SAFE AND SPOTLESS
SPOTLESS AND SAFE
The Malibu Times The Malibu Times NEWS PA PER • MAGAZ I NE • O NL I NE
NEW S PAPER • MAGAZINE •ONLINE Malibu’s Award-Winning Community Paper Since 1946
VOL. LXXVI • NO. XI
THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022
malibutimes.com • $.50 • WEEKLY
Man vandalizes homes with a pickaxe, leaves families terrorized
Supervisor candidate Bob Hertzberg opposes overnight camping in Malibu hills
Thomas Aaron Brothers was later identified, arrested, and detained
Tinder-dry vegetation, higher temperatures create too much fire risk for it to be practical, he states
By SAMANTHA BRAVO Of The Malibu Times
By JIMY TALLAL Special to The Malibu Times
Bob Hertzberg, currently a California State Senator (D-Van Nuys) and majority leader emeritus of the State Senate, is a candidate for the LA County Board of Supervisors District 3 (which includes Malibu) in the November election. He issued a statement to the press and to Malibu city officials on Sunday saying he opposes overnight camping in the hills above Malibu. Malibu Mayor Paul Grisanti said in a phone interview that he couldn’t ask for a better statement from a county supervisor candidate. “It’s a rational response to reality,” Grisanti said. In his statement, Hertzberg describes Malibu’s hills and beaches as “national treasures” that need to be protected for the continued enjoyment of many. He points out that the current conditions of extreme drought CONTINUED ON PAGE A6
World War II veteran Martin Copenhafer (front center) celebrates with family and friends (left to right) Anne Payne, Robert Johnson, Julie Duhaut-Bedos, John Payne, and Heidi Bernardafter receiving the Legion of Honor medal on Sunday. Photo by Julie Ellerton/TMT
French Legion of Honor medal awarded to Malibu resident Martin Copenhafer feted by French and U.S. dignitaries By JUDY ABEL Special to The Malibu Times
A remarkable local gentleman has just received the country of France’s highest and most prestigious award. The Legion of Honor medal was bestowed to 50-year Malibu resident Martin Copenhafer, who at age 101 may be the
country’s oldest honoree. The Legion of Honor is one of France’s oldest distinctions as well, created by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802. The ceremony honoring Copenhafer took place at Serra Retreat July 10 under crystalline skies with French and American flags adorning the road up to the center’s courtyard in appreciation of the French government’s recognition of the World War II hero. The Consul General of France in Los Angeles, Julie Duhaut-Be-
Restaurant vandalized on Point Dume; safe, registers, and tips taken
Sunlife Organics juice bar, D’Amores Famous Pizza and the Thaia Restaurant in Point Dume Plaza were broken into and vandalized on Wednesday, July 6. Sunlife Organics Assistant General Manager Marcus McDonald said the vandalism occurred at around 6:45 a.m. “The front door got completely shattered and they came in and went through everything,” McDonald said. “They took our old
either French or foreign nationals, for outstanding achievements in military or civilian life. Copenhafer’s military career in WWII was exceptional. He enlisted in the Navy in 1942 and became a quartermaster for an LST (landing ship tank) that ferries equipment and troops to fronts. His vessel was bombed near Sicily, caught fire and sank, but Copenhafer managed to swim to safety and eventually to another
In addition, Local California Coastal Commission advised that they do not agree with Woolsey Fire Rebuild Option 4 By SAMANTHA BRAVO Of The Malibu Times Thaia restaurant employees taped a sign that reads, “Watch your step broken glass. We are looking into getting this cleaned up. Thank you for your patience.” Photo by Samantha Bravo/TMT
safe and all of the cash off our tip wall.” McDonald said he received a message from the general manager saying the property manager had told them about the incident. McDonald said the incident was captured on security camera and two suspects, wearing all black, were seen breaking in and taking the safe, register and tip money. Sunlife Organics Juice Bar was the only place that was still oper-
ating after the incident occurred, while D’amores and Thaia Restaurant stayed closed throughout the day. The employees at Sunlife Organics taped a sign that read, “Watch your step, broken glass. We are looking into getting this cleaned up. Thank you for your patience,” to inform customers about the broken glass. McDonald said when situations like this happen, they have safety CONTINUED ON PAGE A6
The Malibu Middle and High School Specific Plan was the most discussed and highly signed-up item during the Malibu City Council meeting on Monday, July 11. The council also discussed and passed Item 6a, Woolsey Fire Rebuild Option, and the Potential Transaction and Use Tax Measure. Before council addressed the items on the agenda, City Manager Steve McClary provided a city manager update, Environmental Sustainability Director Yolanda Bundy announced the Dark Sky Ordinance hearing scheduled for
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INSIDE
this week
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City Council approves Malibu Middle and High School Specific Plan
Sunlife Organics Juice Bar was still operating while D’amores and Thaia Restaurant stayed closed By SAMANTHA BRAVO Of The Malibu Times
dos, spoke of her country’s honor to Copenhafer for his service to France. “To confer such a medal to an individual is a solemn occasion,” Duhaut-Bedos explained to the family, friends, military and government officials in attendance. “This medal is of high importance to France. It’s a way to express beyond words, gratitude of my country,” The Legion of Honor can be conferred upon men and women,
Several residence along Pacific Coast Highway and Tuna Canyon Road were vandalized by a man with a pickaxe during the Fourth of July weekend. The man, later identified as 55-year-old Thomas Aaron Brothers, was taken into custody four days later in Santa Monica around 11:30 a.m. Friday and faces vandalism charges. The Los Angeles Sheriff ’s Department was able to identify Brothers on one of the home security cameras, swinging the pickaxe towards residents’ doors
Aug. 8, and Public Works Director Rob DuBoux provided an update on the Public Safety State of the City. DuBoux also announced Caltrans’ decision to terminate the hybrid beacon project near Malibu Seafood. Sheriff ’s Lt. Chad Watters provided an update on the vandalism that occurred on Tuna Canyon on the Fourth of July weekend and said the suspect has been found and arrested. “As far as reaching out to the community for that, giving us enough information as they had really, really helps,” Watters said. “If you have information on a crime that is committed against you or committed to the person next to you, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. These are the kinds of things that really help us get through a case and really find a way to solve them.” As for the council action regarding CONTINUED ON PAGE A8
Malibu father and son executive produce new movie on cosplay | B1
Opinion . . . . . . . . . .A2 News Briefs . . . . . . . .A3 • Planning Commission to hold hearing on Juan Cabrillo demolition Calendar . . . . . . . . . .A4 • Events Local News. . . . . . . . .A6 • Public Safety addresses recent crime, vandalism, and copper wire theft Real Estate . . . . . . . . A8 Malibu Life . . . . . . . . B1 • Malibu-focused photo series on display at Santa Monica Mountains Visitor Center Malibu People . . . . . . . B2 • Sean Penn’s work with CORE gets kudos and honors Community . . . . . . . . B3 • Pepperdine Wins All-Sports Trophy for Fourth Time Legal Notices . . . . . . . B4 Business & Directory . . B5 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . B5 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . B8 • Malibu Little League alum Royce Clayton Jr. to play college ball for Hawaii