Summer Wheaton now blames rideshare driver for fatal crash
In a stunning turn, Summer Wheaton, the woman accused in the fatal July 4 crash on Pacific Coast Highway, is now suing the victim’s wife. According to the Daily Mail, Wheaton, who calls herself a “wellness advocate,” is claiming the accident was the fault of Martin Okeke, the ride-share driver who police say was hit head-on while he drove a young passenger home on PCH.
In a seven-page Superior Court filing, Wheaton asks the court to deny Okeke’s family damages and to award her“judgment and attorney’s fees.” Police investigators state it was Wheaton who drove recklessly, under the influence,and veered into oncoming traffic, causing the fatal crash after returning from a party at Nobu restaurant. Wheaton has pleaded not guilty and is free on bail. She was ordered in March to wear an alcohol-detecting ankle bracelet.
David Duchovny lists Malibu home
Longtime Malibu resident David Duchovny has listed his Point Dume home for sale. The asking price is $12.5 million. The one-acre estate includes an unusual feature, a train caboose car. The actor/writer personally renovated an old caboose that he turned into a guest house complete with a kitchen, living room, sleeping area, and bathroom.
The 64-year-old, originally from New York, bought the property that included the caboose in 2016 for $4.75 million. He razed the original home on the site and poured $7 million into a new 3,580 square-foot home and another $1 million on the caboose. Duchovny wrote the novel “Truly Like Lightning” in that unusual office and often records his podcast there. He has called the creative space “an amazing little spot to be in.”
The main house on the property has a modern, open floor plan, lap pool, and separate gym. The property includes deeded entry access to the beach. Duchovny has had ties to Malibu since the 1990s when he starred in the television show “The X-Files.” He raised two children in Malibu with his ex-wife, actress Téa Leoni. Chris Cortazzo of Compass has the listing.
Richard Rojas appointed interim deputy city manager
The City of Malibu announced the appointment of Richard Rojas as interim deputy city manager, bringing with him over 18 years of public administration experience and a deep commitment to community service and innovation in local government.
Rojas has served in key leadership roles across Southern California, including assistant city manager for the City of Rosemead and deputy city manager for the City of Norwalk. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated expertise in organizational strategy, policy development, economic growth initiatives, and civic engagement — skills that will support the city during this transitional period.
Rojas earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a Master’s degree in city and regional planning from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. He has furthered his leadership education through prestigious programs at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and Stanford University. He also holds certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).
Rojas will begin his role immediately, working closely with department heads and city leadership to advance strategic initiatives and ensure continuity of services.
City of Malibu launches Small Business Micro Stabilization Grant Program to aid recovery
The Malibu City Council has approved the creation of the Small Business Micro Stabilization Grant Program, offering vital financial relief to independently owned businesses affected by recent fires, winter storms, and extended closures along Pacific Coast Highway (PCH).
Approved at the council’s April 28 meeting, the program will distribute $300,000 from the city’s General Fund, with individual grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000. Funds are intended to provide immediate and flexible support for eligible businesses located within the Malibu city limits.
Applications will be accepted through May 31, with awards expected to be announced in June following review by the city’s Administration and Finance Subcommittee.
To qualify, businesses must:
• Hold a valid City of Malibu business license issued by Dec. 1, 2024, or provide a statement of exemption
Be located within Malibu city limits
• Demonstrate financial hardship as a result of recent disasters
• Provide a public benefit to the community
Be in good standing with the City Eligible grant expenses include rent, payroll, inventory replacement, equipment repairs, utilities, marketing, and other recovery-related costs. Business owners can find the application and full program details at MalibuRebuilds.org/BusinessGrants. Paper applications are also available at Malibu City Hall (23825 Stuart Ranch Road, Malibu).
NEWS BRIEFS
Palisades Fire Debris by the numbers
This week’s weekly numbers collected by Benjamin Marcus amount to:
2:30: Time it took A City Council Member Who Wishes to Remain Anonymous to drive from Malibu to a meeting in Santa Monica on Tuesday, the 6th of May. At 10:17, ACCMWWTRA emailed: “I think it’s because of the speed bumps they put in is what I’m hearing from residents — but it’s a nightmare. The traffic has been backed up all the way past Pepperdine going east. I’m not sure what the speed bumps are for when there’s stopping — I’m not sure if that’s why. I had a meeting in Santa Monica, which I’m still on my way to and I left my house at 8 AM.”
8: Properties in Malibu that have shrugged off all the deadlines and neither opted in nor opted out for debris clearance. All on the beach. Shame!
44: Properties cleared and 1,091 loads of debris removed from the Palisades on May 5.
45: The five-day average on properties cleared per day by the USACE.
102: Army Corps crews currently working. Col. Palazzini had this to say: “The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers stands with this community. We are over halfway finished with our debris mission goal. Stay strong, there is light at the end of the tunnel.”
221: According to the City of Malibu, Malibu Rebuilds Weekly Recovery and Rebuilds Newsletter:
Architectural Plan Review – 23 pending / 8 approved = 31 total (like-for-like: 15; Like-for-like +10%: 16)
Building Plan Check Submittal – 0 received/ 0 approved
Certificate of Occupancy – 0
1,786: Of the 13,579 eligible parcels affected by the Palisades Fire, 3,987 property owners submitted Rights of Entry to Los Angeles County for the Army Corps to clear Phase Two debris. Of those, 1,786 parcels have been signed off as cleared, which is 12% of the total.
2,589: Properties cleared by the USACE.
751,087: Tons of debris (1,502,174,000 pounds) removed by the USACE, the same weight as 7.5 aircraft carriers.
800,000+ pounds: The weight of that ginormous crane you have craned your neck to see while driving past on PCH.
Thus spake Ronald Hill of Hill Crane from the City of Long Beach: “You’re correct that is our crane on PCH. Currently we’re installing steel netting to help ensure that any debris does not fall from the side of the mountain. That’s about all I can say for the work we’re involved in out there. As for the crane, that I know a lot about LOL. It came from our Long Beach yard: 17 truck loads to move it.”
Crane details are,
• Make & Model–Liebherr
LR1300.1 SX 330-Ton Crawler Crane
Estimated cost new $4 million Weight as assembled is probably 800,000 lbs
• Currently we have around 500 feet of boom in the crane
• The hourly rate depending on scope and work being done is $700 per hour.
• We’re setting these nets at around 340 feet
$300,000: The Malibu City Council approved the creation of the Small Business Micro Grant Stabilization Program to assist local businesses impacted by the recent fires, winter storms, and prolonged Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) closures. The program includes initial funding of $300,000 with grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000. Applications will be accepted through May 31, and awards will be made in June 2025. MalibuRebuilds org/BusinessGrants
$2 million: May 1 sale price for a 1.25-acre lot on Rambla Pacifico. According to redfin.com: “Debris has been cleared. Main house burned down. Guest house, pool, and putting green seem to be OK. Panoramic ocean views overlooking the Malibu Pier and Surfrider Beach. Access through private, gated Rambla Pacifico road, only two minutes from PCH. Includes coveted membership to La Costa Beach and Tennis Club. Fast track permitting 10% larger than what was there. Enjoy the guest house, pool & spa, putting green and La Costa Beach and Tennis Club while you rebuild this dream home Nearby homes managed to survive the fire.”
So that is the fifth sale of a “burn out property”: One on Carbon for $5 million. One on La Costa for $5 million. Another on La Costa for $9 million and the property west of Crawdad’s red house for $475,000 — marked way down from $800,000 because of the increase in the setback from 7.5 feet to 15 feet.
And just under the deadline, this from Doug Carroll:
Land side: There are 9 active listings ranging in price from $750,000 to $2.995 million
There are 2 recorded sales ranging in price from $475,000 and $2 million
Ocean side: There are 7 listings ranging in price from $2 million to $3.495 million
There are 3 recorded sales ranging in price from $5 million to $9 million
I expect additional listings both on the land side and on the ocean side to slowly but steadily start increasing.”
$3 5 million (and counting): Duke’s estimated business loss after being closed since Jan. 7. Other numbers from Jimmy Chavez:
120: Number of days closed from Jan. 7 to May 7
(Also closed 5 days in December for the Franklin Fire)
130: Number of employees laid off. (roughly 130)
Unknown: Cost of damage from flooding. (Still compiling and accruing costs)
Unknown: # of trucks in the Duke’s parking lot during the Palisades fire. (Good question! Seems as though we’ve been a hub for many utilities although it might be the port-o-potties …)
Unknown: # of meals provided to first responders. (Sadly, none as we haven’t had a kitchen to operate from. Planning a big event for the community as soon as we can reopen)
Any normal or bizarre numbers having to do with Dukes appreciated. “Only thing that comes to mind is that we flooded back in 2011,” Jimmy Chavez said. “So I don’t think there’s another restaurant that’s survived two of these, but we’re in our 29th year in Malibu so still charging ahead!”
$1,619,012,882: This got buried last week but is worth reporting and repeating. The total assessed value as of 2022 for all the properties from the Octopus House on west Carbon Beach all the way to Topanga.
Topanga Canyon Boulevard closure continues
Topanga Canyon Boulevard (State Route 27) remains closed to the general public between State Route 1 (PCH) and Grand View Drive as Caltrans and partner agencies continue extensive cleanup and emergency repairs following multiple mudslides and storm damage earlier this year.
Three dedicated construction crews have been working around the clock to stabilize the area and restore safe travel through the scenic corridor. While the full closure remains in effect, limited access has been granted to escorted school buses during designated times and to law enforcement for public safety purposes. Caltrans continues to urge the public to respect closure points and avoid the area for their own safety.
Emergency repair efforts include rebuilding damaged retaining walls at three locations (postmiles 2.363, 2.52, and 2.712), repairing shoulders, and reconstructing sections of the roadway that were washed away. To mitigate future damage from mud and debris flows—ex-
acerbated by burn scars from past wildfires—crews are also installing larger culverts, new debris flow barriers, and clearing nine slide zones along the route.
Throughout April, efforts were concentrated near postmile 2.52, where crews installed a new drainage system and culverts and began temporary paving to prepare for future one-lane traffic through the area. Once K-rail is placed and traffic signals are installed for one-way traffic control, Caltrans anticipates a partial reopening.
Debris removal from February’s landslides is nearing completion. Over 33,000 cubic yards of mud and debris have been cleared— enough to fill roughly 10 Olympic-sized swimming pools. All soil has tested clean and is being repurposed for agricultural use in Somis and for restoration of damaged state park lands.
Utility work is also progressing. Southern California Edison is undergrounding utility lines, while Los Angeles County Public Works is rerouting a water main that was exposed during the storm.
Boring tests are underway to determine the depth needed for retaining wall piles. Once these are completed and safety systems are in place, Caltrans aims to reopen the emergency repair section with one-way traffic control within the next two months.
Motorists and residents are encouraged to monitor updates from Caltrans and continue to avoid the closed area as work continues toward a safer, more resilient Topanga Canyon Boulevard.
Caltrans Hosts Virtual Workshop on PCH
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is inviting the public to a virtual informational workshop on Monday, May 12, from 1 to
Submission deadline is Monday at noon. Please email submissions to: The Malibu Times
c/o Calendar Editor, to editorial@malibutimes.com
Only events with a connection to Malibu will be considered. Calendar events are scheduled in advance and subject to change.
thu may 8
VIRTUAL TOWN HALL: POST-FIRE ASSESSMENT PLAN
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
invites the community to a Virtual Town Hall focused on post-fire recovery efforts. Tune in for important updates on air quality, lead testing results, and other key health assessments following recent fires at 6 p.m.
Livestreamed On:
http://facebook.com/ lapublichealth
https://x.com/lapublichealth
youtube.com/lapublichealth
fri may 9
MALIBU BUSINESS ROUND TABLE
The Malibu Business Roundtable is holding a second meeting on transportaion this Friday, May 9, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. via Zoom. This monthly gathering brings together Malibu’s business leaders, community members, city representatives, To be added to the email notifications or to receive the Zoom link, email
way at Malibu Music, and the community is invited to celebrate the launch of Second Saturdays—a brand-new monthly concert series spotlighting world-class musicians, rising local talent, and the vibrant spirit of Malibu. Kicking off on Saturday, May 10, this intimate, high-energy event promises unforgettable performances, exclusive in-store discounts, special giveaways, and perks for music lovers of all ages. Whether you’re a longtime supporter of the local music scene or just looking for a fun night out, Second Saturdays is the perfect way to connect, discover, and groove. Visit malibumusic.com.
sat may 17
PRESLEY TENNANT FEATURING MAURICE MCCRAY AND WILL WORDEN
Get ready for a night of unforgettable live music as DRTC presents Presley Tennant featuring Maurice Mccray and Will Worden on Saturday, May 17, at 8:00 p.m. at the iconic Aviator Nation Dreamland in Malibu. Presley Tennant, known for her powerhouse vocals and soulful stage presence, takes center stage for an electrifying performance under the lights of Dreamland. Joining her are rising artists Maurice Mccray and Will Worden, each bringing their own unique style and energy to kick off the night. Doors open at 7 p.m., with the show starting promptly at 8 p.m. This is a 21+ event, and all sales are final. Visit aviatornationdreamland.com
may 18
OPENING RECEPTION “SUE
WONG: GLAMOUR & GRACE”
The City of Malibu Arts
CALENDAR
Commission is proud to host “Sue Wong: Glamour & Grace,” a celebration of the renowned high-fashion evening gown designer on view at the Malibu City Gallery from May 19 through June 27.
All of Malibu is invited to join the free opening reception Sunday, May 18, 12:00 p.m. at the Malibu City Gallery (23825 Stuart Ranch Road). The festivities include complimentary refreshments, followed by a Q&A with Sue Wong. No RSVPs or tickets are required.
The Malibu City Gallery is located on the first floor of City Hall and is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is free; tickets and RSVPs are not required. For more information, including photos of Wong’s works, visit MalibuArtsCommission. org/SueWong.
thu may 29
WINGS OVER MALIBU
The Emily Shane Foundation is proud to announce our annual spring gala fundraiser, Wings Over Malibu 2025, which will take place on Thursday, May 29, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Café Habana Malibu, located at the Malibu Lumber Yard. This special evening will honor Malibu City Council Member Haylynn Conrad for her dedicated support of our educational programs serving underserved students, as well as her commitment to our new division focused on PCH safety, driving education, and public awareness.
All proceeds from the event will support our SEA
provides essential academic mentorship and resources to students in need. Wings Over Malibu promises to be a warm, uplifting, and entertaining evening that brings our community together for a meaningful cause.
Guests will enjoy live music from harpist Minta Spencer, a special performance by Dance Star Malibu students, hand-selected wines, a variety of delicious appetizers and sweets, moving testimonials from SEA Program participants, and much more.
To purchase tickets or explore sponsorship opportunities, please visit emilyshane.org. For auction donations or additional information, contact us at info@ emilyshane.org.
ONGOING
MALIBU FARMERS MARKET
The Malibu Farmers Market takes place every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering a wide range of fresh, local produce and artisanal goods. Currently located at Legacy Park, the market provides a great opportunity to support local farmers and vendors while enjoying the scenic beauty of Malibu. For updates and more information on the market, visit malibufarmersmarket.
net. Make sure to stop by for a vibrant shopping experience this Sunday!
TOPANGA FARMERS MARKET
The Topanga Farmers Market is a Certified Farmers Market open every Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Topanga Community Center. The market features
an exceptional collection of 45 vendors, offering a wide variety of fresh, local produce, artisanal goods, and unique products. It’s the perfect destination to support local farmers and artisans while enjoying the scenic beauty of Topanga Canyon. Whether you’re looking for fresh produce or handmade crafts, the Topanga Farmers Market has something for everyone!
MONDAY COMPOSERS
BREAKFAST
The Monday Composers Breakfast takes place weekly at Dreamland Malibu, located at 22969 Pacific Coast Highway, in Malibu, every Monday from 9 to 11 a.m., with a simultaneous Zoom option for those unable to attend in person. Guests are encouraged to check in or join the mailing list for the latest updates on upcoming meetings, CBC events, member performances, and more.
ADULT PICKLEBALL
The City of Malibu will offer free Adult Drop-In Pickleball and an Adult Pickleball class at the Malibu High School Tennis Courts (30215 Morning View Drive) starting in spring 2025. Open Court Pickleball is available for registered participants ages 18 and over on Saturday afternoons, providing a fun and social way to play. Additionally, an Adult Pickleball class will be held on Saturdays for those looking to improve their skills.
TOTAL BODY WORKOUT
core strength, and balance. Please bring your own hand weights and yoga mats. Instructed by Jackline Daneshrad. The classes are Tuesdays from 12:45 to 1:45 p.m. Cost is $5 per class. Preregistration is recommended. At the Michael Landon Center at Malibu Bluffs Park.
KNITTING
Join the City of Malibu’s Community Services Department and Sheila Rosenthal for a knitting workshop that takes place on Mondays and Fridays from 9 to 10:30 a.m. This program is a welcoming gathering space for fiber artists that fosters community through open stitch. Make a scarf, hat, blanket, or homemade gift. No experience necessary. Please bring size 8 needles and one skein of yarn. This is an ongoing, drop-in program. Instructed by Sheila Rosenthal. Visit malibucity.org for location.
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
A comprehensive low-impact strengthening class targeting all the major muscles of the upper and lower body with special attention to form, stabilization,
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. Cost is $5 per class. Visit malibucity.org for dates and times.
It all starts with soil health: Healing the land after wildfire
Local horticulturist Aaron Landworth shares guidelines for soil revitalization after the Franklin and Palisades fires
By BARBARA BURKE Special to The Malibu Times
This writer clearly remembers standing in the corn fields of central Minnesota when I was a child, marveling at all the worms wriggling and writhing within a fistful of brown, moist soil I had scooped into my hands. Farm life teaches one that such healthy soil full of abundant organisms is the most productive and, importantly, that it must be tended to tenderly.
As a local journalist, after the Broad, Franklin and Palisades fires, this writer wondered how in the world residents whose outdoor areas were torched by recent fires and were then scooped clean of six inches of topsoil to ensure there are no lingering toxins can possibly recover.
Enter stage left Aaron Landworth, a local horticulturist who is an expert in remediating fire-assaulted soil and designing landscapes so as to protect homes and other structures on a parcel by installing plants that can help ward off wildfires, all the while providing gorgeous landscaping.
Reviving and revitalizing fire-harmed landscapes
When replacing decimated landscapes, “We work from the ground up and the process all starts with healthy soil,” Landworth explained, as he discussed guidelines for soil revitalization and remediation following fires and removal of toxic soil layers. “As you probably know, soil is a community of living organisms, bacteria, fungi, beneficial microbes and many other creatures — the addition of organic materials and their subsequent decomposition is what creates a healthy environment for growing plants.”
Organic materials include compost, finely-shredded wood, well-aged horse and steer manure compost, 100% pure worm castings (which are super beneficial), and granulated humic acid — a soil amendment derived from decomposed organic matter, offering benefits such as improved water retention, nutrient uptake and improved nutrient uptake and a mulch cover on top of soil. With the top 6 inches of soil removed, Landworth notes that
think needs to be done differently next time,” said Chloe Hite of the McChrystal Group. There was plenty to be discussed despite few participants who showed up and were outnumbered by observers from the City of Malibu and others.
Discussion leaders from the McChrystal Group included a psychologist who explained, “We want to make sure that we are providing an opportunity for you to be heard.
We want to provide an opportunity for you to connect with other folks in the community and ultimately to provide data that hopefully will lead to some recommendations.
“I want to acknowledge up front that we have no idea the hurt and the pain that you all have experienced as a result of this disaster. We have resources here. The department of Mental Health has a booth just outside the door. If at any point in time, you feel uncomfortable you can go speak to one of those individ uals. We encourage you to do so.”
was supposed to be “in a safe space to share experiences” with
it may be necessary to purchase a quality top soil or topsoil already amended with compost.
“When 6 inches of soil is scraped off of your property, the action of heavy equipment/tractors/ skip loaders and dump trucks will severely compact the remaining surface, usually leaving a “hard pan” which prevents water percolation and creates a barrier for root growth,” Landworth noted. “It is imperative that the remaining surface be loosened by cultivation at least one foot deep and the organic materials be thoroughly incorporated into the soil.”
What, many readers may lament, is a person lacking a green thumb to do as he tries to handle such a project himself?
“If you have decided to purchase top soil — sandy loam is a preferred type of soil. This top soil must also be incorporated into the existing substrate and not just be layered on top,” Landworth advised. “You must create a homogeneous blend of existing soil, organic amendments and newly added top soil for a uniform texture.”
He also advises that when remediating their damaged landscapes, Malibuites should ensure
the idea of intimacy and confidentiality, the McChrystal organizers asked that no photos or recording of the discussion take place and appeared perturbed when a community journalist insisted on live streaming the event.
The discussion began focusing on evacuation notices, who received them, and their effectiveness. Notifications attendees recalled ranged from the Watch Duty app, Nixle Alert, and SCE notifications to frightfully receiving no notice at all until smelling smoke when there were just moments to spare and flee homes. Most people in attendance had no power before the fire as a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) was in effect from SCE and they agreed with James Grasso of the Topanga Coalition for Emergency Preparedness (TCEP) who said, “Everybody loses in a PSPS.” Another resident commented, “Lack of power is everything.”
Those who spoke up gave poor ratings to the alert systems and deemed them especially ineffective for vulnerable populations, including Malibu’s senior citi
numbered zone they live in and that geographical or neighborhood-named zones would have been more effective in alerting residents when to leave.
When asked when attendees evacuated the Palisades Fire there were various scenarios ranging from when an initial catastrophic wind warning was issued to one resident waiting until she saw flames. A nurse in attendance advocating for seniors said many didn’t get proper notifications and “had no time and left with the shirts on their backs.” Grasso re minded that Topanga with its ro bust TCEP program was already “locked down” in heightened awareness. On Jan. 7 and under a Red Flag condition, Topanga was open to residents only.
Another confusion adding to the oncoming disaster was the query of what constitutes an evac uation warning versus an evacua tion order, residents said.
“Alert exhaustion” was an on going complaint. “The reality is a lot of people stay,” one partici pant stated about residents who decide to defend their own homes against fires when no firefighting
that their soil is ready for planting by providing soil with organic material benefitting from worm activity and they also may consider using an olla pot for slow watering underground.
The benefits of a 3-4 inch deep mulch cover on top of soil, utilizing more compost or a product such as shredded cedar, are that it slowly decomposes, furthering the enrichment of new soil structure, acts as a buffer for temperature changes, holds moisture on our hot and windy days, makes weeds easier to pull, and it has an attractive finished appearance to your garden.
“I prefer the shredded products for this purpose as opposed to the chunky bark that tends to float or blow away,” Landworth advised. “Do not under any circumstance use weed barrier or landscape fabric products because compost and mulch create an environment attractive to earthworms who are nature’s natural aerators, cultivators and fertilizers.”
For plants to grow properly, their soil needs to have equal amounts of air space, water, and soil materials, Landworth emphasized, adding that one “must create a homogeneous blend of existing soil, organic amendments and newly added topsoil for
of the last evacuation. That was brewing in their memories.”
Another participant questioned why Malibu has consistently rejected tornado sirens that many in the discussion heartily endorsed.
a uniform texture.”
Phytoremediation plants that remove toxins from soil
Sunflowers, borage, aloe vera, willows, and others are plants that clean contaminated soil by binding and extracting poisons, Landworth noted, cautioning all to “not consume any part of the plants used to remove toxins from soil.”
When you are replanting, Landworth said to “consider California native plants as they create habitat and support our beneficial birds and insects.”
Biodiversity creates a healthy ecosystem, he said, adding, “A keystone plant to consider are oaks, especially the California live oak (quercus agrifolia), which supports hundreds of species of insects and birds.”
Elaborating, he noted, “They are extremely resilient to heat from wildfires. Oaks buffer and redirect wind-blown embers and their thick leaves resist burning. If burnt, the tree regrows within a year.” Indeed, Landworth stated that he has “seen many structures protected by large oaks as the fires sweep through.”
Several other species of plants protect against fire Landworth shared a photo that depicts Grecian bay laurel on a property in the Big Rock neighborhood. “All surrounding homes burned except the home where this hedge is and one other house.” Wow! A properly planted and nourished indigenous bush or tree can help to save a home from being destroyed by a wildfire?
“Affirmative! I installed the hedge about 10 years ago and it is 120 feet long and eight feet tall,” Landworth said, with the tone of a proud parent. “The hedge is extremely resilient to heat and ignition. Only one small area of it burned and that is because the homeowner’s gardener allowed piles of leaves to accumulate in that one spot. Embers dropped into the hedge and the hedge extinguished them–its thick, leathery leaves don’t ignite easily.”
Having nature nearby our homes and businesses helps to keep locals grounded and the best way to bring nature back is by ensuring soil is healthy and that indigenous plant species are planted — simply stated nature knows best when one undertakes restoring landscapes.
Another offered, “How about not one solution, but all the solutions for these catastrophic events?”
With the after-action report expected to be published this summer, Grasso reminded a
similar report was issued after the Woolsey Fire more than six years ago. He questioned how many suggestions in that report were addressed and answered his own question: “Not many.”
The coast of Malibu is seen, with burned-out buildings, after the Palisades Fire from last January. Photo by Hayley Mattson/TMT
• Claim not settled?
• Still preparing your personal property claim?
• Still quantifying your full replacement cost claim?
Call us at 800.248.3888 to maximize your claim and simplify your recovery. Our private adjusters work for you, not the insurance company, to ensure you get the best settlement possible.
• Just want another opinion? JUST ADDED! New Insurance Recovery Webinar Series: Now What?
May 7th & 14th at 6:30pm
As several months have passed since the wildfires in Southern California, it has become increasingly clear that there remains a significant need for reliable information and support. In response, we are offering two additional webinars to further assist the community in understanding their coverage, rights, and available options throughout the insurance claims process.
If you are currently being represented on your insurance claim by a public adjuster or attorney, please disregard.
After months of navigating the process, this is what one family shared with us:
That week was filled with so many things that are seared into my memory. The sirens. The helicopters. And then the inferno that enveloped my home as well as a number of my neighbors.
You offered solace, resources, solutions, and a roadmap for both financial and emotional recovery. You were nothing like the predatory personalities that approached me from other companies. You and your team were there for me every step of the way – for which I will be forever grateful.
- Warren D. Wildfire Victim
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