Latest talk in Malibu Library Speakers Series features ocean science expert Dr. Douglas McCauley

McCauley’s work has been featured in the New York Times, National Public Radio, and Time Magazine

By SAMANTHA BRAVO Of The Malibu Times

Dr. Douglas McCauley, a professor at UC Santa Barbara, provided a brief history of human use of our seas and shared what the future may bring for our oceans at The Malibu Library’s Speakers Series on Jan. 31.

The discussion included the explosion of new activity in the blue economy and the effects of wildlife and extinction in our oceans.

McCauley addressed how we can leverage the power of exciting developments in ocean data and technology to shape what the future of this new Marine Industrial Revolution becomes.

Councilmember Marianne Riggins introduced McCauley, who began by thanking the Malibu Library for hosting informative and educational events like the Speaker Series.

Although we may use Google and artificial intelligence to answer most of our questions we may have, mission when it might’ve been denied by the City Council and never see the light of day at the Coastal Commission.”

Councilmember Marianne Riggins responded to the remarks made to developers.

“The lengthy process that we have through development discourages the average homeowner from being able to do a project, and they are met with constant additional requirements and costs, and those costs, going up and up and up every single year,” Riggins said.

“We need to find a way; if we are serious about having a residential community, we need to find a way to make the process so that it is workable for residents.”

“Taking issue with our locals... they are here; they are residents, they raised their families in our communities, so to silence them as developers is also inappropriate.”

The council motioned to continue the item to a date uncertain.

At the start of the meeting, public speakers and councilmembers raised concerns on recent events that occurred, such as the Tuna Canyon brush fire and the recent Coastal Commission meeting that occurred last Thursday, Feb. 8.

During public comment, Mountains Recreation Conservation Authority Supervisor Ranger for the Coastal Division Timothy Pera provided an update on the additional parks' staff, patrolling, and additional trash cans that were placed around beaches and parks in Malibu.

“You’ll probably see a lot more of us around, helping the community and doing the best we can to provide a safe and wonderful place such as Malibu,” Pera said.

Pera said the MRCA is looking to implement cameras at Carbon and La Costa beach access for public safety.

After public comment, Uhring raised concerns about the items the Development Services Ad Hoc Committee addresses, saying he hopes to dissolve the subcommittee. In addition, he accused Malibu City Manager Steve McClary of “blindsiding the city council.” He stated, “it seems to me that even though we felt that Reva Feldman is gone, she may be sneaking back in as Steve McClary.”

Councilmember Paul Grisanti

McCauley said nothing compares with what the library provides.

“I was that kid asking all kinds of questions on how to find books on whales, on sharks, artichokes, whatever — that was me,” McCauley said. “The library is not going out of business at all. Being here, searching for answers, trying to learn and feeling important made me as a little kid feel important and set me for a trajectory to do what I love in science.”

McCauley shared his research on endangered species, extinction, and how it affects our ocean.

“What does the future hold? What if you tally up all the endangered species? How bad would that be?” McCauley asked.

McCauley shared images of the exponential growth in the ocean with farming, oil and “traffic at sea.”

“You have invasive species that are moved around as a result of all this traffic that’s happening locally and internationally across our oceans,” McCauley said.

He also said there has been an increase in demand for fish and said fishing is easily accessible in areas such as Santa Monica.

“We’re seeing a really important shift right now in the oceans with exponential growth in all kinds of agricultural,” he said.

Audience members asked a few questions regarding pollution and interrupted Uhring and said it was an inappropriate time to address this in the meeting. Mayor Silverstein told Uhring he could continue.

Uhring went on to say, “Being a member of a subcommittee that is dead in the water is nowhere on my bucket list,” he said. “We were told that the consultants were not going to talk to us, so having more meetings to have people not talk to me doesn’t make a whole bunch of sense.”

Riggins voiced her disappointment in assertions that there is inappropriate behavior from the city manager and felt McClary deserves an apology.

She went on to say that it wouldn’t be appropriate to dissolve the committee and requested that Uhring apologize to the city manager for

“If Mayor Pro Tem Uhring would like to step down, we can see if one of the other council members would be willing to step in the subcommittee,” Riggins said. “I don’t think dissolving it is appropriate at this time; it’s too early in the process.”

The meeting continued on with Mayor Silverstein’s council report without addressing the comments or accusations.

Following council reports, Stewart pulled item 3B7 for an Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and Management Letter for Fiscal Year 2021-2022.

Assistant City Manager Joseph Toney provided the report and said the city is in a strong financial position.

“That’s a huge credit to the staff who have been pragmatic over the years and also the council who adopted very conservative budgets, all in all, a very good report,” Toney said.

The ACFR reflects total governmental combined fund balances of $74.6 million on June 30, 2022, which is an increase of $15 million from the prior year’s ending balance of $59.6 million. In comparison, Fiscal Year 2020-21 had a net increase-to-fund balance of $7.5 million. Following are the key elements of the net $7.5 million year-to-year increase in activity.

According to the report, revenues increased by a net of $3.6 million from the prior year. Expenditures decreased by $3.8 million in the fiscal year from the preceding year.

Public safety costs increased by $1.3 million due to paying higher plastic usage.

“Sea birds are the most endangered groups of animals closest to extinction,” McCauley said. “Styrofoam for example, for sea birds, looks a lot like fish eggs, so they eat that, they fill their bodies with this plastic which is not nutritious, makes them feel full, makes them go back to their chicks so it is accelerating extinction.” contracted fees for Los Angeles County Sheriff’s services, with Malibu assuming the entire cost of The People Concern Homeless Outreach Team. In addition, the city had a wildfire resiliency program totaling $324,000 to remove hazardous trees that posed a fire danger within the city. This program was funded through grant revenue.

McCauley stood after the presentation to speak to guests and answer any questions. McCauley said he enjoyed the conversations he had with members of the audience.

Mayor Bruce Silverstein asked the city staff about an income increase of $4.1 million due to receiving a Woolsey Fire settlement payment.

Toney and City Manager McClary said they would need to return with a response.

The city’s assets exceeded its liabilities at the close of the fiscal year by $224.7 million.

To see the full report, visit malibucity.org.

Next, Riggins pulled item 3B8 for a report on the Amendment to Professional Services Agreement with California Skateparks.

Acting Community Services Director Kristin Riesgo provided an update and said the Public Commission will have a public hearing on the Coastal Development Permit (CDP) application soon.

“Over the next several months, the Planning Department and city agencies will be reviewing those plans, and once the project is deemed complete and consistent with LCP, the planning commission will have a public hearing for the CDP,” Riesgo said. “We hope that gets to the Planning Commission in the summer of 2023, hopefully, sooner, but that’s kind of what were thinking on.”

On Feb. 24, 2020, the council approved a Professional Services Agreement (Agreement) with California Skateparks (Consultant) to provide design services and construction documents for the Permanent Skate Park (Skate Park).

On May 24, 2021, the council approved Amendment No. 1, which allowed the Consultant to hire a sub-consultant, RRM Design Group (Subconsultant), to design drainage, grading, erosion control, stormwater control, and landscape.

The city planned to complete the Skate Park design by February 2023; unfortunately, there was a shift in priorities due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused the project to be delayed. Staff recommends amending the origi-

“The part I liked the most was the questions and the dialogue at the end and so many smart questions about their future and oceans close to home and oceans far away,” McCauley said. “The conversations really help me keep on my toes by learning and listening to what people care [about].”

McCauley said ways someone can help with keeping our oceans clean is: reject single use plastic, using reusable water bottles, and even buying sustainable seafood. “Even a place like Malibu, [which] has really good waste nal Agreement term for one year, which will provide the contractor time to prepare the final design documents for review and approval. Once completed, the project would go before the Planning Commissi- management, there’s always a little bit of leakage that’ll go into the ocean,” McCauley said. “Buying sustainable seafood, so when you go into the seafood section of your supermarket, there’s actually sometimes endangered species and then there are perfectly healthy population in species that are OK to eat.”

The scientist McCauley provided advice on climate change and ways to reduce one’s carbon footprint.

“The last thing, the major issue is climate change,” McCauley said. “So think about how to reduce ignitions in your own life; can you on for review before final approval by the council. ride a bike or take the bus, and when you vote, think how serious the folks you are electing into office are taking climate change seriously.”

The projected balance of the Designated Reserve for the Case/ Crummer Parcel on June 30, 2022, is $368,255.

McCauley’s work has been featured in the New York Times , National Public Radio, and Time He has researched topics ranging from manta rays, to bumphead parrotfish, to shark spotting drones, to AI for whales. He is a Sloan Research Fellow in the Ocean Sciences and a member of the World Economic Forum’s ocean team.

The meeting was adjourned in memory of Guy Weston Embree, Ryan Embree's father, who passed away at the age of 100 years old on Monday, Feb. 13. The next City Council meeting

Regency Agoura Hills Stadium

8, 29045 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills. Nominated for nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and Best Original Screenplay, it continues with the story of two lifelong friends (Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson) who find themselves at an impasse when one abruptly ends their relationship leading to alarming consequences for both. Produced, written and directed by Martin McDonagh.

“Fire of Love” screening on Saturday, March 4, at 12 p.m. at Regency Agoura Hills Stadium

8, 29045 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills. Intrepid scientists and lovers Katia and Maurice Krafft died in a volcanic explosion doing the very thing that brought them together: unraveling the mysteries of volcanoes by capturing the most explosive imagery ever recorded.

Followed by the screening of “Le Pupille” on Saturday, March 4, at 1:45 p.m., at Regency Agoura Hills Stadium 8, 29045 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills. Academy Award winner Alfonso Cuaron presents this 37-minute film which follows the rebellious girls of a Catholic boarding school just before Christmas during a time of war and scarcity. Reservations are required. Visit mfsreservations. org.

Nighttime lane closure on PCH and Big Rock to Tuna Canyon lasting until March 23

The right northbound and southbound lanes of PCH will be closed from Big Rock Drive to Tuna Canyon Road weekdays, 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., until approximately March 23 for Southern California Gas Company gas line repair work. The closures began on Jan. 23. The work is required to enable Caltrans to proceed with slope restoration work on the coastal side of PCH south of Big Rock Drive. Crews will replace and relocate two steel gas lines, requiring digging a trench that will be covered by a steel plate during the day. Some daytime work may be required. Residents and businesses near the work site may notice noise, vibrations, and dust. Be sure to check Quickmaps, LA County Public Works road closures map, or other apps or websites for traffic information before getting on the road.

City Council will begin hybrid and in-person meetings starting March 27

The Malibu City Council voted on Jan. 23 to begin holding City Council meetings in a hybrid in-person and remote format starting March 27 as Los Angeles

County continues the trend of low COVID-19 conditions. The council directed the city’s commissions, committees and boards to continue meeting virtually.

Student Art Exhibit on display at Malibu City Hall

The 2023 Student Art Exhibit featuring original works by students in grades K-12 from Malibu Elementary School, Webster Elementary School, Malibu Middle School, Malibu High School, and Our Lady of Malibu will be on display at the Malibu City Gallery through March 3. The Malibu City Gallery is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., on the lower level of Malibu City Hall (located at 23825 Stuart Ranch Road). Registration or tickets are not needed. The opening reception is on Sunday, Feb. 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, visit the Student Art Exhibit webpage at malibucity.org/1088/ Student-Art-Exhibit.

Malibu Library Speaker Series with Harlan Lebo

The 2023 Malibu Library

Speaker Series continues with Harlan Lebo, author of “Citizen Kane: A Filmmaker’s Journey,” a movie-lovers history of the trials, tribulations, and triumphs behind the making of “Citizen Kane,” Tuesday, Feb. 28, at 7 p.m. at the

Malibu Library. Lebo has written books about “The Godfather” and “Casablanca” and writes about cultural history, science, the humanities, society, and the impact of digital technology. Space is limited for this free event, RSVPs are required. Visit malibucity. org or the Malibu Library at (310) 456-6438.

Recreation Guide and City Newsletter are now available

The Spring Recreation Guide and City Newsletter is available online and will be mailed to residents on Feb. 6. Residents can find information for upcoming spring programs offered March through May, including afterschool programs, aquatics, outdoor recreation at Charmlee Wilderness Park, Parent and Me programs, senior programs and excursions, Spring Break Surf and Skate Camp, and the 23rd Annual Chumash Day Native American Powwow and Intertribal Gathering. See the guide on the Community Services Department webpage at malibucity. org/335/Community-Services.

Youth Commission Recruitment for 2023 - 2024 appointment year

The Harry Barovsky Memorial Youth Commission application period is open through March 31 for students in grades 7 to 12 during the 2023-2024 school year. Commissioners provide recommendations to the City Council regarding youth programs and projects and gain experience in leadership, public speaking, environmental stewardship, and community service. For information or to apply, visit the Youth Commission webpage or contact Recreation Coordinator Amanda Rigali at (310) 456-2489, ext. 252. Go online at malibucity. org/178/Harry-Barovsky-Memorial-Youth-Commission.

The use of facemasks in Malibu City Hall is now an individual preference

The use of facemasks in City Hall is now “individual preference,” in line with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LADPH) guidance on the use of facemasks in indoor public spaces, due to Los Angeles County’s low COVID-19 rates placing it in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) low community transmission level. For more details, visit the LADPH facemask use webpage at publichealth.lacounty.gov.

LADPH’s further facemask guidance:

“Strongly Recommended” - in indoor public places if you are at risk for severe illness, especially if crowded or poorly ventilated, on public transit, as well as taxis, ride-shares, and medical transport; in transportation hubs, including airport, bus, subway and train terminals.

“Required” - In healthcare settings; if you have COVID-19; in places where required by the site; in places where required by LADPH to manage an outbreak.

For more information, see the press release at www.publichealth. lacounty.gov.

COVID-19 Statistics

City staff continues to monitor and respond to the pandemic by participating in regular briefings and conference calls with partner agencies and issuing alerts and notifications regarding changes to the situation. On Feb. 2, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LADPH) confirmed 14 new deaths and 1,354 new cases. Other key updates from the County’s COVID-19 Dashboard as of Feb. 2 include the f ollowing:

• 2,822 confirmed positive cases and 14 deaths in the City of Malibu to date

3,679,170 confirmed cases and 35,308 deaths in LA County to date

• 707 current hospitalizations in LA County, a decrease of 211 since Jan. 19.