Nov/Dec 2019

MALIBU www.malibumag.com

REPORT

MAGAZINE

Why Malibu Doesn’t Underground Its Power Lines CAMPING ON PCH Malibu’s Growing RV Problem The Queen of Coastal Real Estate

e n e r I r e m l a P n a z z Da

RESTAURANTS

Inside Malibu’s Highly Anticipated Nicolas Eatery ART SCENE The City’s Newly Painted Utility Boxes TRAVEL

Top Tropical Destinations For Winter

DECEMBER 2019

$ 5.95 US

SANTA MONICA + BEVERLY HILLS + CALABASAS + WESTLAKE VILLAGE

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Givenchy ©2019 South Coast Plaza

A. Lange & Söhne · Alexander McQueen · Balenciaga · Bottega Veneta · Brunello Cucinelli · Burberry · Cartier · Celine · Chanel Chloé · Dior · Dior Men · Diptyque · Dolce&Gabbana · Eve by Eve’s · Fendi · Giorgio Armani · Givenchy · Golden Goose Gucci · Hermès · Lanvin · Louis Vuitton · Marni · Max Mara · Moncler · Moynat · Roger Vivier · Rolex · Saint Laurent Salvatore Ferragamo · Stella McCartney · The Webster · Tod’s · Vacheron Constantin · Valentino · Van Cleef & Arpels partial listing

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MALGOSIA MIGDAL DESIGN Malgosia Migdal Design is a full service design firm based in Beverly Hills for more than 25 years. With a personal home in Malibu, the devastation of the recent Los Angeles fires left many of our friends and neighbors in need of rebuilding their homes. In response to this tragedy, we opened a second office in Malibu to better serve the community in which we reside. MMD is extending preferential interior design rates to help alleviate the financial hardships beset upon our neighbors as they begin to rebuild their lives. Malgosia Migdal Design has fostered exclusive collaborations with Marc Phillips Rugs, Alex Turco (artist), and other international brands to bring a uniquely curated selection of products to the Malibu area!

WE ARE NOW OPEN IN MALIBU! MALGOSIA MIGDAL, CID, ASID Owner/Principal Designer T. 310.345.9299 E. mm@malgosiadesign.com www.malgosiadesign.com MALIBU OFFICE 29160 Heathercliff Rd. #415 Malibu, CA 90265 BEVERLY HILLS OFFICE 420 N. Camden Dr. PH Beverly Hills, CA 90210

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LETTER FROM THE EDITORS

Julie Wuellner

Holly Bieler

And just like that the holidays are upon us once again and we’re wrapping up another year.

This November marks the one-year anniversary of the Woolsey Fire, which is still impacting so many us every day. While our community is stronger than ever, many of our residents are still struggling to rebuild homes and coping with re-awakened trauma as we experience this year’s fire season. This issue, MALIBU MAGAZINE takes a look at the deep-seated psychological toll that our community has endured as we speak with local psychologists about how Malibu residents are dealing with PTSD from the Woolsey fire. October saw some of the strongest Santa Ana winds in recent history, inciting the first-ever extreme red flag warning and causing fires to break out across Southern California, with thousands of residents losing power due to SCE’s Public Safety Power Shutoffs. MALIBU MAGAZINE investigates why the city doesn’t underground powerlines in the face of such problems. We also speak with Jason Farhang, a local weather specialist about how Santa Ana winds are created.

Next we take a look at a problem that has had Malibuites up in arms for months now: the increasing amount of RVs, trailers and even tents camping overnight along PCH. MALIBU MAGAZINE examines the new signage being posted along PCH in light of the issue as well as some ideas on how to solve it.

Irene Dazzan Palmer, know as Malibu’s ‘Queen of Coastal Real Estate’, graces our cover this issue. One of the most well-known agents in the country, we sit down with Dazzan Palmer to hear more about her upbringing in the San Jouquin Valley, her career and precious family life and her abiding love for her Malibu community.

After a year of delays, Nicolas Eatery finally opens along PCH and we couldn’t be more excited. We got the chance to sit down with Nicolas himself in his beautiful new restaurant and meet the family that inspires many of the eatery’s favorite dishes. MALIBU MAGAZINE also sits down with Malibu Seaside Chef, Gina Clarke-Helm, to discuss her career as one of Southern California’s top caterers and how she juggles her professional life with new motherhood. Clarke-Helm also breaks down how to make the ultimate prime rib, a great recipe for the holiday season.

Next we travel halfway around the world to bring you the best of Bali, Indonesia for our special travel section. If you haven’t been, we couldn’t recommend the island more. Between age-old temples, towering rice fields and pristine beaches there is something for everyone. We also head to the travel favorite Hawaii to showcase the beautiful Montage Kapulua Bay, which offers the ultimate in relaxation.

Saving the best for last, we are incredibly excited to annouce our first-ever coffee table book, MALIBU 2020 which will be available this January. It will feature our best articles and photos of Malibu across 400+ pages. The book will be available in stores around Malibu as well as for sale on Amazon.

Wherever you end up heading to this holiday season, we hope you enjoy this magical time of year.

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From the editors of MALIBU MAGAZINE

OUR FIRST-EVER COFFEE TABLE BOOK With all of MALIBU MAGAZINE’s best content in one publication, MALIBU 2020 is the perfect book for any Malibuite.

Malibu’s Best-kept Secret: Serra Retreat offers a much needed break from people’s hectic, daily lives.

The Day Malibu Burned: Images of the Woolsey Fire as it made its descent on Malibu on Nov. 9.

A Flight Above The Point: A totally different view of Westward Beach to Point Dume Plaza.

Under Malibu’s Surface: The waters off Malibu’s coastline are bursting with life and beauty.

Malibu Farm: The restaurant on Malibu pier is a go-to spot for tourists and locals alike.

The PCH Report: The iconic highway running through Malibu is plagued by chronic issues.

A Malibu Experience: The Surfrider hotel is one of Malibu’s most buzzed about new openings.

Saddle Peak Hike: A hike offering panoramic mountain and ocean views hard to beat.

Woolsey Fire: In Their Own Words: Stories from Malibu residents whose lives were changed by the fire.

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Available soon on Amazon & around Malibu

400+ pages

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CONTENTS

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PEOPLE EVENT ROUNDUP Coverage of the best fall events in Malibu over the past two months, plus our People We Love features.

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POWER LINES UNDERGROUNDING After yet another slew of fires and power shutoffs, we investigate why Malibu doesn’t underground its powerlines.

60 WILDFIRE PTSD We speak with a local psychologist and take a look at how Malibuites are doing one year after the Woolsey Fire.

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PCH MALIBU’S RV PROBLEM On a 1-mile stretch of PCH, people are living out of RVs, cars and even tents, causing concern about fire hazards and unsanitary conditions.

80 52 POWERLINES A look at why Malibu hasn’t undergrounded its powerlines.

98 GORJANA The perfect holiday gift for anyone on your list.

FOOD NICOLAS EATERY After a year of waiting, Nicolas Eatery finally opens. We get to know Nicolas Fanucci and the family behind the restaurant.

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FOOD GINA CLARKE-HELM Gina Clarke-Helm, aka the Malibu Seaside Chef, sits down to discuss her career, motherhood and the secret to the perfect prime rib.

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HOLIDAYS GIFT GUIDE 90 MALIBU SEASIDE CHEF Gina Clarke-Helm is known for her command

of flavors and deep-seated knowledge of many cuisines

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Just in time for the holidays we’ve put together the perfect colorful gift guide, guaranteed to have something for everyone on your list.

MALIBU MAGAZINE

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CONTENTS

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ART THE SOUND OF SILENCE

Malibu Magazine art columnist Jac Forbes on the spirituality of the abstract and how it can offer the perfect escape.

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NURSERY MOON VALLEY NURSERY A look at new Point Dume favorite Moon Valley Nursery, which offers everything from fruit trees to 30-year old olive trees.

132 IRENE DAZZAN PALMER Known as the “Queen of Coastal Real Estate”, Dazzan Palmer was driven to succeed from a young age.

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TRAVEL FROM MALIBU TO BALI

Malibu Magazine editor Julie Wuellner travels halfway around the world to bring you the best that Bali, Indonesia has to offer.

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142 32357 PCH One of Malibu’s most stunning homes currently for sale.

108 MOON VALLEY Point Dume’s newest nursery.

SCHOOLS UPDATES The latest news from Malibu schools, including new holiday happenings and Malibu Elementary School’s latest mascot.

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COVER STORY IRENE DAZZAN PALMER We sit down with one of the country’s most wellknown and acclaimed agents to hear more about her success and family life in Malibu.

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REAL ESTATE TODAY’S MARKET 112 JATILUWIH RICE TERRACES Bali’s Jatiluwih rice terraces sprawl across central Bali and offer visitors unforgettable views.

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Some of Malibu’s top listings and our Home of the Month, an incredible 5 bedroom, 9 bathroom ocean-view home on Pacific Coast Hwy.

MALIBU MAGAZINE

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SHENREALTY.COM

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MALIBU BROKERAGE | 23401 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265 | sothebyshomes.com Sotheby’s International Realty and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered (or unregistered) service marks used with permission. Operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. Real estate agents affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. SIR DRE License Number: 899496

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A Modern Medical Aesthetics Boutique.

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bespoke luxury by the sea

hello, california dreaming Inspired by the relaxed allure of a private beach home, the newly transformed Oceana welcomes guests to experience a whole new take on luxury. With residentialstyle suites, exclusive guest-only dining and curated seaside activities, Oceana invites you to explore the best of Santa Monica and beyond.

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MASTHEAD

PUBLISHER

Dirk Manthey EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Julie Wuellner

MANAGING EDITOR

Holly Bieler

ART DIRECTOR

Petra Pflug

DIGITAL EDITOR

Alyssa Morlacci

EDITORS-AT-LARGE

Holly Bieler Alyssa Morlacci Barbara Burke

Jules Williams Jacqueline ‘Jac’ Forbes Tammy Arlidge

Julie Wuellner Jules Williams Suzy Demeter Giovani Pictures

Samantha Annis Jean-Pierre Provo Avis Wrentmore

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Lauren Holliday

SALES MANAGER

Tricia Baak

SALES LEAD

Makenzie Rasmussen Lauren McCarran Danny Wang

Dorie Leo Steve Bliman

INTERNS

Patrisha Rualo Taylor Tomlinson SECURITY / MODEL

Bailey ADVERTISING

advertising@malibumag.com DISTRIBUTION

Disticor Right Way Distribution Malibu Magazine (ISSN1938-9272) published bimonthly by ES Media Service LLC. 23410 Civic Center Way Unit E-8, Malibu, CA 90265. Reproduction without permission of the publisher is prohibited. The publisher and editors are not responsible for unsolicited material, and it will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication subject to Malibu Magazine’s right to edit.

POSTMASTER

Send address changes to Malibu Magazine 23410 Civic Center Way Unit E-8, Malibu, CA 90265.

Copyright © 2019 by ES Media Services LLC. All rights reserved.

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AMBIENT & KAY COLLECTIONS BY HENRIK PEDERSEN

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CONTRIBUTORS

BARBARA BURKE Writer

Barbara Burke is a freelance journalist and writer from Malibu. She obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Arizona. She delights in digging deep, delving into details and thoroughly researching a topic, whether the subject focuses on the lighter side or delves into deeper topics, such as her articles in the realm of investigative journalism. She is honored to write for Malibu Magazine.

ALYSSA MORLACCI Writer

Lifestyle journalist Alyssa Morlacci joined Malibu Magazine as digital editor in September 2019. She has contributed to publications including Los Angeles Magazine, LALA Magazine, Time Out, Here Magazine, Flamingo Magazine, Gulfshore Life and titles by Gulfstream Media Group, where she worked as associate and later managing editor from 2014 to 2019. When she isn’t obsessing over sentence structures, she’s likely ordering a latte, packing her bags for a weekend getaway or practicing hot yoga.

TAMMY ARLIDGE Writer

Tammy Arlidge is a freelance writer and real estate agent for Pinnacle Estate Properties. Originally from NC, she has been in the Malibu area for over 25 years having worked in the film industry. Author of the blog UnWinedinMalibu, she is currently working on her Great American Novel and proud to be a contributor to Malibu Magazine.

ALISON POTHIER & JULES WILLIAMS Columnists & Photographers

Jules Williams and Alison Pothier are husband and wife filmmakers living in Malibu. Also writers, coaches and intuitive practitioners, they create short-form documentaries, write books, and coach private and professional individuals. Jules has directed Elliott Gould, Sir Alan Parker,and Hans Zimmer, among others. The owner of Inside Out Retreats, Alison runs retreats for individuals and executives.

JAQUELINE ‘JAC’ FORBERS Columnist

As the co-owner of CANVAS . MALIBU – A Gallery of Art and Fashion in the Malibu Country Mart, Jacqueline ‘Jac’ Forbes has curated over 50 Artist exhibitions featuring local, national and international artists. She enjoys working closely in the development of future gallerist and emerging artists, sharing her eye, experience and expertise. Forbes has travelled the world to view great works participating in various art markets.

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For those who seek an exceptional life

821sandpointroad.com Carpinteria | Private Ocean Front Retreat | $24,500,000 Paula Ross Jones 310.880.9750

1185fife.com Montecito | Premier Birnam Wood Golf Club Home | $7,500,000 Harry Kolb 805.452.2500

1090Ravoli.com Pacific Palisades | Villa Delle Fontane | $6,995,000 Enzo Ricciardelli 310.255.5467

645elbosqueroad.com Montecito | Modern Farmhouse | $5,250,000 T. Mearce 805.450.3336 R. Marvin 805.698.1590

36PinecrestRoad.com Thousand Oaks | Puerta Del Cielo Vineyard Estate | $3,500,000 Rod Aragon 310.863.1652,

6642ZumirezDrive.com and 6628ZumirezDrive.com Malibu | Point Dume Beach Access Lots | $3,495,000 each James Respondek 310.488.4400

1197tyndallstreet.com Santa Ynez | Custom Home | $885,000 J. McCorkell 805.455.7019 E. Raney 805.886.7440

6319ramirezcanyon.com Malibu | Romantic Canyon Lease | $25,000 Per Month Pamela Conley Ulich 310.699.0424

28942boniface.com Malibu | Architectural Masterpiec | $25,000 Per Month Pamela Conley Ulich 310.699.0424

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA BROKERAGES Sotheby’s International Realty and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered (or unregistered) service marks used with permission. Operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. Real estate agents affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. SIR DRE#: 899496.

DRE License Numbers for All Featured Agents: P. Ross Jones 1157578, H. Kolb 00714226, E. Ricciardelli 1097604, J. Respondek 713972, R. Aragon 0424522, M. Ketelhut 2044046, J. McCorkell 2051326, E. Raney 1312269, T. Mearce 1969409, R. Marvin 2056190, P. Ulich 1906130,

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THE PALISADES FIRE

On Monday, October 21 a brush fire broke out in the Pacific Palisades which caused around 600 homes to be evacuated but thankfully no structures were damaged.

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THE BIG PHOTO

MALIBU MAGAZINE

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The Creative Influencer Podcast

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MALIBUITES

CALABASAS

Nights of the Jack VIP Night On October 2nd, King Gillette Ranch kicked off the Halloween season with their annual Nights of the Jack VIP friends and family preview night. Special guests and their families came together to experience this opening night and make memories at Nights of the Jack “instagrammable” venue. Nights of the Jack took the timeless tradition of pumpkin carving turned it into an immersive half-mile long light experience to showcase some of the best pumpkin installations and elaborate carvings. This year, the event took partnership with Nickelodeon and featured a unique Spongebob Squarepants installation and attributed the iconic Bikini Bottom with a special twist of illumination and carving designs.

The event is tailored to suit all ages so that the whole family can come to enjoy this spooktacular experience. On the grounds of the ranch, you can find some of Los Angeles’ most notable food trucks and “The Spookeasy Bar” that’s there to serve crafty Halloween themed cocktails and an array of other alcoholic drinks. Once you’re done exploring the trail, you can finish the evening by visiting JOE’s Coffee truck and grabbing their signature pumpkin spice latte.

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NIGHTS OF THE JACK The interactive, family friendly halloween event at King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas features thousnads of intricately hand-carved pumpkins. poolside environment.

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MALIBUITES

MALIBU

Malibu Half Marathon & 5k On Sunday, November 3 Malibu Half Marathon and 5k Run/Walk returned for its 11th annual race for charity held along Pacific Coast Highway’s beautiful scenic route.

Rusnak BMW returned for the second year as presenting sponsor and gave the runners an opportunity to see the latest and most innovated BMW dream cars. This year, Malibu Marathon welcomed New Balance Los Angeles to their family of premium partners dedicated to helping athletes pursue their best.

Aside from the brand sponsorships, many come to show support for the Boys and Girls Club of Malibu.

Participants of the race were also given the option to enjoy a Charity/ VIP lounge experience, which Race Director Erica MacVittie says, “is one of the best VIP lounge experiences found in any race of the country.” This race is especially critical for the community since “many local kids don’t come from the affluent backgrounds, the Boys and Girls Club of Malibu plays a critical role within the community by providing safe, affordable, and professionally staffed clubhouse with inspiring opportunities for kids to grow and learn.” The race was expected to raise over 40k for charity.

Photos via Malibu Half Marathon & 5k

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Buyer and Seller of Large Diamonds

MASTER GEMOLOGISTS

GALL RAIMAN

ALAN DELIDES

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MALIBUITES

MARGOLIS ESTATE

Malibu Urgent Care Fundraiser

Dr. Jill Ferguson & Dr. David Frankle

On Sunday, November 3, Malibu Urgent Care hosted a wine tasting event to help increase donations and a reminder to give thanks to the Malibu community for keeping the business running. The event was held at Margolis’ grand estate in the Malibu Colony where donors and lead doctors of the Urgent Care facility gathered together to share stories, favorite memories and essentially their own unique reason why Malibu Urgent Care means so much to them.

Malibu Urgent Care, like many other businesses around Malibu, has faced its own challenges after the Woolsey Fire a year ago. The event was there to remind the community and locals that without the support of the community and each other, Malibu wouldn’t stand the beacon of hope is it just one year after the tragic. Lead doctors and co-owners of Malibu Urgent Care, Dr. Jill Furgurson and Dr. David Frankle want to thank everyone again for showing their support in helping keep the clinic doors open.

Photos by Lacey Bieler

Jim Palmer and Irene Dazzan Palmer

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MALIBUITES

MALIBU COUNTRY MART

MaliBOO Halloween Celebration On Sunday, October 27 from noon to 2 p.m. the Malibu Country Mart hosted the annual MaliBOO festival to kick off the Halloween week.

The Country Mart decked out the plaza with haystacks and dozens of pumpkins to bring in the autumn feel by the beach. This family-friendly event offered families the chance to enjoy an afternoon carving pumpkins, face painting, and a chance to check out arts and crafts tables scattered across the plaza. The Country Mart also held a costume contest for the kids to showcase their best costumes and creativity. The event also encouraged parents to take their kids out for early tricking or treating around the mart where stores were supplied with candy to pass out for the kids.

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22648 PCH

2 2 6 4 8 PAC I F I C C OAS T H I G H WAY, M A L I B U, C A L I F O R N I A

One-of-a-kind “Billionaire’s Beach” residential compound! Set directly on a dry sand section of Carbon Beach, with unobstructed, 180-degree whitewater views, direct beach access, and 90 linear feet of beach frontage, the Property encompasses one of the most exclusive residential locations in the world. Located just steps from Nobu, The Soho House, Hotel Ryokan, The Malibu Beach Inn, Carbon Beach Club, and the Malibu Pier, the property was completely renovated and furnished at a cost of over $10 million in 2018. The property is comprised of 10 premium apartment units (all vacant) surrounding a central yard area, with abundant glassline with ocean views, renovated balconies and decks, a large yard with a manicured lawn and sand sunbathing area, and unparalleled surfaces, finishes, and fixtures throughout. This represents an extremely rare opportunity to acquire a premium investment, or residential compound for personal use, in one of the most affluent and renowned locales in the world.

Property web site with 3D walkthrough and fly-around video can be accessed at 22648PCH.com.

MAD IS ONPART NERS .NET BOB S A FA I | 310.442.3399 | bsafai@madisonpartners.net | Broker ID No.: 00978067

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MALIBUITES

MALIBU

Steven and Debbie Weiss with Sarah Cunin and Rabbi Levi Cunin.

Rabbi Levin Cunin with Kevin Bright

Rabbi Levi Cunin and Rebbetzin Sarah Cunin

Chabad of Malibu celebrated its 25th anniversary on Sunday November 3 at the beautiful home of Steve and Debbie Weiss. More than 200 friends and family from all over the country gathered to give tribute and thanks to Rabbi Levi Cunin and his wife Sarah for their unwavering generosity through these years.

Rabbi Menachem Rapaport, rabbinical college friend of Rabbi Cunin, who flew in from Wisconsin, says, “Rabbi Levi and Mrs. Sarah Cunin exemplify what complete dedication looks like. They have made a lifetime commitment to bringing light and meaning to every individual in the community. “ Chabad of Malibu is one of California’s most unique and unconventional Jewish Centers located across from the Malibu Pier. Executive producer, Kevin Bright, long-time friend and Chabad member, refers to Chabad of Malibu as the ‘little shul that could” referencing the synagogue’s drastic growth since 1994. “Rabbi Cunin and Sarah are about combating hatred by spreading the positivity of light.” In addition to a silent and live auction, the guests were treated to the soulful sounds of Ellis Hall while Black Tie Catering served mouthwatering appetizers and dinner.

Sarah Roven, family friend, adds, “They don’t judge.” They treat everyone the same, no matter what.

Everyone is welcome.”

Written by Tammy Arlidge, Photos by Giovanni Pictures

Sarah Cunin, Rabbi Levi Cunin with Kevin and Claudia Bright

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Chabad 25th Anniversary

Rabi Levi Cunin, Kevin Bright and Ellis Ha ll MALIBU MAGAZINE

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MALIBUITES

CROSS CREEK

Dos Gardenias Opening On Saturday, October 26 from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Dos Gardenias celebrated the launched of their flagship store in Malibu. Dos Gardenias is a luxury swimwear brand founded in 2016 by friends and surfers, Brighdie Grounds and Dorothy Day who made it their mission to create a swimwear line that sets their focus on curating sustainable high-performance pieces but still maintaining the luxury sleek silhouette design for the adventurous traveler who seeks style and comfort. A brand based in Los Angeles, the owners wanted to bring back their love of the sea and made Malibu the homestead for their flagship store. Dos Gardenias took a former thrift store and embraced the essence of what that space once was by keeping the store simple with its open space and sustainable minimalist furniture. The store precisely symbolizes what Dos Gardenias stands for mirroring the utilitarian and performance-based nature of the swimsuits they create.

Photos by Samantha Annis

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MALIBUITES

Maya Jupiter (middle) with band members

Matthews family with David Shapiro (middle).

Natalie Backman leading a kickoff yoga session

AGOURA HILLS

Imagine Fest On September 22, Imagine Fest hosted an all day fundraising festival at Agoura Hills Recreation and Event Center and partnered up with Unlikely Heros, a nonprofit organization dedicated its efforts to end human trafficking. 100% of proceeds collected from the festival went towards to organization in their efforts to raise funds and help build awareness. Imagine Fest offered their guests a day filled with live music, yoga, meditation, and powerful panel sessions. Panels were held by a number of thought leaders there to advocate social change, including the founder of Unlikely Heroes, Erica Greve. A wide variety of artisanal vendors and food trucks were provided on site to provide guests with delicious foods and ethically conscious products sourced from local businesses.

Photos by Dominique Palombo

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SHOPPING

MALIBU FARMER’S MARKET

PAW-LIDAY AT THE FARMER’S MARKET

IRENE DAZZAN PALMER Coldwell Banker’s #1 Malibu real estate agent will be co-sponsoring the 2020 event.

DEB BIANCO The founder of the Malibu Farmer’s Market is also co-sponsoring the event.

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Irene Dazzan Palmer, the #1 realtor for Coldwell Banker Malibu, and Debra Bianco, President of The Cornucopia Foundation/ Malibu Farmer’s Market, are calling all animals lovers to join them on Sunday, February 9nd, 2020 for the first annual Paw-liday at the Malibu Farmer’s Market. Come see the best of the animal kingdom, including wolves, gibbons, and exotic animals.

Experts will be available at the event to educate the public on why you should adopt, not shop, and providing information on conservation efforts aimed at helping wild animals and preserving habitats Dogs and cats will be up for adoption, and for those who already have a four-legged friend at home, vendors will be selling gourmet animal treats. Whether you’re an activist or an owner, you’ll want to join the PAW-ty. Get up close, buy a raffle ticket, meet the pack or give an animal a home. Paw-liday at the Farmer’s is Co-sponsored by the Cornucopia Foundation/ Malibu Farmer’s Market and MM Irene Dazzan Palmer.

Malibu Farmer’s Market Open Every Sunday, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. cornucopiafoundation.net/location/

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Malibu Holiday Happenings Santa & Mrs. Clause

On Dec. 14 to 21 from noon to 4 p.m., bring the little ones to the Malibu Country Mart for complimentary photo ops with Santa and Mrs. Claus, arts and crafts activities, carolers performances of holiday classics, letter writing to Santa and more.

Friends of the Malibu Library

The Holiday Book Sale takes place in the Community Room on Dec. 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with childrens books priced as low as 50-cents, and proceeds support the library’s children’s programs.

Gorjana

Celebrate the holidays on Dec. 14 from noon to 2 p.m. at the jewelry store in Malibu Country Mart with a hot cocoa bar, complimentary gift wrapping and a hand-lettered glass ornament from an in-store calligrapher with any purchase.

Malibu Farm Enjoy Christmas Day Brunch at Helene Henderson’s farm-to-table brunch buffet on Dec. 25 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. An oyster bar, live carving station, chef’s table entrees and desserts round out the experience.

To hear about more events happpening around town, Subscribe to the new Malibu Moments Newsletter!

Sign up at: malibumag.com/subscribe-newsletter

Email us to list your event:

Alyssa@MalibuMag.com

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PEOPLE WE LOVE

HANS SHAHIDI

From Fords to Ferraris, Malibu Chevron Auto Care is our one-stop auto shop. Owner Hans Shahidi is more than a mechanic. He’s been racing Porsches since he was 16 and honing his love and knowledge of cars ever since. Shahidi ultimately opened his own shop in 1984 in Los Angeles. He then bought Malibu Texaco (now Shell) in 1991. Then, eight years ago, he purchased the current garage at Malibu Chevron. “We just completed our renovation with all new equipment and inventory with the highest standard,” Shahidi says. Whether your car is in need of a simple oil change or a radiator replacement, new tires, or just wiper fluid, Malibu Chevron Auto Shop is the place to go. He also works with body shops and will order any part for any make/model vehicle—and motorcycles, too. Centrally located in the heart of Malibu, at Malibu Chevron Auto Shop business is never slow. Shahidi makes certain every car receives the best possible care in a timely manner. “Fair,” “honest,” “friendly” and “professional” are just a few words the community uses to describe Shahidi and his team. “We won’t take our cars anywhere else,” says Malibu resident Holly Culhane. “Hans and his guys are the best.”

MALIBU MAGAZINE loves Hans Shahidi for his 30 years of devoted work and his handyman ability to fix anything.

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photo by Suzy Demeter/Surfside News

Meticulous Mechanic

ELLEN REICH

Matters Of The Heart Charming, witty, pithy and lovely, Malibu’s poet laureate Ellen Reich uses words to celebrate, educate and correlate concepts and insights. “Ellen is a Madonna of Malibu poetry; She brought us through the Dark Ages way back before we had a cultural scene,” says fellow poet Ricardo Ybarra. Reich’s work speaks loudly, providing pause in a hectic world and empowering listeners to observe life’s connections, revel in its surprises and celebrate the novel and sublime. “Ellen has been a steadfast flame for many years, dedicated to creating places where people can unleash their voices,” says Dr. Ann Buxie. “Her support and encouragement have enabled people to become the poets they are meant to be.” Reich states that poetry provides a way to work through the pain of being a young widow, of navigating the ebbs and flows of raising small children alone, and of losing a second husband and son within weeks of one another. Poetry is how Reich teaches her students to wordsmith, create and celebrate the power of expression. She approaches each performance with charm and as a student of history, verse, life’s hurdles, hassles and surprises—one must, she subtly instructs through her poems, take each challenge in stride.

MALIBU MAGAZINE loves Ellen Reich for her poetic skills and the creativity she nurtures in her students.

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PEOPLE WE LOVE

CLAUDIA TAYLOR

Creating New Beginnings Artist, entrepreneur, philanthropist, dedicated mother and lifelong Malibu local Claudia Taylor gathered charred wood burls from manzanita trees that washed down canyons and creeks to the beaches in heavy rains after the Woolsey fire. Her beautiful totem sculptures are spiritual assemblages honoring special objects and memories from the blaze. Taylor fashioned the beacons honoring the past while expressing a resilient future. “What I love about Claudia’s totems is that at the very heart of her sculptures are actual hearts of the manzanita trees that were once burned in the fire,” says Malibu gallerist Tracy Park. “In between each heart is a ring of ceramic inscribed with emotions evoked as a result of the fire. They are such powerful pieces; so beautiful and so well done.”

Taylor supports efforts to help ensure that all children can enjoy earth’s bounty.

As she and others gathered in the lovely garden of Plumcot Farm in Serra Retreat on Nov. 9 to remember the fire, they did not grieve. Instead, they gathered to support the next generation’s right to eat and grow organic food. Taylor and her husband, Rob, co-hosted a fundraiser to support Community Healing Gardens, a non-profit that operates an organic garden at Markham Middle School in Watts.

MALIBU MAGAZINE loves Claudia Taylor because she embraces the past, honors the future and exudes positive creativity.

PROFESSOR SUKHSIMRANJIT SINGH

A Voice Of Reason World peace and understanding is only made possible through understanding.

Professor Sukhsimranjit Singh, managing director of the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution and director of the LLM in Dispute Resolution program, specializes in eliminating divides in differing cultures. Resolving controversy is never an easy task, especially when a mix of backgrounds, values and life histories come in to play. A gentle giant, but a forceful, knowledgeable voice in the dispute resolution world, Singh has taught hundreds of students and attorneys the critical skills they need to facilitate resolution replacing acrimony, all the while using his humor and genteel nature to put new learners at ease while helping experienced attorneys further develop the skills needed to resolve conflicts. “Sukhsimranjit is a fabulous faculty colleague and managing director of our No. 2 ranked Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution,” says Paul Caron Dean of Pepperdine Law School. “He is a huge part of what makes Pepperdine Law such a special place: A law school strongly committed to our Christian heritage that is welcoming to people of all faiths. As a Sikh, Singh joins four Jewish and one Muslim professors as part of the rich tapestry of religious faiths represented on our faculty.”

MALIBU MAGAZINE loves Sukhsimranjit Singh for his efforts toward world peace and devotion to students, which makes him a respected professor.

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PEOPLE WE LOVE

RORY KENNEDY

Through Her Lense Rory Kennedy is an environmental activist and documentary filmmaker who embraces tough issues and helps finds solutions. She catalyzes change, facilitates public discourse and nurtures her own children as well as those around her. “Recent events have made me keenly aware of the need to take unprecedented action in order to keep global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius,” Kennedy wrote to her friends in September. “According to the IPCC report, we have a fullblown emergency on our hands. We need to force the government to act. If we continue to wait for them to do what’s right, it will be too late.” Kennedy has partnered with Aileen Getty and Trevor Nielson to launch the Climate Emergency Fund, a non-profit organization that provides financial support to environmental activists and organizations who have “rejected the gradualist approach to the climate emergency.”

Kennedy takes on social issues in her documentaries and grapples with challenges that require vision, leadership and creativity. “The time is now,” Kennedy wrote, noting that Climate Emergency Fund supports student climate strikes, such as those spearheaded by her daughter, Georgia Kennedy Bailey, in Malibu when area high schoolers demanded that adults and policymakers listen and act.

MALIBU MAGAZINE loves Rory Kennedy for her environmental work and her tireless effort to give back to the community.

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MAXIMUS MELLBERG

The Future is Bright Malibu High School student Maximus J. Mellberg is one smart cookie; he was named a National Merit Scholarship semifinalist, entitling him to compete for scholarships worth more than $31 million in total offered next spring. The achievement is an extremely important honor, the pool of semifinalists constitutes less than one percent of high school seniors nationwide and are the highest-scoring entrants in each state. Mellberg intends to pursue studies in mathematics, physics and engineering, but he loves math the most. Semifinalists who make it to the finalist level will be notified in February. Mellberg is considering colleges on both west and east coasts.

When he’s not solving conundrums, he enjoys participating in the high school robotics team. Mellberg earned his black belt from local instructor Kurt Lampson, and he has served as a humanitarian worker for the Costa Rica Humanitarian Foundation. He also earned an internship at UCLA’s computer science department. During the summer, Mellberg enjoys visiting his mother’s home country, Sweden.

Summers in Sweden are when he spends time chopping wood, picking wild berries and kayaking in the Swedish archipelago. Mellberg also enjoys alpine skiing, bicycling, reading sci-fi and fantasy, and computer gaming.

MALIBU MAGAZINE loves Maximus Mellberg for his dedication to education and his love of life.

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PEOPLE WE LOVE

KATINA ZINNER

Art With A Purpose Katina Zinner is the daughter of Oscar Award-winning editor, director and producer Peter Zinner, and fashion and celebrity photographer Christa Zinner, whose photos graced the covers of Look, Life, Ebony Magazine and a myriad of other publications, and who later in life became an accomplished sculpturist selling her bronze works internationally.

Zinner followed the footsteps of her father and became an editor and executive producer. But she also followed in her mother’s footsteps as she became an international artist and had her first solo show at age 11. Now, Zinner is helping others who are artistically inclined through Artify Life, her own branding and licensing business.

Zinner’s original artworks are presented through high-end home goods—the beautiful, bright, inspiring colors pieces live on swimsuits, bags, notebooks, dog beds and everyday appliances. Through splashes of color and vibrancy, Artify Life imbues everyday items, and 10 percent of proceeds from sales go toward causes close to Katina’s heart, from animals facing extinction to better living conditions for impoverished third-world countries.

MALIBU MAGAZINE loves Katina Zinner for her stunning artwork that brings beauty back to life.

HEIDI BERNARD

Unsparing Generosity Heidi Bernard was born to be a philanthropist. As a graduate of Pepperdine University’s Seaver College in 1985, she was attracted back to campus and has been there ever since. Her official title is executive director crest associate, but her job goes beyond the title. Bernard is more than a university advocate; she serves on numerous boards, including Malibu Chamber of Commerce, Malibu Association of Realtors, The Salvation Army Camp Lawrence Daley at Mt. Crags for underprivileged kids, Malibu Council Navy League, Malibu Veterans Committee, and she’s chaired the Arts Festival committee for the Malibu Chamber for multiple years.

Bernard can be seen around Malibu making conversation and forging long-standing relationships between the Pepperdine and Malibu communities. “I look for their passion,” she says. “It’s not just about financial contributions; It’s about their treasures, talents and time that they are willing to give.” And the giving works both ways. Pepperdine gave Malibu High School permission to use its tennis courts when the mudslides from the fires buried their own. As most will remember, Pepperdine hosted the generous Thanksgiving Day lunch following last year’s Woolsey fire. “Heidi has a strong heart and tireless work ethic,” says crest colleague Martin Parkes.

MALIBU MAGAZINE loves Heidi Bernard for her generosity toward Pepperdine University and the community of Malibu.

If you have suggestions for community members to feature in our next issue, email us at editorial@malibumag.com

✎ written by Barbara Burke and Tammy Arlidge

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photograph by David Katz, Malibu Search and Rescue

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UNDERGROUNDING POWER LINES

WHY WON’T MALIBU UNDERGROUND POWER LINES? photograph by David Katz, Malibu Search and Rescue

✎ written by Barbara Burke

After yet another slew of wildfires threatened California and thousands of residents lost power due to Public Safety Power Shutoffs throughout October, MALIBU MAGAZINE investigates why the city hasn’t undergrounded power lines and whether there is a better alternative.

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BEFORE Power lines can be seen lining Broad Beach Rd. (1997) prior to homeowners banding together to underground lines.

D

uring the past few weeks, fires have raged all around Malibu. The Tick, Saddleridge, Pacific Palisades and Getty Fires threatened Malibuites, even as they participate in events memorializing the anniversary of the devastating Woolsey Fire of 2018. Many perplexed citizens query why Southern California Edison does not underground utility poles. Wasn’t Woolsey caused by two electrical wires colliding in the fury of the Santa Ana winds? Didn’t SCE recently concede that the Saddleridge Fire started when a branch impacted a transmission line?

According to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), there are 25,526 miles of higher voltage transmission lines in California and 239,557 miles of distribution lines and onethird are overhead. The rest are under-

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AFTER A more recent photo of Broad Beach Rd. (2019) shows the neighboorhood unobstructed by unsightly power lines.

ground. The agency reports that each year less than 100 miles of transmission lines are transitioned to under the ground. Therefore, it would take more than 1,000 years to underground all the existing lines. Those figures are astounding. However, take a deeper dive into those figures and you’ll find that not all of those overhead lines need to be undergrounded because those in dense urban areas, deserts and agricultural areas are less fire prone.

Rather, what is important to many Malibuites is to assess whether—and how—to underground utility lines highly susceptible to causing wildfires. Many citizens note that utility poles and lines are underground in Europe and other continents. Many note that a significant number of electrocution deaths and injuries sustained by utility repair persons could be avoided if utility wires were not above ground. Data from the National

Traumatic Occupational Fatalities says the leading cause of death among tree trimmers was electrocution. According to bankrate.com, powerline workers experience one of the top 10 death rates in the country.

Citizens note that if the poles were underground, they would not have to bear the enormous costs of recovering from devastating fires. They also would not incur expenses when SCE de-energizes utility poles in a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) aimed at thwarting the start of a fire during high winds, as the company did in parts of Malibu on Oct. 30 at the bottom of the ninth inning of the World Series, no less. Residents also complain about the enormous costs to those affected by that PSPS because they had to dispose of spoiled food and some of those in the affected area lost all WiFi and cellular service. Further, for many Malibuites, their business and home

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POWER LINES BEACH EROSION

FIRE HAZARD Unfortunately,

electrical lines have been the cause of many of California’s most devastating wildfires including last year’s Woolsey Fire.

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schedules were thrust into upheaval.

Some local children were not able to go trick-or-treating on Halloween due to that outage. Further, as Malibu resident Katherine Cooper notes, when the electrical lines were de-energized, many residents had no cellular service or internet.

“It’s very isolating when that happens,” Cooper says. “You’re helpless.”

Not having cellular service in an emergency is not just a hassle. Rather, it is a serious safety issue. How will residents call 911 in the event of an emergency?

How will they find out the status of a fire or other emergency? Having the power out implicates serious safety concerns, as evidenced by the fact that four stoplights were out for many hours and no city official or member of the Sheriff’s office came to direct traffic.

While some citizens comment that California is entering a new dark age due to the PSPS actions, others advocate shedding some light on how citizens can take proactive steps to help underground utilities, and hopefully, avoid these dangerous conditions.

Some Malibu Neighborhoods Have Underground Utilities Why do some areas of Malibu, such as along the Pacific Coast Highway near Corral Beach and Broad Beach, have utility poles underground, while many other neighborhoods are besieged with unsightly and often dangerous electrical poles and wires above ground?

The California Public Utilities Commission (“CPUC”) has jurisdiction over undergrounding utility poles. The agency’s Electric Rule 20 is an approved tariff governing the overhead electric conversion program and consists of three parts.

One is when counties, cities or towns request undergrounding and burying utility poles and doing so is deemed to be “in the public interest.” Both electric and telephone utilities must participate in such an overhead conversion project, according to SEC’s website describ-

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“It’s very isolating when [Malibu loses power].

You’re helpless.”

JOE GEUS Geus, a citizen advocate,

spearheaded the undegrounding of power lines in the Broad Beach neighborhood in 2010.

ing such programs. Cities and counties are allocated a certain number of underground conversion work credits through an annual CPUC filing by each utility. Further, political entities can “mortgage” paying for undergrounding electrical lines - they can borrow undergrounding credits for up to five years. If a city or county decides to install underground power lines, customer electric rates fund the projects after the project is complete. A second way that utilities get undergrounded is when developers pay the majority of the costs.

Finally, citizens can proactively organize to underground utilities and pay the bill for doing so themselves. Predictably, the cost of undergrounding utility poles is expensive and time-consuming. Joe Geus, the citizen advocate who spearheaded undergrounding the utility poles in the Broad Beach neighborhood, knows firsthand how arduous the process is when it is coordinated and paid for by private homeowners.

There is an established procedure for such citizen activism. “The residents in a neighborhood have to create an assessment district, which we did in Broad Beach in 2010,” Geus says. “First, you have to identify the exact area that you contemplate undergrounding; then you have to determine which companies are using the poles to provide services, such as Frontier, AT&T, Spectrum etc.; then you have to contact Southern California Edison and all the other providers to inform them that you are organizing a neighborhood effort; and then you have to develop a plan to implement the undergrounding and coordinate with the utility, the other service providers and the city.”

It is a years-long process, Geus recounts, and it all starts with getting the citizens in the neighborhood to agree to the effort. In the case of Broad Beach, 84 property owners had to reach consensus. Geus is the one who coordinated the entire process. It was onerous and time-consuming, but it was successful.

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POWER LINES

Today, the utility poles at Broad Beach are underground.

The Broad Beach Assessment District No. 2010-1, a legally constituted governmental entity, was established by the Malibu City Council on April 12, 2010, and was formed to underground existing overhead utilities, including all trench work, removals of overhead lines and utility poles and equipment and supplies related thereto.

“Each homeowner had to pay an assessment or they could do so in installments over a period of years,” Geus explains. “There is a lien on a home until an assessment is paid off.”

According to the 2018 to 2019 annual administrative report for the district, the project was financed by the “sale of $2,238,285 Limited Obligation Improvement Bonds issued on June 8, 2010.”

Initially, the city determined the total cost was $3 million. However, because some homeowners fully paid their assessments, the amount bonded was reduced.

Bond proceeds were used to finance the undergrounding of existing overhead utilities. The bonds are both secured by and repaid through the annual levy and collection of assessment installment payments. The assessment installments levied are billed and collected along with regular property taxes by the County of Los Angeles.

Currently, other Malibuites are trying to underground utility poles in their neighborhood. Efforts are underway on parts of Point Dume and, long before the Woolsey Fire, residents of Rambla Pacifico started trying to create an assessment district to facilitate undergrounding utility poles in their neighborhood, according to resident Scott Dittrich, who serves as the chairman of the Malibu Works Commission.

Dittrich expressed frustration about the process because he perceives SCE as thwarting citizen attempts to underground utilities.

“After four years, we’re not any fur-

POWERLINES The above maps shows electric transmission lines across California.

Map via California Energy Commission.

ther in the process,” he says. “Edison delays and delays, and it needs to do critical things but it won’t meet with city officials to accomplish those tasks. Edison doesn’t want to do undergrounding because its business model is to repair and replace above ground utility equipment... Edison gets an administrative fee of 40 percent when undergrounding is accomplished. Edison makes out like a bandit in this process.”

Dittrich recounted that in years past, Point Dume “has tried to underground utility poles and they had the money in place to do so, but then, the cable com-

pany that rents the poles from Edison wanted $1 million to underground its infrastructure.”

He notes, “The cable company has the right to keep people from coming back to their homes after a fire until they have fully re-cabled an area and some people were kept out of their homes after the Woolsey Fire for three weeks.”

When residents could not access their home because cable repairs had not been made, social sites like Nextdoor Neighbor exploded with frustrated messages.

Further, according to Dittrich, Edi-

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SOLAR POWER Recently Mayor Pro Tem Mikke Pierson has been looking into the

possibility of rather than undegrounding outdated technology taking Malibu off-grid and using solar power instead.

son workers are “very afraid of undergrounding because they make their money on doing work for Edison and they are afraid there will be less work.”

However, in Dittrich’s opinion, such a position “is very short-sighted because, if we finally made a collective, statewide decision to underground, there would be a major infrastructure project and those guys would be working until they retire.”

MALIBU MAGAZINE reached out to Edison for a quote but did not receive a response.

Calls for the Political Will to Underground Utility Poles Like many others, Dittrich laments, “We don’t have the political will to underground utility poles.” He noted that recent wildfires were almost all caused

by SCE or PGE, a utility that he notes is

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bankrupt as a result of the lawsuits it faces for its role in causing major fires, including the Camp Fire in Paradise, the deadliest wildfire recorded in California history.

“If you look at who is on the board of CPUC, you’ll see it’s all industry people that fight to maintain the status quo,” Dittrich says. “We need in this state the will to underground, starting with the most fire-prone areas or we will have one fire one after another. Edison is in control and instead of aggressively pursuing undergrounding, it tries to prevent it, knowing that undergrounding will cut its maintenance. The company adds a full 17 percent to the costs of all poles it replaces and it profits immensely from maintenance.”

Sacramento has only done so much.

On Oct. 2, Gov. Newsom signed SB 70, which requires independently owned

utilities such as SCE “to include information about consideration of undergrounding utility lines in their Wildfire Mitigation Plans.” It is the term “consideration” that frustrates many citizens.

The City of Malibu has, over the years, grappled with whether it has a role in addressing the undergrounding of utility poles. In 2017, the city’s Public Works Commission considered the matter.

A report authored by Robert DuBoux, then the assistant public works director, and now the public works director, says, “Without the benefit of engineering or design information, SCE estimates it will roughly cost about $275 million to underground their distribution lines in Malibu. This is a rough estimate and does not include the additional costs to underground transmission or sub-transmission lines, circuits and related equipment, or other aboveground telecommunication lines such as telephone and cable television.”

Dittrich elaborates, “According to SCE, Malibu’s 2017 annual Rule 20A fund allocation is $34,167, but the city currently has a negative balance of $457,902 available for new projects. Because of the negative balance, it will take a minimum of 13 years before funds are available for new projects utilizing CPUC Rule 20A. Although other cities may be undergrounding, or considering undergrounding their overhead utilities, they are probably funding their projects using CPUC Rule 20A, but with large enough fund balances accumulated in their account to finance the project in its entirety.”

Before the Woolsey Fire, Dittrich says “Malibu was on the verge of undergrounding through bond measures, but I talked to City Manager Reva Feldman and we cannot spend additional funding now so we must postpone the efforts for three years.”

Other city officials focus on how complicated it is to fund undergrounding utility lines and ponder whether that is the best solution to the problem.

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POWER LINES

Mayor Pro Tem Mikke Pierson asks, “Would it possibly be more cost-effective for the city to take the initiative to underground poles than it is for the city to help fund the recovery after a massive, devastating fire such as the Woolsey Fire?

Generally, yes, with what we now experience and we now know as the new normal, that appears to be potentially true. However, that doesn’t make it easy because coming up with the astronomical amount of money to get lines undergrounded is extremely difficult. The cost for undergrounding a mile is approximately $3 million, according to quotes I have been given and, indeed, that figure might be for flat ground, as opposed to hilly roads, and the cost for a lot is approximately $100,000.”

Cities, especially those as small as Malibu, are ill-equipped to fund such efforts alone, Pierson says.

“What the city has done through our lobbyist and our city manager is to try to support a bill at the state level,” he says.

“We’d appreciate a state mechanism that helps us so we don’t have to go forward totally alone on such efforts. Importantly, one cannot over-simplify this dilemma because there are multiple cities involved when there is a fire of the magnitude of the Woolsey Fire. Therefore, we are trying to figure out how to work with other cities and that is not an easy project.”

Is Undergrounding the Best Solution: What About Going Off-Grid?

Pierson queries if the undergrounding narrative is really the best conversation to have when trying to solve this issue.

“We’re talking about 1880s technology when we discuss undergrounding utility lines,” he says. “One wonders how long the lines will be in use. How long is it until we don’t do power this way?”

Pierson elaborates, “I’m talking to SCE about how to build resiliency on multiple levels and how we can have power when our lines do fail. We have a very evolved citizenry and a sunny environment, so maybe we should be investing in micro-

“Maybe we should be investing in microgrids instead of undergrounding 1880s technology.”

grids instead of undergrounding 1880s technology.”

Pierson notes that towns in other parts of the world are starting to do that, such as Tyalgum, a small town set among the rolling hills near the Queensland-New South Wales Border in Australia, which went off-grid and uses solar power.

“Undergrounding has its issues in a large earthquake or a mudslide because, if the undergrounding fails and there is a fissure in the earth, that could result in a massive issue and repairing the area could be expensive and time-consuming.” Pierson says.

While politicians and policymakers ponder, many Malibuites, including Dittrich, are palpably frustrated. “The Getty Fire was caused by a tree falling down,” he says. “If firefighters hadn’t stopped it, that fire would have burned Big Rock.”

Is there a Role for Controlled Burns?

Dittrich notes that Gov. Newsom assembled a team of experts to explore what needs to be done and the experts determined that employing controlled burns could help reduce the risk of wildfire.

“Experts listed 20-some areas that should undergo controlled burns, including the area above Big Rock in Malibu,” Dittrich says. “Such burns are conducted in high humidity conditions and they are not a fast burn, so animals have plenty of time to escape.”

According to Dittrich, County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl “ordered the controlled burn not to continue.” In his mind, that is a huge mistake. “People are misguided and don’t understand fire science,” he says. “They ignore that what happens to people, property and animals in huge fires is different from a controlled burn, and they ignore the fact that controlled burns don’t stop fires, but they do give firefighters a fighting chance to combat them.” Dittrich says there is a fire of recent vintage which serves as an example of the effectiveness of a controlled burn.

“People need to remember that when the Woolsey fire started, so did the Hill Fire and that fire ran into the area where there had been a fire approximately four years beforehand; the Spring Fire,” he says. “When the Hill Fire ran into the area where the Spring Fire had burned, there was no fuel there left to burn and the Hill Fire ran out.”

For many citizens, such failures to act by local and state governments constitute bureaucratic inertia that they cannot tolerate. They have determined that it is time to become empowered and take matters regarding their electric power into their own hands.

MALIBU MAGAZINE will keep readers informed as efforts continue to underground poles and as Mayor Pro Tem Pierson attempts to further explore going off-grid as a possible alternative to the community being besieged by devastaMM tion experienced in wildfires.

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LOTUS BECH The yoga instructor and interior designer was out of town when the Woolsey Fire began. This photo was taken when she returned to Malibu and saw her home for the first time.

FIRE SEASON

DOES MALIBU HAVE

PTSD?

One year after Malibu burned, the coastal town is starting to get back to normal. But residents are still struggling with trauma, especially during fire season.

Photo by Sara Gerlach Madsen

✎ written by Alyssa Morlacci

F

or many, the smell of a bonfire conjures fond memories of friends and family illuminated by an orange glow as they share stories and laughter late into the night. The cool evening is offset by flames that warm the limbs closest to them or marshmallows speared with sticks.

However, for those in Malibu, the smell of an autumn fire recalls a contrary memory. As brush catches

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COMMUNITY SUPPORT In the immediate aftermath of the Woolsey Fire, the Malibu community came together like never before. From free stores to community workshops and even free counseling services, Malibuites did whatever they could to support each other and get back on their feet.

fire throughout L.A., displacing clean air above the Pacific Coast Highway with smog, those who were affected by last year’s Woolsey Fire feel reignited with fear.

“I was invited to a very nice birthday party in Hollywood, and there was no way I was leaving the house, and the dog, on a Thursday night,” Malibu resident Michael Lansbury recalls of October’s Saddleridge Fire. “I went to bed at a normal time, and I woke up and I said, ‘Is that smoke? Oh, for God’s sake.’”

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“There was a lot of, ‘Are you OK? Did you lose your house? Did you lose property?’”

Lansbury also stayed home on Nov. 8, 2018—the day the Woolsey Fire began its destructive path from Westlake Village to Malibu, consuming 151 square miles and destroying 1,600 structures by the time it was extinguished two weeks later.

Lansbury’s wife, Janet, and their son and daughter left in a car packed in case of a mandatory evacuation while Lansbury prepared to fight the flames that would soon threaten his and his neighbors’ properties on Zumirez Drive in Point Dume.

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“I slept in that room there,” he says, pointing to a living space that has windows facing in three directions. “I’d wake up every half hour; sometimes I’d go down into the gullies at night just to make sure nothing was smoldering.”

For a month after Woolsey, Lansbury had trouble sleeping through the night. He also experienced survivor’s guilt, having saved his home while a neighbor’s burnt to the ground.

“There were weeks when it was difficult in stores or in public because you never really knew what happened with people,” he says. “There was a lot of, ‘Are you OK? Did you lose your house?

Did you lose property?’”

Many locals not only lost their homes and properties to Woolsey, but they also suffered from psychological traumas. During the weeks that followed, Roots & Wings Institute for Personal Growth and Family Excellence, in partnership with The Malibu Foundation, provided free counseling sessions with licensed therapists to more than 165 community members who were experiencing trauma.

One of the professionals who helped was Jennifer Johnston-Jones, Ph.D. In a blog post she wrote recently about the psychology of fire trauma, Johnston-Jones explained that those who have felt intense anger, fear or sadness are susceptible to experiencing quickness of breath, increased heart rate and a spike in blood pressure, even when they aren’t in threatening situations.

This occurs when the amygdala part of their brain, which identifies threats and signals danger, releases hormones like adrenaline and cortisol into the body. Meanwhile, the prefrontal cortex in their frontal lobe, which interprets situations using reason and conscious choice, shuts off.

“They respond intensely as if they were unsafe in ordinary situations,” Johnston-Jones wrote. “A noise may startle, a touch may feel abrasive, or

“You smell fire and you react, or you hear sirens and you start to get retriggered constantly.”

MICHAEL LANSBURY The Malibu resident stayed home last year to fight the flames threatening his and his neighbors’ properties.

they may check out and freeze.”

Johnston-Jones also wrote that it’s “natural for people to have anniversary trauma,” which is especially true when triggers, like smelling smoke or receiving phone alerts about fires, provide flashbacks to the event that’s at the root of the trauma.

“With trauma, after something occurs, people walk around in really hypervigilant states, meaning you smell fire and you react, or you hear sirens and you start to get retriggered constantly,” says Erica Ives, a licensed marriage and family therapist who specializes in trauma.” If you haven’t healed your trauma, you’re going to keep getting retraumatized. And I think people just think it’s just going to go away.”

Ives, a Southern California native who’s been practicing in the area for 25 years works with a client who came to her a few months after the fire with chronic headaches and trouble sleeping through the night. During their sessions, Ives learned her client had lost her home—where she and her husband had raised their children—to the Woolsey fire.

Ives’ client was suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which occurs “when you have experienced or witnessed some sort of event that is out of the normal range of experience,” Ives says.

Left unconfronted, symptoms will often reemerge. Any number of external factors can trigger episodes of PTSD, according to Ives, and trauma can manifest in a variety of ways: nightmares and physical ailments to avoidance of the place where the event occurred.

Using exposure therapy, Ives took her client back to the plot of land where the home used to be, a place her client had been avoiding since she received the bad news.

“She broke down and started sobbing in my arms, just sobbing on the ground, just wanting to go through the

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THE WAKE OF WOOLSEY Lotus Bech returned to her home weeks later to find everything had burned.

DIGGING FOR MEMORIES As Bech and friends dug through the rubble, the only posession they found that was still intact enough to keep was a diamond ring Bech‘s grandmother had given to her.

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dirt,” Ives recalls. “It just flooded her.”

After several trips back to the property, and even one to host a make-shift family dinner on the dirt and debris with her husband and children, Ives’ client was able to accept her reality and reach the conclusion that she wanted to rebuild her home in Malibu.

While Ives’ client lost years of memories, it was Lotus Bech’s vision for her future that conversely turned to ash. The kundalini yoga teacher and interior designer had just completed a new wing of her home with a yoga studio and design showroom when the Woolsey fire hit. She was out of town celebrating her birthday when she got a text that confirmed her Encinal Canyon Road home had burned down.

“I decided that day that I would rise from the ashes like a phoenix,” she says in the cozy, oceanfront condo she now resides in just past Zuma Beach on the Pacific Coast Highway.

But as her adrenaline subsided and Bech began to face the tough realities of starting over, she turned on survival mode, compartmentalizing her emotions so she could focus on the challenges in front of her. She didn’t seek counseling, although she recalls feeling depressed and anxious at times.

Bech got little from her insurance claim. She had to find a place to live, and buy new clothing and furniture. It took months to replace her important documents, including the green card she got when she moved here from Denmark.

It wasn’t until last month’s Saddleridge fire—the same one that made Michael Lansbury stay home instead of going to that Hollywood party—that Bech began to face the lasting psychological toll of Woolsey.

As her condo began to smell of smoke, Bech was overwhelmed with crippling anxiety, realizing she had left the trauma of what happened to her unaddressed.

“When we went into fire season again

“I decided that day that I would rise from the ashes like a phoenix.”

DR. ERICA IVES The licensed marriage and family therapist has been practicing in the area for 25 years.

now with the Santa Ana winds, I felt a lot of post traumatic stress,” she says. “[I was] freaked out by the thought of losing what I spent a year on creating for my life.”

When Bech was allowed to return to Malibu last year weeks after the fire, she returned to the plot of land where her home used to be. She and some friends scavenged the property, looking for anything the flames had spared.

They didn’t find much. In fact, the only thing Bech unearthed to represent the first few decades of her life was a partially deteriorated diamond ring her grandmother had passed down to her.

The band was severed and covered in soot, but the diamonds were all still intact.

Bech holds the jewelry piece in her hands like an ancient artifact. One day, she plans to take it to a jeweler who can melt down the metal, remove the diamonds and arrange them so they are again part of a wearable adornment.

But for now, the ring, and Bech, are still figuring out how to pivot, using what Woolsey left behind—both physically and emotionally—to create new existences.

Bech hopes to enroll in therapy soon, and she is looking for an organization to partner with in order to offer a yoga retreat that will bring some momentum back to community healing.

Johnston-Jones suggested in her blog post that those facing resurfacing fire trauma explore treatments like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, which alleviates distress through rapid eye motions that are believed to change the emotional power of charged memories, or Neurofeedback, which is used to apply electrodes to the scalp in order to reroute brain activity.

Roots & Wings is also continuing its free counseling, including its Friday Morning Therapy Group at Malibu Library from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on MM Dec. 6, 13 and 20.

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How do the Santa Ana Winds Form?

REELING FROM WOOLSEY

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Cool, high pressure systems from the Great Basin create winds that blow towards Southern California.

The high eleva�ons of the Sierra Nevadas block the winds, forcing them to move either north or south.

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5 Malibu 66

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The winds become warmer and drier as they go through the desert.

These warm and o�en dangerously fast winds rush through canyons, such as the Santa Ana and Malibu Canyons, and MALIBUtheir WIDEway EFFORTS (Above) A group of make to the coast.

Malibuites bring in supplies from boats at Para-

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‘DEVIL’ WINDS

WHAT ARE SANTA ANA WINDS? MALIBU MAGAZINE sat down with local meteorologist and weather specialist, Jason Farhang to understand what causes Southern California’s most notorious winds, where they come from and what makes them so dangerous. ✎ Interview with Jason Farhang

A

fter yet another round of Santa Ana winds swept through Los Angeles this October bringing more than a couple of fires to the regions, MALIBU MAGAZINE sat down with local meteorologist, Jason Farhang to understand was Santa Ana winds actually are and what makes them so dangerous.

Tell us a little bit about your background as a weather specialist.

I’m a meteorologist and the owner of Climate 101. I started being interested in weather at the age of four and I’ve continued to do weather forecasting since then. Later, I went to school for [meteorology] and then interned for Dallas Raines and became a weather specialist at the National Weather Service in 2008. I first started as a weather spotter and then gained momentum and started writing for a Malibu Locals back in 2014. I also write for the American Meteorological Society (AMS LA chapter).

What are the Santa Ana winds?

Santa Ana winds happen when we have a big low pressure systems that drops down into normally Arizona and you also have a surface high. A surface high is a big high pressure system over Idaho. The combination of those two creates gradients at the surface level. These gradients are going from the high pressure to the low pressure (low pressure is rising air and high pressure

ita down to Camarillo. Then it depends on the exact positioning of where the high and the low pressures are situated which will dictate where the winds will go.

JASON FARHANG Local meteorologist and weather specialist.

is sinking air). You then have these two elements coming together, which causes the colder air that is based in the great basin to start spilling down into Nevada and then the Mojave desert. You then get cold air that pools over the Antelope Valley, called anabatic winds. From there all the cold air starts to spill over the San Gabriels.

You also have to have a big low pressure system just to the east of this big surface high - there’s a lot of factors that have to come together. Depending on how strong this low pressure is, it will push the gradients to tighten between the high and the low. This causes the cold air advection to come spilling over like a big column of air, usually around 3 am to 11 am, to Santa Clar-

Why are Santa Ana winds always so dry?

The downsloping and compressional heating dries everything out. In fact you can have a Santa Ana wind that can dry a tree out in less than four hours. They call them ‘Devil winds’. They are very notorious and have been around since the 1800s. They really became well known in the 1960s with the big Bell Air fire that wiped through West LA. When do Santa Anas normally occur?

Santa Anas usually run from October into early winter. And sometimes we see them a little bit from late February to March and April. But October and November are normally the peak time.

Where do Santa Anas generally hit?

Santa Ana’s have two flanks of wind. They have the larger flank that usually goes from the western end of the valley and up to Camarillo and there is another flank that goes down from Fontana through Rancho and then all the way through orange county and blows down to the coast.

What are Santa Anas known for?

The Santa Anas are known for a lot of things. They bring allergies and dust but

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really they bring three key elements: low humidity (about 2%-11%), dew points lower than 2 fahrenheit and of course the winds that dry everything out.

You’ve been talking about mostly cold Santa Anas, aren’t Santa Anas generally associated with hot winds?

The recent Santa Anas we saw in October were cold Santa Anas. But even during a hot Santa Ana, the great basin is still cold and through compressional heating the cold air that spills over compresses and heats. Generally, the winds won’t be quite as strong with hot Santa Anas. The hot Santa Anas are a little more common. The cold Santa Anas often happen later in the year as with the Thomas and the Woolsey Fire.

Why have we seen such a huge amount of fires in 2019?

A lot of people are on edge because we had so many fires break out, and the reason being is that we had so much rain. We had over 20+ inches of rain in Malibu from December to April. We had a lot of powerful storms, especially in January and February due to an El Nino pattern. All that beautiful growth from the rains is now dried out.

Even though this summer wasn’t as hot as last year, we still had a hotter than normal September in most areas. That hot and dry combination was enough to cause all sorts of problems by the time we got to October.

October is known for fire season. Every year we roll the dice, ‘are we going to get rain? Are we not going to get rain?’. Last year we got some rain in October and yet we still had the Woolsey fire in early November.

It just depends on how much moisture content there is and how critical fuel levels are in the vegetation.

What exactly is a red flag warning?

A red flag warning means that my colleagues at the National Weather Service have a high enough confidence that the relative humidity levels will remain very low for more than 12-24 hours and that there will be prolonged winds above at least 30 mph below passes and canyons. The National

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“They call [Santa Anas] the ‘Devil Winds’”

all of the elements that were making for an extremely strong gradient. So those three things made it credible for an extreme situation. That means fires are imminent. And that’s exactly what we saw. There were fires almost instantly. We just don’t know exactly where the fires are going to pop up.

40 MPH WINDS The dry Santa Ana winds often sweep through Southern California at speeds of 40 mph and higher, bringing with them fast-moving brush fires.

Weather Service will look at wind direction, temperature, humidity, cold air advection, that gradient connection between that cold air combing down.

Is there a certain percentage that the humidity levels have to be below?

10% is very low humidity and anything below 5% is critical.

What constitutes an extreme red flag warning?

This is the first time we’ve ever seen an extreme red flag warning. What happened is we had humidity levels of only 2-3%, we had a very strong Santa Ana event and we had

Why are fires so immediately associated with Santa Anas?

Because of the low relative humidity and overgrowth of the vegetation which allows for complete drying out. We’ve had no rain since May 2019 in the majority of Southern California. And we’ve had no rain in October at all.

Do you have anything else that you think our readers should know?

Santa Anas are historically a central part of growing up here in California. We always have that double-edged sword between fires and floods. That’s just how it MM is.

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RISING SEA, DISAPPEARING COASTLINE:

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MALIBU’S RV PROBLEM ✎ written by Barbara Burke

photographed by Jules William

Oceanfront living typically comes at a hefty pricetag.

But, on a 1-mile stretch of PCH, people are living out of RVs, trailers and cars, calling the side of the road home—and in turn upsetting residents who find their practices to be unsafe and harmful to the environment. Will new parking restrictions be enough to make them hit the gas?

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OVERNIGHT CAMPING The 1-mile stretch of PCH between Coastline Drive and Topanga Canyon has seen an ever-increasing amount of RVs and vans parking overnight. This has caused many residents to become concerned about the potential fire hazard, lack of sanitation and even possible criminal activity.

I

n a paradigm illustration of government bureaucracy at its most complicated, neighborhood residents and business owners whose properties abut Pacific Coast Highway in and near Malibu are at their wit’s end as the homeless people and other citizens literally set up camp along the PCH, worrying residents about the danger of wildfires, lack of sanitation, and possible criminal activity that they are witnessing as the seemingly permanent assemblage of RVs and tents grows. It is a longstanding problem and citizens feel the various political entities responsible for addressing their concerns regarding fire hazards, safety, crime and sanitation caused by people parking long-term along the highway have been both unresponsive and ineffective. This is primarily because po-

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licy makers and civic leaders perceive the situation as one where citizens are practicing their rights to beach access, not as an issue with zoning and land use.

An Increase in Long-Term Parking along PCH The problem: People are camping long-term in RVs, cars and other vehicles along various stretches of PCH. This phenomenon is increasing, in part due to the high cost of housing in California and the lack of adequate housing for homeless persons. This is in part due to a ninth circuit court of appeals decision to prohibit law enforcement from issuing citations when people violate no long-term parking or no camping regulations if adequate housing for the homeless is not available.

The Coastal Commission recently act-

ed to allow L.A. County to post signs restricting overnight parking on a 1-mile stretch of PCH between Coastline Drive and Topanga Canyon Boulevard, an area of concern to area residents because it is well known for overnight parking of RVs, trailers and cars. The Commission approved the county posting signs prohibiting parking on the landward side of the highway between midnight and 2 a.m., and the seaward side between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m.

“The county has indicated that the intent of the staggered parking restrictions at this location is to increase parking turnover and discourage parking of recreational and commercial vehicles overnight and for extended periods,” a Commission report stated. “Safety and sanitation issues have been identified by the county and nearby residents in this area as a result of overnight camp-

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ing within vehicles and a lack of support facilities.”

Kerjon Lee, strategic communications manager for Los Angeles County Public Works, explains that “the purpose of the new signage is to facilitate parking turnover, thereby increasing coastal access for the public. A total of 26 signs will be posted on existing street light poles and no new signs posts will be installed.”

The California Highway Patrol is the traffic enforcement agency along the stretch of highway that is in unincorporated Los Angeles County.

Concerned Citizens React to New Parking Signage On Oct. 19 and 20, frustrated citizens took to Next Door Neighbor and social media to express their concerns. Here are some postings, for which names have been redacted: “If you too are wondering why the increase of vans and RVs camping overnight on PCH, it’s because other areas have returned to banning overnight parking, as we should do in all of Malibu and especially along PCH, which is dangerous enough as it is! As of Tuesday, Oct. 22, it appeared the majority of vehicles— including campers, RVs, trucks and cars— that had occupied the shoulder of PCH between Topanga Canyon Boulevard and Coastline Drive had vanished—with at least a dozen or more reappearing 1 mile west, parked at Las Tunas Beach within the city of Malibu.”

Citizens noted that was due to the new LA County parking restriction.

There is no official solid data to profile the demographic choosing to park along the PCH, but eyewitnesses report they observe people who seem to be homeless, others who seem to suffer from mental illness, some who want to camp short-term and not pay for a campsite—or who are unable to pay such costs—and a sprinkling of surfers who find parking near the beach convenient for catching waves. Lee informed MALIBU MAGAZINE that The People Concern

“A total of 26 [no parking] signs will be posted on existing street light poles.”

and other area social service agencies were engaged in outreach efforts to try to assist those who are homeless and parking along the highway.

If Not by Car, Then by Tent Since short-term parking will now be regulated to some extent by the Coastal Commission, innovative people have taken to pitching tents.

“Good news,” wrote Clarence Chapman, an outspoken resident of the Sunset Mesa community who lives above the highway along Coastline Drive east of Malibu, with a sarcastic email sent to other area residents on Nov. 11. “Our little community of vagrant tent residents is increasing. Last night, a fourth tent was constructed... These structures will not be subject to the upcoming parking restrictions. They are permanent!”

Chapman chatted with MALIBU MAG-

AZINE about his and other members of Sunset Mesa’s homeowner’s association about the frustrations they have encountered as they’ve tried to work through proper processes and protocols to seek assistance from various governmental agencies.

“We have been trying to get the issues addressed for three long years,” an exasperated Chapman says, noting that he and other area residents “have tried to go through all the proper processes and have done everything that government authorities have asked of us.”

The concerned citizens approached the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and were told it had no jurisdiction to take actions restricting longterm parking along the highway near Sunset Mesa because the area is in an unincorporated area. Efforts by other citizens who asked for the City of Malibu to help were also unavailing—the area is not within the jurisdiction of the City of Malibu or Pacific Palisades. In turn, the county noted that the Coastal Commission had jurisdiction relating to posting signage controlling overnight camping.

Many residents recall seeing signs prohibiting overnight parking in the past.

Chapman explained that such signs did indeed exist, but they were torn down by vandals and the Coastal Commission must issue a conditional use permit before any signs regulating parking along the coastline are installed. Now that such signage will soon be posted, people are beginning to pitch tents to undermine regulations prohibiting vehicle traffic, while others are simply defiantly continuing to park along the highway.

Chapman provided MALIBU MAGAZINE with a series of images depicting conditions presenting fire hazards, and he voiced concerns about sanitation and possible criminal activity. He noted that the problems are longstanding and, unfortunately, escalating.

“No one else has my vantage point,” Chapman says. “There was a prostitution operation that lasted for one summer

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DUMPING WASTE Residents of the area have reported witnessing RV owners dumping their waste into local storm drains– which lead directly into the ocean.

WILDFIRE HAZARD Since the area where the RV encampment has been set up does not have access to immediate facilities or energy utilities, many of its residents have taken to cooking their meals on open-flame grills presenting a serious fire hazard.

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a couple of years ago, and I saw large semi-trucks pull up alongside the highway and call girls running across the highway to meet with the ‘customers.’”

However, “more pressing is the immediate dangerous condition and public health hazard of wildfires that this situation is creating,” Chapman says on Oct. 9 in a letter to the Coastal Commission, even as the Getty Fire threatened the area. “Specifically, this permanent community has been occupied for more than three years by people who have no toilet facilities and no access to energy utilities. Therefore, they must cook and prepare their meals on open-flame grills and bonfires amongst the hillside native plants and tall dry grasses—with Santa Ana winds... The reality of a catastrophic fire, which will likely result in significant loss of life and personal property, loom heavy over our community because of this situation.”

Citing those concerns, Chapman wrote “As evidenced in current conditions, this situation is urgent and the only real solution is prevention, and that begins with restricting beach parking to specified times via posted and enforced parking restrictions.” He adds, “Additionally, as a public land use concern, you would be making available free parking for low-income families who wish to come and enjoy the beach.”

Chapman and others expressed concern that the Coastal Commission, which of course is tasked with the obligation to ensure that all citizens have access to the beach as is guaranteed by the California Constitution, “is ignoring the fact that it has jurisdiction to address land use and instead perceives this as an issue of homeless citizens’ rights for housing.”

Area resident David Estes corroborated Chapman’s concerns concerning a lack of sanitation. “My landscape helper saw an RV come up the hill and use the drain to dump his waste into a drain that goes into the ocean and, when my assistant tried to approach the man ask-

ing him what he was doing, the man responded, with expletives, that he should stay away and mind his own business,” Estes says. “Just a little while after that happened, I saw—and took a picture of—the same RV parked back on the PCH where it had been parked before.”

A growing problem The problem is not just near Coastline Drive. Rather, it is pervasive throughout areas of Malibu. Dave Hall, who was camping in the Malibu RV Park on Veteran’s Day weekend noted, “There is a lady below Malibu RV camping area with a chair on top of her car advertising that people can use PayPal—apparently she’s seeking donations to establish herself there.” Indeed, MALIBU MAGAZINE found a posting by an owner of a

“They must cook their meals on openflame grills amongst the hillside native plants and dry grasses.”

RV parked along PCH advertising it for rent on Airbnb.

Katherine Cooper, a longtime Malibu resident, also expressed concerns about the proliferation of long-term RV and camper parking from Coastline to County Line, as did other area residents. Similar to Chapman, Cooper is “extremely concerned about public health and safety.” She is “frustrated about the lack of action by city officials.”

Concerned citizens stated that they are not insensitive to the needs of the homeless.

“We’ve been told that homeless outreach workers are reaching out to the homeless and trying to get them to transition to appropriate housing,” Chapman says. “They make about 14 efforts to see if the homeless will agree to such temporary housing, but almost always, even if they do, they come back.”

Although Chapman and others advocated erecting the parking signs on Topanga Beach, now that those restrictions will be imposed, there are other concerns beyond the fact that some of the people who have been parking along the highway in RVs—and who presumably don’t want to have to try to move their RVs in the middle of the night— have taken to erecting tents to live in.

“We have no idea how the parking restrictions will be enforced, and given California’s laws providing that people of minimal means often do not have to pay for parking infractions, as shown by the fact that LA County recently excused millions of dollars worth of tickets for the homeless so that they wouldn’t have records and could find employment, we have concerns that the ticketing of offenders will not constitute a barrier to them continuing to park there,” Chapman says. “Further, we were told

by Commissioner Kuehl’s office that the County would not be trying to get those who erect tents or live in RV’s to leave until there is housing available for them.”

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UNBELIEVABLE AIRBNB RENTALS

Local RVs can even be found for rent on AirBnB from time to time.

While the exact location is not disclosed, rentals are described as having ocean views in Malibu with rates such as $180 per night.

The Boise Case and its Implications Before citizens become furious with the Commissioner’s office, or the recalcitrance of other public officials concerning citing those who park along the highway, they must realize that a landmark decision by the ninth circuit court of appeals, known as the “Boise ruling,” has mandated that if a city doesn’t have enough shelter beds available, it cannot enforce a camping ban because doing so would violate the constitutional ban and unusual punishment.

“Boise may ultimately end up in the United States Supreme Court and it may be overturned,” Chapman says.

“In the meantime, because the federal district court will not issue a stay of the effectiveness of Boise, officials can say to us, ‘We’d love to clean up your neighborhood, but it’s the law and there’s nothing we can do.’”

In the meantime, citizens of Malibu and nearby neighborhoods wait, worry and wonder about whether a fire will be ignited by one of the campfires, a tragic accident will occur when someone parked along the highway is hit by a vehicle, or criminal activity will increase—or all of that.

Next Steps: A Safe Parking Program in Malibu When asked about next steps, Kerjon Lee, the strategic communications manager for Los Angeles County Public Works notes, “The County is pursuing long-term parking opportunities for individuals who are experiencing homelessness.”

In June, the Malibu Public Safety Commission considered whether to support efforts urged by homeless advocates to implement a Safe Parking Program in Malibu. The minutes of that meeting inform that Public Safety Manager Susan Duenas discussed the City’s Homeless Strategic Plan that supports assisting homeless individuals in the process of being placed in permanent housing.

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Duenas stated the Dan Blocker Beach parking lot had been identified by the county and local volunteers as a potential Safe Parking Program site. Terry Davis, a member of Malibu’s Community Assistant Resource Team (“CART”), and the Homelessness Working Group, explained the proposal, noting that, if such a program were implemented, no RVs would be allowed, and no cooking, smoking or drinking would be allowed.

The program would be limited to 20 vehicles and the parking lot would only be available for overnight sleeping and would be patrolled by a security guard.

Duenas explained that L.A. County owns the beach parking lots and that there are nearly 60,000 homeless people in L.A. County. She noted that the county government has decided that every city must bear part of the burden of addressing homelessness, and the county may decide to put homeless parking on its property in Malibu, whether the City of Malibu approves it or not. Residents who live near Dan Blocker parking lot objected, stating that, although they are sensitive and compassionate toward homelessness, the site is not suited to accommodate the need, most notably because of its propinquity to area homes and the lack of facilities. Some suggested perhaps placing such a lot for safe parking on Zuma Beach.

Ultimately, the Commission recommended that the Malibu City Council not support the Dan Blocker Beach parking lot as a Safe Parking Program location and asked staff to come back to the Commission with an item addressing further details about the Safe Parking Program and more options for locations.

What Malibu City Council is Doing MALIBU MAGAZINE caught up with Mayor Pro Tem Mikke Pierson to discuss how the City of Malibu is reacting to a migration into Malibu of RVs and vehicles leaving the unincorporated area near Topanga Beach, now that the no

“If a city doesn’t have enough shelter beds available, it cannot enforce a camping ban.”

parking signage will be posted.

Pierson says, “There is no easy answer here and it is complicated... Boise v. Martin is the big culprit here because that case has made this difficult and it mandates that officials cannot make the homeless leave if a town doesn’t have available shelter for them, which means that you can post no parking all you want, but the sheriffs are left in limbo and can’t do anything to make people leave.”

Pierson notes, “The city council is processing its own ordinance for no-parking areas, and it’s not final yet— the city has pulled out a map of where we can do this, but the problem is that we’re not sure what impact it will have to post no parking signs—we are considering posting such signs at Tuna Canyon and other stretches along the highway with no houses on both sides where

people are moving to park, including Dan Blocker, Corral and Zuma, but if we place such no parking signs in those areas, then we wonder where the people will move to —into neighborhoods or out of Malibu, we don’t know. What we do know is that those in Sunset Mesa are just moving into Malibu.”

Pierson also stated that the city is trying to find a place for a safe parking program.

“There are a lot of obstacles in the way, but we are considering such a program only for people who are homeless and from Malibu, and it has to be a program requiring participants to remain signed up and in process of getting transitional housing,” Pierson says. “We’re not sure where to put that safe parking program and there are a lot of obstacles—if you put it on public property and you can’t get people to move, that creates issues.

So, it needs to be on private property.

Whatever site it is placed on, there are a lot of details to handle because we have to provide bathrooms, security and social workers.”

Pierson notes that the issues involved in developing and implementing policies addressing homelessness are thorny.

“Nothing is easy because it involves our city, the state and county,” he says.

“We are planning a public meeting just focusing on homeless so that we can lay out the challenges and obstacles about the problem so that people have a better understanding of all the issues that we have to grapple with.”

He pauses and reflects, noting, “Clearly, what we’re doing is not enough — we’re like a boat that is slowly sinking.

It’s difficult, but Mayor Farrar and I along with others are actively working with the sheriff and Alex Gittinger of The People Concern, an organization provides housing assistance to the homeless, as well as other advocates—we need to identify options, talk to the public and get everyone’s input and make some very difficult decisions—the homeMM less issue is very difficult.”

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OLAN LAW

THE SURFING LAWYER Malibu’s David Olan is not your average lawyer. Committed to helping, Olan not only works as an attorney to those seeking redress but also founded the non-profit Association of Surfing Lawyers. ✎ written by Barbara Burke

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ffable, approachable, knowledgeable and committed to using his skill set for the greater good, Malibu’s David Olan, a local attorney with many trials under his belt, is committed to representing those who seek redress, often because they have been the victim of a wrongdoing or the negligence by another and have sustained injuries, but sometimes, because they have suffered a wrong in an employment or insurance context.

Many mornings, you’ll find Olan in the lineup at Malibu Surfrider Beach otherwise surfing or paddling at other local beaches. However, many times, you’ll find him defending the line for his clients, thoroughly and competent-

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Photo by Avis Wrentmore

DAVID OLAN Olan is an avid surfer and local trial attorney who spent his career maximizing recovery for his clients by proving damages. Currently, he is focused on working with residents impacted by the Woolsey fire.

ly advocating for their rights and ensuring they are compensated for wrongs.

“I’ve tried a lot of cases in my time,” Olan said. “Some you win, some you lose, but most importantly, you have to be thoroughly prepared and clearly present your client’s case.”

The life of a trial attorney is arduous and it takes a particular combination of grit and gravitas to navigate the perilous waters of litigation.

“My passion is surfing, my profession is the law, and my aspiration is balance,” Olan once said. “For me, balance is as critical in the law as it is in life and surfing – without balance, you will as surely wipe out as you would in surfing.”

In addition to being an avid surfer, Olan earned a Black Belt in Shotokan Karate in 1995, thereby honing his skills that provide both control and bal-

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right,” as he terms it, is in-bred in him – practicing law – and doing it at the highest level of acumen – is a family tradition. In 1919, his paternal grandmother, Anna Olan, was one of the first female attorneys to practice in New York.

In 1989, Olan earned his Juris doctorate at the University of San Diego School of Law, where he also was president of the International Law Society and interned with the California Coastal Commission.

It was his first legal position – at a San Diego insurance defense firm – that set in force the path of Olan’s law career. He fell in love with Plaintiff’s work and still loves representing the downtrodden and underserved.

‘Fall 2019, Malibu’s First Point’ by Jean-Pierre Provo

SURFING LAWYERS Olan founded the Association of Surfing Lawyers, a national nonprofit organization supporting the environment and charities while networking having fun.

ance, key attributes for a trial attorney.

These days, in addition to practicing in the personal injury and wrongful death arenas, Olan is spearheading many cases involving Southern California Edison for causing the fire as well as insurance bad faith for victims of it. For him, such injuries are personal – many in Malibu, where he makes his home, are his closest friends and colleagues.

Olan says he always knew he be an attorney and holds his father, Bennet Olan, and his legal career in high esteem.

“My father was a lawyer who came to California from Brooklyn in the 1950s and was a pioneer in the newly emerging field of tort law having several groundbreaking, precedent setting, published opinions in the California Supreme Court and Court of Appeals,” Olan said. “He was my role model.”

More than just an attorney, Olan’s fa-

ther was also a Sierra Club advocate and leader. “I learned at an early age that you can work for the greater good of society to help those less fortunate by giving them the proverbial key to the courthouse,” Olan said. “I am passionate about what I do as I believe that we help people redress the wrongs that have befallen upon them.”

Olan notes that the Woolsey Fire changed everything for all Malibuites, including for him.

“At this particular time, I am focusing on the reckless negligence of Southern California Edison in causing the Woolsey fire which originated on their substation at the old Santa Susana Rocketdyne field testing laboratory causing so much loss, grief and pain to the good people of Malibu who are my friends and neighbors.”

Olan’s sense of “fighting for what’s

The Association of Surfing Lawyers – A Way to Give Back In 2002, Olan realized that many of his attorney colleagues were surfers and he co-founded the Association of Surfing Lawyers, a non-profit organization that represents the sport of surfing in the legal profession and helps to raise funds for charitable organizations dedicated to, among other causes, the natural environment as well as establishing a proactive and pro-bono legislative and litigation support system and amicus curiae group that focuses on ocean-related issues, including coastal access issues.

Another organization that Olan is passionate about is Life Rolls On, a non-profit organization that supports people with spinal cord injuries, such as surfer Jesse Billauer who suffered such an injury when surfing in Malibu.

Just as Life Rolls On is about access to adaptive surfing and skating, whatever one’s disability, Olan’s legal practice is about access to justice whatever one’s line of work. For Olan, what is most important is ensuring that victim’s injuries are redressed and that his efforts both in and beyond the practice of law further MM the greater good.

Olan Law 212 Marine Stree, Suite 100, Santa Monica (866) 426-2667 | (310) 566-0010 www.olanlaw.com

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NICOLAS EATERY

A FAMILY AFFAIR After permit delays, the Woolsey fire and a months-long stint in a food truck, Nicolas Eatery is finally open and here to stay. ✎ written by Alyssa Morlacci  photographed by Julie Wuellner

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ntering Nicolas Eatery is like stepping into the Fanucci family household. Inside the open-kitchen restaurant set along the Pacific Coast Highway, just south of Malibu Pier, chef Nicolas Fanucci might wave hello from in front of the grill while his wife, Fazilet, puts the finishing touches on a plate of avocado toast. Their middle son Sebastian, 20, might escort you to a table while their oldest, Lucas, 23, pours you a glass of water, and their youngest, Enzo, 13, pokes his head out from the dish room.

What’s surprising about this seemingly picture-perfect family business is that the Fanuccis struggled to get this restaurant up and running. Delayed one entire year from its initially intended

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FANUCCI FAMILY Fanucci and his wife, Fazilet, married on Sept. 16, 1994. Together, they have three sons who help out at the restaurant: Lucas, Enzo and Sebastian (left to right)

opening date, Nicolas weeks, he lost contact Eatery almost didn’t with the city, and by the happen. But now it’s time Malibu was back hear, and according to up and running, Fanucci Fannuci, it’s here to learned he would have to stay. start the process all over “This feels much again and resubmit his better,” Fanucci says of paperwork. his eponymous restau“We have a family of rant, which after a five, so we had to figure year of setbacks finally out a way to either make opened this fall. What the dream come true or it’s better than is the walk away from it and food truck he and his look for something else,” OPEN KITCHEN The restaurant’s open format creates a synergy son, Lucas, crammed he recalls. “ between the kitchen and customers. into for about seven We decided to stay, so months.

I went downtown to figure out how to get a food Operating a food stop-work order from the city of Malitruck. I rented it, I permitted it and it truck was never part of the plan. Last bu for a permitting issue. Then, on the was a huge process.” fall, the Nicolas Eaterybrick-and-morday he met with the city, the Woolsey Determined, Fanucci parked the tar restaurant was on pace to open in fire started. “We evacuated from our truck right outside of the restaurant. It November 2018. But days away from home in Calabasas,” Fanucci says. For became an accidental marketing sucthe grand opening, Fanucci received a

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BELLY UP TO THE BAR Guests at Nicolas Eatery can watch the Fanucci family in action as they preopare meals from the open-concept kitchen.

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“MALIBU HAS PEOPLE WHO REALLY, REALLY CARE. YOU HAVE THAT IMAGE OF PEOPLE BEING RICH AND FAMOUS, BUT THE PEOPLE CARE.”

cess. Locals started frequenting the truck for lunch, and one day, real estate agent Chris Cortazzo asked Nicolas to park it to an event. From that appearance on, Nicolas’s calendar filled up with social gatherings to birthday party bookings.

By the time he returned the truck in July and opened the restaurant in early September of this year, the Malibu community knew Nicolas Eatery well.

“The truck ended up to be a great one because our restaurant has been busy from the start,” Fanucci says. “As you can see we are a little bit overwhelmed because the locals already know us.”

As he speaks, the restaurant has been open for only five weeks and at about 3 p.m. on a Wednesday—often a quiet time for restaurants—there are guests occupying three different tables.

“Malibu has people who really, really care,” Fanucci says. “You have that image of people being rich and famous, but the people care. People support local business.”

The story of how Fanucci got to Mal-

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FOOD FROM HOME Nicolas Fanucci says his sons are his biggest critics of the menu.

THE TEAM Regarded as an extended family, the staff at Nicolas Eatery work each day to help the Fanuccis bring their vision (and menu!) to life.

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THANKSGIVING During the holidays, the Fanuccis cook for family and friends.

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ibu is an interesting one. He was born and raised on the French Riviera. He attended college for accounting but hated school. He remembers coming home on a Thursday night to tell his Italian father, who was sitting at the kitchen table, that after receiving his brevet diploma he didn’t want to continue on to get his Baccalauréat.

“He said to me, ‘So what are you going to do?’ And I said, ‘I don’t know, I don’t want to go to school anymore.’ And he said I had two choices: go to school or get a job,” Fanucci recalls.

His father gave him 48 hours to find a job, so the next day Fanucci got one—as a busser at a famous restaurant he didn’t know was famous. He worked for the notable chef Roger Verge for 19 days straight without any time off, and when he finally got his paycheck, he says, “I was paid pennies.”

Fanucci decided to move where the government tax wasn’t as high, so he worked in restaurants by famous chefs throughout Europe until he heard of an opportunity in the US to work at Epcot inside Orlando’s Walt Disney World.

“To be successful in America, I recommend people to go through Disney World because they teach you how to really care for the people,” he says. “In France, you serve people in a passive way. They ask for the check and you don’t drop the check before they ask, and you’re not intrusive.

But here, you have to be an action figure, you have to show face and be excited, and if you don’t drop the check before they ask, my God!” From Florida, Fanucci moved to New York where he worked at Le Cirque and met his wife, Fazilet. The couple have been married for 25 years and their family of five has moved 20-plus times so Fanucci could work at restaurants all over the world—from Japan to Napa Valley. While the family has always remained close, the service industry demands long hours and late nights.

“One of the commitments I made to

my family was I always got up first in the morning and I’d cook breakfast,” Fanucci says. “That’s something I don’t do anymore, but that’s something that kept me talking to them every day because at night I was never home.”

A few years back, when the family lived in Beverly Hills and Fanucci worked at the restaurant Bouchon Bistro, they would board into the car on weekends and drive to Malibu Pier or Point Dume so Sebastian could surf. For three years, they watched one of the buildings across the highway being built.

“We said one day we should really try to [open a restaurant], and that would be

“ALL THE MENU IS REALLY DESIGNED OFF OF WHAT WE COOKED AT HOME.” a great location,” he says.

On a family vacation to Hawaii, the Fanuccis met another family and invited them over for dinner. There were 15 to 20 of them total, and all of the kids helped cook and serve the food.

The families kept in touch. At the time, Fanucci didn’t know one of the acquaintances was a principal owner of the Malibu Sands building he and his family had marveled at by the beach along the PCH. “One day, they were in Beverly Hills and they came to dinner at the restaurant,” he recalls, “and one day I said to them, ‘We are closing our doors,’ because the restaurant was filing bankruptcy, and they said ‘What are you going to do?’

I said, ‘I don’t know, I’ve got to look for something else,’ and they said, ‘Well we

have a location.’”

Fanucci signed a 10-year lease on the restaurant space. Initially, he pitched the owner a French restaurant concept, but they ultimately decided against it for fear of scaring off potential diners who could associate French cuisine with stuffiness.

Instead, Fanucci took an opposite approach.

“All the menu is really designed off of what we cooked at home,” he says. “Our boys are really the ones who criticize the most.”

Dishes range from the Lobster Roll of asparagus, Champagne sauce and a handful of fries on the side, to the Faroe Island Salmon of pomme puree and tomato provencal.

Although Fanucci is from France, he doesn’t take to tradition when creating the onion soup. While his chefs have often probed him to cook it the “right” way, Fanucci says each time they have followed the original recipe, customers don’t respond with positivity.

Fanucci likes feedback. He listens to it, and he tailors recipes based on what his guests want, perhaps a call back to the customer service training he received during his time at Disney World.

“We are here to listen to people, and we are here to stay,” he says.

Next, the restaurant will debut its second-story concept: Malibu’s only public rooftop bar to be found along the PCH. So long as permits are approved this time without a hitch, by spring 2020 Fanucci will be able to stand on the rooftop, look out at the beach and remember when he and his family were on the other side of the highway, watching the building be built, dreaming about one day opening MM the restaurant they have today.

Nicolas Eatery 22333 Pacific Coast Highway (424) 644-0614 nicolaseatery.com

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AL FRESCO DINING WITH THE MALIBU FARMER’S MARKET Looking for a delicious and unique way to spend Sunday afternoon?

Why not sign up for “Journey of the Taste.’ Run by Malibu Farmer’s Market founder Deb Bianco, ‘Journey of the Taste’ offers a customized tour through Malibu’s popular market, where guests can taste tapas-style eats from some of the market’s most acclaimed vendors.

Indeed some of L.A.’s top chefs are among a roster of in-demand vendors who set up shop at the market every week.

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MALIBU FARMER’S MARKET

JOURNEY OF THE TASTE The Malibu Farmer’s Market new food tour ‘Journey of the Taste’ allows guests to sample a curated selection of gourmet foods from some of the market’s most popular vendors. ✎ written by Claire Ruane

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very Sunday, the finest chefs in the Greater Los Angeles Area gather at the Malibu Farmer’s Market to offer the most mouth-watering dishes, made right in front of your eyes. The high caliber, diverse chefs and vendors are hand picked and participate by invitation only; this is a part of what makes the thriving Farmers’ Market very unique. This Malibu gem is somewhat of a rainbow itself, every color you could possibly imagine sprinkles the tops of the tables.

Bright green watermelons, corn the color of the sun, and even coffee as dark as the soil it came from make up just some of the special products on display each Sunday.

Once you step inside the market, you’ll find the Farmer’s Market Cafe, where you can dine casually alfresco while enjoying a rotating and diverse selection of gourmet cuisine to tantalize your every tastebud! The cafe caters to every foodie’s dream: sweet, savory, vegan, organic and everything in

between. The chef’s bring their best every Sunday and serve only the highest quality to their hungry guests. The aromas will excite your mind as you prepare for your Journey of the Taste.

With such a wide variety of world-star vendors, it’s impossible to pick just one. But why choose one, when you could sample a taste of everything? The Market is now offering “Journey of the Taste”, a customized tour through the world of the Farmer’s Market.

By popular demand, founder Debra Bianco will be guiding attendees around the Market, serving perfectly curated tapas plates to weekly guests. Debra talks about her chefs’ work as if she made the meal herself. Her passion for the handpicked chef’s creations are such, and her description so expressive, that you can almost taste the food before it touches your lips.

Tours are happening once a month and are only $20 per person. The average lunch in Malibu is at least $18 and that doesn’t even come with entertainment! The liveliness of the market provides something for your

every sense. With colorful and renown Malibu locals walking past you left and right, performers serenading you, and the fresh breezes of the Pacific Ocean cooling you off from across the street, the experience will transform your day into a vibrant sensory journey, not to be missed!

Once your dining experience is complete, you can peruse the local stalls and complete your grocery shopping for the week.

Grab freshly caught fish straight from the sea, healthy organic treats for your children’s lunchbox, specially prepared organic treats for your four legged family members, fresh flowers for your home or office, and fruits and vegetables that have never even touched a refrigerator!

Come, enhance your Sunday with a MM healthy, fun, Journey of the Taste!

Malibu Farmer’s Market Open Every Sunday, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. cornucopiafoundation.net/location/

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GINA CLARKE-HELM

MALIBU’S CHEF The founder of acclaimed catering firm Malibu Seaside Chef on her illustrious years as an international model, the secret to cooking a perfect prime rib and how she juggles work and motherhood. ✎ written by Holly Bieler

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ina Clarke-Helm doesn’t have a lot of free time these days. Not that she ever really did.

An in-demand editorial model for decades, Clarke-Helm spent much of her twenties and early thirties jetsetting around the world for shoots and fashion shows. Her subsequent and current career as founder and head chef of Malibu Seaside Chef, one of the top luxury caters in Southern California, presents no less a daunting schedule, her days packed whipping up delicious food for A-list celebrities like the band U2 and Josh Brolin and huge corporate players like Adidas and Neutrogena. And did I mention she has an 18-month old baby?

Which is to say that this overcast October Thursday is a rare one, for Gina ClarkeHelm. After months of non-stop catering

gigs she’s finally found herself with an afternoon off, a precious chance to recharge.

She secured a sitter for he daughter Avila weeks ahead, just for the occasion.

I assume this means she’s going to take a nap, because this is what I would do if I had an afternoon off, and I’m not running a business while simultaneously raising a toddler.

“Nope,” she says. “I’m going to go eat chips and salsa and drink margaritas with my girlfriends.”

How Clarke-Helm recharges says a lot about who she is. A foodie and entertainer from as long as she can remember, she’s the type of person who will travel 45 minutes for her favorite Khoresh Bademjan, a Persian eggplant stew, or brave the I-10 weekday traffic for a table at her favorite Indian food in Beverly Hills.

“Food is my happy place,” Clarke-Helm

says. “I plan my life around it.”

Indeed for nearly 15 years, Clarke-Helm’s life has centered around food in all its forms. Since launching Malibu Seaside Chef in 2005, Clarke-Helm has become one the most in-demand caterers in L.A., celebrated for her unparalleled command of flavor, technical skills and deep-seated knowledge of a variety of different cuisines.

Clarke-Helm is as comfortable cooking up authentic Thai spring rolls, as she did for a recent collaboration with Airbnb and Mattel Corporation for Malibu Barbie’s 60th anniversary, as she is with the traditional French cuisine she mastered in culinary school. And of course, it being L.A., ClarkeHelm has become an expert at making food taste delicious even when she’s up against a litany of dietary restrictions.

“I was working for someone recently who was vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, oil-free

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ONE-STOP SHOP Malibu Seaside Chef doesn’t just cater events. A longtime design enthusiast, Clarke-Helm also plays a major role in designing her events, including executing custom tablescapes.

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and he wouldn’t let me cook with salt,” she recalls with a laugh. “I said what are you going to eat, pepper cardboard?”

And while Clarke-Helm has mastered the ability to please even L.A.’s most persnickety eaters, her favorite type of things to eat and cook still remain the comforting dishes that made her fall in love with food in the first place. The roast lamb her mother would make at their San Luis Obispo home for her big Catholic family every Sunday night. The multitude of simple fresh dishes she became enamored with while traveling Europe as a young model—cacio e pepe in Milan, the roasted rabbit she made for her flatmates one night in Paris.

“I love simple ingredients that have a lot of flavor,” she says. “That explosion of flavor certain foods have, I love that more than anything.”

It’s this passion that led Clarke-Helm to transform her life 16 years ago. 28 at the time, Clarke-Helm had worked as a professional model for the better part of the past two decades, since leaving San Luis Obispo at just 15 years old to pursue her first modeling contract in Germany. Print and runway work across Europe would quickly follow, and soon Clarke-Helm was appearing on the covers of major magazines like Cosmopolitan, Shape and Elle. “[That period] was a lot of fun,” she says.

“I was living in an apartment with a bunch of other models. We were all making great money, we were all traveling.”

Her culinary horizons were also broadening substantially. A lifelong food lover, Clarke-Helm had grown up binging cooking shows and trying out recipes. But as she traveled Europe she began testing flavors and encountering ingredients she’d never seen.

Her first stop in any city was soon the local market, her senses overwhelmed by the new colors and smells of local food, the freshness and simplicity of the ingredients.

“I remember living in the 7th arrondissement in Paris, and there was this amazing market at the end of our street with hens, chickens, rabbits, all this fresh produce,” she said. “I’d always loved food, but this enticed me in a new way.”

As inspiring and galvanizing as her constant travel was proving, however, as she neared her mid-twenties Clarke-Helm felt the root-

MUSE Clarke-Helm was the muse of late renowned American sculptor Robert Graham for years. At top and middle, examples of Graham’s full-body and bust sculptures of Clarke-Helm. Below, Clarke-Helm with Graham and his wife, the Academy-Award winning actress Anjelica Huston.

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FAMILY TIME Clarke-Helm with her husband Keith, a Fire Captain at County Line Malibu Station 56, and their 18-month old daughter Avila.

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FOOD

lessness of her lifestyle beginning to catch up filling. While she was still booking a steady with her. While the years she’d spent living stream of print and commercial jobs, the out of short-term flats with other models work seemed to become more and more had been some of the most fun of her life, she uninspired the older she got. increasingly found herself craving a tranquil “I mean, it’s not like you can be a model homebase. And so when a friend suggested forever,” Clarke-Helm says. “I was modelshe check out Malibu, only 45 minutes from ing into my mid-thirties, but there’s a point the airport, Clarke-Helm decided to make a where I realized I needed to think of another trip, and instantly fell at home. Within a few career. So I thought to myself: what can I do days she’d signed a lease on an idyllic, light-filled bungalow perched just a few feet above the lapping waves of the Pacific.

“I just loved Malibu instantaneously,” Clarke-Helm said. “I’m a nature person and Malibu had the ocean and the mountains. It reminded me of home in San Luis Obispo.”

Around this time, Clarke-Helm got a call from her modeling agency that would set in motion one of the most significant experiences of her life. Robert Graham, the world-famous Mexican-born American sculptor responsible for creating 7 U.S. monuments, was looking for a model for his new series dedicated to the female form, her agent said.

The sessions would be nude, something which gave Clarke-Helm immedite pause. But as she reviewed Graham’s body of work, and specifically the beautiful sculptures of nude women for which he’d become primarily known, ClarkeHelm quickly changed her mind.

COVER MODEL Before launching Malibu She took the job, and immediately Seaside Chef, Clarke-Helm worked for years as a she and Graham forged a profound top international model. connection that would continue until his death in 2008. In that time, the two would collaborate on some of Grathat I’m going to be really good at?” ham’s most influential works, producing It didn’t take more than a few minutes for dozens of sculptures and sketches of ClarkeClarke-Helm to come to a conclusion.

Helm from hours-long modeling sessions in “I realized, ‘Oh my God. I really do love to his artists studio. cook.’” “ I was his main girl for over eleven years,” A few months later Clarke-Helm was enshe says. “We were so close we were like farolled in cooking school at Epicurean Los ther and daughter.”

Angeles, and subsequently moved to Italy to As she entered her mid-30s, however, study under legendary Italian chef GiuliaClarke-Helm found that the rest of her no Bugialli. Upon moving back to the states, modeling was proving increasingly unfulClarke-Helm quickly landed a position at

Wolfgang Puck’s storied Malibu restaurant Granita.

While Clarke-Helm quickly took to the work, the long hours and isolated nature of the kitchen made her realize she missed certain aspects of her modeling years; meeting and interacting with new people, utilizing her strong aesthetic eye.

Within the year she had quit working the kitchen at Granita, and was soon catering her own meals at the palatial homes of some of her most devoted Granita regulars. ClarkeHelm immediately fell in love with the work of catering events, from interacting with guests to designing the perfect tablescape.

“I get such satisfaction from being able to create something enjoyable for others,” she said. “From shopping for the ingredients to picking out the right tableware, candles and flowers, to working with the client to create the most memorable dining experience possible.

It’s more than just the food itself. It has to taste amazing, look amazing, and the experience has to be memorable.”

It’s that passion for what she does that’s made Clarke-Helm Malibu’s premiere caterer for years now.

It’s also that passion that probably keeps her sane, as she juggles running her business with raising her one-year old daughter with husband Keith, a Fire Captain at County Line Malibu Station 56.

But as long as she keeps surrounded by good food and the occasional margarita, Clarke-Helm is a pretty happy camper. When you’ve lived as many adventures as she has, it’s hard not to look forward to what’s to come.

“I will say this,” she says. “I’ve had a very, MM very fun life.”

Malibu Seaside Chef malibuseasidechef.com @malibuseasidechef (310) 701- 4841

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GINA’S OLD ENGLISH PRIME RIB Malibu Seaside Chef Gina Clarke-Helm shares her stunning Old English Prime Rib recipe with smashed potatoes on the side, perfect for the holidays.

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HOLIDAY RECIPE

INGREDIENTS Prime Rib Roast 2 tbs Worcesterchire sauce 1 tbs paprika Standing Rib Roast 1/2 pound per person Ice cream salt Salt & pepper Smashed Potatoes Potatoes Olive Oil/Butter Herbs Salt & pepper

STEP 1 Preheat oven to 500 degrees. Combine Worcesterchire, paprika, salt and pepper and whisk into a sauce. Make small incisions along the top of the prime rib and stuff with herbs. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

STEP 2 Line the bottom of baking dish with ice cream salt and moisten the salt with water. Place the roast, fat side up, on top of the salt and cover with more salt. Moisten with more water.

STEP 3 Place the roast in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes per pound.

STEP 5 Drizzle olive oil and/or butter over the potatoes and smash down with the back side of a pan or spatula.

STEP 4 Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Boil potatoes until fork tender. Once done, drain the potatoes and place on a cookie sheet.

STEP 5 Roast the potatoes in the pan until golden brown and finish with herbs and salt and pepper.

STEP 5 Once the roast is cooked to the desired temperature, remove it from the oven. Gently crack the salt with a mallet, pull salt away from the roast and gentry brush away any remaining salt. Let the roast rest for 5-8 minutes. Once rested, place on a serving platter and slice.

STEP 5 Serve the smashed potatoes with sour cream along side the prime rib.

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POWER GEMSTONE BRACELET

This beautifully beaded bracelet presents a timeless design and a symbol of empowerment for anyone to wear with confidence.

Gorjana, $38

1

FLOYD SCARF

This San Francisco based brand is known for its unmatched absurdly soft apparelwhich is everything this scarf is: soft, warm and the absolute staple piece for every winter outfit.

Marine Layer, $58

TOP 10

Colorful Finds For the Holidays Find the perfect gift for anyone on your list with MALIBU MAGAZINE editor’s favorite selects from all of our favorite stores around town.

3 SMART GARDEN 3

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Introducing Smart Garden 3, the newest innovated way to garden. This NASA inspired grow set optimizes LED lights to provide the fullest for your plants to flourish.

Nordstrom, $99.95 GREETABL BOX

Greetabl gifts make gift-giving extra personal by offering a collection of patterns and gifts to choose from and making it perfectly customizable to give to anyone.

Greetabl.com, from $11

5 MOTHER AND CHILD

“Mother and Child”, Claiborne Swanson Frank’s latest body of work with over 100 illustrations to capture the beauty of motherhood and the unbreakable bond of mother and child.

Room at the Beach, $85

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HOLIDAYS

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SHERPA BLANKET, MESA SKYLINE

Give the gift of softness for this season with Faherty sherpa blanket— woven from looms of cotton yarns to create versatile softness and the perfect seasonal gift.

Faherty, $168

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MOD

T highl one w

ARIANA OST CRYSTAL HAMSA

A home decor piece of healing for any home. The brass hands symbolize giving and offering and crystals balance vibrations of the space and provide healing power for your home.

Free People, $60

HARIO COLD BREW BOTTLE

Help the coffee connoisseur in your life them skip the trip to the cafe and instead make the finest cup of joe from the comforts of home with Blue Bottle’s cold brew essential.

Blue Bottle, $35

9 HAND MADE COMFORTERS

The most beautiful hand made comforters. Reversable with two beautiful Bell prints and made out of 100% cotton. The comforters are hand stiched, polyester filled and come in three sizes.

All Things Bell, $350-425

10

LUXURY ADVENT CALENDAR

A luxury calendar of dreams made for L’Occitane holiday 2019 collection is enclosed with 24 irresistible products from lotions, body wash, and other special goodies.

L’occitane, $99

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GOLF

MAJESTY GOLF

GOLF’S LUXURY BRAND The legendary Japanese golf brand known for its ultra-luxe designs and fastidious craftsmanship unveils a new generation with the Royale series. ✎ written by Holly Bieler

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iscerning consumers seeking the utmost in luxury and craftsmanship often have an array of brands to choose from. There’s Ferrari, Porsche, and Lamborghini when it comes time to buy a car, Patek Philippe and Rolex when you’re in the market for watches. For more than 30 years, however, only one brand of golf club has been propelled to and remained within the exclusive stratosphere of world-class luxury product: MAJESTY. If you know anything about golf, chances are you’ve already heard about MAJESTY and their storied

THE ROYALE MAJESTY’s new line

boasts time-honored craftsmanship.

inventory of clubs and drivers. Handcrafted in Japan by specially-trained artisans utilizing precious and fine materials like diamonds and gold and time-hon-

ored engineering techniques, MAJESTY clubs have long been among the most coveted and legendary pieces of sportsgear in the world.

MAJESTY clubs are more than beautiful, however. New lines such as the Royale have enhanced the brand’s patented technologies like its Spider Web face design, meaning golfers can achieve even greater distance, a trademark of the MAJESTY brand, as well as a lower center of gravity to decrease impact loss, and lower torque to help the shaft swing even smoother. The Royale, we posit, will garner second looks in more ways than one MM on the golf course this winter.

Monterey Park Golf 3600 West Ramona Blvd., Monterey Park (323) 266-3600 www.majesty-golf.com

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9/11/19 2:31 PM

FLAVIA MONTERIO Painted the beautiful geometric three-dimensional square painting found in front of The Park at Cross Creek.

MALIBU’S PAINTED UTILITY BOXES ✎ written by Patrisha Rualo  photographed by Julie Wuellner Malibu has a history of being an epicenter for artists and curators to gather and share in creative visionary. This past September, the City of Malibu Cultural Arts Commission decided to further embrace the artistic culture of Malibu by commissioning three talented artists to creatively transform city-owned utility

boxes into their own artistic vision as part of the City’s public art initiative.

The utility box art project will help restore the artistic flow back into Malibu’s community and is meant to, “broaden view each viewer’s understanding of Malibu’s culture or environment” according to the Malibu Arts and Culture website.

Various styles are curated throughout eastern Malibu, with some including geometric art, bright pop-up, and realistic ocean scenery. The boxes can be found in front of The Park at Cross Creek, at the intersection of Webb Way and Civic Center Way and on the corned of Civic Center Way and Vista Pacifica MM Street.

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ARTS

MARK ANDREW ALLEN created a box in the pop-art collage style which can be found at the intersection of Webb Way and Civic Center Way.

SHANNON CELIA Celia’s box symbolizes Malibu’s surf culture by including surfboards, seagulls, waves and the beautiful coast.

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THE I BULIEVE PROJECT

B.U. In Your Activism In the latest installment of Jules Williams and Alison Pothier’s docu-series, I BUlieve, we are introduced to Christina Stevens, award-winning filmmaker, author, aerobatic pilot and global environmental activist.

CHRISTINA STEVENS From piloting aerobatic planes to working with Mother Teresa, Stevens is a true modern-day adventuress.

A

Malibu local and Australian native, Christina Stevens is a modern-day adventuress and a role model for women around the world. From acting on stage to directing her own films, Christina has grasped life and flown with it.

Having once owned and piloted aerobatic planes, Christina is a regular at the United Nations where she advocates for the voiceless and champions environmental and human causes.

The only daughter of Australian child

star, “Baby Peggy”, Christina learned to grow up quickly, with fierce independence. In her episode of I BUlieve, she explains her life trajectory in finding her purpose: “I BUlieve we tack through life. As a child I tacked over to the theater and discovered this was not where I was going to be – the scripts for women were horrendous. I realized I needed to get behind the camera, write scripts and direct so I tacked over in that direction.

When we are young, we gain this talent and that talent if we are listening to our higher guides. It all starts to narrow

in and then one day it hits us, ‘Ah, I’ve found my purpose. I know what I am here to do’” Christina says.

From an early age, Christina had “humanitarian” traits. She now finds purpose working at the U.N. as an environmental activist. In her IBUlieve, she shares that: “I don’t know how I found my way at the U.N., but I did. They invited me to speak at an event, then I was asked to give an award and became a regular.

One of the things I spoke about there was my stories of Mother Teresa and how she inspired me and changed my life. That

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comes back to BUlieving in service, spirit, and in a united world. Which is why I BUlieve in giving voice to those who have no voice. I BUlieve my mission is to give them the outlet to speak, to fight and promote what they have to say. Our indigenous people do not have a vote at the U.N. and they should be at the table voting. Indeed their connection to the earth says they should be the voice of nature.”

Christina lives her life to the fullest by fighting for others and standing up for environmental causes. She states: “I BUlieve in freedom, that’s why I am a pilot. I BUlieve in the power of flight, no longer being tethered to the earth.

When I was 33 years old, Steve McQueen and I were after the same plane, but of course, being a movie star, he got it. Only, his wife who he bought it for couldn’t fly it, so he got the broker to call me saying, ‘Call that Australian gal and tell her, her ship has come in.’ That was my first plane. My beloved Angel.”

Christina describes fearlessly flying loop de loops with her plane, but also about the fearlessness required to truly love. In her I BUlieve, she discusses her passion for teaching the one thing she feels she needed to learn …love. In her I BUlieve episode, she explains: “There was one thing that terrified me – love, I never saw it as a child. Mother Teresa came to me in a dream and said, ‘If you wish to film me, I will let you, but you must come soon.’ When I went to India, Mother Teresa, the goddess of love, taught me, ‘We come in from the loving and we go out to the loving.”

Like all I BUlieve contributors, Christina is passionate about Malibu: “I BUlieve in Malibu. There is something enchanting. It’s as if I have known every person around me and like we have been brought together for a reason.

There’s a destiny. I BUlieve in destiny.

That’s what brings us all here.”

To watch current episodes visit MM www.ibulieve.com

I BUlieve Creators

ALISON POTHIER

JULES WILLIAMS

Previously a Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director in investment banking, Alison has long worked in the business of Futures and Options. Only now, she works on helping others to redesign and refine their options for the future they dream to experience in this lifetime.

As Director of Inside Out Retreats, Alison provides coaching, retreats and consulting to professional and private clients wishing to transform their worlds “from the inside out”.

Through her many endeavors, Alison’s passion is to help others to write and rewrite the stories that shape their worlds.

Sharing her own story, Alison was featured in the documentary “ChoicePoint” alongside world leading thinkers and visionaries including Richard Branson, Nelson Mandela, Jack Canfield, Barbara Marx Hubbard and others.

Collaborating to inspire, Alison films, produces and edits “I BUlieve” alongside her beloved husband.

First conceived by him in 1992 under the name “I Believe”, Jules wanted to create a series about how our lives get framed by our experiences and the beliefs that are borne out of those experiences. From our aspirations to the significant events that impact us, Jules envisioned encapsulating the inspirational life philosophies that are derived from living it. Jules called this our “I Believe”, a statement of the beliefs that derive from our life story expressed through poetic prose.

Twenty-five years and two countries later, now readied by his own colorful life experience, Jules, together with his beloved wife Alison, launch “I BUlieve” adding one key ingredient to the mix: the desire to Be You (“BU”) in the world. Recognizing that our lives are not only a reflection of our beliefs, but also the acceptance and celebration of our authenticity, I BUlieve invites you to “B and Believe in U.”

Coach, Writer, Intuitive, Filmmaker, Dreamer

Writer, Director, Producer, Coach, Intuitive

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ART COLUMN

by Jacqueline ‘Jac’ Forbes

THE SOUND OF SILENCE MALIBU MAG art columnist Jacqueline ‘Jac’ Forbes, co-owner of CANVAS.MALIBU, writes about the spirituality of the abstract art and how it can be the perfect escape in our busy daily lives.

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ll around us we are experiencing the crescendo of noise. Increasingly the challenge of our everydayness has led to an epidemic of media overload, technological disruptions and exposure exhaustion. Everything and everyone seems to be accessible, invited or not. Our political, social, environmental concerns and daily life urgencies have become the vibrational norm. We are inundated with a voluminous amount of input and output of data. Escape is necessary - a shutdown - a respite. I urge you to entertain an introspective activity through the visual artistic medium aka look at a painting, any painting. The ‘sound of silence” is extraordinary when given time with a solitary display of minimalist nonliteral work on canvas, abstract art. Some of these masterpieces contain only one or two colors and are known to extract emotion and have the ability to mute external chatter.

Works such as - Ellsworth Kelley’s ‘Green Relief with Blue’ 2011, Barnett Newman’s beautiful deep blue canvas ‘The Cathedra’ 1951 and a fan favorite Alma Thomas’s Mars Dust, 1972.

On one hand abstract and minimal art can create an uncomfortable dilemma, a

MARK ROTHKO courtesy of Alux.com

VEIL PAINTINGS by Damien Hirst 2017

love hate juggle with the viewer. This Art form provokes an avalanche of questions: ‘does this mean something?’, ‘What makes this art form special?’ And the obligatory, ‘I don’t get it’. Mark Rothko one of the iconic abstract expressionist said it best

in a co-authored letter written in 1943 to the New York Times, he stated, “There is no such thing as a good painting about nothing…we favor the expression of complex thought”. He rightfully defended his place in this new movement as Rothko sought to remove the need for interpretation. So what is Spirituality of the Abstract? Abstract: existing in thought or idea but not having a physical or concrete existence – Spirituality: the quality of being concerned with the human spirit as opposed to material things. Beginning with the birth of abstractionism, many of the Icons of this Art form have shared a similar foundation of evolution to their ‘style” through introspection and or the need for freedom from dogmatic thinking. Rothko and Adolph Gottlieb an American Abstract Expressionist were deeply into the study of the unconscious mind as they delved further into the form. These color field paintings served to facilitate an act of reflection without narrative no subject matter and no emotional prompts. Many have said that standing before a Rothko is like a religious experience. The first abstract artist Hilma af Klint (yes a woman) focused her interest in practices of spirituality, theosophy and philosophy. Af Klint pioneered a pathway into this revolutionary style through paintings that displayed geomet-

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Meet Jac Forbes

THE BLACK PAINTINGS by Knowledge Bennett, The Know Contemporary, 2019

ric symbols and diagrams. This imagery she believed was communicated to her by Spirit, resulting in colors and shapes she believed to ‘symbolize a soul’s journey”.

During times of when I need solace, I find myself within the four walls of a gallery or museum. I experience an internal sigh of relief in the halls of perfectly curated Rothko’s or Ellsworth Kelley (a color field minimalist artist). Many contemporary artists have created collections whereby the sole purpose is to create a place where the Art body moves you into a solitary introspection. Damien Hirst’s collection of Veil Paintings is where he found liberation, in a field of color where he intentionally returned to ‘Colour Space’. Hirst’s Veil Paintings were representative of “going back to the human element, so instead, you have the fallibility of the human hand in the drips and inconsistencies,” he states. This makes sense as the paintings came about during his brief breaks from the massive undertaking “Treasures from the Wreck of the Unbelievable,” his highly ambitious sculpture exhibition at the Palazzo Grassi and Punta della Dogana in Venice Biennale (I was fortunate enough to be able to travel there and to see it). There is a beauty and playful quality to the Veil Paintings that have been coined ‘Post-Impressionism— with an Ab-Ex twist’. Surrounded by these

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paintings I am immediately transported into a massive field of beautiful flowers - a microcosm of a Pierre Bonnard painting.

Conversely, Visual Artist Knowledge Bennet’s black crystalized canvases’ - a collection called the ‘Black Paintings’ communicate how a lack of color can be impactful and meditative. These minimalist paintings create an illusion of space and time, a journey into our internal cosmos. There is a galactic quality to this work. Bennet’s states “My paintings serve as healing mechanisms, spiritual objects which establish a space for contemplation”. Mission accomplished - surrounded by these paintings I feel safe and serene within a temple of inner reflection.

Rothko stated, “There is accuracy in Silence”. In agreement, I note the confusion of our present day reality is a result of external noise. The Abstract painting’s goal is to create an illusion of another space or time, a solitary moment of stillness. Scientific studies have noted that through color we experience a shift in mental function.

The power of abstract language is it can say more than words or literal figurative imagery. I invite you to take a moment in front of an abstract canvas and allow yourself to create a universe outside of the real world.

I invite you to enjoy this art form with this perspective.

MM

For Jacqueline ‘Jac’ Forbes, Art is major part of her life. As the co-owner of CANVAS . MALIBU – A Gallery of Art and Fashion in the Malibu Country Mart, Forbes has curated over 50 Artist exhibitions featuring local, national and international artists. She enjoys working closely in the development of future gallerist and emerging artists, sharing her eye, experience and

expertise. Forbes has travelled the world to view great works participating in various art markets. She recently expanded the Art component of her business by adding an Art Consultancy - Canvas Art Dept. Inc.- specializing in Art Curation, Acquisition and Project Management for both Private and Corporate Clientele. “Bringing people to art they love and supporting today’s artists is my joy”.

11/15/19 13:30

CUSTOMER-CENTRIC General manager Arnie Moulton and assistant manager Amanda Woodward aim to give every customer the best service whether they're buying one plant or a thousand plants. rseries in Malibu and surround-

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NURSERY

MOON VALLEY NURSERY

CAN YOU DIG IT ?

Cultivating big ideas with a simplified approach, Malibu’s newest nursery Moon Valley Nursery makes creating the perfect landscape a walk in the park ✎ written by Tammy Arlidge  photographed by Julie Wuellner

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urn right at the T-Rex, go past the giant Queen Palms, past the wall of Indian Laurel, and follow the gravel road and you have officially arrived at the heart of the new Malibu oasis known as Moon Valley Nursery.

Suddenly you’re in the middle of a lush wilderness of thirty-foot trees and flowering bushes with no hint of the rumbling PCH only a few yards behind you. It’s hard not to get lost, both physically and metaphorically, in this ten-acre wonderland.

It seems like overnight this forest-like menagerie appeared near the intersection of PCH and Heathercliff with the opening of their eleventh location in California in September. “People were shocked when we first opened”, recalls Amanda Woodward, assistant manager. “We’ve been super busy and we’ve had a very positive response.”

Purple morning glories cascade over a trellis. A white barn is tucked neatly in a corner. Affectionately called the “Dinosaur Zoo” by the young residents, the giant metal

MOON VALLEY NURSERY Opened in September, the nursery is located across from the Point Dume Plaza.

creatures add a whimsical presence, owner Les Blake’s idea. Orange Kubotas scoot by carrying clients through massive rows of shrubs, bushes, and trees. It’s a visual feast for every plant palate.

What started as a small nursery in the ‘Moon Valley’ section of Phoenix, AZ with the idea of a package deal that included the planting with the price of the tree, has turned into thirty-four stores in four states

and a multitude of grow yards, while maintaining a mom-n-pop feel. Their motto “You Buy It, We Plant It” is displayed prominently on their trailer as you enter. A family owned company since 1995, Moon Valley Nursery prides itself on being a one-stop experience.

“I’d say probably 50% of our customers are fire victims,” Woodward says. “Some people are just now looking to rebuild and replant and we are giving free consultations to them.”

This nursery is indeed a real nursery. Every single tree has been nurtured from a seed or cutting and fostered into full-grown specimens in Moon Valley’s 3,000 acres of grow yards throughout southern California and transported via semi-truck to Malibu. Arnie Moulton, general manager, has been with the company for fifteen years.

He trains the crews at each location from the ground up- drivers, plant crews, and sales managers. “We offer a 100% guarantee with all our plants. We’ve spent many years caring for them. We have our name on each one. It’s sentimental.”

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“MY FAVORITE PART IS CREATING A DREAM BACKYARD AND BRINGING IT TO LIFE.”

YOU BUY IT, WE PLANT IT. From almost any type of fruit tree you can imagine to ginormous 25-year old palm trees and olive trees Moon Valley Nursery not only sells it all, but also delivers and plants it for you.

In fact, some trees on the property are over 25 years old, with one Pineapple Palm peaking at nearly seventy years old and prices range from less than just $10 up to $30,000 for an ancient olive tree.

Let’s talk fruits. No one got left out in the fruit section. Lemons, limes, guava, grapefruit, peach, pear, apple, and plum are all accounted for, including the strawberry tree. Small edible pinkish-red fruit dangle from branches and taste like strawberries with a fermented ‘kick.’ Around the corner is the understated pineapple guava tree, abundantly laden with jalapeno pepper-looking fruit but have the taste of sweet pineapple. Endless possibilities abound for you to create your own orchard.

When the freeze in 2007 threatened many of their grow yards, Moon Valley Nursery created their own amino acid and protein blend with the help of a botanist and the results were astounding. Moon Juice is a root stimulant that promotes growth. Now this ‘megavitamin” enhancer is used to save and invigorate ‘stressed’ trees, whether from drought, freeze, wind/heat damage, insects, or transplant shock.

“In Malibu, you hit clay after digging one foot,” Arnie explains.” It feels like rock. So we condition the soil to allow the nutrients to get to the roots. Our products are poison free.”

As customers peruse the vast grounds, it’s as easy as ‘point and click’ and their instant

landscape can be created, removing twenty years from the process. It’s also easy to want everything once you see the myriad of options at your fingertips. But not everything will thrive in one’s yard. Nate Hopping, landscape designer, uses aesthetics and knowledge to create ideas for his clients through their in-house design program. He first goes to their property, measures, takes photos, and assesses the soil, evaluates the shade and sun levels. He then presents clients with photos and slide shows.

“My favorite part is creating a dream backyard and bringing it to life,” Hopping says. The typical turnaround time is ten to fourteen days once the designs are agreed upon.

Among the most popular local choices is the California pepper tree because it is fast growing and loves the western climate, as well as two fire retardant favorites – the olive tree and palo verde, both of which can grow over thirty feet. The Indian Laurel, also known as the “Malibu hedge” is another great fire retardant as it’s full of water, and offers an aesthetically pleasing privacy wall.

Whether you need one or one hundred trees, Moon Valley Nurseries is committed to customer service. “We love Malibu and the small town vibe,” says Moulton. “We’ll MM take care of you.”

Moon Valley Nursery 29081 Pacific Coast Hwy (424) 358-5618 moonvalleynurseries.com

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SWINGING OVER THE RICE TERRACES

No visit to Tegalalang Rice Terraces is complete without stopping by one of the many ‘Bali Swings’ and swinging out high above the rice paddies below.

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FROM MALIBU TO BALI This Septemer, MALIBU MAGAZINE Editor-in-Chief Julie Wuellner and her husband Kevin McDonald flew halfway around the world from Malibu to Bali, Indonesia to explore an island full of lush jungles, towering rice terraces, wild monkeys and incredible food in order to bring you the best of Bali.

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RICE FIELDS & LUSH JUNGLES

Once you get out of the hustle and bustle of cities like Denpasar and Ubud the Balinese countryside is filled with lush jungles, and farmers working in the serene rice paddies or terraces.

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NATURAL BEAUTY From visiting the monkeys of Ubud to walking through the immense Jatiluwih Rice Terraces and experiencing aweinspiring waterfalls, Bali is filled with natural beauty at every corner.

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CULTURAL ICON Tanah lot is a rock formation on the coast, home to the ancient Hindu pilgrimage temple Pura Tanah Lot.

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he splash was louder than expected, and the impact harder than I would have guessed in that split second you have when you realize you’re about to fall -- right before you plummet into the abyss of a 10-foot Balinese canal, filled with dirty water and trash. When I opened my eyes, I was at the bottom of said canal with twelve complete strangers, a worried tour guide, and my incredulous husband peering over the edge.

“Never in all my years as a guide have I seen this happen,” I heard the guide nervously assure my

husband. So how did I get into this situation? That is a question I ask myself even now, weeks later, sitting comfortably back home at my desk in Malibu.

But in short, Kevin and I were halfway through our two week adventure in Bali, Indonesia on our way from the main island to Nusa Lembongan, a smaller and we were told wilder island, filled with white sand beaches named things like “Dream Beach”, incredible cliff outcroppings that spew water tens of feet into the air and and mangroves ready to explore via kayak or stand up paddleboard, when I

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BALI’S HOLY WATER TEMPLE

Tirta Empul Temple offers visitors bathing in its waters one of the holiest experiences on the Island. The temple’s waters come from sacred springs said to be created by the goddess Indra.

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took my tumble attempting to get my bag out of a van by the Sanur marina.

“Hey mate, I think those are your boat tickets floating away,” an Australian traveler so kindly pointed out before pouring vodka, straight out of a bottle he carried in his bag onto my bloody elbow. In the end, we never did make it to Nusa Lembongan, mostly out of my husband’s fear that my accident-prone self wouldn’t survive an even wilder island and my semi-urgent need to seek out a Balinese clinic to get my battle wounds properly disinfected.

Despite that one unfortunate incident, Bali is one of the most incredible places either of us have ever traveled to. During our time there, we climbed onto ginormous wooden swings that swung us high above picturesque rice terraces, we met wild monkeys in Ubud’s Monkey Forest (and then swiftly attempted to hide all

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UBUD MORNING MARKET Every Saturday morning

the Ubud Market transforms into a farmer’s market filled with locals selling everything from fruits and veggies to flowers and ready-made food.

PEOPLE WATCHING

The market is easily one of the most busy and chaotic spots in Ubud, but all the excitment makes for great people watching.

of our possessions from said sneaky creatures), and we visited temples believed to be created by the Hindu goddess Indra herself. We met locals so excited to have visitors that they took the time out of their day to show us their fields and to drive up and down the same stretch of road so that we could get that one perfect photo. We watched more people (and belongings) being piled onto small scooters, affectionately known as ‘scoopies’ than should be physically possible and wind their way through the seemingly lawless Bali streets.

We waded through rivers and hiked down canyons to explore Bali’s many breathtaking waterfalls. And we mingled with the locals at Ubud’s weekend farmer’s market, a place filled to the brim with exotic fruits and spices, hand-made baskets and flower-filled offerings to the Hindu gods and goddesses.

Throughout our two-week stay, we spent most of the

time in Ubud, known as the health-centric yoga capital of Bali, not because we are yoga fanatics, but because the city offers excellent shopping and restaurants and also happens to be centrally located. This made it the perfect base for us to get through Balinese traffic (which is possibly even worse than LA traffic) to see the many places we had on our Bali wishlist. Along with yoga, Ubud is also well-known for is it’s countless incredibly delicious eateries, and while yoga might not be our thing, good food is something we could definitely get behind. On every corner, you’ll find a restaurant or ‘warung’ with hundreds of five-star yelp reviews, making it almost impossible to go wrong when choosing a place to eat in Ubud. Inspired by all the mouthwatering food we were eating, we decided to try a cooking class at B. Saya, a local hotel. While I wouldn’t say we came home being able to recreate that perfect Indonesian five-course meal (or even one of those five courses), we did have a blast cutting up spices and frying lemongrass chicken satay while hanging out with the other guests next to the hotel’s infinity pool.

Was our Bali trip perfect? No, but what trip is? All in all, we had an incredible time and would recommend the island to anyone looking for an Indonesian adventure – just try to avoid any and all canals.

MM

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BALI GUIDE Here you can find our list of the most noteworthy restaurants, attractions and hotels in Ubud and surrounding areas for an unforgettable Balinese experience.  The selects marked with hearts are our highly recommended editor’s picks.

RESTAURANTS

seated (on the ground) in front of a serene koi pond.

The menu is filled with healthy, vegan options meant to clear your mind. clearcafebali.com WARUNG BABI GULING IBU OKA NO. 3 +62 361-976345

 PULAU KELAPA WARUNG +62 361-971872 For some of the best, authentic Balinese cuisine in the Ubud area we couldn’t recommend Pulau Kelapa Warung more. The warung (eatery in Balinese) is only a short 10 minute drive from the heart of Ubud and seats patrons in peaceful, semi-traditional setting. Try the Nasi Campur with beef for a delicious and fun mix of Balinese food.

One Ubud favorite not to miss is Warung Babi Guling Ibu Oka No. 3. The restaurant serves traditional Bali-style babi guling (whole roasted suckling pig stuffed with traditional spices). While it’s open until 6pm, but we recommend going before 3pm since they routinely sell out.

PLACES TO SEE

MILK & MADU +62 812-3673-6733 Back in 2012 two friends from Byron Bay joined forces to bring some of the best (all-day) breakfast, lunch & dinner to Ubud.

Milk & Madu serves everything from eggs benedict, healthy breakfast bowls and freshly roasted coffee to their famous lava stone pizzas in a beautiful, casual setting in central Ubud. milkandmadu.com CLEAR CAFE +62 878-6219-7585 Clear Cafe offers patrons one of the nicest restaurant atmospheres in Ubud. Upon entering you are asked to take off your shoes before being whisked away through a giant circular door and

 JATILUWIH RICE TERRACES Grander than the famous Tegalalang rice terraces, Jatiluwih rice terraces seem to sprawl across the hills as far as the eye can see and allow visitors to walk right through the middle of them on a well-maintained paved path. Jatiluwih is also often emptier than Tegalalang, most likely due to its further distance from tourist hotspots.

TEGENUNGAN WATERFALL Close to Ubud, Tegenungan Water is the perfect destination for nature-lovers

looking for a bit of adventure. Visitors can choose to watch the majestic waterfall amidst the lush jungle from the cliffs above or hike down to the base for a front-row seat.

TEGALALANG RICE TERRACES Perhaps one of the most famous settings in Bali, the Tegalalang rice terraces offer visitors iconic views of Bali’s rice paddies and their innovative irrigation system. Numerous cafes line the road with great views of the rice terraces. For the daring at heart, swing out high above the terraces on one of the many Bali swings.

ULUN DANO LAKE TEMPLE

ACTIVITIES

HOTELS & VILLAS

 TIRTA EMPUL TEMPLE One of the holiest experiences you can have in Bali is when visiting Tirta Empul Temple, a holy temple built over sacred springs said to have been created by the goddess Indra. The temple is believed to possess curative properties and allows visitors to bathe in its sacred water.

 LIFT TREEHOUSE Perhaps the most unique stays listed on AirBnB in Ubud, Lift Treehouse allows guest to spend the night in you guessed it, a treehouse. The location is a little hard to find at first, and not accessible by car, but once you get there it’s well worth it. airbnb.com/users/ show/290416904

More commonly referred to as the floating temple, Ulun Dano Beratan Temple is set on Lake Beratan, close to 4,000 feet above sea level, to the backdrop of stunning mountain vistas. If your heart is set on seeing the temple floating on the lake, ask prior to making the trip since this is dependent on water levels.

UBUD MONKEY FOREST 700 wild monkeys inhabit the Ubud Monkey Forest, and while the monkeys are free to come and go as they wish, they generally stay in the area for its lush habitat and daily feedings.

While incredibly cute, the monkeys can be quite mischievous little creatures so watch your belongings when you go! monkeyforestubud.com

UBUD STREET MARKET

B. SAYA COOKING CLASS

If you’re staying in Ubud, its impossible to miss the Ubud Market, which acts as the city center. However, even if you’ve walked around the market during the week when vendors are selling souvenirs and clothing, it’s worth coming back on a Saturday morning for the local farmer’s market. If you go early, there are few tourists and it makes for great people watching.

(310) 456-7600 The Ubud area is wellknown for its exquisite cuisine and if you’d like to learn how to make some of the traditional balinese dishes at home, head over to B. Saya for one of their informative yet laid-back cooking classes set right next to their beautiful pool, overlooking the nearby rice paddies. bsaya.com

WARWICK IBAH LUXURY VILLAS & SPA For a truly luxurious balinese resort experience, look no further than Warwick Ibah. Located amidst lush tropical gardens, and yet close enough to all of Ubud’s best spots, Warwick Ibah offers rooms with private pools, elegant furniture and outstanding service.

Warwickhotels.com FOUR SEASONS RESORT BALI AT JIMBARAN BAY In case you choose to venture out from Ubud, the Four Season Resort at Jimbaran Bay is the place to go. Located in a sheltered calm bay along three miles of Sand, the resort offers beach-front luxury like no other fourseasons.com/jimbaranbay/

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ISLAND TIME The Montage Kapalua sits right on the ocean, on a palm-studded stretch of Kapalua Bay.

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MONTAGE KAPALUA BAY

UNPARALLELED LUXURY WITH A SIDE OF HOME Maui’s Montage Kapalua Bay proffers spectacular rooms, amenities and dining, all with the warmth of being home. ✎ written by Holly Bieler

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’ve never been a Hawaii person. At least, that’s what I thought. Before this past October my one and only foray to the islands had been when I was 10 years old, when my mother, for unknown reasons, decided what my family needed most was a beach vacation. My family is not, it should be said, beach people. Welsh and Swiss as far back as genes go, my family are pale, fragile people, who burn easily and attract any insect in the vicinity and then like to complain very loudly when these things inevitably happen. So our one-week jaunt to O’ahu was not, you might have already gleaned, a huge success.

I’d all but written off Hawaii ever since, until this last October when I had the chance to spend five days at the spectacular Montage Kapalua Bay on Maui. Nestled right on the beach on a lush, palmlined stretch of the Kapalua Bay, this Montage property, one of seven in the world, is the stuff of wanderlust dreams. It’s stunning, truly,

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UNPARALLELED LUXURY The Montage Kapalua is Maui’s premiere hotel, boasting luxuriously-appointed guestrooms and 50 residences, as well as three restaurants on the property, from casual to fine dining.

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with a breakthtaking indoor/outdoor lobby designed in rich coastal hues that proffers endless views of the sparkling Pacific and the property’s beautifully-curated plants and trees. This is to say nothing of the rooms, which are deeply luxurious in the Montage way while still surprisingly warm and home-y. A mixed long-term residence/ hotel property, the Montage Kapalua boasts some of the island’s most exclusive housing, and the same attention and care OUR SPECIAL TIP

Be sure to swing by the desk of Silla Kaina during your next trip to the Montage Kapalua. The hotel’s cultural ambassador, Kaina’s family has lived in Hawaii for generations, and she’s a wealth of information on local history, customs and special events. She can even schedule special experiences like lei-making classes.

has been paid to its hotel suites. My room was massive and beautifully-appointed, with two large bedrooms each sporting high-def flatscreen TV’s, three bathrooms, a lovely, light-filled seating area and a full kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances.

If all the space and amenities seemed a little ridiculous to me at first, I quickly warmed to having these comforts of home at my immediate disposal. It was almost like I was home, but not really, because where I was was 100 times better than home. It’s a little hard to explain, but this is one of the most special things about the beautiful Montage Kapalua: you feel at ease there in a way that I’ve found is rare when you’re on vacation. It truly does, somehow, feel like home.

I was thinking about this as I made my way down to the Champage Hale at Cliff House one night. Originally built in the 1940s, Cliff House was originally built as a facility for the managers of the legendary Holoua Plantation, which used to stretch onto the Montage Kapalua property. Located in the middle of the water and accessible by a pier, today the Cliff House is the location of the Montage’s incredibly popular Cham-

CLIFF HOUSE The historic structure sits on the Montage property.

pagne Hale, a pop-up bar serving delicious food and drinks made from Veuve Clicquot champagne.

The sun was setting as waiters brought in trays of fresh oysters on ice, ceviche prepared from fresh, locally-caught fish, mindblowing fois gras profiteroles and delicious mini lobster grilled cheeses. Two delicious champagne pineapple cocktails and seven mini lobster grilled cheeses in, I decided I needed a break and took a seat on the Cliff House’s balcony to take in the sun as it disappeared on the horizon.

I couldn’t remember ever being happier on vacation, and the feeling flummoxed me. Was I, in fact, a Hawaii person? And did that make me a beach person? As I ruminated on the thought, I was joined by the Montage Kapalua’s cultural ambassador, Silla Kaina. Kaina’s family has lived on Maui for generations, and as a child she even used to play on the grounds of the Montage Kapalua when it was still a plantation.

She asked me how I was liking Hawaii so far, and I told her I was confused by how much I was liking it. I didn’t understand

how I felt so deepy at home in this coastal paradise I’d only spent a couple days in, when I don’t always feel at home in the coastal paradise where I’ve lived for three decades.

I was blabbering, I knew, and yet Silla didn’t look confused at all.

“That’s Hawaii,” she said. “Everyone is home here, everyone is family. We have a saying here: the first time you meet someone in Hawaii, you’re a guest. The second time, you’re family.”

You feel this in the Montage as well, in the warmth of its staff, the care put into its beautiful design and delicious food. And things get into you when you find yourself this happy, this relaxed. The morning after the Hale, I did something I haven’t done at home in over 20 years— I swam in the ocean. And wouldn’t you know it: I think MM I’m a beach person.

Montage Kapalua @montagekapalua montagehotels.com/kapaluabay/ (808) 662-6660

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SCHOOLS : PRESCHOOLS

News From Our Schools As we move into the late fall and early winter, Malibu and surrounding areas’ schools once again have lots to share. From choir performances to educational events for parents, the calendar is packed this holiday season. ✎ written by Tammy Arlidge CHILDREN’S CREATIVE WORKSHOP

CCW has recently moved to Juan Cabrillo Elementary campus. They love their new space and really enjoy the location and open spaces. Some great fun topics in November/December include Community Workers where the kids will walk to Zuma Lifeguard HQ, and host the local firefighters for a show.

They’ll introduce the Native Chumash people, by learning songs and stories.

Children will create “Rainbow Bridge” Puppets so that they can re-tell the story as was done for centuries. They’ll learn about the meaning of Thanksgiving, and learn about the Seasons through art and song.

The play The Story of Ferdinand the Bull for the Holidays will be shown in the school auditorium on December 18.

WAGON WHEEL SCHOOL

Some great events held at Wagon Wheel School are a food drive for the homeless and also a book fair for children and their families.

Franklin Haynes Marionettes will come and do a holiday show on December along with a holiday performance for the parents.

Wagon Wheel also holds ongoing Parent & Me class every Wednesday from 3 - 4 p.m. The children attending need to be 14 months or walking.

UNDER THE OAKS EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER

Having been open for six years, Under the Oaks is gearing up for autumn with their Autumn Enchantment Evening by celebrating the animals who are getting ready for the winter as well as the magic of this time of year. The school will also hold a lantern walk that begins under the big Oak trees and along a trail lit up with hundreds of LED candles to bring a very special celebration to their families this year.

In December they will have a spiral of lights to honor the dark time of the year when they each find their own inner light to share with our community.

GAN PRESCHOOL

One of the fun things Gan preschool is putting together this season will be a Thanksgiving feast, prepared by the children. Local seniors will come and join as well as some of our local police and fire fighters. A special menorah-making workshop will be coming up where the parents can come and work with their child to create a menorah for Chanukah. No two menorahs ever look the same.

Gan preschool also offers “Music Parent and Me” classes on Tuesday mornings and after school gymnastic classes on Wednesdays, which are both open to the community.

MALIBU PRESBYTERIAN NURSERY SCHOOL

November is always a big month at Malibu Pres. Their recent Farm Day was complete with a petting zoo and all the children dressed up like farmers.

They also had their Parent Party where parents from past and present were invited to come support the school, complete with a BBQ dinner live auction.

On November 21, they had their Thanksgiving Feast, a long-standing tradition giving thanks for the beautiful holiday season. December 19, they will have their Christmas Show and Cookie Party! Families and friends will gather for a very festive holiday tradition.

MALIBU METHODIST NURSERY SCHOOL

MMNS will be hosting their annual “Spring Social” event in February 2020. The event is for parents to have a fun night out with drinks and dinner, generously hosted by a fellow MMNS parent. Teachers watch the children at the school for the night, so that parents are able to spend time with fellow MMNS families. The event will feature a silent auction in support the Scholarship Program so that families who are unable to afford quality care are still able to receive it. During November, MMNS will also have their Thanksgiving mini-feast.

On December 18th, MMNS will present “Holiday in Song”.

MALIBU JEWISH CENTER

Malibu Jewish Center offers a Baby Yoga class on Wednesdays at 9:30 am and their weekly Religious School for Grades K-7+ meets Tuesdays 3:45-6:15pm.

Malibu Jewish center also has a beautiful organic garden that the kids can harvest.

In addition, a ‘Hand-in-Hand” program for young adults of all abilities is offered Thursdays from 4:00pm-5:30 pm. The Art of Arguing with Rabbi Michael will be on two Wednesdays: December 4 & 11, 2019 at 7:00 pm. Upcoming for the holiday season will be a Hanukkah Concert, December 6, 2019 at 6:00 pm.

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Under the Oaks Early Childhood Center

Parent and Child Classes - Preschool - Community Events

OaksMalibu.com 310.456.7111

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SCHOOLS : ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE & HIGH

OUR LADY OF MALIBU SCHOOL

The christmas tree lot is one of the Malibu High School Athletic Booster club’s major fundraisers. It will be open November 29 through December 24.

MALIBU MIDDLE AND MALIBU HIGH SCHOOL

There will some great concerts for the entire Malibu Community coming up this Holiday season. These are combined middle and high school events and open to the public. The visual and performing arts programs, including the music programs have been a priority for our community for many years! The winter concert schedule includes the band concert on Thursday, December 5 and the choir concert on Thursday, December 12th. All of the winter concerts are held in the theater on campus.

The Malibu High School Athletic Booster Club’s major fundraiser is the Christmas tree lot which this year will be open from November 29-December 24.

On December 6 the school will be having a “Community Night” featuring the MHS choir singing, food trucks and other events.

MALIBU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Malibu Elementary has a new mascot!

When choosing the mascot, Malibu Elementary had a few criteria: it has to be native to our area and not been previously used at Juan Cabrillo or Pt. Dume. The votes are in and the Sea Lion is officially the new mascot along with a new logo and song too.

Malibu Elementary ironed out a few creases in the drop-off/pick-up lines at the Grayfox/Fernhill intersection recently and added some great landscape improvements and play structures, which have all been met with huge enthusiasm.

A few upcoming events at the school are a parent education event “Safer Internet Skills for Parents” from 4-5 pm on December 12 which discusssmedia balance, bullying, and communication.

And on December 17 the District Malibu Schools Music Performance will be held from 6:30-8:30 pm.

OLM has introduced the Virtuous Journey. The virtues are Faith, Hope, Love, Prudence, Temperance, Kindness, Honesty, Responsibility, Discipline, Initiative, Courage, Resilience, Fortitude, Curiosity, Collaboration, Selflessness, Patience, Justice, Humility, and Gratitude. Each week the students will study the definition, learn a song, create an art project and view a video.

Reading Angels, in its 7th year, begins this month with a visit to local preschools by our 5th-grade class.

Meet the Masters’ Art Program is supported by a parent-led, student-loved art appreciation program. Each month students are introduced to a famous artist and then participate in a related art activity. It’s a fantastic way to introduce art history to our students.

The Christmas Pageant, Show & Dinner will be on December 19 at 5:00 pm in Our Lady of Malibu Church. The Santa Social Cocoa will be December 20 at Noon where Santa will visit.

The Christmas Marketplace will be held December 7 from 1-8 pm and December 8 from 8 am-1 pm and feature visits from Santa and a festive tree lighting.

WEBSTER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Webster will be opening a Maker Space at Webster Elementary in the next month. It’s a dedicated room with technology and supplies to enable teachers to integrate project-based learning into their daily curriculums.

The idea is to apply fundamentals of science, technology, engineering, art and math to solve real world problems.

Webster’s Holiday Boutique will take place at the Malibu Lumber Yard on December 12 from 10-5:30 pm. It’s a pop-up featuring local vendors such as Rowdy Sprouts, Little Lama, Heather Gardner Jewelry, Obsessed, Malibu Basics, Lovely Bird, Runaway Runway and more. There will also be a raffle and Strange Wines will be providing sparking wine. 20% of all sales benefit Webster Elementary.

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AGES 3 months - 6 years

Where Friendships are Nurtured and Education is Fun Accepting Applications Now

(310) 456-6573 • www.ganmalibu.com Serving the Malibu community for close to 20 yrs 2017 & 2018 recipient of the Malibu Choice award for best Preschool

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JOIN OUR TEAM! Malibu Magazine is searching for local contributors, journalists and photographers who would like to get involved with the magazine, as well as local sales reps looking to work for commission part or full-time.

for more info email:

julie@malibumag.com

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REAL ESTATE MALIBU MARKET TRENDS

MARCH MARKET TEMPERATURE

Source: Zilllow.com/Realtor.com/Own Research

BUYER

SELLER

BALANCED

MEDIAN LISTING PRICE SINCE 2011

Source: Zillow.com

$4.1M

Source: Trulia

$3.3M

$2.5M

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2014 Source: Zillow.com

The median sold price is on average 10% lower than the median listing price.

$15K

Malibu’s rental listing price over the last year has remained relatively stable with an upturn in the months after Woolsey.

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SEP-

SEP

AUG

JUL

JUN

MAY

APR

$13K MAR

MEDIAN SOLD HOME PRICE

Source: Zillow.com

$16K

FEB

MEDIAN LISTING HOME PRICE SQ/FT

RENTAL LISTING PRICE OVER THE LAST YEAR

JAN

MEDIAN LISTING HOME PRICE

DEC

$3.3M $1.2 K $3.1M

2013

2012

2011

$1.8M

The chart on the left shows Malibu’s median listing price fluctuations. Since 2011 Malibu has seen a steady increase in median listing price with a spike in 2014 and a slight downturn since the middle of 2018. However, even with the recent downturn, median listing prices are still significantly higher than they were a few years ago.

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IRENE DAZZAN PALMER

THE QUEEN OF COASTAL REAL ESTATE One of the most renowned real estate agents in the world sits down to discuss her storied life and career in Malibu. ✎ written by Holly Bieler

I

rene Dazzan Palmer is not easy to miss. Even if you haven’t met her in person, chances are if you live in Malibu you’ve heard Dazzan Palmer’s name mentioned, or heard her girlish, full-throated laugh lilt through a Malibu fundraiser, or opened a magazine and found her smiling back at you from the entranceway of the most spectacular home you’ve ever seen, her preternaturally lithe frame posed just such, in the way of women who’ve been photographed their entire lives In a lot of ways, Dazzan Palmer seems like the type of woman who’s been photographed her entire life. She’s beautiful, with strong cheekbones, thick blonde hair and round brown eyes she rarely hides behind sunglasses, ever since Magic Johnson quietly asked if she might take them off a few minutes after meeting her.

“I knew you’d have beautiful eyes,” Dazzan Palmer recalls him saying, laughing at the memory.

It’s that laugh, as much as anything, that might get you going on the wrong direction, if you had to guess about Irene Dazzan Palmer’s life. It’s joyful and uninhibited, happy in the way of someone who’s had it easy. Coupled with her high profile in the Malibu community, her circle of celebrity friends and the spectacular Malibu Crest estate

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AT HOME Dazzan Palmer at the Malibu Crest home she shares with her husband, Jim Palmer.

Photo by Julie Wuellner Hair by Giovvani Makeup by Sareh Alameh Dress by Missoni

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FAMILY IS EVERYTHING Dazzan Palmer with her husband, Jim Palmer, stepson Jonny Palmer (left) and son Sandro Dazzan (right).

Sandro and Jonny now work in real estate as well, often closely with Irene.

she shares with her husband Jim, it would be easy to assume Irene Dazzan Palmer falls into that distinctly Malibu category of beautiful blonde women who’ve never worked a day in their life.

This couldn’t be farther from the truth.

In reality, Dazzan Palmer is one of Malibu’s most notable self-made success stories.

Moving to Malibu in her 20s with only an untested real estate license to her name, Dazzan Palmer sold a million dollars worth of property her first year, quickly moving up the ranks to become the top salesperson at her firm in under 5 years. Three decades later, Palmer is one of the most successful and well-known real estate agents in the country, boasting $2 billion in career sales, an eye-popping roster of high-profile clients and a rotating inventory of some of the most high-profile properties in the world.

This success, along with her deep-seated knowledge and acumen in the exclusive sector of Malibu beachfront properties, long ago earned her the nickname “Queen of Coastal Real Estate”.

Indeed the truth is that hard work is kind of what makes Irene Dazzan Palmer tick, even after all these years. There’s a Confucius quote she cites often: Choose a job you love and you will never work a day in your life. It’s a cliché, OK, but when Dazzan Palmer gets going about Malibu real estate, you start to feel like Confucius had a certain doe-eyed blonde in mind when he wrote it.

“I love Malibu, I love the people here, and I love helping families find homes and begin their lives in this community,” Dazzan Palmer says. “I feel so blessed, everyday, to do what I do.”

If Dazzan Palmer still sounds a bit awestruck that she’s managed to make millions doing the thing she loves most– meeting and connecting with new people – her rise to uber-wealth has come as less of a surprise. The granddaughter of Italian immigrants who found success in New York City’s produce industry, Dazzan Palmer was born with entrepreneurial grit running through her veins. After building a successful business in the Bronx, Dazzan Palmer’s paternal grandfather purchased more than 22 ranches in the San Joaquin Valley, where

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MALIBU HEART Above left, Dazzan Palmer and her husband Jim pour Malibu Vineyards wine at a recent fundraiser for the Malibu Urgent Care at Rick Margolis’ estate. Above right, Irene’s son Sandro and grandson Enzo.

BEACH GIRL Dazzan Palmer spends almost every morning power walking on the beach.

CLOSEKNIT When she’s not working or helping out in the community, Dazzan Palmer spends time with her family.

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Dazzan Palmer’s parents eventually moved and Dazzan Palmer was born. Her father Luigi worked at her paternal grandfather’s business, and often enlisted the young Dazzan Palmer to help tend to the ranching operation. It was a wonderful childhood, she says, days spent roaming fragrant orchards, reading in shady patches under trees. A tomboy, Dazzan Palmer soon learned to ride a quarter horse, and would spend her afternoons galloping through vineyards and peach trees.

“I was basically a cowgirl,” Dazzan Palmer says.

The women in her family were wonderful chefs, and on the weekends her large Italian American extended family would converge in her family’s dining room to enjoy traditional dishes from their native Naples, prepared from fresh fruits and vegetables just picked on the farm. During these meals Dazzan Palmer loved hearing the origin story of her family business, how her grandfather immigrated to Ellis Island in his twenties without a penny to his name and would go on to build a thriving company. Fiercely independent and entrepreneurially-minded, even at a young age Dazzan Palmer felt a profound drive to follow in his footsteps.

She didn’t want to rely on her parents money, but instead build something of her own.

This set her apart from many women in her family, who for generations had opted to stay home with the children while their husbands worked, like many families at the time. However her parents recognized her professional drive from an early age, and always supported it. When she was 14, Dazzan Palmer remembers, her father Luigi came into her room and offered a prediction “You’re never going to rely on someone else’s money,” he said. “You’re going to get straight A’s, you’re going to get your own degree and you’re going to do something well.

If you do that, you’ll make your first million before you’re 21.”

Dazzan Palmer took his words to heart, earning top marks throughout high school and upon graduation enrolling at UC Santa Barbara, with plans to become a lawyer.

She loved college immediately, everyday a new chance to meet interesting people,

to have in-depth conversations and learn about the world. Unable to stomach leaving Santa Barbara as her freshman year came to a close, Dazzan Palmer asked her father if he might let her stay through the summer.

Luigi, true to his word, said that if Dazzan Palmer wanted to stay, she’d have to do so on her own.

This is how Dazzan Palmer found herself working the Clinique makeup counter at Robinsons-May that summer, a part-time gig for which she had no qualifications or even that much enthusiasm, at first. But it paid just enough to cover a small apartment for the summer, and she imagined might offer an opportunity to do one of her favorite things in the world: meet new people.

She embraced the job with gusto, chatting up young high school girls and old society women alike, learning their stories as she applied creams and toners to their faces.

She loved the work immediately, and what’s more, found that she was really good at it.

Within a few weeks she was outselling every other salesperson in her department, and by summer’s end had become one of the top Clinique salespeople in California.

Most importantly, Dazzan Palmer learned a profoundly important thing about herself that summer: she had a God-given talent for sales.

“I just loved talking to the people,” she said. “And I learned [during that job] that if people like you and they feel like there’s trust between you, they’ll buy from you.”

What exactly to do with this acumen, Dazzan Palmer still didn’t know. Indeed her experience at Robinsons-May would soon be forgotten as she resumed her studies, graduated college and began to weigh whether or not to attend the prestigious law school to which she’d been accepted. Ultimately Dazzan Palmer opted not to go, choosing instead to indulge her insatiable wanderlust with a post-graduation roadtrip up the Southern California coast.

What she was trying to find on her trip, Dazzan Palmer couldn’t exactly say. But only a few days in, as her small car emerged from the smoke-choked McClure Tunnel in Santa Monica onto the PCH, she realized that somehow she’d found it. What she’d been

looking for was Malibu.

It was the early 80s and Malibu, still little more than a sleepy beach town, was not somewhere ambitious 20 year-olds tended to fall in love with. But as soon as she saw it, something about the community spoke to Dazzan Palmer, put her at ease yet excited her in a way nowhere had ever done before.

“It was just breathtaking,” she said. “I walked the lagoon and Surfrider beach then drove up to the mountains and saw a little waterfall and I was in love. It had this energy that immediately felt so spiritual to me.”

“I thought, ‘This is it,’” Dazzan Palmer recalls. “I said ‘I want to live here, I want to get married here, I want to raise my family here, and I want to make my fortune here.’”

Within a few weeks, she’d accomplished this first goal. Combining her lifetime savings with a small loan from her father, Dazzan Palmer purchased a quaint fixer-upper on the border of the Pacific Palisades and Malibu for a steal, quickly setting to work making it a home. By the time she was done the bungalow had become her dream home, with spacious light-filled rooms, spectacular views of the Pacific, and the friendliest neighbors she’d ever had. All this, and she hadn’t paid much more than what equal-sized homes in smog-choked west L.A. were going for.

The experience got her thinking—why weren’t more people buying in Malibu?

She thought of how peaceful and happy she’d felt since she’d moved here, the joy of waking up to the sound of the ocean, being constantly surrounded by such dramatic natural beauty. All of a sudden Dazzan Palmer got excited, like she had a secret she could share with people that would make their lives better. Malibu had already transformed her life in innumerable ways, and she was confident it could transform many others. People just needed someone to show them.

Dazzan Palmer soon enrolled in real estate classes, and upon earning her license joined a small Pacific Palisades outpost of real estate firm Fred Sands, which would eventually become Coldwell Banker. Her portfolio was slim at first, mainly small single-family homes, however within months

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BREATHTAKING RETREAT Dazzan Palmer’s Malibu Crest architectural home boasts a pool and stunning views of the Pacific from nearly every room.

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25102 MALIBU RD One of Dazzan Palmer’s favorite homes in her current portfolio is this beachfront estate. $18,995,000

21757 CASTLEWOOD This stunning Ed Niles 3 bedroom is another of her favorite properties on the market. $4,995,000

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she was outselling agents two times her age. Selling Malibu real estate, she soon realized, combined everything she was good at with everything she loved: meeting new people, forging deep connections, the thrill of closing a sale. Most importantly, she truly believed in what she was doing.

She loved the look people got in their eyes when they walked into a home and knew in their hearts it was the one, loved watching as her clients became as enamored with the Malibu community as she was. In a small way, she was helping people build and better their family’s lives, and she couldn’t get enough of that feeling.

“I put everything I had into real estate because I loved it,” Dazzan Palmer said. “I worked late into the night. I took every call.

And I treated everyone with respect.”

Within a year, Dazzan Palmer had sold a million dollars worth of property, earning her Fred Sands’ ‘Rookie of the Year’.

As the fortune part began to come together, Dazzan Palmer soon found herself achieving another of the dreams she’d had that first day she drove through Malibu: she began to raise a family here. She married an Italian architect and within a year had given birth to a son, Sandro. Head over heels in love with her new child, the thought of giving up time with him for her work made Dazzan Palmer ill. However the thought of sidelining her burgeoning career was just as difficult to bare. However Dazzan Palmer soon figured out how to do both. Instead of dropping Sandro off at daycare or with nannies, Dazzan Palmer started to bring him to listings and open houses, spending quality time with her son as her star in the real estate industry continued to rise.

“Sandro grew up going to work with me,” she says.

If anything, Dazzan Palmer found motherhood just drove her to work even harder.

Within five years of starting her real estate career, Dazzan Palmer ranked one of the top producers in her entire firm.

It was only then it dawned on Dazzan Palmer that she’d achieved exactly what she’d promised herself from an early age.

She’d followed her grandfather’s footsteps, building something big for herself relying

only on her smarts, without help from anyone. She had, as her father predicted, made her first million before she turned 21.

And what was more, she’d been able to do so on her own terms, without giving up the family life she’d been dreaming of as well.

Dazzan Palmer is the kind of person who is rarely satisfied with herself, who always wants to do more, a symptom of the deeply ambitious. Yet as she sat in her large Pacific Palisades office that day, her beautiful son playing with his toys at her feet, she allowed herself, for a moment, to feel proud of herself. She was doing what she’d always wanted to do; living life on her own terms.

Fast forward twenty years, and Dazzan Palmer is still very much living on her own terms. She long ago cemented her reputation as one of the most significant figures in Malibu real estate history and one of the top brokers in the world. Sought-after for her expertise on uber-luxury properties, Dazzan Palmer has represented some of the most high-profile estates to hit the L.A. market and worked with a veritable who’s who of A-list celebrities and businessmen.

A member of the Society of Excellence, a prestigious honor extended only to the top 1% of real estate agents in the country, Dazzan Palmer is also the #1 ranked agent for all of Coldwell Banker in Malibu. For years she has also been a member of the International Luxury Alliance, an invite-only consortium of the top 60 agents in the world.

Even more impressive is how she’s been able to prioritize family throughout these years of tenacious work. Indeed those years of bringing a young Sandro to work with her would pay off more than she could have ever imagined, her son eventually joining her practice upon his graduation from UCLA. The two would go on to partner as a powerhouse mother/son selling team, becoming one of the most well-known and successful real estate partners in California.

“I couldn’t be more proud of him,” Dazzan Palmer says.

Now managing partner of a real estate office in Malibu, Sandro and Dazzan Palmer still love working together to this day, many of their properties co-listed together. Her stepson, Jonny Palmer, is also about to join

the family business, currently studying for his real estate license while he works as a trainee with Dazzan Palmer.

Even her husband of 22 years, Jim Palmer, gets in on the real estate action every once in a while. The owner of a very successful boutique business accounting firm, Palmer got his real estate license a few years ago to spend more time with his wife. When he’s not in the office or making delicious Malibu Vineyard wines, he’ll help on open houses.

Dazzan Palmer knows that it’s a blessed life she leads today, getting to do what she loves, surrounded by the people she loves. It’s not something she takes for granted, nor does she the incredible community that’s helped get her to where she is. Indeed thirty years after moving to Malibu, Dazzan is still as in love with her hometown as she was that first day she saw it. She’s incredibly active on the city’s philanthropic scene, working with nonprofits like the Friends of the Malibu Urgent Care and the Malibu Farmer’s Market’s Annual Pet Adoption event, of which she serves as a co-sponsor.

When she’s not working or helping out in the community, chances are Dazzan Palmer is at her Malibu Crest estate, a breathtaking architectural with stunning views of the Pacific. This is her happy place, where she unwinds with a glass of Malibu Vineyards wine with Jim, whom she calls her best friend and soulmate. Both avid travelers, Jim and Irene also love vacationing in some of their second favorite destinations, (Malibu will always be #1) including the Amalfi Coast, St. Barts and Aspen If Dazzan Palmer knew from the moment she arrived in Malibu that she would one day raise a family and build a fortune here, she still can’t quite believe just how much success she’s enjoyed in both respects.

“I’m extremely blessed,” she says. “I get to watch my grandson grow up and my son achieve incredible success and live in my dream house with my soulmate. And then, every day, I get to introduce new people to this community that helped make all that happen. There’s nothing more fun or rewarding than introducing people to the most beautiful and special place in the MM world.”

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HOME OF THE MONTH

32357 Pacific Coast Hwy A sun-filled modern architectural masterpiece.

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DESIGN-FORWARD LUXURY Designed by renowned architect David Mordoch, 32357 PCH proffers unparalleled ocean views and natural light from nearly every room. The great room/kitchen, pictured, boasts stunning 45-foot wide floor-to-ceiling windows.

DISCERNING AMENITIES The property includes an elevator, library, home gym, wine cellar, theater and guest suite.

Photography by Simon Berlyn COASTAL REFUGE The home encapsulates indoor/outdoor living with elegant scale and volume throughout.

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ON THE WATER Located just across from El Matador Beach, the property boasts stunning views of the Pacific from nearly every room and an elegant outdoor pool and sitting area perched above the beach.

WALK-IN CLOSET The 1,300 square foot Master Retreat features a massive center island walk-in closet, private patio and a resort-style master bath.

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HOME OF THE MONTH

MALIBU AT ITS FINEST At 10,000 square feet, the home personifies Malibu luxury while retaining the community’s trademark warmth. The home boasts calming coastal tones throughout, and numerous outdoor seating areas.

E

very inch of this approximately 10,000 sf Masterpiece is in perfect harmony with its surroundings and pays homage to Malibu’s essential beauty. This one of a kind brand new construction was designed & built by renowned architect, David Mordoch, and his design/build firm, Spaulding Construction Corporation. 32357 Pacific Coast Highway represents the culmination of 40 years’ experience in the luxury home business for Mordoch after building some of the most magnificent properties throughout Los Angeles.

This spectacular home is balanced with an abundance of natural light and unparalleled ocean views from virtually every room. This private Estate is defined by its volume, open spaces and custom high-end finishes. It offers 5 luxury bedrooms and 9 baths, which are complimented by elegant public spaces, a 25 ft. tall Atrium, a Library, Gym, Office, Wine Cellar & Tasting Bar and Deluxe Home Theater. Located across from El Matador Beach, this singular property represents the best of Malibu!

$19,450,000

5

Beds

9

Baths

9,838 Sq. Ft.

www.MalibuViewPoint.com DAFNA MILSTEIN GREGG SILVER HOWIE NICOLL DRE#01261623 MSPropertyPartners.com (310) 927-2038 howienicoll@hotmail.com

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REAL ESTATE

TURKEL DESIGN

DESIGN SIMPLIFIED

AXIOM DESERT SERIES Pictured is a prefab Axiom Series home.

CUSTOM CABINETRY Each Axiom home has custom casework.

If the idea of a prefab home conjures images of cookie-cutter design, a one-size-fits-all solution for the time-strapped or budget-minded, it might be time you take another look at the industry. A small host of firms have quietly upended the mar­ ket in recent years, with design-forward plans and custom options that promise beautiful homes without many of the headaches associated with traditional construction.

Among the most lauded and in-demand lines to emerge from this new generation of prefab is the Axiom series, from Boston-based architectural firm Turkel Design. Launched in 2014, the Axiom collection is comprised of a series of striking, highly-customizable designs that can be delivered as a package of prefabricated panels and components just about anywhere. Boasting streamlined construction and design processes, price predictability and accuracy that traditional construction just can’t match, the Axiom series has quickly become the preferred option among design-savvy clients looking for a simplified process.

The ease of the Axiom series’ design and construction processes has also made them a popular option throughout rebuilding communities in California where skilled local labor is often in short supply. With truncated design times and a construction process that allows for foundation work to begin while paneling is in fabrication, Turkel Design’s prefabs have helped numerous fami­lies rebuild more efficiently.

With experience re­building in areas like Sonoma County, which was devastated during the Tubbs Fire, Turkel Design also now offers fire-resistant materials and technology, helpMM ing Southern Californians rest a bit easier.

Turkel Design

(877) 710-2518 www.turkeldesign.com

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MAKE THIS SEASON A TIME OF RENEWAL SO RENEW YOUR HEALTH, YOUR FITNESS

29575 PACIFIC COAST HWY MALIBU, CA 90265

...AND YOUR MEMBERSHIP

CONTACT@MALIBUFITNESS.COM

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310.457.5220

9/11/19 12:25

o: 310.457.3995 | c: 310.579.5887 | chris@chriscortazzo.com | www.chriscortazzo.com | CalBRE# 01190363

33256 PACIFIC COAST HWY

$65,000,000

30732 PACIFIC COAST HWY $26,995,000 2.2 OCEANFRONT ACRES

22102 PACIFIC COAST HWY $23,750,000 4 BR | 4 BA | OCEANFRONT HOME

21536 PACIFIC COAST HWY $23,000,000 7 BR | 9 BA | OCEANFRONT HOME

23950 MALIBU ROAD $20,000,000 4 BR | 6 BA | OCEANFRONT HOME

22058 PACIFIC COAST HWY $14,950,000 3 BR | 4 BA | OCEANFRONT HOME

6345 TANTALUS DRIVE $14,500,000 6 BR | 8 BA | OCEAN VIEW HOME

26524 LATIGO SHORE DRIVE $12,995,000 4 BR | 5 BA | OCEANFRONT HOME

3 BR | 4 BA | OCEANFRONT HOME

7157 BIRDVIEW AVENUE $14,500,000 3 BR | 4 BA | OCEANFRONT HOME

Compass is a licensed real estate broker (01991628) in the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. Exact dimensions can be obtained by retaining the services of an architect or engineer. This is not intended to solicit properties already listed.

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o: 310.457.3995 | c: 310.579.5887 | chris@chriscortazzo.com | www.chriscortazzo.com | CalBRE# 01190363

30966 BROAD BEACH ROAD $12,900,000 7 BR | 9 BA | OCEANFRONT HOME

7163 BIRDVIEW AVENUE $12,750,000 3 BR | 2 BA | OCEANFRONT HOME

24752 MALIBU ROAD $11,995,000 3 BR | 4 BA | OCEANFRONT HOME

5721 BONSALL DRIVE $10,850,000 5 BR | 5 BA | W/ DETACHED GH

27580 WINDING WAY $9,995,000 5 BR | 3 BA | EQUESTRIAN COMPOUND

31042 BROAD BEACH ROAD $8,995,000 5 BR | 5 BA | OCEANFRONT HOME

27445 WINDING WAY $8,995,000 7 BR | 8 BA | OCEAN VIEW HOME

27140 MALIBU COVE COLONY DR. $8,950,000 5 BR | 7 BA | OCEANFRONT HOME

31636 SEA LEVEL DRIVE $7,995,000 4 BR | 5 BA | OCEANFRONT HOME

Compass is a licensed real estate broker (01991628) in the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. Exact dimensions can be obtained by retaining the services of an architect or engineer. This is not intended to solicit properties already listed.

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o: 310.457.3995 | c: 310.579.5887 | chris@chriscortazzo.com | www.chriscortazzo.com | CalBRE# 01190363

27420 PACIFIC COAST HWY $7,850,000 4 BR | 5 BA | OCEANFRONT HOME

26050 PACIFIC COAST HWY $7,500,000 6 BR | 5 BA | OCEANFRONT HOME

3216 SERRA RD. $6,995,000 5 BR | 6 BA | STUNNING ARCHITECTURAL

31952 1/2 PACIFIC COAST HWY. $6,995,000 4 BR | 3 BA | OCEANFRONT HOME

27132 MALIBU COVE COLONY DR. $6,750,000 3 BR | 3 BA | OCEANFRONT HOME

30728 PACIFIC COAST HWY $6,750,000 BUILD BEACHFRONT DREAM HOME

3952 RIDGEMONT DR. $5,950,000 5 BR | 6 BA | BUILD YOUR DREAM HOUSE

21605 RAMBLA VISTA DR. $4,300,000 3 BR | 3 BA | OCEAN VIEW HOME

6172 BONSALL DR. $5,995,000 2 BR | 3 BA | APPROX. 1.5 ACRES

Compass is a licensed real estate broker (01991628) in the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. Exact dimensions can be obtained by retaining the services of an architect or engineer. This is not intended to solicit properties already listed.

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emed reliae obtained

o: 310.457.3995 | c: 310.579.5887 | chris@chriscortazzo.com | www.chriscortazzo.com | CalBRE# 01190363

21569 PASEO SERRA $3,995,000 1 SEA VIEW DR. $3,500,000 2 SEA VIEW DR. $3,500,000 APX. 4.94 ACRES APX. 4.22 ACRES 4 BR | 3 BA | OCEAN VIEW HOME

3030 ENCINAL CANYON ROAD $2,490,000 APX. 12 OCEAN VIEW ACRES

3800 LATIGO CANYON ROAD

$1,375,000

2 BR | 2 BA | OCEAN VIEW HOME

0 WINDING WAY $2,250,000 APX. 3.488 OCEAN VIEW ACRES

0 LAS FLORES

$999,000 APPROX. 25 ACRES

1445 EL BOSQUE CT., PACIFIC PALISADES $3,150,000 2 1/2 ACRE FLAG LOT

9533 DEER CREEK ROAD APX. 10.32 ACRES

$1,595,000

0 BALLER ROAD $895,000 APPROX. 74.8 OCEAN VIEW ACRES

Compass is a licensed real estate broker (01991628) in the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. Exact dimensions can be obtained by retaining the services of an architect or engineer. This is not intended to solicit properties already listed.

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o: 310.457.3995 | c: 310.579.5887 | chris@chriscortazzo.com | www.chriscortazzo.com | CalBRE# 01190363

23314 MALIBU COLONY RD. $120,000/MONTH 5 BR | 5 BA | BEACH HOUSE W/ 48’ FRONTAGE

27348 PCH $85,000/MONTH 4 BR | 4 BA | OCEANFRONT HOME

23816 MALIBU RD. $100,000/MONTH 6 BR | 6 BA | OCEANFRONT HOME

24752 MALIBU RD. $80,000/MONTH 3 BR | 4 BA | OCEANFRONT HOME

27368 ESCONDIDO BEACH RD. $50,000/MONTH 5 BR | 6 BA | OCEAFRONT HOME

24230 MALIBU RD. $35,000/MONTH 3 BR | 4 BA | OCEANFRONT HOME

24608 MALIBU ROAD $49,000/MONTH 5 BR | 5 BA | OCEAFRONT HOME

27082 MALIBU COVE COLONY DR. $35,000/MO. 4 BR | 5 BA | OCEANFRONT HOME

6750 FERNHILL DR. $27,500/MONTH 4 BR | 3 BA | BEACH KEY HOME

22102 PCH

$100,000/MONTH

4 BR | 4 BA | OCEANFRONT HOME

28026 SEA LANE DR.

$60,000/MONTH

4 BR | 5 BA | OCEANFRONT HOME

26050 PCH $45,000/MONTH 6 BR | 5 BA | OCEAFRONT HOME

32496 PCH $35,000/MONTH 4 BR | 4 BA | OCEANFRONT HOME

31569 SEA LEVEL DRIVE $18,500/MONTH 4 BR | 4 BA | OCEAN VIEW HOME

27910 PCH $100,000/MONTH 3 BR | 6 BA | OCEAN VIEW HOME

23614 MALIBU COLONY RD. $55,000/MO. 5 BR | 5 BA | OCEANFRONT HOME

5868 ZUMIREZ DRIVE $39,000/MONTH 5 BR | 8 BA | OCEAN VIEW HOME

6715 FERNHILL DR. $34,500/MONTH 4 BR | 4 BA | BEACH KEY HOME

32026 PCH

$14,995/MONTH

4 BR | 4 BA | OCEAN VIEW HOME

Compass is a licensed real estate broker (01991628) in the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. Exact dimensions can be obtained by retaining the services of an architect or engineer. This is not intended to solicit properties already listed.

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A Malibu local dedicated to helping you achieve your Real Estate goals with the utmost passion, integrity and care.

Over $500 million in residential listings.

SEAN LANDON LUXURY ESTATES DIRECTOR

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132 MALIBU MAGAZINE

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FEATURED LISTINGS OF THE MONTH

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Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

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Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

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Come home to Malibu and come home to Bungalow, Ltd!

Come let us captivate your mind, delight your senses, and create your ideal home.

Come to our design studio or call for an in-home consultation and let us show you why we’re proud to have many happy customers throughout California and the nation.

Welcome home to Bungalow, Ltd.

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22223 Pacific Coast Highway Malibu, California 90265

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Malibu’s Premier Design Studio

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3/8/19 15:43

MALIBU DIRECTORY The Malibu directory is our handy guide of services and companies in the Malibu area. To join, e-mail us at advertising@malibumag.com. accounting

builders

Free New Client Consultations Flat Rate Services for Personal and Business Needs

YOUR IDEAS IDEAS YOUR

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attorneys

Custom Home Builders

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caregiver

Stand Up For Your Rights

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Personal Injury Employment Insurance Bad Faith

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Mirna A. Sanchez

Housekeeping

HERE

Care for Elderly

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Baby Sitting

sandragetin@gmail.com

Certified Postpartum Doula 818.297.8616 mass618andrea@gmail.com

LA’sbeauty premierlaw lawfirm firmspecializing specializingin inrepresenting representingindividuals individualsand andbusinesses businessesin in LA’s premier patent,trademark trademarkand andcopyright copyrightmatters mattersall allover overthe theworld. world. patent, Nelly Ramos

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I am a Caregiver with 28 years of experience and knowledge with children & clients with health issues, mental & physical disabilies looking for a full time job.

To Advertise In This Section, Email: advertising@ malibumag.com

I have wonderful letters of rec. nellyramos66@yahoo.com

MALIBU MAGAZINE

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DIRECTORY

real estate

wellness Wendy Carroll

Malibu’s Real Estate Specialist

Acupuncture Functional Medicine Private Yoga Malibu | Beverly Hills | Miami 310.990.2285 wendy@wendycarroll.com www.wendycarroll.com CalBRE #01188306

310.456.8811 23410 Civic Center Way Suite E1 malibuacupuncture.com

Infrared Sauna Steam Room Massage Facials Haircuts & Color Med Spa I.V. Drips Cryotherapy Neurofeedback Concierge Medicine

Contact us today 310-456-1458

80,000+ Healthy Recipes www.EatSmarter.com 23410 Civic Center Way Suite E8 Malibu, CA 90265

Memberships Available

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veterinary

Malibu Veterinary Clinic

Sean Landon (310) 962-4028 sean.landon@elliman.com DRE# 01981562

310.457.6453 MalibuVetClinic.com GalbraithBega.com

Sunny Foroosh

videography

Luxury Estate Agent | 310.429.5474 DRE 01455149

Cece Webb

Guiding You Home DRE #01510746 310-463-0302 | cecewebb.com

To Advertise In This Section, Email: Michelle@malibumag.com

Wedding & Event Videography www.heartflixmedia.com (805) 551-0524

162 MALIBU MAGAZINE

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5,000 YEARS OF CIVILIZATION REBORN

A journey through 5,000 years

SHEN YUN presents an epic production that expands the theatrical experience across time and space. We invite you on an inspiring journey into one of humanity’s greatest treasures—five millennia of Chinese civilization.

Featuring one of the world’s oldest art forms— classical Chinese dance—along with patented interactive backdrops and all-original orchestral compositions, Shen Yun brings to life ancient China’s enchanting beauty and profound wisdom.

“It is breathtaking! I am walking away deeply inspired and profoundly moved!”

—Rita Cosby, Emmy Award-winning journalist

“The energy, the precision, the beauty...

I’m just overwhelmed. It’s so beautiful!”

—John Anthony, retired judge

“ I’ve reviewed about 4,000 shows.

None can compare to what I saw tonight.”

—Richard Connema, theater critic

APRIL 3–MAY 10, 2020

Costa Mesa • Thousand Oaks • Northridge San Luis Obispo • Long Beach • Palm Desert • Claremont

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Tickets: ShenYun.com/LA 800.880.0188 Early bird code: Early20 Get best seats & waive fees by 12/31/2019

11/20/19 8:38 AM

MALIBU • VENICE • CENTURY CITY • AMERICANA AT BRAND

GOR J A NA .C OM

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