The Malibu Times • March 7, 2024

LA County Sheriff’s Department launches Camera Registry Program

When an incident occurs, home security cameras are one of the tools law enforcement uses to identify criminals and solve investigations.

In efforts to enhance emergency response, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is asking home residents and community members to join their camera registry program and register their cameras online to give the sheriff’s department direct access to your cameras’ feed in case of an emergency.

“Your participation will greatly enhance emergency preparedness by enabling police, fire, and public safety professionals to better assess and rapidly respond to criminal

SPRING 2024

MALIBU’S AWARD WINNING NEWSPAPER SINCE 1946

DAR speaker recounts experiences of WWII Japanese relocation

Councilmember

“I was just 10 years old when my family and I were ordered to get on  buses, and we didn’t even know where we were going or for how long,” said June Aochi Berk, 92, who was born in Hollywood and is a survivor of America’s forcible relocation and incarceration of more than 125,000 Japanese residents from western states during World War II.

Berk spoke at Malibu United Methodist Church at a March 2 event sponsored by the Malibu chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

She discussed her family’s evacuation after President Franklin Delano Roosevelt issued Executive Order 9066 on Feb. 19, 1942, following the Dec. 7, 1941, bombing of Pearl Harbor. The order directed the U.S. Secretary of War to “prescribe military areas ... from which any or all persons may be excluded.”  Acting under that authority, Gen. John DeWitt arranged the forcible removal of Japanese Americans, including those who were U.S. citizens by birth, such as Berk, and their

how small the stalls were and by the fact that our family of five slept together in one stall — we were given empty white pillow cases and told to fill them with straw — that’s what we slept on.”

June Aochi Berk, now 92, was 10 when her family was taken from its home after the Pearl Harbor attack CONTINUED ON

Japanese immigrant parents from their West Coast homes and communities.

“Our family first went to Santa Anita where we were housed in

Berk said, referring to Arcadia’s racetrack. Displaying a picture of her visit back to the horse stalls a few years ago, Berk commented, “I was amazed at

Attendees sighed, expressing disbelief. Even when viewed through the prism of history, they found it difficult to comprehend that those events happened in America.

Moderating the conversation with Berk, UCLA Adjunct Professor of History Susan H. Kamei, author of “When Can We Go Back to America? Voices of Japanese American Incarceration during World War II,” explained that euphemisms were used to mask the underlying motivation for the evacuation, which was grounded on discrimination against Japanese Americans that had been increasing for many decades.

“The fact that there was longstanding discrimination against the Japanese is demonstrated that by nightfall on the day of Pearl Harbor, more than 2,000 men in their community were arrested, despite having committed no crimes,” Kamei stated. “Their passports were confiscated, and they became illegal aliens.”

Kamei displayed a picture of the FBI searching her family’s home on the evening of the Pearl

On your mark, get set, go! Malibu Scouts holds 2nd Annual Pinewood Derby

The

For the last few weeks, Malibu Scouts Pack 224 members have been creating unique cars with wood and tools in preparation for the 2024 2nd Annual Pinewood Derby.

Malibu Scouts Pack 224 Master

Kyle Mlodzik has been the scout leader for one year and said the event gives kids the opportunity to succeed in something they created themselves. “It’s a lot of fun for the kids

because they get a chance to use their hands and craft with wood and power tools they typically wouldn’t use, with adult supervision,” Mlodzik said. “The cars start out as a little wood block, and we had different designs that they can choose from or draw their own, and we shaped it with a jigsaw.”

Mlodzik said the kids custommade their cars.

“They did all the sanding and the drawing where they wanted to take the pieces out, and we drilled holes where we wanted it to lose weight, and we talked about physics and the whole process of the car going fast and what makes it goes fast,” Mlodzik said.

The race had two prizes: Fastest

Malibu City Council holds special meeting, goes into detail about the landscape for the skatepark plan

Concerns about trees, bushes, and branches were raised at the Special City Council meeting on Monday night regarding the Permanent Skatepark at Malibu Bluffs Park. Although the project was approved by the Planning Commission on Nov. 30, 2023, the project continues to hit speed bumps along the way.

At that meeting, over a dozen speakers signed up to thank the city for the temporary skatepark but urged the planning commission to approve the permanent project

and request for no more delays. Despite hearing excited and hopeful remarks about the project moving forward, City Manager Steve McClary announced the appeal at the following city council meeting.

The project has hit many hurdles in the last year; for instance, during the Environmental Review Board on Oct. 11, 2023, concerns in regards to wildlife, ESHA, and noise complaints were raised by certain board members.

Since then, skaters, parents of child skaters, and advocates have attended every city meeting in hopes of the project to begin construction.

At the Planning Commission on Nov. 30, mother and skatepark advocate Heather Gardner showed a video made in 2019 where the kids (now in high school) thanked

the City of Malibu for building their temporary skatepark. Gardner has been speaking at every meeting that involves the skatepark.

“I am here now just very frustrated and I don’t know what to do with that,” Gardner said. “It’s really in your hands now. I am at a loss for words because I am kind of sick of it; I’ve looked at probably seven or eight different city council groupings and have done this with my kids for way too long. This is kind of sad, we should all be ashamed of this.”

Gardner was at the last City Council meeting, where councilmembers had a heated discussion about the appeal. Gardner said she was unable to watch the meeting in person and left but was shocked with the lack of professionalism the council showed.

Malibu City Councilmember Bruce Silverstein has made good on his threat to report his fellow City Councilmembers for alleged violations of the Brown Act, a long-standing California law that generally requires deliberations by legislative bodies to be held in public. Silverstein sent a letter to the Public Integrity Division of the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office to report that a majority of councilmembers met twice in February to discuss a threatened lawsuit by luxury property developer Scott Gillen in connection with a permanent Malibu skatepark in the works for more than a decade.

The litigation threat was made during a public hearing to consider approval of a Coastal Development Permit to construct

INSIDE this week

MaliBUngalows exhibit showcases Shogher BaghdoudTilkian’s multi-faceted oeuvre| B1

Opinion A2

News Briefs A3

Planning Commission to hold a special meeting on March 8 to address crosswalk proposed by Caltrans

Calendar A4

Events Business A7

Bruce Silverstein alleges violation of the Brown Act by the Malibu City Council CONTINUED

• Women’s

horse stalls,”

June Aochi Berk (center) poses for a photo with her friends (from left to right) Lily Leirness, Phil Leirness, Celeste Hong and Sandy Boucher after she spoke at Malibu United Methodist Church on March 2, an event sponsored by the Malibu chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Photos by Devon Meyers/TMT

An artist rendering shows the proposed skatepark at Malibu Bluffs Park. Contributed Photo

Pinewood Derby award winners are named at the event. The Malibu Scouts Annual Pinewood Derby wood-car race took place on

Photos by Samantha Bravo/TMT

In Case

You Missed it

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

OPINION Letters to the Editor

*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.

Support Malibu Marlins

Dear Editor, A few decades ago, I joined the Malibu Masters swimming program at the pool. My husband started coming with me, and we’ve been doing it together for many years — we love it. After our house burned down in the Woolsey Fire, we had to drop out of Masters for awhile. We were living in a trailer on our property while we rebuilt our house. We would come to the pool for lap swim whenever we could. We often came when the swim workouts were going on for the swim team. We started noticing the coach and the way he ran the program and dealt with the kids. I’m a retired teacher. I taught elementary school for over 20 years, mostly in Malibu. Our four children participated in the Junior Lifeguard Program for many summers and they all played soccer at the highest level. Needless to say, we’ve observed the best and the worst in coaches and teachers and everything in between.

It’s important to know the subject or skill you are teaching; it’s important to have personal experience in what you are teaching; it’s important to be able to work with kids; but it’s most important to have good character, because we teach who we are. And, of course, we all want the best people teaching and coaching our children. It’s very rare to find someone with all of these qualities and when we do, we try with all our might to hang on to them.

After our house was finished, our good friend, Kevin Webb encouraged us to rejoin Malibu Masters. We’ve been swimming with Erik Ran for over a year now and it’s great to be back.

I’m sending this letter for two reasons. One, because, selfishly I love having Erik as a Masters coach.

Second, and most important, I want to support the kids and families. I don’t have any of my own kids in this program right now, but after teaching hundreds of kids in Malibu, I feel like our community’s kids are my kids too. And, as we get older, I’m sure you’d agree with me that our greatest legacy, the only legacy that really matters, is our children.

In fifth grade I was in a terrible car accident. I recovered, and in sixth grade, I learned how to swim. I will always be grateful for my first coach. A good teacher or coach can make a huge difference in a child’s life. When I learned how to swim, my life changed.

I want the children in our community to have the same gift I got as a child. Let’s do this for them. It’s not hard. We already have a coach that checks all the boxes and is supported by the majority of this swim community and now we have an organization that will function the way that majority wants it to. What are we waiting for? What more does the city need? Right now, the kids who want to swim with their coach, Erik, are being forced to swim at 6:30 in the morning before school. Many who want to can’t swim at that time. These children and fam-

ilies are being held hostage by a stubborn bureaucratic system that is hiding behind rules and regulations. Too much precious time has already passed. Can we please get these kids some lanes at a decent time to swim with their coach? Go Marlins!

Patti Mehring, Malibu

Concerns regarding alleged Brown Act violations by Malibu City Councilmembers

Dear Editor,

I am writing to express my concerns about the recent actions of Malibu City Councilmember Bruce Silverstein, who has reportedly reported his fellow City Councilmembers for alleged violations of the Brown Act. The Brown Act is a crucial California law designed to ensure transparency in government by mandating that deliberations by legislative bodies be conducted in public. According to recent reports, Councilmember Silverstein has sent a letter to the Public Integrity Division of the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office, detailing an alleged violation involving a majority of councilmembers meeting in private to discuss a threatened lawsuit by luxury property developer Scott Gillen. The lawsuit is related to

a permanent Malibu skatepark, a project that has been in the works for more than a decade.

While I understand the importance of upholding the principles of the Brown Act to maintain transparency and public trust, it is disheartening to see internal conflicts within the City Council escalate to the point of legal action. The citizens of Malibu rely on their elected representatives to work collaboratively and ethically on matters that impact the community.

It is crucial for the City Council to address any concerns related to the alleged Brown Act violations promptly and transparently. A

thorough investigation into these allegations will help ensure accountability and demonstrate the commitment of the City Council to abide by the laws that govern their actions.

I urge the City Council to prioritize open communication, accountability, and the best interests of the Malibu community. It is my hope that this incident will serve as an opportunity for reflection and improvement, fostering a more collaborative and transparent decision-making process in the future.

Donna Windsor, Malibu

The candidates shared their personal stories, future goals, and the impact BGCM

Mudslides cause multiple road closures in Malibu Officials reopened canyons after inspections and debris clearance

Four local sheriff’s deputies honored for heroism Malibu City Council pays tribute to four men for saving a drowning man in Serra Creek

Students honored at the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu Youth of the Year event

FRIDAY

67º | 50º

SUNNY

SATURDAY

62º | 52º SUNNY

SUNDAY

65º | 51º

SUNNY

MONDAY

64º | 53º

SUNNY

TUESDAY

66º | 55º SUNNY

WEDNESDAY

70º | 56º SUNNY

SIRENS

The following incidents were reported between:

FEB 6 - FEB 14

 2/6 | Vehicle Vandalism

A vehicle parked near the CVS Pharmacy on Malibu Road was vandalized and the damage was estimated to cost $500 to repair. The victim said they saw deep scratch marks around her vehicle. The security footage showed the suspect walking around her vehicle and moving his hand back around the vehicle. The footage was unable to get an accurate description of the suspect.

 2/7 | Vehicle Burglary

A vehicle parked near The Malibu pier was broken into and ransacked. The victim hid the key when surfing and upon return the key was missing and their credit cards and iPhone were stolen. The victim was notified of multiple transactions such as a $17,000 purchase at a Nordstrom and a $7,000 purchase at a Apple Store. There were no security cameras available for evidence.

 2/8 | Burglary

A vehicle parked near Topanga Beach was broken into and ransacked. The victim was notified of an attempt to use their credit card for $3000, but the charge was declined. The suspects used the card at a Nike store in Santa Monica. The victim was able to locate their iPhone and vehicle keys at a construction site. There were no security cameras available for evidence.

 2/11 | Vehicle Burglary

A vehicle parked near Lechuza Beach was broken into, and the window was shattered

The victim said the window was estimated to cost $1,000 to repair

 2/12 | Grand Theft An estimated $1,000 worth of miscellaneous items were stolen from the CVS Pharmacy on Malibu Road. The suspect was described as a 22-year-old female and wearing dark clothes. The suspect was walking around the store, placing items in the cart, and walked out without paying. The security footage was uploaded for evidence.

Vandalism at Tracy Park Gallery in Malibu leaves windows shattered, but art unharmed

In a shocking incident on Thursday night, the Tracy Park Gallery in Malibu fell victim to vandalism when a homeless man threw boulders through all of its windows. The assailant was swiftly apprehended by diligent security guards and handed over to the Lost Hills Sheriff, leading to his immediate arrest.

Gallery owner Tracy Park expressed relief that none of the artwork was damaged or stolen during the rampage. In a statement, she commended International Protection Service (IPS) security for their quick response, saying, “I would like to thank IPS security for catching the [jerk] who threw boulders the size of my head through the windows of my gallery, and I would like to thank the Lost Hills Sheriff for arresting this [jerk]!”

The incident occurred at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday night, prompting the former mayor Jefferson Zuma Jay Wagner and others to rally to Tracy Park’s assistance. The vandal targeted each window of the gallery, shattering them with boulders, but miraculously, the art within, including works by Toohda Slee, remained unscathed. The gallery was forced to close for two days due to the extensive damage.

Unfortunately, Tracy Park revealed that the gallery does not have

NEWS BRIEFS

insurance, making her personally responsible for the repair costs as a triple net lessee. Despite the financial setback, she expressed gratitude that the gallery is now back in business. The perpetrator was arrested on the scene, but to Tracy Park’s dismay, she discovered the next day that he had been released on his own recognizance. The gallery owner is determined to seek justice and ensure that the individual responsible faces the consequences for the vandalization.

Planning Commission to hold a special meeting on March 8 to address crosswalk proposed by Caltrans

On Friday, March 8, 6:30 p.m., the Planning Commission will hold a special meeting to consider a coastal development permit for a Caltrans project that includes infrastructure upgrades to improve pedestrian and vehicular safety at an existing crosswalk, approximately 1,500 feet west of Carbon Beach Terrace, near 22521 Pacific Coast Highway. The project includes 1) the removal of two existing 35-foothigh pedestrian crossing signal poles with continuously flashing yellow beacon lights; 2) installation of two new 35-foot-high pedestrian crossing signal poles with two traffic signals on each pole;

3) installation of two new 10-foot-high signal poles

with safety signaling for vehicles; 4) installation of two new 10-foothigh signal poles with pedestrian crossing timers; and 5) restripe the crosswalk in same location. This item was previously considered by the Planning Commission on Feb. 20, however, the Planning Commission continued the item to a date uncertain requesting additional information from Caltrans. The March 8 Special Meeting agenda and staff report is available online at https:// malibucity.org/AgendaCenter/ ViewFile/Agenda/_030820242243?html=true.

Malibu Canyon now open after weekend closure

LA Public Works has reopened Malibu Canyon Road Monday morning after completing their inspection of the hillside and has deemed it safe to reopen. “Thank you for your patience during the closure, your safety is our top priority,” they shared on social media.

On Friday, March 1, LA County Public Works closed the canyon at 7 p.m. in anticipation of the weekend storm. This gave LA Public Works engineers an opportunity to monitor the hillside slope stability and ensured the canyon was safe for drivers.

In response to the substantial winter rains causing numerous slope failures and coastal erosion to multiple locations within the city, ESD staff, including the Geotechnical

OBITUARIES

Long-time Malibu and Topanga resident Tom Bates passed away on February 27, 2024, at 83 years old. Tom was raised by a single mom working multiple jobs in the inner city of Los Angeles. He would spend hours in the library reading history books to avoid the “rougher elements”

ERIC F. THRANE

Eric F. Thrane, 70, of Osage Beach, Missouri, formally of Malibu, died peacefully on February 23 in Eldon, Missouri.

Our wonderful friend Joe Klein passed away last weekend from pneumonia after a long illness while visiting family in Phoenix. Joe and his mom, dad, and sister arrived in Malibu in the early 70s and lived on Latigo Beach; a dozen years later, Joe moved to Malibu Road and maintained his recording studio, LA Trax, in Hollywood. Joe loved Malibu and was devoted to his keen musical marketing talents, whereby he achieved over 13 Gold Records, 20 plus Emmys, and doz-

on his way home from Manuel Arts High School. By chance, he attended a summer camp in Topanga for inner-city youths in the early 50s. Despite finding out not to touch the oily plant with three leaves by the creeks (poison oak), he instantly fell in love.

In Topanga and Malibu, he found the peace and tranquility he had always sought. While he lived throughout the greater Los Angeles area and in Seattle while in the Army/National Guard for a short time, he always found a way back to the canyons and beaches that meant so much to him. He instilled a love of nature in all his family members.

Many readers may know Tom from his days at Red Carpet Realty or Malibu Realty. He loved showing Topanga and Malibu to his clients and helping them find

He was born March 26, 1953, in Santa Monica, California, the oldest son of the late Victor and Patricia Thrane, formally of Point Dume.

Eric was educated in local Malibu Schools and went on to be a very

ens of other professional accolades. Joe was a true genius in every sense, both technically and artistically!

In 1986, on a whim, he wrote and produced the catchy “Christmas in Malibu” song with an accompanying video featuring the Radudes, using local Malibu surfer dudes who could carry a tune! Joe was blessed with a larger-than-life personality and an over-the-top sense of humor … but most importantly, he was a very loyal friend! We love you, Joe!!!

the property that was just right for their needs.

A fierce property rights activist and follower of politics, Tom once served as the President of the Malibu Republican Club and was often asked to speak about property rights. He loved to share his views and opinions, whether requested or not!

Tom was a genuine and true friend to many.

Tom is survived by his son Ryan, daughter-in-law Kathy, daughter Jayme, and three wonderful and loving grandchildren, Parker, Nicole, and James.

“Grandpa” will be missed…

The family will hold a private ceremony for Tom’s passing. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Red Cross, where Tom, who had a rare blood type, donated countless times to help those in need.

talented housebuilder carpenter.

He is survived by his two brothers, Marc Thrane of Thousand Oaks, Calif., and Christopher Thrane of South Burlington, Vermont. Service will be private.

*The Malibu Times publishes any local obituary under 300 words with one photo at no cost. Anything over 300 words with additional images will have a fee to run in the paper. Please contact our office for more details on how we can help honor your loved ones. office@malibutimes.com (310)456.5507

Team continues to closely monitor these hazardous sites and rapidly expedite temporary measurements to be put in place to protect structures and maintain public safety. Additionally, to further assist property owners, staff developed the Emergency Slope Best Management Practices Checklist, requiring properties with slope failure conditions to submit temporary erosion control plans and geotechnical recommendations (as applicable) for review to protect slopes during the rainy season. Staff continues to send monthly emails and e-notifications pertaining to storm safety measures; these notifications are sent to our registered building professionals. Please visit the city’s website (malibucity.org) for further information on winter preparedness.

Coastal Commission hearing on beachfront signs to be held March 13

The California Coastal Commission will hold a public hearing on March 13 on the City’s Local Coastal Program amendment to modify provisions for signs on beachfront properties. For more information, view the “Notice of Public Hearing” at malibucity.org/ DocumentCenter/View/33407/ Newspaper-Notice-for-CCCHearing-on-City-of-Malibu-LCPAmendment-No-LCP-4-MAL21-0049-1-Part-B-Signs. In 2021, based on the recommendation received from the City Attorney’s Office, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 483 adopting amendments to the Malibu Municipal Code and Local Coastal Program.

CHP Taskforce update

Since Jan. 1, the CHP Traffic Safety Task Force has issued 470 citations, 408 of which were for speeding. The other 62 citations were for other Primary Collision Factors (such as reckless or distracted driving) or equipment violations. During the week of Feb. 19, fewer citations were issued due to heavy rain and road closures.

The city contracted for the team of three CHP officers to conduct full-time traffic enforcement patrols seven days a week, dedicated to Malibu only, in response to PCH safety concerns. The city declared a local emergency on Nov. 13 in response to increasingly dangerous conditions on PCH culminating in the tragic deaths of four Pepperdine students struck by a speeding motorist while walking along PCH. For more information on the city’s efforts to address PCH safety, visit the webpage.

City obtains Hazard Tree Removal Grant

The City of Malibu has received an additional $326,000 to the Hazard Tree Removal Grant from the MRCA/SMMC. Previously, $674,000 was granted and spent on removing these hazardous trees. This latest amount brings the total of the grant to $1 million. Additional signups will be taken over the next few months and work will start in late spring ( May to June). The criteria are that the trees must be dead and represent a threat to infrastructure and or represent a significant fire threat. Priority will be given first to the few residents who were still on the list when previous funds were exhausted, then to those who have not had any work done previously under the grant, and then those who have had work done but still need some trees removed. When a number of residents have signed up, the Fire Safety Liaison will visit your properties with the arborist from Newbury Park Tree Service to make sure the criteria are met, there is adequate access, and the trees are not in an environmentally sensitive area. If you wish to participate in this program or have any questions send an email to firesafety@malibucity.org with your name, phone number, email, and address of where the trees are located.

2024 Homeless Count shows decline in Malibu since 2016

On Jan. 24, the City of Malibu participated in the 2024 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count along with The Los Angeles Homeless Service Authority (LAHSA) and community volunteers. The local count showed 51 people experiencing homelessness in Malibu, the lowest number since 2016, when the city began participating in the Homeless Count, and a 30 percent decline since the 2023 Count. The data follows reports from the city’s Homeless Outreach Team through The People Concern that they helped 51 people in Malibu exit homelessness in 2023 through placement in permanent and interim housing, or family reunification. For more information about the city’s efforts to address homelessness, visit the webpage at www. malibucity.org/homelessness.

Participate in the LA County storm damage survey to help with the recovery effort

The Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has created an online survey to gather storm damage in-

JOE KLEIN 1953-2024

TOM BATES 1940-2024

1953-2024

Sun mar 10

STUDENT ART EXHIBIT CLOSING RECEPTION

The Community Services Department is pleased to announce the 2024 Student Art Exhibit. Children in grades TK-12 will display artwork at the Malibu City Gallery. The exhibit provides a forum that fosters creativity among student artists, educators, and the Malibu community. Artwork will be on display at the Malibu City Gallery, 23825 Stuart Ranch Road, Feb. 5 through March 8. Admission to the gallery is free, and it is open to the public Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. A closing reception will be held Sunday, March 10, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to celebrate the artists with light refreshments and certificates.

MALIBU FILM SOCIETY OSCAR PARTY RETURNS TO MALIBU

The entire community is invited to attend Malibu Film Society’s annual Academy Awards Party, to be held on Oscar Sunday, March 10. This year’s event will be held at the Malibu West Beach Club at 30756 Pacific Coast Highway (located on the sand at the very end of Zuma Beach). Doors for this year’s party will open at 3 p.m. for red-carpet arrivals and champagne reception, with

the pre-show broadcast shown on a giant 15-foot screen. The awards ceremony will then be shown live starting at 4 p.m. The event includes free valet parking and an open bar, with a lavish four-course dinner provided by Monrose Catering. Recommended attire ranges from casual chic to dress-toimpress. There will also be an Oscar prediction contest, with the top prize going to the person with the most correct answers. Individual tickets range from $125-$175 per person, and can be purchased online at www. MalibuFilmSociety.org.

tue mar 12

PARENT AND ME MUSIC CLASS WITH LOCAL MUSIC TEACHER SIERRA DRUMMOND

Little ones are invited to join Third Space Malibu’s “Parent and Me Music Class” on Tuesday, March 12, from 11 to 11:45 a.m. Kids ages 6 months to 2.5 years old can shake, drum, sing, and dance during a 45-minute workshop with local music teacher Sierra Drummond. Participants do not have to bring instruments as Third Space will provide shakers and Stapelstein elements to drum on. If interested, please RSVP at thirdspacemalibu.org/pages/ workshops?event-id=23275.

wed mar 13

EMILY SHANE FOUNDATION FUNDRAISER

Enjoy a meal or drinks at Zinque in Malibu while supporting the Emily Shane Foundation SEA Program on Wednesday, March 13, from 6 to 8 p.m. A percentage

of all receipts will benefit The Emily Shane Foundation. Zinque is located in the Malibu Colony Plaza. For more information visit emilyshane.org.

thu mar 14

PARENT AND ME MUSIC CLASS WITH LOCAL MUSIC TEACHER SIERRA DRUMMOND

Little ones are invited to join Third Space Malibu’s “Parent and Me Music Class” on Thursday, March 14, from 2 to 2:45 a.m. Kids ages 6 months to 2.5 years old can shake, drum, sing, and dance during a 45-minute workshop with local music teacher Sierra Drummond. Participants do not have to bring instruments as Third Space will provide shakers and Stapelstein elements to drum on. If interested, please RSVP at thirdspacemalibu.org/pages/ workshops?event-id=23276.

sat mar 16

CAFFEINATED VERSE: POETRY OPEN MIC

Join Malibu Poet Laureate Nathan Hassall to hear readings of original pieces written by local poets and bring a poem of your own to read during the open mic on Saturday, March 16, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For adults. This event is part of the city’s free poetry workshops in partnership with Malibu Library, the Malibu Poet Laureate Committee, the Malibu Arts Commission, and the Friends of the Malibu Library, offering community members engaging, educational opportunities to find expression through poetry with a renowned local poet.

SMMUSD PRESENTS:

STAIRWAY OF THE STARS

Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) will present Stairway of the Stars for the 73rd year, a musical extravaganza highlighting the outstanding music education programs, and showcasing the talents of students from every school in the district. Nearly 900 elementary, middle, and high school students will “star” in the “Stairway of the Stars” outdoor concert in the Santa Monica High School Greek Theatre on Saturday, March 16, at 4 p.m. The 2024 Stairway Honor Award will be presented to Julianna Di Giacomo. Di Giacomo attended Lincoln Middle School, where her choral director was Janet Schwabe, and Santa Monica High, where her choral director was Linda Anderson. Di Giacomo performed at many Stairway concerts as a student, and she graduated from Samohi in 1992. She is thankful for the wonderful music education she received while attending schools in the SMMUSD. To purchase tickets, go to www. StairwayoftheStars.org.

tue mar 19

PARENT AND ME MUSIC CLASS WITH LOCAL MUSIC TEACHER SIERRA DRUMMOND

Little ones are invited to join Third Space Malibu’s “Parent and Me Music Class” on Tuesday, March 19, from 11 to 11:45 a.m. Kids ages 6 months to 2.5 years old can shake, drum, sing and dance during a 45-minute workshop with local music teacher Sierra Drummond. Participants do not have to bring instruments as Third Space will provide shakers and Stapelstein elements to drum on. If interested, please RSVP at thirdspacemalibu.org/pages/ workshops?event-id=23277.

Angeles. This event will take place at Malibu Library. RSVPs are required. Malibu Village Books will sell copies of “A Place Called Home” at the event.

thu mar 21

PARENT AND ME MUSIC CLASS WITH LOCAL MUSIC TEACHER SIERRA DRUMMOND

Little ones are invited to join Third Space Malibu’s “Parent and Me Music Class” on Thursday, March 21, from 2 to 2:45 a.m. Kids ages 6 months to 2.5 years old can shake, drum, sing and dance during a 45-minute workshop with local music teacher Sierra Drummond. Participants do not have to bring instruments as Third Space will provide shakers and Stapelstein elements to drum on. If interested, please RSVP at thirdspacemalibu.org/pages/ workshops?event-id=23278.

sat mar 23

THE RIPPLE EFFECT: A GENERATIVE POETRY WORKSHOP

Stapelstein elements to drum on. If interested, please RSVP at thirdspacemalibu.org/pages/ workshops?event-id=23279.

thu mar 28

PARENT AND ME MUSIC CLASS WITH LOCAL MUSIC TEACHER SIERRA DRUMMOND

Little ones are invited to join Third Space Malibu’s “Parent and Me Music Class” on Thursday, March 28, from 2 to 2:45 p.m. Kids ages 6 months to 2.5 years old can shake, drum, sing and dance during a 45-minute workshop with local music teacher Sierra Drummond. Participants do not have to bring instruments as Third Space will provide shakers and Stapelstein elements to drum on. If interested, please RSVP at thirdspacemalibu.org/pages/ workshops?event-id=23280.

ONGOING

FARMERS MARKET

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

RELAXING THROUGH COLORING

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

STRETCH AND STRENGTH

MALIBU LIBRARY SPEAKER

SERIES: DAVID AMBROZ

Join the City of Malibu and the poetry community in a generative poetry workshop on Saturday, March 23, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Michael Landon Center at Malibu Bluffs Park. When things ripple, they emanate from a center and move outwards. Ripples are an unfolding interaction. In terms of poetry, poems “ripple out” from us and join the ripple of existing and yet-to-be-penned poems, which creates a dialogue that continuously overlaps. Join us for a generative poetry writing workshop where we will sit in the “ripple” of each other’s energies, read, and discuss poems to stimulate our imaginations, and write original poems from prompts provided in the workshop. This workshop is for everyone, regardless of ability level. Participants should bring a pen and a notepad! Led by Malibu Poet Laureate Nathan Hassall.

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

The Malibu Library Speaker Series presents national poverty and child welfare expert and advocate David Ambroz, discussing his book “A Place Called Home” on Wednesday, March 20, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Ambroz currently serves as the Head of Community Engagement (West) for Amazon. Previously he led corporate social responsibility for Walt Disney Television and served as president of the Los Angeles City Planning Commission and as a California Child Welfare Councilmember. After growing up homeless and then in foster care, he graduated from Vassar and later from UCLA School of Law. He is a foster dad and lives in Los

tue mar 26

PARENT AND ME MUSIC CLASS WITH LOCAL MUSIC TEACHER SIERRA DRUMMOND

WELLNESS WORKSHOPS

Little ones are invited to join Third Space Malibu’s “Parent and Me Music Class” on Tuesday, March 26, from 11 to 11:45 a.m. Kids ages 6 months to 2.5 years old can shake, drum, sing and dance during a 45-minute workshop with local music teacher Sierra Drummond. Participants do not have to bring instruments as Third Space will provide shakers and

Learn ways to help release tension and stress, balance energy in the body, and promote a sense of well-being. Leave each workshop with restored inner harmony and receive the healing benefits of community connection. Instructed by The Mindry, TheMindry.com. The first workshop is Yin Yoga and Group Meditation on Jan. 20 at 9:30 a.m. Ages 18 and over. Followed by a Restorative Soundback at 2:30 p.m. for ages 55 and over. The third workshop is Breathwork and Stress Management on Feb. 2 at 4 p.m. for ages 12 through 17. Preregister at malibucity.org/register.

LOCAL NEWS

Malibu High School hosts a town hall with Congressman Brad Sherman

Event a powerful reminder of the importance of listening to and learning from younger constituents

By BARBARA BURKE Special to The Malibu Times

Mindful of the admonition uttered long ago by social scientist Alexis de Tocqueville, “Among democratic nations, each new generation is a new people,” Congressman Brad Sherman traveled on treacherous roads on Wednesday, Feb. 21, after days of rain had caused landslides and flooding across Pacific Coast Highway and in the canyons, and all but one of the faculty and staff of Malibu High School and 60 percent of its student body, made it to school.

Those students in the school’s government and economics courses convened with Sherman for one of the most fundamentally imperative gatherings in our democracy — an intergenerational town hall.   Sherman faced somewhat of a tough crowd, for the students, keenly aware of what a complicated world they will soon lead, asked the lawmaker tough questions on an array of societal conundrums that fall within the purview of the U.S. Congress.

“I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to engage with the bright, insightful students at Malibu High School who impressed me with their eagerness to discuss and learn more about the complex issues facing our country,” Sher-

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man said. “Their diverse questions, ranging from the gerrymandering of Congressional districts to the current crisis in the Middle East, highlighted the students’ compassion  and concern that extended beyond their own community.”

Principal Patrick Miller commented about how important it is for students to have opportunities such as their colloquy with Sherman. Miller noted that some of the students may pursue professions in politics, and most will pre-register to vote at 16 and will exercise their franchise when they turn 18. “We want the students to have

speakers, assignments and conversations that demonstrate the importance of civic responsibility,” Miller said. “When they are adults, we want them to be involved, and the Congressman’s visit was in line with our desire for the students to understand how democratic processes work.”

Sophomore Everett Briggs commented about Sherman’s discussion centering on homelessness. Briggs agreed with the Congressman that there is an imminent need for additional apartments and housing for the unhoused, but that Malibu faces obstacles in building such housing

because of the length of time it takes to build — well, anything — in Malibu due to its permitting process and because building in Malibu is exorbitantly expensive.

“Among the many thought-provoking questions, a particular one that stood out to me was when I was asked to identify important issues that are not receiving  as much attention as they should — a question that perfectly reflected the students’ keen global awareness and strong desire to help provide actionable solutions to the many pressing issues of our time.” Sherman commented.

“I found the Congressman’s

perspective in answering my question about that interesting,” junior Jessa Kletter said. “He focused on how artificial intelligence will pose a big problem in America in the future.”

After pondering, Sherman said, “The town hall was a powerful reminder of the importance of listening to and learning from our younger constituents and I remain committed to incorporating their insightful perspectives into my legislative efforts, particularly in areas of environmental policy, education reform, and protecting  our democracy, to ensure a prosperous, equitable

future for all.”

Sophomore Ella Stabile reflected on the town hall, saying, “It was an enlightening experience to have Congressman Sherman educate us about the importance of the political process.”

As he is, after all, in the business of grading scholarly work and discussions in a school setting, Adam Panish, who teaches some of the government and economics classes, critiqued Sherman’s discussion.

“The Congressman was engaging, enthusiastic and informative,” Panish said. “He appeared to enjoy sharing his thoughts and speaking with the kids.”

the skatepark, to which the developer of the nearby homes objected. Gillen appealed the Planning Commission’s approval of the skatepark, demanding the skate bowl be lowered by 2 feet and moved 10 feet to the west to ameliorate noise leakage to the estates he’s building on the property abutting Bluffs Park, where the skatepark is to be constructed. Gillen offered to pay $150,000 for the changes. Any overruns would presumably be absorbed by the city. Silverstein contends that under the Brown Act, the City Council was not permitted to move to a closed session to discuss the matter absent an initial finding by the City Council that there is a “significant exposure” to a lawsuit.

Under Silverstein’s interpretation of the Brown Act, where the city attorney advises that a significant exposure to litigation exists, the council can move to closed session solely for the purpose of forming its own opinion as to whether a significant exposure exists. If it so finds, the City Council must return to open session to report its finding. At that point, the council could return to closed session to discuss the merits or possible responses to the threat. Silverstein alleges that here, after the council went into closed session, it discussed the issue without making a finding of significant exposure or alternatively failed to appropriately notice the purpose of the meeting. Silverstein conceded that prior practices of the Malibu City Council and other municipalities have followed the city’s approach, but he believes notwithstanding that it violates the Brown Act’s plain meaning.

If a Brown Act violation were found to have occurred, possible consequences under the law could include the voiding of the City Council’s actions at that meeting and assessment of court costs and attorney’s fees against the city’s general fund. The genesis of the skate park site, which was transferred to the city in connection with the Planning Commission’s approval of the development of the gated enclave of uber-luxury homes, was also discussed.

“You also realize the whole reason we have this piece of property is because they made a deal to give it to the City of Malibu,” Councilmember Paul Grisanti said Feb. 26. “The temporary skatepark they put in, they paid for that.”

Grisanti said he favored avoiding litigation by agreeing to the developer’s demands and “making the deal on the table” in order to speed construction.

Councilmember Doug Stewart suggested that absent such agreement, litigation by Gillen would delay the skatepark by at least a year. Stewart praised the city’s legal counsel for the advice to meet in closed session.

“Our legal counsel is the largest municipal legal counsel in the State of California,” Stewart said. “They opined we’re following the rules.”

Silverstein countered both councilmembers saying, “It’s difficult to kowtow to a threat that’s frivolous. But I don’t know that because we’re not allowed to know a damn thing about the merits of the appeal … because our legal counsel won’t let us know that ... My guess is it’s damn close to frivolous … I think it’s the height of irresponsibility and recklessness of this council to be making changes at the drop of a hat because one person who’s got a lot of money says, ‘I’m going to sue you.’ What message are we sending to deep pockets?

“Paul’s an apologist for developers. Of course, Mr. Gillen gave up the property. He got things in exchange. He didn’t just graciously give up the property. He got to develop his five $50 million homes. What kind of nonsense from our real estate member here? This is all about money, all about power and it makes it difficult to make decisions that aren’t going to have negative impact down the line.”

Silverstein reiterated his belief on the alleged Brown Act violations, and countered Stewart’s statement on legal counsel.

“I believe these closed-session meetings this council had are illegal,” he said. “I know our esteemed counsel from BBK [Best, Best, and Krieger], who Doug says is the preeminent municipal firm in the state, they’re not one of the top firms in the state, but they are a municipal firm. There are plenty of firms substantially better.

“They’re telling us this is lawful. They have to tell us that, because this is the way they do closed sessions. They couldn’t possibly take the position upon being shown the language and having a discussion about what the statute says that you’re right we can’t do this. They’ve been doing the same thing for time immemorial.”

The council heard more than two hours of pleas from the public at the Feb. 26 City Council meeting urging the council to move forward on the skatepark.

“We have a responsibility here to make improvements for our community and make sure our residents have the facilities that they are clamoring for,” said Councilmember Marianne Riggins. Grisanti added, “We are all trying, some of us are trying to get things done … other people are trying to get things not done.”

Mayor Steve Uhring responded, “No, what I am trying to do is make things better.”

The council meeting ended well after midnight.

(Left photo) Malibu High School students were able to ask Congressman Brad Sherman questions during a town hall at MHS on Wednesday, Feb. 21. (Right photo) Congressman Brad Sherman is shown with Malibu High School Principal Patrick Millier (left) and Assistant Principal Cindy Smith after a town hall meeting with MHS students on Wednesday, Feb. 21. Photos courtesy Principal Patrick Miller

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activity and emergency situations,” the website says. “It will also enable investigators to easily gather evidence in case of an incident.”

Camera registration takes less than one minute through their secure online portal. Registering your cameras does not allow the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department access to your live video stream — it only enables investigators to know a camera is present at your location and easily request video evidence should an incident occur. An investigator from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will contact you via email if they need your assistance solving a crime near you.

Businesses can take community security one step further by giving the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department direct access to your camera feed in case of a nearby emergency.

Readers who keep up with our Sirens column on A3 may notice a trend when it comes to incidents, including vehicle and residential burglaries. “There are no security cameras available for evidence,” is common in those reports. Installing a security camera can not only deter thefts, it can also help assist when an incident does occur in your neighborhood.

Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Sgt. Chris Soderlund announced the

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formation as part of the effort to assist residents, businesses, cities, and property owners impacted by the recent storms. You can help by completing the survey. Identifying damage helps direct recovery activities and resources after any disaster, and helps to determine if the county is eligible for disaster assistance, which in turn helps LA County communities. (Disaster assistance is not guaranteed, so residents and businesses are encouraged to continue working with their insurers.) For more information and to take the damage survey, visit the county storm recovery website at recovery. lacounty.gov. For assistance in completing the survey, call 2-1-1.

2024 Art Exhibit

Closing

Reception

set for March 10

The Community Services Department is holding a closing reception for the 2024 Student Art

Exhibit on Sunday, March 10.

Children in grades TK-12 are displaying artwork at the Malibu City Gallery. The exhibit provides a forum that fosters creativity among student artists, educators, and the Malibu community. Artwork will be on display at the Malibu City Gallery, 23825 Stuart Ranch Road, through March 8. The gallery has free admission, and is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The closing reception will be held Sunday, March 10, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to celebrate the artists with light refreshments and certificates.

School Safety Assessment update

The Malibu City Council discussed the final report and recommendations in the School Safety Assessment on Feb. 12 as part of the effort to enhance safety in Malibu public schools. Representatives from the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) reported on recent and

NEWS BRIEFS

program during the Malibu Business Roundtable meeting last Friday.

“When we get a report of a crime in the area, we can go on into this registry system and we’re going to send him a message and say “Hey can you check your camera at this time and this date and see if you possibly caught the suspects walking/driving away, or whatever the case may be, and that’s the basis of this camera registry,” Soderlund said. “It’s your camera, we can’t go into it, there’s no way for us to look at it, there’s no cost to it, we don’t share your information with anyone, all it does is that it tells us you have a camera and it’s at this location and so if a crime occurs at this location we’ll send you a message through your contact information that you put in this registry.”

Soderlund said they’ll send out a link, and residents can upload the video to their online evidence system.

“It would be a tremendous help for us to deter crime and solve crime by getting your cameras registered,” Soderlund said. “So I highly recommend you register your camera.”

According to the Los Angeles County website, there are 712 registered cameras in the system between Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Hidden Hills, Westlake and Malibu as well as in the unincorporated areas, such as Topanga, Chatsworth, and West Hills.

To learn more about the program, visit connectlosangelescounty.org.

upcoming actions and answered questions from the council.

In response to a series of deadly school shootings in 2022, the city, the Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD), and the Malibu-Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station (LASD) partnered on the School Safety Assessment to study safety levels and vulnerabilities at Malibu public schools and make recommendations for improvements.

The LASD assigned a school liaison sergeant to assist with school safety needs, and the City Council established a School Safety Ad Hoc Committee consisting of Councilmembers Bruce Silverstein and Paul Grisanti. The city hired a consultant to conduct the School Safety Assessment for the four public school campuses in Malibu: Malibu Elementary School, Webster Elementary School, Malibu Middle School, and Malibu High School. For security reasons, the complete final report will not be made publicly available. For more details, including the list of recommendations, see the staff report

at malibucity.org/AgendaCenter.

City Council advances master plan for future uses of vacant city-owned land

At its Feb. 12 meeting, the Malibu City Council approved hiring a firm to provide comprehensive community outreach and engagement services that will be needed to develop a master plan for the future use of the city’s vacant properties. The city owns five parcels of vacant land totaling just over nine acres. Over the years, the City Council has sought out and purchased vacant open space properties in Malibu to prevent it from being commercially developed and to ensure that it would be used for the benefit of the community, and to preserve Malibu’s rural coastal village character. Until now, there has not been an organized effort to plan for the future uses of the properties. For more information, see the staff report at malibucity.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/6519?fileID=59274.

PCH to be closed nightly from Sycamore Canyon Road to Las Posas Road

All lanes of PCH in both directions will be closed nightly from 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. (or later) from Sycamore Canyon Road to Las Posas Road in Ventura County until further notice due to erosion. The ocean-side shoulder is eroding and collapsing from high tides, surf, and storm conditions, and more storms are expected. Reopening times may vary based on high tides or storm conditions. Use alternate routes. Check your navigation app, Caltrans QuickMaps, or Sigalert before getting on the road. Caltrans plans to install K-rails to block off the right-hand ocean-side lane and begin emergency steps to stabilize the collapsed slope. A Caltrans inspector must assess the damage each morning and determine when it is safe to reopen. Crews will shift lanes to the land side to provide two lanes in both directions. Watch for reduced speed limit signs, and workers and work vehicles in the road. Under California law, traffic violation fines are doubled in construction zones.

Update given on Wireless Ordinance

On Feb. 7, the California Coastal Commission (CCC) held a public hearing on the city’s proposed amendments to the Local Coastal Program and certified it with suggested modifications. A City Council public hearing will be scheduled to consider the CCC’s modifications to the Local Coastal Program amendment; initiating a zoning text amendment to make additional changes to the Wireless Ordinance; and amending the Malibu Municipal Code (MMC) to adopt provisions in MMC Chapter 17.46. For more infor-

Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance under review by Coastal Commission

This week, the Planning Department submitted the City’s Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinance to the California Coastal Commission (CCC) for its certification review. On Jan. 8, the City Council adopted an ordinance to regulate ADUs in the city, taking a significant step toward addressing Malibu’s housing challenges while balancing the need to preserve the community’s rural coastal village character. The staff report is available on the website at malibucity.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/ Item/6435?fileID=57906.

The state has identified ADUs as an important tool to create more affordable housing amidst California’s housing crisis and has passed several laws to make it easier to build ADUs. The city began developing an ordinance to be consistent with the state laws and has been gathering community input to ensure the regulations reflect Malibu’s needs and characteristics. For more information, visit the project webpage at malibucity. org/adu.

Revised work plan for PCH Traffic Signal Synchronization Project to address traffic congestion

In response to community concerns, the City of Malibu Public Works Department has announced adjustments to the ongoing PCH Traffic Signal Synchronization project to keep two lanes open in each direction on PCH by shifting one travel lane into the center median. Two lanes will be kept open in each direction to alleviate traffic congestion. Work hours are weekdays from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The adjustment is designed to address congestion issues, while maintaining the production schedule and prioritizing the safety of construction workers and motorists. The new plan will be implemented as soon as possible after approval by Caltrans. One common question from the community has been why the work cannot be conducted at night. The Public Works Department considered nighttime work, but found that it would significantly slow down the project timeline and increase project costs by approximately $1 million due to required safety mitigation measures. The project is on track for completion as planned by the end of 2024. The city appreciates the understanding and cooperation of residents as we work to implement public safety improvements on PCH.

The construction work started at the Topanga Canyon intersection and is moving westbound towards John Tyler Drive. The

Traffic Signal Synchronizationcant measure to date to improve safety and mobility on PCH. The project will make PCH a safer “Smart Corridor” by installing communication lines between the existing traffic signals on PCH from Topanga Canyon Boulevard to John Tyler Drive to synchronize the signals to existing traffic conditions. It will allow signals to be controlled remotely by the Caltrans Traffic Management Center to lower traffic speeds and reduce congestion.  Watch for workers and work vehicles in and around the roadway. Under California law, traffic citation fines are doubled in construction zones. For more information about the city’s efforts to address PCH safety, visit the PCH Safety web.

Applications are being accepted through March 29 for general fund grants to support local nonprofits

Applications are being accepted through March 29 for the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 General Fund Grant Program from local nonprofit organizations to fund efforts that benefit residents of the community. All Malibu community-based organizations are encouraged to apply for a General Fund Grant. Applications will be reviewed by the City Council’s Administration and Finance Subcommittee in mid-spring. The subcommittee’s recommendations will be presented to the City Council for award during the annual budget approval in June. For more information and to apply, visit the webpage at malibucity. org/generalfundgrants.

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

Registration is now open for the city’s next Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training. As part of its ongoing efforts toward community-wide wildfire and disaster preparedness, the city is offering the next round of the highly popular free training with seven classes to be held on Thursday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m., April 18 through May 30, at Malibu City Hall. The program is administered by the city and other public safety agencies across the country and empowers community members to help themselves and their neighbors during disasters. Through handson training, participants learn the most up-to-date information on basic disaster preparedness, the use of a fire extinguisher, disaster medical care, first aid, search and rescue, disaster psychology, and neighborhood team building. For more information and to sign up, visit the webpage, at malibucity.org or email publicsafety@ malibucity.org, or call (310) 4562489, ext. 237.

Women’s History Month: Malibu Style

A few of Malibu’s visionaries, trailblazers, environmentalists, proud civic leaders, and trendsetters

By BARBARA BURKE Special to The Malibu Times

For several years now, March has been Women’s History Month. Malibu’s women’s history is replete with visionaries, trailblazers, environmentalists, proud civic leaders, and trendsetters.

We should begin such a discussion by noting that Chumash history instructs that in Malibu, where part of the Coastal Band of the Chumash nation resided — as with all branches of the seven Chumash nations — women were integral to the indigenous culture, served as chiefs and priests, and were involved tribal members practicing responsible stewardship of their ancestral lands.

Next, there is the doggedly determined, indefatigable, but ultimately unsuccessful, Rhoda “May” Knight Rindge, whom historians have dubbed “The Queen of Malibu,” and “the Founding Mother of Malibu,”  as well as L.A.’s first high-profile female environmentalist, according to a 1998 article in the Los Angeles Times entitled, “Defenders of Malibu’s Beauty.”  Rindge and her husband, Frederick, purchased the Malibu Rancho as the final Spanish land grant owner of the property and established a cattle ranch.

After Frederick passed away in 1905, May Rindge founded Marblehead Land Company in 1921 and Malibu’s first business, Malibu Potteries, in 1926. May founded the Malibu Movie Colony, ultimately selling cottages to movie stars such as Mary Pickford and Bing Crosby.  She fought to preserve her family’s rancho — the Rancho Topanga Malibu Sequit — which extended from Los Flores Canyon to Ventura County.

She constructed some amazing structures, to wit, the Franciscan Order’s Serra Retreat (now known as The Adamson House), Rindge Dam, and the Malibu Pier. She won some of her battles. When the Southern Pacific Railroad wanted to connect its Santa Barbara terminus with Santa Monica, Rindge started her own railroad, taking advantage

of a law that stated that if one railway ran through a property, no other railway could do so. She also drilled for oil on Pt. Dume, but found none. Rindge was determined to preserve the beauty and topography of the Pacific Coast. However, she lost a 16-year Herculean battle, first to keep out county roads that homesteaders wanted for access to the coast and then to preclude a federal highway from being built. She lost both cases. As for the highway, she lost before the United States Supreme Court. Ultimately, the Roosevelt Highway, now the Pacific Coast Highway, was constructed, creating a highway from the Mexican border all the way to the Canadian border, and changing Malibu forever.

Rindge died in 1941 and some of her descendants still live in Malibu and nearby.

Mildred Mae Meek Lewis Mandeville Decker, affectionately known as Millie Decker, was the daughter of one of the Santa Monica Mountains’ original homesteaders in the 1860s. Decker died peacefully in her sleep on Christmas Eve 2018, just weeks after surviving the Woolsey Fire. She was 98 years old.

Those celebrating Decker’s life lovingly posted on social media with Sam Haskell saying, “5 feet tall, horse lover, bull rider, dynamite detonator! Long before Malibu became known for surf and celebs, Millie was mixing it up in the hills high above the Pacific Ocean. She had the energy of a teenager, truly one of a kind — What a wonderful life!”

“We just lost a giant. Sara Wan, fierce environmentalist and coastal defender, dies at 83,” Steve Lopez of the Los Angeles Times announced on Sept. 7, 2022, quoting Jack Ainsworth, then executive director of the Coastal Commission.  The obituary noted that Wan served longer on the Coastal Commission than anyone and was an environmental crusader for four decades.

“When I needed to know the history of an ongoing coastal dustup over the years, Wan was able to break it down with historical perspective and encyclopedic precision,” the obituary quoted Susan Jordan of the California Coastal Protection Network as saying. Wan’s effort to preserve one of the last undeveloped canyons in Malibu resulted in the space being named the Corral Canyon Park Sara Wan Trailhead.

“The homeless come in every description: addicts, young, old, families, single women, men, people down on their luck, etc. The stigma is the hardest thing for them to bear. Perhaps we can restore some dignity and receive a little suffering.” That was part of a note that Malibu’s Carol Moss wrote when asked to convey her message about the homeless, according to her obituary written in The Malibu Times on April 28, 2021.  Moss died at the age of 91.

Moss, a resident of Malibu Colony since 1964, was, the obituary aptly said, “a force to be reckoned with throughout the 55 years she lived here.” The piece noted  that her activism was ceaseless, well into her 80s. In 2015, Moss co-founded CART (Community Assistance

good to talk about.”

“I left and I had to go home and then I saw even more drama going on; this needs to be done professionally,” Gardner said. “I feel like it’s never going to end ... try to be unified please.”

Gardner thanked the council for resolving the Malibu Marlins issue and hopes the council can do the same for the skatepark.

“You guys fixed that problem so fast, and it really encouraged me, ‘Look at what our City Council can do,’ but then I’m here going, ‘I’ve been doing this for 10 years’ — it’s very discouraging,” Gardner said. “So please give us something

The Malibu City Council organized a special public open hearing on Monday, March 4, to hear the settlement proposal. Councilmembers asked city staff and skatepark designers remaining questions about the project and their concerns with the appeal. City Attorney Trevor Rusin was asked if there was a reason for recusal from any councilmember who would have any connection to this project, to which he said no, there was no conflict of interest from any councilmembers for this project.

Mayor Steve Uhring motioned to wait until Monday’s City Council meeting to approve the

settlement; the motion failed.

“To me, the most secure way of making sure the skatepark gets built as quickly as possible, is going to our next meeting, doing the appeal, and deciding where that comes out,” Uhring said. “My motion would be is, let’s not sign this tonight, let’s do the appeal next and decide with the settlement agreement after we figure out what the answer to that is.”

After discussion, the settlement agreement was approved without changes. Motioned passed. The city is working on getting a more detailed statement on the item for the public. The next City Council meeting is on Monday, March 11.

Resource Team), a local grassroots organization to help the homeless.

Since Moss’s passing, Kay Gabbard, Terry Davis, and others continue to honor her legacy by leading efforts to help the homeless.

Lucile Keller, wife of the late Walt Keller, Malibu’s first mayor, needs

no introduction to long-time Malibuites.  The City of Malibu is in the process of naming Charmlee Nature Center in favor of Lucile and Walt. Dedicated environmentalists, the couple was involved in all things Malibu for decades.

“Lucile is a community treasure,”

states the Malibu Township Council webpage, adding, “She was a driving force in founding the City of Malibu and has been stalwart in her continued support, and defense and promotion of Malibu’s Vision and Mission Statements. Lucile is one of Malibu’s matriarchs who has steadfastly served as a custodian of the area’s unaltered natural resources for present and future generations.”

Although not a civic leader, philanthropist, or environmentalist, one lady also changed Malibu forever.

If one visits Duke’s Malibu for lunch on a Friday or for Sunday brunch, they might just see a petite, smiling lady with a tropical flower in her hair, usually surrounded by curious children as she explains how surfing culture became so famous in Malibu and burgeoned worldwide.

Kathy Kohner-Zuckerman, aka Gidget, was a woman leader of a different sort in Malibu. The name Gidget is a portmanteau of “girl” and “midget,” and the 1957 book, “Gidget, the Little Girl with Big Ideas,” written by Kathy’s father, Frederick Kohner-Zuckerman, recounts the surfing adventures of his daughter and her surfing friends on what is now First Point on Surfrider Beach in Malibu.

Simply stated, everything changed in Malibu due to that book and the Gidget character appearing in several films, television shows, and a stage play.

Although Kohner-Zuckerman was not a civic leader, not an environmentalist, and never held public office in Malibu, her life was instrumental in charting Malibu’s course as the epicenter of surfing.

As we celebrate Women’s History month, we honor the fact that Malibu is replete with ladies who make history every day, and in doing so, make Malibu a better place to live and enjoy.

May Rindge visits the Adamson House in the 1930s. The house was built in 1929 for her daughter, Rhoda Rindge Adamson and her husband. It’s been called the “Taj Mahal of Tile,” due to its extensive use of ceramic tiles created by Rufus Keeler of Malibu Potteries. It was designated a California Historical Landmark and is still standing today. Photo courtesy of Adamson House Archives.

Harbor attack.

“The officers went through our entire house,” she said, displaying a black-andwhite picture of the search. “They thought we were guilty — guilty by ancestry.”

Kamei elaborated: “Even before the declaration of war in 1941, agricultural and labor groups wanted to remove Japanese Americans.”

Reflecting, she said, “Throughout American history, immigration and naturalization have been politically contentious topics, ever since 1790 when two Congressmen got into a duel on the floor of Congress discussing the topic.”

Audience members leaned in to see the image of two pugilist lawmakers who lost control when debating the Nationality Act of 1790, the first law to address eligibility for citizenship by naturalization. That law excluded people of Asian lineage from naturalizing.

Kamei noted that, throughout American history, as subsequent waves of immigrants arrived on our shores from various countries — the French, the Irish, the German, the Chinese, and then, the Japanese, all immigrants were subjected to discrimination.

“Pearl Harbor lit the powder keg, resulting in the internment of those of Japanese descent on the West Coast,” Kamei stated. “We say that June and her family, my parents, and others were incarcerated — we do not use the term internment.”

The word “internment” is a term of art in the international law of war and does not correctly describe the communitywide incarceration that Berk and Kamei’s parents and others living in western states endured. Instead, “internment” invokes an internationally agreed legal scheme under which a warring country may incarcerate enemy soldiers and select civilians who are subjects of an enemy power.

Readers may be interested in reading “Americans’ Misuse of ‘Internment,’” by Yoshinori H.T. Himel in this regard.

“My Dad came to the U.S. in 1899, when he was only 20 years old,” Berk said. “He worked on the railroad tracks for two years, went to Washington state for a few years, and finally, he came to Los Angeles, where he operated a business at Sunset and Vine.

REAL ESTATE

He had a Japanese workers employment agency and was one of the first gardeners in Hollywood.”

Berk’s mother arrived in America in 1924, just before Congress banned immigration from Japan, with limited exceptions.

“From 1924 to 1952, those of Japanese descent who lived in America were required to maintain a registration.” Kamei stated, as the registration signed by Berk’s father was shown on the screen.

Berk explained in detail that even before WWII, those of Japanese descent were not honored equally with others residing in our country.

Simply stated, in that era, they were not included in America’s multi-cultural tapestry contemplated by the concept embodied in the preface to the U.S. Constitution, which states “We the People.”

“We couldn’t obtain citizenship,” Berk stated. “My first brother died from pneumonia because back in those days, we couldn’t go to the hospital. We couldn’t own land, and we could only rent properties for three years, so we moved around a lot.”

Berk also shared some more pleasant details of her childhood before being evacuated.

“We had a small community of Japanese businesses, some boarding houses, and shops,” She said. “I had a love of Japanese dancing from when I was a small child and we performed in a 400-seat theater that was on the second floor of a building that housed a gambling area on the third floor and a shop on the bottom level. We even danced at the Hollywood Bowl.”

Images of a small and beautifully-attired Berk amidst a troupe of dancers displayed on the screen.

“I was fortunate enough to be taught by Fujima Kansuma, a master kabuki teacher,” Berk said.

Her next remark, “My dad and mom were frustrated Kabuki actors!” elicited laughter from the audience.

Berk’s enjoyable and peaceful childhood was abruptly interrupted by the evacuation order.

“All of a sudden, there were notices posted on the telephone poles,” she said. “Most people, including my father, had to quit working because we couldn’t travel more than 5 miles from our home. I remember having big bonfires because everyone in the community was burning

pictures, books, even China — anything that had Japanese writing.”

There were closing sales at stores in her community, she added.

“However, throughout this whole experience, there were so many kindnesses extended to us,” Berk said. “Our postman said he would take care of our belongings and, when we were in the camps, groups of Quakers and other groups, including the American Baptists, the Methodists and Presbyterians, brought us cookies and sent Christmas gifts for us. They also helped the teenagers, including my sister and brother, arrange for colleges to attend and for places to work in the other states that were not affected by the evacuation.”

When she received her Christmas gifts, Berk said, “I remember thinking, there’s people on the outside thinking of us?”

Kodomo no tame ni–For the sake of the children

Dignified and determined, the incarcerated adults focused on their children having as usual a life as possible, Berk noted, explaining that they never cried in front of the children or showed any frustration.

“‘Kodomo no tame ni’ — For the sake of the children — is a very strong principle in our culture.” Berk said. “There’s another principle, that one should never give up her dignity and should not show she is defeated, is also very important and that is

Car and Best Design.

why all the adults boarding the evacuation buses were dressed up as if they were going to attend a church service.”

Life at Santa Anita was spartan and scary, Berk said.  Soon, the family was relocated by the War Relocation Authority to Arkansas. There, they endured some flooding and deteriorated conditions.

“They wouldn’t let any Japanese schools in the centers,” Berk said. “However, they did let the children perform dances because it made the older incarcerees happy.”   Berk talked about a lovely picture that attendees viewed on the screen.

“The fathers painted the wall of the stage and the mothers hung flowers from the ceiling and made our costumes,” she said. “We performed often in the camps.”

The kimono her mother made for her is now housed in the Japanese-American National Museum in Little Tokyo.

Holding up a gorgeous yellow kimono, Berk said, “Just a few weeks ago, I found this kimono at the very bottom of one of the two suitcases my mother packed for me to be evacuated. This one is one my mother got from Japan.”

The audience was enthralled with an image of Berk stamping the Ireichō, which the museum’s website describes as “a sacred book that records the names of the more than 125,000 persons who were unjustly imprisoned in U.S. Army, Department of Justice, and War Relocation Authority camps during World War II.”

energy that they enjoy.”

One Scout was so excited about the race, he screamed, “I don’t care who wins, this is so much fun!”

“The one thing that the kids enjoy from the competition is that they’re all supportive,” Mlodzik said. “The fact that they’re all competing with one another but having fun, and they’re friends, is the same thing. They designed their cars, and they sat by each other while they designed them, so they’re not just rooting for themselves, they are rooting for their best friend who also has a cool-looking car; it’s just really good, wholesome

Berk’s message was difficult as she recounted her internment. However, her discussion about her life after being released from internment was quite joyful.  Initially, her family members were given $25 each and a bus ticket to Denver where they established a business. They could not return to California for a few years. They finally relocated to Los Angeles in 1953.

The pair displayed a gorgeous image of a newspaper photo of Berk in 1954 when she was one of the top five candidates for the title of the beauty queen of Nisei Week, an annual Japanese festival in LA.

“That launched her modeling career,” Kamei said, adding that Berk is a leading ambassador for the Japanese American community.

“If you want to learn more about me, you can see the exhibit at the museum that allows attendees with iPads to feel as if they are walking along in a simulation of our boarding the evacuation buses,” Berk said. “In the artificial intelligence exhibit, I do a Japanese dance and soon, you’ll be able to ask my hologram questions as well!”

In closing her discussion, Berk addressed what everyone should glean from the Japanese internment experience. She admonished, “We all need to be very careful because, with just a signature or the passing of a law, we can lose our constitutional rights! If one person’s freedom is taken away, it’s a communal loss.”

They also offer camping, hiking, and marine science programs with financial aid to underprivileged families.

“We’re always looking for more people to join the Scouts, and we would love any help with community endeavors that you would like to service with as far as support goes,” Mlodzik said. “We’re going to do a fundraising gift card and eventually sell outside the Ralphs, but they cost $10 apiece, but they have different perks from grocery stores to LegoLand, to restaurants — it’s got everything you can think of.”

Mlodzik said part of those proceeds go back to the Scouts program and to be able to purchase

a new track for next year’s race.

“You go with kids you go to school with, or you see in the sports field, and it’s just your neighborhood friends,” Mlodzik said.

Anna Gorby, committee chair of the Malibu Scouts, said financial aid is also available for students who want to join.

“Everyone is welcome to join, doesn’t matter what the income is or social status,” Gorby said.

Malibu Scouts Pack 224 offers affordable hands on education for children 5-10 years old.

Gorby said the Cub Scouts have been around since 1961, but after the Woolsey Fire and the COVID-19 pandemic, they had to start from scratch.

“We started the program again, and it’s going really great,” Gorby said. “We already increased our enrollment to 20 percent this year, and these events help our organization and the presence in our community.”

Gorby said the organization is a unique experience and essential program for kids.

Max Gorby, Anna’s husband, was at the end of the race track taking video of the cars and announced the winning car after every round.

“The goal is to build up the Boys Scouts,” Max Gorby said.

“The Boy Scouts is 12 years and up, and these kids are around 8 or 9 (years old), so when these kids grow up, then they will filter to Boy Scouts.”

Gina Longo, whose son Leo is a Scout, said she loved that the kids had the opportunity to build something that they would be proud of.

“The Boy Scouts to him (Leo) is he just loves it because it’s community building, and every time they’re here they’re doing something different,” Longo said.

“It’s racing cars; it’s taking a hike, it’s learning about science, it’s a new learning experience every time, it’s an adventure for them.”

June Aochi Berk (right) and UCLA Adjunct Professor of History Susan H. Kamei spoke about Japanese residents’ forced relocation during World War II at a March 2 event sponsored by the Malibu chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Photos by Devon Meyers/TMT

The Malibu Scouts Pack 224 had the opportunity to build their cars from scratch to compete at the 2nd Annual Pinewood Car Derby Race.

Photo by Samantha Bravo/TMT

DAR SPEAKER CONTINUED FROM A1

PINEWOOD DERBY CONTINUED FROM A1

Her humble life began in Kessab, a small Armenian community in Syria. From the time she was a little one, Shogher Baghdoud-Tilkian was artistically inclined, amazing her parents with her innate ability to create beauty using most any item. However, Shogher had to make do without paints, improvising by fashioning artworks using the charcoal from the family’s outdoor stove, pressing flowers and leaves and designing mixed media works with everyday items.

“Wait for paints,” Shogher said, reiterating a mantra often uttered in her family. “My parents were teachers and that’s what they would say: I had to wait for paints due to our limited resources.”

Art is not Shogher’s only talent. She left home at 17 and earned an architecture degree focusing on urban planning at Armenia’s Architectural Institute of Yerevan, studying modern art and design as well.

Why hone in on urban planning?

“I always love to pursue difficult subjects to challenge myself,” she answers matter of factly.

Indeed — as one stands in the grand room at MaliBUngalows admiring her many works created in many media, Shogher’s multi-faceted talent both intrigues and impresses.

There are her daedal floral works that fascinate because they are fashioned only with pressed flowers, a fact that at first blush is difficult to believe as they are intricate, yet

opment of a special program for People B2 Legals B2 Classifieds/ Directory B5 Sports B8

Malibu Life

Morning calm at Mailbu Pier. Photo by Michael Burak @mburakphotography To submit your community spotlight, send a high resolution (300 dpi) jpeg photo by email to editorial@malibutimes. com, along with a caption up to 85 words MALIBU’S BEST SHT Her art will be exhibited on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. through March 10

very elaborate, inviting onlookers to lean in and appreciate their detail.

“Do not place these works in direct sunlight,” a sign at the exhibit admonishes, emphasizing their fragility despite their compelling complexity.

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams

In many instances, Shogher’s artistic and architectural acumen intersect within her pieces, such as in her tile mosaic entitled “The Future Belongs to Those Who Believe in the Beauty of Their Dreams,” an azure seascape

juxtaposed with a promontory whose geometric details intrigue. As if to define Shogher’s artistic career path, that work’s title aptly describes her life here in America.  She has taught art and architecture at various schools throughout Los Angeles, acumen she developed when, after graduating magna cum laude, she stayed on at the Yerevan Design Institute working both as an instructor and a designer of public buildings and private residences. She is not only a petal collagist, but highly skilled in a variety of artistic media, from pottery, to costume design to three-dimensional mosaics

Despite a gloomy false start to the season, Malibu Little League has very bright days ahead un der the leadership of new Little League President John Alfano.

Originally scheduled for March 2, the 67th Malibu Little League season opener was postponed, while the sea son-opening parade was canceled due to “wet weather” and road closures in the city as a result of the storm that swept Southern California over the weekend.

“Almost 300 kids in Malibu Little League, plus parents, 600 parents, almost a thousand people will be affected by road closure,” Alfano told KCAL News.

Alfano will begin his tenure as MLL president, following his time as the league’s vice president. Alfano succeeds previous president Nick Shurgot, af ter Alfano and Shurgot helped navi gate the league’s success following the COVID-19 pandemic.

that she makes utilizing recycled elements.

At first blush, her flower petal collages depict only gorgeous flowers. However, when one closely examines them, one sees glimpses of Shogher’s hometown in the background. A church spire or the linear outline of a building or home are nestled within the floral stems in the pieces’ backgrounds. Hers are inspirational works to be carefully viewed lest one miss important details.

From across the gallery, a portrait featuring a youngster’s confident yet curious gaze coyly beckons a viewer to come take a closer look — amazingly, although at first, one might

families WHAT’S INSIDE

think the work is a painting, it is another intriguing flower petal collage.

In the center of the room sits a very colorful circular chair with an accompanying ottoman. The furnishing began its life as Shogher’s son’s soccer chair, but now displays intricate patches with a segment of a T-shirt here and a frayed fabric element there — the chair displays Shogher’s admirable ability to marry art with utility.

“I love architecture, and I am so impressed that Shogher built her own house,” Derek Martin Schimming, representative of the Malibu Art Association said. “She’s also been a set designer and was a costume designer for two Armenian operas for a music society in Glendale.”

She is, Schimming added, illustrative of how impressive, dynamic and multifaceted the works by more than one hundred members of the Malibu Art Association are.

It’s a long way from Kessab, Syria to Malibu — 7,329 miles to be exact. However, Shogher still has family there and when ISIS invaded her hometown a few years ago, she sponsored a special art show to help the town rebuild. She also opened ThingsUnique Art Gallery in Burbank, where she teaches and sells art, jewelry, accessories, and furnishings.  The venue hosts art exhibitions, music nights, and wine and paint experiences.

It’s all about community

Twenty percent of the proceeds of any sales of Shogher’s artworks displayed at MaliBUngalows benefit Teen Cancer America. At the opening reception, Vickie Katz, development specialist for that nonprofit made insightful and informative comments.

“Our organization was originally founded in the United Kingdom as the Teenage Cancer Trust by Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey of The Who,” Katz explained. “Teen

Photo courtesy MLL Instagram.

the

community. “It’s [MLL] is such a big part of our community,” he said. “My plan is to make

SPRING 2024 cover 50 Years of the Getty Villa the art issue Malibu Vibrant Art Scene malibu fashion Coastal Chic Trending in 2024

Flying Boat, Floating Piano

MALIBU SEEN

By Benjamin Marcus, Entertainment Editor

The ‘Storm Blüthner’ piano will be on display at DIRK BRAUN Gallery starting March 6

The DIRK BRAUN gallery is a wonderful, well-lighted place tucked away on Malibu Road between Spic n’ Span Cleaners and LACO Fire Station 88. There on Malibu Road, DIRK BRAUN gallery is situated in a quiet coastal town with a lot of stately homes with a lot of wall space that needs filling. The DIRK BRAUN gallery fills those walls with limited-edition, large-scale framed photographs. Dirk Braun likes to throw the occasional cocktail party and this Wednesday, the 7th, he will have a party featuring a 19th-century piano nearly drowned by a 21st-century atmospheric river.

When and how did you become infatuated with the Grumman Albatross?

The best design is most beautiful, and I believe the Albatross reigns supreme. With the ability of taking off and landing on land, open ocean, snow, and ice, and a range capable of crossing oceans, this aircraft inspires dreams and speaks to fantasy. A friend of mine introduced me to this aircraft when I was 18 and it was something that stuck with me and I

dreamed about making a film about them.

Google says the flying boat era was the ‘20s and ‘30s. I’m thinking of those vintage posters of travel to Hawaii — where the plane figured as prominently as Diamond Head and palm trees and hula dancers.

The flying boat era was shortlived but was most adventurous and romantic. Before there was a network of runways, flying boats ruled the skies. There were hundreds of different models, and were the first aircraft to pioneer long-distance air travel, which beforehand was only done by cruise ships.

People would gather and watch these flying boats as they would take off and land at places like the LaGuardia Marine Air Terminal and Dinner Key in Miami. These beautiful aircraft would be coming from or going to far-flung exotic locations around the world.

Wasn’t Howard Hughes flying one in “The Aviator”? Landed it somewhere in Malibu?

Howard Hughes famously built the largest flying boat, H-4 Hercules, which is featured in my film. In the movie “The Aviator,” Leonardo DiCaprio (playing Howard Hughes) flies a Sikorsky S-38 flying boat (fea-

tured in my 21-minute extras film too). This aircraft was also used by Charles Lindbergh to initiate air mail service between the U.S. and the Panama Canal and for airborne African photography and filming missions in the 1930s. During WWII, a network of runways were made, and the flying boat was phased out of service.

Makes sense. World War II changed everything, including the need for flying boats. A shame. They’re a beautiful animal.

The second wave of flying boats was in the late 1940s, 1950s and ‘60s. The Grumman Albatross is a large twin-radial engine amphibious seaplane used by the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard primarily for open ocean search and rescue missions. It is very rugged with the ability to take off and land in high seas and has long-distance range.

Google says 2,850 miles for range. That’s plenty for cross country and cross the ocean.

With the addition of drop tanks, they could go even longer distances and fly for up to 20 hours without having to refuel. They were the last passenger transport flying boat used by the famed Pan American Airlines and have been used for countless other explorations and research missions.

In the 1990s, Billabong outfitted a Grumman Albatross and went on surf missions in secret spots around the world.

Burt’s Eye View: Butcher

PERSPECTIVE

You, my reader, are trying to figure out what this column is about, and once again, if you try to get ahead of the story, you more than likely will be mistaken. This column has absolutely nothing to do with any kind of meat. The word “butcher” can be a verb as well as a noun, and in this case, it refers to my propensity to butcher expressions.

I have little difficulty mastering one word at a time, but when I have to deal with a string of words, especially an expression, proverb, or idiom, for reasons I cannot fathom, I butcher the English

SHOGHER BAGHDOUD-TILKIAN

Continued from B1

Cancer America has been in Los Angeles for 12 years and we partner with hospitals throughout the United States to develop specialized facilities and services for teens and young adults battling cancer. To date, we’ve

language mercilessly.

Once upon a time, we had a vice president named Dan Quayle. He, too, had serious trouble with his native tongue and actually thought the word “potato” ended with an “e,” much to the consternation of every English teacher throughout our land. Quayle had so much difficulty with expressions that he quickly became a comedy writer’s dream.

For instance, in attempting to quote the United Negro College Fund’s famous slogan, “A mind is a terrible thing to waste,” the vice president said: “What a waste it is to lose one’s mind. Or not to have a mind is being very wasteful. How true that is.” I’m not making this up. If you don’t believe me, simply Google “Dan Quayle quotes.”

collaborated with 62 hospitals nationwide.”

The organization builds teen-friendly environments for the patients, Katz added, noting that patients from ages 15 through 39 do not get the same care as do those in pediatric or geriatric units with things such as psychological issues they experience while battling cancer.

Where are these planes now?

Most of these aircraft were sent to the boneyard, a vast area in Tucson, Arizona, where 4,000-plus aircraft lie in permanent storage, wasting away. The last remaining examples of these fabled machines were brought back to airworthiness after being in all stages of condition by a few mechanics and pilots and are now used for their own unique ambitions and aspirations. These people are featured in my film “Flying Boat.”

Do you own an Albatross? You could do well giving rides off the Malibu Pier, up and down the 21 Miles of Scenic Beauty and out to Catalina. That would be swell!

I am involved with a company called Amphibian Aerospace Industries that is remanufacturing this aircraft, now with a modern cockpit and turboprop engines. It can be outfitted for utilitarian purposes or for those interested in the most adventurous experience possible: a custom luxuriously-appointed interior which can include a galley and beds and custom surf and scuba racks.

I ask this question of all pilots: If you could fly any five aircraft — Past, present or future — what aircraft would they be? Mine are: 1. The P51 Mustang. 2. The A10 Warthog. 3. F22 Raptor. 4. P38 Lightning. 5. A jet pack untethered from the ISIS. Nice choices. Mine would be:

Amphibian Aerospace Industries Albatross 2.0

Lockheed Super Constellation

Sikorsky S-38

Morane-Saulnier MS.760 Paris jet

Korabl Maket (Caspian Sea Monster)

Tell us about the DIRK BRAUN gallery: When did you open? How has the reception been?

We opened in August 2022 and are looking forward to hosting more events and exhibitions.

I specialize in limited edition, largescale framed photographs. Some of my pieces are as large as 100 inches framed and complement the walls of large contemporary homes.

At Zinque this morning, you spoke about displaying a piano that survived a mudslide in Beverly Glen during the Atmospheric River.

The piano is an 1875 Blüthner that once belonged to Academy Award-nominated opera singer Miliza Korjus. She was well known for her first role in the 1938 film, “The Great Waltz.” After record-breaking rainfall a few weeks ago during a winter storm that slammed Southern California, this piano was ejected from a vacant home in Beverly Glen that was dislodged from its foundation and washed down the street during a mudslide.

Yikes. The atmospheric river claims another. Los Angeles just

I joined the multitudes in laughing at poor Dan until I realized that I was no better; in fact, possibly worse. I was in no position to throw stones when I lived in the proverbial glass house. While addressing a crowd during my political days, I tried to equate two things of equal value. This is the pearl of wisdom that came out of my mouth, “It’s simply six of one, a dozen of another.” My math teachers just turned in their graves.

On another occasion, I actually said, “No good deed goes punished.” It was a noble, aspirational thought, but not the popular expression which means the complete opposite. The other day I said, “Far and few between” which is close but not quite there. I once even delved into a Biblical expression and out came something like this, “A camel has trouble going

Katz shared that unfortunately, she lost her brother to cancer when he was a teenager.

By serving with Teen Cancer America, Katz fulfills her brother’s dream of serving young people battling cancer.

“I first met Lynn, who owns MaliBUngalows, at a Pacific Palisades Malibu Chamber of Commerce event,” Katz noted, adding that

goes to shinola when it rains. The neighbors discovered the piano upside down, in the street, covered in mud and wanted to save it from being thrown away. The Kasimoffs saw the piano on the front page of The LA Times and could instantly recognize that it was a Blüthner. They connected the neighbors with movers and the piano was hoisted onto a truck and brought to the store where it is now on display in the front window. The Kasimoffs have named the piano “The Storm Blüthner.” Kyrill Kasimoff and his 92-year old mother Helga have been running the store since 1963.

And now it is here, safe and sound, high and dry in Malibu.

From March 6 and ongoing after the Academy Awards this “Storm Blüthner” piano will be on display at the gallery. There will be a cocktail party on March 7 from 4 to 7 p.m. with a live piano performance.

Is it playable? I know a jazz pianist in Malibu who might want to have a go.

It isn’t playable but it’s remarkable that after being thrashed and bashed, not one string on it was broken! It’s a unique, irreplaceable art piece and will be on display at the gallery starting on Wednesday, March 6. We’ll also have another piano there for the live performance on Thursday, March 7.

To RSVP please email gilles@dirkbraungallery.com

through the eye of a needle.” Now in all fairness to myself, what I spoke was the truth, but not exactly what Jesus said when talking about a rich person’s chance of getting into heaven.

And most recently I actually told my wife and daughter much to their amazement and amusement, “Father is the necessity of invention.”

When I talk, common expressions frequently come to mind, but before I can censor myself, they unfortunately escape. I once pronounced, “The apple doesn’t grow far from the oak tree,” which is true if there is an oak tree right next to the apple tree.

I now wish to apologize profusely for ever having ridiculed Dan Quayle. As for me, I will make every effort to avoid idioms and stick to the basics.

MaliBUngalows kindly donated beautiful flowers for a Teen Cancer America event.

“When working in the nonprofit sector, it’s all about connecting with our community.”

MalibBUngalow’s colorful flowers are the common factor that led to Shogher’s exhibit as well because she was attracted by MaliBUngalows flowers when driving down

LEGAL NOTICES

in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may

Pacific Coast Highway one day. The flowers are perfect for her ornate, stunning flower collages and MaliBUngalows main room provides the perfect venue to display them and her other works.

Shogher’s art will be exhibited on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. through March 10.

charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the property. NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call (844) 477-7869 or visit this Internet Web site WWW.STOXPOSTING.COM, using the file number assigned to this case 114824-CA. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Web site. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. NOTICE TO

TENANT: Effective January 1, 2021, you may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call (855) 313-3319, or visit this internet website www.clearreconcorp.com, using the file number assigned to this case 114824-CA to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid so

that the trustee receives it no more than

days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase. FOR SALES INFORMATION: (844) 477-7869

CLEAR RECON CORP 8880 Rio San Diego Drive, Suite 725 San Diego, California 92108

MALIBU 37 2024016724

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

THE FOLLOWING PERSON IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS:

1. MARKHAM MAPPING

21361 PCH SUITE A, MALIBU, CA 90265, LOS ANGELES

COUNTY Articles of Incorporation or Organization Number (if applicable):

Registered Owner(s):

1. CHEBON MARKHAM

21361 PCH SUITE A, MALIBU, CA 90265

If Corporation or LLC- CA State of Incorporation/Organization

This business is conducted by: AN INDIVIDUAL

The date registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: 01/2024.

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

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on 1/24/2024.

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: 2/22, 2/29, 3/7, 3/14/2024

MALIBU 48 2024033451 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

THE FOLLOWING PERSON IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS:

1. THE BUTTER

4151 W 2ND ST APT 1, LOS ANGELES, CA 90004, LOS ANGELES COUNTY Articles of Incorporation or Organization Number (if applicable):

Registered Owner(s):

1. THE BUTTER COFFEE LLC

1401 21ST ST, SACRAMENTO, CA 95811

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: 02/2024.

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, THE BUTTER COFFEE LLC, TAYLOR CRAFTON, CEO

This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on 2/14/2024.

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: 2/22, 2/29, 3/7, 3/14/2024

MALIBU 49

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE Trustee’s Sale No. CAACC-23019824 YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 5/28/2023. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE. IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER. NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call 714-730-2727 or visit this Internet Web site www.servicelinkasap.com, using the file number assigned to this case, CA-ACC-23019824. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Web site. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. On March 20, 2024, at 11:00:00 AM, BY THE FOUNTAIN LOCATED AT, 400 CIVIC CENTER PLAZA, in the City of POMONA, County of LOS ANGELES, State of CALIFORNIA, PEAK FORECLOSURE SERVICES, INC., a California corporation, as duly appointed Trustee under that certain Deed of Trust

executed by CARINA DORNELAS, as Trustors, recorded on 6/7/2023, as Instrument No. 20230371844, of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of LOS ANGELES County, State of CALIFORNIA, under the power of sale therein contained, WILL SELL AT PUBLIC AUCTION TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER, for cash, cashier’s check drawn on a state or national bank, check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, or savings association, or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state will be held by the duly appointed trustee as shown below, of all right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by the trustee in the hereinafter described property under and pursuant to a Deed of Trust described below. The sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by the Deed of Trust, with interest and late charges thereon, as provided in the note(s), advances, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, interest thereon, fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee for the total amount (at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale) reasonably estimated to be set forth below. The amount may be greater on the day of sale. Property is being sold “as is - where is”. Real Property in the unincorporated area of the County of Los Angeles, State of California, described as follows: Parcel 1: That portion of Parcel 43, in the County of Los Angeles, State of California, as shown on a record of survey Map Filed in Book 65, Page 28 of record of surveys, in the office of the County Recorder of said County, and that portion of Parcel 8 in said County and State as shown on Los Angeles County Assessor’s Map No. 69, recorded in Book 1, Page 28 of Assessor’s Maps, in the office of the County Recorder, described as a whole as follows: Beginning at the Southerly Terminus of that certain course in the Easterly Boundary Line of said Parcel 8, shown on said Los Angeles County Assessor’s Map No. 69, as having a bearing and length of “North 6° 29’ 18” East 397.93 feet; thence along the Boundary Line of said Parcel 8, as follows: South 33° 10’ 04” West 40.42 feet; South 62° 08’ 54” West 61.93 feet and South 33° 10’ 04” West 98.87 feet to the most Southerly corner of said Parcel 8; thence South 33° 10’ 04” West, along the prolongation of the last described course to the Northeasterly Line of the land described in Parcel 1 of the Deed to Leo B. Corcey, recorded on October 27, 1953 in Book 43018, Page 266 of official records of said County; thence Northwesterly along said Northeasterly Line to the most Northerly corner of said land to Corcey; thence Easterly in a direct line to the point of beginning. Parcel 2: An Easement for ingress and egress for over that portion of lots 1 to 6 inclusive and that portion of Lots 8 to 12 inclusive, in the County of Los Angeles, State of California, as shown on L.A.C.A. Map no. 68 recorded in Book 1 Page 28 of Assessor’s Maps, in the office of the County recorder of said County, included within the line of Oakfield Road, a Private Street, as said road is shown on said Map. Parcel 3: An Easement for ingress and egress over long valley road, as shown on record of survey filed in Book 65, Page 28 of record of surveys, in the office of the County recorder of said County. Except therefrom that portion of said road included within the line of the land described in the deed to the State of California, recorded April 10, 1958 in book D48, Page 543 of official records. From information which the Trustee deems reliable, but for which Trustee makes no representation or warranty, the street address or other common designation of the above described property is purported to be 23760 OAKFIELD RD, HIDDEN HILLS, CA 91302. Said property is being sold for the purpose of paying the obligations secured by said Deed of Trust, including fees and expenses of sale. The total amount of the unpaid principal balance, interest thereon, together with reasonably estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Trustee’s Sale is $128,251.50.NOTICE TO POTENTIAL BIDDERS: If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction. You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information, if you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the property. NOTICE TO

TENANT: You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call 877-237-7878, or visit www.peakforeclosure. com using file number assigned to this case: CAACC-23019824 to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase. NOTICE TO PERSPECTIVE OWNER-OCCUPANT: Any perspective owner-occupant as defined in Section 2924m of the California Civil Code who is the last and highest bidder at the trustee’s sale shall provide the required affidavit or declaration of eligibility to the auctioneer at the trustee’s sale or shall have it delivered to PEAK FORECLOSURE SERVICES, INC. by 5:00 PM on the next business day following the trustee’s sale at the address set forth above. The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the property address or

other common designation, if any, shown herein. If no street address or other common designation is shown, directions to the location of the property may be obtained by sending a written request to the beneficiary within 10 days of the date of the first publication of this Notice of Sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, including if the Trustee is unable to convey title, the Purchaser at the sale will be entitled only to the return of the money paid to the Trustee.

This shall be the Purchasers sole and exclusive remedy.

The Purchaser shall have no further recourse the Trustee, the Beneficiary, the Beneficiary’s Agent, or the Beneficiary’s Attorney WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT, AND ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. SALE INFORMATION LINE: 714-7302727 or www.servicelinkasap.com Dated: 2/20/2024

PEAK FORECLOSURE SERVICES, INC., AS TRUSTEE By: Lilian Solano, Trustee Sale Officer A-4810223 02/29/2024, 03/07/2024, 03/14/2024

MALIBU 51

County of Los Angeles Department of the Treasurer and Tax Collector

Notice of Divided Publication

Pursuant to Revenue and Taxation Code (R&TC) Sections

3702, 3381, and 3382, the Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector is publishing in divided distribution, the Notice of Online Public Auction of Tax-Defaulted Property Subject to the Tax Collector’s Power to Sell in and for the County of Los Angeles, State of California, to various newspapers of general circulation published in the County. A portion of the list appears in each of such newspapers.

Notice of Online Public Auction of Tax-Defaulted Property Subject to the Tax Collector’s Power to Sell (Sale No. 2024A)

Whereas, on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, the Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles, State of California, directed the County of Los Angeles Treasurer and Tax Collector (TTC), to sell certain tax-defaulted properties at the online public auction.

The TTC does hereby give public notice, that unless said properties are redeemed, prior to the close of business on Friday, April 19, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, the last business day prior to the first day of the online public auction, the TTC will offer for sale and sell said properties on Saturday, April 20, 2024, beginning at 3:00 p.m. Pacific Time, through Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time, to the highest bidder, for not less than the minimum bid, at online public auction at www.bid4assets. com/losangeles.

The minimum bid for each parcel is the total amount necessary to redeem, plus costs, as required by R&TC Section 3698.5.

If a property does not sell during the online public auction, the right of redemption will revive and remain until Friday, May 31, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time.

The TTC will re-offer any properties that did not sell or were not redeemed prior to Friday, May 31, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, for sale at online public auction at www. bid4assets.com/losangeles beginning Saturday, June 1, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. Pacific Time, through Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. Pacific Time.

Prospective bidders should obtain detailed information of this sale from the County of Los Angeles Treasurer and Tax Collector at ttc.lacounty.gov. Bidders are required to pre-register at www.bid4assets.com and submit a refundable $5,000 deposit in the form of wire transfer, electronic check, cashier’s check or bank-issued money order at the time of registration. Registration will begin on Friday, March 15, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. Pacific Time and end on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time.

Pursuant to R&TC Section 3692.3, the TTC sells all property ``as is`` and the County and its employees are not liable for any known or unknown conditions of the properties, including, but not limited to, errors in the records of the Office of the Assessor (Assessor) pertaining to improvement of the property.

If the TTC sells a property, parties of interest, as defined by R&TC Section 4675, have a right to file a claim with the County for any proceeds from the sale, which are in excess of the liens and costs required to be paid from the proceeds. If there are any excess proceeds after the application of the minimum bid, the TTC will send notice to all parties of interest, pursuant to law.

Please direct requests for information concerning redemption of tax-defaulted property to the Treasurer and Tax Collector, at 225 North Hill Street, Room 130, Los Angeles, California 90012. You may also call (213) 974-2045, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time, visit our website at ttc.lacounty.gov or email us at auction@ttc. lacounty.gov

The Assessor’s Identification Number (AIN) in this publication refers to the Assessor’s Map Book, the Map Page, and the individual Parcel Number on the Map Page. If a change in the AIN occurred, the publication will show both prior and current AINs. An explanation of the parcel numbering system and the referenced maps are available at the Office of the Assessor located at 500 West Temple Street, Room 225, Los Angeles, California 90012, or at assessor.lacounty.gov.

I certify under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true

and correct. Executed at Los Angeles, California, on February 6, 2024.

KEITH KNOX

Treasurer and Tax Collector County of Los Angeles State of California

The real property that is subject to this notice is situated in the County of Los Angeles, State of California, and is described as follows:

PUBLIC AUCTION NOTICE OF SALE OF TAX-DEFAULTED

PROPERTY SUBJECT TO THE POWER OF SALE (SALE NO.

2024A)

3752 AIN 4438-034-010 PITTEL, DOROTHY D LOCATION COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES $69,768.00

3759 AIN 4450-017-022 PASHA AND ASSOCIATES LLC

LOCATION CITY-MALIBU TD # $38,635.00

3761 AIN 4461-009-034 CAPITAL INVESTMENT ENT LOCATION COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES $61,245.00

3762 AIN 4461-018-021 JENNET, DAVID CO TR ET AL D AND G JENNET TRUST AND TRANSCORP C/O DARREL DOBBS LOCATION COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES $79,825.00

3763 AIN 4462-017-028 ATLASSI, FARIBORZ LOCATION

COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES $13,333.00

3764 AIN 4464-020-053 TRUST SERVICES OF AMERICA INC TRUST #71-3393-00-7 LOCATION COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES $78,591.00

3765 AIN 4471-013-014 WOOD, ANDREA LOCATION

COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES $5,841.00

3766 AIN 4472-006-049 EPP, LORIN CO TR LORIN EPP TRUST LOCATION COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES $16,139.00

4430 AIN 4469-046-002 TRANCAS CANYON PARTNERS LLC LOCATION CITY-MALIBU TD # $32,358.00

4431 AIN 4465-009-015 AMAZI, GLENN A LOCATION

COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES $8,427.00

4432 AIN 4465-009-014 AMAZI, GLENN A LOCATION

COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES $8,343.00

4433 AIN 4465-009-013 AMAZI, GLENN A LOCATION

COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES $9,010.00

4434 AIN 4465-009-012 AMAZI, GLENN A LOCATION

COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES $8,195.00

4435 AIN 4465-009-011 AMAZI, GLENN A LOCATION

COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES $7,973.00

4436 AIN 4465-009-010 AMAZI, GLENN A LOCATION

COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES $7,973.00

4437 AIN 4465-009-009 AMAZI, GLENN A LOCATION

COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES $7,713.00

4438 AIN 4465-009-008 AMAZI, GLENN A LOCATION

COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES $8,121.00

4439 AIN 4465-009-007 AMAZI, GLENN A LOCATION

COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES $8,269.00

4440 AIN 4465-009-006 AMAZI, GLENN A LOCATION

COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES $8,270.00

4441 AIN 4465-009-005 AMAZI, GLENN A LOCATION

COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES $8,566.00

4442 AIN 4461-030-006 CLEGG, NORMAN ET AL CLEGG, KIMBERLY I LOCATION COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES $9,208.00

4445 AIN 4451-015-072 AQUAT 009 LLC LOCATION

CITY-MALIBU TD # $43,752.00

4446 AIN 4438-035-023 DIGITALCOLOR BEVERLY HILLS INC C/O C/O ALI KHOSRAVI LOCATION COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES $4,728.00

CN104655 524 Feb 29, Mar 7,14, 2024 MALIBU 57

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

CITY OF MALIBU CITY COUNCIL

The Malibu City Council will hold a public hearing on MONDAY, March 25, 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.

Updated Developer Fee Program for the Benefit of the Consolidated Fire Protection District of Los Angeles County

Under the Developer Fee Agreement between the Consolidated Fire Protection District and the City, the City must adopt an updated Developer Fee Program and Fire Station Plan. If adopted, the Resolution would increase the current developer fee amount of $1.1345 per square foot by $0.0411 raising it to $1.1756 to reflect current costs associated with land acquisition, fire station construction, purchase of apparatus and equipment, and administration.

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 Environmental Sustainability Director Bundy at (310) 456-2489, ext. 229. 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.

Yolanda Bundy, Environmental Sustainability Director

Publish Date: March 7, 2024 and March 14, 2024

MALIBU 50

The Malibu City Council will hold a public hearing on MONDAY, March 25, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. on the ordinance listed below in the Council Chambers at Malibu City Hall, located at 23825 Stuart Ranch Road, Malibu, CA, and via teleconference. The ordinance will consider additional regulations for Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems for single family homes with home occupation uses that increases the usage and strain on the OWTS by virtue of these uses.

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.

HOME OCCUPATION USE ORDINANCE NO. XX

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MALIBU AMENDING

SECTION 15.40.020 (DEFINITIONS); SECTION 15.40.050, (OWTS REQUIREMENTS FOR BUILDINGS); SECTION 15.40.080 (CUMULATIVE IMPACTS); SECTION 15.42.050 (WASTEWATER DESIGN FLOWS) SECTION 15.44.030 (OWTS OPERATING PERMIT REQUIREMENT); SECTION 15.44.040 (RENEWAL OF OWTS OPERATING PERMITS), AND SECTION 15.44.50 (OWTS INSPECTION AND OPERATING PERMIT CRITERIA) OF THE MALIBU MUNICIPAL CODE AND DETERMINING THE PROJECT IS CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT

If there are any questions regarding this notice, please contact Environmental Sustainability Director Bundy at (310) 456-2489, ext. 229. 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.

Yolanda Bundy, Environmental Sustainability Director

Publish Date: March 7, 2024 and March 14, 2024

MALIBU 59

PUBLIC NOTICE

T.S. No.: 2023-00774-CA

A.P.N.:4469-037-028

Property Address: 30610 LAS ESTRELLAS DRIVE, MALIBU, CA 90265

NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE

PURSUANT TO CIVIL CODE § 2923.3(a) and (d), THE SUMMARY OF INFORMATION REFERRED TO BELOW IS NOT ATTACHED TO THE RECORDED COPY OF THIS DOCUMENT BUT ONLY TO THE COPIES PROVIDED TO THE TRUSTOR.

NOTE: THERE IS A SUMMARY OF THE INFORMATION IN THIS DOCUMENT ATTACHED

NOTA: SE ADJUNTA UN RESUMEN DE LA INFORMACIÓN DE ESTE DOCUMENTO

TALA: MAYROONG BUOD NG IMPORMASYON SA DOKUMENTONG ITO NA NAKALAKIP

LUU Ý: KÈM THEO ĐÂY LÀ BÀN TRÌNH BÀY TÓM LUQC VÈ THÔNG TIN TRONG TÀI LIEU NÀY

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER:

YOU ARE IN DEFAULT UNDER A DEED OF TRUST DATED 07/31/2007. UNLESS YOU TAKE ACTION TO PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY, IT MAY BE SOLD AT A PUBLIC SALE.

IF YOU NEED AN EXPLANATION OF THE NATURE OF THE PROCEEDING AGAINST YOU, YOU SHOULD CONTACT A LAWYER.

Trustor: V DAVID OTT AND SONDRA BROWNING OTT, HUSBAND AND WIFE, AS COMMUNITY PROPERTY Duly Appointed Trustee: Western Progressive, LLC

Deed of Trust Recorded 08/08/2007 as Instrument No. 20071863678 in book , page--- and of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, California,

The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address or other common designation, if any, shown above.

The sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by the Deed of Trust with interest thereon, as provided in said note(s), advances, under the terms of said Deed of Trust, fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee and of the trusts created by said Deed of Trust.

The total amount of the unpaid balance of the obligation secured by the property to be sold and reasonable estimated costs, expenses and advances at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale is: $ 1,794,420.07

Note: Because the Beneficiary reserves the right to bid less than the total debt owed, it is possible that at the time of the sale the opening bid may be less than the total debt.

If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee, and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse.

The beneficiary of the Deed of Trust has executed and delivered to the undersigned a written request to commence foreclosure, and the undersigned caused a Notice of Default and Election to Sell to be recorded in the county where the real property is located.

SALE

NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S

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

NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call (866)-960-8299 or visit this Internet Web site https://www.altisource.com/LoginPage.aspx using the file number assigned to this case 2023-00774-CA. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Web site. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale.

NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE

NOTICE TO TENANT: You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction, if conducted after January 1, 2021, pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call (877)-518-5700, or visit this internet website   https://www.realtybid.com/, using the file number assigned to this case 2023-00774-CA to find the date on which the trustee’s sale was held, the amount of the last and highest bid, and the address of the trustee. Second, you must send a written notice of intent to place a bid so that the trustee receives it no more than 15 days after the trustee’s sale. Third, you must submit a bid, by remitting the funds and affidavit described in Section 2924m(c) of the Civil Code, so that the trustee receives it no more than 45 days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase.

Date: February 21, 2024

Western Progressive, LLC, as Trustee for beneficiary C/o 1500 Palma Drive, Suite 238 Ventura, CA 93003

Sale Information Line: (866) 960-8299 https://www. altisource.com/LoginPage.aspx Trustee Sale Assistant

WESTERN PROGRESSIVE, LLC MAY BE ACTING AS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT.

ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED MAY BE USED FOR

PURPOSE. MALIBU 60

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

for the South Area. The RFP may be obtained by accessing the link at http://pw.lacounty.gov/brcd/servicecontracts or will be e-mailed or mailed to you upon request by calling (626) 458-4069 orTDDat(626) 282-7829.

3/7/24

CNS-3786052#

MALIBU TIMES

MALIBU 61

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY OF MALIBU PLANNING COMMISSION

The Malibu Planning Commission will hold public hearings on MONDAY, April 1, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Malibu City Hall, 23825 Stuart Ranch Road, Malibu, CA and via teleconference on the projects identified below.

COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT NO. 07-087, CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT NO. 21-010, SIGN PERMIT NO. 19-004, INITIAL STUDY NO. 19-001, NEGATIVE

DECLARATION NO. 19-001, VARIANCE NOS. 21-022, AND 21-023 AND 23-029 - An application for public access improvements at Lechuza Beach to improve accessibility consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) including installation of a new ADA accessible single-stall restroom, onsite wastewater treatment system (OWTS), gate, access improvements, ADA van parking space and access aisle, and reconstruction of existing view platforms and staircases; including a conditional use permit for an OWTS to be located on separate properties, variances for locating improvements on a steep slope, reduction in the blufftop setback, and retaining wall heights in excess of six feet, and a sign permit for the installation of information signs

Location: 31720.5 Broad Beach Road

APNs: 4470-026-003; 4470-021-008; 4470-021-007; 4470-021-900; 4470-028-918; 4470-028-917; 4470-028915; 4470-021-009; 4470-024-901; 4470-024-062

Zoning: Single-family Medium (SFM)

Applicant/Owner: Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority

Appealable to: City Council and California Coastal Commission

Environmental Review: Initial Study No. 19-001 / Negative Declaration No. 19-001 State Clearinghouse No. 2019011015

Application Filed: July 16, 2007

Case Planner: Joseph Smith, Planning Consultant jsmith@californiacw.com

Pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines 15082 and 15096, the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA), acting as lead agency for the proposed project, consulted with responsible agencies throughout the preparation of an Initial Study (IS) and Negative Declaration (ND), including the City. As the agency implementing the project, MRCA is the lead agency for purposes of CEQA. The IS prepared by MRCA determined the proposed project would not have a significant impact on the environment; subsequently a negative declaration was prepared and circulated pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15071. On May 1, 2019, in compliance with CEQA, the MRCA adopted the IS and ND.

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

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

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

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

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

Richard Mollica, Planning Director

Publish Date: March 7, 2024

MALIBU 62

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY OF MALIBU PLANNING COMMISSION

COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT NO. 21-014 and DEMOLITION PERMIT NO. 23-005 - An application for the construction of a new one-story, 2,480 square foot single-family residence, 588 square foot attached garage, 473 square foot second unit, 675 square foot accessory structure, swimming pool, spa, decks, grading, landscaping, hardscape, and onsite wastewater treatment system, and a demolition permit for the removal of unpermitted improvements consisting of a water tank and a storage container

Location: 29198 Larkspur Lane

APN: 4468-009-020

Zoning: Rural Residential-One Acre (RR-1)

Applicant: Michael Del Valle

Owners: John Hanley and Linda Hanley

Appealable to: City Council and California Coastal Commission

Environmental Review: Categorical Exemption CEQA Guidelines Sections 15303(a) and 15303(e)

Application Filed: April 23, 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Richard Mollica, Planning Director

Publish Date: March 7, 2024

MALIBU 63

SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE OF 515

Ordinance No. 515 (the “Ordinance”) proposes to add Chapter 15.30 (Exterior Elevated Elements Inspections) to

Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) of the Malibu Municipal Code and find the same exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act. The Ordinance implements the inspection, maintenance and construction requirements for balconies, decks and other exterior elevated elements. Pursuant to State law, these requirements were enacted as a result of tragic balcony collapses at multi-family properties due to the deterioration of these balconies, decks and other exterior elevated elements. The Ordinance implements a variety of inspection and maintenance requirements for the structural integrity of the building components supporting decks, balconies and other exterior elevated elements including a stamped/ signed written report by the required State-licensed inspector.

A full copy of the Ordinance is available for review in the City Clerk’s office.

I CERTIFY THAT THE FOREGOING ORDINANCE NO. 515 was passed and adopted at the Regular City Council meeting of February 26, 2024.

Councilmembers:

AYES: 5 Grisanti, Riggins, Silverstein, Stewart, Uhring NOES: 0

ABSTAIN: 0

ABSENT: 0

More fully described in said Deed of Trust.

Street Address or other common designation of real property: 30610 LAS ESTRELLAS DRIVE, MALIBU, CA 90265

A.P.N.: 4469-037-028

$200,000 for

East Area, $400,000 for the West Area, and $400,000

The Malibu Planning Commission will hold public hearing on MONDAY, March 18, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Malibu City Hall, 23825 Stuart Ranch Road, Malibu, CA and via teleconference on the project identified below.

Kelsey Pettijohn

City Clerk

Publish: The Malibu Times, March 7, 2024

MALIBU 64

CLASSIFIEDS

NOTICE TO

be licensed by the

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.

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Malibu High girls soccer senior tandem thankful for 12th-grade campaign

Co-captains Charli Clark and Samantha Rodgers say they ‘aren’t going down without a fight’

By McKENZIE JACKSON Special to The Malibu Times

Malibu High girls soccer players Charli Clark and Samantha Rodgers had a few moments of reflection and thankfulness with their teammates before they ran onto the pitch at Malibu High School for their senior night match against Channel Islands on Jan. 31.

The senior co-captains gave emotional pep talks to their fellow Sharks on the sideline.

Clark, the team’s goalkeeper, told her teammates she was proud of them.

“All of them worked hard this year,” she recalled. “They made my senior year special. Tears started going down my face because I was so sad. It really hit me that this was my last game. This was the last time I would be with all these people playing.” Rodgers, a midfielder, told her teammates she had a fun time lacing up her cleats with them and reflected on the impact her father, Chris Rodgers, had on her youth soccer years.

“It was sad also,” she said. “My parents were there, and my dad is the person that pushed me to do sports. He took me to every soccer practice. I thanked him because I couldn’t have done it without him.”

The Sharks closed their season with a loss on senior night and finished their 2023-24 campaign with a 3-14-1 record. However, the squad’s lone two seniors’ feelings about their teammates and being Malibu soccer players isn’t slightly dampened. Rodgers, 18, cherished her time wearing a Malibu jersey.

“The actual sport — playing soccer — is fun, but it was more about the people I was playing with,” she explained. “I got to know so many people and have so many friendships. High school soccer is

also a commitment. Years from now, I’ll look back and be grateful that I played.”

Clark, 17, described the Sharks as a tight-knit group.

“When I look back in a few years, I’ll remember being part of such a fun family full of love and support,” she stated. “On Senior Night, everyone was sad. Sammy and I were sad to be leaving, but everyone was so supportive and so loving. It was such a nice goodbye. Everyone hoped to see us do well in whatever we do next.”

The 12th-graders noted that Malibu’s best games of the season were their 3-2 victory over Beacon

Waves women’s tennis continues multiple-year victory streak over Loyola Marymount Pepperdine has now beat LMU 24 straight times, including sweeps in last four matches

By McKENZIE JACKSON Special to The Malibu Times

The Pepperdine Waves women’s tennis team won its first West Coast Conference contest of the season in dominating fashion.

The Waves, ranked seventh in national rankings, downed rival Loyola Marymount University 7-0 on March 1 at Pepperdine’s Ralphs-Straus Tennis Center. It was Pepperdine’s 24th straight win over LMU.

Pepperdine’s Lisa Zaar, a graduate student, and Jas mine Conway, a freshman, beat LMU’s Anna Paradisi and Romane Loungeville 6-1 in doubles play. Also, the Waves tandem of junior Savannah Broadus and senior Janice Tjen, the third-ranked doubles team nationally, defeated Carlota Molina and Isabell Tcherkes-Zade 6-2. In singles play, graduate student Anna Campana, ranked 120th in singles, beat Fiona Arrese 6-4, 6-0. Tjen, rated 102nd, defeated Loungeville 6-1, 6-0. Broadus, ranked eighth, knocked off Tcherkes-Zade 6-0, 6-0.

Hill on Nov. 16 and their 6-2 dominance of Nordhoff on Dec. 15.

Clark said the Sharks were “together as a whole” in the win over the Rangers.

“It gave us all a boost of confidence,” she said.

Clark added that sophomore Ava Niccol made a beautiful pass to her classmate Carmen Brunel that resulted in one of the Sharks’ scores that game.

“It was so amazing to see,” Clark remembered. Her personal highlights, Clark noted, are several dive saves she made.

Malibu played as a team to beat Beacon Hill, said Rodgers.

“We all communicated well,” she said. “Even if we are losing, it’s not going to be easy. We aren’t going down without a fight.”

Rodgers said Clark is a vocal leader.

“She is a teammate on and off the field,” Rodgers said, noting how Clark, a center-back in previous high school seasons, moved to goalkeeper this year because the Sharks didn’t have one. “She stepped up. That is a big thing to do for the team.”

Clark said Rodgers has a fun vibe.

“She is a great team player,” she said. “She is willing to put in the work. She is so much fun to play with.”

The Waves’ 13th-ranked Zaar beat Molina 6-1, 5-7 (10-7), and Conway downed Kim-Mchaela Zahraj 6-2, 6-4. Freshman Vivian Yang staged a comeback to beat Anastasia Bozova 5-7, 6-2, (10-5) Yang and senior Nikki Redelijki’s doubles match against Stef Rogozinska-Dzik and Fiona Arrese was unfinished.

Pepperdine has now defeated LMU by a sweep in four straight matchups. The Waves haven’t lost LMU since the early 2000s.

Pepperdine has a 7-2 record. They are on a winning streak, which includes victories over California, USC, Auburn, and Florida. The Waves play Ohio State in Columbus, Ohio, on Friday and Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on Sunday. They host California on March 17.

when I pass it on to someone else they also enjoy success.”

Alfano explained that he is focused on creating an even better experience for kids, both in fun and engaging play but also coordinated athletic development to create better and more competi -

He said the plan is to maintain and advance the league’s upward trajectory since the pandemic. Plans for field improvement and maintenance will be continued, with plans for new scoreboards to be installed within the next month, banners being utilized to cover storage containers, and a concerted effort by the board and community members to promote the project of building the park’s new snack shack.

He praised the team of Malibu residents that continue to manage the league’s operations and have assisted in creating a successful program over the years.

“It’s not just baseball; it takes an entire village to make the league work,” Alfano said. “We have a marketing department setting up our Instagram and managing press releases, registry is a process that we need people to manage, we have a sponsorship program that raises a lot of money every year, we have to think of safety while maintaining our liability insurance, we have field maintenance crews, the list goes on and on and on.”

He explained that as the league grows, parent involvement, engagement, and volunteership is vital for keeping the league to the standard expected from the storied Little League program. He said he expects and will urge parents to show their support beyond being fans of their children, but being involved as coaches, volunteers in the snack shack, and stewards for the league.

“If you’re going to do anything for these kids, do it with everything you’ve got,” Alfano

said. “Know that the kids are watching every move that we make and if we want to create incredible kids, future leaders, we have to be the example. Roll up your sleeves, tighten your laces, and give it everything you’ve got. Watch amazing things happen. Push yourself, push your kids, and push those around you to make change happen.”

He will be returning as a coach this season, operating as new president, but above all, he is proud to be the father of three returning athletes in Malibu Little League. He hopes to be a source of inspiration and encouragement for every child in the league.

“My daughter, who’s 6, said her favorite athlete was me and gave me a hug,” Alfano said. “That moment there is the reason why I do all of this. I’m not an athlete, I’m a dad, but that’s who she sees me as. I want to be something like that to all of these kids, positive, a role model committed to doing something great and never failing to put in the effort for them.”

Senior Night Jan. 31, the Malibu High girls soccer team honored seniors Charli Clark, the goalkeeper in pink jersey, and Samantha Rodgers (far left). Photos Courtesy of Josie Kletter.

Janice Tjen, with wins in singles and doubles, helped the Pepperdine Waves women’s tennis team beat Loyola Marymount 7-0 on March 1.

Photo by Kyle Cajero.

LITTLE LEAGUE PRESIDENT Continued from B1

When Derek Saenz was a high school and college volleyball player in the San Fernando Valley, he was aggressive, methodical, and also the guy that sought to energize his squad on the court.

“I was one of the loudest players out there,” he recalled. “Mostly because I knew it hyped my team up, and they would play better.”

Now Saenz, 41, the boys and girls volleyball coach at Malibu High, is less animated but still strives for his squads to improve with each strike of the volleyball.

“I treat my athletes like adults,” he said. “My expectations for their communication, their effort, their energy … Having that expectation and showing respect for them, the ‘We are on this journey together, and I know the road ahead’ mentality is the kind of coaching I really wanted at this age and what is responded the best to.”

Saenz began his sixth season coaching the boys team this month. The team had a big three-set win over Viewpoint in the Malibu High gym on Feb. 20. The 25-16, 25-17, 25-15 triumph was orchestrated by a group of volleyball players Saenz has guided down the volleyball road for a number of years through his youth program, the Malibu Volleyball Club.

“Everyone is excited about playing,” Saenz said. “We are at a point where a majority of the kids play club volleyball but are also very excited to play with their high school program.”

Another big triumph the team has had this season was its 3-1 win over Oaks Christian on Feb. 27. The Sharks dominated the last set 25-16. Senior setter Axel Jimenez, an All-Citrus Coast League first-teamer in 2023, had a few stellar serves that gave Malibu momentum toward the win.

Malibu opened the season with losses to Vista del Lago and Monrovia in a tournament. They then beat Rio Hondo Prep, Vista Lago, and Orange Vista. The Sharks lost to Camarillo, San Marino, and San Juan Hills after beating Oaks Christian.

Malibu hosted Hueneme on Tuesday

and play at Channel Islands on Thursday. They host Fillmore on March 12.

The squad’s season stretches until mid-April. They hope to compete for

a CIF title.

“We’ve improved by leaps and bounds,” Saenz stated. “It was a fun hobby in the beginning, and then we began compet -

ing. Hopefully, we will learn to compete for championships. That is a totally different animal. There is a difference between being good enough and actually

getting the job done.”

Saenz should know. He won two state titles as a member of Pierce College’s volleyball team in the early 2000s. He fell in love with volleyball while watching his older sister play the sport in high school and college. Years later, the kid who was always at his sister’s practices hitting the ball at the net, played volleyball at Granada Hills High School. He was an assertive player at Pierce College, located in Woodland Hills, from 200002. Saenz coached a bit. The volleyball bug had been volleyed to him.

“Volleyball is so fun for me,” Saenz said. “It’s the team dynamic of it. The ball is in the air for so long and you have to coordinate or the ball is going to hit the floor. The vibe is cool. The sport is real welcoming.”

Saenz coached high school and club volleyball for 18 years in Orange and Ventura counties, and even on the East Coast, before getting hired to coach Malibu High’s squads in 2018. He immediately began holding training sessions and scrimmages with former college and professional volleyball players he knows. The coach wanted to show Malibu players and parents how fun volleyball is.

“The excitement of ‘Oh wow. Good volleyball in our gym,’” Saenz said.

Saenz established the Malibu Volleyball Club. He organized training sessions on the beach for young athletes during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of the players on the Sharks’ roster now, initially played volleyball then.

“It was the only outlet they had,” Saenz said. “Everyone was happy to have something.”

He has coached the girls and boys teams to several victories. The boys team has qualified for the CIF playoffs for three straight seasons.

The girls team qualified and advanced in the CIF playoffs in 2022. Some Sharks players have gone on to play in the college ranks. The Malibu Volleyball Club won a division at the SA Volleyball Boys Junior National Championship in Salt Lake City last summer.

Saenz hopes he has established a volleyball community in Malibu.

“It’s not the mafia, but you are in it for life,” he said. “You are a part of something special.”

This year’s boys team, Saenz said, can be a standout group.

“We have the talent and a lot of potential,” he said. “Talent and potential don’t win championships. They are just ingredients. Ingredients does not a cake make.”