Jan/Feb 2020

MALIBU www.malibumag.com

WOOLSEY: 1 YEAR LATER • Fighting For the Home They Had • Rick Mullen’s Advice on Resiliency

BEAUTY + WELLNESS

10 Healthy Staycations and Top Beauty Picks

VERONICA BARTON SCHWARTZ

Malibu’s Skincare Guru

MAGAZINE

TOURISM

The Future of Short-Term Rentals in Malibu REAL ESTATE

Malibu Agents On Upcoming Market Trends WINTER TRAVEL

Hit The Slopes With Our 2020 Ski Resort Guide FEBRUARY 2020

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Behind the gates at Lake Sherwood with incredible lake views

Behind the gates at Lake Sherwood. Incredible lake views throughout. This home has recently undergone a major remodel. Most everything tastefully updated and renovated. Newly installed wide plank oiled oak wood floors throughout. Chef ’s kitchen with new Bosch and Bertazzoni appliances, quartz counter tops and white Shaker cabinets. Light and bright master suite with contemporary upgraded master bath featuring frameless glass shower enclosure and freestanding tub. A perfect Sherwood lake home.

Offered at $3,850,000 $16,000/ Month For Lease

MALIBU BROKERAGE | 23405 PACIFIC COAST HWY, MALIBU CA 90265 | SOTHEBYSHOMES.COM/SOCAL Agents DRE: 00936319, 00893569

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Michael Novotny

Real Estate Advisor Michael.Novotny@sothebyshomes.com 310.924.9317

Cathie Messina

Real Estate Advisor Cathie.Messina@sothebyshomes.com 818.335.8047

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.

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MALGOSIA MIGDAL DESIGN Malgosia Migdal Design is a full service design firm based in Beverly Hills for more than 20 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 have decided to open a second office in Malibu to better serve the community in which we reside.

Images on left: Hollywood Hills home recently completed.

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

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LETTER FROM THE EDITORS

Julie Wuellner

Holly Bieler

The start of a new year presents an important opportunity for reflection, both on the past and how we might carve out a more bright and meaningful future for ourselves and our community. The last two decades have been significant ones in Malibu, full of both incredible highs and incredible lows. At the beginning of the millennium Malibu was still largely a sleepy little beach town. In the years since we’ve welcomed new families, businesses and tourists from all over the world, generating fantastic opportunities but also headaches that we are still grappling with.

One of our city’s biggest and most fraught ongoing issues when it comes to tourism is that of short term rentals, wherein homes are rented out to vacationers for days or weeks at a time, like a hotel. It’s an issue cities have been grappling with throughout the country and the world, largely in tourist-dense areas like Malibu. For our Jan/Feb issue, Barbara Burke takes a deep look into the issue, interviewing advocates and detractors of short-term rentals in Malibu to get to the heart of the issue and a sense of possible solutions.

Check out her article, Short Term Rental Problems in Malibu, on page 52.

And of course we can’t forget about the Woolsey Fire: perhaps the most significant event to hit Malibu in the last twenty years, which decimated large swaths of our beautiful city in November 2018, destroying 670 structures and leaving many of our friends and family without homes. In the year and change since, many families have hit substantial roadblocks to rebuild their homes as they were before, running into permitting and file-maintenance issues with the city that threaten to stymie efforts to rebuild the homes they had before that fateful November day. Read the full article, Fighting For The Home They Had, on page 36.

Looking towards the future, we’ve also packed our Jan/Feb issue with a ton of wellness and travel tips to kick off 2020 right. Head to page 110 for our guide to our list of the top ski resorts to take advantage of the cold weather. If you’re looking for a less travel-intensive way to recharge, check out our wellness staycation guide on page 86, as well as top beauty and wellness products to indulge in at home, on page 100.

For our Beauty + Wellness issue, we couldn’t think of anyone better to feature on our cover than Veronica Barton Schwartz, one of the preeminent skincare experts in the world, and a true Malibu legend. Opening her first skincare studio near Zuma Beach in 1981, Barton Schwartz would go on to transform the skincare industry, as well as her hometown of Malibu. Check out our full profile of Barton Schwartz on page 76.

Here’s to a wonderful new year!

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CONTENTS

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

36

WOOLSEY 1 YEAR LATER Over a year after the Woolsey fire swept through Malibu, destroying hundreds of homes, many residents are still fighting for the home they had.

36 FIRE REBUILDS Malibu Park was one of the areas hit hardest by the

Woolsey Fire, and even now burned out lots are still a common sight.

48

RESILIENCY RICK MULLEN’S ADVICE Councilmember and L.A. County Fire Captain Rick Mullen writes about how Malibu can become more resilient for the next fire.

52

62 ARMORY OF HARMONY Richard Gibbs aims to battle gun violence.

70 ART COLLECTIONS A column on how to start your own.

TOURISM SHORT TERM RENTALS With the rise of home sharing services like Airbnb, many Malibu residents are calling for stricter rules and regulations.

66

SECURITY WHO IS IPS? A year ago, International Protective Services started popping up all over Malibu prompting, residences to wonder who they are.

74

COVER STORY VERONICA BARTON SCHWARTZ 74 VERONICA The veritable godmother of skincare, Barton Schwarz has

been transforming clients’ skin since 1981.

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Since opening her first skincare center in Malibu more than 35 years ago, Veronica Barton Schwartz has transformed the industry.

MALIBU MAGAZINE

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LIMA COLLECTION BY HENRIK PEDERSEN

NEW YORK FLAGSHIP 路 CHICAGO 路 DANIA BEACH 路 MIAMI 路 LOS ANGELES | 471 N ROBERTSON BLVD | 310-274-2461 WWW.GLOSTER.COM

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CONTENTS

90

WELLNESS FACEGYM

Malibu Magazine editor Alyssa Morlacci tries out L.A.’s first FaceGym, which tones the face using traditional body sculpting methods.

100

BEAUTY BEST PRODUCT ROUNDUP Our favorite beauty and wellness products, from intensively hydrating facial masks to luxurious bath salts for a relaxing evening in.

86 THE RANCH This world-renowned retreat helps its guets disconnect digitally, get fit and jumpstart a vegan diet.

104

CRUISES BEST SPAS ON THE SEAS We rounded up our top three cruise ships that offer impressive spas on board so that no matter the destination, you will arrive feeling relaxed.

111 90 FACEGYM L.A.’s newest gym helps tone and sculpt the face.

96 A DAY IN THE LIFE... of Heather Wildman.

TRAVEL TOP 10 SKI RESORTS With so many places to go skiing this winter, it’s hard to choose. To make it easier, we put together our top 10 ski resorts of 2020.

124

SCHOOLS UPDATES The latest news from Malibu schools, including updates on the renovations that Malibu middle and high school are undergoing.

129

REAL ESTATE TODAY’S MARKET

114 LAKE TAHOE With stunning lake vistas, Lake Tahoe offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding in California.

12

We speak with 10 of Malibu’s most influential agents about market trends in 2020 and we sit down with Shen Schulz.

MALIBU MAGAZINE

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From the editors of MALIBU MAGAZINE

MALIBU 2020 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 for pre-sale on Amazon & around Malibu

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MASTHEAD

MALIBU www.malibumag.com

WOOLSEY: 1 YEAR LATER • Fighting For the Home They Had • Rick Mullen’s Advice on Resiliency

BEAUTY + WELLNESS

10 Healthy Staycations and Top Beauty Picks

n Schwartz

rto

VERONICA BARTON SCHWARTZ

Malibu’s Skincare Guru

MAGAZINE

TOURISM The Future of Short-Term Rentals in Malibu REAL ESTATE Malibu Agents On Upcoming Market Trends WINTER TRAVEL Hit The Slopes With Our 2020 Ski Resort Guide

PUBLISHER

Dirk Manthey EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Julie Wuellner

MANAGING EDITOR

Holly Bieler

ART DIRECTOR

Petra Pflug

DIGITAL EDITOR

Alyssa Morlacci

FEBRUARY 2020

$ 5.95 US

SANTA MONICA + BEVERLY HILLS + CALABASAS + WESTLAKE VILLAGE

EDITORS-AT-LARGE

Holly Bieler Alyssa Morlacci Barbara Burke

Jules Williams Jacqueline ‘Jac’ Forbes Michael Novotny

Rick Mullen Raychel Harrison Tammy Arlidge

Julie Wuellner Jules Williams Kevin McDonald

Keegan Gibbs Emily Sher Boone Studios

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

SALES MANAGER

Tricia Baak

SALES LEAD

Makenzie Rasmussen Lauren McCarran Danny Wang

Dorie Leo Steve Bliman

INTERNS

Patrisha Rualo Chloe Tan Taylor Tomlinson SECURITY / MODEL

Bailey ADVERTISING

advertising@malibumag.com EDITORIAL

editorial@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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For those who seek an exceptional life OFF MARKET

6116merritt.com Malibu | Magnificent Estate | $16,000,000 Barry Kinyon 310.251.9254 Marcus Beck 310.456.9405

6902wildlife.com Malibu | Point Dume Oasis | $13,995,000 Shen Schulz 310.980.8809

malibucrestvilla.com Malibu | Superbly Designed Villa | $6,995,000 Enzo Ricciardelli 310.255.5467

guadaluperanchestate.com Catheys Valley | Fred Smathers Ranch Estate | $5,250,000 Tom Clements 310.589.0220

3235callebonita.com Santa Ynez | Equestrian Estate On 20 Acres | $2,850,000 Patty Murphy 805.680.8571

23416westcopacabana.com Malibu | Peaceful Sanctuary Custom Finishes | $1,798,000 Lori Beckwith 310.795.8265

2025corral.com Malibu | Huge Canyon Views | $999,000 Lori Beckwith 310.795.8265

2058adobecanyonroad.com Solvang | Build In Ballard | $995,000 Patty Murphy 805.680.8571

18441Kingsport.com Malibu | Ocean Views | $9,950 Per Month/Also For Sale Tracy Testin 310.940.5578

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA BROKERAGES

© Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. All rights reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark. 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. Equal Housing Opportunity. . SIR DRE#: 899496. DRE License Numbers for All Featured Agents: SIR DRE#: 899496. DRE License Numbers for All Featured Agents: E. Ricciardelli 1097604, P. Murphy 766586, T. Testin 01212506, L. Beckwith 979656,T. Clements 00871954, S. Schulz 1327630, M. Beck 00971376, B. Kinyon 01097786, T. Clements 00871954

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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.

RICK MULLEN Writer

Malibu resident, Rick Mullen was elected to the City Council in 2016 and served as Malibu’s mayor from February to December of 2018 during the Woolsey Fire. He also been with the Los Angeles County Fire Department for over 20 years and has been assigned to three of the four stations within the City of Malibu. Currently he works as a Captain out of Station 72 in Decker Canyon.

KEVIN MCDONALD Photographer

Kevin McDonald is a freelance photographer and videographer based in Malibu. A few years ago he begrudgingly helped his now-wife photograph a few weddings knowing little more than which end of the camera goes where, and since then has fallen in love with capturing moments and telling stories.

This issue he headed out to Malibu Park to photograph “Fighting For the Homes They Had”.

MICHAEL NOVOTNY Real Estate Columnist

Michael Novotny is a Broker Associate with Sotheby’s Internation Realty, former manager of Sotheby’s Malibu/Topanga and the former president of the Malibu Association of Realtors. He has long been known as one of the most prominent and respected professionals on the Los Angeles Westside and now shares his expertise on the real estate market with our readers.

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CONTRIBUTORS

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 Art 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.

RAYCHEL HARRISON Beauty Columnist

Raychel Harrison is a professional celebrity hairstylist with 22 years experience. She has been a national educator for John Paul Mitchell Systems, and was part of the artistic show team, for industry icon Robert Cromeans at the Mandalay Bay Hotel in Las Vegas. In 2012, Raychel launched her haircare company under the Nuuvo brand, which includes Salon Nuuvo, Nuuvo Haircare, Nuuvo Hair Academy, plus her recently launched Nonprofit for hairdressers to give back, Hairdressers Helping Humanity.

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A Simpler Way to Rebuild

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MALIBUITES

TRANCAS COUNTRY MARKET

Holiday Stroll at Trancas On Thursday, December 5, Trancas Shops hosted a holiday stroll complete with in-store events and promotions for Malibu locals. On the green, decorations and lights set the scene for performances by the Malibu High School Choir and a DJ playing holiday songs, as well as life-size games of Jenga. Vintage Grocers hosted a hot chocolate bar; sweetblu offered cookie decorating and ornament making; Malibu Meditations offered free sound baths; Albertina gave out hot cider, champagne, and customized jewelry designs; and Nati offered sweets, cookies, beverages and a discount on sweaters. Other participants included Shine and Alicia Adams Alpaca, offering holiday beverages, sweets and more

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Experience Great Views Marvin’s Ultimate Lift & Slide Doors

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MALIBUITES

COUNTRY MART

Merry, Merry Malibu Malibu Country Mart celebrated the holiday season throughout December by transforming the Mart into a winter wonderland.

Trimmed with festive holiday dĂŠcor, the shopping destination featured a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, a light-up menorah for Hanukkah and thousands of twinkling lights. On December 14 and 21 from 12 - 4 p.m., the Mart hosted two days of celebrations. During both events, visitors had the chance to take photos complimentary with Santa and Mrs. Claus, create festive arts & crafts, write letters to Santa and drop them off in our North Pole-bound mailbox and enjoy winter-ready treats. Exclusively on December 14, visitors enjoyed music by live carolers and on December 21, Santa was joined by real reindeer. All activities were free to experience.

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MALIBUITES

NICHOLAS EATERY

New Year's Eve Bash

Irene Dazzan Palmer and Janelle Friedman

Hosts Janelle and Larry Friedman

The team at Nicolas

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Eatery

Long time Malibu residents Janelle and Larry Friedman hosted a glittering intimate dinner to celebrate the New Year. Janelle curated every moment of the dinner hosted at Chef Nicolas Fanucci’s new restaurant Nicolas Eatery. Guests arrived with “red carpet” style, stopping for photos for the paparazzi before entering the restaurant. Upon entering, their senses were enlivened with the sounds of Angelo Arce on piano. The cocktail hour was kept simple with the focus on mingling and conversation as guests sipped on bespoke cocktails by The Grand Bevy. Our hosts’ signature drinks included a Botonist Gin French 2020 and a Cali Crimson (a twist on a Casamigos Blanco ginger margarita). For their part, guests were eager to participate, arriving with style.

The list included Jim and Irene Palmer, Tommy and Shelby Chong, Paul Buxbaum and Torie Steele, Bob and Myrna Schlegel, David and Ana Weinreb, Lynn and Elliott Dolin, Susie Winship and Sid Didow, Lili and Barry Gross and Yvette and Robert Feiger.

Shining with hues of silver, violet, and deep burgundy the space was set with mirrored tables, a mirrored dance floor embossed with “2020,” and warm, dramatic lighting; a small stage nestled in the far corner. The Cousins Band provided music, and energy, all night long, taking guests from dinner to late night dancing.

Photos by Boone Studios

MALIBU MAGAZINE

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

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PEOPLE WE LOVE

DEEPAK ‘DPAK’ RAMAPINYAN

Wave Of The Future Deepak Ramapinyan exudes energy and bursts with brilliance as he explains that yes, his band Robot Nature is an alternative-rock, dream pop and electronic music group, but— importantly—one must understand its synthesizing essence.

“It’s futuristic music that’s about AI and sci-fi,” he says, explaining the name “Robot Nature” is a play on human nature and represents “a blend of organic and technology sounds.” DPAK’s lovely acoustic violin interludes and forceful vocals, as well as the group’s guitar pieces, compellingly blend with electronic synthesizers and futuristic beats for a sound denoting “the ancient future.”

The band’s name emulates DPAK’s view of the world. “It refers to the binary and to duality,” he says. “I’m a Gemini—this dimension is only temporary and we are in a cosmic dance of spirit versus matter.” DPAK is literally all about duality—he’s not only a talented musician, but he also has a degree in neurobiology and physiology. He’s also a talented tennis player, an actor and a model. But most of all, he’s got a vision for his future—he seeks to inspire and use his many talents for the greater good.

“This moment is all we have,” DPAK recently posted on Facebook. “Nothing becomes everything.”

MALIBU MAGAZINE loves Deepak ‘DPAK’ Ramapinyan because he shares his pioneering music freely, with joy and positivity.

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TRACY PARK

A Malibu Arts Treasure Tracy Park is a dynamo who curates compelling art exhibits at her Country Mart pop-up gallery, which embraces emerging and veteran talents and enhances Malibu’s culture.

“Tracy helped me get my very first art show over 17 years ago,” says artist Sage Vaughn. “She still maintains an unparalleled enthusiasm for the arts.” Park tirelessly creates opportunities for artists to exhibit in Malibu and for residents to enjoy viewing innovative and intriguing works. Park is the consummate hostess, often coordinating art walks that include other nearby art venues and of course, curating the event as a huge, fun party.

Eamon Harrington (pictured with Park above) notes, “Tracy’s impeccable taste and generosity of spirit make her a Malibu treasure. She’s Malibu’s grande dame of the arts.”

Producer John Watkin is also a huge fan. “Tracy is unstoppable,” he says. “She’s hugely creative, has a massive personality, and she’s crack-up funny. Watching her take blah, boring spaces and turn them into funky, dynamic art galleries is always amazing.”

When she’s not at her gallery, you can find Park at Toy Crazy, where she delights in the joy of ensuring that little customers get just the right toy.

MALIBU MAGAZINE loves Tracy Park because she is an avid supporter of both new and established artists.

MALIBU MAGAZINE

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PEOPLE WE LOVE

REBECCA AMIS

Education by Choice “I wanted to create a school providing passion-based learning that was student-focused with a child-led curriculum that listens to what students want,” says Rebecca Amis who along with her sister, Suzy Amis Cameron, and Suzy’s spouse, James Cameron, created Muse School.

“Muse is a beautiful title for our school because the students are our muses; the teacher learns from the students and they learn from the teacher,” she says.

Muse provides extensive academics, climate-crises education and experiential learning opportunities.

“The children dictate what their interests are and we wrap the academics around that,” Amis says. “They have a voice and choice in their education and high schoolers focus on internships and mentorships to learn about their passions outside the classroom.” Recently, students went to Guatemala, where they comforted families with children undergoing operations. Such global awareness is central to Muse’s ethos.

“Every graduate that applies is going to the college of their choice,” Amis says.

Muse is in the business of people, making climate-conscious, perceptive and analytical students emerge, inspired by Muse and ready to inspire the world.

MALIBU MAGAZINE loves Rebecca Amis because she is a visionary educator inspiring the next generation.

DR. REESE HALTER

Championing Our Future “Dr. Reese is to global warming what Steve Irwin was to wild animals,” a student says of Reese Halter, a prolific author, broadcaster and environmental advocate who vociferously warns of the imperative need to save trees, bees and seas. Halter designed Muse School’s science curriculum and is a former professor at California Lutheran University. He’s a forensic naturalist who broadcasts extensively in Australia, and he mourns its habitat and ecosystem losses. He’s also an ardent supporter of Gen Z’s efforts for climate justice.

“I’m a full-time advocate for Mother Earth, and my forthcoming book, GenzEmerging, addresses the need for climate justice,” he says. “If we have no trees, we have no light. American cities have lost more than 180 million trees, which cast invaluable shade, afford habitat for our planetary partners, recharge aquifers and provide oxygen.” Just like our planet’s climate, insects are also in trouble, Halter warns. He urges “lawmakers to enact laws mandating stringent environmental measures be implemented and enforced.” Malibu is a leader, but “it needs to pass an ordinance to protect all ancient trees,” he says.

MALIBU MAGAZINE loves Dr. Reese Halter because he incessantly demands action to address climate change and save our planet.

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PEOPLE WE LOVE

FIREBALL TIM LAWRENCE

Curator of Cars “We get together for Wheels and Waves because of the individual cars and their histories,” explains Fireball Tim Lawrence. “You meet a tremendous amount of creative people doing this.” The popular event is held early in the morning on the third Sunday of every month at Cross Creek in Malibu.

He’s dynamic, affable and always, always creating and curating events about cars. “In a world full of nattering nabobs of negativity, it is a pleasure to associate with a prince of positivity like Fireball,” says Paul Grisanti, a fellow car connoisseur. “He is always trying to encourage those whom he comes into contact with.” Lawrence is a car design legend—he’s behind the conceptualization of vehicles in hundreds of Hollywood films (Batman, Jurassic Park, Knight Rider), and as a host, he’s in high demand on the likes of the Discovery Network and Speed Channel. He’s also hosted many celebrity guests on his Automotive Beachlife Vlog, including Keanu Reeves, Tony Dow and Jonathan Banks.

A kid at heart, Lawrence revels in illustrating his children’s coloring books with his wife, Kathie. He is excited for the grand-reopening of the Murphy Auto Museum on Feb. 22 at its new location in Oxnard. As the museum’s design director, he has curated a wonderful space for car fans.

MALIBU MAGAZINE loves Fireball Tim Lawrence because he celebrates the joy of cars and helps the next generation do so as well.

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KEEGAN GIBBS

Artist & Advocate “I’m a huge Keegan fan,” says Mikke Pierson, Malibu’s Mayor Pro Tem. “I love him for many reasons: he has a wonderful set of values that he is passionate about, he’s very well spoken and bright, and most of all, he packages all of that in a warm, engaging and good-looking young man.” Gibbs is not only an accomplished photographer but also a thought leader who speaks his mind—though only after careful reflection. At Malibu City Council meetings, he advocates for eliminating pesticides and improving the community’s fire preparedness. He proposes common-sense, tempered solutions to Malibu’s most challenging problems. When Keegan speaks, an audience leans in, intent on his messages and impressed by his demeanor and delivery.

He’s a doer; he and others took control during the Woolsey Fire when there were not enough units to respond. Now, he has a fire truck equipped to save some structures when the next inferno besieges Malibu. “We have to take responsibility for where we live and learn how to exist in a wildfire zone,” he says. “We have to harden our homes so they are resilient.” Gibbs supports a neighborhood fire brigade model.

Shaping surfboards and creating art are Keegan’s avocations; and spending time with his wife and daughter is his greatest joys.

MALIBU MAGAZINE loves Keegan Gibbs because he deeply cares for his community and adds beauty to it through his art.

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PEOPLE WE LOVE

SOPHIA SPRINGER

Talented Thespian Malibu native Sophia Springer has participated in the arts since she was a toddler. The 14-year-old has acted in Once Upon a Time Children’s Theater productions and danced in The Nutcracker at Smother’s Theater with Ballet Conservancy West. She’s also a singer in the Malibu Glee Club and a cello player.

“Sophia Springer is a talent that has been waiting to explode,” says Julia Holland who owns a vocal studio in Malibu and coaches Sophia in Glee Club. “I have been so lucky to have worked with her over the years—since she was the smallest little firecracker—and it is so exciting to watch her grow. She has always been such a consummate professional, even as a very young girl.”

Sophia’s mother Vanessa Springer helps her daughter stay centered and get to all her activities. “Sophia has always wanted to be a professional dancer,” Vanessa Springer says. “She’s a multifaceted child who earns straight As. We have a video of when she was about 4 years old when she said dancing brings her joy and she can feel the music when she dances— she knows what she wants to do.”

MALIBU MAGAZINE loves Sophia Springer because she does what she loves with grace and humility.

LADY JANE

Malibu’s Clairvoyant She describes herself as the “accidental psychic.” Lady Jane didn’t intend on becoming a clairvoyant who offers readings that help guide people or hear messages from the departed. “I come from a family of writers,” Jane says. “I was a certified herbalist when I was 21 years old. Being a clairvoyant is my avocation. I also write songs and this year, I will record some of them.”

During readings, Jane says she “sees people who have crossed over who want to communicate with their loved ones here almost as one sees a video.” Tarot, she explains, “works in the subconscious.”

Often, people will stop by Malibu Shaman and not know why they are there.

Then, they get a reading and Jane may tell them a message from a great uncle or great grandfather. They may say, “But I never even knew him.” Jane explains that “our lineage is aware of us —that’s very important.”

Jane helps people sort out how to react in situations where they don’t know what to do. With clairvoyance, she can guide them to a decision. She also does house cleanings and blessings, and she notes that “there is a lot of spirit activity in Malibu, and there are haunted locations.”

MALIBU MAGAZINE loves Lady Jane for her efforts to help people make positive life decisions and see clearly.

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

✎ written by Barbara Burke

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1 YEAR AFTER WOOLSEY

FIGHTING FOR THE HOME THEY HAD Over a year after the Woolsey Fire, Malibu residents are still grappling with the permitting process and insurance claims. MALIBU MAGAZINE takes a look at what’s going on.

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1 YEAR POST FIRE Over a year after the Woolsey fire, burned out lots with nothing but chimneys and foundations are still a common sight, especially in neighborhoods like Malibu Park.

✎ written by Barbara Burke  photographed by Kevin McDonald & Julie Wuellner

A

s Malibuites enter a new decade 14 months after the Woolsey Fire, those seeking to rebuild still face significant obstacles, both in terms of obtaining the necessary permits as well as attempting to obtain insurance payments to fund rebuilding the homes they once had.

The Woolsey Fire burned 96,949 acres of land and destroyed 1,643 structures, including more than 670 structures in Malibu consisting of more than 400 single-family homes with an estimated market value of at least $1.6 billion, according to a report commissioned by the City of Malibu.

Tales about residents being given misinformation by officials concerning the

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permitting process, mixed messages and dead ends relating to how residents can obtain authorization to rebuild or to place temporary structures on burn sites, alleged price gouging by contractors and other vendors, and tales about insurance companies not fully paying for losses and not paying replacement value for contents have all caused undue stress for fire victims.

“As part of the City of Malibu’s disaster response, the City offers a streamlined process for residents to get back into their homes,” states a City of Malibu letter provided to fire victims dated November 17, 2018, nine days after the Woolsey Fire ravaged Malibu and surrounding areas.

Many Malibu residents disagree.

“The process has been anything but

streamlined,” says Paul Major, whose family lost both their home and business. “For months, people would do all the tasks the City told us that we had to do obtain soil, geology and biology studies and still, they wouldn’t get a permit.” City Councilperson Jefferson “Zuma Jay” Wagner commented on the problems, noting that he has heard many complaints from frustrated homeowners about permitting delays and insurance claim nightmares.

“Malibuites who are trying to rebuild are having a very hard time obtaining permits and are experiencing terrible troubles with their insurance claims,” Wagner says. “This issue also affects Agoura [Hills], Calabasas, Thousand Oaks and Hidden Hills. ” “Since the fire, the problem has been

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obstacles as they seek to recover from their insurance companies.

A Crisis of Underinsurance “Out of the approximately 60 people I’ve talked to, only about five of them have good insurance.” Major says.

“It’s the good cop, bad cop routine when it comes to the insurance claims,” says Steve Spina, who lost his home in the fire. “The good cop is there for the first few months after the fire and the insurers have their kiosks out in Malibu for good public relations, and then it’s the old bait and switch so many times they told us stuff and now, it’s changed.”

The frustration palpable in his voice, Spina adds, “We’re on our third or fourth adjuster, and each adjuster gets tougher and tougher and you have to deal with insurance bureaucracy they promise you everything at the beginning for good public relations, but they are playing against you the whole time. The insurance companies have been really tough.

Everybody is dealing with the same problems with regard to what they were promised as far as replacement values.”

Source: The City of Malibu, December 2019

that if people submitted for a rebuilding permit in March or April of last year, they would be given a list of things that had to be done and corrections that had to be made, and then they would go try to do them, but when other people submitted for a rebuilding permit a few months later, there would be yet more items added to the list,” Major elaborates. “It became somewhat insurmountable because one would be facing a zero net gain and there was a chokehold in the planning department it was like the various staff persons at the City were experimenting with how to rewrite the building code by modifying the requirements as various applicants tried to obtain permits.”

Major added, “Rebuilding one’s home is expensive and time consuming, but it shouldn’t have to be a full-time job.”

However, he notes that recently, there have been improvements as the City has hired Yolanda Bundy who is helping residents navigate the permitting process.

On October 8, 2019, the City announced that Bundy was hired as the City’s new environmental sustainability department director and city rebuild officer.

Previously, Bundy worked for the City of Ventura as chief building official where she spearheaded the permitting process for residents as they rebuilt after 520 structures were destroyed in the devastating Thomas Fire in 2017.

“At every visit to City Hall, I have seen Ms. Bundy working the floors and out there hustling and organizing,” Wagner says. “I see her looking at plans and pointing people in the right direction.”

Bundy’s help and expertise are critically needed as rebuilding Malibu presents a herculean challenge. The extent of loss in Malibu and nearby areas is hard to grasp, even more than a year after the fire.

“In 90265, we lost 700 homes,” Wagner says. “Twenty percent of the homes in Malibu were lost.”

Unfortunately fire victims are not just struggling with the permitting process, they also are encountering delays and

An Insurance Agent’s Perspective Robert Feldman, an Allstate agent in Malibu, notes that some of the concerns are attributable to insureds not buying enough coverage, tempting fate and taking their chances, ignoring the old adage that it is often imprudent to be pennywise, but pound foolish.

“When writing policies, we see some clients who try to grind every dollar out of a policy at the expense of very important coverages,” Feldman says. “I tell my clients it is very important to thoroughly review their policy. In most cases, the small savings in reducing coverages can really compromise hundreds of thousands of dollars of coverage. It is really important for clients to read their paperwork. Saying that you didn’t understand your coverage is not a defense.”

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REBUILDING STRUGGLES

Even a year after the Woolsey Fire, most fire victims are still in the process of obtaining permits to rebuild, and the fortunate few who have permits are still in the early building stages.

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MALIBU PARK Malibu Park, one of the areas most heavily effected when the Woolsey Fire swept through Malibu is still today heavily affected with a majority of burn lots still sitting vacant or just now in the early stages of construction.

LIVING IN TRAILERS It is not uncommon for residents who are in the rebuilding process to be living in trailers and airstreamers on their lots while they wait to get permits.

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Second, it is important to update your coverage, he adds, stating, “I call my clients for an annual review and you would be surprised to hear that on average, only between eight and nine percent of the clients return my call.”

Third, Feldman opines, “A normal market rebuild cost can dramatically increase when you have over 600 homes lost as happened in Malibu. There is no way to adjust for that in terms of the cost to rebuild when there is such a devastating loss. How do you equate that to a normal rebuild?”

When it comes to a devastating fire such as Woolsey, Feldman says, “you can’t point to one thing as the cause for the difference in replacement value between what it would be under normal circumstances and after a catastrophe where, as a function of the laws of supply and demand, the cost for contracting has increased so extremely. There are a whole lot of factors going into those economics actions by consumers, by builders and by insurance companies.”

However, it is the actions by insurers as they advise customers what amount of and what type of coverage to buy that troubles many, including lawmakers.

Something Needs To Change Professionals who are knowledgeable about how insurance underwriting works and attorneys practicing insurance law maintain that there is a systemic crisis of underinsurance in Malibu and areas nearby which is attributable to insurance companies violating their duties of good faith and fair dealing to insureds by utilizing data analytics software and employing inaccurate data to calculate what policy limits a homeowner or business owner should have and how much it will cost to rebuild and replace lost property.

MALIBU MAGAZINE interviewed two leading authorities about what has gone terribly wrong in the insurance industry and why so many people in Malibu and nearby are underinsured.

Malibu attorney Brianna Strange is at the forefront of efforts to effect changes in this arena and to vindicate the rights of insureds who have suffered harm.

Strange’s firm has joined with her father Brian Strange’s firm, Strange & Butler, to file a lawsuit seeking redress for various plaintiffs’ losses attributable to their insurer Farmers utilizing software to underestimate the amount of insurance the plaintiffs would need to rebuild their structures and replace their contents.

“Being born and raised in Malibu coupled with our work on the Edison litiga-

“Rebuilding one’s home is expensive and time consuming, but it shouldn’t have to be a full-time job.”

tion (relating to the cause of the Woolsey Fire), I’ve gained a new perspective on the insurance problems residents are facing,” Strange says. “The insurance aspects of the fire are interesting and far-reaching. One thing we’re seeing across the board is that people in Malibu are underinsured. One reason for this, which we discuss in more detail in the class complaint we have filed, is that oftentimes, insurance companies plug basic data—zip code, square footage—into a program that auto-generates a coverage amount. But this amount doesn’t take into account certain considerations like the relatively high rebuild costs in a coastal city like Malibu, custom designed home improvements, unusual lot characteristics, and a lack of access to contractors, architects, and other rebuilding personnel in the event of a mass disaster, particularly in a small town like Malibu.”

Strange elaborates, “The insurers fail to account for many of the factors that the California Department of Insurance requires insurance companies to review when determining appropriate coverage amounts. This ultimately results in severely underinsured homeowners.

Some of these issues could be addressed by an in-person visit from an insurance agent before determining appropriate coverage, but we have found many clients never received a visit from their insurance companies who dutifully collected premiums while essentially ignoring upticks in rebuilding costs.”

It gets even worse than that in some cases, Strange says. “We have seen instances where the insurance company never adjusted coverage even after being notified of major housing upgrades.”

Class Action Complaints Against Insurers for Deliberately Underestimating Replacement Value The complaint filed by Strange in Albright v. Farmers, et. al., alleges that Farmers used a software program known as Xactware’s 360Value to determine the

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Woolsey Fire Rebuilds as of January 2020

To view the full interactive map, go to malibupermits.ci.malibu.ca.us/WoolseyRebuildStats Source: The City of Malibu, December 2019

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replacement cost of an insured’s dwelling, a calculation that sets policy limits.

Specifically, 360Value “relies on both (1) prefiled parameters based on an insured’s address, extracting data from often-inaccurate public sources such as the county assessor’s records, and (2) an assumptive socio-economic methodology to calculate replacement value.”

This methodology, the Complaint avers, fails to consider all the required factors mandated by longstanding replacement cost calculation standards and California law. Moreover, plaintiffs allege that Farmers conceals its methodology from insureds, violating various other California laws.

The complaint also addresses an issue that readers might wonder about: isn’t it counterintuitive for an insurance company to lowball replacement costs when the insurance industry makes its money on charging insureds premiums?

“The Farmers defendants compete for market share with other mid-tier insurance companies like State Farm and Allstate. In the competition for market share among these insurance companies, the Farmers defendants face a dilemma. If they accurately calculated the replacement cost through in-person inspections or using other accurate and regulation-compliant methodology or told their customers they needed to consult with an expert to determine replacement costs customers would be presented with a higher total premiums.” If that happened, Farmers would lose market share because customers would shop around and possibly go to other insurers.

Julia Donoho, AIA, ESQ, GC, is a rebuilding strategy advisor for Homebound, a homebuilder that offers a comprehensive suite of services spanning from helping customers prepare their lot, design their home, get architectural services, deal with insurance and financing, complete construction and move in. Donoho is an architect, attorney and general contractor with

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“Accurate estimates come within 10 percent of construction costs. State Farm’s software estimates are often 50 to 200 percent less.”

16 years of custom residential design experience, more than a decade of construction management and estimating expertise, and eight years as a construction law attorney and is an expert in the relationship between insurance policy valuations, market appraisals of improvements, and rebuilding construction costs with recommendations for the appraisal industry. Through various California Wildfire Recovery events, Donoho has been helping people find their way through the insurance and construction maze to get on a good path toward rebuilding, in efforts to maximize the number of homes re-

built to restore various communities in California that have suffered massive losses attributable to wildfires, including Malibu.

Like Strange, Donoho is pressing a class action seeking redress from insurers, especially State Farm who she states is the worst offender when it comes to lowballing estimates for coverage and for renewals utilizing a software that is owned by State Farm.

Her complaint, Sheahan et. al. v. State Farm General Insurance Company, Verisk Analytics, Inc., Insurance Services Office, Inc. and Xactware Solutions, Inc., explains, “Policies are built and vary based upon the value of Coverage A - Dwelling. Insurers may have different levels and types of coverage, and may be able to customize, but everything still ties back to the initial Coverage A limit. For example, State Farm offers 10 percent, 25 percent and 50 percent building code coverage, but selecting that type or level is meaningless unless the underlying Coverage A Dwelling is based upon an accurate estimate.”

Accurate estimates come within 10 percent of construction costs, Donoho notes. “However, State Farm’s software’s estimates are often 50 to 200 percent less than actual costs.”

Such shortfalls are exactly what many victims of the Woolsey Fire are experiencing they do not have the money to rebuild the home they once had, or in some cases, to rebuild at all.

“The Department of Insurance has taken note and new regulations are being introduced,” Strange says. However, she notes that this is of little solace to victims of the Woolsey Fire who are struggling to rebuild and replace. “They are going to be grappling long-term with the chronic underinsurance problems that have really come to light after the fire.” Strange says.

“The impact and uncertainty of not knowing whether one will ever even be able to rebuild is very upsetting.” Paul Major says speaking for many affected MM by being underinsured.

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RICK MULLEN Malibu resident Rick Mullen was elected to the City Council in 2016 and served as Malibu’s mayor from February to December of 2018 during the Woolsey Fire. He also works as a captain in the Los Angeles County Fire Department out of Station 72 in Decker Canyon.

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RESILIENCY

Living in a Fire Hazard Zone Malibu City councilmember, former mayor and Los Angeles County Fire Captain Rick Mullen discusses what the City is doing to prepare for the next big fire as well what individuals can do. ✎ written by Rick Mullen  photographed by Julie Wuellner

S

tephen Murphy spent the day and the night of November 8, 2018 as a sheriff’s department volunteer on patrol supporting evacuation efforts in the Calabasas and Agoura area as the Woolsey Fire rapidly closed in on the 101 Freeway. Early the next morning, Bruce Bates left his home in Malibu Park and courageously went into the hills to evacuate inmates from Campus Kilpatrick. The Kilpatrick Detention Facility was directly in the path of the main body of the fire as it incinerated the heavy brush of the Santa Monica Mountains. Although he was a counselor and not a public safety professional, Bates managed to evacuate a vanload of inmates literally minutes before the giant fire and its 300-foot high burning cloud surrounded the Kilpatrick facility. Both Murphy and Bates lost their homes in the fire. They are sterling examples of the good and selfless residents of Malibu. Their personal stories are emblematic of the courage and kindness many Malibu residents exhibited during the Woolsey Fire.

The City of Malibu is committed to helping the community rebuild. To help our residents put their lives back together and rebuild their homes, the City has waived rebuilding fees for primary residences, coordinated with the Fire Department to ease access issues and reviews, hired extra planners, hired Yolanda Bundy as the new building official and director for the environmental sustainability department and focused on helping expedite the rebuild process. Bundy’s experience in Ventura after the Thomas Fire has been instrumental in guiding them through the approval process for rebuilding their homes and is making a difference in people’s lives during a very difficult time. But even after people put their lives back together, Malibu will still be a dangerous place to live.

We all live in the very high severity fire hazard zone (VHSFHZ). By choosing to live in this beautiful area, residents assume the risks. Before Woolsey, some residents fully understood the risks of wildfires.

For others, wildfires are a part of life in Malibu, but a part of the backdrop, more of an interesting conversation piece. The

Woolsey Fire made everyone aware of the risks of their choice to live in the VHSFHZ. When you choose to live in Malibu, you are in a “danger zone” and the arrival of a large fire can ultimately pose severe risks to your home.

In the future, when another large wind-driven fire comes through Malibu, the amount of homes lost can be reduced significantly. The most important resiliency factors emanate from the individual resident outward in concentric circles of effort and focus. Resiliency begins with each individual’s understanding and acceptance of the risks of living in the VHSFHZ and a firm desire to manage those risks by personal counter-measures to mitigate the actual impact of the next large wind-driven fire on their home. Counter-measures start with hardening the home and establishing a family emergency plan of action. The elimination of the Achilles’ Heels of ignitable objects in that 5-foot radius around the house is the first and most important priority for the wind-driven “rain of embers” that can fall on or near a house. Resilient construction materials, fireproof

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vents, eliminate straw doormats, brush clearance, intelligent landscaping are part of the foundation of preparation to ensure a home’s survival.

The City of Malibu established a new Fire Safety Liaison position after the Woolsey Fire. Malibu is the only city in Los Angeles County with this kind of professional on its staff. The City was fortunate enough to get Jerry Vandermeulen, an experienced retired Ventura County Fire Department battalion chief to fill this position. Vandermeulen provides much-needed “connective tissue” between the City, the residents and the Fire Department. One of the many things that he can do is perform a “home ignition zone assessment” of your residence.

He, or one of the certified and designated people trained to assist him, will come to your home and give you a personalized assessment of your home and alert you to potential vulnerabilities. Your home should be able to survive the furious ember storm even if you are out of town on vacation. If your home is set up that way, you are in good shape. If you have not had one of these inspections, call the City or go to malibucity.org/firesafety and schedule one.

Malibu will soon have a much better twoway emergency radio system designed to function even when all the power is lost in town. CERT Director Richard Garvey has worked with Susan Duenas, Malibu’s public safety director to get FCC approval for a UHF Radio Repeater located at Castro Peak Communication Facility that would provide more robust and durable emergency communication for CERT, Public Works, VOPs, Arson Watch, the City Staff and eventually the resident’s neighborhood readiness groups. This Castro Peak repeater, which will have a solar and battery backup power system, will be ready for testing in early February. During this testing, the antenna configuration will be analyzed and optimized for the best coverage possible in Malibu’s challenging topography. This new system will not only increase the ability to communicate but will give everyone monitoring the frequencies used much greater

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“In an emergency, the strength of our town will be a function of the strength of our neighborhoods.” overall situational awareness of the emergency efforts by the city staff, the public safety agencies, and the residents during a disaster.

During a disaster, when all electrical power is lost, along with all cell phone capability, radio stations can be vital sources of information. Everyone has a radio in their car and all households should have a battery powered AM/FM radio. Hans Laetz, the founder of Malibu’s own KBUU 99.1 FM station, is working toward KBUU becoming the go-to source for community-wide emergency information even when traditional infrastructure fails. The Malibu Foundation underwrote a build-it-yourself solar power system with battery backup that will continue to power KBUU’s transmissions in an emergency. After Woolsey burned down their electrical power supply, KBUU had to run on a gasoline generator for 200 days that consumed 3200 gallons of gasoline. In addition to making the KBUU system more durable, Laetz is extending the reach of KBUU’s signal with two boosters, one at Trancas to cover the western part of Malibu and one at Bluffs to cover the eastern part of Malibu. KBUU has a great

working relationship with the City and the city’s public safety director. The Public Information Officer already has the ability to get important alerts broadcasted by KBUU in a matter of minutes.

Another alert system in the works for Malibu is a neighborhood siren system similar to the old air raid sirens that could be used to alert residents to a rapidly moving brushfire, particularly at night time when people may not be getting text messages or if the phone system might already be compromised for reserve 911 calls. This could be used to augment the sheriffs’ evacuation efforts. City staff have also been conducting training on using automobile-borne megaphones as an additional method of alerting for evacuations.

Just as the City is improving and strengthening its alert messaging, communications and staff actions during future emergencies, the neighborhood readiness groups that are refining and improving their methods and equipment are an important part of Malibu’s future resiliency. It is critical for neighbors, who are the experts on their local community, to work together and make readiness a community effort. In an emergency, the strength of our town will be a function of the strength of our neighborhoods.

I strongly recommend that everyone in Malibu watch the 40-minute NETFLIX documentary “Fire in Paradise” about the Camp Fire in Northern California. It shows how fast things can happen in a wind-driven fire and the critical importance of having a family emergency plan in place.

During Woolsey, the fire started 30 miles from Malibu and it took a full day to arrive.

Next time, we may have less time to prepare for the fire’s arrival. Now is the time to prepare and plan. Join a CERT Class.

Get training. Get supplies. Make a plan.

Malibu has always been a community that prides itself on self-sufficiency, and the ability to overcome any challenge. Those are exactly the qualities that will help us get to the community-wide, grassroots preparedness that we will need to overcome MM the next large fire or earthquake.

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Malibu Beach, $399/night

Malibu Beach, $400/night

R Malibu Beach, $499/night

Malibu Beach, $495/night

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Malibu Beach, $600/night

Malibu Beach, $542/night

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SHORT TERM RENTALS SPECIAL REPORT

SHORT TERM RENTAL PROBLEMS IN MALIBU Malibu Beach, $450/night

✎ written by Barbara Burke Malibu Road, $400/night

With the growth of home sharing services like Airbnb, short-term rentals have become a divisive topic.

Some residents laud the service for providing supplemental income for both themselves and the City, while others maintain Malibu needs to adopt stricter rules and regulations.

Malibu Road, $800/night MALIBU MAGAZINE

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wning property and enstrongly focus on the fact that preserving joying peace in one’s a rural quality of life in Malibu is mandathome are fundamental ed in its city charter and policies and is a constitutional rights in community tradition. Specifically, they America, as is the right maintain that city budgetary considerto exercise control over ations should neither trump preserving one’s property within the bounds of the Malibu’s rural character nor compromise law. When one objectively reviews the its residents’ quiet enjoyment of homes debate regarding how to regulate shortand neighborhoods. term rentals (STRs) in Malibu and surConversely, other citizens advocate alrounding communities, they realize that lowing short-term rentals in residential it is a multi-faceted issue. areas, arguing that the only way they can As officials grapple about what decimake ends meet is to supplement their sions to make, they income through such are cognizant of rentals. They assert both macro and mithey have a right to cro-level viewpoints use their homes as regarding the isthey see fit. sue. Looking at the Others, such as controversy from a citizen advocate, Mi40,000-mile flyover chael Lustig, note perspective, offithat the short-term cials see benefits to rental industry is allowing short-term lucrative for corporentals in Malibu rate entities such as and nearby unincorAirbnb, the indusporated areas. They try leader, and by MICHAEL LUSTIG Lustig advocates for stricter regulations on take into account the two websites owned short term rentals. lucrative tax reveby Expedia – VRBO nues the City derives (Vacation Rental By from short-term rentals. They consider Owner) and Homeaway, as well as by the that Malibu has a surplus of exorbitantly more than fifty other profit-motivated expensive housing for locals and visitors. companies. Lustig emphasizes that rentFurther, they weigh the fact that local als are not the only problem with Airbnb businesses benefit from selling goods and expanding into providing in-home exservices to people staying in short-term periences in neighborhoods, sometimes rentals because Malibu has a significantly offering cooking, yoga, pottery classes decreased population after the Woolsey or other activities and generating many Fire as well as many part-time residents. thousands a day doing so, even when the Area businesses are struggling to survive. hosts do not provide overnight accomThus, short-term rentals and commercial modations. Such experiential offerings activities they support generate business, cause extra traffic in neighborhoods as create jobs and help fund the City’s govwell as noise and disruption for homeernment activities. owners nearby, Lustig notes.

However, when one views the issues To the exasperation of many citizens from the perspective of some Malibu espousing all those positions, the Malihomeowners, many objections to shortbu City Council has been struggling with term rentals come to light. Many citizens how to address the matter for four years. feel that, when deciding how to reguIts efforts were somewhat impeded by late short-term rentals, officials should a change in the composition of the city

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council during the last election. Some, including City Councilperson Jefferson “Zuma Jay” Wagner, say that when the City Council instructed city staff persons to draft an ordinance to strictly regulate short-term rentals, staff “did not make doing so a priority.”

The City Council Acts - Leaving Many Questions Open On December 3, 2019, before a full house of Malibu residents, the City Council unanimously voted to seek a Local Coastal Program Amendment (LCPA) from the Coastal Commission that emulates a Santa Monica short-term rental ordinance upheld by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. That ordinance enables residents to apply for home-sharing permits to host visitors for compensation for a period of less than 31 days as long as the resident and visitor are both in the home.

Unhosted short-term rentals of residential houses are unlawful in Santa Monica, a feature that the Malibu City Council also approved. Notably, the State of California mandates that a licensed real estate agent be involved when rentals exceed thirty-one days.

Malibu City staff informed the council that it can expedite its submission of the proposed LCPA to the Coastal Commission by late spring, 2020. However, according to Bonnie Blue, the Malibu Planning Director, it is unclear how long it will take for the Commission to act and, when the Commission does process the matter, it may return the proposed Amendment to the City for changes. That process, Wagner notes, could mean that the matter won’t be finalized until after the city council election in November. If that happens, Wagner laments, it is possible that no progress will be made on this issue once again.

“We don’t want the LCPA drafting by the City to get mired in staff Siberia,” Wagner says. “The city council voted 5-0 that the matter be expedited and I

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SPECIAL REPORT

Malibu‘s Short-Term Rental Market MALIBU MAGAZINE takes a look at the statistics behind the growing short term rental market including which rental services bring the most visitors, occupancy rates, revenues and average daily rates. All statistics were calculated in December 2019.

Rental Service

Rental Growth

Average Daily Rate

Occupancy

Revenue

Airbnb Ratings

Sources: AirDNA

Copyright: Malibu Magazine 2020

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am sincerely hopeful it will be – I will be seeking an update from city staff at every council meeting.”

Until the LCPA is processed, Wagner said, “the City must deal with the unsatisfactory status quo.” Technically, the current code prohibits short-term rentals, he noted. However, “until the law is changed, it will be business as usual,” a situation that he characterizes as “the City not being able to enforce codes with teeth.”

Moreover, with regard to a possible delay of the City Council taking any definitive action about short-term-rentals, it is unclear to many whether the City needs to consult the Coastal Commission at all.

At the December 3 meeting, John Mazza, a City Planning Commission member, stated that the City was not obligated to ask for the Commission’s guidance because the City already has a LCPA authorizing it to promulgate a new ordinance governing STR’s without the Commission’s input or approval. Therefore, Mazza advocated fast-tracking an ordinance copying the City of Santa Monica’s ordinance without conferring with the Commission.

“The Coastal Commission can change what you do if you ask them,” he said. “So, don’t ask them.”

Mazza also asked the Council to pass a budget item for the planning department and staff to expedite processing the ordinance so it could become effective before the end of summer of 2020.

A Conversation With Stakeholders and An Advocate’s Proposed Solution Seeking to define next steps for shortterm rentals, MALIBU MAGAZINE spoke with Lustig, who thoroughly explained the nuances of his petition’s provisions.

We also spoke with citizens who hold positions on all sides of the issue. Of course, the monetary and enforcement aspects of the issue - both with regard to the City’s tax receipts and with regard to citizens augmenting incomes by renting short-term rentals - were at the forefront

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Preserving a rural quality of life in Malibu is mandated in [the] city charter.

JOHN MAZZA Mazza is a member of the City Planning Commission.

of many resident’s concerns.

First, Lustig says that not all short-term rentals are bad and the home-sharing provision in Santa Monica’s regulation strikes a reasonable balance. Second, there needs to be transparency with regard to TOT remittances – the City must be able to audit the books of residents renting short-term rentals. Third, the laws must be enforced. Fourth, officials need to realize that Airbnb and other entities in the short-term rental space are not just renting properties overnight - rather, they are rapidly expanding their menus to offer experiences such as hosting meals, yoga or cooking classes to groups several times a day, thus exacerbating the impact of their activities on nearby residents.

MM: “Why is home-sharing – the requirement that those residents who rent short-term rentals – a plausible solution to this issue?”

ML: “True home-sharing is a benign activity that helps people make money from the home they live in. If a home sharing host is onsite with guests during occupancy, that prevents abuses, nuisances and all other negative consequences associated with short term rentals.”

MM: “Why are you concerned about the deal the City negotiated with Airbnb?”

ML: “Airbnb’s Voluntary Tax Deal (“VTA”) bargained away future enforcement by the City. Its provisions grant tax amnesty – there is a waiver of a look back - and that hinders enforcement because it provides for pass-through registration – if a host uses Airbnb, he is not required to register with the City and Airbnb doesn’t provide the City with the hosts’ information so there is data blindness. Further, Airbnb is not required to submit back-up reporting with its TOT remittance and therefore, the City cannot reconcile payments.

Section 8 of the TCA precludes the City from auditing any individual before auditing Airbnb first.” Auditing Airbnb

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Malibu‘s Current Short-Term Rental Ordinance With all the talk about changing regulations concerning short term rentals , here’s a look what the laws currently say: Effective July 1, 2009, all homes, condominiums, or other structures that will be rented or leased for a period of 30 days or less must register with the City of Malibu and will be subject to a transient occupancy tax (“TOT”) per Malibu City Code Section 3.24, the Malibu City website informs.

In April 2015, AirBnb negotiated an agreement stating that it would collect and remit the TOT to the City on behalf of renters utilizing its website. This means that since April 2015, Airbnb users have not had to register with the City and they have also not been required to submit quarterly tax returns.

Property owners who use other vacation rental websites (Homeaway, VRBO, etc...) or rent independently have to continue collecting and remitting TOT to the City. Failure to register, collect and remit these taxes could result in prosectution for back taxes, penalties, and interest due.

could cost in the hundreds of thousands perhaps he noted. Lustig elaborated, stating he did not fault the City of Malibu for negotiating the TCA deal, but adding, “in 2008, when we were in the middle of a great recession and when Airbnb started, if Airbnb had come to the City council and said, ‘we are going to deplete 15 to 20 percent of the City’s home inventory and turn them into hotels,’ the City Council would not have approved that – they would have laughed at them and told them to get the hell out of there.”

Lustig is not compensated for his efforts to get Malibu’s City Council to ad-

dress the short-term rental issues and, hopefully, to reach a solution addressing distressed homeowners’ vociferous concerns that their neighborhoods are being hijacked by short-term rentals.

However, he lives on Malibu Road and is intimately familiar with frustrations and concerns attributable to shortterm rentals.

ML: “Where I live, 60 percent of the homes have become a hotel and that changed the character of the neighborhood. In the summer, there are many guests a year, sometimes 120 in a unit over a summer. However, in the winter, it is a ghost town and crime is up.

Short-term rentals drastically changed the quality of life in our neighborhood.

Since 2017, my rent has increased by 30 percent. So, I started to study the issue and I have determined that home-sharing is not helping mom and pops, but is instead a massive business that is consolidated and rents home rental units.”

With Lustig’s proposed ordinance – and his trepidations about short-term rentals in mind – and knowing that the proposal has been sent back to the City Staff to draft a provision emulating the Santa Monica ordinance, since it is their City, MALIBU MAGAZINE talked with some Malibu citizens about their opinions.

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Those Who Object to Short-Term Rentals in Malibu “STRs are the STD’s of a neighborhood – let’s toss out this infection once and for all,” Malibuite Marshall Thompson wrote in support of the petition spearheaded

by Lustig that urges the City of Malibu to impose regulations limiting short-term rentals to properties whose owners are on-site during a rental period of fewer than thirty days, thereby adopting a standard like Santa Monica’s ordinance.

Notably, more than four hundred Malibuites joined in Lustig’s petition, including some who strongly advocate allowing STR’s in residential neighborhoods.

Like Lustig, many residents complain that most of the short-term rental units in Malibu are not owned by members of the community, but rather, by investors located in other areas who are unfamiliar with Malibu. Some also complain that when an owner is off-site and cannot control occupants, short-term rental venues are rife with both safety and nuisance concerns – too many cars are illegally parked, too many loud and out-of-control parties occur and too much garbage piles up. There is too little accountability, compromising residents’ rights to quiet enjoyment of their property.

“I bought a home in a residential neighborhood,” Bill Sampson said. “Instead, we have a parade of cars throughout our neighborhood, loud parties, and people drive like they are in a commercial zone – it is not their home or neighborhood, so they simply don’t care.”

Short-Term Rentals’ Effect on the Housing Market Some citizens object to the rampant operating of short-term rentals on grounds that there is a shortage of long-term rental properties in Malibu which hinders those of lesser means from residing here even though they may work in Malibu.

“There is not a kid on our block,” Sampson said. “That’s a bad thing - I purchased a home in a residential neighborhood where I wanted someone to coach my kid

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“Short-term rentals drastically changed the quality of life in our neighbohood.”

BILL SAMPSON Resident Bill Sampson has had to put up with nuisances caused by short term rentals.

in baseball and where there was a sense of community.”

Other residents, while recognizing those objections, feel, as does Lustig, that there is somewhat of a happy medium to be configured. Heikki Ketola, a Malibu resident for more than 30 years, rented part of his home before his property burned down in the Woolsey Fire. Ketola was always on-site when he did so. He comprehensively screened applicants before renting to anyone and he ensured the short term rental usage was safe, lawful and did not disturb nearby residents.

“Heikki is an example of how home-sharing can work well,” Lustig says.

For his part, Ketola agrees that Malibu should adopt an ordinance that emulates Santa Monica’s.

“Michael Lustig’s approach is perfectly correct in the sense that it provides for reasonable regulations,” Ketola says. “In all the years that I have rented my short term rental I have only had two complaints, and I addressed them immediately.”

Ketola notes that it is very user-friendly to have pass-through registration. He recounted that when he utilized Airbnb, the company would collect and pay the 12-percent TOT to the City of Malibu.

Lustig notes that all vendors conducting short-term rental operations in the City should be treated uniformly and, importantly, that the City should be able to audit the vendors’ books as it does hotels, which are also defined as short-term rentals.

For her part, Natalie Soloway, a Malibu resident since 1978, who has also rented rooms at her home while she was on-property, advocates having shortterm rentals that are responsibly monitored and rented.

“Malibu cannot be an isolated mecca,” Soloway said. “We should be welcoming, not elitist, and we should rent short-term rentals to share this amazing place so that others can experience it while being respectful of our environment.”

Soloway points to the fact that any permits required by the City should not cost

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SHORT-TERM RENTAL PETITION Resident and advocate, Michael Lustig put together a petition which calls for similar short term rental regulations as those passed in Santa Monica. Around 400 Malibu residents have signed the petition.

too much, thus ensuring compliance. She also notes that there are not enough hotel rooms in Malibu and that Pepperdine parents need to be able to rent lodging near their students.

“If we’re not a welcoming community, then what are we?” Soloway said. “We are so fortunate to live here and it’s wrong not to share our good fortune.”

Following The Money Further complicating matters surrounding the short-term rental issue is the fact that, as with all things in modern society, money talks. According to a November 19,

“If we’re not a welcoming community, then what are we? ”

2019 report authored by Elizabeth Shavelson, Assistant to Malibu’s City Manager Reva Feldman, in fiscal year 2017-2018, the City collected $2.42 million from transient occupancy tax (TOT) for short-term rentals. Those revenues are sizable for a city the size of Malibu. The tax revenues derived from STR’s, Councilperson Wagner notes, “amount to a fair amount – almost ten percent of the city’s income.”

Lustig notes that reported revenue from STR’s increased by 242% between 2016 and 2018, increasing from $1 million to $2.46 million.

To help discern how the tax revenue factor should play into the calculus of

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how the City council will determine what to do about short-term rentals, some terms of art and realities need to be unpacked.

First, hotel rooms in Malibu are subsumed in the definition of “short term rental.” Second, unlike hotel rooms, which must allow the City to audit their books to verify their revenues, other short term rentals, such as those in private homes through Airbnb etc., have no duty to allow a City audit.

“The platforms keep the data secret, so there is no way for the City to know how much TOT revenue it is entitled to,” Lustig said. “That’s part of the reason for strict regulation – cities now only collect about half of the revenue because Airbnb is the only platform currently paying them. But Airbnb provides no ledger or reporting with their tax remit and Ho-

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“[Currently] there is no way for the City to know how much TOT revenue it is entitled to. ”

meAway, VRBO and the rest do not as well.” Diving deeper, Lustig notes that Airbnb has a sweetheart deal with the City, unlike any of the other platforms in the short-term rental space, varying from larger platforms such as Homeaway to smaller players.

“Airbnb negotiated a Voluntary Tax Collection deal (“VTC”),” Lustig explained. “The new rules that the Council told City staff to draft treat all platforms equally and negate the City’s VTC deal with Airbnb that gives them special treatment.”

The deal does not work for Wagner and he advocates changing the dynamic and treating short-term rentals like hotels such that the City “can audit 90265 income and know the actual amount of revenues generated.”

Accordingly, Wagner advocates that the City staff provide the Council with a “precise definition of the City’s auditing abilities, so that we can accurately quantify STR income.”

There is of course, another elephant in the room. Not all homeowners or business owners who operate STR’s comply with the mandate that they obtain a City permit to do so, thus further exacerbating the City’s suffering from informational asymmetry in this arena, as does the fact that it is unclear how many STR’s burned down in the fire.

All in all, as Malibuites wait for the City staff to draft a LCPA emulating that of Santa Monica, Malibu is the wild west – the likes of Airbnb are renting short-term rentals and, to the frustration of many, changing neighborhoods, and all the while, many are not remitting the TOT to the City.

The 5-0 Malibu city council vote sent city staff a clear message to get shortterm regulations drafted expeditiously and correctly. They did so, as Mayor Pro Tem Mikke Pierson said at that meeting, so that Malibu can retain its residential character, as citizens who purchased real estate expected and as its City charter MM guarantees.

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ARMORY FOR HARMONY

THE MAESTRO OF PEACE It’s Richard Gibbs’ mission to take the guns that threatened youths’ lives and place them in the hands of students— as musical instruments. ✎ written by Barbara Burke  photographed by Keegan Gibbs

“T

he transfer of energy when repurposing gun metal and using it towards music’s healing energy is immense.” ~ Mystic Marley.

On February 14, 2018, Malibu’s Richard Gibbs, a composer, musician and producer (Dr. Dolittle, Battlestar Galactica, Oingo Boingo and Korn) was in his car driving to his studio when he heard the devastating news – yet another school shooting - this time in Parkland, Florida, a place where families moved just to enroll their kids for an upstanding education.

The statistics appall. Only six weeks into the new year, there already had been 18 shootings at schools in the U.S. Gibbs felt sick to his stomach. Fed up and determined to take action, in mid-2018 he, along with a high-powered group of musicians and activists, formed Armory of Harmony, a non-profit that gathers decommissioned guns and works with manufacturers to

smelt them into trumpets and other musical implements. Armory of Harmony then distributes those instruments to high school music programs in need around the country.

“The essence of the message of Armory of Harmony lies right in its name – it denotes strength through cooperation and the creation of harmony amongst people of diverse beliefs,” Gibbs says. “People can work together like different notes in a chord.”

In addition to the projects above, Gibbs has been a composer and musical director for a plethora of films and television shows, such as Muppets Tonight!, The Simpsons, Queen of the Damned and Step into Liquid. His Malibu studio, Woodshed Recording, has served as the recording home for U2, Barbra Streisand, Chance the Rapper, P!nk, and Coldplay. He was also a founding member of the Malibu Cultural Arts Commission. Now, he passionately

works on Armory of Harmony, hoping to use his talents to change the gun violence narrative from “what can we do?” to “this is one way to make a real difference.”

“The first time I was in California was when I was 16 and marched in the Tournament of Roses Parade, playing trombone for the Seabreeze Marching 100 from Daytona Beach,” Gibbs said. “So, the Parkland shooting really hit home for me. One of the victims, Alex Schachter, played trombone in the Stoneman Douglas band.”

Armory of Harmony flew to Florida to film Mystic Marley (Bob’s granddaughter), singing Jamaican patois and dancing around the ranks of the Marching 100 on the beach in Daytona.

“We are reimagining and recording famous songs about guns, without editorial comment,” said Gibbs. “I Shot the Sheriff, Happiness Is a Warm Gun, or, in this case, 16 Shots. It is our way of demonstrating how deeply embedded guns are in our

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TRUMPET MOUTHPIECES Armory of Harmony created their prototypes, trumpet mouthpieces, out of gun metal from L.A.’s weapons buy-back program.

music and culture.” He continues, “We can and must do better by our kids.”

Armory of Harmony is, in fact, fiercely apolitical. The 501c3 takes no official stance regarding gun control. Rather than concentrate on that which divides us, Armory of Harmony begins the conversation where we all agree – the necessity of safety for our kids. All solutions are on the table; no stone left unturned.

“There is truth on all sides of this issue.

No single solution will take care of this mess. We are not out to write laws about guns,” Gibbs says. “We are out to change behavior and attitudes around guns. Mental health, easy gun access, pervasive exaltation of guns in our art, these are all just

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some of the factors that must be addressed simultaneously.” Intent on doing what they can to inject reason and activism into a troubled world, the Armory of Harmony team has soldiered on. In a pilot program that they hope will become a permanent effort, they recently acquired their first batch of gun metal from the Los Angeles Mayor’s weapons buy-back program and have their initial prototypes – trumpet mouthpieces – in hand, with more instruments such as African kalimbas on the way.

Veteran social impact entrepreneur Cameron Sinclair came on board in September of 2019 as the Executive Director of Armory of Harmony. His vast experience in the NGO world (co-founder of Ar-

chitecture for Humanity, recipient of the TED prize, the National Design Award, an integral part of the Jolie Pitt Foundation and a Young Global Leader of the World Economic Forum) has already brought Armory of Harmony to greater heights.

Gibbs describes Sinclair as a force of nature himself and a genius at motivating major recording artists to use their musical talents to further social activism efforts.

However, Gibbs says “Artists are only part of the solution of gun violence. There is no way to solve the gun problem in America without gun owners on board. We must all work together.”

Professor Doug Kmiec, former American Ambassador to Malta and constitutional scholar agrees.

“At a time of great division in our nation over many topics, including the meaning of the Second Amendment, Richard Gibbs is proving that no one must wait for government to do good, you can simply reach out and do some on your own,” Kmiec says. “Gibbs has long been of this view and he is cherished as a maestro of peace. Armory of Harmony avoids the disharmony of partisan debate by fashioning a way for people of every point of view to incorporate the metal of an improperly handled or abandoned weapon into musical performance which adds much joy and beauty to life.”

Armory of Harmony board member Lucas Dunat, an advertising and marketing guru, heartily agreed. “Armory of Harmony wants to inspire civil discourse on such a divisive issue from a starting point where we all agree: Gun violence is, in part, a mental health issue,” Gibbs noted.

Armory of Harmony proves that music inherently has the power to heal and energize good in the world.

“Music is good for mental health. We believe that the appropriate honoring of a decommissioned weapon is to turn it into something that has a different kind of usefulness in its afterlife. We could think of nothing better than a musical instrument,” said Gibbs.

Readers who go to the non-profit organization’s website – armoryofharmony.com, can find ways to support the effort.

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SECURITY

Who Is Behind IPS? International Protective Services started popping up all over Malibu a few months prior to the Woolsey Fire, leading many residents to wonder who they are and what they do.

✎ written by Barbara Burke

I

n a town with no police department—despite its approximately 15 million annual visitors - it’s imperative to have surveillance so residents can have peace of mind.

In July of 2018, several months before the Woolsey Fire, Aaron T. Jones, CEO and founder of IPS, brought his New Mexico-based private security and investigation services company to Malibu.

Throughout the course of his career, Jones has been a police officer, a sheriff’s detective, and a criminal investigator. For almost three decades, he has protected people. He provided protective details for Presidents George W. Bush and Donald J. Trump, for foreign leaders such as South Korean President Kim Dae Jung, for Donald Rumsfeld and Governor Mitt Romney, and even for Jay Leno.

What brought IPS to Malibu?

“I like Malibu—it’s a great place that I discovered when I began my security career in the 1990s in Los Angeles,” Jones says. “As soon as I got my business up and running to a point where I was worthy of serving Malibu, I opened that location.”

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IPS serves all of Malibu and surrounding areas from the Ventura County Line to the Doheny corridor in West Hollywood.

Trained officers, both uniformed and plain clothed, can respond to emergencies or provide standing guard service.

“Pretty much anything that law enforcement does, we emulate—from private 24hour patrols, emergency responses, vacation checks and investigations—we try to be a force multiplier for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department,” Jones explains.

While the affluent population in Malibu often procure private security services and investigators, Jones emphasizes that it’s part of his mission to service the entire community.

“During the Woolsey Fire, we provided a lot of services for Malibu,” he says. “We were already patrolling in the area for our clients, so we could get to a location quickly.”

On an everyday basis, IPS officers will intercede if they see someone in distress. “They have, on occasion, made a citizen’s arrest in order to detain an offender until the sheriff’s department can arrive,” Jones says. The company customizes services for individu-

al clients, whether private or commercial he explains, noting that when a client is on vacation, IPS officers will patrol the area, check the home, move trash in and out, and pick up the mail.

Jessica Steindorff is a Malibu local and an IPS customer is very happy with the service that the company provides. “I live alone on four acres and whenever I have concerns and call IPS, they send one, if not two, units very quickly and they stay here, making sure that I feel safe,” she says. “They are always around the neighborhood—I see them in the area all of the time.”

However the response was not always

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AARON T. JONES IPS founder Aaron T. Jones has been in the industry of protecting people for almost three decades as a police officer, detective and investigator.

positive. “People were not quite sure what to think of us when we started in Malibu a few months before the fires happened,” Jones says. “We do look very official, but that is also part of the effectiveness of our product.”

He paused and added, “For some reason, there was a misnomer that we were part of the customs and immigration service -that couldn’t be further from the truth.”

According to Jefferson Wagner, a few citizens have expressed concerns that the company has out-of-state license plates and was therefore not paying California vehicle taxes or meeting the state’s smog requirements.

“The vehicles that we used to start this project were commercial fleet vehicles and plates out of New Mexico, our corporate headquarters,” Jones says. “We have since bought new vehicles in California specifically so that we can be absolutely fair on paying California it’s fair tax share. ” All in all, the company is trying to be a productive corporate citizen of Malibu.

“We appreciate the opportunity and the fantastic relationships we have been fortunate to grow so far,” Jones says. “We look forward to great things to come as we become a partner in this amazing commuMM nity.”

JESSICA STEINDORFF Malibu resident, Jessica Steindorff with IPS officers who she hired to protect her home.

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UNPARALLELED TECHNOLOGY Hollywood Vaults utilizes an array of tech to ensure their vaults are always secure, including art-safe LED lights and fingerprint entry systems.

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SECURITY

HOLLYWOOD VAULTS

Ultimate Protection For more than 35 years, clients have trusted Hollywood Vaults’ cutting-edge tech and state-of-the-art smart facilities to ensure their most treasured and valuable possessions are always safe and sound.

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he initial impression at Hollywood Vaults is the striking attention to design and details always focusing on convenience.

This starts with 24-hour access and the efficiency of fingerprint access. After all, don’t we have way too many pin numbers in our lives? Then there is the welcome amenity of secure on-site parking. The design of the building itself focuses on fire protection, starting with a purpose-built fireproof concrete shell and roof, and an interior of non-combustible materials like metal, glass and concrete. The smoke detection system is a hundred times more sensitive than standard smoke detectors.

Also a water-free gas fire suppression system is deployed throughout the facility.

Why water-free? Tragically sprinklers can leak and pipes can break causing water damage to collections.

Museum-quality is a fitting way to describe the temperature, humidity and air purification systems. Anti-microbial techniques are incorporated in the air distribution and wall finishes, and the carpeting is embedded with silver strands preventing mold and mildew. Art-safe LEDs provide lighting as needed, though the facilities remain dark most of the time for long-term preservation of vaulted @PAQUERAMEZCAL objects.

Power is backed up with a clean burning natural gas generator, supple-

mented with tracking solar panels. Electric vehicle charging stations are provided for client use.

Client work counters are well stocked with inspection gloves, tape, labels and organizing supplies. Custom-built security systems monitor and safeguard with extreme precision. Over a hundred security cameras monitor activity, keeping a watchful eye. Since opening in 1985 the vault has been continually upgraded with the latest technologies. Hollywood Vaults is a cyber-safe zone, air-gapped from the internet to protect clients’ confidentiality, privacy and security.

All vaults are private and individual, in 26 sizes ranging from small safes to entire rooms that can be custom configured to ideally safeguard and display unique collections. Preconfigured vaults are provided for safekeeping guitars, wine, artwork,

photos, wardrobe, precious metals, data, coins, rare books and manuscripts.

Customer service is designed with care starting with rentals offered on a monthto-month basis. No long-term contracts are required. Rentals are all inclusive with no additional charges or hidden fees.

We treat our clients the way we like to be treated. Security escort is available in the late hours, also provided at no additional cost.

Fires, floods and theft don’t have to weigh on your mind. Protecting your priceless high-value assets at Hollywood Vaults brings a sense of security and tranquility that clients find priceless.

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Tours by appointment by contacting david@hollywoodvaults.com. Reservations can be made at hollywoodvaults.com.

EXCLUSIVE FACILITIES Vaults are private and individual, and come in 26 sizes.

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ART COLUMN

by Jacqueline ‘Jac’ Forbes

The Art of the Collection Malibu’s Jacqueline ‘Jac’ Forbes, co-owner of CANVAS.MALIBU and MALIBU MAGAZINE art columnist takes a look at the world of art collection and how you can create your own collection.

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s a result of fair fatigue this past Art Basel Miami 2019, my husband and I decided to take a different approach. The plan was to trek to private collections staged in the outer edges of the typical Basel Miami locales. On display was the ultimate trifecta of collections - The de la Cruz Collection, Rubell Family Collection (Rubell Museum) and Jorge Pérez’s El Espacio 23.

Three notable collectors built their own incredibly beautiful museums to present their private collections to the public. These collections were impressively housed in contemporary structures with a detailed layout, spatial flow and visual through line. Each of the curated collections served to amplify the collector’s unique vision and narrative.

As I walked through these amazing presentations I marveled at the breadth and scope of the collections these individuals had amassed. I began to wonder – ‘When does the switch flip from art buyer to collector? Does it start just like my hus-

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Walking through El Espacio 23 at the Jorge Perez collection.

band’s sneaker collection – where one day sneakers were no longer just shoes but design pieces? These collectors all started somewhere, right? What motivates someone to start collecting art – is it the love of the work, the addiction of the acquisition, the hunt and discovery, or is it... something else all together?

So I took my thoughts to the ‘streets’ (of Malibu) and spoke with two friends and

collectors whose collections I have admired, along with the manner in which they collect. These two collectors - Leslie Seibert and Margaret Moore (name changed) were eager to take on the challenge of the veiled world of art. Art is a purchase with many underpinnings at any income level. There is a certain mystique and many of the art transactions are intentionally cloaked by the industry despite what you see and hear at Sotheby’s and Christie’s. This barrier to entry can be a negative and prove to be intimidating for new collectors. Many of us bow out here using the perfect excuse, ‘it’s not for me’.

The growth of any collection starts with the hunting and gathering of information, it is imperative to do as much research as possible - Margaret encourages new collectors to “visit as many galleries, fairs and museum openings as you can to get to know what you like”. Similarly, Leslie who was introduced to the world of art collecting by notable collectors David and Bob Gersch, was advised not to purchase

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ART COLLECTIONS From left to right, top to bottom: artist Mark Bradford at The de la Cruz collection, one of Leslie Seibert’s favorite aqcuisitions by Jennifer Guidi, The Rubell Collection - artist in residence Amoako Boafo, Jac Forbes with Rosa de la Cruz, and artist Rashid Johnson in Leslie Seibert’s collection.

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ART COLUMN

Meet Jac Forbes

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”.

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any art for one year by gallery owner David Zwiner. Zwiner told her, “take a year to research and cultivate what you like”.

During that time, Leslie consumed as much knowledge and information about artist’s and the contemporary art market that she could, eventually zero-ing in on what truly resonated with her. Margaret on the other hand parallels building a collection with a yoga practice, “It’s an on-going practice, there is no end. There is not a right or wrong, it’s a journey. It’s however it works for you.”

The undercurrent of all collections is that they can become addictive.

There is always one more gallery opening and one more artist making news coupled with new art market trends that reel you in and get those acquisition juices flowing.

This passion laced addictive quality can easily grow one’s collections past the walls that the collection were intended for. Choices have to be made! Along with cultivating their intuition, both women have refined their collections against a through line or theme to help them make more discerning purchases. Leslie largely bases her acquisitions around California based artists while Margaret’s collection leans towards female artists.

With the assistance of art advisors, gallerist or fellow collectors educated choices are made, passions fueled and collections expanded. Leslie recalls however that though her introduction to the art arena came through noted collectors and gallerist, it was a unique opportunity to join the acquisition board of MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) that was the immersive experience that helped take

her collection to the next level. Margaret on the other hand elevated her collection when she placed a highly experienced art advisor on retainer to advise and educate, rather than to facilitate acquisitions based upon the traditional commission structure.

To start your collection you can become a member of your favorite museums, put your name on the mailing list of galleries whose programs you enjoy and follow artists along with art communities on social media. However you choose to increase your knowledge, the most important thing is building relationships by talking to people about art. Do not be intimidated. Often, work that collectors acquire is due to the relationships they have developed with artist, advisors and gallerist. Leslie expressed that some of her most important purchases were made because of relationships that created opportunities for studio visits with artists that in turn allowed her greater insight to their process and story. “I want to see the artist succeed”, Margaret says and therefore she is able to use her relationships to play a supportive role through purchases in the earlier stages of an artist’s careers.

I believe that a collection is a holding and caretaking of a piece of history – it is a historical narrative. So as Leslie Siebert advises, “go slow, buy what you like, spend wisely… if you are buying it and you love it and are putting it in your home, you can’t lose. “ And hopefully when that collectors switch flips, you will remember this article. Happy ColMM lecting!

“IT’S AN ONGOING PRACTICE, THERE IS NO END. THERE IS NOT A RIGHT OR WRONG.”

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I BULIEVE

JULES WILLIAMS & ALISON POTHIER

What Malibu Believes With their popular web docuseries ‘I BUlieve’, husband-and-wife team Jules Williams and Alison Pothier seek to understand how the life experiences of inspirational Malibuites have helped inform their belief systems. ✎ written by Holly Bieler  photographed by Julie Wuellner

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n the opening scenes of a recent episode of ‘I BUlieve’, the web miniseries from husband-and-wife duo Jules Williams and Alison Pothier that profiles a new Malibu resident in each installment, the musician Deepak Ramapriyan sits placidly on a beautiful vista above Malibou Lake, the Santa Monica mountains enveloping him in lush afternoon light. It’s a beautiful shot, quickly taking on a kinetic drama as Ramapriyan rises and begins to play his violin, his body moving to the music with a virtuosic passion and skill that’s hypnotizing.

Against this vivid background, it’s almost jarring when a sweet, softly-spoken voice begins playing over the music.

“I believe in the intricate and unique architecture of different ragas [a melodic mode in Indian classical music] and their wide-reaching combination of scales,” Ramapriyan says. “Music that facilitated different feelings and emotions that were devotional by nature. As a young child, such music was injected into my cells by osmosis.”

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Over the next 7 minutes, Ramapriyan begins to detail in voiceover the things that he truly believes in as we watch him perform. His beliefs range from the esoteric to the simple, from always speaking with intention to the significance of the violin teachers who encouraged Ramapriyan’s passions for both Western and Carnatic music traditions, ultimately setting the foundation for his unique compositions today.

Visually and thematically it’s an interview unlike any you’ve ever seen, a person’s story told through the lens of the subject’s deepest beliefs. facilitated different feelings and emotions that was devotional by nature. As a young child, such music was injected into my cells by osmosis.”

I BULIEVE Taking its title from Malibu’s nickname, ‘I BUlieve’ is the aclaimed new docuseries from Malibu husbandand-wife duo Jules Williams and Alison Pothier

Over the next 7 minutes, Ramapriyan continues to detail in voiceover the things that he truly believes in as we watch him perform. His beliefs range from the esoteric to the simple, from always speaking with intention to the significance of the violin teachers who encouraged Ramapriyan’s passions for both Western and Carnatic music traditions, ultimately setting the foundation for his unique compositions today.

Visually and thematically it’s an interview unlike any you’ve seen, before a person’s story told through the lens of the subject’s deepest beliefs.

“With ‘I BUlieve’, we wanted to show how peoples’ lives are often framed by their experiences, and then the beliefs that are borne out of those experiences,” said Williams.

The effect is deeply moving, laying bare the beliefs of inspirational Malibuites with a thoughtfulness and transparency that not only instills an uncommon intimacy with each video’s subject, but invites viewers to train the same level of self-awareness onto

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PARTNERS Pothier and Williams, co-founders of production company 21 Mile Films, were married in Malibu in 2015.

their own life. “How we define ourselves so often comes from [the external],” said Pothier. “With ‘I BUlieve’, were wanted to feature self-awareness that turns into self-actualization.”

This has been a major theme throughout much of Williams’ and Pothier’s lives and work. A professional director and filmmaker, Williams first conceived of the idea for a docuseries about the relationship between our life experiences and our beliefs some thirty years ago, in 1992. It was a theme that held particular significance for Pothier, a life coach and intuitive energy practitioner whom Williams would meet many years later. The founder of Inside Out Retreats, a health and personal development practice which opened in 2005, Potheir had been helping clients tap into their true belief

systems for years, an important step in her work of helping them achieve fulfillment and purpose.

Meeting in the United Kingdom while working on a project together, Williams and Pothier would move to Malibu in 2015, quickly falling in love with their new home.

Soon thereafter the two launched production company 21 Mile Films, and in 2016 released their first Malibu-based project, a docuseries entitled ‘Malibu Stories’. Telling the stories of local Malibuites in beautifully-produced, short interviews, the series was immediately well-received.

In 2019 Pothier and Williams released their second web docuseries, building off the success and theme of ‘Malibu Stories’ to create a new, unconventional kind of interview series. With ‘I BUlieve’, which takes its

title from Williams and Pothier’s beloved adopted home, the two filmmakers began to dig even deeper with their subjects.

Featuring Malibuites from Malibu Arts Commission Chair Catherine Malcolm Brickman to the Russian-born visual artist Ann Krashner, ‘I BUlieve’ seeks to investigate how our lives get framed by our experiences and the beliefs that are borne out of those experiences. It’s oftentimes difficult and thoughtful work for ‘I BUlieve’ subjects, albeit ultimately important. There is something about hearing people articulate their deepest beliefs with clarity and conviction that immediately invites the same kind of rumination.

“It’s everyone’s story,” said Pothier.

Stream all current episodes of ‘I BUlieve’ MM on ibulieve.com.

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COVER STORY

VERONICA SKIN & BODY CARE CENTER

THE GODMOTHER OF SKINCARE Since opening her first center near Zuma Beach almost four decades ago, Veronica Barton Schwartz has transformed the beauty industry, and helped generations of women and men feel more comfortable in their skin along the way. ✎ written by Holly Bieler  photographed by Julie Wuellner

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t’s not a surprise that Veronica Barton Schwartz has amazing skin. The veritable godmother of L.A.’s now-exploding skincare industry, Veronica has been practicing her array of glow-inducing facial treatments out of her world-famous Malibu spa, Veronica Skin & Body Care Center, for more than 35 years, entrusted by generations of local families and celebrities from Hillary Clinton to Miranda Kerr.

And yet despite her unparalleled reputation, Veronica still kind of amazes when you actually see her in person. At 71 years old her skin looks younger and about 20 times more glowy than mine, and I’m 29.

Hers is the kind of pore-less, crease-less, unconscionably dewy skin you can’t even be jealous of, in the way it’s hard to begrudge Julia Roberts’ her smile or Angelina Jolie her pout. Sometimes, genetics and luck just work in people’s favor. A decade’s

LOCAL BUSINESS Veronica Skin & Body Care Center opened in its current location in 1986.

worth of headgear isn’t going to give you Julia Roberts’ smile, and nor, it might seem, would all the facials and moisturizers in the world incite the seemingly God-given agelessness and luminosity with which Veronica has been blessed.

Surprisingly, this isn’t true at all. Indeed Veronica’s preternatural beauty isn’t just an amazing piece of marketing for Veronica Skin & Body Care Center, but a true testament to the uncommon efficacy of her work. Having struggled with cystic acne from childhood through her mid-twenties, Veronica is keenly aware that the pursuit of clear skin is about much more than vanity. She’s been exactly where many of her clients have been, skipping social engagements because she was too embarrassed to show her inflamed face in public, the agony of trying every treatment and product on the market to no avail.

“If you’ve never had bad skin, you just don’t know how crippling it can be,” she says one night last December over cookies and peppermint tea at her center, just a few minutes from Cross Creek on PCH. On this day her skin looks as brilliant and clear as ever, but as she gestures towards her now-perfect cheeks, once marred, she

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says, by thick acne and scarring, it’s clear the experience is still close to her heart. “I know exactly what it feels like, because I went through the same thing. And I know how life-changing it can be when your skin clears up. I know it sounds crazy but this has never been about making money for me. The reason I do what I do is because I love helping people feel better about themselves. That gives me so much pleasure.”

However if you’d told a 25-year old Veronica that she would one day become one of the most acclaimed figures in skincare today, helping to completely transform the industry in the process, she wouldn’t have believed you. At the time Veronica was a newlywed and young mother, working light-years away from the beauty industry at a promising career in the technical illustration field. Veronica’s days were spent designing visual representations of computer products for the Westlake Village software company Bunker Ramo, and her nights with her husband and two young children, Lisa and Anthony, at their Broad Beach home.

It was 1973, and everything was different.

Mothers of toddler-aged children didn’t often hold full-time jobs in the burgeoning, male-dominated industry of software development. But Veronica had been raised by a single working mother, after her father died when she was just 3 years old, and her whole life had aspired to the same independence and drive. When her strong talents as a visual artist landed Veronica the job after college, she hadn’t even hesitated.

Malibu was different as well. Still a sleepy little beach town, its commercial centers were still composed almost exclusively of little mom and pops—the Colony Diner near Cross Creek, or Trancas Restaurant in Western Malibu, where Veronica remembers Bob Dylan occasionally breaking out his guitar to serenade local diners. It was heaven-on-earth for Veronica, who’d harbored an affinity for the water since her childhood in Hermosa Beach, her days spent surfing with friends as The Beach Boys blared in the background.

“I’ve always had a fascination with the

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CUTTING-EDGE TECH

One of the treatments offered at Veronica Skin & Body Care Center is the powerpeel, a microdermabrasion treatment that exfoliates the skin.

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MALIBU LOCAL Veronica moved with her family from Encino to Malibu in the early 1970s. Their new Broad Beach home was just steps from the beach and heaven-on-earth for Veronica, who always loved the ocean.

LIKE MOTHER LIKE DAUGHTER Veronica’s daughter, Lisa, handles the spa’s business operations.

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FAMILY TIME At left, Veronica’s great grandson Alan. At right, Veronica and husband Carl.

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CHILDREN OF THE NATIONS Veronica is active in charities including Operation Smile and Children of the Nations. In the summer of 2019, Veronica and her family traveled to Malawi to support Children of the Nations. At left and above, photos from that trip.

LEGACY Veronica gives her 99 year-old mother, Renee, a facial every weekend. Right, Renee in her twenties in Griffith Park.

ocean,” she said. “I love the sunrise, the sunset, the smell of the salt, the feel of the water and sun on my skin. It’s just my happy place.”

Growing up, Veronica also loved how the ocean seemed to transform her tempestuous skin, the salt water and sun drying out the occasional breakouts she suffered throughout middle and high school.

In the years since, her skin had mostly calmed down, however as she entered her mid-twenties her acne began getting worse than ever. Soon her face was littered with cystic acne flare-ups that no amount of Malibu sun or water seemed to fix.

Nothing, in fact, seemed to fix it. Over months, Veronica tried everything— changed her diet, read every skincare book she could get her hands on, started taking handfuls of supplements in the morning, all to no avail. Even the top Beverly Hills dermatologists Veronica visited seemed to have no concept or tools for how to remedy her worsening acne, sending her off with a prescription for antibiotics and a drying lotion that didn’t do a thing.

“My acne got so bad I became embarrassed to go outside,” she says. “I’d look in the mirror and think, I can’t go meet my friend for lunch. Look at my skin.”

However Veronica’s life was forever changed when a friend suggested she make an appointment at Aida Gray, a small salon in Beverly Hills which had recently taken on one of the few working estheticians in Los Angeles. Her name was Bernadette and she had recently moved from her native France, where skincare was treated very differently than it was in the U.S. While facials were still largely uncommon in the states at the time, skilled and well-trained estheticians were plentiful throughout France’s major cities, as were cutting-edge products and treatments that put Clearasil, one of the few targeted products on the American skincare market, to shame.

After just a few sessions with Bernadette, Veronica’s cystic acne was all but cured.

“It immediately became my passion,” she said. “I knew I had to learn what Bernadette

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MATRIARCH At left, Veronica with her daughter Lisa and son Anthony. At right, Veronica with her great-grandson, 3-month old Alan, along with her grandkids (from left to right)

knew so I could help other people.” Veronica became fast friends with Bernadette, peppering her with questions day in and day out about different ingredients and treatments, what foods and vitamins could help with acne, which were known to reverse aging.

A year later, as soon as her youngest child had begun first grade at Juan Cabrillo Elementary School, Veronica enrolled at an esthetician’s college in Oxnard, taking classes during the day that got out just in time so she could still pick up Lisa and Anthony from school.

“It wasn’t necessarily that I wanted to be an esthetician back then, as much as I wanted to learn everything about skin,” Veronica said. “I wanted to know everything Bernadette knew. I wanted to know the chemistry behind it.”

However Veronica demonstrated a passion and aptitude for skin that was soon drawing attention. While taking a cosmetics chemistry courses at UCLA, a school connection recommended her for a makeup artist position at Paramount Studios,

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and by 1980 Veronica found herself working her first full-time job in beauty.

But the work, she soon realized, was kind of the opposite of what she wanted to do. As she pancaked foundation onto actors’ faces, she saw firsthand the toll that makeup and harsh lights were having on their skin, and began offering facials to actors after the day was done. They were amazed at how much better their skin looked and felt after her treatments, and were soon driving up to her Broad Beach home on weekends, Veronica’s master bathroom quickly becoming an ad hoc spa. As word began to spread, one client finally voiced the obvious: “You need to open a skincare place in Malibu.”

If it seems like a no-brainer in hindsight, at the time opening a skin care clinic in Malibu wasn’t exactly a sure-fire financial move. If few people were doing what Bernadette was in L.A., there were 0 people doing it in Malibu, where many of the residents didn’t even know what an esthetician was, much less were clamoring for a local one. And yet Veronica was fearless.

She knew in her heart that the community’s well-traveled and celebrity clientele meant there was a market for her services.

Even more, the opportunity to work on her own time presented something of a dream scenario for Veronica, who’d long struggled with juggling her dual ambitions of forging her own career path while still being an active, present mother.

“I didn’t have any trepidations, because I knew I was in control,” she says.

In 1981, Veronica officially opened shop, renting out a tiny room in the back of a nail salon in a newly-constructed Ed Niles building near Zuma Beach. Within a matter of weeks, her gambit paid off more dramatically than she could ever have imagined.

“We were popular immediately,” she says.

“I think people were really hungry for facials in Malibu. All of a sudden I was doing facials on Brian Wilson, Ali McGraw and Cicely Tyson. Within my first year, I had to hire another esthetician.”

Bolstered by the success, Veronica found herself craving to learn even more, and began taking trips to some of the most re-

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HOLISTIC SKINCARE Veronica’s Malibu center features an array of treatments for the skin and body.

nowned wellness and beauty institutions in the world. She studied at the famed Guinot Institute in Paris, and in Montecatini, Italy, learning about the myriad health benefits associated with the city’s ancient thermal springs. When she became fascinated by aromatherapy she traveled to Cairo, learning all about the rejuvenating powers of scent from the same family Coco Chanel had enlisted to help develop her trademark perfume, Chanel No. 5.

“She’s the guru of what she does, but she is still always willing to be innovative,” said Dr. Talia Emery, a dermatologist and Medical Director of Westlake Village’s acclaimed Remedy Skin + Body, who has worked with Veronica for years. “Some people get in their groove of doing things, but Veronica has always wanted to learn new things and expand.”

Five years after opening shop in the nail salon, when Veronica was approached about opening her own space in a new, Ron Gold-

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man-designed space near Cross Creek, she seized on the opportunity as a chance to synthesize all she had learned during her education and travels into an entirely new kind of wellness location.

Opening for business in 1986, Veronica Skin & Body Care Center was one of the first treatment centers dedicated entirely to skin, with estheticians largely still working out of hair and nail salons at the time.

In nearly every sense the center was innovative, epitomizing Veronica’s holistic, cutting-edge, knowledge-based approach to skincare and wellness. Working with the building’s designer, Veronica constructed a first-of-its-kind salt glow room, where she could treat clients with the same fullbody thermal exfoliation she’d been blown away by at Two Bunch Palms in Desert Hot Springs. An early patient of microdermabrasion, a procedure which exfoliates the outer layer of the skin, Veronica had witnessed how dramatically the new treat-

ment had improved her acne scarring, and became one of the first estheticians in the world to invest in the expensive new machinery.

Veronica’s new center also encapsulated her comprehensive approach to the maintenance of skin and health, which she’d long believed extended beyond simply treating the face. Her office was soon offering sessions with a variety of some of the top wellness practitioners and doctors in the city, from nutritionists and acupuncturists to yoga instructors and dermatologists.

“Health is everything,” Veronica said. “It’s skincare, it’s your teeth, it’s what you eat, how you sleep.”

Another aspect which immediately set Veronica apart was the deeply individualized approach she adopted towards her clientele. She quickly gained a reputation for her ability to not just treat nearly any skincare ailment, but arm her clients with the knowledge and tools they needed to

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maintain the results. Sophie Taub Haxton, a long-time client of Veronica’s, said by the time she made an appointment at Veronica Skin & Body Care Center, she had spent thousands of dollars and tried nearly every treatment on the market to clear her melasma and acne, going to far as having surgery on her face. However after just a few treatments at the spa her skin wasn’t only completely cleared up, but Veronica had diagnosed the problem and given her a prescription of products that have helped maintain her clear skin to this day.

“When she fixed my face, I couldn’t believe I’d spent so much money and gone to all these other facialists, when literally Veronica was like, ‘You’re just using the wrong products and doing too much,’” she said.

“We tried different things until she’d put together a concoction of a face wash, toner and salicyic acid that I still use everyday. She really studies each individual person and comes up with a solution for their face.”

Dr. Davis Nguyen, a prominent Beverly Hills plastic surgeon whom has worked closely with Veronica and her patients for years, says its this kind of individualized, knowledge-based approach that has helped set Veronica apart.

“Her clients’ skin is ageless,” he said.

After opening in 1986, word of the small groundbreaking spa in Malibu soon began to extend beyond L.A., and Veronica’s national profile grew. In 1987, Veronica became one of the first skincare professionals to appear on QVC, serving as the first spokesperson for one of her favorite brands, H+. Soon she was being interviewed as a top beauty expert by publications across the world and on TV shows like Extra! and FOX News.

Lucrative sponsorship and collaboration opportunities soon followed, however Veronica turned most of them down. When celebrities started approaching her about lending her name to their skincare lines for huge sums, Veronica instead opted to invest her money in developing her own line, working with world-renowned cosmetic chemists to develop a line of moisturizers, serums and other products that incorporate all of her favorite active ingredients, vitamins and minerals, without parabens

or preservatives. Dermatologists and wellness practitioners were also soon lining up to rent space at her center, however choosing to only work with the best of the best, Veronica’s continued to keep her practice small.

“My business sustains me because I feel like I’m giving something back by making people feel better about themselves,” she says.

For countless women and men, generations of them at this point, Veronica’s mission to give something back has quite literally been life-changing.

“You don’t notice your skin until something goes wrong, and then you feel so self-conscious and insecure about yourself,” said Taub Haxton. “When Veronica cured my skin, it was so exciting. So relieving. I tell her all the time I wish you could clone yourself and live forever so you can do my facials for the rest of my life.”

It’s a sentiment her clients expressed to me over and over, sometimes with increasing worry, as Veronica nears her retirement-ripe mid-70s. However after nearly 40 years in business, her clients can rest assured that Veronica seems far from slowing down. Just a few years ago she opened a second location, on Montana Ave. in Santa Monica, and is still introducing new products to her line, including a candle inspired by the Bergamot-scented perfume her mother used to wear growing up.

This year alone is shaping up to be a big one for Veronica, with plans to open a satellite location in Beverly Hills, and a top-secret skincare line she’s been collaborating on with one of the world’s top cosmetics chemists, scheduled to roll-out mid-year.

Despite her packed schedule, Veronica still makes time for non-skincare-associated obsessions, of which she has a few. She and her husband Carl try to travel each year, one of their deep passions, and Veronica still spends much of her free time working with charities like Operation Smile, of which she’s been an active supporter and fundraiser for over twenty years. Another charity which has become incredibly close to Veronica’s heart is Children of the Nations, which provides support to impoverished and orphaned children throughout

the world. In July, Veronica and her family traveled to Malawi with Children of the Nations, where Veronica met two young girls in the program, 16 year-old Idess and 14 year-old Veronica, whom she now fully sponsors.

Oftentimes Carl and Veronica are spending time with their family, which has always been the most important thing in Veronica’s life. Veronica’s daughter Lisa, who used to do her homework after school in her mother’s very first space near Zuma Beach, has become an integral part of the business, and now manages the majority of the spa’s business operations. She and her family live just a few miles from Veronica, as does her son Anthony, and as often as they can the family will get together for meals, or days at the beach. There’s no greater joy, Veronica says, then time spent with her growing family, which now includes 5 grandchildren and even a great grandson.

“I’ve got to be one of the only great grandmothers who is still this hands-on with their business,” Veronica says with a laugh.

Indeed one gets the feeling this is a reason Veronica isn’t eyeing retirement any time soon. After nearly half a century of breaking barriers, she is keenly aware that she occupies an important space as a successful female business-owner, and of the fact that there is still much more to be done.

“It’s the Me Too era, but many women are still struggling,” she says. “I’m always wanting to encourage young women to get into business, and I think it’s good for them to see [me still working].”

There’s also the fact that she is still deeply in love with what she does for a living, and that in many ways it’s gotten easier, as she nears her 72nd year, with her skin looking the way it does.

“When I started in this business I would have 40 year-old women say, ‘You’re so young, what do you know?’” she says.

“Now, when people find out how old I am, MM they just say, ‘Tell me what to do.’”

Veronica Skin & Body Care Center 24955 Pacific Coast Highway www.veronicaskincare.com (310) 456-8883

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BEAUTY +FIRST WELLNESS LOOK

THE BEST HEALTHY STAYCATIONS These five local hotels have wellness offerings that make staying home far more appealing than vacationing in far-off destinations. ✎ written by Alyssa Morlacci

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n Malibu, we don’t have to go to the ends of the earth to find respite from our day-to-day routines. Close-by resorts offer the changes in scenery we crave without requiring extravagant travel plans. Thanks to some stand-out local wellness offerings, we can take weekend, or even week-long, escapes to close-by properties and return to our day-to-day lives feeling rejuvenated in both the mind and body.

From digital detoxes, to personalized diet and fitness regimens, to outdoor activities that reconnect us with nature, we’ve compiled the ultimate guide to healthy staycations. Whether your goal is to return feeling refreshed, to make lasting changes, or to totally transform your life, Southern California has some of the best wellness programs in the world—some of which are right here in our backyard.

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Digitally Disconnect and Jumpstart a Vegan Diet

Phone reception doesn’t reach The Ranch Malibu, set in the Santa Monica Mountains just three miles from the Pacific Ocean. While guest rooms include WiFi, restraint from using digital devices during the week-long stay at the retreat is encouraged. The experience starts 30 days before the reservation with suggested exercises, diets and healthy living assignments that help prepare attendees. There are only 18

guests hosted per week from Sunday to Saturday. The decade-old program starts every morning with a four-hour group hike, followed with an afternoon nap, fitness class, yoga and massage. Low-impact activities are complemented with a 1,400 calorie-per-day organic vegan diet. Want to cut out alcohol, caffeine, dairy, processed sugar, soy or gluten? The Ranch’s food and beverage program excludes it all, instead offering anti-inflammatory, alkaline foods that will balance hormones, regulate blood pressure, hydrate the body, and relax the nervous system. Oh, and nothing is opt-in, as the program adopts a “no-options” philosophy so guests really attain a mind and body recalibration. By the end, on average, most women lose 5 to 12 pounds and 11 inches of body fat while men lose 8.5 to 19.5 pounds and 9 inches of body fat.

The Ranch Malibu theranchmalibu.com $7,800/week

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FALCONRY EXPERIENCE Learn about the ancient art of falconry during a first-

hand class with the majestic birds at Terranea.

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Detox Your Mind and Body at Nobu Ryokan

The accommodations alone at the Nobu Ryokan Malibu are enough to make you feel better. Think 11 guest rooms and 5 bungalows seamlessly designed to blend the indoors and outdoors with views of Carbon Beach and Japanese-inspired ele-

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ments, like teak soaking tubs, tatami mats and shoji-style closets. Tack on the hotel’s wellness package, the Ultimate Detox Retreat, which is offered in partnership with Malibu Fit Concierge, and you truly won’t want to leave. Experiences range from a two-day jump-start, to a four-day detox, to a six-day recharging escape. Guests choose their activities, which include everything from sound-bath yoga, guided meditations and breath work; to kettlebell classes, TRX fitness sessions and Pilates; to guided hikes, surf lessons and stand-up paddleboarding. Custom meal deliveries to guest rooms are also available, and offerings come straight off the menu designed by chef Nobu Matsuhisa.

Nobu Ryokan, Malibu noburyokan.com $2,000/night + $1,200 wellness package

Get Active At Terranea

Sometimes you don’t need yoga and meditation to feel present—you just need some immersive activities and creative outlets.

Drive a little more than an hour down the coast to embark on an action-packed staycation at Terranea, a Mediterranean-inspired, oceanfront resort where daily activities can include guided coastal hikes, archery, kayaking, paddleboarding, falconry, horseback riding, helicopter tours, tide pooling, surfing, plein air painting, kite flying, star gazing, crafting, tennis, biking and more. The Spa Rejuvenation package offers overnight accommodations, two 60-minute spa treatments and OUR SPECIAL TIP

Terranea offers a farm-to-table program, growing lemons, herbs and vegetables on-site. Honey is collected from more than 120,000 bees, sea salt comes straight from the Pacific Ocean and eggs are gathered from resident chickens. To fully experience these offerings, sign up for an intimate chef’s table dinner. A complimentary room is available when you purchase two tickets.

daily breakfast for two. Or, for just a quick one-day retreat, there’s the Immersive Wellness Daycation series, which kicks

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off this month and includes workshops led by wellness experts, a spa treatment and a healthful meal at solviva, the on-site restaurant dedicated to offering nutrient-rich, locally sourced dishes.

Terranea Resort, Palos Verdes terranea.com $989/night for the Spa Rejuvenation Package

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5

Learn About Sustainability at the 1 Hotel

Learn to Make Things Last at the Four Seasons

If a city escape feels more rejuvenating than a nature retreat, the 1 Hotel on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood provides a perfect mix of metropolitan location paired with outdoor elements brought inside. The brand, known for its sustainable practices and design, opened its Los Angeles outpost in May 2019. The property’s 235 guest rooms and suites incorAt the Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village, guests pair the signature luxurious accommodations with access to experts in the fields of medicine, nutrition, fitness and life balance. In partnership with the California Health & Longevity Institute, the hotel offers signature retreats meant to transform lifestyles for sustainable health.

A body composition analysis and metabolism assessment is conducted at the hotel’s state-of-the-art medical facility in order to guide food and fitness goals for the weekend. Restorative yoga classes jump-start each day, followed by activities that include canyon hikes and circuit training. Meals are made by sustained living chefs and registered dietitians who demonstrate how to prepare organic, plant-based meals that are customized for each of their metabolisms.

Other optional program offerings include tranquility massages and hypnotherapy.

Four Seasons Westlake Village fourseasons.com $1,029+/night

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porate native greenery, reclaimed wood, clay tones, marble bathrooms, 100-percent organic cotton sheets, hangers made from 100-percent recycled paper and pens made from natural wood. Guests can attain peace of mind knowing that they aren’t using harmful products/practices, and that their luxurious accommodations aren’t creating a negative environmental impact. The hotel includes on-site composting, a 100-percent organic vegetable and herb garden, electric vehicle charging stations, locally constructed furniture, LED lighting, and so much more. Sustain your health during a stay by heading to the rooftop for a relaxing sunrise meditations, or fit in a strenuous workout at the Field House, a 24/7 gym facility with the latest equipment, like Peloton bikes, and live classes produced through a partnership with Performix House.

1 Hotel, West Hollywood 1hotels.com Prices average $500/night MM

MALIBU RIDERS Enjoy a scenic horseback tour through Agoura Hills, Malibu Creek, Paramount Ranch or Zuma Canyon while staying at the Four Seasons.

1/16/20 17:05

A Different Kind Of Work0ut MALIBU MAGAZINE’S digital editor Alyssa Morlacci experienced an exercise from the neck up. Yes, you read that right. LA’s first FaceGym is here, and it’s helping to define facial muscles using the same methodology used to sculpt biceps and abs. ✎ written by Alyssa Morlacci  photography by Yvonne Tnt

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was reclined in an esthetician chair with my eyes shut, but make no mistake—I was working out. Minutes prior, I had stepped off the sidewalk on Sunset Boulevard and into West Hollywood’s new FaceGym, which opened inside the 1 Hotel in fall 2019. It’s L.A.’s first outpost of the London-based facial toning franchise.

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To clear up any confusion, the FaceGym slogan is displayed throughout the website and on the studio walls: “It’s not a facial, it’s a workout.”

While skin care products and tools are displayed along shelves at the entrance like a salon, the rest of the location boasts floor-to-ceiling mirrors with a ballet bar that runs parallel and photos of athletes hung along the

walls that could run on a Nike campaign.

FaceGym founder Inge Theron created the brand in 2016. After five years of exploring new treatments and detoxes for a column she wrote in the Financial Times, the self-proclaimed spa junkie ended up housebound after a botched thread lift procedure.

She decided there had to be a better

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“FACEGYM TIGHTENS THE FACE AS AN AFFORDABLE AND NATURAL ALTERNATIVE TO BOTOX.” way to address fine lines and wrinkles. Applying all of the research she’d done throughout the years for her column, she created a non-invasive program that engages the more than 40 muscles in the face. The brand first launched locations throughout the UK, then expanded to New York City, and finally reached Los Angeles.

In the same manner as how we hit the gym to fight gravity’s pull on the rest of our body, FaceGym tightens and strengthens the face as an affordable and natural alternative to fillers and BOTOX. I scheduled an appointment to try out the 55-minute Signature Electrical workout ($95). My trainer, Heffy, met me at the front desk and escorted me to a handful of chairs.

She wrapped a headband around my hairline, tilted my seat back and gave me a rundown of what we’d accomplish during my session, which would include a warm up, cardio, sculpt and cool down.

The warm up began with the application of a Royal Fern Phytoactive Cleansing Balm and the FaceGym Training Serum, which Heffy worked into my skin using a fist-sized red yoga ball. She used it to tug my forehead toward the crown of my head and my cheeks toward my ears.

Next, we entered into cardio, which

NOT A FACIAL Although FaceGym identifies as a workout, skin care products line the shelves behind the front desk, similar to a high-end spa.

FACE TRAINERS Dressed for the gym, trainers use kneading, massage and technology to put facial muscles to work.

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n Mal ends o our d sorts crave travel local weeke closeday-to both t detox ness r recon piled t

THE STUDIO FaceGym at the 1 Hotel West Hollywood is the first location for the facial toning franchise in the West Coast.

entailed Heffy drumming her fingers at lightning speed along my cheeks. I imagined I looked like a dog with its head poked out a car window, lips uncontrollably flapping in the wind.

She explained that the quick motions are used to increase blood circulation and heat up the facial muscles.

The majority of the session was devoted to sculpting, which started with a hand massage in order to iron out tension and detoxify my under eyes, jawline and cheekbones. Doubling down on these areas, Heffy enlisted the Gold Derma Roller, a spiked tool that promotes collagen production and penetrates the skin so it easily absorbed products. Then, she picked up the FaceGym Pro by Xtreem Pulse, which is an electric stimulation de-

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OUR SPECIAL TIP

If you are gearing up for a trip or have just returned from extensive travels, and you are experiencing dry skin, Heffy suggests the Cyro Oxygen workout, which hydrates skin with a cold but painless pressure shot of frozen CO2, followed by an express workout to tone, tighten and contour facial muscles.

The 45-minute session costs $130.

vice that contracts muscles to give the face a non-invasive lift.

Finally, it was time for the cool down, performed with the application of the All-Day Pollution Repair Mask by Allies of Skin, and the Roy-

cation feelin chang life, S the b world our ba quirin to som ings, weekties an feelin and b sonali outdo with n mate Wheth refres to tota Califo progra are rig crave travel

al Fern Phytoactive Anti-Aging Eye Cream.

With my seat set upright again post-workout, I could see in the mirror that my skin was dewier, tighter and less puffy (especially under my eyes and along my cheek bones) than when I first sat down. Heffy suggested I return for a training session every one to two weeks in order to reap the long-lasting benefits of a stronger face.

Like any workout, she noted, consistency is key.

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FaceGym at the 1 Hotel West Hollywood 8490 Sunset Blvd.

1hotels.com/west-hollywood/discover/facegym

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HIDEKO Spa, Massage, Japanese

The High-end MASSAGE therapy with authentic JAPANESE EXPERIENCE Price starting at $120 per hour

12211 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90025 Tel. 310.612.4550 hidekospa.com

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BEAUTY COLUMN

RAYCHEL HARRISON

The Perfect At-Home Blowdry MALIBU MAGAZINE’s new beauty editor Raychel Harrison gives us all of her top tips and tricks to achieving salon quality results at home.

Ever wish you could have a salon-quality blowdry at home? With all the upgraded hot tools now available on the market (like the Dyson Airwrap Styler), you can be closer to achieving salon results with these simple tips and tricks I use on my clients every day.

-RH

Do

Buy a quality blow dryer. This makes all the difference. Don’t ignore the nozzle; it’s all about controlling the airflow. Make sure the hot air is blowing down the hair shaft, and the nozzle is touching the brush. This will help create a polished look with fewer flyways.

Use the right brush for your hair type. If you have wavy, coarse or frizzy hair, you need more tension. Grab a round brush that has boar bristles.

These types of brushes help maintain

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tension, pulling the hair smooth as you heat it with the blow dryer.

Apply hair products before you blow dry. Hair products can be your BFF. My favorite products contain a heat protectant like Aloe Vera or Panthenol (B Vitamin). Make sure they are free of harsh chemicals, and are lightweight on the hair. Use a light oil for frizz control or volumizing products to help create lift at the root.

Pre-dry 80% of your hair. This will cut your drying time in half. Don’t pick up your brush too soon, unless your hair is super curly; you need to get most of the water out. This uses less heat and ultimately helps prevent dry hair. If you’re looking to create more volume, lift your hair on your crown and predry the roots in an upward manner.

PRO TIP: Let your hair airdry, then use a blow-dryer to polish those ends.

Don’t: Flip your hair upside down and blast your blow dryer like a windstorm. Creating frizz during the pre-drying time will work against you when you try to smooth and polish each section.

Forget to section with clips. Divide your hair into four sections: 1. front and sides 2. nape 3. occipital ridge (where the bone in the back of your head protrudes) 4. crown (top of your head). Blowdry in this order, and after each section, is finished, 100% dry and polished (this may take a few times passes with the blow dryer and brush), let down the next section. Blow drying the front first allows you to smooth out this section giving it no time to get frizzy.

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elegance. comfort. style & Grace.

BRENTWOOD VILLAGE 11632 barrington court los angeles, ca 90049 310-476-7176

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UPTOWN DESIGN DISTRICT 1001 n. palm canyon drive palm springs, ca 92262 760-904-6337

7/12/19 3:23 PM 7/16/19 9:25 PM

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF

Heather Wildman From competing in marathons to mountain climbing and raising two children, take a look at how Malibu personal trainer and endurance athlete Heather Wildman does it all.

✎ written by Tammy Arlidge

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 Photographed by Emily Sher

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ersonal trainer and Malibuite Heather Wildman doesn’t just walk the walk; she catapults health and wellness to an entirely new level. The mother of two began her fitness journey over thirty years ago when she entered the Malibu Triathlon and became hooked on endurance fitness training. That got the proverbial ball rolling and she went on to compete in marathons, triathlons, mountain climbing and long-distance stand-up paddle boarding.

“In my early twenties, I ran in over 10 marathons and dozens of triathlons.

I learned that the real secret to fitness is short duration, high-intensity workouts,” Wildman says.

“The older you get, the more intense your workouts need to be to offset the hormonal effects of aging,” Wildman explains of the “youth hormone” that is often generated through explosive exercise.

She also holds numerous National Academy of Sports Medicine fitness and nutrition certifications.

When her children were small, she began working out a small group of moms at Trancas Park after school drop off. The group grew quickly by word of mouth and in no time she became a personal trainer to a list of local clients.

“I provide a comprehensive approach of exercise, nutrition, motivation, and general healthy living counseling,” Wildman says.

Wildman is diligent in following up with her clients daily to ensure they maintain a healthy diet and don’t regress to bad habits. Everyone can get discouraged with his or her workout regimen.

Sometimes she’ll take her clients on a walk on the beach or a hike just to keep them active. Unlike many trainers, Wildman works out along with her clients as motivation.

“Malibu is a truly unique community that is more health-minded than anywhere I’ve been, ” Wildman says.

Unlike most people, Wildman never looks at the scale. Instead she focuses on

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BEAUTY + WELLNESS

I can’t make it through the day without...

Family! They make my world go round.

Exercise. My mental state depends on it.

My large reusable water bottle. It reminds me to keep hydrated throughout the day.

Audio books. I listen to the while doing laundry and running errands.

My shoe collection! I LOVE shoes.

body fat percentage, and at 51 Wildman is happy to report she has more muscle than at any other time in her life.

What’s her trick?

“I’m a firm believer in not snacking between meals”, Wildman says. “I also eat the last meal of the day early so that I’ve burned those calories before I go to bed.”

She focuses on a diet that is high in protein, low in fat, rich in phytonutrients and antioxidants and most importantly the proper number of calories to achieve and maintain proper weight.

Heather also ‘treats’ herself to a fitness challenge on her birthday, a tradition that she adopted from Jack LaLanne, the “First Fitness Superhero” she names as one of her key influencers. One year she stand-up paddleboarded from Paradise Cove to Marina del Rey. Other years, she’s climbed The Matterhorn, Mt. Rainier, and stand-up paddle boarded across Lake Michigan, to name a few.

SHORT DURATION, HIGH INTENSITY Wildman believes the real secret to fitness lies in short duration, high intensity workouts which generate a ‘youth hormone’.

To get a better sense of how Wildman stays so incredibly healthy, MALIBU MAGAZINE followed her around to see what a typical day looks like.

5:30 a.m. Wildman wakes up and has a cup of coffee. She makes herself a protein drink high in phytonutrients and antioxidants.

“I drink half before my first client and the other half after,” Wildman says.

7:00-8:00 a.m. She meets with her first client of the day one-on-one.

8:30-9:45 a.m. After her private session, Wildman heads out to teach a group workout class.

10 a.m.-12:00 p.m. She then meets her second private client for some more one-on-one training. Again, Wildman works out alongside her clients.

12:30 pm - It’s lunch time. This is Wildman’s largest meal of the day which usually consists of chicken and green veggies. She also makes sure to drink a lot of water and never has juice or soda.

After lunch, Heather has either a third client meeting or she spends time volunteering at her children’s schools.

3:00-5:30 p.m. Mom duty! Like many mothers Wildman spends her afternoons running errands, doing laundry, and going grocery shopping.

6:30 p.m. She will typically cook dinner for her family but like many of us, schedules can be hectic. Her dinner is generally smaller and consists of a salad with protein or soup and an occasional glass of red wine.

10:00 p.m. Time for bed. Wildman values and prioritizes getting a healthy MM eight hours of sleep per night.

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SALON NUUVO

Luxury Service And Cuts The award-winning Salon Nuuvo has gained legions of dedicated fans with its world-class cuts and community heart. ✎ written by Holly Bieler

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ince opening in Calabasas in 2012, Salon Nuuvo has quickly earned a city-wide reputation and devoted following for its worldclass cuts and color services, as well as an unparalleled dedication to customer service. This is no accident. Before opening Salon Nuuvo, owner Raychel Harrison spent a decade working at one of the most exclusive salons in Las Vegas, and with Salon Nuuvo endeavored to deliver this level of talent and service to her own community.

Every detail in the salon encapsulates this mission. Harrison has put together a team comprising some of the most talented stylists in L.A., bringing to the salon decades of experience and a range of accumen in cuts, color and extensions. A computer system also logs detailed infomation about each customer, a callback to Harrison’s days training under industry icon Robert Cro-

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means. As soon as a client enters the salon, stylists have a detailed history of exactly how their hair should be cut and colored. Clients can rest assured they will receive precisely the cut and color they want, every time.

Another of Salon Nuuvo’s calling cards is its dedication to the community. During the Woolsey Fire, Harrison opened the salon’s doors to locals affected for free haircuts, as part of her new foundation, Hairdressers Helping Humanity. And Salon Nuuvo’s dedication to the community extends beyond clients to its much-loved staff as well. In a departure from most salons, where hairstylists are usually hired as independent contractors with no benefits, Salon Nuuvo guarantees salary, medical and retirement benefits for all team members.

Salon Nuvvo has also emerged as a leader in sustainability. A 95% waste free salon with Green Circle certification, Salon Nuuvo recycles everything from hair clippings to old hairdryers. The salon also created a first-of-

its-kind refill station, where clients can fill their empty haircare bottles directly with new product, sending one less bottle to the landfill.

Harrison also handpicks and utilizes only the most eco-friendly products and ingredients on the market, from hair dye to cleaning products, so clients aren’t left breathing in hazardous fumes. Harrison’s own haircare line, Nuuvo Haircare, utilizes only the cleanest and most-consumer friendly ingredients in products like its nourishing shampoo and mega moisture MM argan mask.

Salon Nuuvo 26777 Agoura Rd B3, Calabasas (818) 871-9441 www.salonnuuvo.com

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Fur Oil furyou.com, $46 An oil specifically created for your most sensivitve areas. The unique formula is hydrating, yet lightweight and won’t stain. The oil does everything from clearing your pores to decreasing ingrown hairs.

TOP 10

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Vertly Lip Butter vertlybalm.com, $22

This extra-strength CBD-infused lipbalm utilizes nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and jojoba oil to leave lips smooth and healthy.

101 Ointment lanolips.com, $13

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Lanolips’ 101 ointment is far more than your average lipbalm. The 100% natural, medical grade lanolin provides deeply penetrating moisture to everything from dry lips to cuticles, elbows and can even be used as a nipple cream.

Beauty & Wellness Finds We put together our favorite beauty and wellness products from intensively hydrating masks to luxurious bath salts and non-alcoholic ‘drinks’ to start the year off right.

Rock Grace rockgrace.com, $18

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Rock Grace makes forfeiting a glass of wine with dinner easy. The pink drink is made with raspberry and rose water and is infused with crystal energy. The beverage looks good in a glass, tastes light and makes you feel totally relaxed. What’s more is it’s sugar- and calorie-free.

Kypris Cerulean kyprisbeauty.com, $210

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This ultra-luxurious mask is comprised of 36 active natural ingredients mostly derived from the sea (think seaweed & sea holly stem cells) and soothes, hydrates and softens skin like few other masks on the market.

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Kin Euphorics shop.kineuphorics.com, $39

Kin Euphorics launched a new alcohol-free beverage that makes for the perfect nightcap.

Dream Light promotes sleep with muscle relaxing, digestion supporting and temperature regulating properties. Made with adaptogens, nootropics and botanics, Dream Light tastes earthy, smoky and smooth, and can be sipped straight or mixed with oat milk.

Restorative Floral Bath natureofthings.com, $150

Magic Moisture Mist omorovicza.com, $95

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A liquid moisturizer powered by both an oil and a water phase and packed with pollution-defying, nourishing essential oils and antioxidant plant stem cells guaranteed to make your skin feel rejuvinated.

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Who wouldn’t love soaking in a luxurious bath immersed in the intoxicating scent of plumeria, jasmine, vetiver and cedarwood, while shea butter and green tea oil soothe your skin? natureofthing’s restorative floral bath gives you all of these things plus mineral charged seawater to reduce pore size and hops extract to boost oxytocin (aka your ‘feel good’ hormone).

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Foreo Luna 3 foreo.com, $199

The third generation of this cult favorite cleanser meets massager, the Luna 3 takes everything people loved from the first two Lunas and makes it even better. With this innovative tool you can wash away all the dirt, oil and sweat known to cause breakouts in just three minutes, guaranteeing clear, glowing skin.

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24k Gold Serum Veronica Skin & Body Care Center, $88

Malibu’s favorite spa, Veronica Skin & Body Care Center brings us this incredible 24k Gold serum packed full of antioxidants, botanicals and essentials oils to help strength your skin’s elasticity and firmness while decreasing inflammation and improving circulation.

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MAKE 2020 YOUR HEALTHIEST YEAR YET Some of the Malibu Farmers Market’s newest offerings include fermented honey and seed infused hummus. Healthful products like these which would accompany any dish wonderfully. These products give the best of both worlds by being both healthy and delicious.

Malibuites can check out these products and more at the Malibu Farmers Market every Sunday.

HEALTHFUL Local carrots are a source of antioxidants.

FRESH A colorful array of lettuces.

LOCAL Fine artisinal products.

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MALIBU FARMER’S MARKET

Tasting Your Way to Health In 2020 The Malibu Farmers Market is leading the charge for eating healthfully in the new decade. With the addition of a slew of new nutritional products, including raw foods, patrons can enjoy the benefits of health food without sacrificing taste.

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s the public’s interest in health foods continues to grow each year, The Malibu Farmers Market is proud to be a leader in delivering the highest quality, hand-selected local foods, directly to your table.

“One of the benefits of shopping at the Malibu Farmers Market is that you get to meet the farmers who grew it, the chefs who prepared it, and the bakers who baked it,” said founder Debra Bianco.

Whether you’re staying for brunch at the market or want takeout, the Malibu Farmers Market has a plethora of healthy, delicious dining options. One of the latest offerings are artisanal raw food, with provide myriad health benefits without ever sacrificing flavor.

Why raw? Studies have shown that when produce is cooked, it can loseits rich mineral content by an average of 60 to 70 percent. Raw foods, on the other

hand, maintain the nutrtionaly integrity of the produce, while amplifying the taste of the products’ natural tantalizing flavors.

One of the market’s new products is fermented honey, the basic ingredient of mead (wine made from honey), a beverage enjoyed since antiquity. The honey found at the market is rich in probiotic bacteria, adding beneficial bacteria and enzymes to your overall intestinal flora, and increasing the health of your gut microbiome and digestive system, all while enhancing the immune system.

Another new product at the Malibu Farmers Market is seed-infused hummus. While upholding the classic flavors of the popular Middle Eastern dip, this new product utilizes seeds as the primary base, offering an assortment of added health benefits. Just one 8 oz. container contains as much protein, potassium, omega 3 and magnesium as a meal including a 3 oz. steak, 2 banan-

as, 8 oz. of salmon, and antioxidant-rich dark chocolate.

Along with the Malibu Farmers Market’s prepared foods, the market features an array of local produce from vegetables to fruits which are locally grown, never refrigerated and have been picked no less than 24 hours before making it to the market for customers to enjoy.

On Valentine’s Day the Malibu Farmers Market will unveil another new local collaboration, partnering with Calamigos Beach Club Restaurant & Lounge to present a unique curated event with live music, activities and a special menu featuring Malibu Farmers Market ingredients, as well as a specialty Valentine’s Day cocktail. Visit the Calamigos Beach Club’s Instagram (@calamigos.beachMM club) for more details.

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

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THE BEST SPAS ON BOARD What better way is there to unwind during a trip than with a plethora of treatment options? While luxury resorts can be assumed to offer lavish spa facilities, it’s more of a happy surprise when a cruise ship provides the same amenity. We’ve rounded up three cruise ships that offer impressive spas on board so that no matter the destination, you will arrive feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.

✎ written by Alyssa Morlacci

OCEANIA CRUISES, REGATTA

Invigorating

There’s a reason Oceania Cruises is first on our list. The cruise line launched its new Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center across all six of its ships this winter, offering one of the most expansive on board spa menus we’ve seen, including restorative massages, to hydrating body wraps, to acupuncture, to non-invasive fillers. Extending wellness offerings beyond the spa itself, Oceania Cruises launched a new dietary program that will make you forget any pre-existing notions you had about food at sea. The Grand Dining Room offers 200 new plant-based and vegetarian dishes, and the Raw Juice & Smoothie Bars serve freshly pressed juices, smoothies and energy bowls, like the Hawaiian poke or Wakame sesame salad. Just like healthy eating, fitness initiatives don’t get put on hold during a venture on board, as each ship includes a state-of-the-art fitness center, complimentary classes in yoga, Pilates, cycling and circuit training, and customizable personal training sessions.

Los Angeles World Cruise Center on the Regatta, Dates vary, Sept.-Dec.

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WELLNESS

VIKING CRUISES, STAR

Immersive

If you’ve ever dreamed of taking part of the year off to travel, Viking Cruises’ 2020 World Wonders cruise is a 119-day journey that visits 27 countries leaving from Los Angeles and traveling throughout the South Pacific, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, ending the voyage in London.

Guests on board gain complimentary access to the thermal suite where they can experience a Nordic bathing ritual of alternating between hot and cold temperatures in order to detoxify and relax muscles. Sit in a traditional Scandinavian sauna; experience a hydrotherapy pool and hot tub; and step into the snow grotto—complete with falling snowflakes. Spending time inside the cold, glass-enclosed room is believed to stimulate the circulatory system.

Los Angeles World Cruise Center on the Star, 119-day, 2020 Viking World Wonders

CELEBRITY CRUISES, MILLENNIUM

Dreamy

Celebrity Cruises acknowledges the hardship travel puts on our complexions, so at the Canyon Ranch SpaClub at Sea guests gain access to hydrating, age-defying and nourishing facials, as well as non-surgical treatments, including Botox and Juvederm, administered by trained aestheticians. Refreshing body scrubs, wraps and signature massages set the mood for relaxing getaways, but what sets Celebrity Cruises’ offerings apart is its Mindful Dreams program that curates holistic massages and enhancements that include meditations, teas and bath soaks. Guests don’t have to book a treatment in order to access the spa facilities. The Persian Garden Pass grants access to a circuit that includes a steam room, sauna, sensory showers and relaxation lounge. Fitness facilities and daily group classes also help guests feel their best, as well as personal one-on-one sessions with trainers.

Los Angeles World Cruise Center on the Millennium: Dates vary

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360-DEGREE VIEWS The Celebrity Flora was painstakingly designed to connect travelers to the Galapagos Islands like never before. At virtually every turn, guests can enjoy views of the spectacular islands, from their rooms to the pool and jacuzzi.

TRUE LUXURY The Celebrity Flora provides a truly luxurious yet intimate experience at every turn. The vessel hosts passengers in 100 all-suite rooms with unparalleled vistas of the water and islands.

Dining options include the Ocean Grill, feauring standout sustainable seafood options, as well as the Seaside Restaurant, with delicious locally-inspired Ecuadorian eats served in an elegant dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows.

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CRUISES

RESEARCH Celebrity Cruises partnered with the University of Miami to incorporate a first-at-sea research facility onboard the Celebrity Flora, which is equipped with oceanographic equipment to support the university’s marine research.

CELEBRITY CRUISES

Sustainable Luxury in the Galapagos

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lobal travel has become an increasingly complicated experience for conscious travelers in recent years, worried about the emissions footprint their wanderlust might leave on the planet. However select vacation and travel companies have begun to focus more on sustainability, helping to lessen their footprint and cater to eco-conscious travelers. One of the most significant and anticipated of these projects is Celebrity Cruise’s new Celebrity Flora, an uber-luxurious 100-suite mega-yacht which has been connecting travelers to the spectacular Galapagos Islands like never before since launch-

ing last summer. The most energy-efficient ship of its kind in the region, the Celebrity Flora was specifically designed to explore the Galapagos Islands, in more ways than one.

The ship’s unique design allows for 360-degree views of the famed islands, whose lush vistas and incredible array of wildlife have enchanted biologists and adventurers for decades. Guests can enjoy unparalleled access and perspectives of the islands from their luxurious accommodations to 5-star dining venues to the ship’s spectacular open-air stargazing platform.

With an eye towards the Galapagos Islands’ unique identity as a biological marvel,

the Celebrity Flora is also one of the most eco-friendly vessels on the water today. An advanced propulsion system and specially-designed diesel engines means the Celebrity Flora consumes 15% less fuel than comparable ships, while cutting-edge anchorless technology leaves the area’s sensitive sea floor system completely untouched.

Unique in-room water filtration systems and reverse osmosis equipment also means the ship can re-process waters to supply 100% of its needs.

With its dedication towards both sustainability and true luxury, the Celebrity Flora is MM truly one-of-a-kind.

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WORLD-CLASS LUXURY Heritage Line’s river cruises are notable for onboard opulence and innovative itineraries.

HERITAGE LINE CRUISES

Boutique Cruises in Southeast Asia

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nyone who is familiar with Southeast Asia will know that it possesses some of the most stunning physical attributes on the planet. This natural abundance is especially pronounced in the region’s collection of spectacular waterways. From the karst-studded expanses of Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay in northern Vietnam to scenic, spiritual rivers like the Mekong and Ayeyarwady and Chindwin in Myanmar, Southeast Asia is heaven for those who like to spend their vacation on the water.

To truly savor these earthly paradises, Heritage Line offers bespoke cruise itineraries, allowing exploration of these waterways aboard luxurious small boats. One of Asia’s most acclaimed and popular operators,

Heritage Line has become legendary among cruise connoisseurs seeking a different way to travel. While Heritage Line’s collection of vessels are smaller in scale, they are appointed with luxurious, grand private living and public spaces, ensuring passengers enjoy an intimate atmosphere but can still indulge in a plethora of world-class services and amenities, including spas, terrace deck pools, and outstanding fine dining options.

Recently, Heritage Line has expanded its offerings to offer additional cruise itineraries in unique destinations. For many visitors to Asia, a multi-day voyage must include the famous Halong Bay and the neighboring bay of Lan Ha. This surreal and pristine seascape can be traveled by Heritage Line’s new 1- or 2-night themed itineraries. Re-

cently Heritage Line has introduced two brand new, ultra-luxe ships featuring the utmost in craftsmanship and luxurious interiors for these overnight ventures – one for each itinerary. Each ship has been carefully designed and themed to compliment the unique regions it travels.

The recently launched Heritage Line Ylang (10 suites) offers unparalleled wellness and relaxation amenities, including a top-ofthe-line spa, as well as yoga and meditation programming aboard. Another vessel, the 12-suite Heritage Line Ginger, takes its passengers on a culinary adventure, with world-class menu options and live cooking displays in the restaurant’s open kitchen.

Both ships tour distinct routes that allow guests to experience the region with active

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CRUISES

UNIQUE TOURS View untouched villages.

FINE DINING Vessels offer numerous dining options. NATURAL BEAUTY Southeast Asia’s beauty on view.

sightseeing elements: Cat Ba Island village exploration on bicycle, tours of the bay via kayak or a swim, easy jungle hiking or an excursion to a one-of-a-kind floating fishing village. Lavish facilities including a stunning sun deck with pool, bar, and library lounge, in addition to full-board fine dining, allow guests to enjoy a truly sumptuous experience while cruising Lan Ha Bay. Equally compelling are Heritage Line’s new cruises along the captivating upper Mekong River in Laos. Sailings for this latest destination commence in October 2020 (bookings are now being taken). Priding itself in being a pioneer on this exotic stretch of river, Heritage Line Anouvong will be the first luxury cruiser equipped with the upper Mekong’s largest accommodations. The 10 staterooms and suites promise luxurious living spaces and unprecedented intimacy for passengers, while an alluring spa, welcoming panoramic terrace deck, cozy café-lounge and restaurant all inviting guests to sail in splendor while offering a once-in-a-lifetime tour of

SOUTHEAST ASIA IS HEAVEN FOR THOSE WHO LIKE TO VACATION ON THE WATER. the secluded Laotian countryside. A shorter 3-night cruise winds its way from the Golden Triangle at the Thailand/Laos border in the northwest to the royal city and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang, while the 7-night cruise further extends this route down to the Laotian capital of Vientiane (9 nights).

Both itineraries promise a kaleidoscope of on- and off-shore adventure featuring pristine landscapes, untouched local riverside villages, kayaking tours, and romantic sandbank dinners at sunset.

Founded 10 years ago, Heritage Line is the leader in boutique luxury cruising along the region’s fascinating and beautiful waterways. The world-renowned Halong Bay can be discovered on classic 1- or 2-night trips aboard either the exquisite 6-suite craft Violet or her cozy, traditional Indochinese sister ship, Jasmine. On the lower Mekong between Vietnam and Cambodia, the ever popular 7-night cruise is one of the bucket-list cruises offered aboard a pair of regal and romantic vessels, The Jahan and Jayavarman.

And last but not least, the spectacular starlet of Heritage Line’s ship collection, Anawrahta, travels a majestic course along the spiritual Ayeyarwady and exotic Chindwin Rivers in Myanmar, one of Asia’s least exMM plored nations.

HERITAGE LINE

heritage-line.com contact@heritage-line.com +84 (0) 28 3811 8858

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10 Whistler

4 8

Jackson Hole

Park City

Olympic Valley

Big Sky

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65

Deer Valley

Beaver Creek

21 3

Telluride Lake Tahoe

Bachelor Gulch

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SKI RESORTS

BEST OF THE WEST

TOP 10 SKI RESORTS Your handy guide to the best ski resorts in the west, from luxury Colorado lodges to breathtaking Montana resorts. ✎ written by Patrisha Rualo and Chloe Tan

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1. BEAVER CREEK, COLORADO

Chateau Beaver Creek It’s no surprise that Colorado is home to breathtaking alpines, drawing winter athletes from all over the world just to experience this glorious piece of backcountry. With so many travelers visiting Coloado from all over the globe, some of the best resorts have been established inthe state’s small towns to cater to the herds of guests who visit each snow season. Recently featured in Forbes as one of the “Five Great Luxury Hidden Gem Ski Hotels,” Chateau Beaver Creek lives up to its French name, showcasing a European elegance and upscale design. On the slopes, Chateau Beaver Creek is known for its “Cookie Time,” which happens daily at 3 p.m., when bakers present platters with freshly baked morsels to skiers and snowboarders, ending a day on the slopes on a sweet note. For those who don’t ski or snowboard, activities include snowshoeing, tubing, ice skating and even sleigh rides up to dinner at Beano’s Cabin, where guests trade their snowy boots for warm slippers during a prix fixe meal. chateaubeavercreek.com

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2.AVON, COLORADO

Ritz-Carlton Just like King Midas, whatever the Ritz-Carlton touches turn to gold—and the Bachelor Gulch is no exception. The hotel’s castle-like appearance and elegant mountain setting will take your breath away. The resort offers a plethora of luxurious amenities, such as a heated outdoor pool with stunning mountain views and a spa oasis that provides holistic, nature-inspired treatments including the miner’s mineral mud wrap that fully exfoliates the body using an activated charcoal wrap with mud sourced from local mines. Apart from the lavish amenities at the hotel’s spa oasis, the town of Avon offers an abundant selection of restaurants. The Wyld has a menu that features native Colorado cuisine, prepared from locally sourced ingredients and house-blended seasonings. The RitzCarlton, Bachelor Gulch experience is not complete without time spent at the Bachelor Lounge, which features cocktail service on select winter nights. ritzcarlton.com

3. TELLURIDE, COLORADO

Lumiere Hotel Long considered one of Telluride’s most luxurious hotels, the Lumiere Hotel with Inspirato is the perfect winter getaway. The boutique hotel provides guests with all the comfort of a home away from home, with everything from studio residences to five-bedroom penthouses complete with kitchens and living rooms. The town of Telluride is itself a destination, as one of Colorado’s best ski towns known for its myriad activities on and off the slopes. From grabbing an award-winning Detroit-style pie at Brown Dog Pizza to stopping by the Telluride History Museum, no matter what time of year you decide to visit, Telluride always has something to see and do. Time your trip with an upcoming event, like Telluride’s Mountain Film Festival or the annual Wine and Yoga Festival. The town also offers a free gondola ride to its sister town, Mountain Village, where there’s an emphasis on nature with hikes and trails that lead you through the alpines. lumierewithinspirato.com

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4. BIG SKY, MONTANA

Huntley Lodge Head to the Treasure State this winter season and experience the Rocky Mountains and Great Plains all in one day. Once you’ve reached Montana, make sure to set your destination to Huntley Lodge at Big Sky and check out the lodge’s recent renovations, which completely transformed more than 200 rooms. At the Huntley Lodge, you can experience a sense of history and authentic Western decor blended with modern minimal design. Next time you plan a family trip to the Big Sky, don’t forget to bring everyone, including pets. At the Huntley Lodge, they focus on creating everlasting memories for the entire family. At the Big Sky, experience more than 5,800 acres of varying terrain and take a ride on the Lone Peak Tram, which transports riders over 11,000 feet, three states and two national parks. For apres-ski dining, visit Big Ski Resort’s new Vista Hall, where there’s something to satisfy every palate. bigskyresort.com

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5. LAKE TAHOE, CALIFORNIA

The Landing Resort One of California’s best natural treasures, Lake Tahoe is a place where families and couples can come together to enjoy the year-round beauty of Lake Tahoe’s captivating Emerald Bay and deep blue lake. The Landing’s contemporary European design and its picturesque lakeside views are just some of the many reasons why The Landing has earned the title, “Tahoe’s Most Luxurious Lodging.” From the moment you step foot inside the lobby and experience the beautiful lakefront vistas, you’ll realize why travelers from all over choose The Landing as a destination to relax, unwind and enjoy all that Tahoe has to offer. Step outside to witness Lake Tahoe’s beauty with views of the largest Alpine lake in North America and the Sierra Mountains as a stunning backdrop. thelandingtahoe.com

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6. OLYMPIC VALLEY, CALIFORNIA

Resort at Squaw Creek North Tahoe’s Olympic Valley sets the tone for a perfect winter fantasy, and there’s no better place to stay than at Lake Tahoe’s Resort at Squaw Creek. The Resort at Squaw Creek has been proudly recognized by Conde Nast Traveller as one of the Top 50 Ski Resorts in North America for the past six years. The resort highlights its contemporary charm with its sophisticated alpine-chic design. Not only is the location and service of the resort top-quality, but the resort’s gem is the Lake Tahoe Spa, which is best known for its wellness treatments utilizing minerals exclusively found in the Alpines. Another great feature from the spa is its “Chillax Spa Session”, a treatment where kids can join in on the fun of pampering with mini-spa sessions. Once guests are done pampering themselves, they can head down to the concierge to set up recreational opportunities including hiking and backpacking Squaw Valley’s peaks, or spending a day swimming at the resorts all-season whirlpool. destinationhotels.com/squawcreek

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8. JACKSON HOLE, WYOMING

Snow King Resort Feel like royalty at the Snow King Resort in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Snow King Resort offers a wide option of classic and luxury condos that provide you with the most perfect stay—perfect enough for a king, of course. A complimentary airport shuttle service makes arrival hassle-free. Grab a plate of uniquely flavored grilled goat cheese brioche or take to go a pineapple kale coconut smoothie before you head off to a hike at Grand Tetons National Park, just less than 15 mins away. After a day of becoming one with nature, head back to the resort to grab the region’s finest cocktails at Hayden’s post. Once you’re done for the day, be sure to check out Granite Hot Springs, especially in the winter. Just tucked away in the Gros Ventre Mountain Range, this locals only hot springs is the perfect remedy after an active day for easing sore muscles. snowking.com

7.PARK CITY, UTAH

The Lodge at Blue Sky Experience Western lifestyle and elevated luxury at The Lodge at Blue Sky. Only an hour away from Salt Lake City, The Lodge will make you feel like you entered another world. With more than 3,500 acres of snow caps that help cancel out unneeded noise, the lodge’s mantra is to reconnect with nature, from downhill skiing at the nearby Park City Mountain Resort to fly fishing and clay shooting.

If you choose to book at The Lodge, you have the option to stay at the heart of the resort, Sky Lodge, or seclude yourself at one of the resort’s individual propertie, Earth Suite or Creek Houses. Leave your room for a while to explore some more of the resort’s hidden gems, like The Refectory, a distillery offering High West whiskey and cocktails. aubergeresorts.com/bluesky

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9. DEER VALLEY, UTAH

Montage Hotel Adventure awaits at Deer Valley’s most luxurious alpine resort. Montage Hotel brings its proximity to nature indoors with its mountain-inspired decor. This hotel gives guests the option to relax or spend a day hitting the summit. Those who opt for the indoors can experience serenity at Spa Montage, or make reservations at one of the hotel’s spectacular restaurants, like the Apex or The Apres Lounge, for cocktails and artisan entrees. Outside the accommodations, Main Street is just five minutes away and offers a wide selection of places to eat or experience live entertainment. Less than 10 miles away, Deer Valley provides access to one of America’s best snow summits, Bald Mountain. Deer Valley is also a year-around destination, offering summer fun from water activities, to off-road mountain biking, to fly fishing. montagehotels,com/ deervalley

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10.WHISTLER, VANCOUVER

Fairmont Chateau Grab your passport and pack your bags for an unforgettable journey to the Whistler mountains in Vancouver, British Columbia. Chateau Whistler can be found at the base of the Blackcomb Mountain, where rooms feel like a home away from home. Whistler has over 80 miles of country trails that range from beginners to expert. Visitors can experience cross country skiing at Ski Callaghan. Guests who decide to plan their stay on a Sunday should check out the Wildflower Restaurant for an extensive Sunday brunch. Also just a short distance from Chateau Whistler is the Whistler Olympic Plaza, which offers Blackcomb’s best dining and shopping experience with restaurants like the Mongolie Grill Whistler and the Araxi Oyster Bar. fairmont.com/whistler

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NOON LODGE

A BOUTIQUE MOUNTAIN GETAWAY BIG BEAR LAKE, CA www.NoonLodge.com

MM_Ad_Noon Lodge_v2.indd 1

(909) 866-2526

info@noonlodge.com

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SCHOOLS : PRE-SCHOOLS

GAN MALIBU

In February, Gan Malibu Preschool will be celebrating the birthday of the trees. Children will learn about trees, what they give us, and how we take care of them and give back. Planting of the Trees will take place on February 6.

Gan Malibu Spring Carnival will take place on March 22 Also, their Parent and Me classes will be Tuesdays 9:30-10:30 and Toddler Transition will be Monday, Tuesday, And Thursday 9:00-11:00.

MALIBU PRESBYTERIAN NURSERY SCHOOL

Children’s Creative Workshop will be focusing on marine life in March and April.

CHILDREN’S CREATIVE WORKSHOP

In January and February, Children’s Creative Workshop kids will be introduced to the 7 Continents. They will sing “the Seven Continents” song each day, and create traditional food and art for various countries.

Also in February, CCW will be visiting the local Chumash for their local History experience. In March and April, marine life is the theme with songs about the tides, Gray Whale, Garibaldi, Sheepshead and Grunion. They plan to get the children to a Grunion run and will hatch Grunion eggs at school!

MALIBU JEWISH CENTER

MJS will be having its Purim Carnival and Boutique on March 8, 2020 11am-3pm.

Other spring offerings are Baby Yoga with Anat, Wednesdays 9:30am, Weekly Religious School Grades K-7+ on Tuesdays 3:45-6:15pm. Also, adult Hebrew classes with Tamar will be held Mondays 9:30am and adult ceramics with Tamar on Thursdays 9:30am. Torah Study with Rabbi Michael will be on Saturdays 10:15am.

Hand in Hand Program for young adults of all abilities on Thursdays from 4:00 - 5:30 pm. The Senior Program is on the second Wednesday of the month at 11:30am.

UNDER THE OAKS EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER

Parent and Child classes are being offered at Under the Oaks to provide a gentle transition between home and school for 18-36 months on Thursday 9:30-11:30 and for 12-18 months on Fridays 9:45-11:00 and 11:15-12:30. They will do crafts together, sing songs, have circle time and a puppet show. This Valentine’s Day they will offer the community a Valentine’s tea at 9:30am for families with their children between the ages of 1-4 years old. Please RSVP by February 1st to sunshine@oakspreschoo.com.

WAGON WHEEL

Wagon Wheel will be having its High Touch High Tech Day in February, and in March the Franklin Haynes Marionettes will be performing. Wagon Wheel will also be offering music, art, dance and botany classes five days a week for 2 – 5 years old.

There is an ongoing Parent & Me class every Wednesday from 3:00 – 4:00 pm. The children attending need to be 14 months or walking.

Malibu Presbyterian Nursery School will be changing its name to Malibu Pacific Preschool to mirror the name change of the Church. This change will become official in 2020.

At the end of March MPNS will be having its BIG Art Show and Open House.

Their program is for children 2 years and 6 months to 5 years old. Their ongoing Pre K program combines play and structure. Hours are from 9 -1, with extended hours until 3.

MALIBU METHODIST NURSERY SCHOOL

MMNS will be hosting its annual “Spring Social” event in February 2020. This event is for the parents to have a fun night out with drinks and dinner, generously hosted by an MMNS parent. Teachers watch the children at the school, so that parents are able to spend time with fellow MMNS families.

There will also be a silent auction to support the MMNS Scholarship Program.

Other monthly programs include: Jumpstart, in conjunction with Pepperdine, Reading Angels, along with Our Lady of Malibu fifth graders, and Gymnastics with USAG certified instructors.

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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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SCHOOLS : ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE & HIGH

WEBSTER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL K-5

Webster Elementary will be conducting its Kindergarten Round-up and school tour on January 30. Favorite Sports Team Day will be on January 31.

Parents will enjoy Family Science Night on February 18. Dr. Seuss Day is on Monday, March 2, and students will get to dress as their favorite book on March 6.

March 9 will be Coffee with the Principal, Lila Daruty for parents. The highly anticipated annual “Websterville” will be during the day on March 20.

MALIBU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL K-5

MALIBU MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL

Changing Landscape ✎ written by Tammy Arlidge Malibu High and Middle School are excited that their current project, (funded by previous bond measures BB and ES), and the planning for continued renovations (funded partially by the recently passed measure M) is progressing nicely! They are so thankful for the local community support and the shared desire to have a middle school and high school campus that they are proud of and one that supports relevant, authentic, project based learning.

The new middle school building is in full use! The construction activities scheduled for the next few months will be roofing, waterproofing, and rough utilities within the new Building. The ongoing part of that project is the new Library, 4 classrooms, 3 Science labs and Administration Building, which continues on schedule and will be completed for the opening of school in the fall of 2020! Great progress has been made!

Some of the technical updates include: The steel frame and concrete walls have all been completed which really allows everyone to see what the finished building will look like.

A lot of work has been going on with the decking, rebar, floor insulation, radiant heating infrastructure and concrete for the flooring. Some additional utilities work is ongoing.

But the exciting news is that construction of individual rooms is now underway!

Beyond the current project, plans for the next project are also underway. The District is in the process of hiring an architecture firm to design Phase 1 of the Board-approved campus plan, which will eventually bring a new high school building, a performing arts center to be shared by middle and high schools, improved traffic flow on Morning View Drive and more.Also, twenty-eight high school students got to participate in a project-based seminar that offered the students an introduction to the fields of architecture, engineering, construction and inspection all while gaining great practical experience right in their own backyard.

Malibu Elementary will be conducting its Kindergarten Round-up and school tour on January 30. Favorite Sports Team Day will be on January 31.

Parents will enjoy Family Science Night on February 18. Dr. Seuss Day is on Monday, March 2, and students will get to dress as their favorite book on March 6.

On March 9 parents can join principal, Chris Hertz for Coffee with the Principal.

OUR LADY OF MALIBU SCHOOL K-5

Our Lady of Malibu School is happy to announce its new TK (Transitional Kindergarten) program, which will be underway the end of February.

Catholic Schools Week begins Monday, January 27 with honoring its students, Tuesday the 28 honoring its teachers, and Wednesday the 29 honoring people in the Malibu community.

Kindergarten Round-up will be 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 30 as well as Admissions Open House on Thursday the 30 at 12:30 p.m. Friday, January 31st is Family & Friends Day with breakfast included at 9:00 am.

The Annual Spring Fundraiser will be on March 21 at the Malibu Jewish Center.

Also in March, sixth seventh and eighth grades will take their trips to Santa Barbara Outdoor School, Catalina and Washington DC.

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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.

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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.

$8.1K $6.8K $5.5K

2019

MEDIAN SOLD HOME PRICE

Source: Zillow.com

2018

MEDIAN LISTING HOME PRICE SQ/FT

RENTAL LISTING PRICE OVER THE LAST 5 YEARS

2017

MEDIAN LISTING HOME PRICE

2016

$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.

Malibu’s rental listing price over the 5 years has seen its ups and down with the most recent spike occuring after Woolsey.

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t, d built ghout ning ntial signing e Native he Sur-

REAL ESTATE COLUMN

MICHAEL NOVOTNY

The Woolsey Effect Michael Novotny is currently a Broker Associate with Sotheby’s International Realty, former Manager of Sotheby’s Malibu/Topanga.

I

t is hard to believe over a year has passed since the Woolsey Fire. It had a far reaching and dramatic impact on the Malibu real estate market in 2019. The market on the west end literally came to a stop during the fire and its immediate aftermath. In reviewing local market information and MLS data for landside properties in Malibu it was obvious the fire had a significant impact on the real estate market.

The immediate impact was on the listing inventory. There were a number of homes listed for sale or coming on the market that were lost and as a result decreased the available inventory significantly. As a comparison there were usually between 150 to 200 homes on the market depending on market conditions in any given year. At the end of 2019 there were only about 120 homes on the market which represented a drop between 2030% from previous years.

While inventory is an important leading indicator of any real estate market some additional factors to review include

the number of sales, the total dollar volume and average sales prices. Obviously, the number of sales were negatively impacted as a result of the fire, which is to be expected after such a devastating event. Over the past several years and prior to the fire, Malibu landside sales would average 15 to 20 transactions per month. After the Woolsey Fire that number dropped to below five transactions per month. The good news is that in the last several months sales have been trending upwards to about 10+ transactions per month. The number of annual Malibu landside sales transactions run in a range from 160 to 200 transactions a year. 2019 single family homes sales were slightly more 100. That represents a 60% drop in the number of sales transactions over the prior year. The monthly dollar volume followed a similar pattern with monthly volume averaging about $60M per month and dropping to about $20M per month since the fire and only recently trending higher. The gross annual sales volume in the strongest years trended between $500M to $600M. By the end of

2019 the volume was about $300M which was a 50% drop from the highs. However, the median sales price seems to have held up well as a result of the tight inventory. Currently, the 2019 median price on homes was $2,775,000 compared to $2,950,000 during the same period last year. This is a very slight decrease year over year (none of these numbers included beachfront sales).

In reviewing the average “Days on Market” of a home you can see another direct impact the fire had on the market. Here ‘Days on Market’ is defined as the number of days a property has been on the market. ‘The Days on Market’ for properties from 2016-2019 were in the range between 60 to 120 Days. Immediately after the fire the average time on market was just under 30 days. Even though there were fewer homes for sale those that came on the market sold or turned to into leases which effectively took them off the sales market. Now, a year later, the ‘Days on Market’ has risen to about 110 days on the market. One of the areas of the market we are seeing a lot of buyer interest in

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Michael Novotny

Office: 310-456-6431 Cell: 310-924-9317 michael.novotny@sothebyshomes.com www.sothebyshomes.com

(CALDRE #00936319)

Sotheby's International Realty

Homes For Sale Homes for Sale

Malibu (MLS Area)

200

MM

190

180

170

160

150 1-2016

2016

2017 1-2017

1-2018 2018

1-2019 2019 2020 Malibu (MLS Area): Single-Family

Each data point is 12 months of activity. Data is from January 2, 2020.

Michael Novotny

All#00936319) data from The MLS. Data deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. InfoSparks © 2020 ShowingTime.

Office: 310-456-6431 (CALDRE

Michael Novotny

(CALDRE #00936319)

Sotheby's International Realty

Closed Sales

Sotheby's International Realty

Closed Sales

Malibu (MLS Area)

200

Homes for Sale

Cell: 310-924-9317 michael.novotny@sothebyshomes.com www.sothebyshomes.com Office: 310-456-6431 Cell: 310-924-9317 michael.novotny@sothebyshomes.com www.sothebyshomes.com

Malibu (MLS Area)

200 180

190 160

140 180

120 170

100 160

80 1-2016

2016

150 1-2016

1-2017

2017

1-2017

2018 1-2018

1-2018

2019 Malibu (MLS Area): Single-Family 2020 1-2019

Each data point is 12 months of activity. Data is from January 2, 2020.

1-2019 Malibu (MLS Area): Single-Family

All data from The MLS. Data deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. InfoSparks © 2020 ShowingTime.

Each data point is 12 months of activity. Data is from January 2, 2020.

All data from The MLS. Data deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. InfoSparks © 2020 ShowingTime.

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REAL ESTATE COLUMN

Michael Novotny (CALDRE #00936319)

Office: 310-456-6431 Cell: 310-924-9317 michael.novotny@sothebyshomes.com www.sothebyshomes.com

Sotheby's International Realty

Dollar Volume Closed Sales

Dollar Volume of Closed Sales

Malibu (MLS Area)

$700M

$600M

$500M

$400M

$300M

$200M 1-2016

1-2017

2016

1-2018

2017

2018

1-2019

2020 2019 Malibu (MLS Area): Single-Family

Each data point is 12 months of activity. Data is from January 2, 2020.

All data from The MLS. Data deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. InfoSparks © 2020 ShowingTime.

Michael Novotny (CALDRE #00936319)

Office: 310-456-6431 Cell: 310-924-9317 michael.novotny@sothebyshomes.com www.sothebyshomes.com

Sotheby's International Realty

Median Days on Market

Michael Novotny (CALDRE #00936319)

Office: 310-456-6431 Cell: 310-924-9317 michael.novotny@sothebyshomes.com www.sothebyshomes.com Malibu (MLS Area)

Sotheby's International Realty

Median Days on Market 100

Median Days on Market 100

Malibu (MLS Area)

90

90

80

80

70

70

60

60

50 1-2016

1-2017

2016

1-2018

2017

2018

1-2019

2020 2019 Malibu (MLS Area): Single-Family

Each data point is 12 months of activity. Data is from January 2, 2020.

All data from The MLS. Data deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. InfoSparks © 2020 ShowingTime.

50 1-2016

1-2017

1-2018

1-2019 Malibu (MLS Area): Single-Family

Each data point is 12 months of activity. Data is from January 2, 2020.

All data from The MLS. Data deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. InfoSparks © 2020 ShowingTime.

are “burnout” parcels. These are parcels where the homes were burned down in the fire. Several of these burnout parcels have already changed hands. This will likely continue, especially as property owners complete the permitting process but decide not to rebuild. In 2019, there were approximately 34 land sales in Malibu with a median price of approximately $1,000,000 with many of those sales being burnout parcels. This is almost a 40% increase compared to the prior year where the median sales price was a little over $700,000. However, the closed dollar volume in land sales was lower in 2019 versus 2018. In 2019, the dollar volume was approximately $37M dollars compared to $46M in 2018 which represented a 20% decrease in volume year over year.

A bright spot in the market was in leases. The immediate need for homes after the fire caused a surge in lease transactions. The volume almost doubled in 2019 versus 2018. The median lease price for homes off the beach rose from $6,000 per month prior to the fire to $7,500 per month after the fire. However, these numbers do not reflect a lot of off market leases that went quickly and never made it to the market because of the high demand from fire victims. It is hard to gauge the exact amount of increase in prices, but leases were hard to come by and went quickly after the fire.

History has shown us that even though the real estate market in Malibu will have some bumps on the road to recovery, it will come back and most likely stronger than before. If our friends up north in Montecito and Santa Barbara are any example, we will recover but it will take a little more time. They experienced their own major disasters two years ago with both a devastating fire and intense flooding. Two years later they are experiencing record sales and higher average sales prices year over year. I am sure with the support of our city officials and the community Malibu’s #1 industry will recover and be stronger than ever. It has in the MM past and will again.

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3/9/18 12:50 1/15/20 7:18 PM

MALIBU AGENT Born and raised

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Photographed by Julie Wuellner

on Point Dume, Schulz has developed a sterling reputation and enviable sales record with his deep grasp of Malibu’s luxury real estate market.

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REAL ESTATE

SHEN SCHULZ

For S to b

Connecting Passion With Purpose For Shen Schulz, real estate is more than a job; it’s a chance to be of service to the community he’s loved for decades.

Photographed by Julie Wuellner

I

f you spend enough time with Shen Schulz, you’ll inevitably hear a lot of sayings. A Buddhist since childhood, when he moved from Malibu to a Zen monastery in the heart of Koreatown, Schulz is given to peppering conversation with the quotes from his practice he’s held dear for decades.

‘No Mud No Lotus’ is one, a reminder that beauty can often emerge from the darkest and most unlikely of places. Taizan Maezumi, the famed Japanese Zen Buddhist teacher, is another source Schulz often cites, in addition to spiritual leader Ram Dass, Tony Robbins, lyrics from classic 70s rock and, of course, the inestimable Jim Carrey, author of one of Schulz’ recent favorites, “I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of, so they can see that it’s not the answer.”

It might seem like an odd quote to love for someone who’s made their career working with the rich and famous. The top-selling agent in Sotheby’s International Realty’s Malibu Rd. office for the last 8 years,

✎ written by Holly Bieler Schulz has built a sterling reputation and enviable sales record with his deep-seated knowledge of and killer instincts for the luxury real estate game. Now one of the most recognizable and successful agents in Malibu, Schulz is the first to admit that his professional and spiritual lives might not appear entirely congruous at first glance.

It’s not often the guy who lives by Buddha’s admonitions not to attach to the material world who’s also the guy you go to when you’re in the market for a Carbon Beach 8-bedroom with an infinity pool. But as is true of many aspects of Schulz’s life, what appears dichotomous at first begins, in his own words, to actually make perfect sense.

“To me a realtor is like a Sherpa,” he says, referencing the Tibetan guides who help climbers scale Mount Everest. “They help their clients cross the rivers and climb up and down the mountain. They’re the calm in the storm. I have replaced the word competition with collaboration towards competing realtors and in teamwork providing better service to the client. My goal is to help people find their dream homes and

improve their financial success and happiness.”

It’s the sort of thing that might sound inauthentic coming from anyone else’s mouth. But Schulz has worked hard to get to this head space, and he sounds not only genuine but deeply grateful to be here. He understands that a life led with positivity and selflessness isn’t something easily won, that you have to work for it, everyday.

Indeed Schulz’ life hasn’t been without its share of challenges, including his parents divorce when he was 3, becoming an only child moving a lot with his single mom, usually working two jobs to keep them afloat, his dad dying when he was just 19, and just last year, when he lost his Dume Dr. home to the Woolsey Fire. However time and again, Schulz has found that positive thinking and the selflessness and service he practices as part of his Buddhist tradition has yielded moments of true magic, literally saving him in his darkest hours. “Being of service to someone or something else, that’s when our own suffering diminishes,” he says. “Because when we’re involved in

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FAMILY MAN Schulz with his wife of 24 years, Ema, and their sons, twins Bodhi (left) and Kai (right). Shen and Ema were both born and raised in Malibu, and raised their sons there as well.

Photo by Dana Fineman SPIRITUALITY Both Shen and Ema have been practicing Buddhists for years.

ENVIRONMENTAL CARPET CARE Schulz started his carpet-cleaning business at just 23. His mother, Michele runs the company to this day.

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MUSIC MAN Above, Schulz with his band, The Riptide Blues Band, for which he plays guitar and sings. The Roman Helmets performed at last December’s World’s Biggest Sleep Out event in Pasadena to help raise funds to combat homelessness.

Ema helped produce the event.

TRAGEDY The Schulz’ Dume Dr. home was destroyed during the Woolsey Fire in November 2018. Here, the family visits the wreckage.

kindness and empathy towards another person or our community, the weight is lifted off our own personal problems. I’ve found that the stronger my service is to others, the more success and happiness I have personally.”

Spirituality has been a throughline in Schulz’ life from as long as he can remember.

At just five years old, Schulz moved from Malibu to the Zen Center of L.A., a Koreatown Buddhist monastery, following his parents’ divorce. He would live there with his father for the next four years, making fast friends with the other kids who lived in the monastery, and soon developing a fascination with the daily practices of his father and the Zen traditions. “There were a lot of people in black robes who were quiet in meditation and seemed very peaceful and there wasn’t a whole lot of drama,” he says of that time.

At 10 years old, Schulz moved from the monastery back to Malibu, joining his mother, Michele, on Wildlife Rd. in Point Dume.

His childhood days were spent skateboarding down Grayfox St. with friends after class at Point Dume Elementary, playing Pop Warner football, or racing motorbikes through the lush gullies connecting their backyards.

When Schulz was 11 Skip Newton, a wellknown Malibu local, began carting an extra longboard down to Little Dume during his afternoon surf sessions, teaching the young Schulz how to ride his first wave.

Schulz had shown an entrepreneurial streak from a young age, and at just 15 started his own business, a mobile car wash. Impressed by his drive and mounting sales, Schulz’ good friend and mentor, natural healing practitioner Dr. Richard Schulze, decided to loan Schulz enough money to open a brick-and-mortar auto detail location.

In 1988, at just 19 years old, Schulz became a first-time business-opener, opening a small carwash stand in the parking lot of the Malibu Country Mart that stands to this day.

As he entered his senior year at Santa Monica High School everything seemed to be going exceedingly well for Schulz. However it was around this time that Schulz began to develop an emptiness he couldn’t quite shake, a disconnection from himself and the world

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that unnerved him. As he ruminated on his unease, Schulz soon found his thoughts drifting towards his time at the monastery, the quiet men and women who spent their days in black robes in peaceful contemplation.

“I started looking back and seeing that that had been a peaceful time in my life.”

Soon, Schulz was returning to the monastery whenever he had a chance, spending weekends or a week long retreats when studying with his fathers same teacher, Maezumi Roshi, a famed 7th generation Japanese Zen Master, during hours-long sessions. It was hard and tedious work at first, but slowly Schulz began to feel an inner peace he hadn’t experienced in years.

“The personal challenges that I was facing in my own mind were impossible to hold onto [during these sessions],” Schulz said. “The epiphany throughout these challenging, rigorous courses is that you must put down the rock. That you need to stop thinking for a moment. Just show up, get in line, follow the practice. Just be present. And then the realization is that you don’t need those problems anyway.”

It was an eye-opening experience for Schulz, and came at an important time, just as he was about to embark on adulthood. Matriculating at Moorpark College and night school at UCLA after graduation, Schulz initially entertained vague ambitions of academic life however quickly found his enthusiasm for his studies beginning to wane and his entrepreneurial drive taking over. When he thought about it deeply he realized he needed to change his path. When he told his father, Thomas, he was going to drop out of college, he didn’t reprimand him, to Schulz’s surprise, but offered a piece of valuable advice, and another of his favorite quotes to this day: “If you don’t graduate college then you have to make sure you have extraordinary follow-through and complete anything you start,” Thomas said. “And always keep learning, or you won’t be able to compete with college grads.”

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Schulz took the advice to heart, learning the ins and outs of running a small business, and on the heels of his carwash’s success, decided to open a second company.

In 1992, at just 23 years old, Schulz founded Environmental Carpet Care a carpet-cleaning business which had soon amassed 2,000 clients throughout Malibu and the Valley.

The business is still operating today, 28 years later and managed by Schulz’ mother. A few years in, Schulz got called to a job at the home of famed television producer Chris Bearde, (Sonny and Cher, Laugh In),

in Simi Valley. However everything would change that year, when interest rates were slashed and second home loans suddenly became easier to procure for families across the country. As a result many families began renovating their households, replacing their carpet with value-increasing hardwood flooring en-masse, and carpet-cleaning compa¬nies across the country started to flounder.Within months, Schulz’s business had come to a complete halt. At 31, he realized he needed to start over.

“I owned a home and had two young kids and needed to figure out a new way to go,” he says. “That’s when my friend Richard Weinetraub said, ‘Why not get into real estate?’” While it wasn’t exactly a lateral move from his previous work, the more Schulz thought about it the more he realized that real estate actually made a lot of sense. He knew Malibu better than most anyone, having already been inside hundreds of homes with his cleaning business, and recognized that his entrepreneurial acumen and connections could give him a competitive edge. By 2002 he’d earned his real estate license and HANG TEN Schulz passed along his passion quickly set to work reaching out to for surfing to his sons Kai and Bodhi. the clients from his carpet-cleaning business. “I would call them everyin need of a carpet cleaning after his daughday and say, ‘Hey, you’ve trusted me with ter Ema, had thrown a birthday party. your carpets for many years, will you trust When Schulz opened the door, it was love me to sell your house?’” at first sight. Within two years he and Ema His first two years, all of his real estate cliwere married. ents were converts from his carpet-clean“She’s the love of my life,” Schulz says of ing business, including names like Fred Ema. “I definitely married up. She’s an inSegal, scion of the legendary L.A. luxury credible partner and the key to my/our clothing chain. His first big client, thanks success. Ema is constantly encouraging me to his wife Ema, who grew up with the Seto do better, think outside the box, have gal Family herself in Malibu, Schulz still retrust in myself, work hard and she is always members the piece of advice Segal gave him building me a sitting areas or music rooms on a showing his first year. so I stop, relax and explore my creative side.

“I remember [Segal] coming to one of She has always been my greatest life coach my listings and I started telling him all the and we still love dating each other, 24 years things he could do to make the house betlater!” 2 years later Ema gave birth to their ter,” Schulz said. “And then, very quietly, he identical twin sons, Kai and Bodhi. just says: ‘Don’t speak. People at my level By 2001 Schulz was living a picture-perknow what they’re looking for. The worst fect life, with a successful business, beauexperience a person can have is a chatty retiful family and a new handsome home altor in the background as you’re trying to

1/17/20 08:34

6902 WILDLIFE A 5 bed, 6 full bath and 2 half bath Point Dume oasis. www.6902wildlife.com, $13,995,000

27352 PCH A stunning 3 bed, 4 full bath and 1 half bath beach-front home. www.27352pch.com, $7,995,000

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look through a home.’”

“It’s the best advice I have been given by far,” Schulz says with a laugh. “Don’t point out the blinding flash of the obvious, just be quiet and show the important aspects of the home and community with enthusiasm. Be direct, be truthful and like in Zen, nothing extra.”

If real estate wasn’t particularly spiritually-fulfilling work for Schulz, and most days left him drained, it was hard to argue that he had an uncommon ability for it. His first year he became one of the top-performing agents in his Coldwell Banker office, and by 2007 was consistently selling tens of millions of dollars worth of property each year.

However when the housing market crashed in 2008, Schulz found himself facing the same nightmare scenario he had in 2001, with business coming to a deadstop. And, once again, Schulz looked to his practice and positive thinking to get him through. On a particularly low day, he remembers, he was walking through the Point Dume Colony Plaza when he ran into a longtime friend, Khalil Rafati, owner of Sunlife Organics. Rafati was walking with a man dressed in traditional Tibetan Buddhist maroon and saffron monk robes, a close friend he introduced to Schulz as a Lama, or spiritual leader in Tibetan Buddhism, Khen Rinpoche. When Rafati asked if he might give Schulz a blessing, the Lama immediately pulled him close.

“He grabbed me by my ear and touched his forehead to mine, looked me in the eyes and said, ‘Don’t worry. That’s just focusing on what you don’t want. Go forward with your heart. Lead with compassion. Do the best you can with love and service,’” Schulz recalled. The Lama’s words reinvigorated Schulz in an immediate and powerful way, especially what he had said about service, though Schulz couldn’t exactly put his finger on why this word had resonated so deeply. He returned to the Zen Center of L.A. that day, spending hours meditating on the Lama’s words. Surprisingly he soon found his thoughts focusing on the disconnect he’d long harbored towards his real estate work, the distance he perceived be-

tween his professional and spiritual lives.

That word—service—kept returning to him though, and the more he thought about it the more he began to realize the incredible opportunity his career presented to manifest the tenets of his spiritual beliefs.

“I started thinking: what does it mean to be a realtor?” he says. “That’s when I put it together that a realtor is like a Sherpa. My job is to assist people to get where they’re trying to go. I realized how much passion I could find in my work in terms of help and service. I know I have a place in the universe, and my place is to raise the bar of service to help people however I can to find housing, and to be the best person I can be in my community.” Within a few days, as it had many times before, Schulz’ external world began to reflect the shifts of his internal one.

“The very next day, I get a call from Seattle, Washington and get a $3.5 million referral,” he says. “A week later, I sell a $10 million house to a walk-in. And on-and-onand-on, my career has taken off to be the number one agent at Sotheby’s. It’s all been based on my strategy and hard work, but also my internal dialogue.”

Since, Schulz has become one of the top agents not just in Malibu but in the world, consistently ranking within the top 1/2% of Sotheby’s 20,000 agents.

Of course success the likes of which Schulz has enjoyed involves a lot more than prayer.

He’s worked tirelessly to get to where he is, his father’s words still echoing in his mind all these years later: Complete anything you start. Have extraordinary follow-through.

Always keep learning, or you won’t be able to compete. And when things get volatile, as they’re apt to do in the world of Malibu real estate, the readings and meditations he continues to this day help him to reframe.

“I really try to embrace the suffering, challenge and angst that I might feel in my day and rather than let it get me down, I use it to propel me towards success,” he says. “My Zen teacher, Nyogen Roshi, used to say, ‘Use the pain to go deeper, just cover the ground where you stand, nothing extra.’”

And a reminder from Tony Robbins,

“Problems are the gifts that make us figure out who we are. Trade your expectations for appreciation and the world changes for you. The power in positive change comes from taking cation” This reflex has proven more helpful than Schulz could have imagined over the past year, after his home was destroyed during the Woolsey Fire in November 2018. Schulz and his family soon found themselves like so many other families in Malibu, without a home or even a change of clothes to call their own.

Indeed it’s been a tough year, Schulz contends, but never in his life has the saying “No Mud No Lotus” rung so true. He’ll be forever touched by the outpouring of love his family received in the wake of the tragedy, from their friend, Cheryl Rich, who took them into her Westlake Village home for months, his friend Patrick Martin, a Sotheby’s agent in L.A. who generously gave him suits and clothes. The experience touched him and Ema deeply, and bolstered a desire to help others who’d lost their homes but weren’t nearly as fortunate. They’ve since become active in homeless charities, including helping plan the L.A. arm of the ‘World’s Biggest Sleep Out’ in Pasadena last December, a worldwide charity event that helps raise funds to support homeless populations, which Ema produced.

A year and change after Woolsey took so much from him, Schulz has found himself on top once again the top selling Broker at Sotheby’s International Realty in Malibu.

He and Ema have moved to a home on Mulholland, not far from where Kai and Bodhi, the lights of his life, attend Cal Lutheran University. Oftentimes he and Kai and Bodhi will surf together, on the stretch of Little Dume where Schulz first picked up a board when he was 12, and where he taught his own boys when they reached the same age. It’s during moments like these, of great happiness after great struggle, that Schulz is reminded of another of his favorite quotes, this one from his old mentor Dr. Richard Schulze. “The roof leaked,” Dr. Schulze was fond of saying. “But the floor needed cleaning anyway.”

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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 PCH $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

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

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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5721 BON

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

5721 BONSALL DRIVE $10,850,000/$85,000/MO. 27580 WINDING WAY $9,995,000 5 BR | 5 BA | W/ DETACHED GH 5 BR | 3 BA | EQUESTRIAN COMPOUND

6851 FERNHILL DRIVE $8,995,000 5 BR | 4 BA | W/ RIVIERA III BEACH KEYS

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

26050 PCH $7,500,000/$45,000/MO. 6 BR | 5 BA | OCEANFRONT HOME

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

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

25316 MALIBU ROAD $8,450,000 6 BR | 6 BA | OCEANFRONT 4-UNIT PROPERTY

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

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

27132 MALIBU COVE COLONY DR. $6,750,000/$22,500/MO.

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

226 MOONRISE DR. $5,995,000 3 BR | 4 BA | OCEAN VIEW HOME

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

6368 SEA STAR DR. $5,500,000 6 BR | 6 BA | OCEAN VIEW HOME

21569 PASEO SERRA $3,995,000 4 BR | 3 BA | OCEAN VIEW HOME

1445 EL BOSQUE CT., PACIFIC PALISADES $3,150,000

701 ALAMOSA DR. CLAREMONT, CA $2,988,000 5 BR | 7 BA | GRAND ESTATE

3 BR | 3 BA | OCEANFRONT HOME

2 1/2 ACRE FLAG LOT

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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88,000

emed reliae obtained

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

23400 W. MOON SHADOWS DR. $2,900,000 5 BR | 5 BA | OCEAN VIEW HOME

1545 S. MONTE VIENTO ST. $1,999,000 4 BR | | 4 BA | GREAT INDOOR-OUTDOOR LIVING

28904 VERDE MESA LANE $1,100,000 1.05 OCEAN VIEW ACRES

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

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

9533 DEER CREEK ROAD APX. 10.32 ACRES

3800 LATIGO CANYON ROAD

0 LAS FLORES

$1,595,000

$999,000 APPROX. 25 ACRES

$1,375,000

4 BR | 4 BA | OCEAN VIEW HOME

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

24434 MALIBU RD. $150,000/MONTH 5 BR | 6 BA | OCEANTFRONT HOME

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

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

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

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

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

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

32026 PCH $14,995/MO. 4 BR | 4 BA | OCEAN VIEW HOME

25316 MALIBU RD. #2 $14,500/MO. 2 BR | 2 BA | OCEANFRONT APT.

22102 PCH

$100,000/MONTH

4 BR | 4 BA | OCEANFRONT HOME

27910 PCH $79,995/MONTH 3 BR | 6 BA | OCEAN VIEW HOME

28026 SEA LANE DR. $60,000/MONTH 4 BR | 5 BA | OCEANFRONT HOME

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

23618 MALIBU COLONY RD. $39,500/MO. 4 BR | 5 BA | OCEANFRONT HOME

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

25316 MALIBU RD. #3 $8,000/MO. 1 BR | 1 BA | OCEANFRONT APT.

25316 MALIBU RD. #1 $15,000/MONTH 2 BR | 2 BA | OCEANFRONT APT.

25316 MALIBU RD. #4

$7,500/MO.

1 BR | 1 BA | OCEANFRONT APT.

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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Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

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2020

REAL ESTATE TRENDS Malibu Magazine interviewed 10 of the most influential agents in Malibu about market trends, what the best areas in town to to buy into are and the lasting effect of the Woolsey Fire.

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REAL ESTATE

IRENE DAZZAN-PALMER Dazzan Palmer is Coldwell Banker’s #1 agent and has been a Malibu resident since 1980.

I feel Malibu is undervalued compared to Brentwood, etc...

What real estate trends do you foresee in 2020?

The beginning of the year was tough because it was after the fire, however, towards the summer and in the last few months has really been an upswing. 2019’s upper end of sales were pretty similar to the upper end of the year before.

Last year [there were over] $200 million [in sales] and there were about $220 million worth of sales from the end of August until now [December, 2019].

The highest sale was $100 million. This sale was post fire so it seems the fires haven’t affected the very wealthy. Everybody still wants to live in Malibu. Then there was a big sale on carbon beach close to $30 million and another $40+ million on Point Dume. My son and I sold a house on the bluffs off market for $24 million. So there’s been some very large sales post fire in the upper end of the market.

It’s mostly the two to five million range that has been hurt this year (those are often canyon houses). [That price range] was down at least 50 percent. I feel very optimistic that in 2020 Malibu is going to start rebuilding, especially western Malibu which has been hit the hardest.

I still feel Malibu is undervalued compared to Brentwood,

Beverly Hills, Santa Monica and the Pacific Palisades. Here you get Malibu’s beauty and you get some space to breathe. It’s a great place to raise children.

We’ve had a very strong year post fire. It was, of course, a little down from last year but it picked up from the summer on.

However, It’s still a tricky market. I think sellers have to be price conscious as far as pricing their properties correctly.

What we’re doing a lot now is helping the homeowner stage the home, get it ready for sale, paint it, and make it the best it can possibly be. That’s what people want. People don’t want to come in here, buy from out of town, have a second home and then have to redo it. I think it’s important for a homeowner to get their house prepared for sale, price it correctly and then I think everything is sellable.

What areas in Malibu will be best to buy into in 2020?

What a question. Buying in Malibu isn’t always about the money and the investment; it’s about the lifestyle, where you want to live and what you feel good about. I think Malibu all in all is a good investment, no matter where you buy. If you want to hear the ocean

and the waves, then of course beach houses and houses on the bluffs have always been the big tickets. If you have children in school you might want to be by the school district and if you love the serenity of nature and going hiking and seeing waterfalls then you might want to be in the canyons. I don’t think it’s all about ‘Where do you think the best place to buy is’. I think it’s who you are, what makes you tick and what your dream house is. Everyone is different and has different needs.

When is the best time for people to put their home on the market?

I’m thinking right after the first of the year [is a good time].

Everybody says, ‘let’s wait until spring’ but why? We have such great weather here so I always feel that coming on to the market mid January is good. Our spring market is very strong.

Spring and near September are usually our two big thrusts. Why not jump ahead and get your home on the market before everyone else’s inventory hits?

Then if there’s a buyer looking, your house is it. I always think it’s better to come on the market earlier rather than later.

Do you feel the market will still be affected by the Woolsey fire throughout 2020?

I feel that because we’ve lost a lot of people, especially in western Malibu, who have either left or are rebuilding, of course there is going to be an effect.

There will also be some opportunities though. From the bad there’s always good that comes as well. That’s how I always look at life. In fact, our big sale that I had [in 2019] was from people that lost their home and didn’t want to rebuild so they bought something that was already existing. There are opportunities for people who lost their homes who want to stay in Malibu and would rather buy a new home. There will also be opportunities for land for people who want to come and build their dream house. Of course it’s incredibly sad for people who perhaps can’t afford to rebuild and who didn’t have the proper insurance.

Now that we’ve had this nice rain, it’s all pretty and green.

I think we’re going to have a beautiful spring. I think we’re going to recover, and we’ve already started. We live in the most beautiful place in the world, and people want to come here. I feel very optimisMM tic for 2020.

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SHEN SCHULZ A born-and-bred Malibu local, Schulz is Sotheby’s Malibu’s #1 broker, with over $1 billion in sales.

More buyers come from the city will come to Malibu What real estate trends do you foresee in 2020?

I see the trend continuing to have more buyers from the city coming to Malibu as the demographic of the wealthiest people, which is 45-60 years old, make more money and have success in their careers in Los Angeles, will want to get further away from the city and have a little more peace.

The sales will continue to rise in terms of price and volume along the beach. There has been low inventory this past year, which has been part of the challenge. In 2018, we have 26 homes sold between four and six million, this year we had six [homes sold in that price range]. And it’s a huge deficit.

There were 43 homes sold between one million and three million and we’re on track for that. And there were homes sold above 8 million that are similar in sales volume from ‘18 and ‘19. The inventory has been low, not because of the fire but because there hasn’t been good product on the market. As long as there’s good houses coming on the market that people want to buy, there’s plenty of buyers in that four to six million range that are looking for homes.

Interest rates are low and

there’s plenty of money in the world. People will continue to buy in “the most affordable riviera on the planet” (according to Larry Ellison).

I’m very bullish for the market. I think it will continue to be very strong because people love to live in Malibu. Malibu for a lot of people is like selling property or owning property in hawaii. It becomes a want not a need—for some—and they fall in love with the idea of a beautiful oasis that’s close enough to Los Angeles. If people can afford it, which many can, we will continue with an upward trend.

What areas in Malibu will be best to buy into in 2020?

Malibu Road is going to continue to do really well. It always sells. Carbon Beach will have some great sales.

The Point Dume area has about 26 homes a year that sell. The apex predator buyer, I call them, is the 40-50 year old successful person in the music, television or movie business, that has always wanted to surf and wants to be with their friends. They come out to Point Dume and go down to those private beach gates where there’s no paparazzi and no access and they learn to surf at

Little Dume. Those markets will continue to trend above and beyond almost any other place in Malibu.

When is the best time for people to put their home on the market?

March is an excellent month.

July and August are counter-intuitively slow, a lot of Los Angeles, like the rest of the world, goes on holiday during those two months. We have increased rentals but decreased sales during the summer months so it’s better to put your house on the market sooner rather than later. It takes four to six months [to sell], sometimes up to a year out here. Sellers should be price conscious to adjust their prices sooner than later. Within six weeks consider a price reduction. Every other part of Los Angeles does that.

Sellers in Malibu tend to wake up at around 6 months and consider a price reduction after they’ve already languished on the market. Buyers that come from other areas looking into Malibu, when a home’s been on the market for 6 months, which is the average time out here, they don’t know that; they wonder what’s wrong with the house. So it’s better to adjust

their price sooner than later and I recommend doing that in the first six to eight weeks.

Do you feel the market will still be affected by the Woolsey fire throughout 2020?

Yes, because until the city invests time, money and support to help the citizens feel safe in the future and until some homes have been rebuilt, where people see the end result, they will have questions.

And when there’s questions, there’s fear and when there’s fear there’s no dollars showing up.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

My vision for 2020 is positivity, success and lots of cash for MM everyone.

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REAL ESTATE

SUSAN MONUS

MADISON HILDEBRAND

Monus ranks top 1% internationally in sales for Coldwell Banker.

A founding member of Compass and The Malibu Life Team.

Inventory is low

Anytime is the right time

What real estate trends do you foresee in 2020?

Many economic reports point to a strong forecast for 2020 with interest rates remaining low and demand increasing. Inventory is lower than normal so that may affect the number of transactions as people search for the “right property” to meet their needs.

What real estate trends do you foresee in 2020?

I see Malibu as a patient who underwent intensive surgery for burns, however, the phoenix is riding from the ashes and the real estate [market] is taking shape and new form, and the new construction has a particularly attractive design which will bring new energy to our great beachside village.

People have not forgotten, but we all know disasters can strike anywhere, but malibu isn’t just anywhere, it is a way of life that people want to live whether it be the people of the scenery, or both... I’m very optimistic about Malibu’s future with regards to real estate.

What areas in Malibu will be best to buy into in 2020?

There is value everywhere in Malibu depending on the goals and needs of the Buyer. There are parcels of land for development, great beach homes, fabulous view homes and numerous opportunities on Point Dume. I always feel we have something for everyone in a wide variety of price ranges.

When is the best time for people to put their home on the market?

Our strongest market is traditionally the first 5 months of the year. Buyers and sellers make major decisions over the long holidays and my experience over thirty years of working here confirms that Mali-

bu has always had a strong spring market.

Do you feel the market will still be affected by the Woolsey fire throughout 2020?

I think we are starting our rebound from the Woolsey Fire. As new construction begins to come to completion and enter the market, we will see a resurgence of activity as the appetite for new homes is always strong. We currently have an active local market of people relocating within Malibu and local Investors who own multiple properties.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Malibu is a resilient city.

The commitment and dedication of the residents who have lived here for years is unwavering and palpable especially in adversity. To look around every day and see our gorgeous mountains and beautiful ocean and beaches that frame our city makes one feel like they are one of the luckiest people in the MM world.

What areas in Malibu will be best to buy into in 2020?

The best areas that are the areas that are right for each person. All parts of malibu offer something different, unique and/or special to the location. That is not a simple answer.

When is the best time for people to put their home on the market?

People are surprising me now, as it has be a year and they don’t want to wait any

longer. I just listed a property at 30826 Broach Beach Rd. for $15,500,000 [in early December], because buyers are around during the holidays and our market has been squeezed for so long that the inventory bas been shy to hit the market. Now, people feel anytime is the right time going forward.

Do you feel the market will still be affected by the Woolsey fire throughout 2020?

I don’t think anyone will not feel the effcts of the fire somehow, but in the big scheme of things I don’t believe it will windle handedly shape our market, but it con’t be invincible either. I would say the market will be 20% changed by the 2018 Woolsey Fire. It will be an exciting year, simply because so much is unknown.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I am so grateful and lucky to be living in a community with such strength and uniquivocal selflessness. This is the Malibu I love.

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ELLEN FRANCISCO A member of Coldwell Banker’s Society of Excellence, with 36 years experience in Malibu real estate.

Areas affected by the fire will have beautiful new homes What real estate trends do you foresee in 2020?

I am happy to say that overall, I foresee an improved spring market. More permits are being issued for residents to re-build their homes and there are many more permits in the pipeline.

There have been sales of burn out lots and soon we will see many more homes under construction. Some of these homes may be offered for sale at the end of the building process (probably 2021).

Malibu has always been an attractive way of life for people and once they come out and visit and maybe even rent here for a while, they realize the benefit of living here. After moving here from Santa Monica 50 years ago, I can honestly say that it is truly a unique lifestyle, one I wouldn’t trade for any other place. We are past the devastation as far as how overall Malibu looks and with homes under construction and people living in temporary structures while they re-build, people from out of the area see the strength, determination and commitment that Malibu residents exude. I see lots with and without approved plans coming on the market and homes that have been leased coming back on the market mid next year. With

the limit on how much can be deducted on property taxes and the increase in insurance premiums I think that many people are just on the sidelines waiting to see what is going to happen in the future.

Also, activity often slows down during an election year as people are uncertain as to what the elections will bring. We are a unique area, but we are also subject to national trends as well as local trends.

What areas in Malibu will be best to buy into in 2020?

That is a difficult question because it always depends on where people want to live and whether they want to be close to Santa Monica or up the Coast. There is also the decision of whether to be on the beach, the bluff, Point Dume or landside of the Pacific Coast Highway.

One thing that will happen, as it has in the past, is that the neighborhoods that were the most affected by the fire will have beautiful new homes which will certainly affect the values in a very positive way. I think people who want to be near the schools will choose Malibu Park and Point Dume and the surrounding areas. Some will choose being up in the canyons as that is also a

very different lifestyle.

It is certainly a good opportunity for someone to buy a burned out lot and build a home and be able to live in Malibu without going through the extensive waiting period when someone starts from scratch on raw land.

When is the best time for people to put their home on the market?

Since there are fewer homes on the market during the holidays and the first of the year, there is less competition if someone really wants to buy now. Also homes look so festive with decorations up. The other side of the coin is that there are also fewer buyers, so as a result, many people choose to wait until February or March at the beginning of what is usually our busiest time for home sales.

My preference would be to wait until mid January or February, as long as we don’t have a very rainy season like last year.

Do you feel the market will still be affected by the Woolsey fire throughout 2020?

There may be additional burnout lots coming on the market as some people are deciding that they just don’t want to or can’t re-build. Some of the construction has already begun and

during 2020 there should be many more permits issued and new homes under construction. It is still undetermined just how many people are ultimately going to re-build and stay here and how many residents are going to sell their land and move to a home already built or out of the area.

In general, our market has been affected by the fire as well an an overall slowdown in many different areas of the real estate markets. It is still unknown as to how many people will actually re-build or sell their lots.

The East end of Malibu will not be as affected as the West end of Malibu. There are just not as many homes available yet, but hopefully many more will be under construction and neighborhoods will slowly come back to life.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I would very much like to Wish Everyone a Healthy, Happy and Positive New Year. Try to stay positive and keep moving MM forward.

154 MALIBU MAGAZINE

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REAL ESTATE

TOM CLEMENTS A Sotheby’s agent with 35 years of experience in sales and investments.

The best area to buy will the ones hit hardest by Woolsey Before I discuss the Real Estate trends I foresee in 2020, here is a very brief synopsis of the Malibu Real Estate background from last year.

Over 400 homes were destroyed in the Malibu City Limits and another 250 in the unincorporated L.A County Malibu area [due to the Woolsey Fire]. Losses are estimated to be in the vicinity of two billion dollars. in my MALIBU MAGAZINE article from last January I predicted that, as the tragic fire memories slowly begin to fade, the burned out homes destroyed are cleared away, and Malibu’s beautiful natural green environment returns, that the real estate market would slowly begin it’s recovery. And that gradual recovery is what is now taking place. The 2019 statistics have been daunting. The number of sales from the first 6 months of 2019 were down 50% from 2018! The dollar sales volume through November of this year is down 40% from a year ago. $892,173,444 through November, 2018 to only $622,717,595 for 2019. As you can see we have a long way back.

Currently there are 180 single family homes on the

market in Malibu, both the beach and landside. And only 15 homes currently In Escrow with an Accepted Offer.

So much for the challenging news. Now some bright spots and signs of recovery.

A Paradise Cove ocean bluff estate sold for $100,000,000 (one hundred million dollars!) in August of this year.

43 homes have sold already in 2019 for over $4,000,000. 13 of those homes sold for over $10,000,000, including sales of $19,500,000, $21,750,000, $23,425,000, and $34,500,000.

This is a strong indication that the very wealthy buyers have faith in the intrinsic value of owning Malibu real estate. I see continuing and increasing demand for homes in Malibu for 2020. I expect sales to make a comeback during 2020, and a dramatic jump during 2021 and 2022 as many brand new homes come on the market that were lost during the fire.

What areas in Malibu will be best to buy into in 2020?

My feeling is that the best areas to buy into during 2020 will be those hardest hit by the Woolsey fire. Mainly Malibu Park, and those streets in Pt. Dume where homes were lost.

These will be very attractive because they will all be brand new, with the latest building and safety requirements (including fire). They will reflect a substantial increase in construction quality and design techniques. This should result in a dramatic increase in Malibu home prices going forward.

When is the best time for people to put their home on the market?

As far as people deciding when to put their homes on the market this year I think springtime will be optimal.

Optimism will be greater than in 2019 and renewed competition among buyers to find a good Malibu home before the anticipated big spike in prices as the new more expensive properties begin to hit the market.

Do you feel the market will still be affected by the Woolsey fire throughout 2020?

Finally, the Malibu real estate market will still be affected throughout 2020 by the Woolsey fire in the following ways. Buyers from outside California, including International buyers, may still have fear about living in Malibu

because of all the devastating wild fires and resulting negative publicity. Because of the scope of the Woolsey fire and others it will take longer to let the fear fade than in the past. The other effect from the Woolsey fire in 2020 will be the large amount of vacant lots that will be coming on the market. It turns out that many homeowners found out they were seriously under insured when their homes were destroyed. Because of this many, especially long term, Malibu homeowners cannot afford to rebuild. So a much larger than previous supply of vacant lots will be coming on the market during 2020. Already we are seeing many developers and builders buying up these lots now as they come on the market. They are particularly interested because of the expedited Building Permit process and serious Permit cost savings instituted by the City of Malibu for the structures lost during the Woolsey fire.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The Phoenix of Malibu Real Estate is rising out of the ashes!

MM

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ANI DERMENJIAN

BRIAN MERRICK

Architectural specialist with over 25 years of experience at Coldwell Banker.

One of Coldwell Banker’s top 1% of agents worldwide.

An increased inventory in 2020

I expect the market to recover

What real estate trends do you foresee in 2020?

In 2020, we’ll likely see an increased inventory with more properties coming on the market. In addition, there is a high probability that we’ll continue to see a decline in by millenials buying in Los Angeles due to affordability.

What real estate trends do you foresee in 2020?

With Malibu being a well known location throughout the world and the limited supply of properties available I expect that the Malibu Real Estate Market will remain constant. Unlike other communities Malibu is most people’s last stop. While someone on the Westside may sell to upgrade to Brentwood or Palisades and from there to Malibu, once that person has made it to Malibu there is nowhere else to upgrade.

What areas in Malibu will be best to buy into in 2020?

In terms of primary residences, homes located near our local schools and/ or amenities such as those deeded to the La Costa Beach & Tennis Club are predictably popular, especially for families with children. For those seeking to purchase a second home in the Malibu, beachfront properties have historically been considered a great investment that continue to hold their value over time.

When is the best time for people to put their home on the market?

This is a question that is frequently asked to us as realtors, and my response is that there is always that buyer who is looking to make a

purchase due to any number of reasons (relocation, change in family circumstances, etc.) regardless of the time of year or even the season so there really isn’t necessarily a specific “best time” to put a home on the market.

Do you feel the market will still be affected by the Woolsey fire throughout 2020?

The Woolsey Fire had a tremendous impact on the Malibu market in that we lost several hundred homes, which inevitably lends itself to new challenges which is something that unfortunately won’t change overnight but we continue to remain optimistic about the year MM ahead.

What areas in Malibu will be best to buy into in 2020?

Malibu Real Estate no matter the location has always been a great long term investment. Due to the limited supply and lack of availability, Beach properties tend to be recession proof. Beyond the beach the properties with flat land and ocean views tend to be the next best investments.

When is the best time for people to put their home on the market?

In the spring there are more buyers looking, and in the case of Malibu, many buyers want to get into a property so they can enjoy the summer or make improvements prior to the school year. Ultimately, there is no bad time to bring a Malibu property to the market.

Do you feel the market will still be affected by the Woolsey fire throughout 2020?

The market was slower in 2019 than previous years no doubt as a result of the Woolsey Fire. In 2020, I expect that the market will recover. I do not think we will see much appreciation growth but neither do I see any dramatic downturn. Unlike the 1993 fire where still today you can see foundations and chimneys, with the Woolsey fire required removal of those items, there are not as many reminders. It is not as traumatic of an emotion for a buyer. I expect more burned out lots to come on the market in 2020 as people discover that they were under insured or do not want to deal with the city of Malibu and the rebuild process.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Malibu is going through a cultural and demographic change which started before the fire only to be acerbated by the fire. “Old Malibu” is moving on for various reasons and readily replaced by a younger more affluent resident.

With these new residents come different needs, desires, priorities, and expectations. I am very blessed to live, work, and have spent my whole life here!

MM

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REAL ESTATE

KATHY ELLIS A member of Coldwell Banker’s International Society of Excellence.

The buyers are concerned about the cost of insurance What real estate trends do you foresee in 2020?

I’ll begin by saying that no one expected to see the decline in home sales that occurred in 2019 after the Woolsey Fire. In 2018 there were 210 homes sold from January 1 through December 16. In 2019 there were only 127 home sales in the same time period. Home sales were down by 40% over the sales in 2018. The encouraging news is that sales have begun to pick up in the last month. Agents report being busier and more homes are going into escrow than earlier in the year. Malibu is a world-class destination and the desire for property here is beginning to return.

The average days on market according to the MLS has been 100 days in 2019.

I expect to see the pickup in sales continue into 2020 and throughout the rest of the year.

Will the year be as robust as 2018? We’ll have to wait and see.

Over the years there has been a tremendous demand for Malibu properties, as we’re one of the most desirable locations in Southern California, if not the entire country. I believe this will translate into a lot more sales in 2020. Prices did not dip much in 2019. I don’t expect a softening of prices in 2020.

What areas in Malibu will be best to buy into in 2020?

There are so many wonderful areas in Malibu that it really depends on who is buying and what their needs are. The beach is an excellent place to purchase a second home. Families will likely gravitate toward Malibu Park and Point Dume for larger lots and beach keys while those desiring a location close to Los Angeles may prefer Big Rock or Sea View Estates even though the lot sizes are smaller. Exclusivity exists for those who prefer to live behind gates, as can be found in Serra Retreat, the Malibu Colony and Malibu Cove Colony. Many people come to Malibu for seclusion and to get away from the city. For them, there are many secluded, rural areas away from everything. It’s really the buyer’s preference as to which area will be best for them.

This is also a time of renewal in Malibu. Many people have been and will be purchasing lots whose homes burned down.

There are those who believe that the burned areas will be considerably more desirable when entire neighborhoods have been rebuilt. An early purchase into these neighborhoods may prove to be a lucrative investment as time goes by.

When is the best time for people to put their home on the market?

First of all, there are always buyers looking for great properties in Malibu year round. If someone has a desirable property and prices it correctly there is no “best” time to list their home.

While there may be somewhat less activity during the winter months, the buyers who are out looking at this time are serious buyers, not people who just enjoy looking at homes as a hobby.

While many think springtime is the best time to list, there will be more competition from other homes who will also be listing at this time. I would suggest to those considering putting their home on the market that they consult with their real estate expert before listing and make sure they prepare their home for market. The way we market a home is different from the way we live in a home. Your Realtor can help you prepare so that you’ll be able to get the highest price possible from the sale of your home.

Do you feel the market will still be affected by the Woolsey fire throughout 2020?

I think it will be affected, but I don’t think it will prevent as many sales from taking place as it did in 2019. One of the ways it’s

affecting us is the buyer’s concerns for cost of insurance. I have a listing right now [December 2019] where the buyer is writing an offer, and his agent is asking me for the price of insurance for the year. This is one of the challenges we’re facing in the aftermath of the fire. Other people have continued to mention their reluctance to buy due to the fire hazard we have in Malibu, however I’m finding that now they’re voicing their reluctance and they’re writing their offer, where before they weren’t writing their offer because their reluctance was so great. As we move into 2020 I believe that more and more buyers will feel better and better about purchasing a home in Malibu even though we just came through the Woolsey Fire, our biggest disaster ever.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

All in all, Malibu is a great community, a beautiful area and a wonderful place to live, whether it’s a person’s primary home, the secondary home, or their third home. We’re in a time of renewal, and our community will continue to offer a fabulous environment for those who choose to own here, to live here, and to MM build their lives here.

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RUSSELL GRETHER & TONY MARK Founders of the Mark & Grether Group, Grether and Mark have a combined 35 years of experience and net over $1 billion in sales.

We recommend Broad Beach and Malibu Park What real estate trends do you foresee in 2020?

We expect the Malibu market to remain active and strong in 2020 but with a few caveats.

Interest rates are still historically low, and Malibu is still one of the best places to live in the world, and those things should remain in place through 2020!

The caveats are that buyers have become more particular and sellers have to be willing to work with us more closely to get their properties sold.

Homes need to be compelling in this market, and as we move into 2020. They can be compellingly priced, or they can be compelling in their presentation, or preferably, both. The best apple in its category will sell. We recommend cleaning, painting, and staging for any of our listings that are not new construction. Compass offers an amazing program to pay for all of the up front costs for preparatory work and then to finance the costs at 0% interest until the close of escrow. We generally see the homes that do this program sell faster and for better prices, and highly recommend our clients take advantage of the program.

What areas in Malibu will be best to buy into in 2020?

We both live in Malibu and feel it is one of the best places to live in the world. From a pure investment perspective we recommend Broad Beach Road on the beach side, and Malibu Park on the land side.

Broad Beach Road, the Malibu Colony, and Carbon Beach have historically been considered Malibu’s “A-List� beach addresses for beach homes. Of the 3, Broad Beach is the only one of those markets that has not met or exceeded its high water price levels of the 20062007 markets. The beach replenishment project continues to keep Broad Beach at least 30-40% off of its all time highs.

If you believe that the Broad Beach homeowner group, who represent some of the most powerful and influential people in Los Angeles County, will ultimately complete the project, its hard not to find value here.

On the land side, Malibu Park is the market we see performing best in the coming years.

As land specialists, this is an area we follow closely, Russell lives in Malibu Park, and Tony owns property there that he is looking forward to building

on. The Woolsey fire hit Malibu with a level of devastation never before seen, and Malibu Park was the hardest hit. There are many home owners who were under insured, and many others who are just tired of the process of trying to obtain permits and rebuilding. We have sold 4 burnout lots this year and see more in the pipeline for 2020. The increase in lots going to market will put downward pressure on pricing and offer buyers unprecedented opportunities in the coming year.

When is the best time for people to put their home on the market?

Spring is currently considered to be the best time to put homes on the market. However timing is not so easy to pigeon hole because inventory levels shift continuously, and weather can be glorious in Malibu almost any time of the year. We expect to see a bump in inventory in January as that is another popular time for properties to launch that are currently in the pipeline but decide to wait out the holidays.

Do you feel the market will still be affected by the Woolsey fire throughout 2020?

The market has most definitely been affected by the fire, and will be for years to come.

This is not in all negative ways though. For buyers there are opportunities to purchase and build that may not come around again in our lifetimes. Areas like Malibu Park will see so many new homes being built in place of many older homes that it will transform the presentation of the overall market, and we expect great things, along with rising prices, in the Malibu Park area after the burnout lots have been rebuilt. We consider Malibu Park to be one of the best investments of 2020.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

We live in and love the community of Malibu. We have tried hard to help relocate many of our friends and clients who lost homes and we continue to post resources on our website, blog and The Malibu Podcast. We are very approachable people and are always available as a resource to anyone looking for a home in Malibu or reevaluating their deciMM sion to rebuild or sell.

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DIRECTORY

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