, you loved him. I had him for 40 years and I was very lucky!”
Aaron was on the road touring when he got the news that his Pop was gone. He dedicated his next show to Pop’s memory and posting on social media about losing Pop, he said. “Thank you Pop for always sticking by my side and showing me how to be a good person — you led by example and you taught me everything. I called you Pop, but you were my dad.”
Bill and Rosemary Sampson reflected on Hub’s dedication to encouraging Smith in all his endeavors long before he emerged on the music scene as Schwayze. “Aaron and our daughter Margaret grew up together in Malibu,” Bill Sampson said. “Hub and Candace were always there when we were — which was pretty much all of the time. Hub was always a kind presence.”
Hub was a very talented serial entrepreneur “Howard Ferguson, a friend for 62 years, has stepped through the veil,” said David Wilson, the administrator for Broadside of Boston’s Facebook page, grieving as he posted a message expressing great admiration for his friend. “Howard was a keystone personality in the coffeehouse culture in the Northeast!”
Responding to that part of Wilson’s post, Bowen quipped, “Hub owned a coffee house before coffee houses were a thing!”
Wilson added, “While a student at Boston University, Howard worked side by side with Byron Lord Linardos at the Orleans Coffeehouse on Charles Street, resituated in Marblehead where he founded “The King’s Rook,” battling local authorities, disapproving scions and restrictive zoning laws to keep the club going until enough of the town rallied to support him and “The Rook.”
Later in Hub’s life, enough of the town in Malibu learned to know and appreciate Hub because, ever entrepreneurial, he became everybody’s favorite handyman in order to help support his coastal life with Bowen after the couple married in 1984. The pair met in Malibu after Hub had bounced around in the Northwest territories of Canada, where he made a living as a retail advisor for Inuit community. Although he briefly returned to his Nova Scotia farm, soon, he and Bowen were settled happily in Malibu. Hub the handyman
“Pop was the handyman for so many people!”
REAL ESTATE
Smith recounted. “From Lou Gossett Jr. to Flip Wilson to Mark Hamill to Bill Robinson, the agent for Carol Burnett, and James Garner.”
Before Robinson passed away, Hub came by to fix the lighting in Robinson’s kitchen and at 86 years old, Hub insisted on climbing a ladder to do so. Robinson commented, “Hub always comes to help, always cares, and he can fix anything.”
Local actor Brian Pietro agreed, stating, “Hub was the handyman and he was indeed handy — he applied the same tenacity and attention to his fix-it work as he did to acting. People would wait a week or more to have something fixed by him rather than somebody else.”
Smith has many childhood memories of his Pop being Hub the Handyman.
“How often does a handyman become your best friend?” he queried. “Yet, that was my Pop — I remember when he befriended Flip Wilson, taught Flip to ride motorcycles and then he, Flip, and I were off on a three-day motorcycle trip to Sturgis! I was only three or four years old at the time.”
Longtime Hub the Handyman clients and friends Rick and Barbara Springfield shared, “Hub was an actor, philosopher, and friend. We met him 40 years ago when we first moved to Malibu. He came to our house many times throughout the year. We thought he did so to repair something broken, but it was to give us life lessons, talk about our families, and tell us about the latest acting role he had landed.”
One of Hub’s last handyman jobs was for the Springfields. They describe Hub’s work as “epic!” and they note, “Hub installed the framing and installed two 13-foot stained-glass windows from the 1800s. Every time we look at the resurrection scene on the windows, we think of Hub.”
Though few just-widowed ladies who have lost the love of their life would have the fortitude and grit to publicly perform their spouse’s poetry at the Poet Laureate’s “Changing of the Verse” at Malibu City Hall, that is exactly what Bowen did on Aug. 14, the day after she lost Hub. The family finds humor and contentment in the words of Hub’s poem, entitled, “HubaBu.” To fully enjoy the verses, readers should recall that he was a retail advisor to Inuits back in the day. The poem says:
“Hub the handyman of Malibu.
Hero to the mechanically disadvantaged.
While the Homey goes off to traffic-jammed
LA
I go down to their beach house and hang out with their maids
And fifty bucks is what I’m paid.
Sold refrigerators to Eskimos.
Been a scratch farmer in Nova Scotia
But I gotta tell ya this gig is as good as it gets.
Cause rust never sleeps, dry rot always eats
And I fix it all.”
Hub was a respected thespian and live theatre and performance advocate
Wilson also posted on Facebook that, “Howard founded the King’s Rook in Ipswich in partnership with Gardener Damon, providing one more venue in Massachusetts to provide national as well as local talent a place to perform.”
Hub also was central to the effort to afford local talent in Malibu the ability to perform locally at the Malibu Playhouse. Pietro was one of his co-actors in a production there.
“Hub was the lead in a “Confederate General,” portraying a wheelchair bound irascible old coot, a retired Army officer and I had a bland supporting role,” Pietro said. “Hub was the shining star. We also were cast in a performance concerning the chess champ, Bobby Fischer, and Hub was an old man in Iceland. He was alarmingly brilliant in that work.”
Bowen recalled, “Howard was a great actor when he took center stage at the Malibu Stage Co’s “The Oldest Living Graduate” and he was 76 years old at the time of that performance. Richard Johnson directed that play in Malibu.” In that production, he also played a wheelchair-bound character, Bowen noted.
With a stage name of Howard Weitzman, Hub also played in skits opposite John Benjamin on Comedy Central and George Lopez on the latter’s talk show.
Born on April 2, 1936, in Chicago and raised amidst humble beginnings, Hub called many places home during his childhood because his father was in the military. In addition to his many friends, Hub is survived by his wife of more than four decades, Candace Bowen, daughters Christie, Amy, and Susan, and step-daughter Dawn. He was greatly blessed by and is survived by eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held Aug. 24 at 4 p.m. at Kristy’s Restaurant. “He would not want us to be sad at his parting,” Candace said. “He would want people to come and enjoy a party.”
At the celebration of life, there will no doubt be many tributes to Hub shared by attendees. Some of those shared with The Malibu Times include a comment by friend Rob Blackman, who said, “As a handyman, Hub was a superb problem solver. As a humanitarian, all people were presumed good unless they proved otherwise. As a friend, he generated joy by sharing ideas, laughs, and his homemade scones. No one I have ever known has better demonstrated the power of positive thinking — for all of us who embraced his essence, he lives on.”
Lenny Goldsmith commented,“He was the Glorious Trooper and a good soul. I miss him already!” Agreeing, Bill Sampson simply said, “Hub was real Malibu in every respect!”
Many in Malibu and beyond will join Hub’s family in forever thanking him.
“It is a rare and fortunate occurrence when you cross paths with someone who is humble, wise, spiritual, loving, and caring,” Sage Rainbow said. “It is a blessing when you can share many times with someone and experience moments of grace together — I am in gratitude for having known that someone named Howard.”
The Springfields remarked about the essence of Hub: “Bless your spirit, Hub! When we’d ask Hub ‘How are you doing,’ he’d always answer, ‘Better and better!’ We know Hub still is, ‘Better and better now!’”
For her part, Susie Duff, who loved Hub dearly, simply said, “May Hub dance in power!”
Rabbi Cunin chimed in: “Hub had a heart that was larger than life. He led by showing others how to love, and his spirit remained young until the end — his soul will remain with us in our memories and in our hearts forever, and we will miss him dearly. We will honor him in our acts of goodness and kindness, dedicated to his memory.”
Newsom
pushes middecade redistricting to counter GOP efforts in
Texas
Gov. Gavin Newsom last week called on California lawmakers to approve a November ballot measure that would allow the state to redraw its congressional map, positioning Democrats to counter Republican-led mid-decade redistricting efforts in Texas and other states.
Newsom’s proposal, called the “Election Rigging Response Act,” would give California Democrats the ability to bypass the state’s independent redistricting commission and pass new congressional lines more favorable to their party. Republicans in Texas, with support from former President Donald Trump, are pursuing a new congressional map that could add up to five seats to the GOP’s advantage.
“It’s not complicated. We’re doing this in reaction to a president of the United States that called a sitting governor of the state of Texas and said, ‘Find me five seats,’” Newsom said. He emphasized that California’s move is guided by “higher angels” and the state’s longstanding commitment to fair redistricting.
At a rally in Los Angeles, several Democratic leaders joined Newsom, framing the effort as a rebuke of Trump and his administration. Sara Sadhwani, a member of California’s redistricting commission, raised concerns about Border Patrol agents stationed outside the event. “We are
DRIVING CHANGE
highway where some people drive at 70+ mph between signals, this speed reduction could prevent dozens of deaths. While speed cameras are a step forward—and it took the horrific deaths of four Pepperdine students to finally force that action—cameras alone are not enough.
But getting Caltrans to say “roundabout” is not a victory. It’s the starting line. True victory is when the killing stops.
And now for the ultimate insult.
After fifteen years and 61 deaths, Caltrans wants to build a “test” roundabout. They’ve presented a master plan with no way to fund it that will probably take 20 years to complete once they start.
A test? Where should we bury the victims while we wait? Easy to say when you’re not a survivor.
My daughter’s death wasn’t a test. The test was completed in Carmel a decade ago. The results were published by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. After all this pain, demanding a “test” is an act of bureaucratic cowardice so profound it borders on malice.
The 2028 Olympics present an unprecedented opportunity to showcase American innovation in
watching executive overreach that is no doubt making our Founding Fathers turn over in their graves,” she said. Homeland Security officials responded, stating that the law enforcement presence was routine.
California Democrats must secure legislative approval and voter consent before sidestepping the independent commission, with the clock ticking to meet the Nov. 4 ballot deadline. If approved, new maps could take effect for the 2026 midterm elections. Democrats currently hold 43 of California’s 52 House seats.
Newsom said the state’s efforts are in direct response to Republican actions in Texas, where GOP lawmakers, urged by Trump, called a special session to redraw congressional lines outside the usual once-a-decade schedule. “Wake up, America. Wake up to what Donald Trump is doing. Wake up to his assault. Wake up to the assault on institutions and knowledge and history,” Newsom said.
The California governor indicated that the Legislature will formally introduce the redistricting effort on Monday, with new maps expected in the coming days. While Texas Democrats inch closer to ending their protest against GOP redistricting, Newsom vowed that California would act regardless of other states’ actions.
Mid-decade redistricting in Democratic-led states faces a more complex path than in Republican-led states, requiring legislative and voter approval. In New York, for example, a constitutional amendment would need two legislative sessions and a voter-approved ballot measure, likely delaying any changes until 2028.
transportation safety, rather than apologizing for our deadly highways. We could even use the Ferry when PCH is closed, where roundabouts aren’t needed.
Caltrans controls this highway. They will continue to maintain it, whether they succeed or fail. That’s the problem—no accountability, no consequences for failure, no mechanism to remove them when they kill people through incompetence. They have a monopoly on our safety, and monopolies don’t care about customer satisfaction. They just want to move people from A to B as quickly as possible. So what about the consequences? We live here. There is no going home after the job is done. Where are the repercussions from their actions?
The standard is a 90 percent reduction in deaths. The timeline is now. But what can we actually do? We will not accept delays, excuses, or half-measures—but they know we’re powerless to stop them. That’s why they can ignore us for fifteen years while 61 people die. It’s like “meaningful consultation”—it’s meaningless.
Our job isn’t done. It has just begun. We cannot trust them to do this right. We have to force them to.
You can reach Michel Shane at 21milesinmalibu@gmail.com
Malibu’s Howard “Hub” Ferguson, who died this month at 89, was a man of many hats, whether they involved acting, poetry, or fixing things. The Malibu Times File image
There are people with money to spare, and one such person recently purchased a handbag at auction for roughly $10,000,000. That is a lot of zeros for a handbag. I could have bid at the auction, but my bid would have been approximately $9,999,900 less than the purchase price, so I didn’t bother. Now, had the handbag contained some valuables, let’s say around $10 million worth of gold bullion, then I might very well have participated at the auction.
As a member of the male persuasion, I have never owned a handbag nor wanted one. I do realize that many women prize their handbags and actually have more than one.
My mother owned several handbags, although none of them cost Mom anywhere near $10 million. They were all rather large and served as a small piece of luggage in which she stored everything known to mankind. She would always drop her car keys in the depths of her handbag, where they became lost in the midst of all her other possessions. We were invariably late to most events because it took Mom many minutes to find her keys. It drove my Dad bunkers.
Now, if that handbag at auction had some kind of mechanism that would have helped my Mom locate her keys, then maybe my Dad would have participated at the auction.
Malibu Life
Malibu Preschool students share
and heartfelt artwork of their hometown, offering a fresh perspective on what makes Malibu home
By
When one pauses on the patio of Gan Malibu Infant Center and Preschool, one views the inspiring, yet humbling and majestic expanse of the Pacific Ocean, with the Malibu Pier in the foreground and the often frenetic traffic on the Pacific Coast Highway.
When wee ones who attend Gan Mal-
ibu were asked to create an image of their community, they began by talking about the ocean that essentially serves as part of the school’s front yard. As the children’s imaginations and observations explored more of their world in Malibu, they added in the beach, the Pier, the PCH, and all things Malibu that are familiar to them.
“Our theme this summer was ‘Community through Children’s Eyes,’” Sarah Cunin, director of Gan Malibu, explained as a group
of proud little learners and their families enjoyed the art tour on Aug. 14. “After discussing the ocean and the pier right in front of them, the children expanded their definitions and illustrations of their community by visiting the fire department, the veterinarian, the Malibu Village bookstore, the Adamson House, and by talking to the lifeguards.”
The teachers, their students, and some very proud parents beamed as Micaela Chambers, one of the teachers, added, “The children also
helped the scientists who took water samples at the Malibu Lagoon!”
In short, Chambers shared, Malibu’s youngest citizens collaborated to define their community even as the adults in their world and other residents are rebuilding Malibu. How apropos for them to do so, given that the next generation will soon be leading the community they’re envisioning and defining. As is so important in learning, the adults
returns as
Sharks
The Malibu High School Sharks girls’ tennis team will begin their 2025 season as reigning champions.
The squad captured the CIF Southern Section Division 7 title last December. However, team co-captain Rylan Borress, a senior, said any pressure the team feels about wearing the championship crown is simply motivation to work hard.
“We will focus on improving every day and keeping the same drive that got us the title in the first place,” she said. “I’m expecting our team to give 100% effort, and for everyone to support each other on and off the court.”
Fellow co-captain Ana Mitrovic, a junior, said Malibu wants to prove their championship win wasn’t a lucky swing of the racket.
“I’m more focused on getting people to enjoy the game than winning it,” she stated.
The Sharks tied the Magnolia
High Grizzlies 9-9 at the end of 18 sets of singles and doubles tennis. Malibu was named the champion after officials added up the number of games the teams’ players won in the sets — Malibu won 83-77. The Sharks placed second in the Citrus Coast League standings
BARBARA BURKE Special to The Malibu Times
By MCKENZIE JACKSON Special to The Malibu Times
By Burt Ross, Contributed Column
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 1.866.684.2727 or visit this Internet Website www.servicelinkasaD.com. using the file number assigned to this case 25-000232CTT. 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. The real Property heretofore described is being sold “as is”. The street address and other common designation, if any, of the real Property described above is purported to be: 30901 PACIFIC COAST HWY, 6301 TRANCAS CANYON RD and 23907 MALIBU RD, MALIBU, CA The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address and other common designation, if any, shown herein. Said sale will be made without covenant or warranty, express or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining unpaid balance of the obligations secured by and pursuant to the power of sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust (together with any modifications thereto). The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligations secured by the Property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of this Notice of Trustee’s Sale is estimated to be $12,967,242.77 (Estimated), provided, however, prepayment premiums, accrued interest and advances will increase this figure prior to sale. Beneficiary’s bid at said sale may include all or part of said amount. In addition to cash, the Trustee will accept a cashier’s check drawn on a state or national bank, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the California Financial Code and authorized to do business in California, or other such funds as may be acceptable to the trustee. In the event tender other than cash is accepted, the Trustee may withhold the issuance of the Trustee’s Deed Upon Sale until funds become available to the payee or endorsee as a matter of right. The Property offered for sale excludes all funds held on account by the Property receiver, if applicable. DATE: August 4, 2025 CHICAGO TITLE COMPANY, TRUSTEE 25-00023-2CTT 5170 Golden Foothill Parkway, Suite 130 El Dorado Hills, CA 95762 916-636-0114 Sara Berens, Authorized Signor SALE INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED ON LINE AT www.servicelinkasap.com AUTOMATED SALES INFORMATION PLEASE CALL
1.866.684.2727 A-4849896 08/14/2025, 08/21/2025, 08/28/2025 MALIBU 183
PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE File No.: 24-257594
A.P.N.:2017-028-022 YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED APRIL 10, 2021. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTEC T YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. A public auction sale to the highest bidder for cash, cashier’s check drawn on a state or national hank, check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, or savings association, or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state will be held by the duly appointed trustee as shown below, of all right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by the trustee in the hereinafter described property under and pursuant to a Deed of Trust described below. In the event tender other than cash is accepted, the Trustee may withhold the issuance of the Trustee’s Deed Upon Sale until funds become available to the payee or endorsee as a matter of right. The property offered for sale excludes all funds held on account by the property receiver, if applicable. The property described heretofore is being sold “as is”.The sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by the Deed of Trust, with interest and late charges thereon, as provided in the note(s), advances, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, interest thereon, fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee for the total amount (at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale) reasonably estimated to be set forth below. The Beneficiary’s bid at said salt may include all or part of said amount. The amount may be greater on the day of sale. Trustor(s): SHERYL PETWAY, AN UNMARRIED WOMAN Duly Appointed Trustee; Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, & Crane, LLP DEED OF TRUST Recorded on April 14, 2021 at Instrument No 20210590822 of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of LOS ANGELES County, California Sale Date: 9/3/2025 Sale Time: 11:00 AM Sale Location: At The Courtyard located at 400 Civic Center Plaza, Pomona, CA 91766 Amount of unpaid balance and other charges: 51,556,296.83 (Estimated)Street Address or other common designation of real property: 7612 CARMENITA
LANE, WEST HILLS, CA 91304. See Legal DescriptionExhibit “A” attached here to and made a part hereof LEGAL DESCRIPTION - EXHIBIT A LOT 1 1 OF TRACT NO. 43933, IN THE CITY OF LOS ANGELES, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, AS PER MAP RECORDED IN BOOK 1089 PAGES 9 THROUGH 12 INCLUSIVE OF MAPS, IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY RECORDER OF SAID COUNTY. EXCEPT AN UNDIVIDED ONE-QUARTER INTEREST IN AND TO ALL OIL, GAS AND MINERALS, AS RESERVED BY HUGH HERBERT, IN DEED RECORDED IN BOOK 19537 PAGE 301, OFFICIAL RECORDS. ALSO EXCEPT AN UNDIVIDED ONE QUARTER INTEREST OF ALL OIL, GAS AND MINERALS, WHICH MAY BE EXTRACTED FROM SAID LAND, AS RESERVED BY BERTHA MAE DI PUMA, A MARRIED WOMAN, RECORDED IN BOOK 21659 PAGE 374, OFFICIAL RECORDS. The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address or other common designation, if any, shown above. If no street address or other common designation is shown, directions to the location of the property may be obtained by sending a written request to the beneficiary within 10 days of the date of first publication of this Notice of Sale, If the 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 BIDDER(S): 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 docs 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(S): 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 properly, you may call (866-6842727) or visit the website http://www.servicelinkasap. com, using the file number assigned to this case 24257594. 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(S): Effective January 1, 2021, you may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to California Civil Code Section 2924m. 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 (866-684-2727) or visit the website http://www.servicelinkasap.com, using the file number assigned to this case 24-257594 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. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid Sc Crane. LLP Date: August 6, 2025By: Shannon C. Williams, Esq. Authorized Signatory 13010 Morris Road, Suite 450 Alpharetta, GA 30004 Phone: 858-997-1304 SALE INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED ONLINE ATHTTP:// WWW.SERVICELINKASAP.COM FOR AUTOMATED SALES INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL (866-684-2727) The abovenamed trustee may be acting as a debt collector attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained may be used for that purpose. CA DPFI Debt Collection License # 11461-99; NMLS ID 2591653. To the extent your original obligation was discharged or is subject to an automatic stay of bankruptcy under Title 11 of the United States Code, this notice is for compliance and/or informational purposes only and docs not constitute an attempt to collect a debt or to impose personal liability for such obligation. However, a secured party retains rights under its security instrument, including the right to foreclose its lien. A-4849440 08/14/2025, 08/21/2025, 08/28/2025 MALIBU 184
PUBLIC NOTICE
T.S. No.: 250416310
Notice of Trustee’s Sale
Loan No.: 78686 Order No. 92296106 APN: 4434-039-032
Property Address: 21016 Mendenhall Ct Topanga, CA 90290 You Are In Default Under A Deed Of Trust Dated 7/31/2024. Unless You Take Action To Protect Your Property, It May Be Sold At A Public Sale. If You Need An Explanation Of The Nature Of The Proceeding Against You, You Should Contact A Lawyer. A public auction sale to the highest bidder for cashier’s check drawn on a state or national bank, cashier’s check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a cashier’s check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, or savings association, or savings bank specified in Section 5102
of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state will be held by the duly appointed trustee as shown below, of all right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by the trustee in the hereinafter described property under and pursuant to a Deed of Trust described below. The sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by the Deed of Trust, with interest and late charges thereon, as provided in the note(s), advances, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, interest thereon, fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee for the total amount (at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale) reasonably estimated to be set forth below. The amount may be greater on the day of sale. No cashier’s checks older than 60 days from the day of sale will be accepted. Trustor: Affordable Ecom LLC, a[n] California Limited Liability Company Duly Appointed Trustee: Fortra Law (f/k/a Geraci Law Firm) Recorded 8/7/2024 as Instrument No. 20240528921 in book N/A, page N/A of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, California, Date of Sale: 9/4/2025 at 11:00 AM Place of Sale: Behind the fountain located in Civic Center Plaza, 400 Civic Center Plaza, Pomona, CA Amount of unpaid balance and other charges: $2,666,075.17 Street Address or other common designation of real property: 21016 Mendenhall Ct Topanga, CA 90290 Legal Description: Please See Attached Exhibit “A” The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address or other common designation, if any, shown above. If no street address or other common designation is shown, directions to the location of the property may be obtained by sending a written request to the beneficiary within 10 days of the date of first publication of this Notice of Sale. 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 website www.mkconsultantsinc.com, using the file number assigned to this case 250416310. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Web site. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. Notice To Tenant: You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call (877) 440-4460, or visit this internet website www.mkconsultantsinc.com, using the file number assigned to this case 250416310 to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee’s sale. When submitting funds for a bid subject to Section 2924m, please make the funds payable to “Total Lender Solutions, Inc. Holding Account”. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase. Date: 8/6/2025 Fortra Law (f/k/a Geraci Law Firm) by Total Lender Solutions, Inc,. its authorized agent 10505 Sorrento Valley Road, Suite 125 San Diego, CA 92121 Phone: (949) 954-6092 Sale Line: (877) 440-4460 By: Rachel Seropian, Trustee Sale Officer Exhibit “A” Legal Description Lot 75 Of Tract 45360, In The County Of Los Angeles, State Of California, As Per Map Recorded On September 4, 1991 In Book 1178 Pages 32 Through 42 Inclusive, Of Maps, In The Office Of The County Recorder Of Said County MALIBU 186
2025148248
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
THE FOLLOWING PERSON IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS: WOLFIE
21200 OXNARD STREET 6214, WOODLAND HILLS, CA 91365, LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Articles of Incorporation or Organization Number (if applicable): Registered Owner(s): THE WOLF LTD. A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
21200 OXNARD STREET 6214 WOODLAND HILLS, CA 91365 If Corporation or LLC- State of Incorporation/Organization CA This business is conducted by: A LIMITED LIABILITY
COMPANY
The date registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 07/2025 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, THE WOLF LTD. A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, MARIE VALDES, MANAGING MEMBER
This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on 7/21/2025 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: 8/14, 8/21, 8/28, 9/4/2025 MALIBU 187
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
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, October 7, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.
Hearing Location: Hall of Records, 320 W. Temple Street, Room 150, 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).
Project No.: 2018-000646-(3)
Project Location: 2425 Las Flores Road, within the Santa Monica Mountains Planning Area
Applicant: Amit Apel Design
CEQA Categorical Exemption: Class 3 and Class 4
Project Description: Construction of a new 4,821-squarefoot, 18-foot tall single-family residence with a 1,008 square-foot detached garage
More information: Shawn Skeries 320 W. Temple Street, 13th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90012. (213) 974-6411. sskeries@planning.lacounty.gov. planning.lacounty.gov. Case Material: https://bit.ly/PRJ2018-000646
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. 8/21/25 CNS-3957925#
MALIBU TIMES
MALIBU 188
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The Los Angeles County Regional Planning Commission 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 Regional Planning Commission 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: Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.
Hearing Location: Hall of Administration, Room 381-B, 500 W. Temple Street, 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).
Project No.: R2005-01452-(3)
Project Location: 2354 Topanga Canyon Boulevard, within the Santa Monica Mountains Planning Area
CEQA Categorical Exemption: Class 3 and Class 4
Project Description: Variance for construction of a new 4,000-square-foot single-family residence on a mapped significant ridgeline. This is an appeal of the Hearing Officer’s approval of June 24, 2025.
More information: Tyler Montgomery 320 W. Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. (213) 974-6411. tmontgomery@planning.lacounty.gov.
Case Material: https://bit.ly/R2005-01452
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. 8/21, 8/28/25 CNS-3958654#
MALIBU TIMES
MALIBU 189
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
To
POPPY’S PAL
Pall photos are published in the order in which they are received.
Lilly Mae, a black Labrador, turned 9 years old on August 15, 2025. She was so happy to get new birthday presents! She lives on Point Dume with Mr. and Mrs. Lorry and Veronique Haddock!!!
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.
Advertising Packages DO YOU WANT YOUR BUSINESS KNOWN IN MALIBU! .We can make it happen with our SPECIAL ADVERTISING PACKAGES. . Our low discounted rates will save you up to 50%.
*Billing on monthly basis. *Get in 2-3 sections of the paper + online. *Your ad will be seen weekly in print & 24/7 Online at MalibuTimes.com Call 310456-5507
Animals
AGOURA ANIMAL SHELTER 29525 West Agoura Road, Agoura, CA 91301 (west of Kanan Road) 818-991-0071. Visiting Hours Monday through Saturday 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Closed on Sunday and holidays. www. animalcare.lacounty.gov
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)
Attention: VIAGRA and CIALIS
USERS! A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special–Only $99! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW:1833-641-3889 (Cal-SCAN)
Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-ofthe-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-888-989-5749 (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 Dis-
counts. Call 1-855-424-7581 (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 cecelia@cnpa.com (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) 288-6011 or cecelia@cnpa.com
Jacuzzi Bath Remodel can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. For a limited time, waiving ALL installation costs! (Additional terms apply.) Subject to change and vary by dealer. (Offer ends 6/30/25.) Call 1-833-985-4766
Autos Wanted
Tiene un vehiculo no deseado? Donelo a Patriotic Hearts! Recogida rápida y gratuita en los 50 estados. Patriotic Hearts ofrece programas para ayudar a los veteranos a encontrar trabajo o iniciar su propio negocio. Llama ahora: 1-833-695-1947 (24/7) (CalSCAN)
GOT AN UNWANTED CAR??? DONATE IT TO PATRIOTIC HEARTS. Fast free pick up. All 50 States. Patriotic Hearts’ programs help veterans find work or start their own business. Call 24/7: 1-833-4260105 (Cal-SCAN)
Bookkeeping
A BOOKKEEPING SERVICE
Quicken, QuickBooks, Excel. Honest, reliable, discreet. Local references. Patti 310-720-8004. www. pattiullmanbookkeeping.com
Contractor
Electrical
CONEJO VALLEY ELECTRIC
Lighting & electrical solutions. Full service electrical contractor & lighting specialist. We also install all wall mounts, flat screen TV’s, speakers & network systems. Family owned. Call 818259-4055 or 805-497-7711. Lic#922260.
Fire Debris Removal
KASH Construction: We restore homes, assist with permits, and make your dream home a reality, more resilient than ever. Free estimates: 424-234-6591. Visit kashconstructioninc.com
Fencing
COASTLINE FENCE CO Wood, Chain link & Vinyl Fencing * Custom Gates & Entry Systems *Windscreens * Snake Fences & Corrals. Competitive prices * Quality work. Local Malibu Co. for over 26yrs Jeff Turner 310457-2139 coastlinefence@ gmail.com
KANEROY and ASSOCIATES has been proud to serve Malibu & the Westside for the past 20 years, and look forward to putting it’s broad experience, creativity and craftsmanship to work for you on your next construction project. Kane Sickner 310-456-6841, www.kaneroy. com. Lic.#569337-Bonded/ insured.
(Cal-SCAN)
Online Advertising IS YOUR WEB SITE LOST IN CYBERSPACE? Get LINKED to www.MalibuTimes.com and get NOTICED! 45,000+ Visitors. Over 250,000 Page Views per month! Call 310-456-5507.
Painting
MISTER ROBERTS PAINTING COMPANY- 60 Year Anniversary–Interior, Exterior, Smoke Damage, Water Damage, Cabinetry, Stucco, Plaster, Drywall Repairs, Deck Restorations & Specialty Finishes. Call 310-456-0409. Lic#491492, bonded/insured.
Paradise Painting–15% OFF SPECIAL–We do it right the first time! Complete interior & exterior restoration specialists. Call or Text for a free estimate 805-910-9247. CSLB 1084319
Real Estate Loans RETIRED COUPLE $$$$ for business purpose Real Estate loans. Credit unimportant. V.I.P. Trust Deed Company www.viploan.com Call 1-818248-0000. Broker-principal DRE 01041073. No consumer loans. (Cal-SCAN)
Rental Office Space
Lots for rent with spacious office space at 21323 PCH (old Malibu courthouse) Perfect for contractors/ developers.
21323 PCH: (Historic Old Malibu Courthouse) (Two Spaces Available) Unit 103: Impressive ground floor space available, perfect for hair stylist, massage therapist, skin care professional, etc. Unit 100: Stunning vaulted ceiling
professional office space available. 22235 PCH: Unique live, work space across from Carbon Beach. $3,250/ month. 1 year lease.
Call/Text/Email: Mayra, property manager@divineimaging.com 323559-8119 or Kim, kim@divineimaging. com 310-617-6339
PUB: 8/21, 8/28, 9/4, 9/11/2025 Roofing
THOMAS MURRAY, WATERPROOFING SPECIALIST Seamless gutters, slate, decks, shingles, copper, hotmop, torch. All types of Roofing and Repairs. Residential* Commercial* Industrial. Call for a GREAT free quote 310-779-5265. #1117921. Bonded/ Insured.
Services
BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices–No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 1-833-795-0042 (Cal-SCAN)
Don’t Pay For Covered Home Repairs Again! Our home warranty covers ALL MAJOR SYSTEMS AND APPLIANCES. We stand by our service and if we can’t fix it, we’ll replace it! Pick the plan that fits your budget! Call:1-855-411-1731 (Cal-SCAN)
WATER DAMAGE CLEANUP & RESTO-
RATION: A small amount of water can lead to major damage in your home. Our trusted professionals do complete repairs to protect your family and your home’s value! Call 24/7: 1-833-7123809. Have zip code of service location ready when you call! (Cal-SCAN)
The Malibu Planning Commission will hold public hearings on MONDAY, September 15, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Malibu City Hall, 23825 Stuart Ranch Road, Malibu, CA on the projects identified below.
Public comment can be submitted ahead of the public hearing to planningcommission@malibucity.org for inclusion in the public record. To participate during the public hearing, please review the meeting agenda posted at MalibuCity.org/AgendaCenter and follow the directions for public participation.
COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT NO. 23-053, CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 23-005, AND VARIANCE NO. 23-027 - An application for a new 719 square foot office building to allow for the continued operation of a day labor hiring site operated by the Malibu Community Labor Exchange; including a conditional use permit for a philanthropic use in the Institutional zoning district and a variance to increase the nonconforming floor area ratio from .193 to .195
Location: 23525 Civic Center Way
APN: 4458-022-906
Zoning: Institutional (I)
Applicant: City of Malibu
Owner: Los Angeles County
Appealable to: City Council
Environmental Review: Categorical Exemption CEQA Guidelines Section 15303(c) Application Filed: October 31, 2023
Case Planner: Fletcher Allen, Associate Planner (310) 456-2489, extension 233 fallen@malibucity.org
COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT NO. 20-061, CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE NO. 21-006, VARIANCE
NO. 25-010, AND SITE PLAN REVIEW NO. 20-086 - An application to construct a new two-story, 3,800 square foot single-family residence with a 1,100 square foot basement, pool, grading, retaining walls, landscaping, hardscape, and an onsite wastewater treatment system; including a variance for construction on slopes steeper than 2.5 to 1 and a site plan review for construction over 18 feet up to a maximum height of 24 feet for a flat roof
Location: 4510 Via Vienta Street
APN: 4473-011-045
Zoning: Rural Residential, Two-Acre (RR-2)
Applicant/Owner: Kelly Hancock
Appealable to: City Council Environmental Review: Categorical Exemption CEQA Guidelines Sections 15303(a) and 15303(e) Application Filed: November 23, 2020
Case Planner: Raneika Brooks, Principal 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 Community Development 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 Community Development 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).
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.
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.
Yolanda Bundy, Community Development Director
Publish Date: August 21, 2025 MALIBU 190
2025162547
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
THE FOLLOWING PERSON IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS: THE WOLF LTD. 21200 OXNARD STREET 6214, WOODLAND HILLS, CA 91365, LOS ANGELES COUNTY Articles of Incorporation or Organization Number (if applicable): Registered Owner(s): THE WOLF LTD. A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY 21200 OXNARD STREET 6214
WOODLAND HILLS, CA 91365
If Corporation or LLC- State of Incorporation/Organization CA
This business is conducted by: A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
The date registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 08/2025 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, THE WOLF LTD. A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY,
did not direct the children’s thought processes or creations. Rather, they asked the children thought-inspiring, conversation-starting questions such as, “What does a city have?” and “What do you see in our city?”
Readers will be inspired — and a wee bit humored — to learn that one insightful child said when he looked out from Gan Malibu’s patio, he observed, “An ocean and cars having a traffic jam!” Yet another child deemed an essential component of a city to be a gymnastics studio.
Other questions included “What is under the ocean?”, “What is above the ocean?”, “What drives on roads?”, and “What is the pier made of?”
Readers will be inspired when they learn that some children saw mermaids and one child observed a UFO! Others deemed the pier to serve as, “A place for the boats,” because, “the boats can get stuck in the sand!”
Several children noted that one can fish from the pier. Clearly, little minds were making connections and their thoughts coalesced about how expansive and special their hometown is.
“My daughter is so excited about working so hard on her art project,” Alex Orbison said, referring to his 6-year-old Eden Orbison. “So is my 4-year-old son, said Orbison. I think this project is wonderful!”
Penny Murray, who came to see her 3-year-old grandchild’s creations, commented. “She loved it! I think all the children loved this whole summer!”
Out of the mouths of babes — Malibu as viewed by its smallest residents
Sharing the pages of the book that Gan Malibu created, entitled “From our Patio — Gan Malibu 2025,” Cunin noted that when the children started the project, they only made line drawings depicting some elements of a city. However, by the time they finished their projects weeks later, each grade level of children — from the wee ones who are 2 and 3 all the way through those who will commence kindergarten soon — had created elaborate, 3D structures showcasing their individual and collective community interpretations of our city. Both Hippodamus of Miletus, an ancient Greek architect credited with devising the first city layouts and John Friedmann, who is considered the father of modern urban planning would be impressed and proud of some of Malibu’s littlest residents creating images of what it really means for a group of residents living nearby one another to be a true community.
If the children’s visions continue on, Malibu’s effort to rebuild this community is in the
YOUNG
Waves seek redemption in rematch against Cal
Pepperdine women’s soccer looks to rebound from last year’s NCAA tournament heartbreak as they face the Golden Bears on Sunday in Berkeley
By MCKENZIE JACKSON Special to The Malibu Times
The Pepperdine Waves women’s soccer team has a rematch this weekend against the squad that ended their postseason dreams in 2024.
The Waves will face the California Golden Bears on Sunday in Berkeley — the same team that edged Pepperdine 2-1 in double overtime during the first round of the NCAA tournament last season.
Waves junior forward Julia Quinonez said Pepperdine is eager to return to the pitch against Cal.
“While we didn’t get the outcome we wanted last year, we can already learn from our mistakes or shortcomings to be better prepared to get the outcome we want,” she explained.
Pepperdine opened their 2025 campaign with a 0-1-1 record.
The Waves fell 6-1 to ninth-ranked Texas Christian University (TCU) in Fort Worth on Aug. 14, then tied 2-2 with the Hawai’i Rainbow Wahine three days later at Tari Frahm Rokus Field.
TCU scored twice in the first nine minutes against the Waves and kicked another two scores in before halftime.
Pepperdine midfielder Kyra Murphy, a redshirt junior, netted the Waves’ first goal of the season in the 56th minute, assisted by senior forward Tatum Wynalda. The Horned Frogs found the net twice before the end of the match to secure the five-point victory.
Against Hawai’i, Wynalda and defender Megan Edelman, a graduate student, booted in a goal apiece in the first half to give their team a 2-0 lead. Hawai’i responded with two goals in the final 20 minutes to tie the scoreboard.
Edelman scored in the 15th minute with assists from freshman defender Ariana Markey and midfielder
Tabitha LaParl, a redshirt senior. Wynalda netted a ball four minutes later.
Waves sophomore goalkeeper Jillian Medvecky had five saves against TCU and six against Hawai’i.
The Waves, co-champions of the West Coast Conference last season, received their championship rings during a pregame ceremony.
Their third match of the season is against USC on Thursday in Los Angeles. After facing Cal, the Waves host Columbia University on Aug. 28, travel to Arizona State in Tempe, Arizona, on Sept. 4, and play at Arizona in Tucson, Arizona, on Sept. 7.
Pepperdine earned multiple preseason honors.
Wynalda, LaParl, and senior midfielder Karina Gonzalez were three of the 11 West Coast Conference players to be named to the conference’s preseason team on Aug. 7. This is the second straight season the Waves have had three players named to the squad. Gonzalez and LaParl were also named to the United Soccer Coaches Midfielders to Watch List on Aug. 8.
Pepperdine was predicted to finish second in the WCC in the coaches’ preseason poll. The Santa Clara Broncos, who Pepperdine shared the WCC crown with in 2024, were picked first.
Quinonez said the team is motivated not only by competition, but by a desire to uplift their community — especially Malibu and Pacific Palisades, which were deeply affected by this year’s Palisades Fire.
“If we as a team, can give our community a winning season, giving them an outlet where they can come and maybe take their minds off of the tragedy they’ve endured for just a few hours, it would be so rewarding for the Waves,” she said. “Our community has always been so supportive of our team. Now it is time to support them in whatever way we can on and off the field.”
committed to the team.”
host Viewpoint on Sept. 4. Malibu plays at Channel Islands, a Citrus Coast League foe, on Sept. 9.
Sharks head coach Joyce Stickney said the Citrus Coast League — which also includes Carpinteria, Fillmore, Hueneme, Nordoff, and Santa Paula — should be competitive this season. Still, she expects Malibu to have another great season despite six seniors graduating from last year’s team.
“Some of our strongest players are still here,” Stickney said. “We are going to have a really good team. We are just going to have to figure out really quickly where our strengths are, find our chemistry, and what strategies work for us.”
The coach added that the Sharks have to determine who will play singles and who will play doubles.
MEET BELLA!
A5706561
Bella A5706561 is around 11 years old. Absolutely gorgeous seal point dilute calico with stunning blue eyes. She is declawed and free roaming with other cats.
She is going to need a home with experienced cat adults, as she has a tendency to be spicy until she’s comfortable. She was a patient at our vet partners for her senior checkup. She is in perfect health and ready for adopting to a loving home.
You can meet her and many other kitties in the Habikat!
Adoptions are free for all critters during August!
Care Center Hours: Monday-Saturday 11am-5pm
Closed* on Sunday and holidays 29525 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, CA 91301 agoura@animalcare.lacounty.gov
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
We’re
bubble and peel, leaving it once again vulnerable to pests and weather.
Our Proven system will protect your property for years to come. Schedule a 30-minute “No-Hassle” painting estimate. Call or Text for a free estimate (805) 910-9247 or visit the website at: paradisepaintingsocal.com
Leading the way will be Mitrovic, Malibu’s number one singles player, who advanced to the second round of the CIF Southern Section Individual Tennis Regional last November, and Borress, the number two singles player.
Mitrovic aims to develop a more confident playing style and learn how to take charge of matches while leading the squad.
“I’m hoping to make it further than I did last year in the individual CIF rounds,” she added.
Borress is focused on staying calm under pressure.
“I want to lead by example, stay consistent, and help put the team in the best position to succeed,” she said.
The squad began practice on Monday.
Stickney wants the experienced players to mentor their teammates who are new to the varsity level.
“I hope they set a tone that is really positive and strong for the team,” she said. “I hope the newer players can really feel invested and
Borress echoed that sentiment, saying she wants her teammates to feel comfortable and know they belong.
“Don’t be afraid to ask questions, make mistakes, and push yourself,” she stated.
Mitrovic wants the squad to enjoy the game and stay motivated.
“We won last year because we gave it our all, and I really saw passion when we all united over the same sport,” she reflected.
Malibu is aware, Stickney said, that they have the potential to have a great season, but she isn’t placing unnecessary pressure on her group.
“I’m not going to come in and say, ‘We got to win again this year,’” she explained. “I do feel there is going to be the desire. Truthfully, it will work in our favor. Last year, it came as a surprise as we inched closer and won a couple of tight matches. This year, we want to push everybody in the beginning to work toward that goal instead of at the end of the season.”
Sharks co-captain Ana Mitrovic wants her team to prove their 2024 CIF championship wasn’t a fluke. Photo by Joyce Stickney
The Waves women’s soccer team opened the season with a win and a tie. Photo courtesy of Pepperdine Athletics