Pepperdine honors heroes at 17th annual Waves of Flags Remembrance
Nearly 3,000 flags and heartfelt speeches, a keynote from Dennis Quaid, commemorate 9/11 heroes and inspire a new generation at Malibu’s Alumni Park
Less than a full day after an assassin gunned down conservative activist Charlie Kirk on a university campus in Utah, a large group of people gathered at Malibu’s local university at Pepperdine Alumni Park on Thursday, Sept. 11, for the 17th annual Waves of Flags remembrance ceremony to
mark the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
Chancellor Sarah Young Jackson opened the event by briefly commenting on Kirk’s killing, stating, “our hearts are broken and we pray for those he left behind, and we will honor his life as we honor the lives of civilians lost and the heroes who sacrificed their lives on 9/11.”
Attendees listened to the national anthem, sung by Seaver College senior Cokie Daniel, and participated in the pledge of allegiance, led by H.L. McCullough, also a senior.
A delighted crowd joined distinguished honoree Pat Boone, co-chair of the university board and a legendary musician
Jackson also recognized Ryan Sawtelle, an alum who helped to establish the Waves of Flags annual display in 2008, and she thanked active military members, veterans, and first responders at the gathering.
Zuma Beach Triathlon unites community
Athletes, families, and celebrities unite at Zuma Beach to support the Challenged Athletes Foundation and Boys & Girls Club of Malibu
By
Against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean, the Zuma Beach Triathlon returned to Malibu on Sunday, Sept. 14, transforming the iconic shoreline into a vibrant hub of athleticism, community spirit, and philanthropy. The event, which drew thousands of athletes, spectators, and volunteers, raised over $150,000 for two impactful organizations — the Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF), which empowers athletes with physical challenges through adaptive sports equipment and opportunities, and the Boys & Girls Club
of Malibu, offering vital after-school programs, mental health services, and long-term support for survivors of the Franklin and Palisades fires. More than a race, the triathlon was a testament to the power of sport to uplift lives and foster unity in a community that has endured significant challenges in recent years.
The weekend kicked off on Saturday with the inaugural Kids’ Triathlon, a sold-out event that saw young athletes aged 9 to 14 take on the challenge with enthusiasm. The younger group, ages 9 to 11, tackled a 100-yard swim, a three-mile bike ride, and a halfmile run, while the 12- to 14-year-olds completed a 200-yard swim, a 6-mile bike ride, and a 1-mile run. Parents had the option to join their children in a relay format, adding to the family-oriented atmosphere. “It was a great, inspiring event with a ton of young kids and families,” said Austin Ruth Noonan, a representative of the triathlon. “Seeing the kids race individually
and entertainer, as they sang along to his recording of “God Bless America.”
Boone introduced keynote speaker Dennis Quaid, noting that the pair had both performed roles in “Reagan,” a movie where Quaid portrayed the former president. Quaid, who previously narrated the documentary, “Twin Towers: Legacy,” delivered a motivational and at times
ON PAGE A5
As promised, the organizers of FireAid benefit concerts released two audits detailing how grants were distributed to local Southern California nonprofits and their effectiveness, reaching those impacted by January’s disastrous wildfires. The nonprofit 501(c)(3), which was able to accept tax-deductible donations totaling close to $100 million, came under scrutiny earlier this year first by the Pacific Palisades Community Council (PPCC) that questioned if funds raised actually were received by those who lost homes and businesses in the disaster. The FireAid organizers had always claimed the charity, founded by the NBA’s LA Clippers and owner Steve Ballmer, would organize star-studded concerts at the Forum and Intuit Dome, but that monies raised would be overseen by the Annenberg Foundation with its expertise in distribution to area nonprofits, rather than giving money directly to impacted fire survivors. The PPCC’s concerns reached all
On
CONTINUED ON PAGE A5
Unique musical instrument registry gives the gift of music to fire-impacted
Nonprofit seeks to help those who lost instruments in January’s fires
By JUDY ABEL Special to The Malibu Times
When January’s catastrophic wildfires swept through Southern California, Brandon Jay and his wife, both professional composers and musicians, lost not only their home but also more than 200 instruments housed in their Altadena recording studio. Guitars, keyboards, harmoniums, recording gear — every piece held both practical and emotional value. “It wasn’t just the monetary loss,” Jay recalled. “It was the sentimental value, the stories behind those instruments. That’s
CONTINUED ON PAGE A6
MALIBU’S AWARD WINNING NEWSPAPER SINCE 1946
By JUDY ABEL Special to The Malibu Times
HAYLEY MATTSON Publisher, Editor In Chief
By BARBARA BURKE
Of The Malibu Times
(From left) U.S. Air Force veteran and Pepperdine administrator Eric Leshinsky, actor Dennis Quaid, and LA County Sheriff’s Cmdr. Jennifer Seetoo stand among the flags during the 9/11 ceremony. Photo by Ron Hall
The Duke’s restaurant staff will be hosting a gathering in partnership with the Big Rock neighborhood on Oct. 11. Contributed photo
Competitors, volunteers, celebrity guests, and winners celebrate on stage following the Zuma Beach Triathlon on Sunday, Sept. 14. Photo courtesy of Zuma Beach Triathlon
In Case
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The top stories from last week you can read at MalibuTimes.com
Waves of Flags returns to Pepperdine as a moving tribute to 9/11 victims
Nearly 3,000 flags fill Alumni Park once again to honor the lives lost on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001
Fraser Bohm denied bail reduction Defense asks for a reduction to $2 million for charges in crash that led to deaths of four Pepperdine students
Malibu’s Big Blue Beach Crawl promotes PCH safety City volunteers and officials engage beachgoers in friendly conversations to raise awareness
Malibu’s first fire safety liaison shares wisdom Jerry Vandermeulen says that residents now need to stay ready for fires year-round
Local winemaker being sued by Swedish company over the word ‘Malibu’ Dispute over the use of a local name emerges after rum maker The Absolute Company claims trademark
An epic eclectic epicurian experience
Malibu Food & Wine Festival at Saddlerock Ranch delights guests with a greatly gastronomic event
OPINION
Catching fires before they catch us
Fires that devastate Malibu rarely begin within our city limits, although sometimes they do. Either way, by the time the flames reach us, the Santa Ana winds have already given them speed and strength. Protecting Malibu means looking outward as well as inward. That’s why installing “eyes” outside Malibu is just as important as protecting our own hills. High-definition cameras like those provided through Dr. Neal Driscoll and UC San Diego’s ALERTCalifornia program, which powers live feeds in the Watch Duty app, can spot smoke in minutes, giving firefighters a head start. More cameras in neighboring areas mean earlier alerts and a greater chance of stopping fires before they roar down the canyons toward the coast. When residents open the Watch Duty app, they aren’t just looking at a still picture. They see a network of high-definition, pan-tilt-zoom cameras streaming live video from ridgelines, towers, and mountaintops across California. On the same screen, they can also see incident reports written by vetted volunteers, location of smoke or fire, size, direction of spread, wind, evacuation notices, and road closures. If someone reports smoke in a canyon, emergency managers can remotely pivot and zoom the camera to that exact spot. The public feed shows a wide panorama, while agencies see even more detail.
This lets first responders verify reports, dispatch resources, and issue alerts minutes or even hours faster than before.
A fourth camera at the top of Escondido Canyon may be the easiest of the dozens of projects I’ve taken on since being elected. Because it was almost entirely privately driven. Dr. Driscoll’s extraordinary nonprofit work, as a generous private property owner, didn’t involve the usual layers of government approvals. This program is donation-driven and a non-profit.
Before I was elected to the City Council I was introduced to this initiative by a dear friend, and he brought in the third Malibu camera that’s on watch duty.
It’s why we need multiple tools in our firefighting toolbox. Cameras are one layer, but they work best alongside prevention, evacuation planning, hydrant capacity, brush clearance, and clear communication systems.
As a member of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy advisory board, I’ve already begun working with the Conservancy and MRCA. I also want to coordinate closely with our neighboring cities, Calabasas, Los Angeles County, Agoura Hills, Thousand Oaks, and Moorpark, through our Council of Governments. Together, we can weave a network of detection, communication, and prevention that reflects how fires actually behave.
Malibu may be the last stop on the fire train, but we don’t have to be its next victim. By partnering with scientists like Dr. Driscoll, private property owners, and our regional neighbors, we can protect our community before the first spark ever lands.
Haylynn Conrad serves as a Malibu City Councilmember and is a member of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy Advisory Board. She can be reached at hconrad@malibucity.org.
LFrom the publisher HAYLEY MATTSON
“...I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we, too, will be remembered not for victories or defeats in battle or in politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit.”
ast week, I wrote with optimism about the strength of our community—how our ability to resist division, honor both tradition and progress, and unite for a shared future defines us. I spoke of hope, unity, and the belief that our greatest asset is not our buildings or streets, but the people who call this place home. Those words, penned with conviction, now feel like echoes from a distant moment, overshadowed by a tragedy that has shaken us to our core.
On Wednesday, Sept. 10, the world was forced to witness the horrifying assassination of Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative voice in American discourse. The graphic video, broadcast for all to see, laid bare the raw brutality of the act. In its wake, we are left with the heartbreaking reality of a grieving wife and young children navigating an irreplaceable loss. My heart aches for them. No family should endure such pain, amplified by the cruelty of those who, shockingly, celebrate this tragedy. How have we, as a society, reached a point where the death of a husband, a father, a human being, is met with cheers rather than sorrow— simply because of ideological differences?
The gleeful response of some to this loss is a stark reminder of how far we have strayed from our shared humanity. Last week, I urged us to rise above factions, to embrace kindness and respect despite our differences. Today, those words feel both more urgent and more challenging to live by.
Charlie Kirk’s assassination—a figure who sparked strong emotions on all sides—forces us to confront the consequences of unchecked division. As John F. Kennedy said in 1962, “I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we, too, will be remembered not for victories or defeats in battle or in politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit.” This tragedy tests our commitment to that spirit. Will we allow it to deepen our divisions, or will we rise to meet this
moment with compassion and resolve?
This loss echoes the fires that devastated Malibu this year. We watched homes, memories, and parts of our community reduced to ash. Yet, from that destruction, we found something profound: each other. Neighbors helped neighbors, strangers became friends, and our shared loss forged a bond of resilience and hope. That same spirit must guide us now. If the fires taught us anything, it’s that our humanity—our capacity for empathy, compassion, and unity—can overcome even the darkest moments.
Theodore Roosevelt once warned of the “typical vice of American politics” that avoids “saying anything real on real issues.” He advocated for a “strenuous life,” one of effort and struggle over “ignoble ease,” urging the nation to face great issues head-on. This tragedy, as horrific as it is, could be a moment to heed his call. We cannot erase the pain of Kirk’s family or undo the act that took him from them. But we can choose how we respond. We can reject the venom of those who celebrate death and instead show the world what it means to honor life. We can hold space for grief, reflection, and the hard work of rebuilding a society that values kindness over cruelty, dialogue over destruction. We don’t need to compare this loss to other horrors of this year—the school shootings, the young Ukrainian girl stabbed and left for dead on a train, or countless other tragedies. Instead, we must refuse to let these events define us. We can grieve a loss while holding fast to hope. As Benjamin Franklin expressed, the goal of America’s experiment in liberty is that “not only the love of liberty but a thorough knowledge of the rights of man may pervade all the nations of the earth, so that a philosopher may set his foot anywhere on its surface and say: This is my country.” Let us honor that vision by recommitting to our shared humanity, here in Malibu and beyond.
Driving Change: The cost of an empty chair, our children’s lives depend on it
Thirteen years ago, a reckless driver on Pacific Coast Highway left an empty chair at our family’s dinner table. Our thirteen-year-old daughter, Emily, was gone. That unbearable loss became the catalyst for The Emily Shane Foundation. We channeled our grief into an education-based mission, helping underserved middle schoolers who feel lost or invisible find their path to success.
Now, we are returning to the very issue that created us. Through our new division, Driving Change, we are launching educational programs aimed at making our streets safer for everyone. But this work on street safety is happening against the backdrop of a much larger crisis of preventable death. The violence consuming our country has shattered something fundamental in me.
We talk endlessly about solutions, yet we’re trapped in an endless cycle — as if we’re destined to accept this as our new normal. But here’s what we must face: Gun deaths now exceed motor vehicle deaths in America. Let that reality settle in.
For decades, car crashes were the leading cause of injury-related death in America. Not anymore. In 2022, firearms claimed 48,204 lives — the second-highest total ever recorded. Motor vehicle deaths? 43,273. Gun violence has become the leading cause of death for our children and teens, surpassing car crashes, overdoses, and cancer. In 2022, gun deaths outpaced motor vehicle deaths in 35 states and DC. In 2010, that grim mile-
stone existed in only 13 states. We’re watching a crisis accelerate in real time.
As someone who grew up in Canada, this reality feels incomprehensible. Yes, Canada faces gun violence, but it’s rare — not the daily drumbeat that defines American life.
Here’s what makes this comparison so damning: We actually solved the car death crisis. It didn’t happen overnight, and it wasn’t easy. The auto industry fought seat belt mandates for years. Drunk driving was once considered a minor social transgression. But we persisted with mandatory seat belts, airbags, drunk driving laws, improved road design, and vehicle safety standards — comprehensive public health measures that worked. Motor vehicle deaths have plummeted by more than 50% per mile traveled since the 1970s, while we implemented evidence-based safety regulations.
Except when you look at Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) — even with national improvements in vehicle safety and driver behavior, the unique combination of road design, speed, and high traffic can still create a dangerous environment in our community, with deaths on the rise, not lowering. With firearms? We’ve chosen paralysis over progress. No comparable federal safety regulations. No unified approach to prevention. No willingness to treat gun violence as the public health crisis it clearly is. Just endless debate while 132 people die from gun violence every single day—and we’ve somehow accepted this as normal. We’ve normalized the abnormal.
But this isn’t just about guns or cars—it’s about our collective disconnection. We’ve forgotten how to disagree without demonizing, how to find common ground when stakes feel existential. We live in separate information bubbles, consuming news that confirms our biases rather than challenges our thinking. Social media algorithms feed us outrage because anger drives engagement, and engage-
ment drives profit. We’ve traded real community for virtual connections that often leave us more isolated than before.
This disconnection breeds the desperation that fuels violence. When people feel invisible, unheard, and hopeless, believing their problems don’t matter to anyone else, some choose destruction. They decide to make their pain visible in the most horrific ways possible.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox hit the nail on the head after the recent shooting of Charlie Kirk, a devoted Utah father and community leader. He said, “Log off, take a walk, hug a loved one, and go out and do some good in your community.” This isn’t just naive optimism—it’s the foundation of real change.
Through our “Pass It Forward” campaign, we generated hundreds of thousands of good deeds, prov-
ing that our core humanity is to help, comfort, and create.
We’re all on the same side— humanity’s side. Until you’ve sat across an empty chair and felt the weight of a life cut short, it’s easy to forget how precious existence truly is, regardless of our beliefs. You never want to join the “Empty Chair Club.”
The solution isn’t complicated, but it requires each of us to choose connection over convenience, community over comfort.
We’ve learned through years of grief work that helping others without expecting anything in return brings the fulfillment that technology and isolation have stolen from us. When we show up for struggling students, when we check on lonely neighbors, when we listen to people whose views challenge our own—that’s when real healing begins.
This isn’t about left versus right, urban versus rural, young versus old. It’s about choosing humanity over ideology. It’s about remembering that behind every statistic is someone’s child, someone’s parent, someone’s irreplaceable person. Because here’s the truth: We can regulate firearms just as we regulate cars. We can choose community over isolation. We can pass forward kindness instead of anger. We’ve done it before—with drunk driving, with smoking, with seat belts. We can do it again. The question isn’t whether change is possible. The question is whether we’ll choose it. Log off. Take a walk. Hug someone you love. Find a way to make a positive difference in your community. That’s how we honor every empty chair and prevent countless others.
Our children’s lives depend on it.
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“I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live by the light that I have. I must stand with anybody that stands right, and stand with him while he is right, and part with him when he goes wrong.” — Abraham Lincoln
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The Malibu Times is locally owned by Nicholas and Hayley Mattson, 13 Stars Media.
MICHEL SHANE COLUMNIST
HAYLYNN CONRAD COLUMNIST
WEATHER
THURSDAY
Assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk
In a moment that has sent shockwaves through the American political arena, Charlie Kirk, the 31-yearold firebrand co-founder of Turning Point USA and a leading voice for young conservatives, was fatally shot during a public speaking event at Utah Valley University last Wednesday afternoon. The attack, which authorities have labeled a deliberate political assassination, occurred just 20 minutes into Kirk’s presentation, leaving an audience of thousands stunned and scattering in fear. As federal and local investigators intensify their efforts to bring the perpetrator to justice, the nation reflects on Kirk’s rapid rise from suburban teenager to influential conservative icon, and the broader implications of escalating political violence.
The incident unfolded under clear skies in the Sorensen Student Center courtyard, a large outdoor venue on UVU’s sprawling campus in Orem, about 45 miles south of Salt Lake City. Utah Valley University, the state’s largest public institution with nearly 47,000 students, had drawn an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 attendees for the kickoff of Kirk’s “American Comeback Tour.” The event, free and open to the public, promised Kirk’s signature “Prove Me Wrong” format: a lively debate session where the speaker fielded unfiltered questions on topics ranging from free speech on campuses to cultural flashpoints like immigration and gender ideology.
Kirk, dressed in his customary casual attire—a T-shirt emblazoned with the word ‘Freedom’ on it arrived on campus. Moments earlier, he had posted on X (formerly Twitter): “WE. ARE. SO. BACK. Utah Valley University is FIRED UP and READY for the first stop back on the American Comeback Tour.” Seated at a simple table flanked by a modest security detail, Kirk wasted no time engaging the crowd. He tossed branded hats to cheering supporters, eliciting waves of applause, and dove into discussions that blended sharp rhetoric with calls for civil discourse.
Approximately 20 minutes into the session, as Kirk fielded a question from an audience member on “shootings and transgender shooters”—a subject he had addressed in prior talks with data on mass shootings and calls for mental health reforms—a single, sharp crack pierced
the air. Eyewitnesses described the sound as unmistakable, like a firecracker amplified in the open space. Video footage, captured from multiple angles by attendees and now circulating widely on social media platforms, shows Kirk recoiling violently. He clutched at his neck, where blood began to flow profusely from a gunshot wound, before collapsing backward off his chair onto the stage. Screams erupted as the crowd surged in multiple directions, some diving for cover behind nearby structures while others fled toward the campus edges.
“There wasn’t a barrage of shots— just that one. But it felt like the whole world stopped,” said former Utah Rep. Jason Chaffetz, who attended the event with his family. In an interview, he added, “The moment I saw Charlie fall, you realized it was a single shot. It wasn’t a hail of gunfire — just one shot.”
Kirk’s private security team, comprising four members, immediately sprang into action. They shielded him with their bodies and rushed him into a waiting vehicle, which sped toward a nearby hospital. Tragically, Kirk succumbed to his injuries en route, becoming the sole casualty of the attack. UVU Chief of Police Jeff Long later confirmed that six campus officers, including plainclothes personnel, were present, but the shooter had fired from a distance of approximately 200 feet — likely from an elevated position, such as a rooftop overlooking the courtyard.
“This was a precise, targeted strike,” Long stated in a press briefing. “No other injuries occurred, which speaks to the intent.”
Chaos gripped the campus in the immediate aftermath. An older man in the crowd, later identified as George Zinn, 62, was detained by officers after witnesses reported that he said he shot Kirk. Video of his arrest, showing him being handcuffed amid the pandemonium, quickly spread online, fueling initial speculation. Zinn was briefly booked on charges of obstruction of justice for allegedly impeding emergency responders but was released after it became clear he was not the shooter.
By early afternoon, the news had broken nationally, prompting an outpouring of grief and outrage. President Donald Trump, a longtime ally and frequent collaborator with Kirk, confirmed the death in a post on social media at 1:40 p.m. PDT. “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk, is dead,” Trump wrote. “No one understood or had the Heart of the Youth in the United States of America better than Charlie. He was loved and admired by ALL, especially me, and now, he is no longer with us. Melania and my sympathies go out to his beautiful wife, Erika, and family. Charlie, we love you!” The president’s words, raw and unfiltered, captured the personal bond between the two men, forged through shared appearances at rallies and Kirk’s pivotal role in mobilizing young voters during Trump’s 2024 reelection bid.
Trump swiftly followed with a presidential proclamation, ordering all American flags at the White House, federal buildings, military installations, and naval stations to be lowered to half-staff nationwide until Sunday, Sept. 14, at 6 p.m. “In honor of Charlie Kirk, a truly Great American Patriot, I am ordering all American Flags throughout the United States lowered to half-staff,” the statement read. The directive was echoed at U.S. embassies abroad, symbolizing Kirk’s stature not just in American conservatism but on the global stage.
NEWS BRIEFS
Turning Point USA, the nonprofit Kirk co-founded in 2012 while still a teenager, released a terse statement to NBC News confirming the tragedy. “We ask that everyone keep his family and loved ones in your prayers,” the organization said. “We ask that you please respect their privacy and dignity at this time.” Erika Kirk, Charlie’s wife and a fellow conservative advocate, addressed supporters in a live stream viewed by over 500,000 people. Speaking through tears, she vowed to continue the organization’s work: “Charlie built this for the next generation. We won’t let one act of evil stop us from fighting for truth and freedom.” The couple, married since 2019, leaves behind two young children, a son who turned 1 in May and a daughter who turned 3 in August.
Born Charles James Kirk on Oct. 14, 1993, in the affluent suburbs of Chicago, Kirk’s path to prominence was marked by precocious ambition and unyielding conviction. Raised in a middle-class family—his father a small-business owner, his mother a homemaker—he gravitated toward conservative ideals early, influenced by talk radio and family discussions on fiscal responsibility. By high school, he was organizing Tea Party-inspired events and debating teachers on topics like school choice. After briefly attending Harper College, a community institution, Kirk dropped out at 18 to launch Turning Point USA from his parents’ basement. The group’s mission: to foster “active conservatism” among high school and college students through campus chapters promoting free-market economics, Second Amendment rights, and traditional values.
Under Kirk’s leadership, Turning Point USA exploded in scale, establishing over 3,000 chapters nationwide and hosting annual summits that drew tens of thousands. His style was unapologetically confrontational—setting up “Prove Me Wrong” tables on liberal-leaning campuses, where he invited passersby to challenge his views on abortion, gun control, or border security. These encounters, often heated but rarely violent, went viral, amassing millions of views on YouTube and TikTok. Rooted in his evangelical Christian faith, Kirk framed his activism as a moral imperative, frequently quoting scripture alongside statistics from think tanks like the Heritage Foundation.
Kirk’s star ascended further through his alliance with Trump. He spoke at the 2024 Republican National Convention mere days after an assassination attempt on the president in Pennsylvania, drawing parallels between the threats faced by both men. Trump, in turn, hailed Kirk as a “genius” for his youth outreach, crediting Turning Point with flipping key demographics in swing states. Kirk’s media empire bolstered his reach: “The Charlie Kirk Show” podcast topped conservative charts, dissecting headlines with guests from JD Vance to Elon Musk. His books, including bestsellers like The MAGA Doctrine (2022) and Campus Battlefield (2024), outlined strategies for countering “woke” culture in education. At the time of his death, Kirk was at the zenith of his influence, with Turning Point’s budget exceeding $50 million annually.
The investigation into the shooting, jointly led by the FBI and Utah Department of Public Safety, has moved with urgency. Initial confusion reigned: At 3:30 p.m. PDT, FBI Director Kash Patel posted on X that “the subject for the horrific shooting today that took the life of Charlie Kirk is now in custody,” thanking local partners. Yet, Utah Public
Safety Commissioner Beau Mason countered minutes later, stating the suspect remained at large. CCTV footage, grainy but instructive, depicted the shooter in all-dark clothing—a long-sleeved black T-shirt bearing a U.S. flag and eagle emblem, jeans, Converse sneakers, and a black baseball cap—firing from a rooftop perch. Clues emerged swiftly: a palm print on a stairwell railing, a shoe impression in soft earth, and a high-powered hunting rifle, serial number traced to a Utah gun shop, abandoned in nearby woods along the suspect’s likely escape route.
The FBI offered a $100,000 reward for tips, fielding over 130 leads by Thursday. A breakthrough came Friday evening, Sept. 12, when authorities apprehended 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, a Utah resident from St. George, about 250 miles southwest of Orem near Zion National Park. Robinson, described in booking photos as a lanky white male with short brown hair and a faint beard, was arrested without incident at a relative’s home following a tip from a family member. The relative, who spoke to investigators on condition of anonymity, recounted how Robinson had “turned political recently” and expressed deep animus toward Kirk. In a recent family dinner, Robinson allegedly ranted about Kirk’s upcoming UVU appearance, calling him a “hypocrite” whose views on social issues were “destroying lives.”
“He hated everything Charlie stood for—free speech, traditional values, you name it,” the family member told authorities, noting Robinson’s shift from apolitical to outspokenly leftist in the past year.
FBI Co-Deputy Director Dan Bongino revealed on Fox News that Robinson’s digital footprint showed an “obsession” with Kirk: searches for event schedules, maps of UVU, and forum posts criticizing Turning Point as “fascist propaganda.” Utah voter records list Robinson as unaffiliated, though his family is staunchly Republican, adding layers to the motive. “We’ve collected information through witness interviews... that he essentially admitted after the shooting, an assassination of Charlie Kirk,” Patel said in an interview citing post-arrest confessions. Robinson faces first-degree murder charges, with Utah Gov. Spencer Cox vowing to seek the death penalty. “This was a political assassination, plain and simple,” Cox said at a Friday press conference. “Utah will pursue justice fully.”
The arrest capped a 33-hour manhunt that gripped the nation, with timelines reconstructed from surveillance showing Robinson arriving on campus at 11:52 a.m., ascending stairwells undetected amid the preevent bustle, firing the fatal shot at 12:20 p.m., and fleeing on foot before ditching the rifle. No manifesto has surfaced, but investigators probe whether online radicalization played a role, echoing concerns raised by the Republican National Committee about inflammatory rhetoric from Democrats labeling conservatives as “fascists.”
Reactions transcended party lines, though not without friction. Trump’s proclamation on Sept. 10 to lower flags through Sept. 14 was implemented nationwide, but Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued a memo on Sept. 12 directing city fire stations to fly them at full staff unless she personally ordered otherwise.
In a bipartisan overture, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, an ideological adversary of Kirk’s, issued a statement late Wednesday expressing grief and urging unity. “We should all feel a deep sense of grief and outrage at the
terrible violence that took place in Utah today,” Newsom said. “Charlie Kirk’s murder is sick and reprehensible, and our thoughts are with his family, children, and loved ones. I knew Charlie, and I admired his passion and commitment to debate.”
Acknowledging their personal acquaintance from policy forums, Newsom added: “His senseless murder is a reminder of how important it is for all of us, across the political spectrum, to foster genuine discourse... The best way to honor Charlie’s memory is to continue his work: engage with each other, across ideology, through spirited discourse. In a democracy, ideas are tested through words and good-faith debate—never through violence.”
Makeshift memorials and vigils appeared across the county and around the world over the weekend, including an independently organized gathering at Pepperdine University on Saturday. Kirk’s death comes amid a troubling rise in political violence, from the 2024 assassination attempts on former President Donald Trump to escalating threats against lawmakers. In June, Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were fatally shot in a targeted political attack, with State Senator John Hoffman and his wife also wounded by the same gunman, later identified as Vance Luther Boelter.
Historians warn that the nation is entering a volatile period reminiscent of 1968, when the killings of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy left deep fractures in the American body politic.
Malibu offers free home wildfire assessments ahead of fire season
As wildfire season approaches, the City of Malibu is urging residents to take proactive steps to protect their homes. The city’s Fire Safety Liaisons are offering free Home Wildfire Assessments, designed to help reduce the risk of damage from flying embers during wind-driven fires.
Each 30–45 minute visit includes a thorough exterior inspection and a no-obligation report with practical, often low-cost recommendations to harden your home against wildfire threats. Residents are encouraged to schedule their appointments now through the City of Malibu’s Fire Safety webpage to ensure their homes are ready for the season.
Malibu conducts weekly everbridge system tests for national preparedness
September is National Preparedness Month, and the City of Malibu is taking proactive steps to help residents and businesses prepare for wildfires, earthquakes, and other emergencies. As part of these efforts, the City will conduct weekly tests of the Everbridge Disaster Notification System, focusing on a different Malibu Evacuation Zone each week. The testing schedule is: Thursday, Sept. 4, at 5:00 p.m. for Zone MAL-C111 (Big Rock area); Thursday, Sept. 11, at 5:00 p.m. for Zone MAL-C112 (Civic Center area); Thursday, Sept. 18, at 5:00 p.m. for Zone MAL-C113 (Point Dume area); and Thursday, Sept. 25, at 5:00 p.m. for Zone MAL-C114 (Trancas area).
Everbridge has been used by the City for several years to send urgent alerts during serious incidents that threaten lives and property, including evacuation orders. Most Malibu landlines and cell phones are automatically included in the system,
thu SEP 18- sun sep 21
THE WISDOM OF EVE OPENS AT THE BLUE DOOR PLAYHOUSE
Theatre Palisades is proud to present its second production of 2025, The Wisdom of Eve by Mary Orr, running Sept. 5–21 at The Blue Door Playhouse in Culver City. Adapted from the classic film All About Eve , this riveting play peels back the curtain on the cutthroat world of Broadway, following the seemingly devoted fan Eve Harrington as she becomes the assistant to legendary actress Margo Crane. But beneath her innocent façade lies relentless ambition, leading to manipulation, betrayal, and the unraveling of friendships and careers.
Directed by Sherman Wayne and produced by Martha Hunter, this sharp, witty drama brings to life timeless themes of envy, power, and the ruthless pursuit of success. Performances take place Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. on Sept. 5–7, 12–14, and 19–21 at The Blue Door Playhouse, 9617 Venice Blvd., Culver City. Tickets are on sale now, with a special $5 early bird discount available using promo code WISDOM5.
Don’t miss this unforgettable theatrical experience — visit TheatrePalisades.org for tickets and details.
sat sep 20
COASTAL CLEANUP DAY WITH HEAL THE BAY
Malibu West Beach Club is proud to sponsor a cleanup site this year at Tower 16, Zuma Beach. Join the club Saturday, Sept. 20, from 9 to 11 a.m. for a morning of community, ocean care, and fun. Bring your own gloves and bucket to help minimize waste (supplies available if needed). Find a golden pinecone during the cleanup to win a prize, and enjoy a free coffee treat from Sea n Soul’s cart right at Tower 16. Together with Heal the Bay, let’s protect our coastline.
sat sep 21
THE 7TH ANNUAL PAWS FOR A CAUSE AT THE MALIBU FARMERS MARKET
The 7th annual Paws for a Cause will take place at the Malibu Farmers Market on Sunday, Sept. 21, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., bringing together rescue organizations from across the region with a shared mission: finding loving homes for animals in need. This beloved tradition offers a day filled with wagging tails, hopeful eyes, and community spirit.
Visitors can enjoy brunch from a curated lineup of chefs serving signature dishes, browse vintage finds, artisan goods, fresh flowers, and local produce, all while live music floats through the market. Professional photographer Sarah Hasenfus will have a booth offering free family photos in exchange for a donation, and children’s activities will add to the festive atmosphere, making it a perfect outing for families.
More than a market, this event is a celebration of flavor, creativity, and kindness in a sunlit, welcoming environment.
CALENDAR
thu sep 25
WISE & READY EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS EVENT
The Malibu West Beach Club will host a free Wise & Ready Emergency Preparedness Event for older adults on Thursday, Sept. 25, from Noon to 1 p.m. Guest speakers will cover earthquake safety, lessons from the Woolsey Fire, and coping with Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS). The interactive program includes lunch, giveaways and practical tools to help residents prepare for emergencies. Space is limited — RSVP at hoa@malibuwestbc. com
ONGOING
MALIBU FARMERS MARKET | SUNDAYS
The Malibu Farmers Market takes place every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering a wide range of fresh, local produce and artisanal goods. Currently located at Legacy Park, the market provides a great opportunity to support local farmers and vendors while enjoying the scenic beauty of Malibu. For updates and more information on the market, visit malibufarmersmarket.net. Make sure to stop by for a vibrant shopping experience this Sunday!
MONDAY COMPOSERS BREAKFAST | MONDAYS
The Monday Composers Breakfast takes place weekly at Dreamland Malibu, located at 22969 Pacific Coast Highway, in Malibu, every Monday from 9 to 11 a.m., with a simultaneous Zoom option for those unable to attend in person.
Guests are encouraged to check in or join the mailing list for the latest updates on upcoming meetings, CBC events, member performances, and more.
KNITTING | MONDAY AND FRIDAY
Join Malibu’s Community Services Department and Sheila Rosenthal for a knitting workshop that takes place on Mondays and Fridays from 9 to 10:30 a.m. This program is a welcoming gathering space for fiber artists that fosters community through open stitch. Make a scarf, hat, blanket, or homemade gift. No experience necessary. Please bring size 8 needles and one skein of yarn. This is an ongoing, drop-in program. Instructed by Sheila Rosenthal. Visit malibucity.org for location.
KUNDALINI YOGA CLASS | MONDAYS
Join us every Monday at 6:30 p.m. for a special 90-minute Kundalini yoga class with live Kirtan music, featuring local guest musicians. This unique experience combines movement, breathwork, and sound to create a deeply uplifting and meditative practice. The class is $28 per person or included with your yoga membership. After class, enjoy complimentary herbal tea grown in Malibu and stay for a relaxing Kirtan — a guided song circle to close out the evening in community and connection. Visit veritas-yoga.com for more information.
TOTAL BODY WORKOUT | TUESDAYS
A comprehensive low-impact strengthening class targeting all the major muscles of the upper and lower body with special attention to form, stabilization, core strength, and balance. Please bring your own hand weights and yoga mats. Instructed by Jackline Daneshrad. The classes are Tuesdays from 12:45 to 1:45 p.m. Cost is $5 per class. Pre-registration is recommended. At the Michael Landon Center at Malibu Bluffs Park.
SENIOR CHOIR | TUESDAYS
Learn the fundamentals of singing and performing different styles of music. Every Tuesday, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Malibu City Hall Senior Center. This is a great opportunity for socialization, self-expression, and learning through music. All levels are welcome. Instructed by Laura DeMieri Fercano.
SENIOR TECH HELP | TUESDAYS
Receive one-on-one tech help with your laptop, tablet, or cellphone. Seniors can receive assistance using social media, Google Drive, Skype, Microsoft Word, email, and more. RSVP required. Instructed by Community Services Department staff. Tuesdays from 9 to 10 a.m. at the Malibu Senior Center.
VOLUNTEER WEEDING DAY AT POINT DUME NATURE PRESERVE | WEDNESDAYS
Join every second Wednesday of the month from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. for a hands-on volunteer event at the stunning Point Dume Nature Preserve. Help protect Malibu’s natural beauty by hand-pulling invasive plant species and restoring native habitat.
This is a great opportunity to give back to the environment, enjoy the outdoors, and connect with fellow nature lovers. Be sure to bring gardening gloves, a hat, sunscreen, and water. Free two-hour parking is available at the Point Dume entrance (space is limited), with additional parking at the Westward Beach County lot (hourly rate) and along Westward Beach Road (free). Sign-ups are encouraged. Get your hands dirty and feel great doing your part for local conservation!
TOPANGA FARMERS MARKET | FRIDAYS
The Topanga Farmers Market is a Certified Farmers Market held every Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Topanga Community Center. With 45 exceptional vendors, the market offers a diverse selection of fresh, locally grown produce and handcrafted artisanal goods. It’s a wonderful way to support local farmers and makers while soaking in the natural beauty of Topanga Canyon. Whether you’re shopping for seasonal fruits and vegetables or one-of-a-kind crafts, the Topanga Farmers Market has something for everyone!
ADULT PICKLEBALL |
SATURDAY
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.
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
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.
Photographer: Sarah Hasenfus
humorous speech honoring heroes of prior wars and the resilience of past generations, including the resolve and resilience of his parents and their colleagues, who were dubbed by Tom Brokaw as “the greatest generation.”
Noting that service and sacrifice by every generation, “is never chosen — it is just something that is,” Quaid also briefly reflected on turbulent times in our country’s past, including the 1960s, the Vietnam War, and the Iran Hostage Crisis — and how those events challenged, but did not overcome, our country’s fortitude.
“In dark times, America always has those who carry the torch and are guided by eternal principles,” he said as he noted, “The living icon of the greatest generation became our president and reminded us of who we are,” referring to President Ronald Reagan. “A great leader has to make hard decisions, a great leader is a disruptor, guided by common sense,” Quaid observed. “A great leader reaches out to his adversaries. A great leader can inspire others to a higher calling, and guided by his principles, he means business.”
Quaid characterized those who answered the call on 9/11, those who ran into collapsing buildings as panicked others ran out, as “America’s finest. America’s bravest.” He added, “They carry the torch that must be kept burning by each new generation.” After the event, attendees were invited to visit a station to write messages of remembrance and attach them to the flagpoles. Some lingered amidst the Waves of Flags display featuring nearly 3,000 flags, reflecting on those who paid the ultimate price to protect our country and on President Jim Gash’s parting words, “You and I have a greater purpose. We
have a rendezvous with destiny — may we do our duty — with courage, with resolve, with deep hope and with eternal joy. May we rise to meet our moment, just as those we honor here today rose to meet theirs.”
Pepperdine alumnus John Bossler, who was in the World Trade Center towers when they fell, paused to survey the gathering, a sea of flags waving in Malibu’s brisk wind with the expansive Pacific beyond. It’s been 24 years since that fateful day when all of the country was jolted by the attacks and, in those 24 years, Bossler has found ways to find peace. He noted that every year, as the anniversary approaches, he turns quiet and sad, his family giving him the space he needs to revisit and process the tumult. Since returning to California, Bossler has not missed a Pepperdine remembrance event. “This annual event has provided me with a sense of purpose and has made a big difference for me,” he said. “This matters to me and has provided me with peace and it’s wonderful to see the younger students come to plant the flags and it’s wonderful that they’re curious and want to understand what happened.”
Bossler’s observation about the impact that Pepperdine’s remembrance event has on those who are younger was embodied by Pepperdine senior Spencer Mueller, president of the Pepperdine Ambassador Council. After noting that 9/11 did not occur in his lived reality and that he has familiarity with the tragedy only because he watched documentaries and videos of it as he grew up, Mueller commented, that celebrating the freedom that those who answered the call on 9/11 helped to preserve is highly relevant to all Americans and that it is important to pause and to reflect on each anniversary lest we lose sight of their sacrifice and of the fact that no doubt, some of his generation may also be called to their rendezvous with destiny.
Pepperdine President Jim Gash (top left), actor Dennis Quaid (top right), and entertainer Pat Boone (bottom left) were among the speakers at the 9/11 remembrance ceremony. Photo by Ron Hall
what hurt the most.”
Just days following the fire, Jay posted on Facebook about the unique loss musicians feel when their instruments are destroyed. Soon after, his band played a show. To his surprise, friends and strangers arrived with instruments in hand — some nearly identical to the ones he and his wife had lost. “It gave me the idea,” he said. “Why not do this on a larger scale? Why not create a space where musicians who lose their instruments in disasters can be matched with donors who want to give theirs away?”
That thought grew into Altadena Musicians, an initiative that has since blossomed into a lifeline for fire-impacted musicians across California and beyond.
Jay mobilized quickly with the help of his longtime friend, bassist/ songwriter De Ivett, who had previously built websites for him and his wife. Within days, Ivett had a website online — AltadenaMusicians.org — where affected musicians could share what they lost and donors could offer what they had to give.
“The stories started pouring in,” Ivett recalled. “We were hearing from people who had lost cherished pianos, violins, or even record collections. And on the other side, donors weren’t just giving instruments — they were sharing the stories behind them.”
This storytelling became central to the mission of their grassroots effort to reunite professional musicians and, also importantly, students and nonprofessionals with the instruments they use to make music and heal souls. Jay explained, “If you go buy a new guitar with an insurance check, it doesn’t carry the history or the soul of the one you lost. But when someone hands you a family instrument and says, ‘This belonged to my uncle who played in a band in the ’70s,’ that gift has meaning. It makes you feel connected, and that connection is healing.”
To manage the growing interest, Ivett used her tech skills to set up an
the way to the White House, with President Donald Trump even echoing calls for clarity and going as far as alleging some of the money raised for victims never reached them.
Now that the audits have been released, the PPCC says it’s satisfied with the reports that detailed where exactly the funds were distributed. After reviewing two separate audits, one long-planned status report by FireAid, and another independent review by the law firm Latham & Watkins, PPCC issued a statement saying, “Like many in the community, we were seeking clarity at a time when communication was scattered, and emotions were running high. Since that time, we have received an official statement from FireAid, as well as dozens of testimonies and direct information from
though residents and businesses can create profiles to add additional contact information, street addresses, or secondary phone numbers at MalibuCity.org/DisasterNotifications.
For lower-level emergencies, traffic, utility, and weather alerts, the City also uses website notifications, which residents can sign up for at MalibuCity.org/news.
Residents are reminded that wildfire preparedness is a shared responsibility. It is essential to know your Evacuation Zone and stay alert to emergency notifications. Evacuation zones can be looked up at MalibuCity.org/Evac, and LA County emergency and evacuation information can be monitored via Genasys Protect. If you need assistance with Everbridge or do not receive a test message, contact the Public Safety Department at PublicSafety@MalibuCity.org or call (310) 456-2489.
State Sen. Ben Allen announces run for California Insurance Commissioner
State Senator Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica) launched his campaign for California Insurance Commissioner
online registry database to track needs and offers. “If someone wrote in saying they had a piano, we search our database and find recipients who need one,” Ivett explained. “We introduce them directly so they could connect, just like a ‘buy nothing’ group.”
Altadena Musicians is not limited to Eaton Fire survivors who lost their musical instruments, the group has always aided Palisades Fire-impacted musicians as well. And now the process to register has been made easier with their app called Instrumental Giving, designed to connect donors and recipients seamlessly. “If there’s a hurricane in Florida or a fire in Northern California, this could be a model to help musicians anywhere,” said founder Jay. The highly organized Altadena Musicians has already placed 1,200 instruments with over 500 recipients. The group has replaced sheet music, audio gear, and record collections. At pop-up events, registered participants
members in need.
organizations on the ground. These updates have painted a much fuller and clearer picture of how FireAid resources are being put to work — quickly, carefully, and with real local impact.
“After calling for scrutiny of fund disbursements and accountability, we realize that misinformation online has increased, particularly around the use of FireAid funds. It’s understandable, as disaster leaves people in a state of loss, anger, and uncertainty. As a community organization, PPCC believes it has a responsibility to counter false or incomplete narratives with emerging facts. That includes recognizing when the people who could help actually did.”
One local nonprofit, The Boys & Girls Club of Malibu, earlier told The Malibu Times it received $225,000 from FireAid. Another nonprofit, the Pasadena Senior Center, also confirmed it received similar funds that were used to directly help hundreds of its senior citizen
on Tuesday, emphasizing consumer protection and the need for a fair, sustainable insurance system amid growing climate challenges. Allen, a veteran legislator and former school board president, enters the race with strong polling, nearly $1 million in campaign funds, and endorsements from key political figures. The January Palisades Fire, which struck close to Allen’s childhood home and current community, shaped his decision to run. “The fire showed how our changing climate is impacting Californians,” Allen said in a statement. “We need an insurance system that adapts to these realities while ensuring companies treat consumers fairly and remain viable.”
Following the fire, Allen coordinated state and federal aid, secured funding for infrastructure rebuilding, and supported affected families. He authored legislation to assist mobile home park residents, provide tax relief for fire victims, and improve insurance contents coverage. Allen also backed home hardening standards to reduce wildfire risks, aiming to strengthen both homeowner protections and the insurance market.
“The Insurance Commissioner’s role is complex, with rising costs and access issues affecting many Californians,” Allen said. “I’m committed to working with industry, advocates,
the Governor, and the legislature to deliver affordable coverage so people can live, drive, and thrive in California.” Allen’s candidacy has drawn support from U.S. Senator Adam Schiff, Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire, Pro Tem-designee Monique Limon, and Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas. A recent Probolsky Research poll shows Allen leading his closest Democratic rival by a wide margin.
“Ben Allen’s thoughtful leadership makes him the right choice for Insurance Commissioner,” said Senator Schiff. “He’s tackled tough issues and understands the challenges of our evolving insurance landscape.” Senate President Pro Tem McGuire noted, “Ben’s work on wildfire response and community recovery shows his dedication to putting people first.”
Senate Pro Tem-designee Limon added, “Ben’s quick response to the fires in his district proves he’s ready to lead on insurance issues for all Californians.” Assembly Speaker Rivas said, “Ben’s record on environmental and consumer protections prepares him to address the challenges of this critical role.”
Allen’s campaign centers on balancing consumer needs with a resilient insurance market. His legislative experience, including efforts to
can “shop” crates of donated vinyl, to rebuild their libraries free of charge. The organization also facilitates access to recording space, lessons, and music mentorship. One of its most exciting developments is the formation of teen bands made up of fire-impacted youth. “We put these kids together — maybe one’s a drummer, another plays guitar — and with help from volunteer mentors, they learn how to play together,” Ivett said. “We’ve already booked them shows, even a paid gig. It’s about giving them a sense of normalcy and letting music stay in their lives.”
Community support has been strong with companies like Yamaha that donated truckloads of instruments. Area music shops have repaired donated saxophones, clarinets, and pianos, while volunteers handle pickups and deliveries. Creative Visions, a Malibu-based nonprofit stepped in early to serve as the group’s fiscal sponsor, making tax-deductible donations possible. Most recipients of musical instruments and gifts have touching stories after the fire. One young fire survivor dreamed of owning a bass modeled after Guns N’ Roses bassist Duff McKagan’s. Not only did Altadena Musicians secure the bass, they arranged for McKagan himself to record a video message for the boy. “It’s about more than replacing what’s lost,” Ivett explained. “It’s about creating new stories of hope.”
After his devastating loss and while still volunteering his time to Altadena Musicians, Jay is currently in New York launching an off-Broadway musical. But his heart is equally invested in ensuring other musicians can recover from their losses. And Ivett, who will serve on the board once nonprofit status is finalized, says Altadena Musicians will be a long-term community resource. “We’re here for the long haul,” she said. “Even if someone isn’t ready for a piano until their home is rebuilt, we’ll be here to help when the time comes.” Jay concluded, “The music community in Los Angeles is remarkable — so supportive, so generous. Out of something devastating, we’ve been able to build something beautiful.
“Life is a little fuller, a little brighter, when there’s music in it.” Altadena Musicians accepts both monetary and instrument donations. For more information, visit AltadenaMusicians.org.
More than 75,000 donors contributed to FireAid, including Ballmer and his wife Connie, who gave $14 million in matching funds. $44.5 million came in from corporate sponsors, nearly $10 million from philanthropic organizations, and $14 million from ticket sales and another $14 million from viewers who called in pledges during the broadcasts of the concerts.
120 area nonprofits ranging from wildfire recovery efforts to victim relief, providing food, educational centers, arts, and more received FireAid grants in two rounds of funding. A third round of grants is set to be distributed later this year after applications are reviewed.
The independent Latham & Watkins report concluded, ”Based on the investigation conducted to date, we have not identified evidence of any misrepresentations in the solicitation of charitable funds, improper selection of grantees, improper distribution of funds,
curb plastics pollution and protect car buyers, highlights his focus on practical solutions. As California faces increasing insurance costs and climate-driven risks, Allen aims to ensure accessibility and fairness for policyholders.
Further details on Allen’s campaign, including additional endorsements, are expected in the coming weeks. For more information, contact his campaign office.
LA County Supervisors postpone $20M emergency rent relief program
In a closely divided 3-2 vote on Sept. 2, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors deferred a proposed $20 million Emergency Rent Relief Program (ERRP) for two weeks, delaying urgent aid for wildfire survivors and immigrant families facing economic hardship.
The motion, introduced by Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, aimed to provide immediate housing support amid the fallout from January 2025 wildfires and intensified federal immigration enforcement.
The ERRP, designed to expand an existing $10 million fund, would assist wildfire survivors who lost homes or income in blazes that killed over 100 and displaced thousands, as well as immigrant households impacted by federal workplace raids since June. The program also targeted low-income tenants at risk of eviction and small landlords repairing fire-damaged affordable units. Horvath, joined by Supervisor Hilda Solis, emphasized the urgency, noting that “cuts to social safety net programs and federal policy changes are leaving our most vulnerable Angelenos at risk of losing their housing.”
Supervisors Kathryn Barger, Janice Hahn, and Holly Mitchell voted to refer the proposal to the County’s Operations Cluster for further review, citing fiscal concerns within the county’s $38.9 billion budget, strained by a recent multi-billion-dollar juvenile facility settlement. Horvath and Solis opposed the delay, arguing that ongoing emergencies for wildfires, homelessness, and immigration exempted the program from standard review processes.
The decision follows earlier county
improper use or misappropriation of funds, fraudulent intent, or deviation from FireAid’s stated mission.
“Rather, our findings indicate that FireAid understood its purpose as a charity concert to raise money for fire victims, communicating consistently how charitable donations would be used across its website, public statements, and sponsorship materials.
“FireAid put in place a comprehensive, multi-level grantmaking and evaluation process to ensure the effective distribution of funds. The overarching goal was to swiftly allocate funds to organizations that were capable of providing services to the community as fast as possible. Consistent with the ideology of disaster philanthropy, FireAid’s approach aimed to balance the need for formal processes and controls with the urgency of disaster response.”
Both audits were shared with government officials, including the Department of Justice.
efforts, including March’s eviction protections for wildfire-affected workers and businesses. Advocates highlight the deepening housing crisis, with Los Angeles rents among the nation’s highest and over 50,000 rent-stabilized units vacant. The January wildfires, among California’s deadliest, prompted Horvath to form the Blue Ribbon Commission on Wildfire Recovery, which recommended a Resilient Rebuilding Authority. On immigration, CHIRLA reported hundreds of detentions since June, fueling community fears and underscoring the ERRP’s importance. The board will reconsider the program after the Operations Cluster review, with advocates urging swift action to support non-documented residents.
Robert Redford, iconic actor and director, dies at 89
Robert Redford, the golden-haired heartthrob who evolved into an Oscar-winning director and environmental crusader, passed away Tuesday at his beloved Sundance ranch in the Utah mountains, surrounded by family. He was 89. His publicist, Cindi Berger, confirmed the news, stating, “Robert Redford passed away on September 16, 2025... He will be missed greatly.” The cause of death was not immediately disclosed.
Born Charles Robert Redford Jr. on Aug. 18, 1936, in Santa Monica, Redford’s career spanned six decades, blending matinee idol charm with a commitment to substantive storytelling. While he grew up in Santa Monica, there is no record of him residing in nearby Malibu, despite the area’s popularity among Hollywood stars. Instead, Redford gravitated toward rural havens, notably his 5,000-acre Sundance ranch in Utah and a home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, shared with his second wife, Sibylle Szaggars, whom he married in 2009. Redford skyrocketed to fame in the late 1960s with roles like the Sundance Kid opposite Paul Newman in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969), the con artist in The Sting (1973), and journalist Bob Woodward in All the President’s Men (1976). These hits not only grossed hundreds of millions but redefined the anti-hero in American cinema.
Transitioning behind the camera,
Redford directed Ordinary People (1980), earning the Academy Award for Best Director and cementing his legacy as a filmmaker who tackled grief and family dysfunction with unflinching grace. He founded the Sundance Institute in 1981, transforming a modest ski resort into a global beacon for independent cinema. By 2025, the Sundance Film Festival drew over 85,000 attendees, launching careers like those of Quentin Tarantino, Chloé Zhao, and Ava DuVernay while spotlighting documentaries on climate change and social justice—causes Redford championed fiercely. An outspoken liberal and environmentalist, Redford thwarted a proposed Utah power plant in 1975 by enlisting 60 Minutes to expose its risks, and later co-founded the Redford Center in 2005 to promote eco-focused filmmaking. His activism extended to opposing the Keystone XL pipeline and serving as a trustee for the Natural Resources Defense Council. Off-screen, Redford’s personal life included three marriages and four children, though he endured profound losses, including the death of his son James from cortical basal degeneration in 2020.
Redford’s final on-screen role came in 2018’s The Old Man & the Gun, a gentle heist tale he once called his last, though he quipped retirement was never truly in the cards. At the time of his death, his net worth stood at an estimated $200 million, built through acting, directing, and Sundance’s enduring empire. Tributes poured in swiftly. Meryl Streep called him “one of the lions [that] has passed,” while Jane Fonda, his frequent co-star, shared, “It hit me hard this morning... I can’t stop crying.” Stephen King hailed him as part of “a new and exciting Hollywood in the 70s and 80s,” and Oscar winner Marlee Matlin credited Sundance for her breakthrough film CODA. On X, fans echoed the sentiment: “RIP Robert Redford. An icon of individualism on screen,” one user wrote, while another lamented, “A genius has passed.”
Redford’s death marks the end of an era for Hollywood’s New Wave pioneers. As Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian reflected, he was “the incandescently handsome star who changed Hollywood forever.” A private funeral is expected, with public memorials likely at Sundance.
Musician Brandon Jay stands amid the remnants of his Altadena house with one of the two instruments (out of more than 200) he was able to save from January’s Eaton Fire. Contributed photo
was very neat.” The event’s success set an uplifting tone for the weekend, with highresolution photos of the young competitors expected to be available soon, capturing their determination and joy.
Sunday’s main event welcomed athletes of all levels, from first-time triathletes to seasoned competitors, each united by a shared commitment to the causes supported by the race. The triathlon’s spirit was perhaps most vividly embodied by the challenged athletes, whose perseverance inspired participants and spectators alike. “At CAF, we believe sport has the power to transform lives,” said Bob Babbitt, cofounder and board vice president of the Challenged Athletes Foundation. “Today, that belief was brought to life at Zuma Beach as athletes of all abilities raced side by side. The support from this event helps provide adaptive equipment, training, and opportunities that open doors for athletes with physical challenges.”
This year’s triathlon introduced the Corporate Challenge, presented by Pepperdine University, which encouraged local businesses and organizations to form teams and compete while fundraising for CAF. The initiative was a resounding success, raising over $100,000 for the foundation. “Pepperdine was really happy to partner with the Zuma Beach Triathlon,” said Heidi Bernard, director of community engagement at Pepperdine University. “We sponsored the VIP lounge and hosted the post-race brunch, coming alongside the Corporate Challenge to support the Challenged Athletes Foundation and the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu.” The VIP lounge, catered by Bon Appétit, provided a space for corporate teams, celebrities, and elite athletes to celebrate their achievements, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose.
Adding star power to the event, celebrities and notable athletes joined the field, drawing attention to the triathlon’s mission. Participants included Rob Riggle “The Daily Show, The Hangover”, David Chokachi “Baywatch”, Mark Feuerstein “Royal Pains”, Paul Lieberstein and David Denman “The Office”, Genevieve Morton (Sports Illustrated model), Olympian Colleen Quigley, and professional golfer Kasia Kay. Their involvement amplified the event’s visibility, bringing fans to Zuma Beach to
cheer alongside families and community members. Among the challenged athletes, Rob Balucas and Pepperdine alumnus Aaron Jasper participated in relays, exemplifying the inclusive spirit of the race. “It was very in sync with our mission of being involved with the community and serving others,” Bernard noted.
The Zuma Foundation further bolstered the event’s impact with a $50,000 donation to the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu, supporting programs that provide mentorship, education, and disaster recovery services. “The Zuma Beach Triathlon has always been about more than crossing the finish line,” said Michael Epstein, founder of the triathlon. “It’s about coming together as a community to uplift others. This year’s event showcased the incredible spirit of our athletes, volunteers, and partners, all rallying to make a difference.”
Malibu Mayor Marianne Riggins praised the event’s organization and community
impact. “It was a fabulous event,” she said. “The kids’ day on Saturday was very well attended, and a lot of Malibu kids participated. Sunday’s race was well-run, and it was great to see all the athletes back on Zuma Beach.” Despite a turnout slightly lower than historical numbers — likely due to the community’s recent challenges, including the lingering effects of the wildfires — Riggins emphasized the event’s significance. “Having something back that has been historically a fun event was a little bit of coming home,” she said, noting the professionalism of Epstein’s team and the contributions of volunteers and first responders, including Los Angeles Sheriff Malibu Liaison Sgt. Chris Soderlund, who competed in the race.
The weather, though overcast, proved ideal for the athletes, keeping temperatures cool during the competition. As the morning progressed, the sun broke through just as medals were awarded and checks were
presented, casting a symbolic ray of light on the day’s achievements. “It was like this ray of sunshine coming through just to honor everybody,” Riggins remarked.
The triathlon’s return to Malibu marked a significant moment for a community that has faced adversity in recent years. “The triathlon spirit being back in Malibu is a big deal,” Noonan said. “There’s always been a world-renowned triathlon here, and it stopped for a few years. After everything the community has gone through — COVID, the fires — just having it back and seeing the huge community draw is exciting.”
The event not only celebrated athletic achievement but also reinforced Malibu’s resilience and commitment to supporting its most vulnerable members.
Pepperdine’s involvement underscored the university’s dedication to community engagement. “We want Pepperdine to be present in the community,” Bernard explained. “The mission of the Zuma Tri
to help the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu and the Challenged Athletes Foundation aligns with our values of excellence and service.” The university’s sponsorship of the VIP lounge and post-race brunch fostered connections among participants, from corporate teams to challenged athletes, creating lasting memories of a day defined by unity and purpose.
As the event concluded, the collective sense of pride was palpable. Athletes crossed the finish line, medals were awarded, and the community celebrated raising over $150,000 to fuel programs that empower through sport and mentorship. The Zuma Beach Triathlon was more than a race — it was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when a community comes together. “The real victory was seeing our community unite to celebrate resilience, wellness, and the spirit of giving back,” Epstein said. “We are excited to continue this tradition year after year.”
Competitors of all ages participated in the Zuma Beach Triathlon on Sunday, Sept. 14. (Top left) Youth triathlon winners celebrate their victories. (Bottom right) Boys & Girls Club of Malibu’s Kasey Earnest joins Malibu Mayor Mar-
ianne Riggins and Pepperdine University staff—Karen Jackson, Kitty Campbell, Rebeca Gaxiola, Shawn Herrera, and Heidi Bernard—outside the Pepperdine VIP booth. Photos courtesy of Zuma Beach Triathlon
The Inn of the Seventh Ray marks a half-century in Topanga
From pioneering organic eatery to beloved sanctuary, the Inn has endured fires, rockslides, and decades
By JUDY ABEL Special to The Malibu Times
Known as one of the most romantic restaurants in Los Angeles, the Inn of the Seventh Ray is
celebrating a spectacular 50 years in business.
Located in the heart of Topanga and so close for Malibu residents to visit, the charming creek-side eatery established itself decades ago as a destination es -
tablishment for family celebrations, birthdays, anniversaries, and especially weddings. It’s tough enough just keeping a restaurant afloat these days, so 50 years is quite a milestone, especially in To -
panga Canyon, which is no stranger to Mother Nature’s wrath. The Inn has survived countless rockslides, fires, and road closures, sometimes lasting for months.
The Inn opened in 1975, founded by Drs. Ralph and Lucile Yaney, psy -
chotherapists who wanted to offer the community organic cuisine, not a widespread movement at the time. The couple bought the grounds of an old gas station, chapel, and rumored private retreat of
Zoe Scott chronicles Malibu’s resilience through healing conversations
The singer, songwriter, and storyteller turns her cabana into a sanctuary, capturing the raw, unfiltered stories of locals recovering from wildfire trauma on her podcast,
In a world immersed within, and often seemingly unduly influenced by, brief and fleeting posts online, Scott finds merit in a sion project that she notes, “goes in deeper
You may find yourself living in a gazillion-dollar shotgun shack: Part Two
MALIBU SEEN
By Benjamin Marcus, Entertainment Editor
Marcel
Fontijan and
Jamie Barron on the nuts and bolts, dollars and sense, straight and narrow of Zuru
Tech Homes on Billionaires Beach
Part One of this interview cleared away a lot of fallacies about the “foreign investors” gobbling up expensive properties along Billionaires Beach — and their possibly heinous plans with what to do with the properties. Marcel Fontin is the director of operations for Zuru Tech and Jamie Barron is the architect and they had more to say about the intentions of the Brothers Mowbray with their nine-plus lots along BillionairesBeach.
If you want to hear from Marcel and Jamie questioned by professionals who know better what they’re talking about, tune in to the “ReBUild and Chill” podcast hosted by Darren Graves, Luis Tena, Abe Roy, Danny Smith, and Arno Koch; Episode #07 is here: youtube. com/watch?v=zGi4anvv iSI&t=9s
I don’t want to bother Chat GPT, so can you say how long it takes to put the house up and finish it, inside and out?
Our test builds that we do to finish a house of the rebuild size is about two to three months, including interior and exterior wall finishes. (This excludes the foundation caissons, sea wall, and the on-site septic system. This also excludes interior finishes and cabinetry.)
Okay, so this has happened pretty fast. What parameters were you looking for in the properties? I read you wanted 40 feet of ocean beachfront, right? That was required?
Jamie: If we go less than 40 feet wide it just made the house very narrow. We thought: “Let’s focus on the wider ones?”
Well there’s a lot of gazillion-dollar shotgun shacks in the Malibu. Joni Mitchell lived in one on Malibu Road. You must have 5 feet of separation on either side? Is that correct?
Jamie: The side yard setbacks are typically 3 to 5 feet — actually 10% of the lot width. So on a 40-foot lot, you’d have four feet on either side.
The firefighters tell me the houses they could save had spaces where they could hose down a sheet of water between the two houses — they were savable. But if they’re right next to each other, they’re finished. And also the wood pilings underneath were a big, big problem, because fire would just jump from wood to wood.
I should also say the construction of our houses will be more fire-resilient than what was there before. The majority of these houses were two-by-four stick construction, type 5B construc -
tion, which is basically combustible construction.
Jamie: Our houses will be made primarily of concrete.
So before, when I talked to Marcel, he said, “We were very deliberate on what lots we want to invest in, because obviously, we want the project to be successful. So, we chose a limited number of sections of PCH away from the intersections, because we don’t want the homes adjacent to people gunning their engines at intersections.” So, that was one. What other things were you looking for like that?
Marcel: We noticed when you go East, the wave uprush is much higher, which makes it more difficult to rebuild.
You mean, like east past Dukes. Yes.
Well, in the experience of both of you guys, have you ever dealt with a municipality that’s more complicated than Malibu?
Marcel: No
Jamie: No.
So how’s your experience so far? They’re overwhelmed, obviously. But even in the best of times, they’re … deliberate.
Jamie: I don’t want to speak ill of them. We’re not too far along in the process, but the Fire Rebuild Center has been quite accommodating and you can get reasonable responses. We’re lucky, we’re pretty deep into the building and construction trades, so we know what to ask about and what to talk about. But for people still carrying the trauma of the fires, it can feel like a burden.
There’s a guy I call “Almost An Architect” who lost his family home on Big Rock Beach. He knows his stuff and had some questions. He asks: How does the Mowbray method plan to ship all the house components to Malibu across the Pacific. I wonder how much does one house weigh? Are you adding anything from here, or does it all come complete?
Every 500-700 square feet of house requires one 40-foot container. We optimize the container with material and make sure containers don’t exceed the maximum weight permitted on the roads. Regarding local materials, there’s a good amount that’s added here: the sea wall, the pile foundation, and the onsite Water Treatment System is done locally. Additionally, there are a lot of interior finishes that are done locally.
Is there any advantage of your homes in the AOWS, the sea walls, and the foundations? Does it make any of it easier or more difficult? No, it’s the same thing. It’s essentially what every house has to have along PCH.
Have you got any pushback from the City of Malibu about
factory-made homes at all
We have not at this point.
In the news stories that have come out about this, they quote the construction cost for Zuru Tech homes at $28 to $56 a square foot and compare that to a construction cost of $250 to $600 a square foot for custom-built homes. Are those accurate numbers?
No, those are, you know, very low numbers. The buildings we’re going to build in Malibu, and for the foreseeable future, houses that we produce off-site in our factory will exceed the cost of any sitebuilt house. That’s because of the effort it takes and the manpower to develop. As we produce more houses, we will at one point get to a price point where factory-built housing is significantly less expensive than site-built houses.
But for what we’re doing in Malibu, it’s a perfect project for us because it’s very expensive to build here, and we’re bringing something in that’s very expensive. With that, we are not overinvesting.
Are you building anywhere else? Or is Malibu first?
We are building in other places, but Malibu is one of our first entry markets.
So whatever you want to tell the people of Malibu, please do if there’s anything we haven’t covered.
I think one of the things that’s worth touching on is that the Mowbrays have been very successful in the U.S. with toys and consumer goods. And some people have been saying this is Chinese money or overseas money buying up Malibu — but it’s not. We’re using money that was generated in the U.S. — profits from the U.S. — and investing it back into the U.S. market.
That’s good to know, especially these days.
I think that’s an important point. When the news came about our land purchases, many of the comments I read showed a complete misunderstanding and a lot of wrong assumptions. Some of
Burt’s Eye View: Hit the spot
PERSPECTIVE
By Burt Ross, Contributed Column
The other day, I used an expression which I often use, and realized I had no idea what it meant. After I eat something I really enjoy, I frequently exclaim, “That hit the spot.” What does that mean? I haven’t a clue. Obviously, it means I enjoyed what I had just consumed, but what spot
did I hit? Where is the spot, and exactly how did I hit it? These are the kinds of things inquiring minds want to know. The more I thought about it (yes, I have far too much time on my hands), the more I realized that we Americans really like the word “hit.” We hit the deck running when we are not hitting the road. Hitting seems to be a full-time occupation, because we can’t even go to the bathroom without hitting
these comments were super rude. Our intentions are to rebuild Malibu.
Where did you read these comments? On NextDoor?
Instagram, some of them.
Take NextDoor with a pillar of salt. I call it NextBoor. I posted something on NextBoor about the first interview and your intentions and someone commented, snarkily: “R—— B—-17h·Corral Canyon, I don’t think I trust your take on this. This is nothing like SpaceX. This will not be a miracle but more likely represent yet another blight on the land. One of the many that we have endured since January 7th. Sorry but Chinese pre-fabs in Malibu seem the stuff of nightmares. Please don’t confuse the role of a journalist with that of an advocate. Your questions for the project manager are not very penetrating or insightful. I have lived in Malibu since 1997 and lost a home in 2007. I spent nine years on the rebuild. This insane and despicable project will hopefully be shut down immediately.”
I allowed myself to retort: “1m · Edited·Civic Center Group
Robert We shall see. These are the days of miracles and wonders. I don’t think these lads have any intention of uglifying Malibu and they are putting their system to the test — from design to permitting and compliance to aesthetics.
Or as Tom Hanks said in “Splash!”: “Hey cut them some slack! They’re from out of town!”
Or as Oddball said in “Kelly’s Heroes”: “Stop with the negative waves! Have a little faith. They could be mother beautiful modular/ pre-fab homes.”
Thank you. We read much worse responses than that.
Well if I can paraphrase “Apocalypse Now”: “In the 21st Century of social media, the BS is so high you need wings to get above it.” Some of the smartest and dumbest people on this planet are here in America. And if you want to find
the dumb ones, go onto social media. I just want to move to Norway or something.
We believe in what we’re doing in Malibu, and I’m not going to say that we don’t want to make some money, but what we’re doing in Malibu is a great test run for what we believe can be used in many difficult to get to areas or after a disaster. I’ve been in LA for 19 years. This is my home. I identify with the fire — I know I’m not a survivor of the fires, but the fires have left an impact on me. As we’re rebuilding, I don’t want to drive down PCH and be embarrassed by the houses that we put up there. We want to put the best possible houses there we can. We’ve been working with the Mowbrays on a number of houses internationally, and they have very high expectations. What we’re building in Malibu is not a spec house to be built for maximum profit. These are houses that are thoughtfully crafted and designed. The team that works with Jamie — they draw with passion and care. They consider all angles. They spend days evaluating how the previous house was built. They want to put out their best work.
But we have very good intentions to make Malibu–in our small way–a bit better than it was before.
Yes, we don’t live in Malibu, and so we don’t have the insight of people who live there, but we want to make it a little better.
Make Malibu Great Again!?
Well maybe don’t say that.
I want to say I read an article shortly after the fire, when they started the cleanup. Somebody did a calculation of how long it will take for them to clean up. It was, I want to say, five years, or something like that. I saw them progressing down the highway and even in the Palisades, and they moved fast.
Yes, the Army Corps made quick work of a massive mess. This wasn’t their first rodeo. They cleaned up after Katrina, and 9/11, and the Civil War. I have those semi-final numbers for the Palisades Fire: 443 Malibu properties cleared. 33,573: gallons of diesel used by the trucks
the head. And, of course, we are hitting the wall more times than we would like to.
In some cases, I can figure out the derivation of the expression. For instance, when you are on a boat and need to go to the bathroom, you have to go down a few stairs, and if you don’t duck, you hit your head. Voila, hitting the head means going to the bathroom. But why, when you drink too much, are you hitting
hauling debris from Malibu. This doesn’t include the fuel used by the heavy equipment such as excavators. 95,492: Truckloads of debris removed from the Pacific Palisades area, this includes 9,934 truckloads for the Malibu properties. 97,306: Tons of debris removed from Malibu wildfire area.
201,441 miles: The total distance traveled by the trucks hauling Malibu debris. 1,147,024: Tons of debris removed from the Pacific Palisades wildfire area; this includes 97,306 tons for the Malibu properties. It was May 23, when they opened PCH, and I drove through a few days before, and it was clean. It really surprised me how fast and efficient they were. I think there’s a lot of positives to say.
In the 1930s and 1940s, factory-made surfboards were beautiful and desirable — although PSH stopped calling them Swastika boards around 1938. But in the second half of the 20th Century, factory-made surfboards that weren’t shaped by human hands were looked down on as “pop-outs.” They weren’t cool at all. And then into the 21st Century, companies like SurfTech turned out factory-made surfboards that were strong, light and functional — and they eventually became more acceptable, despite the high price.
So maybe Zuru Tech is going to be the SurfTech of off-site construction, pre-fab, modular, manufactured, panelized, kit, system-built, trailer, flat-pack, industrialized, pre-engineered, precision-built, next-gen or whatever you want to call “pop-out” homes. Yes, it’s always difficult to accept change and movement towards automation. Construction has always evolved, maybe not as much as other fields, but it has evolved. Today, we’re on the onset of rapid change. I do believe that the next 10 years will see a lot of houses built in a factory environment to reduce the overall impact construction has and make owning a house more attainable.
the bottle? We seem to be obsessed with hitting everything. If you meet somebody and you have an initial attraction, you “hit it off.” When you study, you “hit the books.” If you are really successful, you “hit it big.” Conversely, when you fail, you “hit bottom.” No matter what happens, you are hitting something. I’m getting tired right now, so I am going to hit the hay, or if you prefer, I’m going to hit the sack. Good night.
Re-enacting “The Last Supper?” No, this is a screenshot from “Rebuild and Chill #07.” From left: Arno Koch, Darren Graves, Marcel Fontijn, Jamie Barron, Abe Roy, Luis Tena, and Danny Smith.
Scott’s guests include some of Malibu’s most impactful, irrepressible creative spirits and innovators. Those joining Scott at the mic include creatives and visionaries ranging from documentary filmmaker Micheal Rainin (”Run Raven Run,” “Waiting for Woody Allen,” “Stand Up”) to Shira Yevin, the driving force behind Gritty in Pink and an advocate for females in the music business, to Kathy Eldon, whose Malibu-based nonprofit organization Creative Visions empowers creative activists to utilize media and the arts to drive positive social change, to local actor David Chokachi (”Witchblade,” “Baywatch,” and “Beyond the Break”) to Brandon Jenner, a local whose music has been instrumental in many communal gatherings by his adroitly immersing a reassuring rhythm into a broken town’s racing and irregular communal heart beat.
Hers is a simple thesis — it is healing to share trauma, experiences, and thoughts as one is healing and to do so by bringing out raw, unfiltered comments from Malibu’s stars, surfers, and inspiring voices.
Hers is a grand aspiration: to have the podcasts inspire as her community rebuilds and redefines itself as more resilient and ready to weather the next wildfire or other disasters. Hers is a simple, spartan two-person operation: Scott and Producer Dajana Mitchell are furiously filming and editing the podcasts, acutely aware that there is a burning fire within the spirit of locals who yearn for a soothing salve and clarity as they
individually and collectively move forward.
“When I interviewed Livia Pillman, who is an actress and model who lost her home in the fires, she shared that sharing her ordeal helped her to come back to joy — she said it was cathartic to talk about it,” Scott uttered almost reverently as if she is keenly cognizant that the voice she is gifting to her guests is powerful and impactful for those voicing their experiences as well as for those listening.
Scott’s conversation with actress Praya Lundberg, also known as Praya Suandokmai (”White Lotus”), focused on addressing selflove and compassion in her “Women on Top” episode. The Thai-Swedish actress, model, and activist opens up about growing up and navigating two cultures and the lessons that shaped her journey from international runways to Hollywood screens. Known for her humanitarian work as a former United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees’ Goodwill Ambassador — the first for Southeast Asia — Lundberg reveals the deeper values that guide her life and recounts how she prioritizes family over work, how her rescue dogs gave her unconditional love and healing, thereby rescuing her in return, and why it’s imperative to normalize conversations about the hormonal depression many women experience before their period.
The podcast’s venue — the cabana studio — sits within Scott’s Malibu residence that she shares with her partner, John Hearne, a longtime Malibu resident. With input from Scott and Mitchell, Hearne’s righthand tech wizard, Geo Salazar, created the studio space to provide a safe, comforting,
Los Angeles evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson to become one of the only restaurants offering vegetarian and vegan dishes, nearly unheard of at the time. It was a different time indeed when one of the Inn’s original employees, Charles Dasti, started as a dishwasher. Owner Ralph interviewed the 19-yearold for a half-hour. “I was surprised that I was being interviewed for a dishwasher job. I thought it was pretty simple.” But the interview eventually delved into beliefs on “higher powers or what my spiritual world was because he was establishing this place as a place of healing, through food, getting nutrition to people. It was an unusual interview and I just I loved it from the beginning.”
Also unusual was Dasti’s commute. He hitchhiked to work and Lucy, as she’s known, drove him home. “She was living in Santa Monica and I was staying in Venice, so she’d go to the extra mile and drop me off,” he said. Dasti was never late to work. “Everyone was hitchhiking at the side of the road then,” he recalled. Dasti worked his way up to cook, then manager, and said he loved his time at the groovy restaurant. Even today, he says, “Their mission has always been teaching and nourishment through the importance of food in nutrition and spiritual development.” A good example is at the Inn’s bookstore, Spiral Staircase, that’s stocked with books on different religions and teachings that Dasti cleverly called “up to the next level.”
The Inn of the Seventh Ray, whose name itself evokes an esoteric or ancient mystery, was closed Sunday evening so a few hundred former employees could celebrate their contributions to the verdant restaurant’s longevity. Lucy and many of the previous workers were dressed in violet, a color that some believers say is charged with the vibration of
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and empowering space for those who wish to share.
Rockstar interviewers who takes one on unexpected journeys Scott shares that her sister, Victoria Scott is her biggest fan and has lent support throughout the project.
“Zoe never compromises her creativity. She just goes for it! And with that force of enthusiasm, she inspires everyone around her,” Victoria said. “The Palisades Fire has had a profound effect on our neighborhoods of the Palisades, Topanga, the Santa Monica
Mountains, and Malibu. In times of crisis, alongside sorrow and discomfort, we are often left reevaluating what is truly valuable. It is seldom our ‘stuff,’ but rather our relationships and our very lives that rise to the top of the list.” Victoria added, “Zoe’s timing is impeccable with ‘Confessions at the Cabana.’ Many of her guests share stories of the road less traveled, resilience, taking chances, and landing at a higher altitude. There is great warmth in her conversations, and in that warmth we feel less alone, less isolated, and more human. That is deeply healing.”
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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).
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Notice of Trustee’s Sale Loan No.: Tershay Order No. 2637955CAD APN: 2049008-015 Property Address: 5717 Round Meadow Road Hidden Hills, CA 91302 You Are In Default Under A Deed Of Trust Dated 6/5/2024. Unless You Take Action To Protect Your Property, It May Be Sold At A Public Sale. If You Need An Explanation Of The Nature Of The Proceeding Against You, You Should Contact A Lawyer. A public auction sale to the highest bidder for cashier’s check drawn on a state or national bank, cashier’s check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a cashier’s check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, or
Jenner shared, “I very much enjoyed chatting with Zoe for her new podcast — we talked about music, parenthood, and we even touched on some fun, philosophical concepts.”
Eldon sings Scott’s praises, stating, “Zoe is a rockstar interviewer who took me on an unexpected journey to unexplored parts of my heart and soul!”
So what’s next for the podcast? Scott simply states, “I think it would be a lovely thing if we could tell a year’s worth of healing stories from members of the community. I just love people with a great story.”
the flame of the Seventh Ray, which may manifest personal transportation to a higher plane. Diners of the popular restaurant say the food, described as “rustic elegant,” transports them to a higher plane of deliciousness. Nora McGraw, owner and CEO of McCabe’s Guitar Shop, who is a Topangan and frequent diner, said she loves the food, but more importantly appreciates the Inn’s commitment to the community that’s been cut off from the rest of Los Angeles in recent times due to last year’s rock slide and continuing fire recovery this year.
A new chapter of the Inn’s storied history was just written when the restaurant, closed in the Palisades Fire and its aftermath, became a community hub for residents trapped in the canyon due to road closures, and importantly for first responders. As a partner with World Central Kitchen, the Inn of the Seventh Ray was able to feed 650 people a day. Not only did the Inn provide nutritious meals to the canyon community locals, firefighters were able to use bathrooms and grounds as a rest area. “We didn’t burn down,” said chef and co-owner Brad Miller. “We stayed open the whole time for the locals, firefighters, paramedics, first responders — we fed them all.”
And Miller commented on the food whose reputation has kept the restaurant a go-to wedding venue, hosting at least 100 a year. “It’s never been an all-vegetarian, vegan restaurant ever. That’s a misconception since the day it opened. It’s always had meat. It’s just focused on farmers market fresh. Work with your farmer, healthy food. Once everybody else caught up with us, we morphed into fine dining, great food, and still organic and still healthy. If you’re eating healthy, you’re eating with the seasons, and that’s what we do here. All organic, the fish is sustainable, the meat is grass-fed, sustainable. “You know, we’ve been going for 50 years and we’re going to do 50 more.”
savings association, or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the Financial Code and authorized to do business in this state will be held by the duly appointed trustee as shown below, of all right, title, and interest conveyed to and now held by the trustee in the hereinafter described property under and pursuant to a Deed of Trust described below. The sale will be made, but without covenant or warranty, expressed or implied, regarding title, possession, or encumbrances, to pay the remaining principal sum of the note(s) secured by the Deed of Trust, with interest and late charges thereon, as provided in the note(s), advances, under the terms of the Deed of Trust, interest thereon, fees, charges and expenses of the Trustee for the total amount (at the time of the initial publication of the Notice of Sale) reasonably estimated to be set forth below. The amount may be greater on the day of sale. No cashier’s checks older than 60 days from the day of sale will be accepted. Trustor: Nicholas A. Tershay AKA Nick Tershay-Trustee Tershay Living Trust Of April 5, 2013 Duly Appointed Trustee: Total Lender Solutions, Inc Recorded 7/8/2024 as Instrument No. 20240442022 in book N/A, page N/A of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, California, Date of Sale: 10/2/2025 at 11:00 AM Place of Sale: Behind the fountain located in Civic Center Plaza, 400 Civic Center Plaza, Pomona, CA Amount of unpaid balance and other charges: $1,918,239.09 Street Address or other common designation of real property: 5717 Round Meadow Road Hidden Hills, CA 91302 Legal Description: Please See Attached Exhibit “A” The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address or other common designation, if any, shown above. If no street address or other common designation is shown, directions to the location of the property may be obtained by sending a written request to the beneficiary within 10 days of the date of first publication of this
The Inn of the Seventh Ray in Topanga has been a beloved creekside destination for family celebrations, birthdays,
SEVENTH RAY
Podcast guest Livia Pillman (left) and “Confessions at the Cabana” host Zoe Scott are shown in the studio after a recent episode. Photo courtesy of Zoe Scott
for cash, cashier’s check(s) drawn on a state or national bank must be made payable to National Default Servicing Corporation, a check drawn by a state or federal credit union, or a check drawn by a state or federal savings and loan association, savings association, or savings bank specified in Section 5102 of the 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 in an “as is” condition, 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. Trustor: Marguerite G McKinney, a single woman Duly Appointed Trustee: National Default Servicing Corporation Recorded 12/01/2022 as Instrument No. 20221123457 (or Book, Page) of the Official Records of Los Angeles County, California. Date of Sale: 10/20/2025 at 11:00 AM Place of Sale: At The Courtyard located at 400 Civic Center Plaza, Pomona, CA 91766 Estimated amount of unpaid balance and other charges: $1,045,034.41 Street Address or other common designation of real property: 23756 Oakfield Road, Hidden Hills, CA 91302 A.P.N.: 2049-019-052 The undersigned Trustee disclaims any liability for any incorrectness of the street address or other common designation, if any, shown above. If no street address or other common designation is shown, directions to the location of the property may be obtained by sending a written request to the beneficiary within 10 days of the date of first publication of this Notice of Sale.If the Trustee is unable to convey title for any reason, the successful bidder’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be the return of monies paid to the Trustee, and the successful bidder shall have no further recourse.The requirements of California Civil Code Section 2923.5(b)/2923.55(c) were fulfilled when the Notice of Default was recorded.NOTICE TO POTENTIAL
BIDDERS: If you are considering bidding on this property lien, you should understand that there are risks involved in bidding at a trustee auction, You will be bidding on a lien, not on the property itself. Placing the highest bid at a trustee auction does not automatically entitle you to free and clear ownership of the property. You should also be aware that the lien being auctioned off may be a junior lien. If you are the highest bidder at the auction, you are or may be responsible for paying off all liens senior to the lien being auctioned off, before you can receive clear title to the property. You are encouraged to investigate the existence, priority, and size of outstanding liens that may exist on this property by contacting the county recorder’s office or a title insurance company, either of which may charge you a fee for this information. If you consult either of these resources, you should be aware that the same lender may hold more than one mortgage or deed of trust on the property.NOTICE TO PROPERTY OWNER: The sale date shown on this notice of sale may be postponed one or more times by the mortgagee, beneficiary, trustee, or a court, pursuant to Section 2924g of the California Civil Code. The law requires that information about trustee sale postponements be made available to you and to the public, as a courtesy to those not present at the sale. If you wish to learn whether your sale date has been postponed, and, if applicable, the rescheduled time and date for the sale of this property, you may call 714-730-2727 or visit this internet website www.ndscorp. com/sales, using the file number assigned to this case 25-01363-DM-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 website. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. NOTICE TO TENANT: You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are a “representative of all eligible tenant buyers” you may be able to 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 888-264-4010, or visit this internet website www.ndscorp.com, using the file number assigned to this case 25-01363-DM-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 45 days after the trustee’s sale. If you think you may qualify as a “representative of all eligible tenant buyers” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase. Pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code, the potential rights described herein shall apply only to public auctions taking place on or after January 1, 2021, through December 31, 2025, unless later extended. Date: 09/10/2025 National Default Servicing Corporation c/o Tiffany & Bosco, P.A., its agent, 1455 Frazee Road, Suite 820 San Diego, CA 92108 Toll Free Phone: 888-264-4010 Sales Line 714-730-2727; Sales Website: w ww.ndscorp.com Connie Hernandez, Trustee Sales Representative A-4852836 09/18/2025, 09/25/2025, 10/02/2025 MALIBU 209
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
Notice is given that proposals for L.A. River Trash and Debris Collection System Operation and Maintenance Services (BRC0000595) will be received per the instructions listed on the RFP until 5:30pm, Tuesday, October 7, 2025. Estimated annual contract amount is $2,200,000. An RFP may be obtained by accessing the link at http://
pw.lacounty.gov/brcd/servicecontracts or may be mailed to you upon request by calling (626) 458-4072 or SWMD at (562) 861-0316. 9/18/25
CNS-3966441#
MALIBU TIMES
MALIBU 210
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE AT AUCTION
PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on the date of November 12, 2025 at the hour of 12 p.m., at the law offices of Elkins Kalt Weintraub Reuben Gartside, LLP, located at 10345 W. Olympic Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90064, the Tax Collector for the Broad Beach Geologic Hazard Abatement District (“BBGHAD”) shall auction for sale at a public auction the following property having unpaid, delinquent assessments levied annually by the BBGHAD listed below, pursuant to Streets & Highways Code sections 10407 through 10424 and BBGHAD Resolution No. 2024/02:
PROPERTY
30756 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265 (Los Angeles County Assessor Parcel Number 4469-026-016) (“Property”). The Property is listed and shown as Parcel Number 7 on the assessment roll and diagram at Book 194, pp. 28-31 of the Office of the County Recorder of the County of Los Angeles.
OWNER OF RECORD
Malibu West Swimming Club, a California Corporation.
RECORD OF ASSESSMENT
Notice of Assessment recorded on September 25, 2015 (Book 194, Pp. 28–31)
The purpose of the tax sale is to obtain the funds necessary for the delinquent assessments to be fully paid and satisfied. The following estimated reasonable fees and costs incurred by BBGHAD shall be chargeable to the Property:
Fees of $240.90 total to reimburse Tax Collector for notice under Streets & Highways Code section 10408.5 and costs of sale.
If the Property is not sold at auction the BBGHAD shall become the purchaser under Streets & Highways Code section 10413 and BBGHAD Resolution No. 2024/02.
Further rules and regulations for the public sale, including the process for submitting bids, may be found in a document titled “Rules and Procedures for Sale of Delinquent Property by Public Auction” on the BBGHAD website, located at: http://www.bbghad.com/documents/
For questions regarding this auction please call or email Ken Ehrlich at (310) 746-4400 or KEhrlich@elkinskalt.com.
Dated: September 12, 2025
Kenneth A. Ehrlich
General Counsel/ Tax Collector MALIBU 211
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY OF MALIBU CITY COUNCIL
The Malibu City Council will hold a public hearing on MONDAY, October 13, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. on the item listed below in the Council Chambers at Malibu City Hall, located at 23825 Stuart Ranch Road, Malibu, CA.
Public comment can be submitted ahead of the public hearing to citycouncil@malibucity.org for inclusion in the public record. To participate during the public hearing, please review the meeting agenda posted at MalibuCity. org/AgendaCenter and follow the directions for public participation.
RYOKAN BED AND BREAKFAST INN
Local Coastal Program Amendment No. 16-001, Initial Study No. 17-002, Negative Declaration No. 19-002, General Plan Map Amendment No. 16-001, Zoning Map Amendment No. 15-001, Coastal Development Permit No. 23-046, Coastal Development Permit Amendment No. 25-002 to Coastal Development Permit No. 13-066, Conditional Use Permit No. 16-007, Lot Tie No. 21-001, and Letter of Public Convenience or Necessity for the Sale of Alcohol – The City Council will consider adoption of a Negative Declaration and the Planning Commission’s recommendations to approve a change in the land use designation and zoning of the Property from Community Commercial (CC) to Commercial Visitor Serving-1 (CV-1) and conversion of the existing non-conforming use motel and adjacent private gym and pool to operate conjunctively as a bed and breakfast inn with 17 guestrooms and kitchen facililties, a 300 square foot gym, and a 600 square foot swimming pool, all exclusive to the guests of the bed and breakfast inn only. The application requests
the sale of alcohol for onsite consumption, a lot tie for the Property to operate conjunctively, and conversion of office space at 22762 Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) into one new guest suite for the bed and breakfast inn. An amendment to Condition No. 3 in previously issued Coastal Development Permit No. 13-066 for 22762 PCH is included to restrict the use of the swimming pool to guests of the bed and breakfast inn. The amendments to the General Plan and Malibu Municipal Code (MMC) are corollary to the amendments made to the Local Coastal Program (LCP) and the project will not be effective until the LCP amendment is certified by the California Coastal Commission (CCC).
22762 PCH (Malibu Tidepool Health Club) / APN 4452004-034
Applicant: Latham and Watkins LLP
Owners: North Broadway Ventures, LLC (22752 PCH)
Wavebreak, LLC (22762 PCH)
Zoning: Community Commercial (CC) (22752 and 22762 PCH)
Land Use: Community Commercial (CC) (22752 PCH)
Commercial Visitor Serving-One (CV-1) (22762 PCH)
Applications Filed: November 2, 2015 and June 2, 2017 Case Planner: Joseph D. Smith, AICP, Contract Planner (619) 943-1337 jsmith@malibucity.org
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW - Pursuant to the authority and criteria contained in CEQA, the Community Development Department prepared an Initial Study (IS) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15063. The IS analyzed the project and determined that with standard conditions of approval, the proposed project will not have a significant impact on the environment; subsequently, a Negative Declaration (ND) was prepared and circulated for a 30-day public review period pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15070 (December 2, 2021 through January 3, 2022) (State Clearinghouse No. 2021120124). The Planning Commission reviewed the IS/ND at its meeting on December 18, 2023 and recommended the City Council adopt the ND, finding on the basis of the whole record before it that there is no substantial evidence that the project will have a significant effect on the environment and that the ND reflects the City’s independent judgment and analysis.
At the December 18, 2023 Planning Commission hearing, the Planning Commission recommended that the applicant’s request for the CV-2 zoning amendment be reduced to a CV-1 zoning amendment to lessen the intensity of the project site from being used as a hotel which is a conditionally allowed use in CV-2. The Planning Commission’s recommendation is not a substantial revision to the project analyzed in the ND pursuant to CEQA Guidelines 15073.5(b), as it will not result in any new significant environmental effects.
COASTAL COMMISSION APPEAL – For projects appealable to the CCC, an aggrieved person may appeal the City
Council’s approval to the CCC within 10 working days of the issuance of the City’s Notice of Final Action (NOFA). Issuance of the NOFA would occur once the LCPA takes effect. Appeal forms may be found online at www.coastal. ca.gov or in person at the CCC 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 CCC, not the City.
AVAILABILITY OF DOCUMENTS - 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.
If there are any questions regarding this notice, please contact Rebecca Evans, Senior Management Analyst, at (310) 456-2489, ext. 246.
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.
Yolanda Bundy, Community Development Director
Publish Date: September 18, 2025 MALIBU 213
NOTICE INVITING BIDS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that sealed bids for the City of Malibu, ENCINAL CANYON ROAD 60-INCH STORM DRAIN REPAIRS PROJECT SPECIFICATION NO. 2113, will be received by the City Clerk, at Malibu City Hall, 23825 Stuart Ranch Road, Malibu, California, 90265 at or before 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, OCTOBER 9, 2025, at which time they will be publicly opened and read by the City Clerk (or designated representative).
OF WORK
SCOPE
In general, the proposed improvements consist of repairing an existing 60-inch corrugated metal pipe (CMP) using a spiral wound polyvinyl chloride (PVC) profile method, hydrojetting the existing pipe and improved pipe, and a closed-circuit television (CCTV) inspection of the pipe and all other appurtenant work included and shown in the Contract Documents and Specifications.
The bid shall be submitted and the work shall be performed by a Class “A” State of California licensed contractor in strict conformance with the project specifications for ENCINAL CANYON ROAD 60-INCH STORM DRAIN REPAIRS PROJECT Specification No. 2113 now on file in the City’s Public Works Department.
NOTICE OF APPLICATION CITY OF MALIBU
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Malibu has received an application for the following event: MALIBU MOVES: RUN/WALK
Temporary Use Permit No. 25-021 –An application for the Malibu Moves: Run/Walk, Malibu’s 17th annual half-marathon road race, sponsored by Malibu Moves. The event proposes to occupy the far west end of Zuma Beach parking lot (Lot #12) at Zuma Beach for three consecutive days (including one day of event set-up) and anticipates a total of 2,000 participants over the weekend. Similar to past year’s half marathons, the event will include multiple registration tents, information and merchandise booths, a medical tent, a limited-access donor area, food vendors, an alcohol service area, an announcer’s stage, temporary lighting, and amplified sound consisting of recorded music. The half marathon route, which expands upon the 5K route, travels along the southern shoulder of PCH, from Zuma Access Road to the western limit of the City, and back to Zuma Beach to the finish line. The southern and central portions of Zuma Beach parking lots will be available for onsite self-parking. Street closures and parking restrictions are to be determined. Participants are expected to arrive as early as 12:00 PM on October 25 and 4:30 AM on October 26.
Event Schedule
Date Activity Time
Friday, October 24, 2025
Event Set-up 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Saturday, October 25, 2025 Event Set-up 6:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Saturday, October 25, 2025 Event Expo 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Saturday, October 25, 2025 1K 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Saturday, October 25, 2025 1 Mile Zuma Dash 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Sunday, October 26, 2025 Parking opens to participants 4:30 AM to 1:00 PM
Sunday, October 26, 2025
Sunday, October 26, 2025
Half Marathon race (including amplified announcements, background music, and awards ceremony) 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM
5K/10K race (including amplified announcements, background music, and awards ceremony) 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Sunday, October 26, 2025 Event Clean-up 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Location:
Zuma Beach, 30050 Pacific Coast Highway
Applicant: Malibu Moves
Property Owner: Los Angeles County Beaches and Harbors
If there are any questions regarding this application, please contact Adriana Peralta, Planning Technician, at (310) 456-2489, extension 315.
Copies of all related documents are available for review at City Hall during regular business hours. By: Yolanda Bundy, Community Development Director
Date: September 18, 2025
An electronic copy of plans and specifications may be obtained by prospective bidders from the Public Works Department through mpublicworks@malibucity.org.
All prospective bidders shall abide by the provisions of the Bid Terms and Conditions listed in the project’s specifications.
The City reserves the right to retain all bids for a period of 90 days after the bid opening date for examination and comparison and to delete any portion of the work from the Contract. The City reserves the right to determine and waive nonsubstantial irregularities in any bid, and to reject any or all bids. The bid shall be balanced so that each bid item is priced to carry its share of the cost of the work and also its share of the contractor’s overhead and profit. The City reserves the right to delete any bid item to the extent that the bid is qualified by specific limitation. An unbalanced bid shall be considered as grounds for rejecting the entire bid. The City shall award the bid to the lowest responsible bidder as the interest of the City may require.
In accordance with the provisions of Division 2, Part 7, Chapter 1 of the California Labor Code, the California Department of Industrial Relations has established the general prevailing rates of per diem wages for each craft, classification and type of work needed to execute contracts for public works and improvements. The per diem wages published at the date the contract is advertised for bids shall be applicable. Future effective wage rates which have been predetermined are on file with the Department of Industrial Relations, are referenced but not printed in said publication. The new wage rates shall become effective on the day following the expiration date and apply to this contract in the same manner as if they had been included or referenced in this contract. The website for California Department of Industrial Relations Prevailing Wage Unit is currently located at www.dir. ca.gov, prevailing wages are located on the website at http://www.dir.ca.gov/dlsr/pwd/index.htm.
The wage rate for any classification not listed by the California Department of Industrial Relations, but which may be required to execute the proposed contract, shall be in accord with specified rates for similar or comparable classifications or for those performing similar or comparable duties, within the agency’s determinations.
At the time of submitting the bid the Bidder shall be registered with the California Department of Industrial Relations in accordance with the provisions of Section 1771.1 of the California Labor Code, as amended by Senate Bill 854. No public work contract may be awarded to a non-registered contractor or subcontractor.
Without exception, the bidder is required to state the name and address of each subcontractor who will perform work or labor or render service to the prime contractor and the portion of the work which each will do in their bid as required by Section 2-3, “Subcontracts”, of the Standard Specifications and in conformance with Public Contract Code, Sections 4100 to 4113, inclusive.
The City will not consider awarding any contract based upon any bid submitted by any contractor nor consent to subletting any portions of the Contract to any subcontractor located in a foreign country during any period in which such foreign country is listed by the United States Trade Representative as discriminating against U.S. firms in conducting procurements for public works projects.
All bidders are hereby notified that any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, Business Enterprises must be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color or national origin consideration for an award.
The Contractor may substitute securities for retention monies pursuant to Public Contract Code Section 22300. Date this 11th day of September, 2025 CITY OF MALIBU, CALIFORNIA
Rob DuBoux, Public Works Director/City Engineer Published: Malibu Times on September 18, 2025 and September 25, 2025 MALIBU 214
ORDINANCE NO. 526
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MALIBU APPROVING ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT NO. 25-002 TO AMEND TITLE 17 OF THE MALIBU MUNICIPAL CODE TO MODIFY STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES TO STIMULATE ECONOMIC RECOVERY FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES AS A RESULT OF IMPACTS FROM THE 2025 PALISADES FIRE, INCLUDING MODIFICATION TO THE PROVISIONS RELATED TO TEMPORARY USE PERMITS AND SIGN PERMITS, AND FINDING THE AMENDMENTS ARE EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
The City Council of the Malibu does ordain as follows: SECTION 1. Recitals
A. On January 7, 2025, the Palisades Fire broke out affecting close to one-third of Malibu geographically and closing Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), a main throughfare, to the general public. PCH was closed from the eastern City limit to the Carbon Beach area affecting visitors coming from the greater Los Angeles area from the date of the fire through Memorial Day weekend 2025. The Governor of California has declared the event a State of Emergency and the President of the United States has declared the event a Federal Emergency.
B. On May 8, 2025, a Notice of Planning Commission Public Hearing was published in a newspaper of general circulation within the City of Malibu and mailed to interested parties.
C. On May 15, 2025, a Notice of City Council Public Hearing was published in a newspaper of general circulation within the City of Malibu and mailed to interested parties.
D. On May 21, 2025, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 25-23 to: 1) initiate a Zoning Text Amendment (ZTA) to consider changes to Title 17 (Zoning) of the Malibu Municipal Code (MMC) to stimulate economic recovery for local businesses as a result of impacts from the 2025 Palisades Fire, specifically related to Temporary Use Permits and Sign Permits; 2) Bypass the Zoning Ordinance Revisions and Code Enforcement Subcommittee (ZORACES); and 3) Direct the Planning Commission to schedule a public hearing regarding the same.
E. On June 2, 2025 the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on the proposed amendments, ZTA No. 25-002, reviewed and considered the agenda report, reviewed and considered written reports, public testimony, and other information in the record. The Planning Commission adopted Planning Commission Resolution No. 25-59 and provided a recommendation to the City Council.
F. On June 23, 2025, the item was continued to the July 14, 2025 City Council meeting.
G. On July 14, 2025, the City Council held a duly noticed public hearing on the proposed amendments ZTA No. 25-002, reviewed and considered the agenda report, reviewed and considered written reports, public testimony, and other information in the record. The City Council directed staff to set a second reading for adoption of Ordinance No. 526, approving ZTA No. 25-002. The City Council adopted an Urgency Ordinance, Ordinance No. 526U, to immediately initiate economic recovery for businesses affected by the 2025 Palisades Fire.
H. On August 11, 2025 the City Council took public comment, reviewed and considered the agenda report and written reports, public testimony and other information in the record, and directed staff to return with additional revisions to the ordinance.
I. On August 25, 2025 the City Council took public comment, reviewed and considered the agenda report and written reports, public testimony and other information in the record, and conducted an additional first reading and introduction of the Ordinance and directed staff to set Ordinance No. 526, approving ZTA No. 25-002, for second reading and adoption.
J. On September 8, 2025, the City Council held a duly noticed public hearing on the proposed amendments ZTA No. 25-002, reviewed and considered the agenda report, reviewed and considered written reports, public testimony, and other information in the record. The City Council approved on second reading Ordinance No. 526, approving ZTA No. 25-002.
SECTION 2. Environmental Review.
The City Council has analyzed the project proposal described herein. The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b) (3), where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA. The City Council has determined that there is no possibility the amendment will have a significant effect on the environment and accordingly, the exemption set forth in Section 15061(b)(3) applies. The amendments to the MMC will not to have a significant effect on the environment as they provide only temporary relief from some current permitting requirements, and still require individual review, conditions, and CEQA review for all events. In addition, the changes do not excuse compliance with the Coastal Act which provides additional protection of the environment and sensitive coastal resources. All of the temporary uses allowed by the proposed ordinance will be required to be restored to its existing state and each event will still require compliance with CEQA individually, as well as the California Coastal Act.
SECTION 3. Zoning Text Amendment Findings.
Pursuant to Malibu Municipal Code Section 17.74.040, the City Council hereby makes the following findings:
A. The subject zoning text amendment is consistent with the objectives, policies, general land uses and programs specified in the General Plan. The proposed amendment serves to enhance the Malibu General Plan Mission Statement, protect public safety and preserve Malibu’s natural and cultural resources.
B. The City Council held a public hearing, reviewed the subject zoning text amendment application for compliance with the City of Malibu General Plan, Malibu Municipal Code and the Malibu Local Coastal Program, and finds that the zoning text amendment is consistent and recommends approval.
SECTION 4. Zoning Text Amendment No. 25-002, Amendments to the Malibu Municipal Code (MMC).
The City Council hereby amends Title 17 - Zoning in the MMC as follows:
A. Amend Section 17.02.060 (Definitions) to add the underlined language:
“Director” refers to the Community Development Director of the city of Malibu or his or her designated appointee.
B. Amend Section 17.68.010 (Purpose) to add the underlined language:
The temporary use permit is intended to allow for the short-term placement of activities, many of which would be prohibited as permanent placements, in temporary facilities, public or private buildings or open spaces, or outside of buildings. Activities involving any commercial component such as: admission fee, renting of facility, charging for valet parking or shuttle service and/or public advertising shall require a temporary use permit. Temporary use permits shall be limited to four events per parcel
of land per calendar year in residential zoning districts, and six events per parcel of land per calendar year in all zoning districts, except residential or as described in Section 17.68.090 below. All activities shall be regulated so as to avoid incompatibility between such uses and surrounding areas.
C. Add Section 17.68.090 titled “Temporary use permit requirements related to impacts from the 2025 Palisades Fire” which shall read as follows:
To aid recovery from the 2025 Palisades Fire, Temporary uses will be allowed for events specified in Section 17.68.040 with 250 or fewer attendees on commercially and institutionally zoned parcels from June 23, 2025, through May 31, 2026, subject to the following procedures and requirements. These provisions do not supersede the requirements of the City’s Local Coastal Program. Only one event permitted under this Section is allowed at a time. This section shall not apply to events with more than 250 persons.
A. .Events with 99 persons or less in attendance at one time (excluding workers):
1. A TUP shall not be required, but instead a planning clearance must be obtained from the Community Development Department authorizing the temporary use.
2. The application shall be submitted at least two (2) calendar days prior to the event. No public noticing is required. The planning director’s decision is not appealable.
3. There are no limits to how many of these types of events may be conducted on a property so long as a planning clearance is obtained.
4. A property is not eligible for a permit pursuant to this Section, and such application shall be denied, if any of the following apply:
a. The property has received a citation for violation of the City’s noise ordinance or other public nuisance violation in the past year.
b. An event has been held on the property without the required permit in the past year.
c. The property has outstanding code enforcement violations, unless a compliance agreement between the City and the owner of the property exists that addresses a resolution to the violation, and the owner is in compliance with the requirements of the agreement.
d. The proposed event would create a public nuisance or violate any City, County, State, or Federal regulation.
e. The owner has knowingly made any false, misleading or fraudulent statement of material fact in the application, or in any report or statement required to be filed that is related to the application.
5. These events shall appear on the City’s weekly Event Report.
6. The planning director may impose conditions on the permit to protect against the event becoming a nuisance to the surrounding properties due to the number of people in attendance, the amount of traffic to be generated, the type and volume of amplified music or entertainment to be utilized and other similar considerations. Conditions shall take into account the size of the property, the capacity of the street on which it is located, the availability of parking and the proximity to neighboring properties and sensitive uses.
B. Events with 100-250 persons in attendance at one time (excluding workers):
1. A TUP pursuant to this chapter is required but the following requirements replace those in Section 17.68.050 and there shall be no appeal of the planning director’s decision:
a. An application for a temporary use permit shall be filed with the Community Development Department seven (7) calendar days prior to the proposed use. Applications for events held at a shopping center must be applied for by the owner of the shopping center.
b. A notice shall be mailed, postage pre-paid, to any organization or homeowners associations that requests such notice in writing and to all property owners and tenants within a 500 foot radius of the subject property, and in no event less than the 10 closest developed properties.
c. The public notice shall state the nature of the request, location and zoning designation of the property, name of the applicant, and the time and place of the proposed temporary use.
d. Public notices shall be mailed not less than five (5) calendar days prior to the proposed event.
e. The planning director shall render a decision at least three (3) calendar days prior to the proposed temporary use.
f. Events shall not include illumination unless it complies with Chapter 17.41 (Malibu Dark Sky).
g. Events may occur in a common area, but cannot occur in vacant locations, i.e. those not occupied by a currently operating business.
h. Events must be open to the general public, but a fee may be charged for entrance. This requirement (h) does not apply to tenant opening events, private gatherings for friends and family of the business only, or other similar events hosted by the business or shopping center owner for the sole purpose of promoting the goods and services the business provides.
2. These events shall be limited to a total of 48 one day events with no more than eight (8) one day events per month per shopping center. For businesses not located in a shopping center, a total of 24 one day events shall be allowed with no more than two (2) one day events per business per month.
3. A property is not eligible for a permit pursuant to this Section, and such application shall be denied, if any of the following apply:
a. The property has received a citation for violation of the City’s noise ordinance or other public nuisance violation in the past year.
b. An event has been held on the property without the required permit in the past year.
c. The property has outstanding code enforcement violations, unless a compliance agreement between the City and the owner of the property exists that addresses a resolution to the violation, and the owner is in compliance with the requirements of the agreement.
d. The proposed event would create a public nuisance or violate any City, County, State, or Federal regulation.
e. The owner has knowingly made any false, misleading or fraudulent statement of material fact in the application, or in any report or statement required to be filed that is related to the application.
C. Temporary signage.
1. Businesses may obtain temporary signage permits subject to the following limitations. The requirements of Chapter 17.52 shall not apply so long as the businesses or property owners obtain a temporary sign permit from the City and meet the following requirements. All other signs are subject to chapter 17.52.
a. Six (6) signs per shopping center as defined by the Malibu Municipal Code or two (2) signs per parcel for all other commercial businesses which shall not exceed 16 square feet in size each.
b. Signs must be temporary and not have any permanent foundations or footings.
c. Signs shall not be illuminated.
2. The planning director may impose conditions on the permit to protect against the sign creating a nuisance or to increase the safety of the sign.
SECTION 5. Effective Date.
The ZTA sections referenced in Section 6 of this ordinance shall become effective 30 days following adoption by the City Council.
SECTION 6. Severability
Should any section, subsection, clause, or provision of this Ordinance for any reason be held to be invalid or unconstitutional, such invalidity or unconstitutionality shall not affect the validity or constitutionality or the remaining portions of this Ordinance; it being hereby expressly declared and this Ordinance, and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, and phrase hereof would have been prepared, proposed, approved, and ratified irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, or phases be declared invalid or unconstitutional.
SECTION 7. Certification
The City Clerk shall certify the passage and adoption of this Ordinance and enter it into the book of original ordinances.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 8th day of September 2025.
MARIANNE RIGGINS, Mayor
ATTEST:
Kelsey Pettijohn, City Clerk (seal)
Date:
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
TREVOR RUSIN, Interim City Attorney
I CERTIFY THAT THE FOREGOING ORDINANCE NO. 526 was passed and adopted at the Regular City Council meeting of September 8, 2025, by the following vote:
Publish: The Malibu Times, September 18, 2025 MALIBU 215
2025186548
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT THE FOLLOWING PERSON IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS: FRENCH WITH JENN 1317 SILVER LAKE BOULEVARD, LOS ANGELES, CA 90026, LOS ANGELES COUNTY Articles of Incorporation or Organization Number (if applicable):
Registered Owner(s):
JENNIFER LECHEVALLIER 1317 SILVER LAKE BOULEVARD LOS ANGELES, CA 90026
If Corporation or LLC- State of Incorporation/Organization
This business is conducted by: AN INDIVIDUAL
The date registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on: N/A I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime). Signed, JENNIFER LECHEVALLIER, OWNER
This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on 9/8/2025 NOTICE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION.THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE).
Publish in The Malibu Times: 9/18, 9/25, 10/2, 10/9/2025 MALIBU 216
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POPPY’S PAL
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“NOTICE TO READERS: California law requires that contractors taking jobs that total $500 or more (labor and/or materials) be licensed by the Contractors State License Board. State law also requires that contractors include their license numbers on all advertising. Check your contractor’s status at www.cslb.ca.gov or 800-321-CSLB (2752). Unlicensed persons taking jobs that total less than $500 must state in their advertisements that they are not licensed by the Contractors State License Board.”
ALL REAL ESTATE advertised herein are subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, ancestry or national origin or intention to make such preference, limitation or discrimination. We will not knowingly accept any advertisements for real estate in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.
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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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SPORTS
Waves water polo squad eyes late season surge
Pepperdine men’s water polo notched a suddendeath victory and dominant win but fell to top-ranked UCLA and No. 2 USC
By McKENZIE JACKSON Special to The Malibu Times
The Pepperdine Waves men’s water polo team won a match by 15 points and an overtime thriller by one goal, sandwiched between losses to the nation’s top two teams.
The top-ranked UCLA Bruins defeated the Waves 19-8 on Sept. 13. In a doubleheader two days earlier, Pepperdine downed the 19th-ranked UC Santa Barbara Gauchos 15-14 in sudden-death overtime and beat the Whittier Poets 22-7. On Sept. 7, the second-ranked USC Trojans beat Pepperdine 13-8.
After the loss to USC at Pepperdine’s Raleigh Runnels Memorial Pool, Waves head coach Merrill Moses said Pepperdine should be playing their best at the end of their five-month 2025 campaign.
“We are working hard,” he said. “We aren’t backing off.”
The coach added that key players — such as senior attacker Adam Csapo, an All-West Coast Conference (WCC) second team player the past two seasons, and sophomore attacker Owen Tift, a significant contributor as a freshman — have missed games due to injuries.
“I look forward to getting our whole team healthy,” Moses explained. “A lot of people are playing big minutes now, though, so that could lead to more depth at the end of the season.”
USC scored on their first three possessions and never trailed en route to the win over Pepperdine.
Attacker Dane Howell, a graduate student, and junior utility Jon Carcarey scored two goals for the Waves. Freshman attacker Brian Barnuevo notched three points with a goal and two assists, while sophomore goalie Max Smirnov recorded 10 saves and three steals on defense.
Fourteen different Waves scored in their home victory over Whittier. Pepperdine jumped to a 4-0 advantage and held the lead throughout the contest.
Howell tossed in three goals, as did sophomore attacker Erik Ionescu. Graduate student center Matty Walsh, redshirt sophomore utility Nick Bryant, redshirt junior utility Reed Pantaleon, and freshman attacker
Cameron Bench each notched two goals. Senior goalie Zach Cwiertnia had seven saves.
Howell also recorded a hat trick in Pepperdine’s triumph over UC Santa Barbara. His last goal netted the victory for the Waves in sudden death after they had trailed most of the match.
Ionescu tallied five goals, and Walsh scored four. Pantaleon tossed in two scores. In the cage, Smirnov had five saves, and sophomore Jaxon Leach had six.
The top-ranked Bruins jumped out to a 4-0 lead over the Waves at the Spieker Aquatics Center in Los Angeles. Pepperdine closed the gap to 10-6, but the Bruins responded with an 8-0 run in the third and fourth periods to maintain control.
Howell and redshirt freshman attacker Cade Anderton each had two goals for the Waves, while Smirnov tallied eight saves.
Moses said Pepperdine did not play up to its standards or expectations.
“We played a very talented team that is number one in the country
with a lot of depth, but we have to have a better defensive presence in each and every game we play,” he said. “We will watch the video and learn from our mistakes and bounce back from this loss.”
The Waves have a 5-3 record heading into the Friday to Sunday Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) Invite at the Spieker Aquatics Center.
Pepperdine plays at third-ranked UC Berkeley on Sept. 27 and at fourth-ranked Stanford the next day. The rest of their regular season schedule includes matchups against ranked squads such as Long Beach State, California Baptist, Princeton, Pacific, UC Irvine, Harvard, Loyola Marymount, and Santa Clara.
Moses said captains Csapo, Carcarey, and senior attacker Sandor Gal, an Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches (ACWPC) All-American last season, are leading the Waves with toughness and grit.
“They have been doing a great job with that,” he noted.
Moses took the reins as Pepperdine’s head coach from legendary coach Terry Schroeder after the 2023 season. Moses, a former Pepperdine All-American, national champion, and three-time Olympian, had served as the Waves’ interim head coach, assistant coach, or associate head coach since 2012.
He coached the Waves to a 21-8 record in 2024.
Moses, a goalkeeper during his playing career, said his main coaching focus currently is defense.
“I expect a lot from this team,” he said. “They understand my expectations. We have to toughen up on defense.”
Moses said his coaching staff — associate head coach Mike Tragitt, assistant coach Spencer Hamby, and Schroeder, now a senior advisor — pushes the Waves to pursue commitment, discipline, excellence, and respect in everything they do.
“I want the team to have fun and enjoy it,” he added.
Moses still leans on Schroeder’s experience as a Hall of Fame coach and standout player.
“Coach Schroeder has been a mentor of mine,” Moses explained. “I was very appreciative that he took me under his wing and trusted me to be by his side all these years. Now, he is by my side.”
Pepperdine’s goal is to win a championship, the coach stated.
“We have to peak at the end of the year in November and be ready to go,” Moses said.
Pepperdine’s Grechkina wins two crowns at Bay Area tennis tournament
Anastasiia Grechkina opens the Waves’ fall season with two titles, joining an elite group of teammates to claim both championships in the same weekend
By McKENZIE JACKSON Special to The Malibu Times
Pepperdine Waves women’s tennis player Anastasiia Grechkina captured a pair of trophies at the four-day Battle in the Bay Classic at the California Tennis Club on Sept. 14.
The sophomore won the Classic’s women’s singles title and captured the event’s women’s doubles crown with her classmate Alexia Harmon.
What a way to open the Waves’ fall season.
Grechkina is the third player — all Pepperdine standouts — to win the tournament’s singles and doubles crowns the same weekend. The other two are Janice Tjen, who won both championships in 2022, and Savannah Broadus, who did the same in 2021.
Grechkina, who didn’t play in the event last fall, told a tournament interviewer she was proud to continue the Waves’ winning ways.
“I’ve been through all the challenges this weekend — I did it,” said Grechkina, who is from Russia. “I didn’t know how it was going to be. I just came to play tennis. I just played great tennis this weekend.”
She defeated Oklahoma State’s Rose Marie Nijkamp 6-0, 6-3 for the singles championship.
Grechkina and Harmon mounted a comeback to beat Arizona’s Haylee Conway and Zoya Chulak 8-7 (4) in a tiebreaker to win the doubles crown.
Harmon, the West Coast Conference (WCC) Co-Freshman of the Year last season, said the match was a valuable experience, especially since it was Grechkina’s first time playing in the tournament.
Grechkina’s path to the singles title was marked by consistent dominance across five matches.
She defeated Oklahoma State’s Marcela Lopez 6-4, 6-4 in the round of 32 on September 11, before beating Arizona’s Chulak 6-4, 6-2 in the next round.
Grechkina beat Jessica MacCallum of Cal Poly 6-2, 7-6 in the quarterfinals and then UC Santa Barbara’s Emma Tutoveanu 6-2, 6-1 in the semifinals.
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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
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Harmon and Grechkina began their march to the doubles title by defeating Texas Christian’s Letizia Corsini and Yu-Chin Tsai 8-5 in the round of 16. Pepperdine then beat Cal Poly’s MacCallum and Kennedy Buntrock 8-4 in the quarterfinals.
The Waves defeated Oklahoma State’s Nijkamp and Lucia Peyre 8-3 to advance to the final.
Harmon advanced to the quarterfinals in the singles tournament.
She defeated Arizona’s Conway 6-1, 6-0 in the opening round and Raphaelle Leroux of UC Santa Barbara 6-3, 6-0 in the next round. Oklahoma State’s Nijkamp beat Harmon in the quarterfinals 6-7, 6-3, 6-2.
Pepperdine sophomore Liam Oved also competed in the Classic’s women’s singles bracket.
She opened the event with a 7-5, 6-4 victory over Colorado’s Lera Alexin, but then fell to Peyre of Oklahoma State 6-1, 6-1.
Pepperdine had a 12-2 record throughout the tournament’s women’s singles and doubles brackets.
The Waves next play in the ITA All-American Championships in Cary, N.C., from Sept. 20 to 27.
Pepperdine Waves team captain Jon Carcarey is shown in action during a recent game.. Photo by Dane Malzahn
Anastasiia Grechkina captured two titles at the Battle in the Bay.
