A public records request has revealed the City of Malibu has issued total fees and fines of only $1,700 against Nobu after it defied the city and proceeded with an unpermitted July 4 party this summer.
The city had indicated earlier that fines were levied against the high-end restaurant, but as with the 2023 event, it declined to reveal the amount imposed, again necessitating a Public Records Act request to receive the information. This year’s fees and fines were less than last year’s total of $1,821, notwithstanding the restaurant’s failure to present an acceptable parking plan after the 2023 event, which left limos and party buses abandoned on Pacific Coast Highway, causing a dangerous traffic jam. The latest $1,700 amount is itemized as code enforcement officer time billed at $200 per hour totaling $1,600 and
a $100 administrative citation. Put into perspective, the $1,700 fine is less than the cost of a single entry to the July 4 event. According to the online promotion for the event, tables for five, which included seven bottles of alcohol, went for $10,000.
Local residents and officials have expressed frustration at what appears to be a “toothless” fine; residents shared that this could only encourage Nobu and other businesses to defy the city’s Temporary Use Permit requirements. An investigation is ongoing to determine whether this year’s event is connected to a fatal accident on PCH that occurred just minutes after the Nobu party ended on July 4. As of now, no conclusions have been reached.
Bill Sampson, a 44-year resident of Malibu, called the latest assessment “a travesty.”
“I had heard that the fine was only $100, which makes to my mind the city valuing Mr. Okeke (the driver of a rideshare car who was killed in the PCH accident), his life was worth a hundred bucks to Nobu and another $1,600 in enforcement fees,” Sampson said. “That’s not even a ball marker to these guys. They were pushing the world’s most abused, most
Man wanted for assault arrested on PCH
The suspect was arrested and PCH was reopened after several hours
Last week, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Special Enforcement Bureau (SEB) personnel responded to assist the Malibu/Lost Hills Station with a barricaded assault with a deadly weapon suspect in his vehicle. The
incident began around 1 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 21. The standoff lasted for several hours.
Motorists and pedestrians were advised to avoid the area and take alternate routes. Traffic was being directed through The Point Dume neighborhood towards Westward Beach. California Highway Patrol and the Los Angeles County Fire Department were also at the scene.
By BARBARA
With recent reports of a great white shark biting an ocean swimmer in Del Mar in early June, a fisherman briefly catching but losing hold of a baby shark off the Malibu Pier last year, and, of course, the ever-present George, a legendary local shark whom many surfers frequently spot in Malibu waters, locals were not too surprised when a larger presumably
juvenile shark was spotted near the pier last week. The shark, estimated to be 10 to 12 feet long, just did its thing — swimming in circles about 3 feet deep, leaving visitors aghast and excited.
“Great White Sharks near Los Angeles are a real thing,” posted the highly respected Carlos Gauna @themalibuartist whose filmmaking work has been published in National Geographic,
To date, neither Malibu city officials nor councilmembers have formally stated they will pursue charter-city status
BARBARA
Separate and apart from the city’s pending draft revised 2021-2029 Housing Element, which was considered by the Planning Commission on Aug. 19 in a heated session, and will be considered for final approval by the City Council in a public hearing on Sept. 23, there are other factors that could affect any affordable housing being built in Malibu. To wit, proceedings concerning affordable housing before
Speakers say the
By SAMANTHA
SEB personnel assumed tactical command and Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) made contact with the suspect, who was apprehended around 8:20 a.m. PCH reopened shortly after. Malibu/Lost Hills Sgt. Chris Soderlund provided an update on the incident at Monday’s City Council meeting.
the Coastal Commission, which has a role in the approval process, and, if Malibu follows actions by some cities, a change in the city’s corporate governance structure.
To date, efforts in the penultimate state legislative term and the recently closed term by a consortium of Democratic lawmakers and Yes in My Backyard activists who support them, to enact new laws aimed at making it easier to build apartments and accessory dwelling units along the coast, and to limit the Coastal Commission’s ability to delay such construction have not succeeded.
Legislation proposed in 2023 by San Francisco Democratic Sen. Scott Wiener fast-tracked apartment development in parts of the state, such as Malibu, that haven’t met their state-set housing goals,
The Aug. 26 Malibu City Council meeting was marked by strong emotions and a critical examination of the recent Planning Commission meeting held on Aug. 19. The focal point of the discussion was the conduct of Planning Commission Chair John Mazza, whose repeated interruptions during the meeting drew ire from both commissioners and residents.
Councilmember Paul Grisanti didn’t mince words when addressing Planning Commissioner Kraig
Soderlund said deputies were patrolling Westward Beach and PCH, and observed a Volkswagon van with expired registration and decided to contact the driver for the expired registration but then realized the driver was a wanted parolee at large.
exempting them from lengthy public hearings and environmental legal challenges.
The coast is no exception. Along much of the coast and in Malibu, the commission has to approve city growth and zoning plans. In neighborhoods especially close to the water, those against proposed developments can appeal directly to the commission. To date, affordable housing advocates have not successfully fully vitiated the Coastal Commission’s role in reviewing and approving affordable housing projects in Malibu.
At issue for Malibu is the determination that Malibu needs to build 79 residences to comply with the California Department of Housing and Community Development’s determinations.
Hill, who left the Aug. 19 meeting in frustration. “Watching what you went through, trying to get the floor for more than 30 seconds, it was ridiculous,” Grisanti said. “I don’t think that’s a proper way to run a meeting; I don’t think that any defense can be made that it was done properly, and I’m sorry that it was allowed to go on as long as it did.”
The planning meeting, which focused on the Housing Element, became contentious as Chair Mazza repeatedly interrupted commissioners and city staff. This behavior led to Hill’s exit, an incident he later apologized for during the City Council meeting. Hill expressed his regret, saying, “For me to lose my
MALIBU’S AWARD WINNING NEWSPAPER SINCE 1946
BRAVO Of The Malibu Times
BURKE Special to The Malibu Times
ABEL Special to The Malibu Times
By
BURKE Special to The Malibu Times
By SAMANTHA BRAVO Of The Malibu Times
All lanes of Pacific Coast Highway were closed between Heathercliff Road and Busch Drive on Wednesday, Aug. 21, due to an active law enforcement situation. The standoff lasted for several hours. Photos by Samantha Bravo/TMT.
Malibu was visited by a juvenile great white shark near the Malibu Pier last week. Photo screenshot from @California.gems on Instagram.
Letters to the Editor In Case
You Missed it
The top stories from last week you can read at MalibuTimes.com
Former Malibuite shooting for gold in 2024 Paralympics
YanXiao Gong, 26, is loading pistols to represent the United States in two shooting competitions in Paris
Sand excavation prompts legal dispute between Broad Beach neighbors Milwaukee Brewers owner, construction company are defendants company as plantiffs allege a violation of California Coastal Act
Planning Commission approves Housing Element report
Interim Planning Director Maureen Tamuri introduced at the meeting
Stoker Family continues its annual barbecue celebration at Zuma Beach Sgt. Chris Soderlund is acknowledged for his leadership and dedication to the Malibu community
Zuma lifeguards post big win in two lifesaving skills competitions Local guard earns bragging rights and first-place finishes
Speaker Series: Renowned astronomer asks: ‘Are we alone?’
NASA Solar System Ambassador Derrick Pitts leads presentation about space exploration
*Letters to the Editor may not reflect the view, opinion and/or ethics of the The Malibu Times. They are however, letters from the people of Malibu. We support your right to express your opinion. Read "Write to Us" to submit your letter today.
Candidate: Work together for a better Malibu
Dear Editor, I wanted to take a moment to share with you some thoughts on the events that have transpired since I announced my candidacy for the Malibu City Council. I never imagined I would become involved in politics, but a few weeks ago, when I met Michel Shane and listened to the tragic story about the loss of his daughter Emily, it moved me to see if I could make a difference.
For those of you who do not know, Emily was 13 years old and was run down on the PCH in 2010. Sadly, as we know all too well, little has changed since that horrific event, and more tragedies keep happening.
I thought surely we all could get together and find a way to prevent this senseless loss. But we still lose lives in our backyard. I knew what I would do, I would run for City Council. I would use the position to move Caltrans to finally step in and fix PCH. I would use this position to help my friends and neighbors who lost houses in the Woosley Fire. I would help Malibu keep its character and help preserve the environment. I hoped I could give back to the place that had given me and my family so many wonderful memories.
Surely, everyone would agree these things needed to happen and change was long overdue. I rushed in and got my candidate package from City Hall. I immediately started studying the situation. I met with Caltrans; I met with all the current City Councilmembers, the current roster of incumbents, and the other candidate.
I met with many of the past members of the council to learn more about the history. I met with the sheriff, various agency heads, and I spoke to many of the leading
figures around Malibu.
As expected I found out that everyone had many of the same ideas and were united in their desire to see the realization of some of the changes we had discussed.
However, to be candid, what I did not expect was the magnitude of the vitriol, the number of allegations, litigations, and pontifications levied by and amongst the same group of people who seemed to be so aligned on so many issues. How did we get here? By what twisted sorcery did this mayhem arise?
Unfortunately, this truly Shakespearean drama has caused too many people to spend too much time fighting each other instead of fighting for what we all seemingly want. It seems we are suffering from the same symptoms that have infected politics on every scale. So it has become apparent to me that if I win or lose the election the most important thing I can do is ask everyone to listen to their better angels and to start working together for a better Malibu. Let’s do it for the fire victims past and future, let’s do it for the environment, for the ocean, and for the mountains. Let’s do it for Emily and all the other lives lost on the PCH. We owe it to them.
No matter what happens in this election one thing is for sure: I’m not going anywhere.
Haylynn Conrad, Malibu
Call for unity and support for wounded veterans in response to mayor’s remarks
Dear Editor,
Last night I was deeply upset to hear Mayor Stewart attempt to diminish the good work of many to benefit our wounded veterans that gave of themselves for each and every one of us — including the mayor. His remarks came on the third
TFrom the publisher HAYLEY MATTSON
“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.”
hese past two weeks have been heavy for our community, marked by events that remind us of both the challenges and the resilience that define us. From the unsettling arrest on PCH last Wednesday to the intense debates at the recent planning commission meeting, and the early stirrings of election season, our city has seen its share of turmoil. And as we approach the one-year anniversary of the tragic loss of our four Pepperdine angels, emotions are bound to run deep. In these moments, I ask everyone to try and be kind to one another as we navigate the months ahead.
Our next Malibu Business Round Table will be held next Friday, Sept. 6, via Zoom. We are honored to have LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath join us to discuss PCH safety, exploring both the steps taken and what more can be done to protect our community. If you would like to participate, please
anniversary of the unnecessary loss of 13 killed at Abbey Gate in the withdrawal from Afghanistan and many more injured.
Mr. “I’m the Financial Guy on the Dais” tried to pick apart the tax returns of an organization that I have been involved with since it’s inception. Ride To The Flags is a phenomenal model that has filled in the gaps that occur for many wounded veterans, such as treatment that is outside of their local network — we use the raised monies for transportation and housing to ensure the healing doesn’t cease (one recipient is the gentleman who sat next to former first lady Michelle Obama as former President Obama noted him in one of his State of the Union addresses hailing the recovery he has achieved and his Don’t Quit approach.)
Another of our past veterans was badly wounded and left 100 percent blind — as a single mother, her teen daughter became her primary caregiver, so the funds were used to modify the house and therapy
—
Coretta Scott King
email us at office@malibutimes.com.
This weekend, I hope to see everyone at the Malibu Chili Cook-Off. It’s a fantastic opportunity to support the Malibu Boys & Girls Club, and I know that Kasey Earnest, Molly Scott, and their dedicated team have put in countless hours to make this event a success. We are excited to announce a ticket giveaway! To enter, share your favorite memory of the Cook-Off and why you would love two tickets for all four days. You can email us at editorial@malibutimes.com or tag us on social media. We’ll announce the winner Friday morning! And don’t forget to enter your furry friends in our “Dogs of Summer” contest—details on A4.
As we face the challenges and celebrate the joys of life in Malibu, let’s remember to lift each other up. Together, we can find the strength to move forward with hope and positivity.
which benefitted not only the veteran but also the teen whose load was greatly lifted). I could go on and on for every year brings immeasurable gifts, but my favorite story happens to be the young man driving by in a car with a wife and infant son as I stood out on PCH years ago assisting the arrival of vendors and helpers — he asked if it was true that a former Army buddy was being honored ... he’d received an email and drove up from San Diego to confirm and let the entire unit know if he could confirm that Kyle “made it.” Well, I didn’t let him leave, and instead we brought him right into the event hiding him until Kyle arrived. The reunion caused tears to flow from all and the embrace the two men had was incredible — the SD veteran told me privately that he and others had assumed Kyle didn’t make it for the injuries as they packed him into the helicopter and prayed him aloft. He introduced his baby to Kyle; the name is in honor of Kyle, so more tears of joy and thanks. Two wives hugged each
COMMON CENTS: Inflation and economics in an election
By SCOTT DITTRICH Columnist
Don’t be misled by all the talk of inflation coming down. It isn’t. Only the rate of increase has tapered. The 2.9 percent increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) must be added to the 20 percent that resulted from the administration’s overspending. But I don’t believe 20 percent (now 22.9). Why? Because too much is excluded, like credit card, real estate, car, and home insurance (a sore spot for my neighbors in Malibu).
How did we get to this point? The answer is simple: a combination of government spending and energy policy. Biden spent much more than government took tax receipts. While Washington has been doing this for years and has not balanced the budget since Bill Clinton, it was the huge amount Biden — and Trump — spent that ignited inflation.
Mr. Trump actually ran larger deficits in his four years than President Biden, though that was largely because of COVID and the economic shutdowns. But as we came out of COVID, Biden thought he could spend with impunity and, with Kamala Harris providing tie-breaking votes in the Senate, ran deficits of $2 trillion each year.
While Biden’s pledge to unite the country somehow got lost to the country’s detriment, the parties are now further apart than at any time since the Civil War, creating unknown geopolitical vulnerabilities. Economically, however, we can gauge what the next four years will bring by looking at the candidates’ positions and past statements.
Trump wants to “make America great again,” touting his success at spurring the economy through cuts in taxes and regulation simi-
lar to 2016, plus adding tariffs on countries practicing unfair trading.
When he left office in 2021, inflation was only 1.9 percent, and real incomes for working folks were at all-time highs, resulting in tax revenue gains of 40 percent. Trump now wants to lower taxes further on individuals and corporations, and he also pledges to increase oil and gas production, opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR), and promoting nuclear power. And while his no tax on tips (now supported by Harris) gets publicity, his plan to lower taxes on Social Security makes more sense, since the marginal tax rate for retirees who are working can be as high as 85 percent, which contributes to our low labor participation rate. Trump also passed and Harris supports a child tax credit.
Harris has said she totally supports Bidenomics and wants to pay for additional spending by raising taxes on those earning over $100,000, including taxing unrealized capital gains (i.e. paper profits from stocks, property, and other assets, which have risen in value. But part of such gains come from the devaluation of the dollar due to the inflation Biden caused). She has accused businesses of gouging consumers and therefore wants to increase taxation on corporations, specifically mentioning grocery stores, which have among the lowest profit margins. And businesses will certainly pass increased costs to consumers and/or lay off workers to cut costs, causing the economy to slow and the role of government to expand. Objectively, her economic plan is riddled with ideas that have failed in the past.
Energy is key to a booming economy, and while there are issues with both fracking and nuclear power (as there are with all energy sources), because energy costs spiral through-
out every aspect of our economy, starting with food production, the Biden/Harris policy of limiting domestic fossil fuels led to a devastating regressive inflation tax on the working and middle class. As James Carvel once quipped referring to President (then candidate) Clinton’s platform, “it’s the economy, stupid,” meaning people vote their pocketbook. Harris has countered this with incentives like a $25,000 credit for first-time home buyers and support of Bidens’ student loan forgiveness in spite of our huge deficits.
I thought Harris would retract her past progressive statements about taxes, spending, and fracking (the
latter hurts her in Pennsylvania and Michigan), but her new economic plan calls for more government controls, which have always failed. (Remember Nixon’s long gas lines in the ‘70s?) and preventing the corporate buy-up of single-family homes. (I love this conceptually, but government’s involvement in housing brings memories of the 2008 liar loans and the subsequent housing collapse and nasty recession)
other for the gift of meeting and knew what each endured worrying about their husbands on deployment.
I guess you have to have been there to realize the full complement of the generosity of all veterans in all branches of service and how they don’t see politics, race, wealth, education, etc., as barriers to unifying for the good of others. The challenge I present today is for all of us to be more like our fellow citizens in uniforms, not only military uniforms. That bond of working together is what I’d like to infect this town with, more so now I want it to infect Mayor Stewart, but I do appreciate that once Ryan Sawtelle explained the figures that Stewart found concerning, the mayor came into the fold, and there was a unanimous vote to approve the item. I’ll see you at the intersection of PCH and Malibu Canyon Road on Sunday, Sept. 8. Let ‘em roll, baby, roll!
Mari Stanley, Point Dume
Whichever candidate prevails, I see prices falling only because of a recession. So far the FED has prevented a hard landing, though the unprecedented interest hikes have already slowed the economy to the point rates may soon be tapered. Paradoxically, a downturn in the economy allowing lower interest rates will result in a rising stock market, which is great for those holding Nvidia, though the other 50 percent of American families are experiencing a precipitous decline in living standards, further expanding the divide between rich and poor. Even young people entering the workforce with college degrees and good jobs now find buying a house out of reach. This fits nicely with certain elites who want to own and control everything, so that the average person owns nothing and becomes a life-long renter.
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“I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live by the light that I have. I must stand with anybody that stands right, and stand with him while he is right, and part with him when he goes wrong.” — Abraham Lincoln
SIRENS
The following incidents were reported between: july 23 - july 29
7/23 | Grand Theft
A vehicle parked on Malibu Road was broken into and ransacked. The victim realized her purse was stolen after receiving multiple notifications of purchases made to her credit card of over $1,900. The victim said her designer purse was worth $200. The victim’s wallet and two pairs of sunglasses were also stolen. It was unknown if there were any security cameras available for evidence.
7/26 | Burglary
A property was burglarized and the sliding door screen torn. The victim said they were awakened by their alarm system and saw two suspects leaving their garage and driving off in a white pickup. The victim said they believe they took miscellaneous recyclables from the west side of the house. The suspects were described as a male and female. The damaged screen door was estimated to cost $200 to repair. There were no working security cameras available for evidence.
7/29 | Petty Theft
Two pairs of designer sunglasses from The Alcove retail store on Cross Creek were stolen. The suspect was described as a male Black adult, wearing a black hat, black and red shirt, and black pants. The suspect was seen grabbing a pair of sunglasses and placing them in his right pocket. The video footage does not show another pair of glasses being taken. The victim said the sunglasses were worth $450 each. The surveillance footage was uploaded for evidence.
Former Nobu hostess drops sexual harassment lawsuit
A former hostess at celebrity-loved Nobu restaurant in Malibu has dropped her sexual harassment lawsuit against the establishment. The plaintiff, identified as Jane Doe, claimed she and her fellow hostesses were routinely subjected to overt sexual advances by customers as well as managers of the restaurant. Doe also claimed her required uniform consisted of revealing black outfits. In an earlier complaint, the 24-yearold alleged she suffered abuse “for the sake of maintaining Nobu’s glamorous reputation and keeping their jobs.” It is not clear if the two sides reached a settlement or if Doe dropped the case for other unspecified reasons. In court papers filed earlier this month, the plaintiff’s lawyers asked the lawsuit to be dismissed “without prejudice” which means it may be refiled later.
Malibu’s famous Wave House sells
Malibu’s iconic Wave House, which influenced the style of Sydney’s famous Opera House, has finally sold after more than a year on the market. The uniquely shaped beachfront home that looks like cresting waves was designed in the 1950s by the late visionary Malibu architect Harry Gesner. The six-bedroom home with curved ceilings and innovative design was considered a radical shift away from the traditional architecture of its day. Gesner made original sketches of the home while in the water on his surfboard in the break facing the property. The 6,200-square-foot home was listed last year at $49.5 million. Joshua Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner, and model Karlie Kloss bought the property for $29.5 million, or 40 percent lower than the asking price. In the 1970s the Wave House was owned by rocker Rod Stewart. Most recently it was owned by the late record executive Mo Ostin. The home has been featured in videos and movies including “Love & Mercy” about the life of Beach Boys founder Brian Wilson.
Sea level rise policy summit scheduled for Sept. 5-6
The annual Smart Coast California Policy Summit will take place Sept. 5 and 6 in Newport Beach and as always, it will feature a wide range of speakers and panels to provide the latest information about sea level rise and ways to address it along the California coast.
Elected officials and decision-makers will present what is working, what isn’t, and the direction our communities are taking to address SLR. Expert panels will present the environmental, legal, scientific, planning policy, and engineering considerations that inform effective decision-making in our coastal communities as we prepare for rising seas in California. Learn from and collaborate with planners, government officials, and coastal
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stakeholders throughout California on one of the most important challenges confronting our state. Preeminent experts will present their knowledge and engage in critical discussions on coastal adaptation policy in California. The summit will consist of multiple panels on topics essential for smart sea level rise planning:
Year in Review: Progress, Insights, and Future Directions for Local Coastal Projects: Local government representatives will provide updates on coastal programs discussed at last year’s summit and other ongoing programs.
• California’s Coastal Future: An Update from the Coastal Commission Executive Team including Executive Director Kate Huckelbridge, Ph.D; Chief Department Director Madeline Cavalieri; Environmental Scientist Kelsey Ducklow; and Statewide Planning Manager Erin Prahler.
• Adapting at the Local Level: Neighborhood Strategies for Coastal Resilience: The CalCities Coastal Cities committee leadership will present their most recent findings and address ongoing efforts to coordinate policies at the local and state levels on issues related to sea level rise mitigation efforts and land use policies. This panel will consider the importance of statewide consistency and the flexibility needed when addressing unique coastal conditions.
• Neighborhood Scale Workgroup: The Coastal Cities panel will be joined by members of Coastal Commission staff to continue the conversation on the combined efforts of the organizations through the Neighborhood Scale Workgroup. From Data to Impact: A Discussion of California Projects: Scientific Basis of Climate Change — What is the newest science we are working on? What is working, what is being tested, and the future of coastal projects, including updated data and trends.
• Sea Level Rise and the Law: Addressing Liability, Property Rights, and Regulation: Preeminent attorneys will consider the legal implications of coastal adaptation and management alternatives.
• Summit Closing Speaker: Dr. Laura Engeman, Coastal Resilience Specialist, Center for Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UCSD, California Sea Grant.
To register and for additional information, please contact Smart Coast Executive Director Marta Golding Brown at mgbrown@smartcoastca.org or by phone at (661) 916-5844.
Malibu’s Community Lands
Project Phase 2:
Give your input
The City of Malibu has com pleted Phase 1 of the Commu nity Lands Project, its exten sive community outreach and engagement program regard ing the future use of five cityowned community lands. The city is now moving into Phase 2 to narrow down the feedback received and identify the types of uses the community envi sions for each specific land.
As part of Phase 1, the city collected feedback through multiple channels between April and June 2024:
• A dedicated email address: MalibuCommunityLands@ MalibuCity.org
• A contact form on the dedicated website: MalibuCommunityLands.org
A community survey via FlashVote
Three community meetings
• Three pop-up events throughout the city
“The participation from our community has been tremendous. This process is about creating spaces that will truly serve our community’s needs for generations. Every voice matters as we work together to shape Malibu’s future,” said Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart. “The feedback from Phase 1 provides a strong foundation for more targeted discussions in Phase 2. We’re excited to dive deeper into the community’s vision for each specific land, which will help us determine the next steps in October.”
The city received 322 suggestions at three in-person meetings and three pop-up events, 259 recommendations via email and website forms and 201 responses to the community sur -
vey. Based on this input, the city has identified the most frequent suggestions received to develop 10 categories of potential uses for further consideration in Phase 2.
Phase 2 will take place beginning mid-August through September and will focus on determining which of the 10categories the community prefers for each of the five lands.
In addition to gathering feedback via email and the updated website form at malibucommunitylands.org/contact-us, the city is hosting another round of in-person events and plans to conduct another community survey.
Upcoming Pop-Up Events:
Friday, Aug. 30, from 6 to 10 p.m. — Malibu Chili CookOff, 23575 Civic Center Way Upcoming Community Meetings:
Thursday, Sept. 5, at 5:30 p.m. — Trancas Land, 6103 Trancas Canyon Road • Tuesday, Sept. 17, at 5:30 p.m. — Chili Cook-Off Land, 23575 Civic Center Way For more information about the project, including maps and details for each community land, and how to participate in Phase 2, please visit MalibuCommunityLands.org and sign up for email updates
at MalibuCity.org/CommunityLandsEnotify.
City of Malibu to host ‘Derek Schimming: An Artist Retrospective’
The City of Malibu Arts Commission invites all of Malibu to the free opening reception of the City’s fall public art exhibition at the Malibu City Gallery, “Derek Schimming: An Artist Retrospective” on Sept. 14.
The exhibition is a tribute to Derek Schimming, a beloved Malibu artist with a deep love for surfing and belief in its healing powers. Schimming passed away unexpectedly in May 2024, and was known to express himself through his paintings. He conveyed his life events, emotions, and important locations, through paint and canvas. Working primarily with oils and acrylics, Schimming’s non-traditional methods and style produced unique and vivid works with layers of detail and depth.
OBITUARIES
APassionate Community Activist and Animal Advocate, Judith Israel, passed away due to complications from surgery at the Mayo Clinic Hospital in Rochester, MN, on Saturday, August 17. Judith was born to Lawrence and Marcia Israel, co-founders of the Judy’s apparel chain, a retail concept based on fashion-forward trends on August 13, 1948. Judy and her sister Jane were raised in the Holmby Hills area of Los Angeles. Growing up, she attended the John Thomas Dye School in Bel Air, the Buckley School in Sherman Oaks, and Finch College in New York City. A lover of the ocean, Judy had been a long-time resident of Malibu, supporting many environmental
organizations, such as Heal the Bay, and social causes, including being an early supporter of the National Farm Workers Association’s Grape Boycott and working with the Los Angeles Catholic Worker. In addition to a multitude of close friends, Judith is survived by her sister Jane and her husband John Siegel of San Francisco, as well as their two children, Jack and Holly, who both live in New York City. Funeral Services were held at the Pierce Brothers Westwood Village Memorial Park and Mortuary, 1218 Glendon Avenue, Los Angeles, CA on Tuesday, August 27 at 11:00 a.m. A sunset walk on the beach from her home in Malibu later that afternoon took place to remember where Judith was most at peace in life.
JUDITH L. ISRAEL 1948-2024
Submission deadline is Monday at noon. Please email submissions to: The Malibu Times c/o Calendar Editor, to editorial@malibutimes.com
Only events with a connection to Malibu will be considered. Calendar events are scheduled in advance and subject to change.
fri aug 30- mon sep 2
MALIBU CHILI COOK-OFF
The annual Malibu Chili CookOff takes place this Labor Day weekend, from Aug. 30 to Sept. 2. The annual festival returns for its 42nd year and brings food, music, carnival rides, and a thrilling chili and skate competition to the
2
LABOR DAY: CITY HALL CLOSED
Special holiday hours for city parks and facilities will be posted in the News & Announcements section of the website homepage the week prior to the holiday.
wed sep 4
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING
The Public Safety Commission meets regularly at 5 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month in the Multipurpose Room at Malibu City Hall.
YOUTH WATER POLO SPLASHBALL PARENT
on Wednesday, Sept. 4, at 6 p.m. at the Malibu Community Pool. Meet the coaches. Visit MalibuCity.org/Aquatics for more information. Registration is required prior to attending the parent meeting and player evaluations. Please register online at MalibuCity.org/Register.
thu sep 12
CALTRANS VIRTUAL WORKSHOP FOR PCH PLAN FEASIBILITY STUDY
All community members are invited to attend virtual workshops to learn about and give input Caltrans’ PCH Master Plan Feasibility Study on Thursday, Sept. 12, from 1 to 3 p.m. Registration and meeting link can be found on the cities
sat sep 14
DEREK SCHIMMING ART EXHIBIT AT MALIBU CITY GALLERY
The Malibu Art Association will hold an art exhibit by the late artist Derek Schimming from Sept. 16 through Oct. 25. The retrospective art exhibition with the Malibu Art Association gallery opening is on Saturday, Sept. 14, at 12 p.m. at the Malibu City Gallery at City Hall. For more information visit malibuartscommission.org.
FLOW YOGA AND MEDIATION WORKSHOP
Learn ways to help release tension and stress, balance energy in the body, and promote a sense of well-being. Instructed by The Mindry. First workshop is on Sept. 14: Flow Yoga and Meditation from 9 to 10:30 a.m.; followed by Reiki Soundbath on Oct. 16 from 4:30 to 6 p.m., and Manifestation Meditation on November 6 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Register online at parksrecreation. ci.malibu.ca.us/default.aspx.
sun sep 15
SIXTH ANNUAL SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS FAIR AT MALIBU CITY HALL
The free event, coordinated by the city and the Community Emergency Response Team, is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 15, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the City Hall parking lot. Information will be provided concerning a broad assortment of public safety and disaster preparedness topics, including PCH safety, traffic safety, bicycle safety, animal safety, homelessness and disaster preparedness. The fair’s highlights include 30-minute public safety training opportunities, emergency preparedness supplies and services
vendors, and wildfire insurance information.
ART SHOW AT LEGACY PARK
Malibu Art Association invites the community out for an Art Show on Sunday, Sept. 15, at Legacy Park. The show will feature many of its artists who work in several mediums, from painting, sculpture, photography, mosaics, and more. The show will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Join us for a lovely day in the park.
tue sep 17
MALIBU LIBRARY SPEAKER SERIES
Dr. Safiya Noble is a 2021 MacArthur Fellow, a recipient of the NAACP-Archewell Digital Civil Rights Award, and author of the highly acclaimed “Algorithms of Oppression: How Search Engines Reinforce Racism.”
Noble’s research focuses on how digital media impacts our lives and intersects with issues of race, gender, culture, and technology. In this talk, she will discuss her book and delve into issues ranging from marginalization and misrepresentation in commercial information platforms like Google Search, to the profound power struggles that violate civil, human, and collective rights through AI and machine learning projects. RSVP required. On Tuesday, Sept. 17, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Malibu Library.
sat sep 21
DISCOVER SCUBA DIVING
If you want to try scuba diving, take the plunge into the PADI® experience at the Malibu Community Pool with highlytrained Malibu Divers PADI® Professionals on Sat, Sept. 21,
and Sept. 28, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Registration is open online at MalibuCity.org/Register. Instructed by the Malibu Divers. Scuba gear is provided
EASTWOOD RANCH GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION
Join Eastwood Ranch on Sat, Sept 21, from 12 to 4 p.m. for their Grand Opening of the long-awaited Eastwood Ranch Rescue & Adoption Center in Agoura Hills. The event will feature tours of the new facility, meet and adopt pets, raffle prizes, goodie bags, and more. The address is 28260 Dorothy Drive, Agoura Hills, CA 91301. For more information, please see eastwoodranch.org
CAFFEINATED VERSE
Hosted by Malibu Poet Laureate Nathan Hassall, Caffeinated Verse is a monthly poetry workshop that includes featured reader Ronald Koertge, followed by an open mic format. The workshops are open to poets of all levels. On Saturday, Sept. 21, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Malibu Library.
sun sep 22
TINY TOT OLYMPIC GAMES
Join the Community Services Department and community class instructors for the 2024 Tiny Tot Olympics! The event for ages 2-6 will take place at on Sunday, Sept. 22, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Malibu Bluffs Park and will feature Olympic Games, an Olympic Village, bounce houses, and an art activity. Sports include basketball, baseball, equestrian, skateboarding, soccer, tennis, track, and more! Preregistration is recommended. Registration is not required for accompanying adults.
The annual Malibu Chili Cook-Off takes place this Labor Day weekend, from Aug. 30 to Sept. 2. For more information and where to buy tickets visit malibuchilicookoff.org. Photo by Samantha Bravo/TMT.
COMMUNITY
Malibu Film Society returns to the Civic Center for tribute to comedy legend
It was a joyous return to Malibu City Hall for the second of three presentations by the Malibu Film Society (MFS) this season. With locals thrilled at the short drive to the Malibu Civic Center instead of trekking to MFS screenings in Agoura or Pacific Palisades, the mood of the crowd was upbeat, especially to see and learn about an American comedy legend and filmmaking innovator, Buster Keaton. Malibu resident David Weddle put together the program, “Buster Keaton: America’s Avant-Garde Auteur” from his large collection of hard-to-come-by Keaton movies. Weddle, a prolific television writer and producer, is a lifelong fan of Keaton, who as a master of physical comedy was nicknamed “The Great Stone Face” for his deadpan expressions while chaos was erupting in his silent films. That
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chaos was created by the comic himself who wrote and directed his early work and, more importantly, used no doubles in his daring and elaborate stunts.
“He could well have been killed”, moderator and MFS Board President Scott Tallal described of an infamous Keaton stunt that has a house frame falling on the actor who unwittingly survives by standing strategically placed at the spot of an open window frame. That caper is just one of many copied by filmmakers of today. Keaton’s work has inspired generations.
That jaw-dropping scene was from Keaton’s last independent film, “Steamboat Bill, Jr.” As Keaton would later tell a second wife, when he filmed that death-defying scene, he didn’t care if he lived or died doing it — he had become despondent over the changing movie business.
“Like most big movie stars in the ’20s he owned his own studio,” explained
the Discovery channel and such, when one was spotted under the Malibu Pier last year. “I followed one from Malibu to Santa Monica recently. Very interesting how many I’ve been seeing lately. Most, if not all, are tagged or logged as far as I know. Last week, surfers got out of the water at Broad Beach because a shark went under their board. And last month, fishermen sent me photos of a white shark cruising under the Malibu Pier.”
Since first opening to the public in 1938, the Malibu Pier has drawn fishermen to enjoy the bounty of the ocean. “A fantastic fishing experience can be had right from the deck of the pier,” The pier’s website (malibupier.com) states. “In summer, the season peaks with halibut, thresher shark, and bat rays while corbina and mackerel are year-round catches.”
The Cal State University Long Beach Shark Lab, founded in 1969, is dedicated to the study of physiological and behavioral ecology of
Weddle. “He produced movies on his own timetable and had complete creative control.”
Weddle said Keaton’s earlier work “all made money.” But in the late ’20s, as sound movies were dominating the business, Wall Street interests pumped money into studios that turned into “movie factories.” Weddle explained that Keaton’s producer, Joseph Schenck, sold the star’s studio out from under him leading to his loss of creative control and that just about crushed the creative genius.
“He was an artist, even though he couldn’t explain it in those terms,” Weddle stated. “Losing control of his films and not being able to personally express himself through his movies and just to make a factory product was emotionally devastating to him. It did in fact ruin him for quite a few years.”
While presenting clips from Keaton films featuring outrageous stunts and
sight gags, Weddle said action superstar Jackie Chan credits Keaton as an inspiration for his comic timing and innovative stunt work typically performed by himself.
“Keaton was an artist down to every strand of his DNA, but he refused to ever accept that definition,” commented Weddle who then reiterated a Keaton line, “No man can be a genius in slap shoes and a flat hat.”
In describing Keaton’s films as “comic nightmares,” Weddle observed their inspiration to surrealist filmmakers and artists such as Luis Buñuel, Salvadore Dali, and Federico Garcia Lorca. “They all loved Keaton,” and saw him as more than a slapstick clown, said Weddle.
Tallal agreed, saying, “This is stuff we have seen in films and from actors for the last 100 years.” Keaton is “still being emulated, still influencing filmmakers all over the world to this day,” he continued.
And according to Weddle, “Keaton was
sharks, rays, and other economically important gamefish in Southern California. Its mission is to improve conservation of sharks, according to its website. The lab monitors shark activity with listening stations near Malibu, trying to spot the sharks using acoustic tags and spot tags.
Scientists at the lab note it is wise to be aware of the possibility of seeing or encountering a shark when in the ocean. What a viewer should do includes assessing what the shark is doing, keep your eyes on it and slowly move away. Then, tell lifeguards. If you drop in on a shark, try to avoid direct contact, stay on the board and keep moving. If a shark approaches you, stay calm and keep your eyes on it and slowly move towards the beach. What a viewer should not do is chase or attempt to rescue a stranded shark.
The most common sharks are juvenile white sharks, like the one spotted at the Malibu Pier last week. Drone studies by Gauna, an advocate of ongoing studies of what is going on with our Southern California white shark population, and others document that it is evident through aerial observations that humans cannot see sharks at water level in most cases.
“It may likely be that the only thing that has changed through the years is our ability to see them from the air and more effective tagging/tracking methods by scientists — sharks can be scary, but nothing is scarier than an ocean devoid of sharks!” Gauna recently told Surfer.com. “If there are no sharks in the ocean, it’s very likely humans aren’t going to be around either.”
If the fisherman on the pier who had the close encounter with a shark last year is any indication, perhaps one would have more luck taking a photo of a shark, as opposed to trying to snag it on a line. Otherwise, he might be relegated to having to tell people about “the one that got away!”
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a great technical innovator as well as a great artist. He drove a lot of visual effects in the ’20s that broke open the camera and showed the rest of Hollywood what could be done with visual effects and the magic of movies.”
Frequent MFS attendee Michael Intriere, a Malibu resident, said he appreciated the event being in Malibu, although he was getting used to watching on the city’s smaller screen than a typical movie theater.
“I’ve always felt that he was really a genius,” Intriere said of Keaton. “It’s taken forever, but he’s finally getting the credit he’s due because when you look back at the old silents, his are just so brilliant. The guy was a genius.”
The response from attendees especially locals “has been terrific,” said Tallal of the three Malibu screenings this season. Check mfsreservations.org for more information, membership, schedules, and tickets.
“Derek Schimming’s art was a reflection of his vibrant spirit and profound connection to Malibu,” Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart commented. “His works captured the unique essence of our community. As we gather to celebrate Derek’s life and artistic legacy, we remember not only his incredible talent but also his dedication to enriching our town. His influence on Malibu’s artistic landscape will continue to inspire us all.”
Fifteen of Schimming’s large abstract expressionist works will be on display along with various artworks from members of the Malibu Art Association, where Schimming was an active board member.
“Derek Schimming: An Artist Retrospective” will be on display from Sept. 16 through Oct. 25.
The community is invited to join the free opening reception on Saturday, Sept. 14, from 12 to 2 p.m. at City Hall to celebrate Schimming and his work. City Hall is located at 23825 Stuart Ranch Road. Enjoy complimentary refreshments and live music by the Martini Kings. RSVPs are not required.
Arts Commission Chair Fireball Tim Lawrence spoke about Schimming’s commitment to Malibu: “Derek Schimming was a shining example of the very essence of Malibu, not only with his art and love of people, but in his ever-present, helping gestures that served the community and its residents and children, and the betterment of the town we cherish. He will be greatly missed.”
The Malibu City Gallery is on the lower level of Malibu City Hall (23825 Stuart Ranch Road) and is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission to the gallery is free. Tickets and RSVPs are not required. For more information, visit MalibuArtsCommission.org/ MalibuFallExhibit.
Fall Recreation Guide and City Newsletter mailed, also available online Residents can find information for upcoming Fall programs offered September through November including Afterschool Programs in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu, Bird Watching and Nature Journaling at Legacy Park, Complimentary Wellness Workshops with The Mindry, Discover Scuba, Parent and Me Programs, Poetry Workshops, Senior Programs and Water Polo. The Recreation Guide also includes information for upcoming special events including the film screening of “My Ascension” in partnership with the Malibu Library Speaker Series, Senior Resource Fair, Tiny Tot Olympics and Halloween Bu Bash Carnival.
The City’s Fall 2024 Recreation Guide and City Newsletter is available online at MalibuCity.org/CommunityServices and was mailed to Malibu residents the week of Aug. 12. The guide features the city’s many excellent programs and parks and includes informative articles and contact information for city departments and services.
(Left photo) The Malibu Film Society hosted a tribute presentation of Buster Keaton at the Malibu Civic Center. Photo by Judy Abel (Right photo) MFS Board President Scott Tallal and television writer and producer David Weddle host the presentation “Buster Keaton: America’s
Avant-Garde Auteur” at the Malibu Civic Center. Weddle put together the program and shared scenes from his personal collection of Keaton’s films. Photo by Judy Abel
By JUDY ABEL
Special to The Malibu Times
Car insurance rates projected to escalate meteorically
COVID rate freeze has been a factor in making California one of the most expensive states for insurance
By BARBARA BURKE Special to The Malibu Times
Many readers have likely noticed a significant increase in their car insurance premiums in the last year. According to finance company Bankrate, when compared to last year, Los Angeles area drivers are paying 26 percent more for premiums.
On Aug. 15, Insurify, a leading insurance tracking company, released a study projecting that auto insurance rates in California will increase yet more, up as much as 54 percent compared to what they were just last year. The study states that the average annual cost for full coverage on a car was $1,666 in June 2023, compared to $2,417 in June 2024, and will increase to a projected $2,681 for December 2024. Nationwide, premiums have increased by an average of 28 percent, rendering California one of the most expensive states for car insurance, partly because the state imposed a freeze on insurance rates during the COVID
lockdown, leading to insurers incurring record underwriting losses estimated at $33.1 billion in 2022. Only drivers in two states will face higher premium increases. In Minnesota, premiums will increase by 61 percent and Missouri drivers will face a 55 percent premium increase, according to Insurify’s projections.
Insurify’s study analyzed two-year median costs for drivers between 20 and 70 with clean driving records on policies with comprehensive and collision coverage with deductibles of $1,000.
“Some insurers are requesting double-digit rate hikes [from regulators] while they struggle to return to profit -
ability, while others are exiting the state entirely,” the report stated.
Insurify also attributes the high premium increases to a combination of inflation, traffic volume, increased accidents and crimes, and also to an unprecedented climate catastrophe that drives weather-related claims in states that historically haven’t experienced much of that type of damage. Insurify emphasized that insurers have experienced an increase in losses caused by the rising costs of repairing vehicles or replacing them.
Malibu’s Bart Baker, a longtime insurance broker and Farmers Insurance representative, opined about the projected
“My understanding is Nobu grosses $600,000 to $700,00 at that event and we fine them $1,700. Not only that, this is the second year in a row. The city’s enforcement efforts have proven to be absolutely useless.”
dangerous drug, alcohol there. It was an event to push alcohol. They’re drug pushers and they got a $100 plus a $1,600 charge. That is dead wrong everywhere in the world.”
Chris Frost, the chair of the Malibu Public Safety Commission, has been vocal in his opposition to Nobu’s rented-out July 4 parties, which last year caused the mother of all traffic jams that would have hindered emergency vehicle usage.
“I think it’s way too low,” Frost said of the latest fine. “With the scope of Nobu’s business, I’m not sure how high your fine would have to be to really get their attention. When you’re selling tables from $10,000 to $75,000, these fines are chump change. It is too low, but I think more than that, the city has to start exploring what they’re going to do on their CUP [Conditional Use Permit].
“They [Nobu] have violated it every year I can remember in some way, shape, or form. I think that’s where the teeth are going to have to come from. They violated not only their CUP but they also refused to get the permit or agree to the conditions on the permit, so they just didn’t sign the permit. It’s obvious they thought that would get them around the whole deal. That they just get a slap on the hand, a $1,700 fine is a slap on the hand, so [the City Council] have to look at the CUP and go somewhere with that. They have to make a very direct and solid decision on this. We can’t go another year and have this happen over and over again.”
Former Mayor Steve Uhring called the latest fine “feckless,” adding,
cool is very uncharacteristic. I was frustrated on several levels with the process that has gotten us where we are with the Housing Element and with the process of that meeting as well.”
Residents attending the council meeting echoed Grisanti’s sentiments, criticizing the lack of decorum and respect displayed during the Planning Commission’s proceedings. One resident described the situation as “embarrassing” and “deplorable,” citing a significant lack of respect among participants and toward the city attorney. “Some people, including the city attorney for the Planning Commission, were treated with such disrespect at the last hearing; it was really deplorable,” the speaker said.
The concerns raised by the residents and Hill prompted Councilmember Maryann Riggins to address the issue directly. “I was actually at the Planning Commission meeting in person, and Kraig, you should not have been treated the way you were treated; no one deserves that,” Riggins said. She emphasized the need for the Planning Commission to adhere to its adopted decorum rules and encouraged all council members to work with their appointees to ensure respect and proper process. “It’s the example we all need to be setting,” she added.
As the meeting progressed, Councilmember Steve Uhring shared his frustrations regarding the recent Nobu Restaurant fines, particularly the lack of communication between city officials. “My concern is I got a call in the middle of the week from The Malibu Times asking me what I thought about the fine, and I had no idea what it was; they knew more about what was going on than I did… and there is something wrong with that,” Uhring said, highlighting
A year ago, Uhring and fellow Councilmember Bruce Silverstein proposed “beefing” up enforcement.
“We said, look, we’ll form an ad hoc committee and go through all of the different fines that the city has and try to provide suggestions for adjusting the fines to make them more commensurate with the crime,” Uhring said. “We said we would go out, talk to the residents, do all the work to get that done. We were voted down. Marianne Riggins, Paul Grisanti, and Doug Stewart said, ‘No, we’re going to send it to ZORACES (Zoning Ordinance Revisions and Code Enforcement).’
“At that time, we had just finished a meeting with the city manager planning for the upcoming year. We identified 20 items we’d work on and the city manager told us that outside of those 20 items, the city was not going to address anything. So, the ZORACES committee was dead before it got started. It’s been a year. No ZORACES meeting, no change to the fines, and this is what we get.”
The city appears reluctant to inform residents and even councilmembers on what fines were imposed. Last year it took two public records act requests to secure accurate information on the total fines and fees assessed, which added up to $1,821 including the fee for an after-the-fact permit.
Responding to a question posed about PRA requests, Uhring noted that “it consumes other work for the city because people have to produce the records, they have to do a search. We’ve made this whole process much more complex than it has to be in every which way.
a gap in information flow.
In addition to these discussions, the meeting featured several updates and approvals. Sgt. Chris Soderlund provided an update on the incident that closed Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) for several hours the previous week. He also took the opportunity to thank The Malibu Times for covering the Stoker family’s barbecue event for the Malibu Beach Team on Aug. 16. This community-focused gesture, which was highlighted in last week’s newspaper, was a bright spot in the meeting.
Another key agenda item was a presentation by Malibu City Community Services Director Kristin Riesgo on the White Heart Foundation. This nonprofit organization has been instrumental in supporting wounded veterans and their families through various programs and events. Since 2014, the foundation has organized the annual Ride to the Flags event, which sees motorcyclists riding from Ventura County along PCH to Pepperdine University, culminating in a fundraising celebration at Malibu Bluffs Park.
Mayor Doug Stewart expressed his concerns about the financial transparency of the organization, stating, “I looked into their financials… I went a little further and pulled their tax forms, the Form 990, which is public information, and I was more than concerned. Last year, they raised $295,000, and the prior year, they raised $325,000, but their grants to beneficiaries were only $1,000 in 2021 and $23,500 in 2022. That’s less than 7 percent of the money they raised, while $85,000 goes to salaries and officers. This is the first time they’ve asked for a waiver, and I’m not in favor of this.”
Councilmember Bruce Silverstein responded by acknowledging the Mayor’s concerns but added, “I don’t know the details of that, but it doesn’t state here that their purpose is solely to raise money to contribute to the cause. It says they coordinate programs and events
premium increases.
“Both home and auto insurance have increased a lot,” Baker said. “I believe it will continue. The increases are due to the cost of repairs which has increased with inflation and to attorneys litigating.”
With increased insurance premiums, more drivers will possibly become uninsured, which may also increase premiums, industry commentators have noted.
“We can bring down car insurance rates by increasing the deductible,” Baker noted, adding, “It’s wise for drivers to check how many miles they’re being rated for — if it’s more than you expect to drive in the next 12 months, have it reduced.”
“The process of getting small permits to change your water heater. They make them go through nine miles of barbed wire and broken glass to do that,” Uhring continued. “If you want to get information, that should be available to the public ... The city is trying to prevent things happening which are going to negligibly impact the residents and the fact that the city won’t tell us that and I understand why they don’t tell us that is because they’re embarrassed. I mean, 1,700 bucks is nothing.”
The Malibu Times has repeatedly reached out to Nobu for comment, but has yet to receive a response.
to help support wounded veterans and their families, which I imagine involves work done by members of the organization. I don’t think we know enough to be definitively negative or positive in that respect.”
Ryan Sawtelle, founder of the White Heart Foundation, offered further clarification, explaining, “The way we have to file a 990 form is usually not very telling of how a nonprofit operates. When you see $20,000 or so given to individuals, that’s not a program; it’s individual assistance that was needed for specific circumstances back in 2022, which I believe is the last 990 we have on file. For example, we had to retrofit a veteran’s home in Houston for wheelchair access— that’s a non-program grant. Another grant should be for the Guardian Project, which should be pretty high as well. When we report this to the government, travel expenses might show up to $20,000 because we fly veterans from all over the country into the Mountain West for mental health programs. It’s not like we’re traveling for leisure. Also, when you see that the cost of the Ride to the Flags event is $120,000, that’s the sticker price for in-kind donations.”
Sawtelle further explained that the organization has shifted its focus to mental health, now providing support not only to veterans but also to first responders, including those still recovering from 9/11. A key component of their work now involves eco-therapy as part of their healing approach.
Mayor Stewart thanked Sawtelle for providing this background on the organization and acknowledged that he stood corrected. The council unanimously approved a fee waiver for the White Heart Foundation’s use of Malibu Bluffs Park for the upcoming Ride to the Flags event, scheduled for Sept. 8, with setup on Sept. 7. Although the waiver results in a loss of $5,116 in revenue for the city for the fiscal year 2024-25, the council agreed that the cause was worthy of support.
After a brief recess, the council reconvened to address and ultimately approve the appeal of Planning Commission Resolution No. 24-009 concerning Coastal Development Permit No. 20-068, Site Plan Review No. 21-009, and Demolition Permit No. 20028. Senior Planner Tyler Eaton provided an overview of the project, which involves demolishing an existing single-family residence and constructing a new one, along with a second unit and additional development at 6734 Zumirez Drive. The owner and appellant, IBN Properties, LLC, had requested approval for the project, which the council granted after a lengthy discussion with a vote of 3-2, with Council members Silverstein and Uhring voting against it.
The final major item on the agenda was the decision to refer Nobu Restaurant’s Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to the Planning Commission, reflecting the ongoing scrutiny of the high-profile establishment. Joseph Smith, a contract planner with the city of Malibu, provided an overview and recommended that the Planning Commission set hearings to address potential modifications to the CUP due to alleged nuisances, as well as to consider possible revocation based on alleged violations of the permit’s conditions. He also advised the commission to receive and file the report and to request that Nobu finalize its CUP amendment application, with city staff ensuring timely processing.
Benjamin Resnick, the attorney representing Nobu, spoke on behalf of the restaurant, emphasizing that they have been working closely with the city for an extended period to address these issues. The discussion was extensive, with council members engaging in a detailed back-and-forth with Resnick to clarify the situation and the next steps. Look for a full report in next weeks paper.
The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Sept. 9.
A sign publicizes the “Red, White, and Bootsy” party scheduled at the Malibu restaurant Nobu on July 4. Screenshot from social media
“The suspect became uncooperative when they asked him to step outside of the van and he armed himself with a fire extinguisher and proceeded to spray one of the deputies in the face with the fire extinguisher,” Soderlund said. “The deputies retreated and requested backup, and the suspect barricaded himself inside the van.”
Throughout the night, Soderlund said the deputies tried to use verbal commands, less lethal munition, and chemical agents to force the suspect from the van and arrest him.
“The suspect resisted all those efforts and armed himself with a broken bottle, and at that point, our Special Enforcement Bureau, which is our SWAT team, was called and they responded to the scene,” Soderlund said. “They have access to stronger chemical agents which they used and were successful.”
“I know PCH was closed all morning and it was a major headache for the motorists, but the safety of the public and deputies was number one, so we had to close PCH,” Soderlund said.
The same day, deputies responded to a 9-1-1 call of a white SUV with a gun at Pepperdine University.
Soderlund said deputies immediately responded to the Pepperdine campus and met with university officials and the Department of Public Safety.
“A group of Pepperdine students were at Cross Creek and Civic Center Way when they noticed this white SUV with the rifle and they followed it and that SUV happened to be driving to the Pepperdine campus, where these students were also heading, so kudos to the students who called 9-1-1 and reported it to us and they also called the Public Safety Department, once they got to the guard gate,” Soderlund said.
Soderlund said they immediately responded, and a search on campus was made. The two suspects in the vehicle were arrested.
“Fortunately, the rifle ended up being a BB Gun,” he said. “Just another example of ‘if you see something, say something,’ so kudos to those students for seeing that and saying something.”
LOCAL NEWS
The department administers housing elements laws enacted in 1969, which mandate that all local governments — local and county — adopt housing plans as part of their general plan.
Such a plan serves as local governments’ blueprint for how the city and/or county will grow and develop. Housing plans must address eight elements: land use, transportation, conservation, noise, open space, safety, environmental justice, and housing.
Over the years, some have wondered whether affordable housing could be built at the old Topanga Ranch hotel. According to John Ota, an environmental scientist with California State Parks and a member of the team overseeing the Topanga Lagoon restoration project, that is a hard no. Ota states that the project is in the design phase and what ever number of small rooms at the hotel are renovated, they will either most likely be allocated to providing affordable short term accommodations for visitors or will be utilized as interpretive centers explaining the history of the lagoon, including the indigenous peoples who once inhabited that area as well as possibly the geological history of the area.
Is a transition to a charter city an ace in the hole for those who do not want affordable housing in Malibu?
The city of Malibu is a general law city and operates under a council-manager form of government and has to govern itself under rules set by the state legislature.
Whereas a charter city, to which the state constitution grants autonomy over “municipal affairs,” has its own charter document that defines its governing system. A charter establishes the rules for operating the city, including the duties of the City Council and the city manager. Charter cities can choose different governance systems, such as “strong mayor” or “city manager forms.” The state
constitution does not specify what constitutes “municipal affairs,” so the extent of charter cities’ political autonomy is decided by courts on an ad hoc basis.
In light of a recent Superior Court ruling, some general law cities are exploring transitioning to a charter city to avail themselves of a trial court judge’s recent ruling that SB 9, which allows for administrative approval of lot splitting to build up to two duplexes on a single lot, cannot be forced upon charter cities.
In June, Judge Curtis Kin of Los Angeles Superior Court entered judgment for five petitioner California charter cities striking down SB 9 as unconstitutional.
SB 9 specifically states that affordable housing access is of statewide concern and that the bill’s stated intent is to ensure there is affordable housing in all cities. The provision allows for parcels that typically accommodate only single-family homes to be subdivided in ways that allow for duplexes and fourplexes and that applications to do so must be expeditiously administratively approved regardless of zoning.
Passed in 2021, SB 9 was supposed to boost housing availability across the state by expediting the construction of housing in single-family neighborhoods. More than 240 cities opposed the bill when lawmakers sent it to Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2021, arguing the law violated the foundational principle that land use planning and zoning are local matters.
The five Los Angeles County charter cities in the case (Case#22STCP01143) are City of Carson, City of Redondo Beach, City of Torrance, City of Whittier, and City of Del Mar. Judge Kin’s judgment clearly states that “Senate Bill 9, as codified in Government Code Sections 65853.21, 66411.7, and 66452.6 is unconstitutional.”
The gravamen of the charter cities’ suit seeking a writ of mandamus directing California Attorney General Rob Bonta and the state to cease implementation and enforcement of SB 9. The
raison d’ etre of the suit was to ensure that the state respects important constitutional values of separation of powers between the state and charter cities before enacting laws that limit charter cities’ constitutionally granted local governance control.
The five charter cities invoked the home rule doctrine in the California Constitution, which gives charter cities control over municipal affairs.
Judge Kin specifically held, “this is not a case about whether our Legislature can enact legislation to ensure access to affordable housing or whether it may act to address the different concerns of a statewide shortage in housing more generally. The courts of our state have held both to be valid statewide concerns for which our Legislature possesses authority to address.”
Courts have previously held that the state cannot override charter cities’ home rule authority except to address a matter of statewide concern — and only if the relevant state law is “reasonably related” to the resolution of that concern and is “narrowly tailored” to avoid unnecessary interference with local governance. In their lawsuit, the cities asserted that SB 9 is neither reasonably related to furthering affordable housing nor narrowly tailored to avoid unnecessarily interfering with local governance over land use planning and zoning.
“By removing any local control over single-family residential zoning,” the state has usurped “the ability of the cities to best plan for their residents and respond to local environmental, geographic, and community concerns,” the cities asserted, noting that the bill would have effectively ended family zoning without creating more affordable housing. One vagueness in the law centers on the undefined term “affordable housing.” The phrase could refer to cheap housing or to housing that is reserved for people making below a certain income with regulated rents or prices, known as “deed restricted affordable housing.”
Judge Kin ruled that SB 9 term “affordable” is in the deed-restricted sense. The law, he determined, did not actually ensure access to affordable housing. The law did not “require, promote or incentivize” that housing
units built on divided single-family lots actually be classified as affordable, he ruled. Elaborating, the judge stated that allowing homeowners to split their houses into duplexes “has, at best, an attenuated connection to affordable housing,” and thusthe law wasn’t drafted narrowly enough to advance its stated goals and does not have the power to trample on the rights of charter cities.
The court elaborated, ruling, “the broad requirement of ministerial approval of duplexes and urban lot splits does not contain any connection to affordable housing,” and that SB 9 is “unconstitutional and violative of the ‘home rule’ doctrine.”
Indeed, a year after SB 9 took effect, a UC Berkeley Terner Center report determined that the impact of the law had been “limited,” resulting in precious little new housing, partly because of local governments trying to obstruct the building of duplexes by delaying approvals or imposing costly unfeasible work, design, and setback requirements.
The Bonta filed a notice of appeal seeking to reverse the judgment. The appeal is pending.
Against that background, some general plan cities, part of the California Alliance of Local Electeds, are exploring changing their municipal entities to charter cities to have more flexibility concerning California’s housing laws. Pleasanton, Brentwood, and Silicon Valley suburb Atherton are taking steps toward adopting a charter city.
Becoming a charter city — as 120 of California’s 482 cities have done since California became a state — requires local voter control. Before presenting the proposal to voters, city officials have to write a charter, a detailed governing document that controls how local elections will be conducted and how municipal debt will be managed as well as to acquire greater flexibility over contracting and purchasing and local taxation. The three cities’ proposal won’t be presented to voters until at least 2026.
To date, neither Malibu city officials nor the council have formally stated that they intend to explore the city transitioning to a charter city.
EAGAN LAW
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Special Enforcement Bureau (SEB) personnel respond to assist Malibu Lost Hill’s Station with a barricaded assault with a deadly weapon suspect in his vehicle. Photos by Samantha Bravo/TMT.
After one-year hiatus, Reggae on the Mountain comes back with show at Topanga Community Center
By BENJAMIN HANSON Special to
Traffic was stopped deep in the mountains of Topanga. The confused look of drivers slowly turned into acceptance as the sounds of booming bass lines faded in while passing a giant painted Reggae on the Mountain sign on the corner of Cheney Drive and State Route 27.
After a one-year hiatus, the annual festival took place at the Topanga Community Center after the 2022 edition was held at Live Oak Camp in Santa Barbara and the 2019 festival was held at King Gillette Ranch.
Label 27’s 12th edition of Reggae on the Mountain was in full swing and infectious good vibes were spread throughout the crowd of a few thousand.
Label 27 Co-Owners Brooks Ellis and Amit Gilad said they were thrilled to celebrate this year’s independent roots reggae music festival.
“What’s so great about Los Angeles and Southern California is the incredible fusion of Latin music and reggae emerging from the area,” Ellis and Gilad said in a press release.
Reggae artists Steel Pulse, Don Carlos, Marlon Asher, Quinto Sol, and Empress Akua played the bigger Mountain Stage, while bands Kat Hall, Neighborhood Orchestra, Mestizo Beat, Irie Nature, and Jah Faith rounded out the lineup on the smaller Hilltop Stage.
Social Worker Rebekah Pauly lives in Topanga and attended with family traveling from Orange County. They saw Reggae on the Mountain as a way to remember her
MALIBU’S
Malibu Life
Returning reggae festival rocks Topanga Local woman reveals the backstories of overlooked topics in podcast ‘Be
brother who passed away 13 years ago.
“Our brother was a huge reggae fan,” Pauly said. “His birthday is coming up and we decided to come here.”
General admission was $99 and the VIP package was $250. People who paid for the VIP experience got exclusive access to the
front of the main stage, a cocktail lounge, private restrooms, and a gift bag.
Festival goers of all ages spent the day enjoying games, drinks, and the sounds of reggae music.
There were many vendors and food options to keep attendees occupied during
breaks between sets.
People could buy clothes, halos, hats, jewelry, shirts, blankets, and so much more to commemorate the day.
99 High Tide, a Malibu weed dispensary, gave out lighters and sold marijuana to festival goers.
By JUDY ABEL Special to The Malibu Times
“This podcast is for anybody and everybody,”said Louise Houghton, a local environmentalist, about her podcast “Be Curious.”
The thought-provoking series dedicated to exploring the vast spectrum of human curiosity gives a platform to inquisitive minds delving into a wide range of topics, from science, ecology, technology and beyond. Each episode invites experts, thinkers, and enthusiasts to discuss ideas and discoveries that inspire curiosity and wonder.
“A lot of people in Malibu and California are environmentally conscious, and working sustainably, especially with smaller organizations, to reduce, reuse, and recycle,” commented Houghton. “The object of the podcast is really to champion solutions to some of the world’s biggest challenges.”
Topics may include carbon emissions, the crisis of clothing waste, farming, and packaging.
“We feature different thought leaders, entrepreneurs, scientists, and business people who are taking action to help create a brighter, more sustainable tomorrow,” Houghton added.
In Episode 6, Amber Sparks, co-founder
of the marine conservation nonprofit Blue Latitudes Foundation speaks about the innovative program Rigs to Reef that takes old oil rigs off the coast of California and turns them into artificial reefs for sea life.
One of the most recent episodes of “Be Curious” covers packaging “which is very interesting because 50 percent of our plastic waste actually comes from packaging,”
Houghton said. “There’s a company called Atlantic Packaging, an 80-year-old company, that’s talking about alternative materials that can mimic packing using seaweed, for example, to mimic plastic. It works in the same way. We talk about paper, recycling paper, and how important it is to use our
Forever Stoked Art Collective’s booth shared locally crafted artwork and displayed paintings, greeting cards, and prints for sale. Co-founder Charlie Clingman said Forever Stoked participated in the festival to meet people in Topanga, appreciate reggae music,
The Malibu Times
Photo Courtesy of Louise Houghton
Marlon Asher performs during the Reggae on the Mountain music festival in Topanga on Aug. 17. Photo by Benjamin Hanson
PEOPLE
Coder, baker, healthy-snack maker
By Benjamin Marcus, Entertainment Editor
From AI to Airamisu,
ASaturday evening at the bar at Zinqué. The place still adrenalized and buzzing from Steph Curry nailing three-pointers to help Team USA “Battez les Francais” and win gold. At the bar, two young women engaged in deep conversation: Clothes? Boys? Bitcoin? Politics? Hair? Makeup?
No! Computers! Tech!
One of the young women was Alison Bunce, a stay-at-home coder for Amazon whose side hustle is making scrumdiddlyumptious baked goods under the handle Bunce Bakes. Healthy, wholesome, tasty snacks available for retail, weddings, IPOs, Festivus, Bar Mitzvahs. What you want?
For more info: www.buncebakes. com
You told me your mom’s going to read this. Shoutout now or later?
Let’s see how this goes first.
Let’s clear the gorilla from the room. Is Bunce pronounced like “dunce,” or “bunch-ee?” Kinda how Brazilians pronounce Giselle Bundchen’s name “Beench-ee.”
Bunce sounds similar to “bunt cake” but “-ce”.
Can you in 50 words or less describe the arc that landed you on the beach in Malibu, you lucky gal?
I couldn’t get it in 50 words but I tried — I’m a lot of things. Born in Oceanside, CA, grew up in Irvine, CA.
Two of my least-favorite places! Well done! Continue …
I broke my elbow skateboarding; two surgeries later developed multiple adult onset food allergies and intolerances (this is why my bakery is allergen friendly). A few months later, moved to NYC, then graduated from FIT (State University of NY, Fashion Institute of Technology).
I have a friend who went to FIT. Visited him in 1982 when NYC was breakdancing and New Waving. Come to think of it, FIT is a good name for a clothing design school. Doh!
Working in fashion didn’t feel right, so I risked my savings and took a three-month web design bootcamp. I loved it and pivoted my career to web design (note:
this took a while). While working as a web designer full time, I taught web design classes at General Assembly (passing the torch).
After four years of this, it didn’t feel right again. I moved back to CA, and changed my career to data science, but I realized how much I missed the full funnel experience of building software applications. I pivoted back to design, I designed software for Starbucks, then for Meta for a couple years, and now for Amazon.
You design for Alexa?
When you request Alexa for information, for instance, “Alexa show me a recipe using salmon and spinach,” how might Alexa respond? If you’re asking Alexa via a screen device (like a phone), what buttons might you see? My job is to design the screens and flows (steps you take) to best answer those questions with my colleagues.
You work from home so I imagine you scurrying around your kitchen in a smock and ordering Alexa to do your work while you bake fine baked goods?
Ha! I wish. Bunce Bakes cushions my time around my 9-to-5.
Once my tech job is done for the day — if I’m not running off to an event — I’m baking, cleaning, emailing customers, preparing packaging, managing business finances, doing inventory audits — I have very full days.
Second Boomer question: is it true blondes have more fun?
(Ask Alexa the 1960s origins of that)
Ha! I was born blonde and 33 years later, still am. Can’t describe how my life might be different in a darker hair shade.
I also read that you practice lip-synching while doing your baking. Which songs do you lipsynch to?
Lip-synching helps me bake at midnight. I go through phases. Currently, I’m groovin’ to The Mamas & The Papas, ABBA, Laura Branigan, Cher, Gloria Gaynor, and John Denver.
OK, Boomer taste in music. I praise you.
If you heard my vocals, you’d run for the hills.
So you have a corporate job and are part of a very large machine and then you create baked goods
and are your own person and have complete creative freedom. Is that the yin/yang of it?
Correct. Two very different jobs and mindsets. I enjoy the contrast. Both pull and challenge me to think in different ways.
Please reveal as many secrets as you dare about these baked goods you create and how you create them.
Only if you sign my NDA… Is baking something else you learned at FIT? Computer science and home economics (Another ‘50s/’60s reference you might not get).
Baking was always a hobby, beginning with my Easy Bake Oven.
Wow, another Boomer reference. Do Easy Bake Ovens still exist?
I googled it, and they do.
Okay, instead of Boomer jokes, I’m looking at your website and I see wonderful things: Chocolate-chip cookie muffin. Lemon poppyseed mini-muffin. Maple sea salt cookie-muffins?
Bunce Bakes specializes in cookie-muffins (looks like a cookie, but with the texture of a muffin) and mini-muffins. All of our products are made with ingredients like maple syrup instead of sugar, coconut oil instead of butter, and unrefined coconut flour instead of white bleached flour.
Your website states: “My attention to clean ingredients grew after being diagnosed with adult-onset food allergies and intolerances at 21.” Can you say what foods you were allergic to and what effect they had?
Absolutely. As a consumer with food allergies, I’m always looking for clean products that won’t make me sick. The majority of gluten-free, dairy-free prepared foods are made using nuts, almonds specifically. I can’t eat nuts, nor can 6 million other people in the U.S. I’m picky and I like options, so I made one.
And you seem to use coconuts as a base which is very smart. I’m going to paraphrase Gordon Gekko here: “Coconuts, for lack of a better word, are a good thing. Coconuts work.”
I could still make my gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, nutfree, organic claims without the quality of ingredients I’m using.
August stands alone
By Burt Ross, Contributed Column
I’ve been thinking, which can be a stretch for me. I can’t think of a single holiday we Americans celebrate in August. Now, you might think there is nothing exceptional about that, but think again. We have something to celebrate in all the other 11 months of the year. Just think about it for a moment. We celebrate the New Year and Dr. King’s Birthday in January; we remember Abe Lincoln and George Washington in February; we observe Good Friday and Easter pretty much by alternating between March and April; we honor our fallen soldiers in May; we have added the holiday of Juneteenth which naturally falls in June; we cheer our Day of Independence in July; we honor labor in September; pay homage to Columbus and Native Americans in October; honor our veterans and give thanks in November; and, of course, enjoy Christmas in December, but we celebrate absolutely nothing in August.
Now, before we feel sorry for August, let’s consider this. The fact is, for many of us, the entire month of August is simply one big holiday. Kids
are off from school, and many parents take their vacation time in August. If you think I am exaggerating, just go to a national park like Yellowstone in August and see how long the car lines are every time an animal is spotted. And yet, shouldn’t August be treated like every other month? I leave it to you, my loyal reader, to come up with an appropriate holiday for us to celebrate in August, but here are a couple of ideas.
Grandparents Day currently falls on Sept. 8. I see no reason this holiday can’t simply be moved back a couple of weeks into August. I don’t know why grandparents would be upset by this change, and let’s face it, it’s a lot easier for grandparents to see their grandchildren in August than in September when school is back in session.
Women gained the right to vote in this country on Aug. 18, 1920, and most of us would think this is something well worth celebrating. Apropos of nothing, Switzerland waited until 1971 to give women the right to vote. How do I know, might you ask? I happened to be touring Switzerland in 1971.
If you don’t think grandparents or women are worthy of celebrating, and I most certainly do, then please come up with your own idea, but let’s not leave August to stand alone.
To me, every ingredient matters. I take it to the nth degree. I re search every company I buy in ventory from, and am proud to say that the ingredients I use are also Fair Trade Certified. I be lieve that the ingredients affect the taste and quality.
At this point, Alison produces some of her healthy snacks: A carefully wrapped tray of cookie-muffins and something she describes as “gluten, dairy, soy, and nut free tiramisu using my maple sea salt cookies muffins.” Eager hands sample all of it, and there are nods all around.
Wow, that’s healthy and tasty! Here’s your slogan: “Eat Fresh!!” Um, I think that’s been taken.
Let’s ask Alexa something tricky: “What would you call tiramisu made without gluten, dairy, soy, and nuts using maple sea salt cookie muffins?” Did you get an answer?
Airamisu.
Oh geez. Alexa said that?
Please don’t be cross with her. She works hard. Think about her workload.
I’ll also note that as an eco-friendly company, my packaging is either compostable or
How are you hoping to expand your business — other than being interviewed in The Malibu Times?
I sell primarily online (buncebakes.com) and am slowly expanding my distribution with local LA healthy stores and restaurants. Once the brand has secured enough distribution partnerships, I’ll move production outside of my home and into a commercial setting.
In what directions are you going to expand your product line?
I use the polling feature on my company’s Instagram (@buncebakes) to ask customers directly what they want to see next.
T hat’s data mining isn’t it? Clever coder. I don’t want to sound like a smart aleck but have you considered selling on Amazon?
Yes, but I’m not there yet.
How far in advance do I have to order?
Online orders are typically ful -
Another “Be Curious” episode focuses on the trending topic of electric car charging and electric mobility and “solving the infrastructure problem” and range anxiety, “the problem of not being able to charge,” according to Houghton. She described what she called an “Airbnb” of charging stations “where you could drive up to San Francisco, look on a map and say, ‘oh, there’s a house that’s got a charger’ and rent that charger and charge at someone’s house without having to go to a gas station or a Tesla center in order to charge your car.”
An interesting company discussed on another episode is Tainr, a company that touts “plastic-free shopping made easy.” The innovative company, Houghton says, “solves an in-store packaging problem where they are bringing back the bulk aisle in grocery stores, but in a much more sustainable, electronic,and technical way.”
Instead of a regular bulk aisle with scoops that are handled by random customers, this new company lets customers electronically punch in the weight of the bulk item they want to buy and then a machine dispenses the items in home containers. Even if you already have items in a container “you can just top off your container of rice or nuts or whatever and it will calculate the weight of whatever you added,” Houghton said. “This is a really great initiative they’ve introduced.” There is word the company may be coming soon to a giant grocery chain in the U.S. “That will be appearing hopefully in stores very soon,” Houghton added.
You know, you could actually do that along Carbon Beach — long as it wasn’t too windy. Can you promise your customers that if they eat your muffins they will be transformed into someone vibrantly blonde and healthy with perfect skin?
I can’t promise that, but it’s said that eating a healthy diet makes you your best self, and my products fit in very nicely there.
Final statement?
Mimi — Wanna see my picture on the cover? Wanna buy five copies for my mother ;) Say whaaa? Oh, Mimi is your mother. That was the shoutout. Yes.
And you’re quoting “Cover of the Rolling Stone” because your mother is a Boomer? Yes.
Hi Mimi. Your daughter turned out pretty OK. Well done, you. Thank you.
Two “Be Curious” episodes that are the most popular are about clothes and food. Episode 1’s guest runs Commune_Closets, which hosts events around Los Angeles where people can shop each other’s closets.
“We don’t need to constantly be buying more and more because our clothes are being more and more produced out of plastics so they don’t biodegrade,” Houghton said. “They end up in our landfills. They don’t even get sent to people who might need them elsewhere in the world.” Houghton advocates for buying “vintage or at second-hand stores and find the gems available.”
Another guest, Oliver English, speaks about the initiative Feeding Tomorrow and regenerative farming. “It’s about understanding why the health of our soil is important for the health of our bodies because it’s especially important in improving the nutrients in the food that we’re eating,” Houghton said.
Originally from the United Kingdom, Houghton is now a Santa Monica resident also works as a host for live and televised events. She recently hosted the Green Awards in New York at the Greentech Festival for people and companies “doing something extraordinary” in redefining the sustainability industry and is working on the Impact Awards in Los Angeles this October, both featuring environmental issues and sustainability. She’s covered satellite launches from Vandenberg Air Force (now Space Force) Base and has worked with the European Space Agency on projects.
“I want to help make a difference with the skills and tools that I have,” she said.
Alison Bunce, a coder for Amazon, displays one of the cookie-muffins she bakes and sells for her side business Bunce Bakes (buncebakes.com).
Photo by Dirk Braun
MALIBU SEEN
Alison Bunce is a busy bee
Burt’s Eye View:
and share his art.
Clingman sat by the booth armed with a paintbrush and painted his surfboard along to the music of the festival.
“I love decorating my surfboards and presenting them to the ocean so she can either break them or give me a good ride,” Clingman said.
Brothers and Deeply Vintage Jewelry co-owners Michael and Jeffrey Schaffner buy and sell unique and antique jewelry at festivals all over Southern California. Michael Schaffner said the weather on the mountain was nice and the attendees were friendly.
“People are very warm, engaging and it’s always a nice show here at the community center in Topanga Canyon,” Michael Schaffner said.
Pauly said Reggae on the Mountain was a great way to spend her Saturday afternoon.
“I really enjoy the diverse crowd and all the different ages of people here,” she said. “The vibe is really positive and mellow.”
Label 27 was founded in 2009 and produces music and art festivals in the Los Angeles area. It focuses on showcasing musicians, artists and thinkers.
2024148874
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
THE FOLLOWING PERSON IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS:
1. TONY SPRINGER
15001 MCKENDREE AVE, PACIFIC PALISADES, CA 90272, LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Articles of Incorporation or Organization Number (if applicable): Registered Owner(s):
1. PHILIP SPRINGER
15001 MCKENDREE AVE, PACIFIC PALISADES, CA 90272
If Corporation or LLC- CA State of Incorporation/Organization
This business is conducted by: AN INDIVIDUAL
The date registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 01/1999
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, PHILIP SPRINGER, OWNER
This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on 7/15/2024.
NOTICE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION.THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE).
Publish in The Malibu Times: 8/8, 8/15, 8/22, 8/29/2024 MALIBU 173
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURER AND TAX COLLECTOR
Notice of Divided Publication
NOTICE OF DIVIDED PUBLICATION OF THE PROPERTY TAX-DEFAULT LIST (DELINQUENT LIST)
Made pursuant to Section 3371, Revenue and Taxation Code
Pursuant to Revenue and Taxation Code Sections 3381 through 3385, the County of Los Angeles Treasurer and Tax Collector is publishing in divided distribution, the Notice of Power to Sell Tax-Defaulted Property in and for the County of Los Angeles (County), State of California, to various newspapers of general circulation published in the County. A portion of the list appears in each of such newspapers.
I, Elizabeth Buenrostro Ginsberg, County of Los Angeles Treasurer and Tax Collector, State of California, certify that: Notice is given that by operation of law at 12:01 a.m. Pacific Time, on July 1, 2022, the Tax Collector declared the real properties listed below tax defaulted. The declaration of default was due to non-payment of the total amount due for the taxes, assessments, and other charges levied in tax year 2021-22 that were a lien on the listed real property. Non-residential commercial property and property upon which there is a recorded nuisance abatement lien shall
LEGAL NOTICES
be subject to the tax collector’s power to sell after three years of defaulted taxes. Therefore, if the 2021-22 taxes remain defaulted after June 30, 2025, the property will become subject to the tax collector’s power to sell and eligible for sale at the County’s online auction in 2026. All other property that has defaulted taxes after June 30, 2027, will become subject to the tax collector’s power to sell and eligible for sale at the County’s online auction in 2028. The list contains the name of the assessee and the total tax, which was due on June 30, 2022, for tax year 2021-22, opposite the parcel number. Payments to redeem tax-defaulted real property shall include all amounts for unpaid taxes and assessments, together with the additional penalties and fees as prescribed by law, or be paid under an installment plan of redemption if initiated prior to the property becoming subject to the tax collector’s power to sell.
The Treasurer and Tax Collector’s Office will furnish, upon request, information concerning making a payment in full or initiating an installment plan of redemption. Requests must be made at 225 North Hill Street, First Floor Lobby, Los Angeles, California 90012. For more information, please visit our website at ttc.lacounty.gov or contact us at (213) 974-2111.
I certify under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct. Executed at Los Angeles, California, on August 6, 2024.
ELIZABETH BUENROSTRO GINSBERG
TREASURER AND TAX COLLECTOR
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
Assessees/taxpayers, who have disposed of real property after January 1, 2021, may find their names listed because the Office of the Assessor has not yet updated the assessment roll to reflect the change in ownership.
ASSESSOR’S IDENTIFICATION NUMBERING SYSTEM EXPLANATION
The Assessor’s Identification Number, when used to describe property in this list, refers to the Assessor’s map book, the map page, the block on the map (if applicable), and the individual parcel on the map page or in the block. The Assessor’s maps and further explanation of the parcel numbering system are available at the Office of the Assessor.
The following property tax defaulted on July 1, 2022, for the taxes, assessments, and other charges for the Tax Year 2021-22:
LISTED BELOW ARE PROPERTIES THAT DEFAULTED IN 2022 FOR TAXES, ASSESSMENTS AND 0THER CHARGES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2021-2022.
AMOUNT OF DELINQUENCY AS OF THIS PUBLICATION IS LISTED BELOW.
AMOA HOLDINGS CORP SITUS 31418 BROAD BEACH RD MALIBU CA 90265-2669 4470-017-068/S2021-010
$5,143.94
BECK, GORDON D AND DANELDA 4443-003-005
$2,444.48
BROOKS, TERYL L TR BROOKS FAMILY TRUST 4462-013011 $5,863.88
BUDAMALA, RAGHAVENDER R 2058-012-009/S2021010 $2,001.17
CAINE, DARIN SITUS 33046 DECKER SCHOOL RD MALIBU CA 90265-2340 4472-020-010 $29,949.27
CARTER, RICHARD D AND TAMARA E SITUS 6465 ZUMA VIEW PL NO 164 MALIBU CA 90265-4498 4467-013-124
$2,109.74 DE NICOLA, NANCY TR NANCY E DE NICOLA TRUST 4461-009-022 $1,757.55
GALVEZ, JORGE S 4448-027-060 $12,077.77
GARCIA, JOAQUIN AND ELAINE 4472-003-009 $2,549.34
GERBER, KARL 4461-010-008 $4,853.39 4461-012-014 $5,705.84
GUREWITZ, TOBIE L TR TOBIEFGUREWITZ TRUST 4438035-004 $545.67
HARGRAVE, SAMUEL A 4460-016-012 $20,622.65
HARRISON BARNES INC 4471-008-006 $964.36
HARRISON, SEBASTIAN S AND GUCCIARDO, LINDA SITUS 19355 PACIFIC COAST HWY MALIBU CA 902655449 4449-010-010 $141,607.80
HUANG, STANLEY 4451-019-003 $6,665.72
KASPERSKY, LEON AND PROKOPCHUKKASPERSKY, DEBORA 4461-024-001 $5,408.59
4461-024-002 $4,659.80
4461-024-003 $4,536.69
4461-024-004 $4,893.96 4461-024-005 $4,585.91
LARISCY, EARL A TR LARISCY FAMILY TRUST 4452-020026 $6,467.82
MURRAY, DOUGAL SITUS 5263 HORIZON DRIVE MALIBU CA 90265 4469-005-002 $15,854.30
NICHOLSON, JENNIFER SITUS 6237 BONSALL DR MALIBU CA 90265-3826 4467-029-011 $336,741.64
ORCA LLC AND SADIGHINEJAD, MEHRY 2058-002-013 $65,759.03
PACIFIC SHANGRILA LLC SITUS 20990 LAS FLORES
MESA DR MALIBU CA 90265-5229 4450-028-028/S2020010/S2021-010 $55,520.13
PETERS, ADAM AND KORINNA 4462-007-009 $3,653.97
4462-007-011 $3,854.84
SAVKO, RICHARD J SITUS 30354 MULHOLLAND HWY CORNELL CA 91301-3116 4464-005-015 $31,342.94
SAWASY, MITCHELL AND SUSAN SITUS 27152 CARRITA RD MALIBU CA 90265-2847 4461-024-022 $19,187.31
SITARAM, MOEKEESCH M SITUS 4877 LATIGO CANYON ROAD MALIBU CA 90265 4460-001-008 $30,247.23 4460-001-016 $28,291.12
STORES, JASON AND KAIROUZ, NINA 4462-017-042/ S2021-010 $8,769.82
TRADE WINDS THREE LLC 4438-004-012 $14,521.07
SITUS 23200 RED ROCK RD TOPANGA CA 90290-3946 4438-005-022 $41,248.43
VON, SCOTT SITUS 19824 PACIFIC COAST HWY MALIBU CA 90265-5424 4449-008-008/S2020-010/S2021-010
$122,387.25
VYHOVSKY, MICHAEL 4462-006-011 $3,228.62 4462-006-012 $3,847.05
WAGNER, SUSAN K 4464-025-034 $1,313.40
WEST PCH PROPERTY LLC SITUS 31527 PACIFIC COAST HWY MALIBU CA 90265-2642 4470-009-027 $1,216.16
WOOD, ANDREA 4471-013-015 $3,081.42 4471-013-020 $2,375.54 4471-013-027 $3,021.34
YOUNG, WILLIAM A AND KELLY P SITUS 431 THRIFT RD MALIBU CA 90265-2780 4464-011-021 $1,941.48 4464-011-022 $1,338.13
ZADEH, SHAYAREZA S 4462-017-029 $1,694.77
1936 HAZEL NUT LLC SITUS 1936 HAZEL NUT COURT AGOURA CA 91301-6238 4464-007-026/S2020-010/S2021010 $28,122.23
24132 LEV MALIBU LLC SITUS 24132 MALIBU RD MALIBU CA 90265-4610 4458-010-009 $36,325.19 6146 RAMIREZ CANYON LLC SITUS 6146 RAMIREZ CANYON ROAD MALIBU CA 90265 4467-006-022 $17,786.24
CN109378 524 Aug 22,29,2024 MALIBU 179
2024170354
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT THE FOLLOWING PERSON IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS: 1. RX BODYWORKS
1240 S. WESTLAKE BLVD STE 133, WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA 91361, LOS ANGELES COUNTY Articles of Incorporation or Organization Number (if applicable): 6318249 Registered Owner(s): 1. CODDINGTON CHIROPRACTIC CORP.
1240 S. WESTLAKE BLVD STE 133, WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA 91361 If Corporation or LLC- CA State of Incorporation/Orga-
nization
CA
This business is conducted by: A CORPORATION
The date registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 08/2024
I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime). Signed, CODDINGTON CHIROPRACTIC CORP., AMANDA CODDINGTON, CEO
This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on 8/13/2024.
NOTICE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION.THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE).
Publish in The Malibu Times: 8/22, 8/29, 9/5, 9/12/2024 MALIBU 183
2024169242
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
THE FOLLOWING PERSON IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS:
1. MALIBU LIMOUSINE
30765 PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY UNIT 142, MALIBU, CA 90265, LOS ANGELES COUNTY Articles of Incorporation or Organization Number (if applicable):
Registered Owner(s):
1. STORI LYNN BOLTON
30765 PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY UNIT 142, MALIBU, CA 90265 If Corporation or LLC- CA State of Incorporation/Organization
This business is conducted by: AN INDIVIDUAL
The date registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: N/A I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime). Signed, STORI LYNN BOLTON, OWNER
This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on 8/12/2024. NOTICE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION.THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE).
Publish in The Malibu Times: 8/22, 8/29, 9/5, 9/12/2024 MALIBU 184
2024171807 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT THE FOLLOWING PERSON IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS: 1. INDIAN DIAMONDS
607 S HILL ST STE 912,
A large crowd enjoyed the music and festivities at the Reggae on the Mountain festival in Topanga on Aug. 17. Photos by Benjamin Hanson
nization CA This business is conducted by: A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
The date registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: N/A I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime). Signed, INDIAN DC LLC, VRIJAL SHAH, MANAGER This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on 8/15/2024.
NOTICE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION.THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE).
Publish in The Malibu Times: 8/22, 8/29, 9/5, 9/12/2024 MALIBU 185
2024172645
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
THE FOLLOWING PERSON IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS:
1. GUIDELIGHT, GUIDELIGHTS, GUIDELIGHT AGENCY
15332 ANTIOCH STREET #313, PACIFIC PALISADES, CA 90272, LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Articles of Incorporation or Organization Number (if applicable): Registered Owner(s):
1. ACCOMPLISHMENT PARTNERS LLC
15332 ANTIOCH STREET #313, PACIFIC PALISADES, CA 90272 If Corporation or LLC- CA State of Incorporation/Organization CA
This business is conducted by: A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
The date registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: N/A I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime).
Signed, ACCOMPLISHMENT PARTNERS LLC, ELISSA ASHWOOD, CEO
This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on 8/15/2024. NOTICE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION.THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE).
Publish in The Malibu Times: 8/22, 8/29, 9/5, 9/12/2024 MALIBU 186
2024145972
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT
THE FOLLOWING PERSON IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS:
1. GROOMED UP & CO.
22030 VENTURA BLVD SUITE A, WOODLAND HILLS, CA 91364, LOS ANGELES COUNTY
Articles of Incorporation or Organization Number (if applicable): C4816131
Registered Owner(s):
1. GROOMED UP INC.
22030 VENTURA BLVD SUITE A, WOODLAND HILLS, CA 91364
If Corporation or LLC- CA State of Incorporation/Organization
CA
This business is conducted by: A CORPORATION
The date registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 07/2024
I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime).
Signed, GROOMED UP INC, RAFAEL MURCIA, PRESIDENT
This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on JUL 10 2024.
NOTICE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION.THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE).
Publish in The Malibu Times: 8/22, 8/29, 9/5, 9/12/2024
MALIBU 187
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
CITY OF MALIBU CITY COUNCIL
The Malibu City Council will hold a public hearing on MONDAY, September 9, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. on the item listed below in the Council Chambers at Malibu City Hall, located at 23825 Stuart Ranch Road, Malibu, CA, and via teleconference.
Public comment can be submitted ahead of the public hearing to citycouncil@malibucity.org for inclusion in the public record. To view and participate during the public hearing, please review the meeting agenda posted at MalibuCity.org/AgendaCenter and follow the directions for public participation.
FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 SCHEDULE OF FEES
IF YOU CHALLENGE THE CITY COUNCIL’S ACTION IN COURT, YOU MAY BE LIMITED TO RAISING ONLY THOSE ISSUES RAISED AT THE PUBLIC HEARING DESCRIBED IN THIS NOTICE, OR OTHERWISE HELD BY THE CITY, OR IN WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE DELIVERED TO THE CITY, EITHER AT OR PRIOR TO THE PUBLIC HEARING.
If there are any questions regarding this notice, please contact Renée Neermann, Financial Controller, at (310) 456-2489, ext. 222. 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 City Council on, or before, the date of the meeting.
Renée Neermann, Financial Controller
Publish Date: August 29, 2024 and September 5, 2024
MALIBU 189
ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME TO CONFORM TO GENDER IDENTITY
Case No. 24SMCP00439
Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles
Petition of: GRACE CATHERINE GRADY
TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS:
Petitioner: GRACE CATHERINE GRADY CAMPBELL a pe-
tition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:
Present Name: GRACE CATHERINE GRANDY Proposed
Name: VICTOR EVELYN CAMPBELL
The Court orders that any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection within six weeks of the date this order is issued. If no written objection is timely filed, the court will grant the petition without a hearing.
A hearing date may be set only if an objection is time-
ly filed and shows good cause for opposing the name change. Objections based solely on concerns that the proposed change is not the person’s actual gender identity or gender assigned at birth do not constitute good cause. (See Code Civ. Proc. 1277.5(c).)
Notice of Hearing:
Date: 11/8/2024 Time: 8:30 AM, Dept.: K
The address of the court is:
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
SANTA MONICA COURTHOUSE, 1725 MAIN STREET, SANTA MONICA, CA 90401
A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county (specify newspaper): The Malibu Times Date: aug 19 2024
LAWRENCE CHO, Judge of the Superior Court
DAVID W. SLAYTON Executive Officer/Clerk of Court
PUB: 8/29, 9/5, 9/12, 9/19/2024 The Malibu Times MALIBU 190
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY OF MALIBU CITY COUNCIL
The Malibu City Council will hold a public hearing on MONDAY, September 23, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Malibu City Hall , 23825 Stuart Ranch Road, Malibu, CA and via teleconference on the projects identified below.
HOUSING ELEMENT
General Plan Amendment No. 20-001, Local Coastal Program Amendment No. 24-001, and Zoning Text
Amendment No. 24-002 – The proposed project involves a General Plan Amendment to adopt the 20212029 Housing Element Sixth Cycle update. The Housing Element includes an analysis of the community’s housing needs, opportunities and constraints, as well as policies and programs to facilitate the construction, rehabilitation, and preservation of housing for all economic segments of the community.
The proposed project includes corresponding amendments to the Local Coastal Program and Malibu Municipal Code including amendments to the following sections: definitions, permitted uses, residential development standards, density bonus, Affordable Housing Overlay, development standards for special uses, parking standards and reasonable accommodation.
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA. Therefore, because the Housing Element would involve adoption of a policy document which does not, in and of itself, include any proposed development, and would not require rezoning or facilitate development beyond what is currently allowed in the City’s General Plan, it can therefore be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the adoption of the 2021-2029 Housing Element update would have a significant effect on the environment.
In addition, pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 21080.9, CEQA does not apply to activities and approvals by the City as necessary for the preparation and adoption of an LCP amendment. This application is for an amendment to the LCP, which must be certified by the California Coastal Commission (CCC) before it takes effect. LCP Local Implementation Plan (LIP) Section 1.3.1 states that the provisions of the LCP take precedence over any conflict between the LCP and the City’s Zoning Ordinance. In order to prevent inconsistency between the LCP and the City’s Zoning Ordinance, if the LCP amendment is approved, the City must also approve the corollary amendment to the Zoning Ordinance. This amendment is necessary for the preparation and adoption of the LCPA and because they are entirely dependent on, related to, and duplicative of the exempt activity, they are subject to the same CEQA exemption.
A written staff report will be available at or before the hearing for the projects. All persons wishing to address the Council regarding these matters will be afforded an opportunity in accordance with the Council’s procedures.
Copies of all related documents can be reviewed by any interested person on the City’s website at malibucity.org/housingelement and at City Hall during regular business hours. Oral and written comments may be presented to the City Council on, or before, the date of the meeting.
IF YOU CHALLENGE THE CITY’S ACTION IN COURT, YOU MAY BE LIMITED TO RAISING ONLY THOSE ISSUES YOU OR SOMEONE ELSE RAISED AT THE PUBLIC HEARING DESCRIBED IN THIS NOTICE, OR IN WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE DELIVERED TO THE CITY, AT OR PRIOR TO THE PUBLIC HEARING.
Maureen Tamuri, Interim Planning Director
Publish Date: August 29, 2024
“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
When veterinary care is unavailable or unaffordable, ask for Happy Jack® flea/tick, mane dandruff, and allergy control at Tractor Supply® (www.happyjackinc.com) (Cal-SCAN)
Announcements
DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 400 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-844203-2677 www.dental50plus. com/calnews #6258 (CalSCAN)
Attention: VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special - Only $99! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW: 1-888-2569155 (Cal-SCAN)
Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-theline 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 Discounts. 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
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, waving ALL installation costs! (Additional terms apply. Subject to change and vary by dealer. (Offer ends 8/25/24.) Call 1-855-419-8241
Switch and save up to $250/ year on your talk, text and data. No contract and no hidden fees. Unlimited talk and text with flexible data plans. Premium nationwide coverage. 100% U.S. based customer service. For more information, call 1-844-908-0605 (Cal-SCAN)
National and State Award
Winning Newspaper For Sale Northern California community weekly newspaper and multimedia company. Growing region of the San Francisco Bay area. Owners are retiring and want to spend more time with family. Looking to expand your Properties?? Call 925-4876383 to start the conversation. (Cal-SCAN)
Consumer Cellular - the same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers. No longterm contract, no hidden fees and activation is free. All plans feature unlimited talk and text, starting at just $20/month. For more information, call 1-844908-0605 (Cal-SCAN)
Apartment For Rent
ADU/Apartment for rent 1200 sq ft. with stunning views and plenty of amenities. Remodeled 2 br. 1 lgr. Bathroom with large shower. Sits on top of a large house in the heart of the Mother nature. Peaceful and private. New kitchen, Storage area, real fireplace, balcony, cubby area for office or other. Nice balcony with bar area overlooking the pool and mountain views.
Large 20 ft. Ceilings with wood beams, fans. Walk in closet. Must thrive in a communal environment Lucious Garden, above ground play pool, hot tub, Lina, horses, playroom with ping pong table, piano and huge fireplace. Laundry room, 2 parking spaces uncovered, visitor parking down below. Fully furnished $4,650 per month, $4,150 unfurnished. Includes ALL UTILITIES, high speed internet. Move in is 1st months rent plus security deposit of $5,000. Text Property Manger Susan Williams @ 805330-0439 for application.
Attorneys
EAGAN LAW Personal Injury
Attorney. Auto accidents, slip and fall, dog bites, wrongful death. Call Todd Eagan today 877-70-INJURY / (310) 3043302 / eaganlawcorp.com.
Autos Wanted
DONATE YOUR VEHICLE to
fund the SEARCH FOR MISSING CHILDREN. FAST FREE PICKUP. 24 hour response. Running or not. Maximum Tax Deduction and No Emission Test Required! Call 24/7: 1-877-4346852 (Cal-SCAN)
Get a break on your taxes! Donate your car, truck, or SUV to assist the blind and visually impaired. Arrange a swift, nocost vehicle pickup and secure a generous tax credit for 2025. Call Heritage for the Blind Today at 1-844-491-2884 today! (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: 1-855-408-6546 (CalSCAN))
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: 1-844- 244-5441 (24/7) (Cal-SCAN)
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.
Eva Ackerman - Consultant, Coach, Mediator, Lighthouse. Se habla español. Eva blends psycho-spiritual training, transformational leadership and Sacred Commerce consulting to provide loving support, insightful reflection and effective tools for grounding and executing your vision into physical reality. Call 503-791-9939.
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.
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 310-457-2139 coastlinefence@ gmail.com Lic#965437
Financial Advisor
Financial advisor Zara Guivi joins D.A. Davidson with more than 30 years of experience in banking and financial services. She is dedicated to offering sophisticated strategies and
MANNY’S THE HANDYMAN
Manny: 323-445-9622.
Your local handyman Professional Repair Services * Knowledge in all trades. We Fix It!. Call Bob 818-6359319. Lic#924813
SAVE BIG on HOME INSURANCE! Compare 20 A-rated insurances companies. Get a quote within minutes. Average savings of $444/year! Call 1-844-410-9609! (M-F 8am8pm Central) (Cal-SCAN)
Legal
OLAN LAW Personal Injuries, Auto Accidents, Wrongful Death, Uninsured Motorist, Premises Liability, and Product Liability. Call David Olan 310-566-0010 www.olanlaw.com
Lessons Swim Lessons in Your Home Pool. Babies, Toddlers, Youth, Adults. Become Water-Safe, Learn Fundamentals, and Improve Stroke Technique. 30+ Year Experienced Teacher. Roxanne 310-920-1472
Lost & Found
*FREE LOST & FOUND ADS.* Have you lost a pet or found an article?
Please call our Classified Dept. at 310-456-5507 and we will be glad to take your classified ad at NO CHARGE
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 310456-5507.
Painting
MISTER ROBERTS PAINTING COMPANY Interior, Exterior, Water Damage, Cabinetry, Stucco, Plaster, Drywall Repairs, Deck Restorations & Specialty Finishes. Call 310-4560409. Lic#491492, bonded/insured.
Paradise Painting - 15% OFF SPECIAL - We do it right the first time! Complete interior & exterior resto-
ration specialists. Call or Text for a free estimate 805-910-9247. CSLB 1084319
Piano & Voice Lessons
In-Home Piano and Voice Lessons - Master’s in Piano Performance. BA in Music - Voice and Piano. 20+ years experience. Contact Greg at 818-851-1473. malibuwestlakemusic@gmail.com. www.malibuwestlakemusic.com
Real Estate Loans
RETIRED COUPLE $$$$ for business purpose Real Estate loans. Credit unimportant. V.I.P. Trust Deed Company www.viploan.com Call 1-818-248-0000. Broker-principal DRE 01041073. No consumer loans. (Cal-SCAN)
Rental Office Space
21355 PCH Malibu: Great office spaces for lease. .Unit 101A & 101B /- Approx. 500 sq. ft. each @ $2,500/m.OBO. Professional, Medical, Wellness, Retail etc. Ample parking. For more info Call/Text/ Email Kim, kim@divineimaging. com 310-617-6339 or Mayra @ 323-559-8119
21355 PCH Malibu: Perfect small office space- Ocean view - AVAILABLE NOW! Unit 202-O, approximately
150 sq. ft @$1,500/m. Second office space available - Great office space for lease available now: Unit 202B +/- 200 sq. ft. @ $2,000/m. Good for professional work space, counselor, therapist, wellness etc. Common waiting room included. Ample parking. For more info Call/ Text/Email Kim, kim@divineimaging.com 310-617-6339 or Mayra, propertymanager@divineimaging. com 323-559-8119.
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. #726424. Bonded/Insured.
Services
BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable pricesNo payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 1-877-252-9868 (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 & RESTORATION: 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: 1-888-248-0815. Have zip code of service location ready when you call! (Cal-SCAN)
GoGo. Live and age your way. Get help with rides, groceries, meals and more. Memberships start as low as $1 per day. Available 24/7 nationwide. BBB Rated A+ Business. Call GoGo to get started. 1-855-4760033
Therapeutic Massage
Take the time for your self care in the privacy and convenience of your own home. Scott’s Bodywork Therapy can help relieve the effects of normal aches and pains from the stress’ of daily life through massage and stretching. Call 818-917-4958
Tree Services
JOHNSON TREE CO. Fruit tree care, brush clearance & removals, pest control, pruning, preservation, Tree surgery, trimming & feeding. Call 310-393-5700. Johnsontreecompany.com. Lic#924238/Insured
Affordable Tree Care Certified Arborists, Family Owned Business, 25 + Years Experience. Palm Tree Specialist, Citrus Pruning for high yield, Brush Clearance, Disease, Pest, and Tree Removal. Call 310-456-6564. Joseph Christman’s West Coast Tree, Inc. LIC #1109716
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Window Cleaning
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Legacy of Dick Haddock, long-time Zuma lifeguard, also honored
By BARBARA
It’s a tradition that dates back more than four decades, a special time for the 100 or so Los Angeles County lifeguards serving Malibu beaches to celebrate the end of summer and to honor the legacy of the late Richard “Dick” Haddock, who served as a lieutenant lifeguard for 37 years. Carrying on his legacy, his son Lorry Haddock served as a lifeguard for 34 years.
“Like Dick, I was a lifeguard for Los Angeles County all my life,” said Randy DeGregori, who’s now retired. “I started in 1964 when I was 19 years old. This is a great annual tradition!”
On Aug. 23, 37 participants, some lifeguards and some locals, participated in the swim-run-swim-runswim race that has been held for 45 years. Undaunted by the strenuous event’s challenges, and full of energy and optimism, they eagerly waited to begin their adventure at Zuma’s lifeguard headquarters.
With a host of supportive families and friends cheering them on, DeGregori blew the horn and the participants ran into the ocean, ready to compete in the first leg of the event. After swimming out to the buoy and back, they had to run to Point Dume, swim around the Point, run to Paradise Cove and then swim out to the baywatch boat and back to the beach.
Smiling widely, longtime lifeguard Shari Latta, who organized the event, talked about the annual tradition.
“The race is a special event to celebrate the end of summer and all the rescue work done by the lifeguards,” she said. “It’s my 37th time to compete in the event which is also about embracing the fitness we’ve acquired working on the sand and about honoring Dick and Lorry, legendary lifeguards.”
Lorry Haddock’s wife, Véronique, discussed the origins of the tradition.
“Our lifeguard family is a very close family — some of the families are second and third generation, and the three brothers, Jerry, Ed and Dick Heinrich’s family have fourth generations who served as lifeguards at Zuma Beach!” she said. “My late father-in-law, Dick Haddock, and his wife, Shirley, were married for 68 years before Dick passed away. They lived with Lorry on the beach in lifeguard housing until he was 4 years old. Dick started this race tradition, which celebrates both current, retired, and deceased lifeguards who have served Malibu’s beaches.”
Injecting a little humor, she added, “The race used to be called the ‘slippery dick’ after Dick because he once famously mooned the patrons at the Sandcastle Restaurant, which is now Paradise Cove Cafe!”
On a more serious note, Véronique emphasized that on many a day, lifeguards must risk their lives to save lives.
“My husband Lorry became a permanent lifeguard
to carry on his father’s tradition. Lorry and his partner, lifeguard John Renaud, received the medal of valor, the highest honor that the Los Angeles Fire Department confers,” she stated. “They had saved a man stuck on his kayak in the ocean late at night 3 miles out from shore during a terrible Santa Ana wind. When they reached him, the victim was in the water, suffering from hypothermia and about to die — lifeguarding is a very hard job!”
Colton Nelson, who is a lifeguard at First Point in Malibu, won first place for the gentlemen in the competition, and Shelby Jackson won first place for the women. Two junior lifeguards, Ceylon Zappa and Camille Garvin, drew great applause as they finished the race together. Both juniors at Malibu High School, the young women are on the varsity water polo and swim teams.
“They are great water women!” Lauren Knudsen, Ceylon’s mom, noted as she proudly took pictures of the dynamic duo smiling widely as they celebrated their feat. “They are always supporting one another and encouraging one another to go to the next level.”
Afterparty celebrates annual lifeguard awards
This year, the award for Zuma Lifeguard of the Year was a tie! Daniel Lazar and Garrett Gallagher shared the honor. The Rescue of the Year award went to Brandon Hasse and Chance Lawson was honored as the Rookie of the Year.
The afterparty was funded by the Los Angeles County Lifeguard Association, which provided a taco truck, Latta stated, noting that Paradise Cove graciously provided free parking and the recreational hall, and that the cafe provided a gift card for the
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raffle prize. Waiters from the cafe met contestants emerging from the ocean, offering some excellent clam chowder. Hot and aromatic, the soup surely hit the spot as the exhausted participants huddled on the beach and recovered from their vigorous competition.
Many of them look forward to another annual event carrying on the lifeguards’ tradition of supporting the community — every holiday season, the lifeguards and Station 71 of the Los Angeles Fire Department host Santa Claus coming to town.
BURKE Special to The Malibu Times
Participants in the Zuma lifeguard raced at Paradise cove Beach on Friday, Aug. 23. Photo Courtesy of Lauren Knudsen.
Ceylon Zappa (left) and Camille Garvin smile as they celebrate their success at Paradise Cove beach after participating in the 45th annual Dick Haddock Zuma lifeguards event. Photo Courtesy of Lauren Knudsen.
The Zuma Beach competition’s afterparty was an opportunity to honor the lifeguard award winners (from left): Garrett Gallagher (Co-Lifeguard of the Year), Brandon Hasse (Rescue of the Year), Daniel Lazar (Co-Lifeguard of the Year), and Chance Lawson (Rookie of the Year). Contributed Photo
