Malibu family deals with loss of home in the Franklin Fire
The fire crews and Malibu’s community brigade heroically battled the days-long Franklin Fire inferno and saved most homes and structures. However, a few local families lost their homes.
Rodney Wallace, a soccer coach for Views FC, a local club team, first informed The Malibu Times about the Lopez family losing their home on Serra Road.
Wallace coaches Alyson Lopez, 12, and he started a GoFundMe campaign for the family.
The Malibu Times caught up with Lety Lopez, who, along with her husband Nicolas, and their three children, is trying to rebound from the trauma of losing a home in a fire.
Where to go to find housing? What to eat for dinner and where, given you cannot cook in your own kitchen? What about clothing and laundry? All of these stressful questions press against fire victims, as many in Malibu are painfully aware.
When asked how Malibuites could best help the family, in addition to contributing to the GoFundMe campaign, Lety noted that
Malibu businesses bouncing back from Franklin Fire
continue to challenge first responders in the canyons and in parts of town, Malibu businesses slowly resumed business.
gan operating again.
Even as Sikorsky S-64 Skycranes, heavy-lift helicopters, flew in and quickly hovered above the pond at Pepperdine to quickly reload with water to make more drops over the seemingly countless hotspots that
On Dec. 14, Tramonto’s opened to provide first responders with much-needed meals, helping to fuel their energy as they battled the fires. Other eateries also be -
“We re-opened on Saturday, Dec. 14, and we have operated during our regular hours and we’ve been offering free meals to first responders,” said Scott Richter, owner of Scott’s Malibu Kitchen. “Indeed, we have two Cal Fire officials eating here now.”
Reflecting on his reopening efforts, Richter added, “It was challenging and we are so thankful that all are safe — we all have to be resilient in our own ways and we’re here to feed locals and to take care of our own team.”
The restaurant is open from 8
Malibu battles the Franklin Fire
smoke and ash, the resilience of the Malibu community has shone through as a beacon of hope.
Emergency personnel who responded to the Franklin Fire last week were celebrated throughout the the Pepperdine men’s basketball team’s 86-76 victory over Northern Arizona on Dec. 14 at Pepperdine’s Firestone Fieldhouse.
Waves head coach Ed Schilling thanked the first
responders after the win.
“The fact we got a chance to play — this would not have happened without them because of their work, their unselfishness, their sacrifice,” he said. “First and foremost, thanks to them. That is the biggest thing.”
Personnel from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, California Highway Patrol, Los Angeles Fire Department, Pepperdine Department of Public Safety, and Pepperdine Fire Department were recognized at center court during a first-half timeout and at halftime. The first responders were cheered and given honorary basketballs by
The Franklin Fire, a fast-moving wildfire that erupted late in the night last Monday near South Malibu Canyon Road and Francisco Ranch Road, has left a devastating mark on Malibu’s landscape. Fueled by fierce Santa Ana winds and dry conditions, the fire scorched 4,037 acres as of Tuesday, Dec. 17, forcing thousands of residents to flee over the last week. With containment at 63% and the cause still under investigation, the devastation is stark. Yet, amid the
The fire’s rapid spread began on Dec. 9, driven by gusting winds up to 70 miles per hour. The extreme conditions hampered containment efforts led by the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD), supported by federal, state, and local agencies. Over 1,500 firefighters were deployed to the front lines, aided by 13 aircraft conducting water drops and fire retardant missions. Despite relentless efforts, the flames crossed Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) early in the week, forcing closures between Carbon and Corral Canyons and cutting off critical routes like Malibu
In an effort to examine the vulnerabilities and resilience of Malibu during the Franklin Fire, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire), an education and wildfire prevention agency, released a report detailing who was affected in last week’s wildfire.
The information, which appears gleaned from 2020 US Census data, reflects the decreased population lost due to the more than 450 homes destroyed in 2018’s Woolsey Fire that displaced hundreds of residents still yet to return to Malibu due to the lengthy rebuild process for many.
By MCKENZIE JACKSON Special to The Malibu Times
By BARBARA BURKE Special to The Malibu Times
By BARBARA BURKE Special to The Malibu Times
A banner that reads “Malibu is grateful to its heroes!” flies over Zuma Beach at the Incident Command Center in Malibu. The banner was sponsored by an anonymous donor who wanted to thank our first responders during the Franklin Fire. Photo by Samantha Bravo/TMT
photo. Photo by Samantha Bravo/TMT.
Pepperdine Athletic Director Tanner Gardner (third from right) with first responders before the basketball game. Photo by Benjamin Hanson/TMT
OPINION
Letters to the Editor In
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*Letters to the Editor may not reflect the view, opinion and/or ethics of the The Malibu Times. They are however, letters from the people of Malibu. We support your right to express your opinion. Read "Write to Us" to submit your letter today. Deadline is every Monday for possible placement in the paper depending on space available. Letters can be up to 400 words. We do not publish anonymous letters, nor every letter received. We reserve the right to edit for clarity and style.
Email:editorial@malibutimes.com
PCH closure overly long, very costly
Dear Editor, One of the biggest problems in our society is a government that is overbearing and tyrannical way too often. Especially in emergency situations. Malibu suffering enormously and unnecessarily when officials kept Pacific Coast Highway closed far longer than necessary.
By Wednesday at noon, there was no legitimate reason for the highway to be closed. Long before then, the Franklin Fire had reached the beach on both sides and was only burning in spot areas well up into the hills.
The unnecessary closure was very costly to me, times 10,000 Malibu citizens and businesses told they can’t go back to their
normal lives. How many millions of dollars and lost hours were there because officials are far obsessed with wielding their martial law power than in actually helping people? (This is in great contrast to the great work, this time, of the fire department and emergency personnel, people actually trying to help people).
I hope the Malibu city leaders were screaming, “Let our people go home.” After the Woolsey Fire, Malibu was seized by the government and citizens kept out for two weeks. This has to stop. PCH should be closed only in extreme, temporary times, and even then with maximum consideration to the needs and freedoms of the citizens.
Rick Wallace, Malibu
FROM THE LEFT AND THE RIGHT
One of many promises that President-elect Trump committed to carry out while on the campaign trail would be to “absolutely” halt birthright citizenship once in office. The “birthright citizenship” policy ensures that anyone born in the United States automatically becomes an American citizen, regardless of whether or not their parents are legally in the country.
Birthright citizenship is the constitutional guarantee that a person born on U.S. soil will be a U.S. citizen. The idea of birthright citizenship developed out of the English common-law principle of jus soli, literally “right of soil.” In practice, this means that with very few exceptions, anyone who is born on U.S. soil becomes a U.S. citizen at birth. Critics have argued that birthright citizenship is ripe for abuse by encouraging undocumented immigration or “birth tourism.”
However, there is no evidence that the system is being widely abused. Some critics have further argued that birthright citizenship is not actually required by the 14th Amendment and could be restricted by Congress or the president without the need for constitutional amendment.
As Jeremy L. Neufeld and Ricky Schneider point out in their article “Birthright Citizenship As Law and As Policy,” this argument runs counter to long-standing precedent and the vast consensus among legal scholars, including originalists (niskanencenter.org/birthright-citizenship-as-law-and-as-policy/).
The 14th Amendment to the Constitution, ratified post-Civil War in July 1868, says all persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside and no State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States.”
On his campaign website, Trump said he would issue an executive order on the first day of his presidency making it clear that the federal gov-
ernment would “require that at least one parent be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident for their future children to become automatic U.S. citizens.” Whether or not this could be accomplished vis a vis an executive order is questionable but surely it would certainly enable considerable litigation.
According to the American Civil Liberties Union, the “14th Amendment’s citizenship clause provides there is only one group that is not subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S. and thus does not attain birthright citizenship: children born to foreign diplomats who are protected by sovereign immunity and are therefore not subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S. ... and only constitutional amendments, not executive orders or legislation, can change the Constitution.”
Hence, birthright citizenship is fundamental to American life, according to the ACLU. “In a nation committed to the principles of equality, fairness, and opportunity, every child born in the US would be born with the same rights as every other child. The alternative — creating a permanent, multigenerational subclass of people born in the U.S. who are denied full rights — would repeat one of the worst errors in American history ... The 14th Amendment ensures that no politician can ever decide who among those born in our country is worthy of citizenship. In the face of the Trump administration’s threats, the 14th Amendment’s protections continue to safeguard the rights of every person born in this country.”
Should the proposition to end birthright citizenship materialize, the implications on immigration and the societal landscape in the United States could be significant. The shift would likely alter immigration patterns considerably. By removing the incentives of automatic citizenship for children born in the U.S., the dynamics of immigration might change, affecting decisions of those who may consider migration.
If birthright citizenship were to be rescinded, the number of undocumented immigrants could paradoxically increase. Children who would otherwise automatically qualify for U.S. citizenship could find themselves in an unclear legal status, effectively adding to the undocumented population.
On a bureaucratic level, the intricacies of citizenship verification would necessitate a larger administrative apparatus. All parents would
This past week has profoundly impacted our community and all of us at The Malibu Times. Like so many of you, we were shaken by the events but inspired by the strength and resilience we witnessed. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our incredible team, whose dedication and hard work ensured we could keep our readers informed during such a critical time.
A special thank you to Samantha Bravo, who diligently followed the fire late into Monday night after the City Council meeting, alongside Judy Abel, providing timely updates as the situation unfolded. In the days that followed, both Barbara Burke and Samantha attended press conferences, checked on
Our Constitution is explicit — 14th Amendment, Section 1: All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. If you are born here, you are a citizen.
The Supreme Court (SCOTUS) has recognized only three narrow exceptions to birthright citizenship: diplomatic children, tribal Indians, and invading armies. The 13th Amendment adopted in 1865 forbade slavery, while the 14th Amendment was ratified in 1868 during the Reconstruction era of the Civil War, granting rights and liberties to formerly enslaved people. Republicans sought to overturn the horrible 1857 Dred Scott decision which ruled African Americans could not be citizens. Subsequently, waves of immigration and the success of the “melting pot” has created the vibrant, dynamic culture that is America. As a country, we are the most welcoming of legal immigrants in the world. In 2022 alone, 2.6 million legally immigrated here, and we are home to one-fifth of the world’s
our community, and sent back vital information, photos, and videos for Judy and me to write and then publish online. Emily Scher also stepped in, keeping an eye on developments around town, while McKenzie Jackson and Ben Hanson covered the Pepperdine tribute, tracked the fire’s progression, and visited the animal shelter to share the stories of those affected. Ben Marcus brought our community’s experiences to life through his unique storytelling and perspective. I am deeply grateful to my team for their unwavering commitment to this community.
Our thoughts remain with everyone impacted by the fire, especially Bruce Silverstein and his wife, whose home was severely damaged. They are in our hearts during this difficult time.
We also want to extend our appreciation to our incredible first responders—firefighters, law enforcement officers, the Volunteer Fire Brigade, Sher-
international migrants.
We’ve seen a 400 percent increase in our immigrant population since 1965, with 50 million people born outside of the U.S. residing here. Next in line is Germany with 15 million. The utter disaster of our collapsed border with many millions of illegal aliens flooding the country has sharpened our policy debates on this topic and clearly was pivotal in the recent election. In other desirable destination countries, most immigrants have legal status. In Germany only 4 percent are illegal, whereas in the U.S. it is at least 22 percent, and probably higher. Struggling to manage finite resources, and with an official population of 334.9 million, (not including tens of millions of illegal immigrants), Americans are concluding that we are at capacity.
They want illegal immigration stopped completely, and in a Gallup poll this year 55 percent want legal immigration to be reduced. A country that accepts more immigrants by far than any other is by definition a society that cherishes the richness legal immigrants bring to our culture.
The ad hominem attacks of the left labeling anyone wanting a controlled border as racists used to be effective, but of late falls mostly on deaf ears. We are the epitome of a welcoming people, and even in the face of the human tragedy the open border policies of the Biden administration created, a huge 81 percent of us support policies to allow children brought here illegally to remain and become citizens. The
PUBLISHER
EDITOR IN CHIEF
SALES DIRECTOR
COMPANY ADMINISTRATOR
CONTENT EDITOR
COPY EDITOR
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS PHOTOGRAPHERS
Hayley Mattson
Hayley Mattson
Nic Mattson
Cami Martin
Samantha Bravo
Michael Chaldu
iff’s Volunteers on Patrol, the Malibu CERT team, and our local, county, and state partners. Your tireless efforts to protect and support our community are deeply valued and appreciated.
A special thank you to Mayor Doug Stewart for his steady leadership and willingness to provide clarity when needed, as well as to Mayor Pro Tem Marianne Riggins and newly elected Councilmember Haylynn Conrad, who stepped into her role with remarkable dedication on her very first night. We are also deeply grateful to Captain Jenn Seetoo for her guidance and support, and to Supervisor Lindsey Horvath and Senator Ben Allen for standing with our community during this critical time.
As we reflect on this challenging week, we are grateful for the outcome—most importantly, that everyone is safe and accounted for. While the road to recovery will be difficult, Malibu’s resolve remains unshaken.
debates will continue, irrespective of the juggernaut of the incoming administration that will close the border. This week, the Biden administration is auctioning off the steel panels meant to build the border wall in Arizona before they leave office, a parting shot. The term “anchor babies” is relevant to the debate, a term referring to the idea that if a woman delivers a baby in the U.S. that child is now a citizen, providing an “anchor” for future immigration status for the mother, and pursuant to current immigration law, gives an advantage to their extended family. President Barack Obama proposed to allow parents of U.S.-born babies to avoid deportation, known as “chain migration.”
Two hundred fifty thousand babies are born in the U.S. to illegal immigrants per year, and 33,000 “birth tourists” come to the U.S. annually. ICE prosecuted a multimillion-dollar Chinese ring called “You Win USA” charging $80,000 per customer, assisting them on how to lie about their true intentions, and promoting the benefits of giving birth here including free education and “an easier way for the whole family to immigrate to the United States.” It’s another facet of the gaming of the system, with organizations like the Mexican cartels raking in billions of dollars trafficking in people. This practice is squarely in the crosshairs of President-elect Trump, who has promised that he will immediately issue an executive order that the “correct interpretation of the law” does not grant citizenship to the
Neil Schumaker, Jen Rodman, Anthony Atkins, John Nygaard
Devon Meyers
Judy Abel, Barbara Burke, McKenzie Jackson, Burt Ross, Emmanuel Luissi
Mary Abbott, Anthony McDemas, Dorie Leo, Kaleb Rich-Harris
“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
From the publisher HAYLEY MATTSON
DON SCHMITZ OPINION COLUMNIST From the Right
LANCE SIMMENS
OPINION COLUMNIST From the Left
FRIDAY
67º | 54º MOSTLY SUNNY
SATURDAY
64º | 53º
MOSTLY SUNNY
SUNDAY
64º | 53º
PARTLY CLOUDY
MONDAY
64º | 52º PARTLY CLOUDY
TUESDAY
|
SIRENS
The following incidents were reported between: nov 11 - dec 11
11/11 | Vandalism
Scott Campbell Physical Therapy was vandalized and its storefront window was shattered. The victim found a wine bottle near the property. The victim said it appeared to be a wine bottle that was used to shatter the window. The window was estimated to cost $2,000 to repair.
12/9 | Shoplifting
A jacket worth $935 was stolen from Aviator Nation Dreamland in Malibu. The victim said the suspect grabbed the jacket, hid the jacket, and walked out of the store without paying. The store employee said the suspect left the parking lot in a white vehicle. The security footage was uploaded for evidence.
12/11 | Burglary
A generator worth $1,300 was stolen from a property in Malibu. On Dec. 11, while the power was out, the owner turned their generator off at night and the following day their generator, two propane tanks, and power cords were stolen from their property. When the owner checked the guest house, they noticed their firearms were missing from their case. The rifle was worth $3,500 and the pistol was worth $600. The gun case was worth $250. The power cords were worth $150. The propane tanks were worth $50. Due to the power outage, their security cameras were not operational. There was no sign of forced entry. The victim was unsure how the suspect entered their home.
Malibu Canyon reopens to public; motorists urged to drive carefully
Malibu Canyon was closed last week due to the Franklin Fire but has now reopened to the community. Safety personnel remind motorists to drive carefully and to watch for falling rocks.
Red Flag Warning in effect in Malibu this past Tuesday and Wednesday
A Red Flag Warning was in effect from 3 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17, to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18. Santa Ana winds increased across much of Los Angeles and Ventura Counties Tuesday afternoon with winds likely peaking Tuesday night through Wednesday morning. Northeast winds rapidly developed with gusts ranging from 40 to 60 mph, strongest in the mountains. These winds combined with minimum humidity in the 10 to 20 percent range are very likely lead to critical Red Flag fire weather conditions developing Tuesday afternoon to evening and continuing through Wednesday afternoon.
For more information from the National Weather Service, visit www.weather.gov/lox/.
• “Ready! Set! Go!” brochures and other preparedness resources can be downloaded at fire.lacounty. gov/rsg/. Topanga Canyon Boulevard was also closed Tuesday and Wednesday due to the Red Flag Warning. The closure was between Mulholland Drive and Pacific Coast Highway.
Caltrans, in coordination with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, fully closed Topanga Canyon Boulevard (State Route 27) between Mulholland Drive and Pacific Coast Highway (State Route 1) in the unincorporated Los Angeles County area of Topanga in the Santa Monica Mountains. Warning indicating high fire danger due to weather conditions. Only residents and local business traffic were allowed into the canyon. To stay aware of road closures, sign up for alerts at https://local.nixle.com/register/.
Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) monitoring notice issued for circuits in Malibu
Southern California Edison (SCE) also issued a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) monitoring notice for circuits in Malibu due to high winds forecasted.
What to Know:
• Power outages may occur to reduce wildfire risk. Restoration may take 8+ hours after winds subside.
• Cell service may be disrupted during outages. Use a battery-powered or car radio to access emergency info on local AM/FM stations, including 99.1 FM KBUU.
Stay Informed: Visit www.sce.com/psps for updates. Call the city at (310) 456-2489 (8 a.m. to 6 p.m.).
• Check www.malibucity.org/ franklinfire for city updates.
NEWS BRIEFS
What
to do if you observe downed or sagging power lines
Stormy weather, particularly high winds, can cause power lines to fall. This can create hazards, including electrifying puddles, wet grass, and the surrounding area.
If you observe a downed or sagging power line, stay away and DO NOT touch anyone or anything in contact with the line. Always assume downed power lines are energized and dangerous. Stay away from the line, call 911, and be prepared to provide the following information:
Address of location where line is down and nearest cross street, if known
• Description of situation (e.g., downed, sagging, or arcing line) Is there debris blocking the area, such as downed trees, branches, or power pole?
Always be aware when you are around overhead power lines. Stay at least 10 feet away from both overhead power lines and electrical facilities, and never approach or touch overhead power lines or any person or object in contact with the lines.
68th
Malibu Little League season will start on time despite the Franklin Fire
As Malibu continues its recovery from the recent wildfire, Malibu Little League is proud to announce that registration for the 2025 season is officially open. Everyone is welcome to register for baseball and softball between now and Jan. 1, 2025, at malibu littleleague.org.
The league remains committed to providing local youth with a safe, supportive environment focused on teamwork, sportsmanship, and community spirit. The league provides baseball and softball programs for over 300 boys and girls aged 4-14, with teams in Tee-ball, AA, AAA, Majors, Juniors, and three levels of softball teams.
The Franklin Fire, which broke out on Dec. 10, turned into a major disaster affecting the area of over 4,000 acres and 5,600 homes. The fire came close to the Malibu Bluffs Park fields a second time within the span of one month. On Nov. 6, the Malibu Bluffs wildfire damaged the playground and the multipurpose field. The Franklin Fire spared the Malibu Bluffs park fields, so the baseball and softball season will start as scheduled on March 1, 2025. “After the challenges our community has faced, we believe this season represents more than just sports — it’s a symbol of resilience and coming together,” said John Alfano, the president of Malibu Little League. “Our fields may have felt the effects of the fire, but our passion for the game and dedication to the kids remain stronger than ever.”
Despite the recent hardships, early enrollment numbers have been promising, showing that Malibu families are eager to restore a sense of normalcy and community connection through sports. The league encourages parents to register their children as soon as possible to secure spots on teams for the upcom-
ing season. Registration is open now at www.malibulittleleague. org and will close on January 1, 2025. Scholarships and financial assistance are available to ensure that all kids have the opportunity to play.
Preparations are underway for the league’s annual Opening Day celebration, scheduled for March 1, 2025, which will serve as both a kickoff to the season and a community gathering to celebrate Malibu’s strength and unity. “We’re more than a sports league — we’re a family,” Alfano added. “Together, we’ll make this season unforgettable.”
For more information or to register, please visit www.malibulittleleague.org or contact John Alfano.
Updates on PCH safety and infrastructure initiatives
A presentation was given to the Malibu City Council on Nov. 25, with updates on new and ongoing initiatives to make Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) safer, and addressing critical concerns of the community.
Timeline to Implement Speed Cameras on PCH Following the signing of SB 1297, allowing for automated speed citation camera systems along PCH in Malibu, the city acted immediately to begin the implementation process. These systems have been shown to reduce speeding, traffic collisions, injuries, and deaths in other states and countries. The cameras are expected to be installed and go live in September 2025, initially with a 60-day warning period, accompanied by a public education campaign. In November 2025, full enforcement begins, and the speed cameras will begin issuing fines to violators.
Caltrans to install temporary roundabouts for safety in
Western Malibu
Caltrans will install temporary traffic circles, or roundabouts, on PCH at El Matador State Beach and Encinal Canyon Road. These highly popular beach access locations face safety issues due to limited parking, lack of crosswalks, stop signs or signals, high traffic speeds, and pedestrian conflicts. The temporary, quickly installed roundabouts are meant to slow down traffic and reduce injuries, collisions, and deaths while maintaining traffic flow. The project will be funded by LA County Department of Public Works and LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath’s share of county transportation funds. The roundabout at El Matador could reduce crashes by about 39 percent and severe injuries and fatalities by about 90 percent. The Encinal intersection was identified as a critical intersection in the city’s 2015 PCH Safety Study. Data collection and community feedback will determine if permanent roundabouts will be installed.
Sign up to be a volunteer with the Annual Homeless Count
Commun ity members can register now to volunteer for the Los Angeles Homeless Authority ’s (LAHSA) 2025 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count taking place in Malibu on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. Every year, thousands of volunteers help conduct the Homel ess Count, the annua l census of people e xperiencing homelessness across Los Angeles County to inform homelessness policy decisions and better direct resources to be able to address the homelessness cr isis. Learn more and sign up to volunteer on the LAHSA website (count. lahsa.org). For further questions, contact Public Safety Coordinator Luis Flores at (310) 4562489 , ext.236 or lflores@malibucity.org
Exterior elevated elements (E3) deadline extended to 2026
The deadline to comply with the City of Malibu’s ordinance regulating inspections of balconies and other exterior elevated elements on any buildings with three or more units for public safety has been extended from Jan. 1, 2025, to Jan. 1, 2026. Exterior elevated elements (E3s) are balconies, decks, porches, stairways, walkways, and entry structures that extend beyond exterior walls of a building. In order to assist property owners and homeowner associations, the city has compiled a list of E3 de-
sign professionals who can complete the inspection and report. It is recommended to check to licenses and complaint records at search.dca.ca.gov/ prior to hiring any company. For more information, visit the E3 webpage (www.malibucity.org/1049/Exterior-Elevated-Elements-Program), call (310) 456-2489, ext. 390, or email mbuilding@malibucity.org.
City Council approves new Community Development Department
At its Nov. 25, meeting, the Malibu City Council approved the creation of a new Community Development Department (CDD) by merging the Environmental Sustainability and Planning departments. Recommended in the 2023 Development Services Review Study, this reorganization aims to enhance efficiency, streamline operations, and improve service delivery.
The CDD will unify Planning, Long-Range Planning, Building, Code Enforcement, Environmental Programs, and Administration under one department, fostering collaboration and aligning services with Malibu’s sustainability goals. Recruitment for the department’s director will begin soon. For more details, refer to the staff report.
sat dec 21
SANTA IS COMING TO TOWN AT TRANCAS COUNTRY MARKET
Meet Santa Claus himself and enjoy hot cocoa at Trancas from 12 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21.
tue dec 24
CHRISTMAS EVE AT POINT DUME
Join the Point Dume
Community on Christmas Eve for their annual Santa Sleigh. At 4:15 p.m., Santa Claus will be coming to town. The reindeer will pull Santa’s Sleigh and will be making eight stops along the way. He’ll bring holiday cheer for all the girls and boys. The jingle of bells means he’s nearby, so come out quick before he goes by! A map of the route, stops, and photos are available on Instagram @ pointdumesantasleigh.
fri jan 10
STUDENT ART EXHIBIT ARTWORK SUBMISSION DEADLINE
Origins — the point or place where something begins or arises. The 2025 Student Art Exhibit provides an opportunity for young artists to reflect on growth from past beginnings
while also looking ahead towards future opportunities. Artists must submit an online application by Jan. 10, 2025, at 11 p.m. Accepted mediums include collages, digital art, drawings, paintings, pastels, photography, and sculptures. The opening reception is on Jan. 24 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Malibu City Gallery. Grades TK-12.
sat jan 11
WEST BASIN RAIN BARREL DISTRIBUTION
West Basin Municipal Water District Rain Barrel Program offers up to two free, 50-gallon rain barrels, valued at $80 each. Rain barrels reduce stormwater runoff by collecting and reusing rainwater which can help residents save water and money. This is a drive-thru event, so participants are strongly encouraged to remain in their vehicles and provide enough space in their vehicles to accommodate the rain barrel(s) prior to the event.
Participants must register prior to the event date to qualify for up to two free 50-gallon rain barrels. This is a first-comefirst-serve event.
For eligibility re q uirements, restrictions, and event registration, visit westbasin.org/rainbarrels.
mon jan 13
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
The Malibu City Council meets regularly on the second and fourth Monday of every month at the Malibu City Hall Council Chambers/Malibu Civic Theater at 5:30 p.m.
CALENDAR
MUSICAL THEATER: ‘FROZEN KIDS’
Join The City of Malibu for “Frozen Kids,” a live musical production. Participants will be involved in every stage of the production, from acting, singing, and dancing to creating props, sets, and costumes, culminating in a live performance for family and friends. Instructed by Off Broadway Kids, the show is for ages 6-11. Classes run on Mondays and Saturdays, though there will be no class Jan. 20, Feb. 15, and Feb. 17.
Register online. Cost $650. Contact Sebastian Spiroglou, recreation coordinator, for more information at SSpiroglou@malibucity.org.
sat jan 18
CAFFEINATED VERSE: OPEN MIC POETRY WITH FEATURED READER LYNNE THOMPSON
Hosted by Malibu Poet
Laureate Nathan Hassall, Caffeinated Verse is a monthly poetry workshop that includes featured reader Lynne Thompson, followed by an open mic format. The workshops are open to poets of all levels. On Jan, 28 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
wed jan 22
PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION MEETING
The next Public Works Commission meeting is on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025, at 3:30 p.m. at City Hall in the Multipurpose Room.
fri jan 24
HARRY BAROVSKY MEMORIAL YOUTH COMMISSION DONATION DRIVE
The Harry Barovsky Memorial Youth Commission will be holding a Donation Drive benefitting the Agoura Hills Animal Care Center, on Friday, Jan. 24 through Sunday, Jan. 26. Drop off new and lightly used blankets and towels donation items inside the Malibu Bluffs Park, Michael Landon Center, 24250 Pacific Coast Highway between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Contact SSpiroglou@MalibuCity.org or go to www.malibucity.org/178/ Harry-Barovsky-MemorialYouth-Commission for more information.
ONGOING
CHRISTMAS TREE RECYCLING
Free Christmas tree recycling is offered to the community from Friday, Dec. 27, through Sunday, Jan. 12, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 23575 Civic Center Way (Chili Cook-off lot). Collected trees will be recycled into mulch.
Note: Closed Dec. 30 to Jan. 1 in Observance of the New Year’s holiday.
Please remove the following items from trees prior to recycling:
Water containers
Metal stands
• Ornaments
• Tinsel
• Lights
For curbside recycling, cut the tree to fit in your green waste bin. Remove all decorations, especially metal.
FARMERS MARKET
The Malibu Farmers Market takes place on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., on the
Library Plaza located at 23555 Civic Center Way, adjacent to the library. For updates, follow up on instagram@ malibufarmersmarket.
WEEDING EVENT AT POINT DUME
Join fellow preservationists the second Wednesday of the month from 9 a.m. to noon at the Point Dume Preserve at Birdview and Cliffside Drive to keep the headlands poison-free. Please bring gardening gloves and be prepared to do some hand weeding with some of your wonderful neighbors. Parking is available at Westward Beach.
TOTAL BODY WORKOUT
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. Preregistration is recommended. At the Michael Landon Center at Malibu Bluffs Park.
KNITTING
Join the City of Malibu’s Community Services Department and Sheila Rosenthal for a knitting workshop that takes placeon 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.
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.
SENIOR CHOIR
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
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.
2025 STUDENT ART EXHIBITION: ORIGINS
Origins - the point or place where something begins or arises. The 2025 Student Art Exhibit provides an opportunity for young artists to reflect on growth from past beginnings while also looking ahead towards future opportunities. Artists must submit an online application at MalibuCity.org/StudentArtExhibit by January 10. Accepted mediums include collages, digital art, drawings, paintings, pastels, photography, and sculptures.
OPENING RECEPTION
Friday, January 24
Malibu City Hall 4 - 6 PM
Grades TK - 12
January 27 - March 7
Malibu City Gallery 23285 Stuart Ranch Road
LOCAL NEWS
The first 48 hours: Newly elected Malibu City Councilmember Haylynn Conrad gets straight to work
Hours after being sworn in, Conrad and other Malibu officials help the community fight the Franklin Fire
By BARBARA BURKE Special to The Malibu Times
“I was sworn in as a Malibu City Councilmember on Dec. 9, and just two hours later, I and the team at the city were dealing with the Franklin Fire,” said Haylynn Conrad, Malibu’s newest City Councilmember. “I haven’t had a full night’s sleep since.”
If that local public servant experience sounds familiar to many readers, it is because, just like Conrad, Mikke Pierson and Karen Farrer were sworn in as newly elected City Councilmembers in November 2018, and they too had to immediately help address the Woolsey Fire disaster.
“Haylynn is doing great!” said Doug Stewart, Malibu’s mayor, on Dec. 10 after a press conference held at the Zuma Lifeguard headquarters. “She’s a rookie, but she’s learning fast and is doing great!”
On the evening of Dec. 11, Conrad paused for a moment to share her reflections on what can only be characterized as an extremely tough 48 hours.
“It’s been surreal and scary, but living through Woolsey prepared me as a resident,” she said. “My husband and I have a robust evacuation plan, and we quickly evacuated our animals, which gave me peace of mind to focus on helping the city and its residents — a well-thought-
out plan is key.”
Conrad had quite a challenging day on the third day of the fire.
“I visited Calabasas City Hall, where our Malibu staff have been working tirelessly around the clock,” she shared. “I brought them coffee and donuts, and we spoke about the city’s status and the path forward.”
After attending another press conference at 6 p.m. on Dec. 11, Conrad had a long way to go before finishing her business day.
“I livestreamed the press conference on Instagram to keep residents informed and then headed back to Calabasas for their 7 p.m. swearing-in ceremony, where I publicly thanked them for opening their City
Hall to serve as our emergency communications center, as Malibu’s own City Hall remains inaccessible,” she shared.
Conrad added that City of Malibu officials will have multiple meetings with collaborating agencies on Dec. 12 and beyond “to discuss the damage, the status, and plans for the future.”
Sharing her perspective regarding how effective and professional such collaboration has been, Conrad said, “I’ve been impressed with how quickly and efficiently everyone has come together — this has been a very busy and emotional time, but it’s all for Malibu.”
Conrad shares a common perspective held by Malibuites.
“We know that fires are inevitable, and
we live in a vulnerable environment,” she said. “That’s why we must stack the cards in our favor and control what we can — we must do better, and we must build on what we have learned.”
“This fire felt like a dress rehearsal compared to Woolsey — there weren’t multiple fires burning simultaneously, and we had the state’s attention,” she added. “Leaders like Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, who called me at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 10, and who has been present at every press conference, have been instrumental in addressing all of Malibu’s challenges during this fire.”
Conrad noted that she advocated for Malibu when she conferred with California State Senator Ben Allen, who
represents Malibu in Sacramento, and Horvath on the evening of Dec. 11.
“I shared how many residents lack electricity, cellular service, and reliable communication,” she said. “These are taxpayers and voters who deserve better!”
Conrad emphasized, “I was clear that current solutions — such as Southern California Edison’s frequent electrical power shutoffs, are unsustainable — until there are real consequences for such shutdowns, they will continue to happen at Malibuites’ expense.”
Proposing possible solutions to the perennial electrical shutoffs, Conrad stated, “Moving forward, we must prioritize stateof-the-art communication systems — this includes exploring microgrids, ensuring generators are available, undergrounding power poles, and creating community hubs where residents can access Wi-Fi, water and a safe place to connect with loved ones during emergencies.”
Conrad opined that “communication is key, and without the right information reaching residents, even the best plans fall short.” Her action plan includes “forming an ad hoc committee of dedicated residents to serve as communication liaisons between the city and social media outlets.”
A quintessential Malibu local, Conrad views how to handle wildfires going forward with a mix of realism and some optimism.
“This is just the beginning — together I know we can make Malibu smarter, safer, and more resilient,” she said. “I’m honored to serve in this time of need — Malibu Strong!”
Parking enforcement, recent fires addressed during Public Safety Commission meeting
The People Concern outreach team reports progress on helping the homeless
By SAMANTHA BRAVO Of The Malibu Times
On Dec. 4, just a few days before the Franklin Fire on Dec. 9, the Public Safety Commission gathered for its regularly scheduled meeting at City Hall. The meeting was attended by LA County Sheriff’s Sgt. Chris Soderlund, LA County Fire Chief Drew Smith, and Malibu VOP leader Mark Russo.
During the meeting, the commission received the recent parking enforcement monthly report from July 2024 to October 2024 from the Malibu Parking Enforcement Team; received a report on the Public Safety Agency activities from the County of Los Angeles Sheriff’s and Fire Departments, and the California Highway Patrol; and the recent homeless services activities for September 2024 from The People Concern.
Parking Enforcement Report
On July 3, the LAZ Parking enforcement team began operations to provide additional support to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and Volunteers on Patrol during the 4th of July holiday weekend. The team has since been addressing parking violations in areas where enforcement is most needed (i.e., Point Dume, Winding Way, central Malibu) as well as throughout the city to ensure public safety concerns are kept to a minimum.
Public Safety Coordinator Luis Flores provided an update on the parking citations issued. According to the report, 40 percent of citations issued are due to no front plate/read license plate. Since the LAZ parking enforcement team began in July, a total of 4369 citations have been issued since the latest report in October. In October alone, a total of 1,940 citations were issued for no front license plates on vehicles. Tesla vehicles are known to be the ones targeted for no front license plates.
“The whole goal is not issuing citations, they really want to influence community behavior, and improve public safety,” Flores said.
Public Safety Director Susan Dueñas said the team provides extra eyes for the city.
“There’s been a number of times when they observed something but it’s not in their responsibility but
they’ve called it into the sheriff’s so it’s really helpful to have another set of eyes looking out there,” Dueñas said.
Malibu VOP leader Mark Russo was also at the meeting and said they have a good relationship with the LAZ team on parking enforcement.
“They’ve [LAZ Team] developed a lot, they understand the areas, they understand what types of citations to write, so we have a good working relationship with them,” Russo said. “They’re out there doing a good job.”
Sgt. Chris Soderlund also praised the LAZ Team for its work.
“My guys started complaining about them because they’re so good,” Soderlund joked.
Russo also mentioned the importance about having a front license plate when the license plate readers arrive to Malibu.
“It kind of defeats the purpose of the cameras,” Russo said. “If it’s not us, it’ll be Santa Monica, Ventura — everyone writes them [front plate citations].”
The commission also discussed creating a parking app for motorists with parking information, especially at Point Dume.
“People have no clue that there’s a 300 car parking lot down below,” Commissioner Brian Merrick said.
To view the report, visit Malibucity.org/agendacenter and go to Public Safety Commission Meeting.
Public Safety Agency Report
The main topic highlighted at the meeting was the Broad Fire that occurred on Wednesday, Nov. 6. Smith attended the meeting to provide information on the fire.
The fire chief said they have a robust respons e for anything that happens within the City of Malibu and are able to call Ventu ra County to assist in emergencies.
“Out of all this, one thing that stands out to me that I like the best is the good intent calls, the reason why I like those good intent calls is that people are paying attention, they’re calling in letting fire personnel go out and evaluate what the need is,” Smith said.
Smith said the two topics that are being reported on are downed power lines or smoke or fire on the hillside.
Smith compared the Broad Fire to another fire that occurred in the same location, the Bluffs Fire in 2007.
“It happened under 15 minutes, our response time was relatively quick, our response time with the
aircraft was quick,” Smith said.
Commissioner Keegan Gibbs provided an update on the fire brigade.
“It was really cool to see everyone working together and it was very cohesive across the board with all the community brigades,” Gibbs said.
Smith also acknowledged the city for updating the community with the red flag warnings.
Soderlund also updated the commission about the recent incident in Carbon Mesa.
On Friday, Nov. 29, Damon Bivens, 58, was arrested in the 22000 block of Carbon Mesa at 3:18 p.m. to investigate a 911 call stating that someone had fired six shots from a guesthouse. According to Sgt. Eduardo Saucedo, as deputies approached the guest house, an individual shot at deputies, either from the guest house or a home on the property. The suspect was arrested and charged after shooting at deputies.
“Our crime lab came out to the house to process it for evidence and document the scene and they said it was the most extensive crime scene that they’ve had to deal with in crime history,” Soderlund said. “They were there from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. the next day collecting evidence.”
“He’s in custody right now, nobody was injured, nobody was hurt thank god, that was the day after Thanksgiving,” Soderlund said. “Any attempt crime is treated as you actually did it, so it’s serious charges.”
His bail is set at $1 million.
The People Concern Malibu Outreach Team
In September 2024, the outreach team made a total of 290 contacts, including 83 unduplicated individuals. Additionally, 15 people were reached who are currently residing in either permanent or temporary housing. Of the 68 unduplicated contacts currently on the streets, nine were new contacts, with two of them becoming repeat contacts. There are currently 30 contacts considered in various stages of engagement, and 38 are refusing services at this point. The outreach team continues to contact these individuals with the goal of getting them engaged in the housing process.
As the cold weather season approaches, the outreach team is dedicated to assisting unhoused clients in preparing for the change in climate by providing warm clothing, blankets, hand and feet
warmers, etc. The team recognizes that the drop in temperature may lead some clients to consider lighting fires for warmth. To address this, members are actively educating them about the dangers associated with fires and strongly discouraging their use. Instead, the team is offering alternative methods to stay warm and ensuring they have the resources they need to navigate the winter safely.
In October 2024, the total number of contacts made by the outreach team was 205, with 65 unduplicated contacts, with 16 individuals contracted in permanent or temporary housing.
Of the 49 unduplicated contacts currently on the streets, five were new contacts, with one of them becoming a repeat contact. There are currently 28 contacts considered in various stages of engagement, and 21 are refusing services at this point. The next Public Safety Commission meeting is scheduled for Feb. 5, 2025.
The LA County Fire Department Community Brigade Division are shown with Malibu’s newest council member Haylynn Conrad in the Whole Foods shopping center. Photo by Barbara Burke.
Pepperdine Director of Athletics Tanner Gardner, who shook their hands and thanked them for assisting Malibu residents and fighting the wildfire that began in the late evening on Dec. 9.
Schilling, Waves assistant coaches, and Waves players on the bench wore gray shirts that read “THANK YOU” three times in Pepperdine’s orange and blue colors. Additionally, a video monitor on the gym’s wall that displays statistics and highlights also at times during the afternoon showed a thank you message directed toward emergency workers.
No structures were damaged on Pepperdine’s campus and no one was injured during the wildfire. However, nearly 3,000 Pepperdine students, staff members, and faculty gathered in the university’s library in the campus center after embers sparked small fires on campus and the residence halls lost power. The inferno, powered by intense winds, blazed through the Santa Monica Mountains as Malibuites evacuated the city. Being under threat from a wildfire, was a new experience for Schilling, Pepperdine’s coach since April. “It was real and it was eye-opening,” said Schilling, who lives on campus. “The fire came 10 feet from my
the family is in need of housing and because they are having to move from place to place and only have their car, they are not yet in a position to accept donations of clothing or furniture.
“Our most immediate need is housing, so if any realtors could help us with listings of possible rentals nearby, that would be most appreciated,” Lety said. “With regard to addressing other needs, perhaps people could donate gift cards for food and basics — that way, we can purchase as we go since we are still figuring out lodging.”
It’s game time!
backyard. It was close. To see it all around, you realize what an amazing job first responders and firefighters did to preserve such a beautiful campus.”
The campus was mostly quiet four days after the wildfire’s first spark. There was a lot of action going on inside Firestone Fieldhouse though.
Six-foot-ten Pepperdine forward Boubacar Coulibaly threw down dunk after dunk after dunk in route to scoring a career-high 22 points on 10-for-10 shooting. The redshirt senior had eight dunks in the contest along with four rebounds, three assists, and two blocks.
Junior guard Moe Odum dished out eight assists, several of which resulted in dunks by Coulibaly. Odum also scored 20 points and hit all three of his threepoint shots.
Stefan Todorovic, a senior forward and Pepperdine’s leading scorer this season, had 19 points, six rebounds, and three assists.
Schilling was happy his team shared the scoring wealth and recorded 21 total assists and only seven turnovers.
“Moe did a great job of controlling that, and we had a lot of guys come in and contribute a lot of different ways,” he said. “Guys came in off the bench and gave us some great minutes.”
As she explains the situation, one can hear the resolve in Lety’s voice — she and her family will find a way through this ordeal and be resilient. In the meantime, Dec. 13 is not just another day — rather, Alyson will show up for her team and play soccer.
The team plays in three games in a tournament on that day and, according to Coach Wallace, Alyson will have all of the things she needs to play, including a uniform, shoes, and cleats, thanks to the team’s generous teamwork in spearheading donations.
“Alyson will play this weekend and doing so is such a nice distraction for her,” Lety said. Beloved by her team, Coach Wal-
received an alley-oop from sophomore
player
Butka to start the game. The Waves — with Odum and Todorovic leading the way — traded offensive blows with the Lumberjacks throughout the first half and led 44-42 at halftime.
The Waves’ last points of the first half were the same as their opening score of the second half: a dunk by Coulibaly. Todorovic then scored off a rebound to give Pepperdine a four-point lead. Pepperdine gave up an offensive rebound to Northern Arizona, which caused an animated Schilling to slap the gym floor and yell.
On the next play though, Butka swished a jump shot, and after the Lumberjacks scored, guard Zion Bethea, a redshirt junior, nailed at three to give Pepperdine a 50-46 advantage.
The scoring went back and forth for several minutes. Todorovic and Odum splashed threes on consecutive possessions, and the Waves controlled the contest most of the second half.
With under two minutes left, free throws made by Butka and Odum and another dunk by Coulibaly — courtesy a pass from Odum — gave Pepperdine an 11-point lead. Odum lobbed the ball to Coulibaly for another dunk in the final ticks of the game clock to
score Pepperdine’s final points.
The victory gave Pepperdine a 5-6 record heading into their home game against Long Beach State on Thursday at 6 p.m. The squad hosts UC Davis on Saturday at noon.
Pepperdine started the season on Nov. 6 with a win over Western Illinois, but then lost consecutive games to UC San Diego, UC Irvine, UNLV, Northwestern, and Cal State Fullerton.
The Waves beat New Mexico State in their first game in the Arizona Tip-Off but fell to Weber State in their next contest. Pepperdine beat Life Pacific and Grambling State before downing Northern Arizona. Pepperdine begins competition in the West Coast Conference on Dec. 28 with a game against Santa Clara in the Bay Area.
Schilling said being on the precipice of a winning record this time of the season is an accomplishment because the team has had three key players injured at times and are a squad with 12 new Waves.
“They have been willing to work and are really coachable,” he said of the Waves. “We aren’t a team that can beat you one-on-one. We need each other. So, we are having to screen and cut and pass. We are playing toward our strengths and not our weaknesses.”
lace notes that Alyson is integral to the team’s spirit.
“Alyson is a kind teammate and she embodies everything that Views FC is all about — self-respect, respect for others and for the game,” he said. “She has grown so much on and off the field and her skill and work ethic has immensely improved — that’s because she loves her team and she loves the game.”
Elaborating, he said, “Off the field, Alyson is polite and fierce. She’s a leader by example and I’m very proud to be her coach.”
Pausing to reflect, he added, “I’m very glad her family is OK — this is a devastating moment for them and I hope they know that Views is more than a club — it’s a community that loves and supports her.”
Should anyone in the Malibu community want to help the Lopez family, they can reach out to nicolas59@verizon.net
need to provide documentation proving their own citizenship, replacing the current straightforward process with one full of potential legal hurdles and verification challenges.
The social and economic implications of such changes affect families and communities. With the possibility of citizenship uncertainty, mixed-status families could face new stresses, leading to heightened vulnerabilities and instability. The potential for increased undocumented status among individuals could limit access to education, employment, and social services, generating systematic constraints and potentially hindering both individual and communal economic growth.
The success of birthright citizenship in encouraging and facilitating assimilation of immigrant communities is widespread. Denying citizenship to the children of immigrants creates a sense of alienation and is one of the contributing factors to the lack of assimilation in Western European countries such as France and Belgium.
The Trump administration is determined to seek ways to circumvent the generally accepted notion that birthright citizenship is firmly embedded in our Constitution and cannot be summarily sidestepped through any executive or legislative actions. Let the battle commence.
Lance Simmens is an independent columnist for The Malibu Times, he along with Don Schmitz write a bi-weekly column on national topics from the perspective of their political leanings you can forward any comments you have to editorial @malibutimes.com.
children of illegal immigrants. Incontrovertibly this will be hashed out in the courts and may well end up at SCOTUS. In 1898 SCOTUS, in U.S. v Wong Kim Ark, ruled that the phrase in the Citizen Clause of the 14th Amendment stating “subject to the jurisdiction thereof” meant being required to obey U.S. law. The courts have ruled that children born here to foreign nationals are citizens, but the legal debates are raging whether the precedent applies to illegal immigrants. After all, if they are here illegally, they are not obeying U.S. laws. This debate is neither new nor attributed solely to Trump. In their 1985 book “Citizenship without Consent; Illegal Aliens in the American Policy,” Yale professors Peter Schuck and Rogers Smith argued Congress should be constitutionally permitted to adopt a rule denying citizenship to U.S.-born children of illegal immigrants. The abuse is real, but we can and should solve it.
First responders in the audience watch the Pepperdine men’s basketball team take on Northern Arizona on Dec. 14. Zion Bethea (No. 8) and the Waves beat the Lumberjacks 86-76. Photos by Benjamin Hanson/TMT
Coulibaly
wing
Dovydas
FAMILY
Frustration emerges for residents just outside Malibu city limits
Roadblocks mistakenly set up by law enforcement as repopulation is underway
By JUDY ABEL Special to The Malibu Times
By just about every measure they are Malibu residents. Their zip codes are 90265, their children go to Malibu schools, they shop at local stores and pay Malibu sales tax, and they are eligible to receive services such as complimentary fire safety assessments through Malibu city programs. However, anyone who lives 1 mile north of Pacific Coast Highway, technically in unincorporated Los Angeles County, cannot vote in Malibu municipal elections. Many are voicing frustration that they may not be receiving important information they need in emergencies such as last week’s Franklin Fire.
Homeowners in Sea View Estates, Saddle Peak, and surrounding homes contacted The Malibu Times
to report an incident that highlights their concerns.
On Thursday, Dec. 12, hours after repopulation efforts for many evacuated residents were announced, a roadblock was set up at the intersection of Saddle Peak, Schueren, and Stunt roads outside city limits. This area was never under mandatory evacuation orders.
As electricity was restored that day, residents who knew they could not access their neighborhoods from PCH drove to the San Fernando Valley instead to run errands, fill prescriptions, replenish spoiled refrigerated items, and fill empty cupboards. Maggie Karpuk left her home for a doctor’s appointment and noticed the roadblock. Concerned, she questioned law enforcement personnel on scene who assured her she could return with an ID. However, when she returned around 4 p.m. she noticed 25 cars lined up. They were all turned away and waiting. Some waited for more than an hour while questioning
the reason for the blockade as the fire appeared out of their area, they were not in an evacuation zone, and their streets were not mentioned on the Malibu city website or elsewhere. Lee Gwyn, a 39-year resident, has been through a number of fires and is an Arson Watch volunteer. He was perplexed by the lack of information concerning the roadblock. Gwyn says he was polite when asking the California Highway Patrol about what appeared to be an erroneous roadblock. “They were polite too, but firm,” Gwyn said about treating the intersection as a hard closure.
Birute Vileisis, a 37-year area resident, drove to pick up her neighbor who wasn’t allowed home. The two returned to pick up the neighbor’s car after 7 p.m. after the roadblock was cleared, but 15 cars remained. “It’s outrageous,” Vileisis said. “I’m furious they wouldn’t let a resident through with proper ID. It’s unthinkable after what we’ve been through.”
Gywn’s wife, who could not get
through, was forced to walk 30 minutes to get home.
After abandoning cars at the side of the road, one family walking home with two toddlers was picked up by a sympathetic law enforcement officer and driven home. Another elderly resident reported hiking back Friday to retrieve his car. One Saddle Peak resident called the roadblock “unacceptable,” noting that there were no evacuations in the area or information as to why it was a hard closure.
Karpuk expressed her dismay at witnessing a resident who stated he was trying to get medicine to his daughter and being denied entry to his neighborhood, no ifs, ands, or buts.
“It’s crazy. The information was conflicting,” resident Julie Friedman-Kagon said. Another resident was frustrated with the inconvenience but more sympathetic, noting that “different jurisdictions, volunteers, and out-of-town personnel must make things difficult.”
The CHP, who stated they “just provide patrol,” probably received information that was “lost in translation,” according to LA County Sheriff’s Sgt. Christopher Soderlund. The Malibu Sheriff’s Liaison said a combination of new personnel, out-of-area CHP officers and an obvious communication gap was to blame for the misplaced roadblock. “There are never perfect incidents,” he said of the communications failure. Soderlund assured there will be an after-action debriefing to improve service in the next emergency.
While many area residents were frustrated by the erroneously placed roadblock, many are acknowledging the valiant efforts made by the myriad agencies in fighting the Franklin Fire. Still, they believe the incident exposed a critical information gap revealed with this incident. With more emergencies sure to come, unincorporated Malibu residents are questioning why their neighborhoods, often the first line of defense in
wind-driven fires, are often excluded from city emergency announcements while another neighbor, Pepperdine University, also technically outside city limits, is not. While the Dec. 12 roadblock was apparently not announced on any city or county webpage, a Malibu spokesperson provided the following statement: “The City of Malibu prioritizes the safety of all community members during emergencies, and that includes providing information to the entire Malibu area, not only within the City limits. During the Franklin Fire, the City has been widely distributing all of the official information from the Incident Command, including life safety information, updates on evacuation orders, road closures, the repopulation effort, and recovery resources via the news media, website, emergency alerts, and social media, all of which is available to anywhere (sic), regardless of if they live within City limits.”
a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Richter invites locals to stop by and he notes that his team is taking orders for take-out food for the holidays.
This was, of course, Richter’s first experience closing his business during a wildfire in Malibu — he opened Scott’s Malibu Kitchen just this year. However, he sounds just like a seasoned local as he discusses his resolve to carry on his operations.
“I’m not going anywhere and am going to carry on our business,” he said. “My restaurant would have to burn down to stop me and my team!”
Across the parking lot, Red Ladder Gallery was open, beckoning passersby to come in and relax for a moment by enjoying some exhibited art.
“IT’S ABOUT TO GET SO MUCH BETTER!”
one of proprietor Eamon Harrington’s large format paintings optimistically proclaimed, warmly embracing customers.
Harrington notes that at the bottom of the painting lies the secret sauce that is needed for the community to recover from yet another fire. “One simple word says it all: ‘Together!’ Malibu will work together to get our town back up and running.”
“It has always been my mission at Red Ladder Gallery to provide a community gathering space that promotes artistic endeavors of all types,” Harrington said. “Now — especially in the days leading up to the holidays in the wake of the Franklin Fire, I hope the gallery can provide a bit of inspiration and normalcy.”
Soon, The Malibu Times was off to Point Dume, trying to secure the best position to view a plane flying over the staging area on Zuma Beach where a myriad of fire battalions and other agencies responding to the fire have coordinated efforts to fight the fire in a unified way.
One could hear flight N45143 before he could see
it. Then, a banner dragged by the plane came into view, communally expressing thanks to all the first responders.
“Malibu is grateful to its heroes!” The banner proclaimed.
As residents conferred with one another on social media, sharing news about the continuing efforts to
extinguish all hot spots and trying to figure out what grocery stores and other businesses had reopened, many of them resorted to using humor as a tool for their coping with the stress.
One such posting exemplifies Malibu’s good humor during disasters.
“Does anybody know why the fire is referred to
as the Franklin Fire? Shouldn’t it be the Francisco Fire because our fires are named after the closest geographical feature, street, mountain, trail or canyon and the nearest private road where the source of the fire began is Francisco Ranch Road?” one person queried, quickly garnering statements of concurrence online.
Responding with a wonderful retort, local Steve Woods posted, “Yeah–the nearest private road would be Francisco Ranch Road — but the Rindge Dam is even closer to the ignition point — we should be calling it the damn fire.”
Damn straight!
Such statements exemplify that the community’s ability to find humor in the face of disaster always has — and, no doubt will in the future — be integral to locals’ ability to pivot quickly after a fire, keep some semblance of a sense of humor and to quickly resume operating businesses as usual.
On Saturday, Malibu residents were able to get free food from Growing Hope Gardens at Malibu Bluffs Park. The food was donated by various sources including Whole Foods and Food Cycle LA. Growing Hope Gardens Founder Carolyn Day was at the tables providing food to residents.
“We donated a ton of produce, proteins, breads and pastries and we have about half a ton left and we’ll be back with a fresh donation on Thursday at Malibu Bluffs Park,” Day said.
On Sunday morning, vendors and shoppers headed out to the Malibu Farmers Market for their weekly fresh produce, juices, and pastries.
“The Malibu Farmers Market and the community are one — always coming together, even in the hardest times. During these fires, it remains a beacon of hope, beauty, and resilience for us all.” #malibustrong #malibufarmersmarketstrong
The Malibu Times Samantha Bravo and Benjamin Hanson contributed to this report.
Conservation Corps assists firefighters during Franklin blaze
Crew deployed at Zuma Beach to maintain base camp, and make sure firefighters have resources
A crew led by Angel Rodarte Jr. has been deployed to establish and maintain a base camp facility,
facilities needs; [if] they need ice coolers, drinks — we’re supporting the camp so the camp can support
tion dedicated to youth development, offers young Californians valuable opportunities for educa
Beach, they are part of the Cali fornia Conservation Corps (CCC) operation. The CCC is currently providing essential support to fire fighters battling the Franklin Fire.
Business was active at the reopened Scott’s Market Malibu (lower right photo) and Growing Hope Gardens. Scott’s Market photo contributed; Growing Hope photos by Samantha Bravo/TMT
Canyon Road and Las Virgenes Road.
Gov. Gavin Newsom secured a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) from FEMA to cover 75% of eligible firefighting costs. At a press conference, Newsom praised the first responders’ tireless work and urged residents to remain vigilant. “The Franklin Fire is a dangerous and fast-moving disaster,” he stated. “We are deeply grateful for the extraordinary efforts on the ground.”
At a Dec. 11 press briefing, Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart and Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff ‘s Capt. Jenn Seetoo provided updates, when the fire had burned 4,000 acres and was only 7% contained. In an interview with The Malibu Times, Seetoo expressed optimism: “The magic happens in terms of responding to the fire when we all work together, and I am hopeful we can get a handle on the fire today if the winds remain down.” She also praised Keegan Gibbs and the Malibu Community Fire Brigade for their efforts.
“The teamwork has been amazing, and the resilience of this community continues to shine,” Seetoo said. “The patience and assistance of residents have been incredible.”
Damage assessments revealed the fire’s widespread impact. Twenty structures were destroyed, including nine single-family homes and 11 outbuildings. Another 28 structures sustained damage, ranging from 14 single-family homes to seven commercial buildings, two multifamily dwellings, and five outbuildings. Malibu Knolls Road and Sweetwater Canyon were among the hardest-hit areas, with residents returning to find their neighborhoods reduced to ash.
Mayor Doug Stewart, alongside Mayor Pro
According to Cal Fire’s Franklin Incident page, 5,640 Malibu residents were affected by the blaze that ignited after 11 p.m. Monday, Dec. 9. That number accounts for 1,440 households with an average of 2.37 persons each under evacuation orders. The page reports the median age of the occupants of these households to be 24.6 years old with an unemployment rate at 6.8 percent. Of course, the page does not explain that some of these unemployed residents could be retirees. In the affected area, most of the households have internet access with
Tem Marianne Riggins and Councilmember Haylynn Conrad, toured damaged areas to express gratitude to emergency responders and underscore the city’s improved preparedness compared to past wildfires.
“Your safety remains our highest priority,” Stewart said. “We’re doing everything we can to keep this fire contained and protect our community.”
By 8 p.m. on Dec. 15, road closures and restrictions in the Franklin Fire area were lifted, including Malibu Canyon Road. “We ask that drivers be patient as crews working in the affected areas may cause intermittent closures while firefighters and utility teams restore roads and neighborhoods,” the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station shared on social media.
To assist residents in the recovery process, the City opened a Local Assistance Center (LAC) at Malibu City Hall on Tuesday, Dec. 17. The LAC serves as a central hub for resources, offering debris removal assistance, rebuilding permits, mental health services, and utility reconnections. During the fire, city staff relocated to the Calabasas City Council chambers under the leadership of Assistant City Manager Joseph Toney, as City Manager Steve McClary remained on vacation.
When asked by The Malibu Times about McClary’s absence, Mayor Doug Stewart confirmed that McClary is on leave until the end of the month but declined to provide further details.
Classes resumed on Dec. 16, with the exception of Webster Elementary, which will remain closed for structural repairs until Jan. 6, 2025. During this time, Webster teachers and staff relocated to Malibu Elementary on Monday, Dec. 16, and students began attending classes there on Tuesday, Dec. 17.
a total of 5,054 homes equipped. As electricity was shut off with a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) that evening, it’s not certain whether much of those households while wired for internet actually could access the important communication tool. Of those households, 1,323 are reported to have computers.
The emergency would have played out differently had the Franklin Fire broken out during daylight hours. The affected zone has a daytime population of 9,769 people, which could have complicated an evacuation on Pacific Coast Highway by adding nearly double the number of cars on the roadway. With 793 businesses in the area, more chaos may have ensued
Among those affected, Councilmember Bruce Silverstein recounted his harrowing experience in an email letter to the community. On the night of Dec. 9, Silverstein and his wife evacuated after receiving an alert via the PulsePoint app. “The sky glowed red above our house,” he recalled, describing how flames consumed vegetation and property features while firefighters fought to save their home.
Monitoring the fire through security cameras, Silverstein and his family watched as embers reignited the hillside. By sunrise, the cameras cut out, and the family returned to find their home standing but heavily damaged inside. “While the exterior appeared intact, the interior suffered extensive smoke, fire, and water damage,” he shared. Despite the loss, Silverstein remains deeply grateful to the firefighters who battled tirelessly to save their home.
As containment efforts continue, firefighters remain focused on strengthening control lines, mopping up hotspots, and stabilizing fire lines to prevent erosion. A Watershed Emergency Response Team has been ordered to assess potential hazards.
The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for the Santa Monica Mountains from Dec. 17 through Dec. 18, as strong Santa Ana winds and low humidity return. Southern California Edison has warned of potential power shutoffs in highrisk areas, including Cuthbert, Maguire, Merlin, and Serra circuits, which could last eight or more hours.
In response to ongoing challenges, local officials have heightened law enforcement patrols to deter looting and protect properties in evacuation zones. Supervisor Lindsey Horvath praised Malibu’s preparedness: “The
in an effort to quickly wrap up the day’s work. The report claims there are 6,045 employees that would have been working during business hours, many of them could be work-from-home Malibu residents. Workers were categorized as 1,924 white-collar workers, 153 blue-collar workers, and 441 service workers. At-risk populations were defined as 169 residents with a disability, 867 over the age of 65, and 27 households without a vehicle. There are reportedly 104 veterans in the area. The majority of the population is listed between the ages of 19 to 64.
Luckily, as the Franklin Fire erupted in the overnight hours, children were not
commitment to readiness has undoubtedly saved lives and mitigated further loss. Collaborative efforts like these are critical during times of crisis.”
To keep residents informed and engaged, the City scheduled a Town Hall and Community Forum for Wednesday, Dec. 18, at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Officials will provide updates, address concerns, and discuss the recovery process as Malibu rebuilds.
The Franklin Fire has tested the strength of Malibu once again, leaving scars on the landscape and in the hearts of its residents. Yet, amid the devastation, the community’s unity and resilience have shone brighter than ever. From first responders risking their lives on the front lines to neighbors sharing resources and support, Malibu stands as a testament to what it means to be a community.
Stewart offered a message of hope: “While the devastation of the Franklin Fire has deeply affected us all, our community’s strength and resilience shine through. Together, we will rebuild and emerge stronger.”
at school. The number of school children living in the burn area includes 50 identified as nursery and preschool-aged, 16 kindergarteners, 79 in grades 1-4, 129 in grades 5-8, and 163 in grades 9-12. The report does not mention college-aged young adults even though a map on the Cal Fire demographic page appears to include Pepperdine University which was clearly in the burn zone. Pepperdine’s campus situated on 830 acres is technically its own census-designated place located in unincorporated Los Angeles County. It does not share Malibu’s 90265 zip code.
The highest number of homes built in the area is 406 constructed between 1980 to 1989. Three hundred and fif -
Returning home after a wildfire is overwhelming, particularly for those who have experienced loss. Mental health resources remain available to assist residents:
• Boys and Girls Club of Malibu Wellness Center: Free counseling services. Call (310) 457-6801 ext. 74141 or email wellnessinfo@bgcmalibu.org.
• LA County Department of Mental Health: Visit dmh.lacounty.gov or call (800) 854-7771.
For updates and recovery assistance, residents are encouraged to visit the city’s official webpage at malibucity.org/franklinfire.
The road to recovery will be long, but Malibu’s resolve remains unwavering. In the face of adversity, the community’s strength, unity, and determination to rebuild stand as a powerful reminder of resilience amid devastation.
The Malibu Times reporters Barbara Burke and Samantha Bravo contributed to this article.
ty-one homes were built between 1970 to 1979, 312 were built between 1990 to 1999, and 308 were built between 1950 to 1959. Two hundred and fifty-three homes were constructed from 1960 to 1969, 221 from 2000 to 2009, 172 homes from 1939 or earlier, 83 from 1940 to 1949, and 57 built between 2010 to 2019.
The majority of the households, at 3,973, are English-speaking-only households. Spanish speakers comprise 348 households, followed by 394 Asian-Pacific Island speakers, 336 Indo-European-speaking households, and 123 households of other language speakers.
The information is available at fire. ca.gov/incidents/2024.
On Wednesday, Dec. 11, city and state leaders provided an update on the Franklin Fire during a press conference at Zuma Beach. Photos by Samantha Bravo/TMT.
Malibu Life
They come for the cars and stay for the friends at the Woodie Parade
“IBy BARBARA BURKE
t’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the holidays with this amazing collection of beautiful cars in sunny Malibu today!” Jane Seymour exclaimed as she surveyed the wide array of wood-clad vintage station wagons, more commonly referred to as “woodies,” in the Paradise Cove parking lot on Dec. 15.
Pausing to reflect, she added, with a tone of sincere relief, “Although our houses in Malibu were very close to the Franklin Fire, we were very fortunate and did not lose our homes. So, life goes on as we celebrate the season and we are very grateful to be able to have the Woodie Parade this year.”
For the 21st year, an entourage of intriguing woodies — an iconic emblem of Malibu and its surf culture — joyously paraded down Pacific Coast Highway, all decked out with Christmas and Hanukkah decorations, delighting passersby who honked in appreciation as they passed the slow-moving, yet still operating, collectible cars.
“It’s such a festive occasion — it’s our 21st annual Woodie Parade!” exclaimed Cheryl Truttman, president of the Santa Barbara Woodie Club as she sat beside her 1951 Ford Woodie.
Rick White wholeheartedly agreed.
Standing next to his 1950 Ford, he shared, “It’s our 21st time to participate — we’ve been here since it started.”
The Malibu Times asked White why he loves the Woodie Parade so much.
“That’s simple — we come for the cars
but stay for the friends,” he responded.
“We are all very grateful to John Zambetti, who organizes the event every year — he’s wonderful — he’s a rock star in doing this in addition to of course, really being a rock star with his wonderful
band, the Malibooz.”
The cavalcade of vehicles followed their traditional path, but this year, as they drove through the wildfire-scarred Serra Retreat, they paused for a while to hug the firemen who were still providing
boots on the ground to battle hot spots and knock down any remaining embers.
“We are so very grateful to have our parade this year,” said Shannon Magid, whose 1946 Ford Woodie joined in the
EBy JUDY ABEL
scaping your home in the middle of the night during a fast-moving brush fire is hard enough for humans, but when horses and other large animals need to be evacuated, it creates an extra challenging situation. That’s what many Malibu equestrians face during our frequent wildfires and many rely on our good neighbor Pierce College Equestrian Center to keep our beloved large animals safe.
By Wednesday morning of the Franklin Fire, Dec. 11, the Woodland Hills facility had accepted 19 horses from displaced Malibu residents. However, later as the fire was reported at zero percent containment, that number grew to just over 50 equines. The facility, just over the hills of Malibu, can accept 200 horses. But the students and volunteers at the center will house other animals as well in an emergency.
According to Donna Mae Villanueva, a dean at Pierce College, the center accepted some miniature cows, miniature goats, at least one pig, and even chickens from Malibu residents who were forced to evacuate. Evacuees typically bring food for their animals that are cared for by county animal husbandry
volunteers and students.
Villanueva said the college is proud to be of assistance. “We’re here to help out you know. I mean we’ve been used as an evacuation center for live animals whenever there’s been fires in our surrounding areas and we’ve always been very open and willing to help the community,” she said. “We’re open 24-7. There’s
always somebody here. The county has officers here who watch 24-7, and the college is always happy to assist.”
As Malibu is home to other animal rescue facilities, those in the fire’s path quickly scrambled to find shelter for those creatures in their care. Big Heart Ranch is a farm animal
to The Malibu Times
Special to The Malibu Times
Attendees admire the classic cars Dec. 15 at Aviator Nation after the Woodie Parade. Photo by Benjamin Hanson/TMT
A Particularly Dangerous Situation
MALIBU SEEN
By Benjamin Marcus, Entertainment Editor Surf, wind, and the Franklin Fire
Isn’t easy detailing that last mad week in less than novel length, but while attempting to condense this at Zinqué over the weekend, Brian Rapf came by with photos from The Battle of Harbor Vista Drive: Flames to right of them, flames to left of them, flames in front of them, homes in peril. Firefighters rocked up at 4 a.m. but it was Skylar Peak, Keegan Gibbs, Tyler Hauptman, and the rest of the “Community Brigade” with high-pressure hoses hooked up to working hydrants, which saved the day and some houses. The Zinqué crowd were rapt by Rapf’s account. Everyone has stories from that Franklin Fire, and here is another.
On Monday, Dec. 10, 2024 — a date that will live in Malibu inflamey — I was in the toolshed deeply embraced in the Bliss of Sleep, worn out by a long City Council meeting and swearing-in and speeches and other business, all of it overshadowed by a Red Flag Alert and a Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS).
Around 10:30, that bliss was interrupted by a pound-poundpounding upon the tool shed door. I thought maybe John had brought some leftovers from Bui, but it was worse than that: “Hey! There’s another fire!” John growled. “Wake up!”
I did not wish to wake up, but the Wi-Fi was still working and the electricity was still on, so some Googling showed a firestorm moving down Malibu Canyon — similar to the Canyon Fire of 2007. Maps and visuals showed a glob of fire starting around Francisco Ranch Road — about a mile and a quarter as the Sikorsky S-70i Firehawk flies from our spot on Malibu Road. According to the online maps, the fire blob was moving up and over the hills and threatening Retreat Court, a cul de sac in the upper northwest corner of Serra Retreat: Home to a famous film director and other swells. Francisco Road, not Franklin Road. Where did the Franklin designation come from anyway? Anyone? Anyone?
Drama! A few hours before, Assistant City Manager Joseph Toney asked incoming and outgoing City Council members to keep their speeches short, because Malibu was under a possible Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) from SoCal Edison and a PDS — a kind of weird designation by the National Weather Service that the Santa Ana Devil Murder Winds were about to blow with great vengeance and furious anger through dry steep canyons lined with bone
dry, oily, flammable shrubbery.
After a fond goodbye to Paul Grisanti, a daughterly swearing-in for Haylynn Conrad, and solid speeches from Uhring, Silverstein, and Conrad, we bailed early on the three-hour City Council meeting and walked through a blustery night to take up positions at the Zinqué bar with German Tim — an MD psychiatrist in residency from Munich who loves American football, loves surfing, loves food, loves California.
But he’d never experienced a firestorm or an earthquake.
Outside the wind began to howl and swirl and sweep and shake the trees. Because I have written a fair bit of Malibu history — and also have a pitch for a TV show called “Malibu Fire” — I earbashed German Tim MD with stories about the good, the bad, and the ugly of Malibu firestorms: Like the Canyon Fire of 2007, when First Point was pumping all day long on the Tuesday with maybe 20 people in the water.
I told everyone in the water: “Here is what happened. We all died in the fire, and this is heaven.”
Smiles all around.
All those stories and caveats became very real around 11 p.m. on Monday night. German Tim was sleeping in his van on Serra Road across from Surf Canyon. He too heard a pound-pound-pounding on his door. Fearing it was cops or highwaymen or crazed homeless zombies or religious zealots or something, Tim opened the van to find two very concerned British tourists pointing out an orange glow moving down Malibu Canyon with flames at an alarming rate.
Tim texted a photo of that glow at 11:19. Welcome to the Malibu dude. Welcome to Cali! Everything’s okay until it isn’t.
Around that time, John pounded on my door again and the urgency in his voice suggested I better take it seriously and get moving. I don’t own much so I grabbed my Frankie on the Beach go bag and my backpack and thought about taking all my unwrapped Christmas presents with me and should have grabbed my passport and birth certificate and other papers in case worse came to worse.
John’s daughter’s Mercedes was in the driveway and he wanted me to take it to safe ground. As I left the tool shed, I was shocked to find flames had blown from a couple miles up Malibu Canyon to Bluffs Park and over the side lickety-split and were licking at the ridge just above us and lighting trees on fire. In like half an hour. Firestorms move unbelievably fast. They’re like a fire-breathing dragon from “Game of Thrones.” An unstoppable force. A fire tsunami.
So I got the heck out of there and could write a book about the next seven or eight hours — and the next couple of days — riding it out in the middle of Malibu watching a scene that Hieronymous Bosch painted in 1490: Hell. I’d seen firestorms before but never raging fully at night and it literally looked like Hades on earth. There were waterfalls of fire flowing down the ravine behind City Hall and all along that ridge. How does that Bad Religion song go: “Palm trees are candles in the burning wind.” That was correct, palm trees were igniting like Roman candles: Wind, flames, heat, embers, sirens, more flames, more wind.
Flames licked up Saddle Peak toward the Lloyd Wright House. Bluffs Park was burning and I imagined Scott Gillen losing all his extremely expensive houses he had toiled for years to build. Same for the New Castle, built on the foundation of the old castle which I saw burn in the Canyon Fire of 2007. The New Castle is a hyper-expensive sitting duck up there on the ridge.
And I also wondered if maybe The Edge was glad he’d been shut down by the Coastal Commission and everyone else to build five houses on Sweetwater Mesa — which was ablaze.
Horrifying and exciting. Drama. The adrenaline of chaos, I suppose. Like war.
While driving back along Malibu Road, I was thirsty and Zinqué was closed, dangit, but then I saw Rob M hosing down his bushes as trees just across Malibu Road lit up like chandeliers — oddly beautiful. So I stopped to help and got a drink of water then hosed down bushes and vehicles. Thinking about it in retrospect, maybe we should have been up there hosing down John’s beloved home and my tool shed, because in the aftermath of it all, I wondered if a couple of low-pressure garden hosers risking their necks a few feet from leaping flames could have kept the flames off his abode.
As Kanye West said: “I guess we’ll never know.”
Judging from all the time stamps on the photos and video I shot, the fire was fully raging at 2 in the morning. Around 4, German Tim MD slipped behind fire engines and over hoses, ran up our driveway and came back with the bad news that John’s house had been torched completely — but my tool shed was untouched and both of our bikes were OK.
I went up there and have a video time-stamped 4:13 of a firefighter hosing down the smoldering remnants of John’s home. A very sad sight. There was nothing to be done up there, so I got on my bike
It’s that time of the year
PERSPECTIVE
By Burt Ross, Contributed Column
Yes, indeed! It’s that time of the year once again. The holidays are upon us whether you like it or not, so you might as well enjoy them.
Growing up in a Jewish home in a predominantly Christian country, my brother and I felt the only right thing was for us to celebrate both holidays — Hanukkah and Christmas — and so we did. You could say that much of December for us was one big continuum of opening presents. Don’t get me wrong — I never tired of it.
To be honest, I liked Hanukkah eight times more than I liked Christmas because Hanukkah went on for eight days with my getting one gift per day versus Christmas which only lasted one day. I confess I had a somewhat material view of the holidays, but give me a break. What do you expect from a mere child?
Now don’t get me wrong: I liked Christmas, especially the thought that some fat guy was going to get stuck in the chimney. I would have loved a tree, but my parents drew the ecumenical line in the sand when it came to having a Christmas tree. My grandmother (may she rest in peace) would have died before we had a tree in the house.
As for the food, I would take latkes (potato pancakes) over Christmas ham any day of the year. The only thing more fattening than latkes is latkes topped with a dollop of sour cream, which is, of course, what we added.
As for the holiday music, Christmas has Hanukkah beat by a country mile. I will never understand with all those great Jewish composers like Leonard Bernstein, George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, and Richard Rodgers, why we couldn’t have come up with something better than “Dreidel Dreidel.”
Whatever you celebrate, and this year the first night of Hanukkah begins on Christmas Day, enjoy your holiday!
and rode to the pier, where I found Rabbi Cunin standing by his car, looking nervously at the Chabad property, which seemed to be undamaged.
Heard later Zuma Jay’s shop was looted and ransacked by people who maybe needed killin’ — as they say in Texas.
Checked on Surf Canyon which was untouched, then up Serra Road where trees and vehicles were smoldering and flaming branches were cracking and falling. Then back to the parking lot at Ralphs waiting for rosy-colored dawn to expose the damage — and also wondering how I would break the news to John that his place was gone.
I didn’t want to be the bearer of bad news, because I know how much he loved the place, and had some idea of all that he lost: Tom Petty mugs and a Gold Record, tequila collection, clothes, vinyl records, big screen TV, family photos. All of it. Shit.
John is now the fourth J person I know to lose everything: JAG, Janet (RIP) twice, Zuma Jay. Also Strider and Tom Moore and Alan Roderick Jones but their names don’t start with J.
The GoFundMe for John Ortiz: gofundme.com/f/help-johnrebuild-after-franklin-fire
The sun came up to expose most of the houses miraculously still standing. Most of them. I drove
up and around to Malibu Knolls Road, curious about the house formerly owned by Janet MacPherson that was half-burned in the 2007 Canyon Fire. A firefighter up there said the deck had been scorched, but that house and most of the houses up there were undamaged.
Made a mistake on Tuesday and drove all the way to Sunset Boulevard to buy gas. Then took hours to Obi-Wan Kenobi my way back into the Bu.
The fire complicated a longplanned road trip north to watch the 49ers play the Rams at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. Passing Zuma Beach on the way out on Wednesday, there were hundreds if not over a thousand firefighters under tents, the In N Out truck, scores of engines, and support vehicles. An army. A very costly army.
Sat in cramped seats surrounded by drunk rowdies in Levi’s Stadium and watched the 49ers lose to the Rams on a windy, cold, and rainy Thursday night. So the rain was where we didn’t want it and not where the rain was needed.
Drove over Highway 17 the day before a fricking tornado in Scotts Valley injured five people — including a Cal Fire captain. Got back to Malibu on Friday worried they wouldn’t let us in, but PCH was open. There was still an army of human power and machines at Zuma and scorched earth all along until the middle of town.
carcade. “It was wonderful to stop in Serra Retreat and bring a smile to the exhausted Malibu brigade firefighters’ faces.”
Soon, the procession arrived at Aviator Nation Dreamland, where Manager Elijah Alexander greeted the drivers warmly and helped each vehicle get parked safely.
“We have hosted this event in past years,” he said. “It’s a wonderful tradition — it helps Malibu make merry during the holidays.”
Bill Sampson stood abreast his 1948 Ford Woodie, flashed one of his characteristic cheerful grins and declared. “Bring back bitchin’ — this is bitchin,’” referring to the 1960s slang term in Southern California that meant “cool,” or “awesome.”
Grinning ear to ear as he does every year when he realizes the parade was a success, Zambetti stated, “Malibu is a way of life and we won’t be defeated by the fire.”
Scott Gillen’s expensive homes were still there, and so was Pepperdine. The damage report as of Saturday morning was 19 structures destroyed (eight single family dwellings and 11 outbuildings), and 23 structures damaged (14 single family dwellings, one multi family dwelling, four commercial, and four outbuildings).
Unfortunately, John’s beloved pad was one of them, and maybe the only structure on Malibu Road to burn.
That’s just God or the fates or whoever being mean. From Madrid, Spain, Pepperdine student Hannah Montalban started a GoFundMe toward rebuilding. Thanks to Hannah and all who kicked in.
Had to wonder what this all cost: More than 1,500 firefighters, all their vehicles, gasoline, overtime.
According to Chat GPT, LACO Fire operates Sikorsky S-70i Firehawk at $3,000-$4,000 per flight hour, Bell 412 is $2,500-$3,000 per flight hour, Super Puma is $5,000 per flight hour.
Do the math. At Zinqué on Sunday night, T.M. said fires cost a million dollars a day.
German Tim flew home spinning on Saturday morning. He didn’t get the earthquake experience, just missed a tornado in Scotts Valley by a day but he’ll be back. He loves California, even when it’s cold and it’s damp.
Pondering for a minute, he elaborated, saying, “In Malibu, people enjoy getting together to celebrate in good times. However, they are resolved to also pull one another up and provide encouragement in the hard times. We are all so thankful to the firefighters who battled the fire and our hearts go out to all our neighbors who lost their homes. However, the fire notwithstanding, because of Malibu’s sense of strong community and resolve, we decided to have the parade and celebrate the holidays.”
Zambetti’s son, Johnny Zambetti chimed in discussing Malibu’s resiliency in the face of disasters. “Having this parade helped to restore some normalcy in our community — sticking to traditions is important.”
WOODIE PARADE
Around 11:19 p.m. on Dec. 10, an orange glow flames down Malibu Canyon, toward a still-sleeping town. Photo by Tim Fischer.
Bob Shorr (right) and Yusha Neuman pose in front of a 1938 Ford woodie after the parade on Dec. 15. Photo by Benjamin Hanson/TMT
For evacuations, Franklin Fire not the first rodeo for local dual diagnosis rehabilitation facility
Milestones Ranch Malibu, in Latigo Canyon, relocates staff and patients for fourth time in its 22-year history
By BARBARA BURKE Special to The Malibu Times
“Our guiding principle is to take an action that is the most right thing to do for our clients,” said Denise Klein, MSW, CEO and co-owner of Milestones Ranch Malibu, a dual diagnosis rehabilitation treatment center in Latigo Canyon that leases premises from Calamigos Ranch. “Whether and when to relocate our treatment center’s services and our clients and staff due to a wildfire is a slippery slope analysis but we make sure to do the most correct thing. “Our patients already have enough trauma, so it’s important to leave our location during the day if we have to move due to a wildfire. Accordingly, we moved our patients, staff and services on Dec. 10 in the late afternoon because of the Franklin Fire.”
Klein explained that she could not be specific regarding the hotel north of Latigo that her company used to provide clients and staff with temporary accommodations and treatment services.
rescue and sanctuary. Its CEO, Michelle Gerlis, explained volunteers with her group started moving 45 large animals off the property near Trancas Canyon well before the fire was approaching the sanctuary as a precautionary measure.
“It’s a fine line between being paranoid and being preemptive,” said Gerlis, noting that moving 2,000-pound draft horses is difficult. “I didn’t want to wait until we were full to move the animals to safer locations.”
Some of the animals are difficult to move because “they come from traumatic situations and didn’t have experience from the Woolsey Fire of being evacuated,” she added. Other animals, such as donkeys, are not used to being confined, according to Gerlis, and other smaller animals are susceptible to smoke
families dealing with that happening,” she postulated.
“That situation would be way too stressful, so we always act preemptively and I know that our staff, clients and their families appreciate our doing so very much.”
Klein also commented regarding the responsiveness of Southern California Edison in the ongoing Franklin Fire.
“Edison has been very proactive during this fire,” she said, which “has really helped us to deal with the situation.”
Savannah Ganje, Milestones’ director of admissions and clinical outreach coordinator, chimed in and discussed details regarding what it takes to relocate staff and clients who are receiving addiction rehabilitation treatment.
documents that the goal during a person’s first year of addiction treatment is to ensure that he, ‘keeps the stress levels as low as possible.’” She explained that doing so is critical because, “When someone who is in early addiction treatment becomes stressed it can increase his possibly relapsing — scientific studies have documented that stress can trigger patients’ cravings for addictive substances.”
“The hotel we used kindly provided a complimentary conference room for us to use,” she said. “Milestones has leased from Calamigos Ranch for 22 years and we have had to relocate clients and staff three times before this fire.”
For Klein, the expensive decision to provide staff and clients with accommodations off-site centers on a determination regarding doing what is best for clients and their families and also for Milestones’ staff.
“Imagine a patient or a staff person who is trying to focus on participating in treatment sessions while fire or smoke surrounds them, and imagine the patients’
inhalation or otherwise could get lost in the mix so they were moved out before danger could reach them.
“Everyone’s usually focusing on bigger animals,” according to Gerlis. So, another Big Heart Ranch employee and volunteer Erin Wu coordinated all the bunnies and guinea pigs to be picked up and relocated to a safe spot.
“I’m not going to let them be exposed to fumes and they’re not going to get left behind,” Wu stated. In addition to some “humongous” horses, miniature horses, and small animals, Big Heart Ranch safely moved other livestock, including two alpacas that were famously photographed on the beach at Zuma under an apocalyptic sky during the Woolsey Fire.
Both Gerlis and Wu took their preemptive measures of evacuating because, “You never know,” Gerlis said. “Anything can change at any time and we’re
PUBLIC NOTICE
T.S. No.: 240715322
Notice of Trustee’s Sale
Loan No.: INBANET-COS-0324 Order No. 95529518 APN: 2061-017-024; 2061-017-027 Property Address: Vacant Land (AKA Laura La Planta Drive) Agoura Hills, CA 91301 You Are In Default Under A Deed Of Trust Dated 3/20/2024. 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 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: Theingi M. Cossar Trustee of the Myint Family Trust, dated April 29, 2002, who acquired title as Theingi M. Cossar, trustee of The Family Trust Duly Appointed Trustee: Total Lender Solutions, Inc. Recorded 3/26/2024 as Instrument No. 20240191746 in book , page of Official Records in the office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County, California, Date of Sale: 12/19/2024 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: $371,467.45 Street Address or other common designation of real property: Vacant Land (AKA Laura La Planta Drive) **See attached Exhibit A** Agoura Hills, CA 91301 A.P.N.: 2061017-024; 2061-017-027 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. Notice To
“Our staff must go to the new location before the clients arrive and it is very important that we ensure there are no mini-bars or access to alcohol or drugs,” Ganje said. “We need to ensure that our staff has a dedicated room to conduct operations in addition to providing the clients with appropriate accommodations.”
Health before wealth
It’s essential, Ganje noted, “to ensure that the relocation process is peaceful for clients and that they can continue their structured schedules of group and session treatments.”
Concurring, Klein noted that “established science
not the only animal rescue facility in the area. We also have some pigs, small pigs, and medium-size pigs. We have 16 goats, eight sheep, and more than a dozen chickens.” About a dozen employees and volunteers worked around the clock to safely relocate the menagerie.
As for Wu, who specializes in bunny and guinea pig rescues, she drove Big Heart’s smaller animals to BunnyLuv Rabbit Resource Center in North Hollywood. She was able to evacuate through Kanan Road.
The dedicated volunteer animal rescuers would like to be contacted by Malibu residents in the future to receive animals for temporary housing in emergencies. They are also accepting trailers, crates, and blankets for future evacuations and would love more volunteers and donations. Contact howdy@ bigheartranch.org or erinwu.la@gmail. com.
Addressing the cumulative effect that repeated fires have on Milestones’ staff and any local clients who have experienced wildfires, Klein stated, “All of us in Malibu still have experiences with fires in our subconscious after Woolsey and other fires — our clients, our staff persons and their families possibly being exposed to fire-related stress is definitely a strong factor that we weigh when determining when Milestones’ clients, staff and treatment services should be relocated.”
Noting that the company’s mantra is, “health over wealth,” Klein added, “We take very seriously our fiduciary duty to serve the best interests of our patients and that consideration is paramount to any costs involved in relocating them during a fire.”
Milestones relocated seven patients and three staff members, a staff to patient ratio that is standard for the rehabilitation center, Ganje noted, adding that, “We made sure to add some sober-fun activities for the clients — we took them holiday shopping for their families.”
LEGAL NOTICES
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 (877) 440-4460 or visit this Internet Web site www.mkconsultantsinc.com, using the file number assigned to this case 240715322. Information about postponements that are very short in duration or that occur close in time to the scheduled sale may not immediately be reflected in the telephone information or on the Internet Web site. The best way to verify postponement information is to attend the scheduled sale. Notice To Tenant: You may have a right to purchase this property after the trustee auction pursuant to Section 2924m of the California Civil Code. If you are an “eligible tenant buyer,” you can purchase the property if you match the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. If you are an “eligible bidder,” you may be able to purchase the property if you exceed the last and highest bid placed at the trustee auction. There are three steps to exercising this right of purchase. First, 48 hours after the date of the trustee sale, you can call (877) 440-4460, or visit this internet website site www. tlssales.info, using the file number assigned to this case 240715322 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. When submitting funds for a bid subject to Section 2924m, please make the funds payable to “Total Lender Solutions, Inc. Holding Account”. If you think you may qualify as an “eligible tenant buyer” or “eligible bidder,” you should consider contacting an attorney or appropriate real estate professional immediately for advice regarding this potential right to purchase.
Date: 11/18/2024 Total Lender Solutions, Inc. 10505 Sorrento Valley Road, Suite 125 San Diego, CA 92121 Phone: 866-535-3736 Sale Line: (877) 440-4460 By: Rachel Seropian, Trustee Sale Officer Exhibit A Legal Description Lot 23 And 26 In Block 5 Of Tract No. 8793, In The City Of Agoura Hills, County Of Los Angeles, State Of California, As Per Map Recorded In Book 148, Pages 88 To 94 Inclusive Of Maps, In The Office Of The County Recorder Of Said County.
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ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME
Case No. 24VECP00571
Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles
Petition of: JAMIE MILLER GONZALEZ BY AND THROUGH KELLY MILLER TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS:
Petitioner: JAMIE MILLER GONZALEZ BY AND THROUGH KELLY MILLER a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows:
Present Name: JAMIE MARIE MILLER GONZALEZ
Proposed Name: JAMIE JUNE MILLER
The Court orders that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. Notice of Hearing:
Date: 01/24/2024 Time: 8:30 AM, Dept.: O, Room: 511
The address of the court is:
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
6230 Sylmar Avenue, Van Nuys, CA 91401
A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county (specify newspaper):
The Malibu Times Date: DEC 04, 2024
VIRGINIA KEENY, Judge of the Superior Court
DAVID W. SLAYTON Executive Officer/Clerk of Court PUB: 12/12, 12/19, 12/26/2024, 1/2/2025 The Malibu Times MALIBU 261
2024247696
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT THE FOLLOWING PERSON IS (ARE) DOING BUSINESS AS:
MALIBU PAINTING CO. 3625 BUDD ST, SAN DIEGO, CA 92111-4333, SAN DIEGO COUNTY Articles of Incorporation or Organization Number (if applicable): Registered Owner(s): MARCELO BERMANN 3625 BUDD ST, SAN DIEGO, CA 92111-4333 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,MARCELO BERMANN, OWNER This statement was filed with the County Clerk of Los Angeles County on 12/5/2024. NOTICE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION.THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE).
Publish in The Malibu Times: 12/12, 12/19, 12/26/2024, 1/2/2025 MALIBU 262
Milestones Ranch Malibu, a dual diagnosis rehabilitation treatment center in Latigo Canyon, had to move all of its patients and staff to a new location when it was threatened by the Franklin Fire. Photo by Benjamin Hanson/TMT
The Pierce College Equestrian Center sheltered an estimated 50 horses and a few smaller animals, also. Top photo by Benjamin Hanson/TMT; bottom photos courtesy of Erin Wu
The Los Angeles County Hearing Officer will conduct a public hearing to consider the project described below. A presentation and overview of the project will be given, and any interested person or authorized agent may appear and comment on the project at the hearing. The Hearing Officer will then consider to approve or deny the project or continue the hearing if it deems necessary. Should you attend, you will have an opportunity to testify, or you can submit written comments to the planner below or at the public hearing. If the final decision on this proposal is challenged in court, testimony may be limited to issues raised before or at the public hearing
Hearing Date and Time: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.
Hearing Location: Hall of Administration, 320 W. Temple Street, Room 150, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Virtual (Online) at bit.ly/ZOOM-HO. By phone at (669) 444-9171 or (719) 359-4580 (ID: 824 5573 9842).
Project No.: 2024-000971
Project Location: 1362 Old Topanga Road within the Santa Monica Mountains Coastal ZonePlanning Area
Applicant: Veronica Mosqueda
Project Description: OTP for encroachment into the protected zones of six oak trees in association with the installation of a roof-mounted solar energy array on an existing 20-foot-tall 1,637 square-foot single-family residence, including appurtenant wiring, boxes, and panels (“Project”). The array would consist of 28 panels with a maximum height of six inches and would total approximately 568 square feet in area.
More information: Jon Schneider 320 W. Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. (213) 974-6411. jschneider@planning.lacounty.gov. planning.lacounty.gov.
Case Material: https://bit.y/PRJ2024-000971
If you need reasonable accommodations or auxiliary aids, contact the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator at (213) 974-6488 (Voice) or (213) 617-2292 (TDD) with at least 3 business days’ advanced notice. 12/19/24
CNS-3865759#
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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The Los Angeles County Hearing Officer will conduct a public hearing to consider the project described below. A presentation and overview of the project will be given, and any interested person or authorized agent may appear and comment on the project at the hearing. The Hearing Officer will then consider to approve or deny the project or continue the hearing if it deems necessary. Should you attend, you will have an opportunity to testify, or you can submit written comments to the planner below or at the public hearing. If the final decision on this proposal is challenged in court, testimony may be limited to issues raised before or at the public hearing Hearing Date and Time: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.
Hearing Location: Hall of Records, 320 W. Temple Street, Room 150, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Virtual (Online) at bit.ly/ZOOM-HO. By phone at (669) 444-9171 or (719) 3594580 (ID: 824 5573 9842).
Project No.: 2019-000372-(3)
Project Location: 18541 Pacific Coast Highway within the Santa Monica Mountains Planning Area
Applicant: Thrifty Oil Company
CEQA Categorical Exemption: Class 1
Project Description: Conditional Use Permit to authorize the sale of beer and wine for offsite consumption
More information: Shawn Skeries 320 W. Temple Street, 13th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90012. (213) 974-6411. sskeries@planning.lacounty. gov. planning.lacounty.gov.
Case Material: https://bit.ly/2019-000372 If you need reasonable accommodations or auxiliary aids, contact the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator at (213) 974-6488 (Voice) or (213) 617-2292 (TDD) with at least 3 business days’ advanced notice. 12/19/24
CNS-3877748#
MALIBU TIMES
MALIBU 263
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice of OAK TREE PERMIT FILING
The Los Angeles County Hearing Officer will conduct a public hearing to consider the project described below. A presentation and overview of the project
will be given, and any interested person or authorized agent may appear and comment on the project at the hearing. The Hearing Officer will then consider to approve or deny the project or continue the hearing if it deems necessary. Should you attend, you will have an opportunity to testify, or you can submit written comments to the planner below or at the public hearing. If the final decision on this proposal is challenged in court, testimony may be limited to issues raised before or at the public hearing
Hearing Date and Time: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.
Hearing Location: Hall of Administration, 320 W. Temple Street, Room 150, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Virtual (Online) at bit.ly/ZOOM-HO. By phone at (669) 444-9171 or (719) 359-4580 (ID: 824 5573 9842).
Project No.: 2024-000971
Project Location: 1362 Old Topanga Road within the Santa Monica Mountains Coastal Zone Planning Area
Applicant: Veronica Mosqueda
Project Description: OTP for encroachment into the protected zones of six oak trees in association with the installation of a roof-mounted solar energy array on an existing 20-foot-tall 1,637 square-foot single-family residence, including appurtenant wiring, boxes, and panels (“Project”). The array would consist of 28 panels with a maximum height of six inches and would total approximately 568 square feet in area.
More information: Jon Schneider 320 W. Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. (213) 974-6411. jschneider@planning.lacounty.gov. planning.lacounty.gov.
Case Material: https://bit.y/PRJ2024-000971
If you need reasonable accommodations or auxiliary aids, contact the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator at (213) 974-6488 (Voice) or (213) 617-2292 (TDD) with at least 3 business days’ advanced notice.
12/19/24
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REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
Notice is given that proposals for East Los Angeles Demonstration Bicycle Sharing Program (BRC0000571) will be received by the Los Angeles County Public Works per the instructions listed on the RFP until 5:30pm, Tuesday, December 31, 2024. There will be an optional online Proposers’ Conference on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at 2 p.m. To participate, proposers will need to sign in using the electronic sign-in sheet accessible at the following link: https://pw.lacounty.gov/contracts/opportunities.aspx. The total contract amount is estimated to be $1,500,000. Instructions for accessing the RFP document are available at the following link: http:// pw.lacounty.gov/brcd/servicecontracts or may be mailed to you upon request by calling(626) 300-2652 orTDDat(626) 282-7829.
12/19/24
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BID NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT SMMUSD invites sealed proposals for: RFP #25.02 – Districtwide Fleet Vehicles. All proposals must be electronically submitted via Secure Bids at https://colbisecurebids.com/o/smmusd/2502 on or before: Thursday, January 16, 2024 2:00 P.M. RFP forms and specifications may be obtained in the link provided within this notice.
MALIBU 266
NOTICE INVITING BIDS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that sealed bids for the City of Malibu, MALIBU PERMANENT SKATE PARK PROJECT, SPECIFICATION NO. 2112, 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, JANUARY 16, 2025, at which time they will be publicly opened and read by the City Clerk (or designated representative).
SCOPE OF WORK
In general, the proposed improvements consist of a new custom, in-ground, cast in place skate park, grading, drainage, erosion control, landscaping, electrical work, new water lines, irrigation, the installation of a prefabricated restroom 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 MALIBU PERMANENT SKATE PARK PROJECT Specification No. 2112 now on file in the City’s Public Works Department.
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 23, “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 3rd day of December, 2024 CITY OF MALIBU, CALIFORNIA
Rob DuBoux, Public Works Director/City Engineer
Published: Malibu Times on December 19, 2024 and December 26, 2024 and January 2, 2025 and January 9, 2025
1. Person asking for protection: La persona que solicita protection:
Tarcisio Mosconi
2. Notice to (name of person to be restrained): Aviso a (nombre de la persona a ser restringida): Antonio Salvatore Alessi
The person in (1) is asking for a Civil Harassment Restraining Order against you.
La persona en (1) esta pidiendo una orden de restriccion por acoso civil contra usted.
3. You have a court date Tiene una audiencia en la corte
Date (Fecha): January 12, 2025
Time (Hora): 8:30 a.m.
Dept (Depto): 25
Room (Sala): 317
What if I don’t go to my court date?
If you do not go to your court date, the judge can grant a restraining order that limits your contact with the person in (1). Having a restraining order against you may impact your life in other ways, including preventing you from having guns and ammunition. If you do not go to your court date, the judge could grant everything that the person in (1) asked the judge to order.
¿Qué pasa si no voy a la audiencia?
Si no va a la audiencia, el juez puede dictar una orden de restricción que limita su contacto con la persona en (1) Una orden de restricción en su contra puede tener otras consecuencias, como prohibirle tener armas de fuego y municiones. Si no va a la audiencia, el juez puede ordenar todo lo que pida la persona in (1).
How do I find out what the person in 1 is asking for?
To find out what the person in (1) is asking the judge to order, go to the courthouse listed at the top of page 1. Ask the court clerk to let you see your case file. You will need to give the court clerk your case number, which is listed above and on page 1. The request for restraining order will be on form CH-100, Request for Civil Harassment Restraining Order.
¿Cómo puedo entender lo que pide la persona en 1? Para entender lo que pida la persona en 1, vaya al tribunal en la dirección indicada en la parte superior de la página 1. Pida al secretario de la corte permiso para ver el expediente de su caso. Tendrá que darle al secretario el número de su caso, que aparece arriba y en la página 1. La solicitud de una orden de restricción se hace en el formulario CH-100, Solicitud de órdenes de restricción por acoso civil.
Where can I get help?
Free legal information is available at your local court s self-help center. Go to www.courts.ca.gov/selfhelp to find your local center.
¿Dónde puedo obtener ayuda?
Puede obtener información legal gratis en el centro de ayuda de su corte. Vea www.courts.ca.gov/ selfhelp para encontrar el centro de ayuda en su condado.
Do I need a lawyer?
You are not required to have a lawyer, but you may want legal advice before your court hearing. For help finding a lawyer, you can visit www.lawhelpca.org or contact your local bar association.
¿Necesito un abogado?
No es obligatorio tener un abogado, pero es posible que quiera consejos legales antes de la audiencia en la corte. Para ayuda a encontrar un abogado, visite www.lawhelpca.org/es/homepage o contacte al Colegio de Abogados local.
[seal] Date (Fecha):
Clerk, by (Secretario, por): [sello ]Deputy (Asistente) MALIBU 268
CLASSIFIEDS
“NOTICE TO READERS: California law requires that contractors taking jobs that total $500 or more (labor and/or materials) be licensed by the Contractors State License Board. State law also requires that contractors include their license numbers on all advertising. Check your contractor’s status at www. cslb.ca.gov or 800-321-CSLB (2752). Unlicensed persons taking jobs that total less than $500 must state in their advertisements that they are not licensed by the Contractors State License Board.”
ALL REAL ESTATE advertised herein are subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, ancestry or national origin or intention to make such preference, limitation or discrimination. We will not knowingly accept any advertisements for real estate in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis. THE MALIBU TIMES reserves the right to refuse the publishing of any advertisement(s) and to delete any objectionable word(s), phrase(s) and/ or image(s) from such advertisement. If there is an error or omission in the printing and/ or publication of an advertisement, The Malibu Times’ liability is limited to only one incorrect insertion or omission.
Advertising Packages
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Animals
AGOURA ANIMAL SHELTER 29525 West Agoura Road, Agoura, CA 91301 (west of Kanan Road) 818-991-0071. Visiting Hours Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Closed on Sunday and holidays. www. animalcare.lacounty.gov
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Antonio Alessi – Hospitality, Restaurant, Business Consulting expert with 25+ years in management, finance, and design, specializing in iconic food establishments in the Malibu Country Mart, Fred Segal Melrose, and Fisherman’s Village in Marina del Rey. (310) 463-0739, antonioalessi.com
Contractor
FIREPROOF YOUR ATTIC AND BASEMENT VENTS AGAINST FIRE EMBERS. We will retrofit or replace your existing vents. We are a licensed remodeling specialist contractor in Malibu for over 40 years. Please call for an estimate.Beachside Builders Const Inc. License# 546903 310456-1937 beachsidebuilders@ hotmail.com
KANEROY and ASSOCIATES
has been proud to serve Malibu & the Westside for the past 20 years, and look forward to putting it’s broad experience,
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Enhance Your Problem-Solving
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Pepperdine women’s tennis player Savannah Broadus returned from across the pond with a gold medal for the second straight year earlier this month.
Broadus, a senior All-American and one of the best players in Waves’ history, was a member of the USA National Collegiate squad that outlasted teams from eight other countries to win the Nov. 29 to Dec. 1 Master’U BNP Paribas Championship in France.
Broadus was the victor in one singles match and two doubles competitions as the six-member red, white, and blue squad won the three-day spectacle in Reims, a city 80 miles northeast of Paris.
Broadus said winning back-to-back gold medals over tough opponents was unbelievable.
“The matches were super competitive,” she said. “That makes the feeling of winning that much better. It meant that much more to all of us.”
The U.S. squad included Texas’ Sebastian Gorzny, UC Santa Barbara’s Amelia Honer, Texas A&M’s Mary Stoiana, Michigan’s Gavin Young, and Columbia’s Michael Zheng. Washington’s Robin Stephenson and Harvard’s Andrew Rueb coached the team.
Broadus described the group as a family.
“I saw the joy on everyone’s faces when we won,” she recalled. “Winning it was just as good as last year, if not better.”
The U.S. defeated Great Britain 4-1 to win the championship match on Dec. 1. Broadus beat Great Britain’s Eliz Maloney 6-3, 7-6 in the tournament’s final.
Broadus beat Gina-Marie Dittman 6-1, 6-4 in the Americans’ 6-1 victory over Germany in the quarterfinals. She and Honer, also an All-American, won their doubles match 6-1, 6-1.
Broadus and Honer defeated their opponents 8-5 in Team USA’s 5-1 victory over France in the semifinals.
Broadus said beating France wasn’t easy.
“Getting through that was a testament to how much fun we were having and also how hard we were working and caring for each other to get us through those matches,” she said.
Last December, Broadus won two doubles, one singles and one mixed doubles
match as the Americans claimed the tennis spectacle’s championship. She is the second Pepperdine player to win backto-back gold medals at the event, nicknamed the “World Event of University Tennis.” Ashley Lahey won gold in 2017 and 2018.
Team USA has now won the Master’U BNP Paribas Championship five straight times and 12 times in the event’s 17-year history, including 10 of the last 11 titles.
Broadus said playing in the French tournament enhanced her tennis game.
“I learned a lot about myself and what
I need to do to improve to take things to another level after my college career,” she said. “I learned how having fun can really improve your level of tennis and enjoying the tight matches, the battles you go through, can help things turn out well no matter what.”
Pepperdine tennis player Savannah Broadus (top photo, fourth from right) celebrates with her U.S.
shown in action during various matches at the event. Photos by Etienne Jeanneret
