March/April 2019

MALIBU www.malibumag.com

MAGAZINE

SPECIAL REPORT

REELING FROM WOOLSEY “What Went Wrong?”

We Answer Top Questions Dr. Ahmadpour On the Lasting Effects of Smoke Inhalation

Attorney Robert F. Kennedy Sues Boeing and SCE

FOOD + DRINK Where to Eat Now UNDER THE PACIFIC Exploring Malibu’s Coastline PALM SPRINGS Our Top Desert Picks $ 5.95 US

APRIL 2019

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GET ACQUAINTED WITH

SHEN SCHULZ “Malibu is stronger than ever!”

As a lifelong resident of Malibu and licensed California Real Estate Broker since 2001, Shen Schulz leads the way among Malibu and California coastal city realtors by offering clients true local knowledge and insight on the luxury residential real estate market.

Having grown up in Malibu and with over 17 years of real estate success, his unsurpassed negotiation and communication skills have brought his many clients great success and happiness. Recognized by his professionalism and integrity, Shen is a premier choice and client favorite for local home buyers and sellers.

Shen has consistently been awarded as being in the top 1/2% of all realtors among the Sotheby’s International Realty and NRT network of more than 48,000 realtors worldwide.

Shen’s mantra is that “no one truly wins unless everyone wins,” which exemplifies his spirit of collaboration. This quality, along with his acumen and entrepreneurship have earned him a reputation for being a bold and aggressive businessman with a laser focus on numbers, negotiation and the bottom line.

SHEN SCHULZ shen@shenrealty.com DRE: 1327630 | 310.980.8809

Shen is synonymous with luxury, high-end real estate in Malibu, Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades, Venice, Calabasas and Agoura Hills. His knowledge of those communities gives his clients a supreme advantage when buying or selling their properties.

MALIBU-POINT DUME BROKERAGE | 28700 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265 | sothebyshomes.com Sotheby’s International Realty and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered (or unregistered) service marks used with permission. Operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. Real estate agents affiliated with Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc. SIR DRE License Number: 899496

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LETTER FROM THE EDITORS

Julie Wuellner

Holly Bieler

2019 started out as an unusual year, with many of us still reeling from the Woolsey Fire and a recent slew of rainstorms that have only brought new headaches and dangers to our usually sunny hometown. But despite all of that, with spring in the air it’s hard not to feel optimistic about the year ahead of us.

We start out our March/April issue on a more serious, journalistic note by taking a look at some of the top issues surrounding the aftermath of the Woolsey Fire. We traveled to San Francisco to meet up with activist and environmental attorney Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who discussed the lawsuit he recently filed against Boeing and SCE on behalf of 100 plaintiffs alleging responsibility for damages incurred by the Woolsey Fire. We also delve into the dangers of smoke inhalation, interviewing Dr. Hed Ahmadpour, one of L.A.’s leading cardiologists, about the potential risks residents might expect. With numerous frustrations still looming around the city’s handling of its response to Woolsey, journalist Barbara Burke lays out some of the top questions and frustrations in her story, Malibuites Seek Answers. We also take a look at how all the recent rain has and will continue to affect our city, from road closures and flooding to debris flow danger. City Councilmember and L.A. Fire Captain Rick Mullen gives us some practical tips on how to make sure we are prepared and what areas to avoid.

Shifting to our shores, we’re extremely excited to be featuring the underwater photography of award-winning adventure photographer Tyler Shiffman, who grew up surfing and diving in the waters of Malibu. Now he travels the world pursuing his passion for the ocean. In this issue, he takes us deep below Malibu’s waters for a view of our home that few have seen before.

With our March/April issue, we’re also debuting our first Food and Drink special. From profiles of some of our favorite Malibu Farmers Market vendors to a roundup of exciting new eateries popping up from Malibu to Century City, our special section reminds us that L.A. is truly undergoing a food renaissance We round out our issue with a travel guide to the perfect long weekend in Palm Springs. With sunny (but not blazingly hot) days and balmy nights, spring is the perfect time to head out and explore the vibrant, colorful and eclectic desert town. Hit the spa, fly through the desert on ATVs, have cocktails at 8,500 + feet; Palm Springs has it all, and our guide is the perfect stepping-off point for exploring.

These have been a difficult but pivotal past few months for our community, rife with anxiety but also incredible regrowth, tremendous hardship and moments of true joy. We hope this jam-packed issue captures something of that multifarious spirit.

Lastly, if you would like to get involved with Malibu Magazine, we’d love to have you join our team! Whether you’re a writer, editor, photographer, sales rep or a Malibuite with pitches and ideas, we are looking for more contributors. You can email us directly at julie@malibumag.com.

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H A R D W O OD F LO OR I NG

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CONTENTS

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

36

WOOLSEY SPECIAL WHAT TO KNOW Robert F. Kennedy Jr. sues Boeing and SCE, a deep-dive into the effects of smoke inhalation and answers to what went wrong.

56 PREPARING FOR NEXT TIME Dr. Dean Graulich of Malibu Coast

Animal Hospital training with his newly acquired fire fighting equipment.

60

RAIN & MUDSLIDES GETTING PREPARED Malibu faces a new wave of anxiety and potential dangers as an unusually wet spring pummels the city with rain.

70

ART FLU.I.D.ITY AT CANVAS 48 WHAT WENT WRONG? Answers to Malibu’s top questions about the fire.

70 FLU.I.D.TY Photography by Aaron Lacey at Canvas.

Photographer Aaron Lacey’s technically-fastidious photographs celebrating the female form are on display at Canvas.Malibu.

78

FASHION MME. WEATHERSBY Old Hollywood elegance meets modern refinement in LA-based atelier Mme. Weathersby’s latest collection.

82

WELLNESS 360 DEGREE HEALING

60 FLOODING As rainstorm after rainstorm hit Malibu this spring, closed

roads, sandbags and flooded playgrounds have become a common sight.

12

Craniosacral Practioner Jamie Winters advocates for integrative wellness and the benefits of Craniosacral therapy.

MALIBU MAGAZINE

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Clothing for Life’s Great Moments

FAHERTYB R AND.COM M ALI B U COUNTRY MART 3835 C R OSS C R EEK R OAD NOW OPEN I N PALI SADES VI LL AGE

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CONTENTS

88

ROBOT MALIBU’S NEW SECURITY GUARD After several months at Malibu Village, robot RBuD2 has generated security, confusion and even a little entertainment to Malibu shoppers.

92

PHOTO STORY UNDER MALIBU’S SURFACE Award-winning adventure photographer Tyler Shiffman takes us deep under the Pacific to explore Malibu from a new perspective.

92 UNDERNEATH THE CANOPY Photographer Tyler Shiffman captures Black Rockfish gathering in large schools in a kelp forest.

108

FOOD + DRINK WHERE TO EAT NOW In our Food + Drink special we talk with some of the Malibu Farmers Market’s most beloved vendors and take a look at restaurants opening in 2019.

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138 PALM SPRINGS Our picks for the perfect weekend getaway.

128 EATALY LA Italy comes to Century City.

A WEEKEND IN... PALM SPRINGS The best spots to explore, dine and relax during a perfect long weekend getaway in Palm Springs.

151

REAL ESTATE THE MARKET RIGHT NOW Cormac O’Herlihy discusses the state of Malibu’s real estate market after the fire, plus a sit-down with realtor Sean Landon.

152

MALIBU REBUILDS RISING BUILDING COSTS 118 STRAWBERRIES GALORE Every Sunday Alcantar Organics brings some of the most fresh and delicious strawberries to Malibu’s farmers market.

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Architects, realtors and contractors sound off on the costs Malibuites can expect during the rebuilding process.

MALIBU MAGAZINE

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DUNE COLLECTION BY SEBASTIAN HERKNER

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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MASTHEAD

MALIBU www.malibumag.com

MAGAZINE

SPECIAL REPORT

REELING FROM WOOLSEY ‘What Went Wrong?”

We Answer Top Questions Dr. Ahmadpour On the Lasting Effects of Smoke Inhalation

Attorney Robert F. Kennedy Sues Boeing and SCE

PUBLISHER

Dirk Manthey EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Julie Wuellner

MANAGING EDITOR FOOD + DRINK Where to Eat Now UNDER THE PACIFIC Exploring Malibu’s Coastline PALM SPRINGS Our Top Desert Picks $ 5.95 US

Holly Bieler

ART DIRECTOR

Petra Pflug

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

Michelle Gisler

APRIL 2019

SANTA MONICA + BEVERLY HILLS + CALABASAS + WESTLAKE VILLAGE

SALES MANAGER

Makenzie Rasmussen SALES LEAD

Lauren McCarran Danny Wang Brittney Bednar EDITORS-AT-LARGE

Holly Bieler Barbara Burke Brenna Spalding Suzanne Guldimann

Jules Williams Cormac O’Herlihy Samira Fatehyar Jamie Winters

Julie Wuellner Tyler Schiffman Kaelin Mendez Jack Platner Aaron Lacey

Ray Ford Alexis Adams Jennifer Fujikawa Stu Mundel Jules Williams

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

ADVERTISING

advertising@malibumag.com DISTRIBUTION

Disticor Right Way Distribution Malibu Magazine (ISSN1938-9272) published bimonthly by ES Media Service LLC. 23410 Civic Center Way Unit E-8, Malibu, CA 90265.

Reproduction without permission of the publisher is prohibited. The publisher and editors are not responsible for unsolicited material, and it will be treated as unconditionally assigned for publication subject to Malibu Magazine’s right to edit.

POSTMASTER

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

Copyright © 2018 by ES Media Services LLC. All rights reserved.

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Art of Living sothebyshomes.com

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2001 Idaho Avenue, #2 Santa Monica | web: p108344 | $2,149,000 Dave White 818.292.1503 DRE 701498

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17351westsunset3a.com Pacific Palisades | web: 1290779 | $2,850,000 Tracy Testin 310.940.5578 DRE: 01212506 Maryam David 310.433.8862 DRE: 00934384

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Gorgeous Lakefront, 4 + 3 + Bonus Room Westlake Village | web: 0424335 | $1,549,000 Penny Singer 805.371.7445, DRE 00886394

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

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CONTRIBUTORS

BARBARA BURKE

Barbara Burke is a freelance journalist and writer from Malibu, California. 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, such as her articles concerning art, music, theater and the culinary arts, or delves into deeper topics, such as her articles in the realm of investigative journalism. The trick to writing well is to be comprehensive, yet incisive, to be informative and entertaining, yet fresh and new. It is a trick that Barbara strives to master. She is honored to write for Malibu Magazine.

BRENNA SPALDING

Brenna was raised on the beautiful coast of Northern California where she first took to writing at a young age. Now 20 years old with a strong will to tell a story, she resides in Los Angeles where you can find her reading, sipping caffeine, and taking full advantage of the numerous cafes. As a writer, she’s excited to be a part of honest, local journalism and quite honored to bring stories to light in such an enjoyable way.

TYLER SCHIFFMAN

Born and raised in Southern California, Tyler Schiffman has developed an endless love and passion for the ocean. He is an adventure photographer who specializes in underwater and free-dive photography. He gathers perspectives in nature both in and out of the water, and focuses on human interaction within the environment.

He spends his time traveling, spearfishing, and surfing all while seeking to photograph nature’s finest and most unique moments. From getting up close and personal with sharks in Micronesia to free-diving with whales in Mexico, Tyler is not afraid to go the extra mile and capture that special shot.

JULES WILLIAMS & ALISON POTHIER

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, Joanna Lumley, Twiggy, Sir Alan Parker, Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber and Hans Zimmer, among others. He is an FAA qualified Drone Pilot.

Previously a COO and Managing Director in investment banking, Alison features in the documentary “ChoicePoint” alongside world leading visionaries including Richard Branson, Nelson Mandela, Barbara Marx Hubbard and others. The owner of Inside Out Retreats, Alison runs retreats for individuals and executives.

SUZANNE GULDIMANN

Suzanne Guldimann is a lifelong Malibu resident and longtime local journalist, author, artist and musician. She has covered environment, arts, science, nature, history and crime for the local media for more than a decade. Her most recent book, “Life in Malibu,” is a collection of essays and photos on local history and natural history. She is also the author of nine books of music for the Celtic harp.

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Save 20%* o your entire fourthandheart.com order between now and April 30th, 2019 with promo code: MalibuMag20 *One use per customer

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@fourthandheart #fourthandheart

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BRIGHT NIGHT SKY photographer, Alexis Adam took this incredible image of Malibu‘s night sky from Piuma road. From there you have sweeping views of Malibu Canyon and the Pacific ocean.

On this starry night even Mars was visible (seen in the top right corner). You can see more of Adam‘s work on her instagram @lextravels_

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THE BIG PHOTO

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MALIBUITES

MALIBU LUMBER YARD

Galentines Sip’N Shop Event On Saturday, Feb 9, Malibu Lumber Yard’s center courtyard was transformed into a festive celebration of love, friendship & family as locals and visitors came out for an afternoon of Sips, Sweets & Shopping.

Complimentary festivities included Chandon Sparkling Cocktails, a selection of pink and white sweet treats, live DJ entertainment, sparkle manicures by Nail & Bone, hot stone cabana massages from Malibu Chiropractic & Wellness Center and an arometherapy bar with complimentary soaps from Saje.

Photography by Jennifer Fujikawa

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27500 La Vida Real, Los Altos Hills

Luxury and Privacy Await in Silicon Valley

People who can live anywhere in the world choose to live in Silicon Valley and so can you. Located on a lot of over 8 acres (per county), this magnificent 5 bedroom, 12 bath estate of 20,982 square feet (per county) offers the perfect blend of privacy and seclusion in one of the world’s most prestigious and respected areas. Globally-inspired architecture, flawless construction by an award-winning builder, and state-of-the-art innovative technology create an inspiring and comfortable lifestyle. Amenities include a 15-seat theater, 3,000-capacity wine cellar, separate office structure, indoor pool, and breathtaking views. Located only an hour’s flight away from Los Angeles, you’ll gain unparalleled access to some of the world’s top tech headquarters and prominent communities, as well as reside and relax in a quiet and luxurious setting.

For video tour & more photos, please visit:

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MALIBUITES

PEPPERDINE UNIVERSITY

H2 Life Intention Challenge Over the weekend of February x, H2 Life co-founders Melissa Eliyahoo and Sarah Nehamen partnered with Pepperdine University’s student run communications agency, The Waves Effect, and created a feelgood movement on campus. In the wake of the recent Malibu fires and other unfortunate incidences of violence at schools in the US, the groups were determined to create something positive to uplift spirits and inspire the community. The H2 Life Intention Challenge is a game that incorporated H2 Life’s positive intention stickers with donations from several sponsors such as Planet Blue, Saje, Fresh Brothers, Ring and Fair. H2 Life provided students with custom intention stickers and invited them to go out into the world and do something good, something that represented their word, their intention. Students made gratitude lists, created get togethers with friends and placed stickers in places that brought them joy. They noted that this activity brought them closer to what is meaningful in their lives and what drives them every day. Students posted their experiences and were eligible to win prizes from sponsors.

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Live Area 8.25 x 10.375

Stand Up for Your Rights

Now accepting select fire cases Photo Credit: Buck Lewis

Free Consultation Select Verdicts & Settlements (partial list)

$8+ mil settlement................................product liability $3 mil settlement.....pharmaceutical product liability $2.85 mil settlement.................construction accident $2.4 mil verdict.......................motor vehicle accident $1.4 mil mediation...............................wrongful death $900,000 settlement...................motorcycle accident $800,000 settlement...............motor vehicle accident $640,000 arbitration award......under-insured motorist $500,000 settlement...............................truck accident $385,000 settlement....................................trip-and-fall $343,000 settlement..................................sexual abuse $321,000 verdict.........................premises liability case $300,000 settlement...........................bicycle accident

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MALIBUITES

BUNGALOW LTD.

New Year, New Skin Event Malibu-ites looking to ring in the new year with a revitalized skincare routine descended on Downtown Malibu lighitng boutique Bungalow Ltd. on February 2nd, for an afternoon featuring cutting-edge new products from dermatology-inspired line RODAN + FIELDS. Hosted

by Jane Fileff and Jennifer Metzer, attendees were treated to complimentary skincare consultations, champagne and a raffle of products totalling $150.

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PEOPLE WE LOVE

✎ written by Barbara Burke

JUAN CARLOS RODRIGUEZ

More than Your Friendly Neighborhood Grocer When Malibuites shop at Ralph’s, one friendly face they often see is that of Juan Carlos Rodriguez, a checker and “go-to” guy for customers shopping for groceries and sundries. “I like to work in Malibu because I am a people person,” Rodriguez told Malibu Magazine. “It makes me happy to help them.”

Co-worker Liza Roberts summed up why Rodriguez is so fun to be around.

“Chuggy is a fantastic person,” She said. “He’s always smiling and buys us little treats – we just love him.” Why is his nickname Chuggy? “A few years ago, I was working with dispensers for flowers and the container said “Chuggy,” He said. “In a silly moment, they made a nickname and it just stuck.” Making the shopping experience fun, Rodriguez visits with customers. “I like to have conversations with them,” Rodriguez said. “We talk about sports and about each other’s kids.” When asked about his favorite sport, Rodriguez flashed a smile and said “I love the Lakers and I really enjoyed watching Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The team was having a bit of a struggle for awhile, But, this season, they’ll sign someone to help LeBron.” Rodriguez has been working at Ralph’s for 28 years. “Fifteen of those years, I’ve worked in Malibu.” He said.

“I love it.”

MALIBU MAGAZINE loves Juan Carlos Rodriguez for his caring, joyful manner and his dedication to helping everyone who comes into Ralphs.

STEVE DONNELLY

Delivering Packages and Smiles Whether it’s jogging on the side of Malibu Rd or delivering a package to your front door, Steve Donnelly is a man that’s widely recognized by the Malibu community, and rightfully so. Donnelly has been servicing the city of Malibu through countless package deliveries with UPS for over 32 years. “One thing I enjoy about my job is the people you meet,” he explains. “It’s a close community, everybody knows everybody. It’s unique from all the other cities I’ve lived in.” Donnelly has four generations of Los Angeles residents in his family, and he’s resided near Malibu for the past 12 years. Running his delivery route regularly through Malibu each morning, Donnelly has had many opportunities to become familiar with the residents of Malibu. When he’s not on his usual route, Donnelly can be spotted on a run, training for one of the many marathons he participates in. “I usually run right down Malibu Rd and everybody sees me.” Because of his genuine work ethic and appreciation of Malibu, Donnelly has connected with many residents and business owners here. He notes, “Usually everybody keeps to themselves in California, it’s neat being where it’s more of a community in Malibu.”

MALIBU MAGAZINE loves Steve Donnelly for his upbeat attitude and positive demeanor whether delivering packages or running around town.

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Agoura Sash & Door, Inc. Windows . Doors . Millwork . Hardware

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PEOPLE WE LOVE

AIDAN FU

A Superstar In the Making Since he was two-and-a-half, Aidan Fu, a fourth grader at Webster Elementary, has loved playing violin. “He was magnetically attracted to the instrument when I brought out my old violin,” said Charles Fu, Aidan’s dad. “He’s just fascinated with it.” Mom Cindy Fu proudly shared, “Aidan was the youngest person to perform with the Thousand Oaks Philharmonic when he was just 7.” Charles explained, “Aidan auditioned in the Thousand Oaks Philharmonic concerto competition and made his debut with that professional orchestra as soloist for two performances.”

Aidan, who studies violin with Professor Lorenz Gamma of California State University Northridge, was a finalist in the Classics Alive Artists Audition and medaled in the Southern California Junior Bach Festival Complete Works Audition.

Impressively, he has twice received a scholarship from the Westside Committee of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. He also plays piano and has won awards in that arena. He’s so smart! He represented Webster Elementary in the regional Los Angeles County Scripps Spelling Bee. What does he want to be when he’s grown up? “I like legos and math and science, but I really want to be a professional violin player.”

He said, flashing a wide, engaging grin. Look for Aidan when he plays the Bruch violin with the Thousand Oaks Philharmonic on April 26 and April 28.

MALIBU MAGAZINE loves Aidan Fu for his tremendous talent, passion and humility.

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MATT DIAMOND

Helping the The Beat Go On Malibu’s Matt Diamond, a third generation Pt. Dume Bomber, is the town’s concert promoter and marketer par excellence. If there’s a concert at Escobar, one often sees Diamond behind the scenes, ensuring mikes are set, instruments are ready, tickets are processed, and most importantly, that as the sun sets on Malibu, magical music makes for a memorable night. “I focus on organizing concerts, festivals, and experiential events.” Diamond told Malibu Magazine, explaining the ethos of his companies, Diamond Lane Entertainment and Electric Native. It’s about old school Malibu; it’s about locals; it’s about preserving this majestic place for future generations to enjoy. “Matt’s passion for all things Malibu is second to none,” said Doug Deluca, Founder of the Malibu Guitar Festival. “The beauty is he exhibits his love for our city by giving back through arts and culture, which we can never have enough of.” Diamond’s and his family focus on sustainable, off-the-grid communities and organic farming. “We care about creating the communities of the future.” Diamond said. Matt supports meaningful Malibu-centric charities, including Life Rolls On keeping stoke alive for spinal-cord victims, the Wild Kind, Thera Surf, Sea Shepherd, and the Malibu Boys & Girls Club.

MALIBU MAGAZINE loves Matt Diamond because, as his friend Brandon Jenner says, “He focuses on making the world a better place.”

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PEOPLE WE LOVE YURI SPIRO

Setting Sail For Success ​ e’s a publisher, a visionary and a free spirit. Malibu’s Yuri Spiro, owner H since 1980 of West World Productions, a publishing company, visited with Malibu Magazine at his lovely Cape Cod style beach home. Now hugely successful, Spiro had a harrowing boyhood and escape from Poland when he was very young. That experience shaped Spiro’s work ethic, steadfastness, and informed his decision to always approach life with optimism and positive energy. “You shouldn’t attempt to sail alone unless you’ve been sailing through many storms.” Spiro said. “I am totally self-made and developed my enterprises from the 25-cent coin my uncle gave me when I arrived in America.” Spiro is a phenomenal self-taught musician, a pianist par excellence.

He is creative and adventurous. “I have been in publishing for fifty years and when a compelling opportunity is in front of me and if it interests me, I grab it and develop it into reality,” Spiro said. “I approach new opportunities with an open mind and am guided by intuition, intelligence, sensitivity. As an inventor, I have patents pending, ideas to implement and dreams to achieve and to live.” Recently, Spiro has segued from publishing to the film and TV screenwriting spaces and amazing projects are already in development stages and are forthcoming. Most fun at all, he has a Ferrari – a fast, fabulous red Ferrari F40 and he and his significant other, Malgosia Migdal, are taking the ride of their lives. ” MALIBU MAGAZINE loves Yuri Spiro because his vivacious vitality creates synergy and love.

MARK BIXEN

The Michelangelo of Porsches When Malibu Porsche aficionados need servicing or restoration for their high-end classic or contemporary performance vehicles or driving professionals need to get their Porsches ready for the race track, they turn to Mark Bixen of Redline Service. Bixen is equally comfortable repairing Porsches as he is crewing for one of his customers. He can be seen everywhere from Daytona to Laguna Seca – drivers listen to his advice and seek him out.

Driven by his love of Porsches and informed by his standards of perfection, Bixen has been featured on Barrett Jackson TV and is a go-to expert for all things Porsche. “Race cars are my hobby,” said Bixen. “Porsches are my life.” Iconic R&B stills photographer Bruce W. Talamon, a master in his art, once said that Bixen “is every bit the Porsche mechanic as I am a photographer.” Honored to hear that, Bixen simply said, “I do the repairs right in the most cost-effective way and I treat all the cars like they are one of my family members.” Most of all, Bixen’s days are full of looking under the hood of some very fast, flashy, fine rides.

MALIBU MAGAZINE loves Marc Bixen for his service and his dedication to ensuring that Porsches run optimally.

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PEOPLE WE LOVE MAGGIE LUCKERATH

On a Mission to Help Fire Victims “I’m on a mission,” said Maggie Luckerath, known affectionately as “Grandma Bu” by many Malibuites. Maggie is an indefatigable and effective philanthropist. She always has been a civic leader, the type who rolls her sleeves up and works hard to help anyone in need. Homeless citizens enjoy the food she delivers to them, the food she cooks for them at her church – they enjoy her heartfelt love. Recently, Maggie helped Neda Soderqvist and her children open Izzy’s donation center for fire victims. Now, Maggie is looking for a venue for the center. “History is repeating itself,” Maggie said. “What I am proposing to do in 2019 is what Honey Coatsworth did for 1970 fire victims with Artifac Tree. Such a venue would restore much of the faith that has been lost after the fire.” “When Maggie puts her mind to it, she is unstoppable.” Soderqvist said.

Linda Thompson agrees “No matter what Maggie is going through, Maggie always has a ready smile and a warm greeting for everyone she encounters - She is thoughtful, loyal, conscientious, approachable, and always ready to help her fellow Malibuites. Maggie truly embodies the beauty and spirit that is Malibu.”

MALIBU MAGAZINE loves Maggie Luckerath because she is a bundle of love, energy and community spirit.

REBECCA OTTUSCH

Fighting Bravely & Holistically “It’s been about letting go of fighting and about acceptance,” said gorgeous, statuesque Rebecca Ottusch, who is bravely battling breast cancer at just 28. Bright, capable, athletic, Ottusch is the last person one would think would get cancer. First, her great accomplishments.

Then, her health challenges. Finally, her positivity. At Malibu High School, Rebecca was captain of the cross country and track teams. All the world was her oyster as she went to U.C. Berkeley, majoring in social and cultural anthropology. “I’m a surfer and a yoga instructor and meditation coach in Malibu,” Rebecca said. “Before the cancer diagnosis, I was healthy and was a vegan.” In September, 2018, Rebecca was told she had Stage 3 breast cancer that had metastasized into lymph nodes. Her life catapulted into conferences with specialists.

The consensus: Fight with a double mastectomy. Fight with chemotherapy. Fight, fight, fight. “Battling cancer is a fear-filled process,” Rebecca said. “I lost my hair, my surfer identity. I am fighting with positivity and meditation, finding balance, with a mixture of Eastern, Western, and holistic approaches.” Family, friends and a whole community cares. “Everyone is helping me keep buoyed when I don’t feelwell.” Rebecca said.

MALIBU MAGAZINE loves Rebecca Ottush becase she is battling cancer bravely, holistically and positively surrounded by love.

If you have suggestions for community members to feature in our next issue, email us at info@malibumag.com To read full interviews, go to our website at www.malibumag.com

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ROBERT F. KENNEDY A lifelong social activist, Kennedy filed the first lawsuit against Boeing on behalf of 100 Malibu plaintiffs alleging that Boeing is responsible for damages incurred by the Woolsey Fire.

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REELING FROM WOOLSEY

✎ written

by Barbara Burke

ROBERT F KENNEDY JR.

PURSUING JUSTICE FOR WOOLSEY The famed activist and attorney has spent years championing environmental causes and the rights of marginalized groups. Now, in the wake of the Woolsey Fire, RFK Jr. is seeking justice for a community close to his heart.  photographed by Julie Wuellner

C

arrying on the legacy of his iconic clan’s commitment to seek justice for all people, no matter their walk of life, environmental activist and attorney Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., who lived on Pt. Dume for years and has family living there, has spearheaded many efforts seeking to ensure environmental justice. RFK, Jr., as many refer to him, is the son of New York Senator and former Attorney General Rob-

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Environmental attorney, author, professor and activist Robert F. Kennedy is the son of former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and the nephew of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy. He lived on Point Dume for several years and has recently filed a lawsuit against Boeing and SCE for 100 Woolsey Fire victims.

ert Francis Kennedy and is the nephew of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy. Kennedy’s efforts to seek justice include his involvement in the Roundup Products Liability Litigation currently in trial in federal court in Northern California. An environmental law professor, he also founded Waterkeeper Alliance, a non-profit environmental group that focuses on protecting rivers, lakes and other water bodies worldwide.

Stridently seeking justice for the downtrodden, Kennedy is a stalwart

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social activist. In 2018, he authored a Bill of Rights for Clean Water. Now, he has turned his focus on addressing the cause of the Woolsey Fire and whether Malibuites have clean air in its wake.

Recently, he filed the first lawsuit against Boeing seeking redress for damages sustained by 100 Woolsey Fire victims. The suit alleges that Boeing, which owns the Santa Susana Field Laboratory (SSFL) site where the fire began, is responsible for the plaintiffs’ damages because it did not ensure that SCE maintained its equipment and power lines, it breached its duty to those affected by its property to inspect the property used by others, including Southern California Edison (SCE), and it did not identify, inspect, manage and/or control vegetation growth near power lines on its property.

The suit, which seeks compensatory and punitive damages, also asserts that the area where the fire began is an area where Boeing has allegedly not remediated the former Rocketdyne aeronautics facility, the site of a 1959 partial nuclear meltdown.

Kennedy’s co-counsel, Baum, Hedlund, Aristei & Goldman and Strange & Butler, are firms with Malibu attorneys.

The named plaintiffs are property owners, renters, business owners, and other individuals seeking compensatory and punitive damages. The suit also seeks redress from SCE, as do other pending suits. Defendants’ answers were not filed when this article went to press.

The suit alleges that Boeing failed to comply with an Emergency Readiness Plan wherein it agreed to maintain SSFL at a “level commensurate with the hazards” inherent in operating the site, failed to provide effective fire suppression services and equipment to its firefighters whom, according to LAFD Deputy Chief Trevor Richmond, were persona non grata when the fire started.

Malibu Magazine sat down with Kennedy to talk about the lawsuit, which alleges that Boeing had a duty to perform

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“Our experts will determine whether Malibu neighbors should worry.”

leading experts on material deposition following fires.” In mass tort litigation cases such as the one Kennedy and co-counsel are pursuing, data often drives outcomes, as Kennedy discussed with Malibu Magazine.

“Our experts will determine if there were radiation and other toxic exposures and whether Malibu neighbors should worry about long-term health impacts associated with the fires,” He said. “They are currently comparing the

LOCATION The Santa Susana Field Laboratory is located between Simi Valley, Chatsworth and Bell Canyon, approximately 28 miles from Malibu.

vegetation management where there was contamination and that its failure to do so contributed to the fires which ignited nuclear materials.

“We have obtained soil and air samples collected before the fire and our experts have taken soil and air samples from plaintiffs’ homes and HEPA filters and from public spaces in Malibu following the fire,” Kennedy said.

“We have retained some of the nation’s

pre-fire samples to those taken after the flames to determine whether there are any additional risks.”

Noting that “there is a tremendous body of peer-reviewed science that emerged from health studies of first responders and downtown residents following the 9/11 attacks,” Kennedy explained that the attorneys have consulted those medical experts as well.

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WHERE IT BEGAN The photo above, taken by Stu Mundel, shows the Woolsey Fire breaking out at the Santa Susana Field Laboratory site, the former site of the Rocketdyne aeronautics facility which experienced a partial nuclear meltdown in 1959.

A CRISIS IN TRUSTING GOVERNMENT “Unfortunately, I think many Malibu residents have concluded that government agencies responsible for protecting public health were, at best, asleep at the wheel, and, at worst, in cahoots with Boeing and SCE,” Kennedy stated. He discussed a statement made by Moshen Nazemi, Deputy Director of the California

Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC), at a community meeting hosted

by California State Senator Henry Stern at Taft High School on November 11, 2018.

Nazemi stated that DTSC had tested air and soil particulates and determined there were “no elevated levels of radiation” at the site. Nazemi did not take any questions, leading a frustrated Stern to promising he would get additional answers from the DTSC. Kennedy, like Stern,

is appalled by DTSC’s behavior. “The fact that DTSC was announcing, while the fire was still burning, that there was no threat posed by the immolation of a toxic waste site, suggests we can’t count on DTSE even to be honest about the threat level,” Kennedy stated. “Their own site assessment found 18 tons per acre of oozing goo composed of a witch’s brew of deadly and radioactive poisons covering almost all 2,000 acres where the fire started.”

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On December 18, 2018, DTSC issued an interim report stating that its field inspections, computer simulation efforts, measurements and physical samples, and analyses of soil, ash and air samples, and available data from monitoring stations on the SSFL site and in nearby communities, evince that no radiation or hazardous materials from SSFL were detected in communities following the Woolsey Fire. However Kennedy has pushed back against this report.

“How did DTSC conclude that it was safe to incinerate all those nightmare compounds and then drop the deposition on Malibu before anyone did any testing?” he said, noting that Boeing has not complied with a court order mandating that the company complete remediation at the site by 2017 and that remediation has not even begun. Stern has also voiced this criticism.

“Those kind of self-serving assurances only erode faith in government,” Kennedy said. “Our lawsuit is doing what the government ought to have done.”

Kennedy is concerned that Boeing’s failure to remediate the Santa Susana site by 2017, as it agreed to, and its failure to properly maintain the site to protect against fire, contributed to the Woolsey Fire and its devastating consequences.

“They heaped tons of kindling onto the worst toxic waste site in North America in a desert in a drought and then waited for the big bonfire,” Kennedy said. “It wasn’t just predictable, it was inevitable. And, they knew it. That’s why part of the deal was that Boeing had to have its own fire station on the site.

They knew that all of that vegetation had to burn.”

Now, Kennedy said, “Everyone is scratching their heads and wondering why Boeing’s firefighters never deployed. A firefighter would need to be insane to walk into an inferno on a radioactive toxic waste dump. It would have been a death sentence.” Kennedy summed up the thesis of the law suit’s

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claims concerning the waste site. “Essentially, we are alleging that Boeing has maintained a nuisance on the land as it is a toxic waste site,” he said. “The site was covered with flammable tinder

and they had a duty to protect Plaintiffs from the obvious consequences and risks.” For his part, Senator Henry Stern, who grew up in Malibu and represents the city in the state senate, serves on

WOOLSEY FIRE BURN AREA The above map shows where and how far the Woolsey Fire spread from its starting point at the Santa Susana Field Laboraroty.

“Our lawsuit is doing what the government ought to have done.”

the State’s Joint Oversight Committee reviewing DTSC, an agency Stern says, “needs to provide answers” about the nuclear site.

Carrying on the Kennedy legacy of taking on tough issues and championing the rights of all citizens, in the pending lawsuit against Boeing, Kennedy and his co-counsel, who love Malibu and care about its residents, are seeking to get much-needed answers for citiMM zens in the lawsuit.

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DR. HED AHMADPOUR One of L.A.’s leading cardiologists, Dr. Ahmadpour walked us through the potential health effects Malibuites could be facing in the wake of the Woolsey Fire.

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DR. HED AHMADPOUR

EVERY BREATH WE TAKE Numerous experts have expressed growing concerns about the Woolsey Fire’s effects on residents and on Malibu’s long-term air quality. Malibu Magazine sat down with Malibu resident Dr. Hed Ahmadpour, one of Los Angeles’ leading cardiologists, to learn more. ✎ written by Barbara Burke  photographed by Julie Wuellner

A

s the Woolsey Fire raged from Highway 101, ravaging canyons and wildly descending upon the Pacific, smoke plumes embedded with carcinogens hovered over Malibu and surrounding areas.

On November 13, 2018, the South Coast Air Quality Management District declared that smoke from the fire “caused unhealthy air quality that af-

fects everyone in areas directly impacted by smoke.” The advisory noted that “wildfire smoke is a mixture of small Dr. Hed Ahmadpour is a leading particles, gases and water vapor. The cardiologist who has been in pracprimary health concern is the small tice for more than 20 years. He particles.” received his medical degree from Poor air quality lingered for weeks Tehran Unversity of Medical Sciencthereafter. The possibility of air toxicies School of Medicine, and practy concerned many citizens and physitices at Adventist Health-Glendale cians, as well as environmental scienand Lakewod Regional Medical tists and advocates who continue their Center. efforts to determine the composition of materials incinerated in the fire. ConMALIBU WIDE EFFORTS (Above) A group of Malibuites bring in supplies from boats at Para-

Dr. Hed Ahmadpour

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cerns about the pulmonary effects from the fire were exacerbated when Malibu and surrounding areas were besieged by rains, winds that triggered ash storms and mudslides in the months following the fire.

To learn more about the extent of possible dangers and health concerns, both short-term and long-term, attributable to people being exposed to toxic air, ash and other particulates from the Woolsey Fire, Malibu Magazine sat down with Hed Ahmadpour, MD, a longtime Malibu resident, a fellow with the American College of Chest Physicians, an internist and a certified interventional cardiologist.

Ahmadpour, who specializes in helping patients suffering from cardio-pulmonary complications, has more than 40 years of experience treating fire victims. He explained the health consequences that people experience after breathing toxic air, both during and after a fire, and he discussed the possible long-term consequences from such exposure.

First, Dr. Hed Ahmadpour provided some background context, explaining that fire victims can suffer from smoke inhalation and thermal injuries to the upper airway. Noxious gases that are released when materials burn include both carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide, which results from a fire burning plastics, fabrics, nitrates, rubber and other substances, including polyurethane, wool, silk, cotton and paper products.

He noted that cyanide poisoning is twenty times more toxic to humans than carbon monoxide poisoning.

Further, particulate matter produced during combustion, such as soot, obstructs airways and can cause long-term respiratory ailments.

Addressing all those factors, Malibu Magazine had an informative, cause and consequence colloquy with Dr. Ahmadpour.

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“Unhealthy air quality affects everyone in areas impacted by smoke.”

“Smoke inhalation is the leading cause of death due to fires when we evaluate mortality data,” Dr. Ahmadpour said, noting that the data show that the magnitude of smoke inhalation is devastating, as the presence of an inhalation injury has a greater effect on mortality than either patient age or surface areas that are burned.

“Smoke inhalation can cause various types of injuries to many of the body’s

WOOLSEY DESTRUCTION Dr. Ahmadpour stressed the importance of wearing a N-95 mask while spending time in an area recently effected by fire.

SMOKE INHALATION Dr. Ahmadpour carefully explained terms and concepts, distilling the principles involved in understanding smoke inhalation and its effects. When a fire occurs, the materials that burn and the chemicals created can cause smoke inhalation injuries, either due to a person experiencing a lack of oxygen, chemical irritation to the airway, or chemical asphyxiation, he stated. “Combustion depletes oxygen in a fire.”

essential systems. Indeed, suffering from smoke inhalation is such a potent injury that it was used as an easy way to execute people as far back as the 1st Century, when Pliny reported executing prisoners by exposing them to forest wood fires.”

Elaborating, he noted, “During a fire, a smoke inhalation victim cannot breathe efficiently and normally through his nasopharynx. Rather, he must breathe through his mouth. As a result, the fraction of inspired oxygen diminishes. The respiratory filtering

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mechanism of a person suffering from smoke inhalation reacts to fire trauma and acts to protect the person by reducing the average temperature of smoke being inhaled - which is 140 degrees Celsius - to 37 degrees Celsius. That is a very significant differential. However, during that protective process, because one cannot breathe through the nasopharynx and must breathe through his mouth, he can aspirate harmful particulates.”

Can you please explain the various injuries and what body systems are affected when a person suffers from smoke inhalation?

“In addition to one who is suffering from smoke inhalation injury not being able to breathe properly, there can be a greater amount of particulate distribution in his airway. That, in turn, can lead to nasopharyngeal irritation and severe lung injury and also to respiratory conditions such as pneumonia, bronchitis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). As a pulmonary and heart specialist, I see fire victims with cardio-pulmonary complications at the Adventist Health Heart and Cardiovascular Institute in Glendale and at other hospitals where I have privileges and they can present with significant thermal injury to the upper airway.”

Readers may be familiar with an episode on This is Us, a popular television series, when the character Jack died from smoke inhalation after going into his burning house to help his family escape.

Viewers learned that smoke inhalation can trigger a heart attack in addition to causing pulmonary complications.

Addressing data pertaining to patients’ prognoses after suffering smoke inhalation, Dr. Ahmadpour noted that within 48 to 72 hours, most inhalation injuries resolve.

Most, but not all. “The type of toxins produced during combustion and the extent of exposure are factors impacting the severity of pulmonary injury,” he said.

When a first responder comes upon a fire victim suffering from smoke inhalation, what steps are taken to treat him?

The paramedics are trained to immediately get the victim out of the situation, stabilize his airway and administer oxygen or bronchodilators.

Can you describe in more detail the various types of respiratory injuries that a patient can suffer when encountering smoke inhalation?

One can suffer thermal damage, asphyxiation or pulmonary irritation, all conditions that compromise one’s upper respiratory system. When one sustains thermal injuries, he can also sustain cellular asphyxiation, which can lead to parenchymal, meaning that the body’s various tissues cannot function correctly.

Can you explain that condition more fully and what is going on at the cellular level in these situations?

When one is exposed to combustion in a closed space, if the level of oxygen circulating in the air goes down to between ten and thirteen percent, there is cellular dysfunction because cells are deprived of oxygen. With regard to

“Poor air quality lingered for weeks after [the Woolsey fire].”

explaining that pathophysiology, significant dysfunction in body systems may develop. Specifically, usually, oxygen binds to red cell hemoglobin and the blood circulates throughout the entire body, so oxygen releases from one’s hemoglobin for tissue function, a process known as aerobic metabolism.

Dr. Ahmadpour explained that compounds, such as carbon monoxide, that are produced during fires, can cause damage to a person’s cells by interfering with oxygen delivery to cells or the cells’ usage of oxygen.

When we see incidents of carbon monoxide poisoning, that element has two-hundred times the power to bind to the hemoglobin in a red cell, meaning that the carbon monoxide deprives cells of enough oxygen, leading to tissue damage. When there is a high concentration of carbon monoxide in the cells, it could lead to anaerobic – metabolism in the absence of oxygen – and lactic acid levels increase. Overall, in fire situations, patients can suffer from several cumulative events, making oxygen less available, which can culminate in tissue damage. A patient can suffer from cyanide hypoxemia, which in laymen’s terms, means that the organs and tissues would be significantly deprived of oxygen, leading to severe organ damage.

When a patient presents to a hospital suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning, what treatment modalities are employed to treat her?

We often administer hyperbaric oxygen and prescribe bronchodilators as we try to address inhalation injuries from smoke and seek to open a patient’s airways. We sometimes use steroids to address pulmonary injuries as well. Inhalation injuries account for between 60 and 80 percent of the injuries and death in the U.S. due to wildfires, with the remaining injuries consisting primarily of surface burns.

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CYANIDE POISONING Many residents of Malibu and surrounding areas have expressed concerns about the possible health effects they could experience due to the fire burning various types of chemicals and some are concerned about cyanide poisoning.

“These are very valid concerns,” Ahmadpour said. “By way of example, when paper is burned, 1,000 mg of cyanide gas is produced per gram of paper burned; when cotton is burned, 130 mg of cyanide gas is produced per gram of cotton burned; and when wool is burned, 63 mg of cyanide gas is produced per gram of wool burned.”

When a first responder comes upon a fire victim suffering from cyanide poisoning, what steps are taken to treat him?

When an emergency medical team member encounters someone whom is suffering from smoke inhalation, he evaluates cardiopulmonary and cardiovascular systems. He also concentrates on the central nervous system because if fire damages that system, it can cause uncontrollable muscle movements because there may be toxicity in the central nervous system.

Fire can impact multiple organs. A victim may present with cardiovascular findings because his heart isn’t pumping right. We take immediate steps to treat those conditions. Even a minute degree of cyanide poisoning can cause delayed neurological complications in survivors. It can also cause permanent disability, including seizure disorders.

To complicate matters, unfortunately, when we treat a patient in such an acute situation, we often see him suffer from delayed reactions due to inflammation and when that happens, our most immediate concern is that the patient will suffer cellular asphyxiation – cellular death can lead to organ failure, not just in one’s pulmonary system but in other

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systems as well, such as the cardiovascular system.

THE MATERIALS THAT BURNS AFFECT THE HEALTH OUTCOMES Dr. Ahmadpour also explained that there are various categories of fires, depending on the particulates that burn. Combustible fires are caused by the burning of solid materials, such as wood from houses, paper and textiles. Whereas industrial fires, such as occurred during the September 11th terrorist attacks, occur when large buildings and their highly-flammable construction components burn. Military-grade fires result from the burning of chemicals. Ahmadpour noted that during the Woolsey Fire, everything on commercial and residential properties burned in Malibu and other affected areas, including household furniture, art collectibles, appliances, Teflon in kitchens, oil and gas connected with vehicles and lawn equipment, household and pool cleaning products and chemicals

“Smoke inhalation injuries account for 60 to 80 percent of fire-related injuries and death.”

used in landscaping and pest control.

Dr. Ahmadpour noted that the Woolsey conflagration destroyed everything in its path and inhabitants breathed in all the resulting fumes.

Clearly, there were toxins in the air and all Malibuites need to make sure they care for their respiratory systems.

Because Malibu sustained of all types of fires, this was a mixed fire,” he said.

“Therefore, I recommend that individuals who were exposed to smoke for a long period of time be diligent and cautious and, in the event they experience any cardio-pulmonary conditions, they should consult a physician immediately.

GOING FORWARD Dr. Ahmadpour ended his conversation with Malibu Magazine by discussing steps that every person can take to prepare for and respond to future fires.

“The first thing everyone should do is to become certified in CPR,” He said.

“Data shows that performing CPR can double or triple the chances of saving a life.”

“Everyone should wear N-95 masks whenever they are in a situation involving compromised air,” he continued.

“They do not block all particulates from entering one’s airway, but they help.”

“Obviously, everyone should have a full array of necessary smoke detectors,” he said. “It is equally important to install enough carbon monoxide detectors because a person cannot smell that gas. Studies show that installing such detectors decreases the risk of death or serious injury by sixty percent.

Finally, it is imperative to ensure that every household has a maintenance schedule to ensure that those detectors are operating properly and to change batteries as recommended. It is also necessary to ensure that there are escape routes near every bedroom.”

MM Forewarned is forearmed.

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MALIBU WIDE EFFORTS (Above) A group of Malibuites bring in supplies from boats at Paradise Cove. (Below) The Bombers fight tirelessly to put out hotspots and embers to stop the spread of the fire.

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CITY COUNCIL INVESTIGATION

MALIBUITES SEEK ANSWERS In the months following the Woolsey Fire, city officials have faced a slew of questions and continued frustrations from community members who say much more could have been done before, during and after the emergency. Here, Malibu Magazine presents a compendium of some of the most common questions, and the answers we’ve received thus far. ✎ written by Barbara Burke

I

n the wake of the historic Woolsey Fire, the citizens of Malibu and the nearby communities and unincorporated areas continue to seek answers about what went wrong regarding officials’ actions as the fire approached, during evacuation and after the fire.

Some citizens are also seeking legal redress, with 18 complaints pending against Southern California Edison (SCE). Another suit seeks relief from both SCE and Boeing, which owns the Santa Susana Site where the fire began, as discussed in our

cover interview with environmental acQUESTIONS POSED AND ANtivist and lawyer Robert F. Kennedy Jr., SWERS OFFERED co-counsel for 100 plaintiffs in that action.

In the numerous community meetings Recall petitions have been filed seeksince the fire, citizens have questioned ing the ouster of Malibu City Council everything from city officials’ preparedMembers Rick Mullen and Skylar Peak. ness before the fire, their management Petitioning citizens have 90 days after the of evacuation efforts and communication Secretary of State certifies the petition to during it, and their handling of subsegather the requisite 2,000 signatures for quent recovery efforts. They asked pointany recall elections to be scheduled. Some ed questions – painful questions – about citizens have demanded that City Managwhat went wrong. To address those queser Reva Feldman and Susan Dueñas, Malitions objectively, Malibu Magazine interbu’s Public Safety Manager, be fired. viewed officials and citizens and attendMALIBU WIDE EFFORTS (Above) A group of Malibuites bring in supplies from boats at Para-

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ed Los Angeles County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl’s Woolsey Fire Task Force Listening Sessions. Importantly, those were “listening” sessions, not venues for answers to be given. Rather, Kuehl promised attendees that a report will be issued in a few months, “addressing the origin of the fire and responses thereto, the adequacy of water, warnings and evacuation, and repopulation.”

Mullen, who served as Mayor during the fire and is the target of a recall effort, emphasized that central to a fair assessment of complaints is an understanding that California Highway Patrol (CHP) and the L.A. Sheriff’s Department were responsible for operating the PCH, evacuations, and dealing with malfunctioning stop lights. Those entities, as well as the fire departments and state officials, determined when citizens could re-enter and repopulate. At one listening session, Malibu’s Richard Gibbs, who lost his Pt. Dume house in the fire, asked questions encapsulating many citizens’ concerns.

This article pursues those questions and provides answers that citizens were given at a January 26th town hall with Daryl L. Osby, Fire Chief of the L.A. County Fire Department. The article also refers to insights provided by Mullen and Jefferson Wagner, Malibu’s current Mayor, who serves on Kuehl’s task force along with community representatives, including mayors of neighboring cities and representatives from area fire departments, law enforcement, state and federal parks, weights and measures, school districts, entities servicing large and small animals, and county representatives serving unincorporated areas and citizen advocates.

EVACUATION CONCERNS Gibbs: Why weren’t people being told they could evacuate towards Ventura on PCH and why did it take far too many dangerous hours to open up additional southbound lanes on PCH to alleviate the massive jam of panicked residents?

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“A total communication failure has been admitted”

would have helped enormously. First, just like the County of Los Angeles and Topanga, Malibu should have a hard copy Emergency Survival Guide that can be given to all responding personnel and citizens, with maps, places to park, infrastructure information and key data that is urgently needed to coordinate a response. I urged this again at the last city council meeting, but Ms. Duenas [Malibu’s Public Safety Manager] says we don’t have the funding

Photo by Cassie Denham.

STUCK AND SCARED One frustration often lodged against city officials was that the westbound lane of PCH wasn’t opened up during evacuations.

At the Supervisor’s session, citizen Paul Morra noted citizens were in gridlock for three to five hours, power was out and citizens stopped at all lights that were out.

“We are lucky that many citizens were not incinerated on the PCH,” he said.

Rick Mullen: “The evacuation was conducted by CHP and the Sheriff’s Department and it could have been conducted better.”

Mayor Wagner: “A total communication failure has been admitted. Cell phone service was down. I have repeatedly urged that Malibu do three things that

in this year’s budget, but she’ll propose it for next year. Second, Malibu should have its own mobile command center.

The platform only costs $250,000 and we should equip the center with proper technology to facilitate a swift, unified response. The L.A. Sheriff has one, so why doesn’t the City of Malibu? Third, the City should use satellite-cell phones that are Iridium because they work through smoke and haze. SCE has those, so why doesn’t the City? If we had those strategies, it would have helped to ameliorate the evacuation complications.”

Rick Mullen: “I am open to Iridium – or another satellite-based system. [It] is expensive, but should be considered. A mobile command post is definitely worth looking into. More important than a command post is having reliable communication between the Emergency Operations Center (EOC)/Command Post and units that are mobile and out in affected areas, whatever disaster is happening.”

Malibu Magazine: The City of Malibu’s website states the Public Safety Manager’s functions are “maintenance and implementation of the City’s Emergency Operations Plan, which includes: training of City staff and community volunteers; equipping and managing the EOC; overseeing the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT); and managing the City’s emergency notification systems. Are you saying those functions were not properly performed?

“Yes – the Public Safety Officer’s first order of business should have been to develop an emergency evacuation plan outlining critical activities to support a zonebased evacuation plan,” Wagner said. “I have developed one.”

Wagner maintains that, had the City implemented those strategies, there would have been fewer evacuation complications. “Further, fire evaluators for CHP got it wrong,” Wagner said. “They misjudged the possible impact of the Hill Fire. Specifically, they erred by determining that fire could burn all the way to the Pacific - that fire did not present such a strong threat that they couldn’t have opened the PCH toward Oxnard for evacuation. Those officials apparently didn’t realize the Spring Fire of 2013 caused a massive reduction of fuel.”

About that last point, Mullen notes, “Although Mayor Wagner’s insights about the Hill Fire are right, that is somewhat armchair quarterbacking. The focus had to be on saving lives.”

FIRE RESPONSE ISSUES Many at the Town Hall and at the Supervisor’s meetings noted that the Woolsey Fire was unprecedented in its intensity.

“To understand what went so terribly wrong with the fire, you first need to put it in perspective,” said Hans Laetz, station manager of Malibu radion station 99.1 KBUU,. “We have five dedicated fire trucks in Malibu and one was up on Encinal saving lives. Think about it – there were 57,000 structures at risk in this fire, but there are only 58,000 fire trucks in the United States.

Do the math.”

Mullen characterized the fire as “one that happens perhaps once in a millennium.”

Osby painted the horrific picture. “This unprecedented fire was the size of Denver or seven times the size of Manhattan,” He said. “Our objective was to save lives. We did the evacuation within seven hours.

As the fire jumped the 101 freeway, within five hours, it was approaching the Pacific Ocean. We evacuated 250,000 people and over 57,000 homes in the footprint were saved.”

Gibbs: Why were there no fire trucks on Point Dume or lining the firebreak of PCH when the fire approached?

At the town hall, Osby and other officials noted pivotal fire staff were deployed to Northern California to help with the Camp fire. He mused, “Units desperately needed

“Units desperately needed were simply unavailable.”

to fight the Woolsey Fire were simply unavailable.” Echoing many citizens, Wagner vociferously complained. “There were not as many apparatuses as we had for the 2007 Corral Fire,” he said. “I fought in that fire and I fought in this one. There was clearly a lack of support sent and of communication by those who did come to help.”

Gibbs: Why did the fire department commandeer the truck owned by Corral Canyon homeowners?

The truck Gibbs referred to – Fire Engine 271 – is owned by the Corral Canyon community, which purchased it after the 2007 fire, canyon resident Morra said. “After the Corral Canyon fire, we formed our own Fire Safe Council, the Corral Canyon Safety Alliance, a non-profit organization.” he said. “We lease the truck to the county which controls the equipment, communications, maintenance and coordinates insurance.” On November 9, as the fire ravaged Kanan Road, before Corral Canyon faced impending fire, a battalion chief for L.A. County Fire commandeered the fire engine, as the County is empowered to do. Hours later, the fire besieged Corral Canyon. “The whole reason we got the fire engine was to protect Corral Canyon and nearby canyons.” Morra said. Ultimately, 22 homes and structures would burn in Corral Canyon. Many citizens at the meetings stated that they thought the reason the fire engine was deployed beyond Corral Canyon and adjacent canyons was because the battalion chief who commandeered the engine was unaware of how extensively the on- call firefighters from Corral Canyon had trained and prepared to use the engine to fight fires. Mullen agreed. “This situation reflects another possible failure in communication,” said Wagner.

Gibbs: Why were so many fire trucks parked and idle during the fire and its immediate aftermath?

This concern caused a lot of citizens’ consternation. At the town hall, Osby and other fire personnel had no answers. At the Supervisor’s meeting, the same was true.

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Malibu Magazine: Don’t firefighters have an ethical duty to fight fires similar to the duty that doctors have with their Hippocratic Oath? Don’t they have a moral duty to save lives and property?

Silence.

Stone silence.

“People from one agency will point to another agency as being responsible,” Wagner said. “The agency that was pointed to, points back. They’re passing the buck.”

Bob Shore spoke for many at a listening session when he said: “No one from the Sheriff’s Department of the Fire Department came to help us. We didn’t even have water to fight the fire.”

Debby Pattiz, who lives at Malibou Lake, said, “We expected fire support from CalFire and not a single truck came. There is a lack of trust in government agencies right now – they told us they’d be there.

We pay our taxes and Cal Fire fees. They completely abandoned us and left us to our own fate.”

Seminole Springs, Malibou Lake and areas of Mulholland were decimated in the fire.

At a March 3 listening meeting, Carol Holmes, 84, tearfully told attendees about her harrowing experience. “We had no notifications and no water. We still have no electricity and we’re freezing up there on winter nights,” she said. “My husband’s ashes have joined my home’s ashes.”

A collective sigh, tears and frustration filled the room. “I just wish politicians and people and people in charge will listen to what we people are saying,” she said.

Suzy Duff, another Malibu resident, noted that she “plead with every captain of the engines for help while homes in Corral Canyon burned.”

Wagner agreed. “Units were present, but not performing. My significant other, Candace, pled for firefighters to help, but our home burned while units sat 200 yards away on a paved highway. There’s no excuse for not helping fight the fire.

What Mr. Gibbs is questioning about is my story – and there are witnesses – the Mon-

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terey Park engines and units from the U.S. Forestry refused to act, stating that they didn’t have orders to help us.”

At one point, as he recited his litany of questions, Gibbs expressed what other citizens have stated – “There needs to be a federal investigation conducted about what happened.”

Or, in many areas, what didn’t happen as parts of Malibu burned.

Some citizens query whether a possible explanation as to why units didn’t roll involves – money? Gibbs asked pointed questions.

Gibbs: Is it true that some fire chiefs will not allow their trucks to leave to help areas outside of their jurisdiction until they have assurance of payment for their services?

When one fire department dispatches to help another fire department, expenses incurred by the outside fire department are paid through a mutual aid agreement. At the town hall, Osby said officials did not rely on mutual aid agreements.

“Why didn’t we get those seventy trucks that were supposed to be called early?” he asked. “We told them we needed resources now, we went around the mutual aid

“This fire was the size of Denver. We evacuated in seven hours.”

system to expeditiously get as many units as we could to protect your property and lives.”

Simply stated, there were not enough units from elsewhere able to respond.

Full answers about mutual aid agreement usage are left for the future, perhaps when the Supervisor’s task force report issues and when local law enforcement and fire departments generate “after action reports.”

For now, however, citizens wonder about the impact that financial considerations had on decisions made by various other fire departments when called to help.

Gibbs: Is it true that many homes burned because the fire hydrants were not functioning due to power being cut off to the pumps (and everywhere) by SCE early that morning?

Wagner: “It wasn’t that the fire hydrants were not functioning per se – the problem was not a matter regarding water delivery. Rather, SCE implemented a Public Safety Power Shutdown (PSPS) due to high winds. The supply cannot be maintained without the power supply, so there was not a sustainable reservoir to fight fires.”

Mullen: “We need to explore having the Water Company install backup generators for those tanks that did not function.”

Gibbs: Is it true that the City of Malibu had inadequate or non-existent back-up generators to power those pumps for just such a contingency, as most cities in California do?

Wagner: “It is not fair to blame the City for the utility not having the back-up pumps. However, it is fair to criticize the City for not being proactive and writing a letter insisting that the utility have backup pumps – that is what a responsible City Public Safety Manager should have done – the person in that position needs to have the insight to consider these concerns before a disaster. It has been patently clear

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that such back-up generators are needed for many years, but unfortunately, bureaucratic relationships sometimes get in the way of taking necessary action. The SCE knows it screwed up, as evidenced by the fact that it is now using private land near City Hall, with City permission, to build a short-term mobile command center to correct its errors. That is clear evidence that it admits that it made serious mistakes.”

“We need to explore having the water company install backup generators. ”

Photo by Kaelin Mendez

SHELTERING IN PLACE Pepperdine students were ordered to shelter-in-place during the Woolsey Fire, while the rest of the city evacuated.

Gibbs: Where was the central command during the fire?

Wagner: “They were in three places throughout the course of the fire. They started in the city of Malibu, evacuated to a public building in Santa Monica, and ended up in Camarillo. Perhaps having a more unified action plan for inter-departmental coordination is the way to go in future fires. Perhaps, also, officials would be more organized if Malibu had its own mobile command center.”

Gibbs: Why were so many fire crews from out of town clueless as to where to go or how to get there?

At both the Supervisor’s listening session and the town hall, citizens expressed dismay because out-of-area firefighters did not have cell service and had no hard-copy maps to refer to.

“That is why the City of Malibu needs a hard copy disaster manual that firefighters and other first responders can refer to, independent of any cell service,” Wagner

said. “We also need a central command post that is immediately activated in a disaster.”

Gibbs: Is it true that Pepperdine’s president called someone in state government for help before the fire hit and was told that if he wanted to save Pepperdine, he should tell the students to ‘shelter in place,’ forcing eight fire strike teams (comprised of five engines each) to surround the campus because of the fire department policy of ‘lives before property” and hence, endangering those lives and ensuring that the rest of Malibu would burn?

“Pepperdine has had a shelter in place policy for many years and has utilized it during several fires,” Wagner noted. “People need to also realize that Pepperdine serves as a staging area for helicopters fighting a fire.”

At 7:01 a.m. on November 9, the University sent students, faculty and staff this email:“The Woolsey and Hill fires continue, and flames have jumped to the south side of the 101 in some locations,” Wagner said. “Smoke from the fires can be seen on campus. The Malibu campus is currently experiencing a campus-wide power outage which is also affecting Calabasas, Malibu, and other surrounding areas. We may need to relocate the community to our shelter-in-place locations.”

At 2:09 p.m. that day, the University sent this email. “Pepperdine officials have reinitiated shelter-in-place protocols for the Malibu campus. All individuals on campus are instructed to move immediately to their designated relocation site . . . . The fire has shifted east and has begun traveling south and west toward the coast.”

At Commissioner Kuehl’s meeting, Keegan Gibbs, one of the many who stayed behind to fight the fire, discussed the shelter-in-place policy. “It is inexcusable for Pepperdine to have a shelter-in-place order in place for twelve hours while Western Malibu burned,” Gibbs said. “I think that L.A. County should change that policy.

Pepperdine used eight strike teams, 30 to 35 fire trucks and 150 firefighters.”

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Richard Gibbs: Why did the swarm of police who swamped Malibu immediately after the fire keep supplies from being brought in to help the many residents who recognized how overwhelmed the firemen were and stayed behind to protect life and property?

Mullen: “The citizens should have been let in and the sheriffs erred. The City was calling for citizen re-entry on the second day.

To show you how difficult this situation was, I ordered fuel for the Fire Station and a Sheriff refused to let the fuel trucks enter.”

Wagner: “The Official Guide to Emergency Management that Ms. Duenas gave to me on April 17, 2018 was the protocol that we were supposed to follow and it calls for citizen groups to provide support and moreover, a Malibu ordinance passed decades ago recognizes citizens have a role in providing support.

Refer to my statements in City Council meetings. The City Manager was mistakenly concerned that if citizens were allowed in, then Malibu would not receive FEMA or SEMS money. There is a lot of precedent for citizens delivering necessary food and water to those who stay behind in a disaster. For example, the Cajun Navy, a citizen-based group that delivers needed supplies in the southeast, provides help.”

Gibbs: Why were CERT (Community Emergency Response Teams) not activated or even allowed to reenter the city?

Many citizens at a community meeting held at Duke’s restaurant on December 10, 2018, at various other community meetings, and at the Supervisor’s meeting, as well as Wagner, all note that CERT came in to Malibu to render help to citizens in 2007.

The City Manager’s job is to “oversee” CERT, which is, by the way, organized under the umbrella of FEMA. Both Mullen and Wagner agreed that CERT should have been let in. “The City should have deployed CERT,” Wagner

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“Why were so many fire crews clueless as to where to go?”

Malibu Magazine: Why wasn’t CERT activated “It beats me,” Thompson said. “There apparently was a significant lack of coordination between the City and outside agencies. When outside law enforcement or fire personnel arrive, they are apparently not made aware of the presence of trained, local CERT personnel who know

Photo by Jack Platner

LOCAL HEROES Local community groups such as the Point Dume Bombers stepped up during the fire, helping to bring in supplies.

said. “The City Manager and councilpersons could have told officials guarding the city limits to let CERT in.”

For his part, Wagner, seriously injured in the fire trying to save his home, was in intensive care and could not call for CERT to be deployed. Long-time CERT member Marshall Thompson, who resigned over how the situation was handled, discussed the situation.

the geography, the street layout and the culture of the city. Why develop a resource and then not use it when needed in such a large-scale disaster as the Woolsey Fire? I quit CERT after about ten years of service because I can’t be part of something where I spent so much time and energy training and then CERT wasn’t used. CERT provides a valuable structure for community service. Not only did my home burn down, but the organization I invested so much time in was discarded. I am very sad about both.”

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Gibbs: Why were the doctors of our only emergency care center not allowed to enter to help, yet news crews were given free reign?

Wagner noted that although the City did help get generators for the emergency care center to operate, citizens trying to provide the diesel fuel and fuel filters needed to operate those generators were not allowed to enter the City. “They had to sneak the diesel fuel and fuel filters in on Malibu Towing trucks,” he said. “That’s another manifestation of the communication breakdowns.”

Gibbs: Are any governmental agencies, at any level, held liable for the horrific mismanagement of this horrible disaster?

In response, government officials are trying to define what Osby characterized as “lessons learned.” Yet citizens are frustrated by such statements, as Wagner stated: “I don’t like the term ‘lessons learned’. We should have had an organized government that communicated and was proactive because we know we are subject to fires and other mass disasters.” Hence, the recall efforts.

RECALL EFFORTS AND CALLS FOR ROMAVAL OF FELDMAN AND DUEÑAS Weeks after the fire, a citizen-based initiative on change.org sought removal of City Manager, Reva Feldman, whose contract has been extended through 2022, and of Dueñas. Citizens continue those efforts. That the California City Management Foundation, an advocacy and support organization for city managers, named Reva Feldman as “City Manager of the Year” on February 14 has further peeved some citizens, many of whom note Feldman serves as an officer of the organization.

Mullen and Skylar Peak, both of whom were elected to serve as city councilpersons in 2016, were the subject of recall petitions posted online in January. Notices of Intentions to Circulate Recall Petitions pursuant to Section 11020, California Elec-

tions Code, were served upon those council persons at the February 11 City Council meeting. The Notices state that the councilpersons “ignored the will of constituents by refusing to recognize the City’s failures before, and during the Woolsey Fire disaster,” and continue “to defend the actions of the City who willfully ignored residents’ dire need for disaster relief.” With regard to Mullen, the Notices assert that he “failed to hand off his duty as mayor” so another councilperson could serve because Mullen served as an active-duty captain with the LA County Fire Department. With regard to Peak, the Notices assert his residency status is tenuous because he spends “the majority of his time outside the city limits, living in Hawaii, Montecito, and traveling to other countries.” Further, the Petition states “Peak has displayed unprofessional behavior countless times, including at numerous disaster relief meetings, in official and unofficial capacities, broadcast on local news stations. His history of unprofessional behavior has been documented in news articles including the L.A. Times.”

NEXT STEPS FOR THE RECALL The petition was approved and must be signed by twenty-five percent of registered voters within the Malibu voting district within 90 days from when the Secretary of

“There needs to be a federal investigation about what happened.”

State approves its language.Overall, a terrible sequence of events during official responses to the Woolsey Fire caused terrible consequences. Recently-elected city councilpersons Mikke Pierson and Karen Farrer have been tasked to oversee a city-based study reviewing how the City handled the fire emergency. An open forum for the public to give comments is slated for March 17 at noon at City Hall. We want to hear what people have to say,” Farrer said.

The consensus of many frustrated citizens is that officials failed to perform their duties to evacuate the populace efficiently, to communicate throughout evacuation and during firefighting efforts and repopulation, both with regards to communicating with the citizens and communicating amongst responding agencies. When seeking a recall, care should be used to define what the City’s role is in the process, Wagner said. The City doesn’t run the highway or determine that its lanes be diverted. However, the City officials could have asked that those efforts be taken and there is no evidence to Malibu Magazine’s knowledge, that it did so. The City doesn’t fight the fires, he noted. The City, many citizens at the meetings asserted, simply did not communicate. Although it is beyond the purview of this article, many citizens note that Malibuites Eamon Harrington and John Watkins of Planet Grande Productions filmed interviews of Reva Feldman, Mullen, and Wagner which are available on Youtube. Those interviews portray views of those City officials regarding how complicated the dynamics were during the fire, as well as their perceptions of the shortcomings of city officials in responding to the fire and conducting the evacuation. Watkins and Harrington told Malibu Magazine that they made every effort to portray the interviewees fairly.

As Malibu rebuilds, citizens, as Pattiz phrased it, “deserve answers.” Malibu Magazine will provide information about recall efforts, after the Task Force issues its reports, and as the City Council’s Disaster Response and Recovery Ad Hoc Committee, issues its MM report.

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FUTURE FIREFIGHTERS Along with select members of the staff, Dr. Graulich participated in a day of training geared at making sure that all volunteers knew how to use the equipment and were prepared to protect the clinic if necessary.

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MALIBU COAST ANIMAL HOSPITAL

PREPARING FOR NEXT TIME Veterinarian Dean Graulich and his volunteer crew are ready for the next time fire threatens their Malibu animal hospital. ✎ written by Suzanne Guldimann  photographed by Julie Wuellner

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eterinarian and longtime Malibu resident Dean Graulich lost his home in the Woolsey Fire, but he has resolved never to let it happen again.

Graulich recently purchased a firefighting trailer to protect his family and his animal hospital the next time fire strikes the community. “What we all realized is that the fire department is not ours, it’s the county’s and with fire in multiple places there may be no fire fighters here, or very few,” Graulich told Malibu Magazine.

Graulich had a fire pump for the pool at his Malibu Park home, but he and his wife, fellow veterinarian Dana DePerno, decided it was too dangerous to stay, once fire began racing through the neighborhood.

“After losing our house, I went to the animal hospital and was standing there with a hose, in case the fire crossed Malibu Canyon. I asked myself ‘what am doing?’ If there’s no water there will be nothing I can do.”

All of the animals were safely evacuated from the Malibu Coast Animal Hospital, and the fire never never reached the Civic Center, but Graulich knew the risk was real. After the fire, he began looking at ways to provide emergency fire suppression at the hospital. “I started looking at fire trucks, but they have older diesel engines that have to be maintained,” Graulich explained. Instead of an engine, he selectMALIBU WIDE EFFORTS (Above) A group of Malibuites bring in supplies from boats at Para-

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1000 GALLON TANK The trailer comes equipped with a tank that can hold 1000 gallons of water or fire retardant foam which can be sprayed whenever necessary.

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TRAINING The most important part is learning how to use the equipment.

FOAM ATTACK UNIT Graulich practices using the specialized gear.

FIRE-DRILL The fire trailer pumps water or fire-retardant foam.

WATER HOSES Trailer, pump and hoses are ready for next fire.

ed a fire trailer, one with a 1000-gallon tank that can hold water or fire retardant foam, and comes equipped with fire hoses and a powerful pump. Unlike the pool pump, the trailer is mobile. The rig must be towed behind a trunk, but unlike a fire engine, it is relatively easy to maintain.

Graulich plans to keep the trailer at his home, ready to deploy to the animal hospital if there is a wildfire emergency in the area. The company that sells the trailers delivered the equipment and provided training for Graulich and his team of volunteers. “It was a fun day,” Graulich said. “We all learned how to use the fire hose.” Graulich’s children also had an opportunity to participate.

“Every kid wants to own a fire truck,” he said, but the trailer has the potential to be a powerful tool, not just a childhood dream come true. Graulich said that he and his volunteers will continue to practice, train and prepare.

“It’s really dangerous to stay during a fire,” Graulich acknowledged, explaining that being trained in how to use fire fighting equipment like the trailer is critically important.

Graulich is also exploring how to install an emergency water tank at Malibu Coast Animal Hospital. The hospital played a key role immediately after the Woolsey Fire, providing care for the community’s injured animals.

“We treated a number of animals, mostly cats, that survived the fire,” Graulich said.

It also provided a safe refuge for a pair of pet pigs that couldn’t be placed elsewhere during the evacuation.

Graulich said he wants to ensure that the facility will be there to help the community no matter what kind of disaster Malibu experiences in the future.

“We all thought we would be fine this time,” he said. “We need to be ready next MM time.”

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DEBRIS FLOW Dangers of mud and debris flow have been exacerbated by the Woolsey Fire, which burned the majority of plants responsible for holding the soil together during intense rain.

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RAIN & MUDSLIDES

MUDSLIDES & FLOODING

WHEN THE RAIN COMES Mudslides, flooding and road closures: as one rainstorm after another hits a city still reeling from the Woolsey fire, Malibu faces a whole new wave of dangers likely to continue all spring. ✎ written by Brenna Spalding  photographed by Julie Wuellner

ROAD CLOSURES As roads flood and become at risk for debris flow, Malibu has seen a recent wave of road closures.

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hile the New Year brought a wave of recovery from the Woolsey Fire throughout Malibu, the risks and dangers within the city have yet to halt.

In the first several weeks of 2019, effects of the fire on the city’s geography became apparent when mud and debris tumbled across sections of State Route 23, also known as Malibu’s Decker Canyon Road, causing road closures throughout the area. Since then, various mudslides and road closures have been reported throughout Malibu. The City of Malibu, all too familiar with this occurrence, readied its resources while forecasts of more rain in coming weeks put the city at risk.

Rick Mullen, Malibu City Council Member and L.A. Fire Captain, recalled an incident from years ago where a boulder struck Topanga Canyon road. “It was the size of a large truck,” he said. “It was gigantic.” Today, dangers like this have only been exacerbated by the Woolsey Fire. On any given hillside, plants are responsible for holding the soil together during periods of intense rain, meaning steep and rocky ground is prevented from forming a mudslide. Throughout Malibu, landscapes that once held an abundance of vegetation are now stripped bare. “There’s been a massive removal of foliage and vegetation,” Mulen said. “[It’s] really dangerous. That’s really why this whole thing is a potential problem. The hillsides are totally denuded, they used to have grasses and bushes on them, so the things that normally hold the soil in are not there. Everything is essentially at risk

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THE EFFECTS As rain storm after rain storm hits Malibu, the city along with first responders is hard at work clearing debris from roads, coordinating evacuations efforts in at-rist neighborhoods and providing sandbags to protect properties from flooding.

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IN ACTION Heavy rains devastate certain areas of Malibu flooding streets and even playgrounds as well as forcing road closures and evacuations in areas affected by the Woolsey fire. It remains crucial for individuals to be aware of the stakes and avoid these dangers whenever possible.

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of, depending on how heavy the rain is, coming loose and flowing down, much more so than normal.”

It seems it’s not only the post-fire conditions that have escalated the likelihood of mudslides in Malibu. Last month, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Climate Prediction Center (CPC) officially declared that distinct ocean pools were found to be above normal temperatures and were influencing atmospheric conditions. Otherwise known as the infamous El Niño, this phenomenon typically occurs every few years. This means that Southern California as a whole can expect to experience this stormy season to be rather unpredictable. Although this is widespreadly known to mean more rain in Malibu, the CPC noted that this El Niño is a weak one. “However, the impacts often associated with El Niño may occur in some locations during the next few months,” according to the CPC. Certainly, the possible impact of El Niño weather put Malibu at greater risk of debris flows.

Eric Boldt, a Warning Coordination Meteorologist, explains what is deemed normal for mudslides in Malibu, or any burned area for that matter. “Any time you have a fire on a hillside or a mountain, you’re going to have a mud and debris problem,” he said. In these conditions, rain will wash away and pick up anything that is easily moved in the ground. “That could be ash, the top layer of the soil, it could be boulders, [or] it could be tree debris that has fallen or been burned during the fire,” Boldt said.

“All the material can then slide down the mountain slope. People have routinely called [them] mudslides, but it’s more than that. It’s all this other material like trees and rock. The scientific terminology behind it is called a ‘debris flow.’”

The difference between a mudslide and a debris flow is solely public understanding, or lack thereof. “People may

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somewhat think of a mudslide, and they only think of it as mud, nothing like a boulder the size of your car, or trees that are just as big as your car” Boldt said.

A debris flow of remarkable size, the largest in many decades, impacted Montecito, CA just last year. While Southern California, Malibu included, has had its fair share of recent mudslides, Montecito’s events pointedly grabbed the attention of Boldt and his Weather Warning Service team. Following the events, they conducted an emergency management survey among the public.

“What people didn’t understand was the terminology, they didn’t understand ‘debris flow’ and what that meant,” Boldt said. Post-Woolsey fire, the city lies in strikingly similar geographical conditions that are considered inviting for debris flows to take place. Like in Montecito, this misunderstanding can lead to major death and injury, which acts as a warning to Malibu as it lies vulnerable in the heavy rains.

“It’s all about communicating and understanding the risk and the threat of a debris flow. One of the things you could compare it to, in Montecito, homes were totally wiped off their foundation with nothing left,” Boldt said. “It’s that type of destruction no one will survive if they’re not evacuated and out of the way. That’s how dangerous they can be and part of that is the terminology and people not understanding what it really means.”

In line with Malibu’s mission to limit the dangers of mudslides, Mullen encourages residents to be aware of the risk of mudslides. Places in Malibu that lie within a canyon or a steep hill are the most susceptible to danger. “The most vulnerable are these little neighborhoods that are at the mouth of these giant canyons that go into the Santa Monica Mountains,” Mullen said. The city has mapped neighborhoods in Malibu by risk of mud flow. “They’ve identified certain neighborhoods where

the risk is greater. And those neighborhoods are determined by size of the canyon above it,” Mullen continued. These areas are watched closely by the City of Malibu, The Fire Department and the Los Angeles County Public Works. “They’re paying very close attention to this because it’s a potentially very dangerous situation, so much more so than normal.” These organizations work together throughout Malibu to locate the sensitive areas and take preventative measures. Before predicted rains, services deploy that transfer the excess soil from what they refer to as “catch basins” to safe areas. “What the County and the City have been doing is removing as much dirt as they can from those scenes that provide a buffer before mudslides can be a problem in neighborhoods,” Mullen said.

Above all, awareness as an individual in Malibu is of most importance to ensure safety. “You still see property damage and loss of life caused by debris flows, so that tells me that people don’t understand some of the things associated with debris flow potential or communication about a possible storm that could cause a debris flow,” Boldt explained, “There’s always room for improvement.” At the National Weather Service, Boldt works closely with United States Geological Survey in determining sizable storms that may lead to debris flows. “We’re just trying to use their science to help us issue out warnings. There is an ongoing project, in a way, because we’re still trying to understand exactly when a debris flow might happen,” he said. “There’s still some science to learn and understand,” Boldt said.

While public safety is much in the hands of the individual, Malibu gathers itself to face the threat of debris flows in the foreseeable future. The city leaves no stone unturned in their effort safeguard the public and relays caution to all withMM in their reach.

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RAIN & MUDSLIDES

RICK MULLEN

What Malibuites Should Watch Out For Malibu Magazine interviewed City Councilmember and L.A. Fire Captain Rick Mullen to get the best safety advice for community members during these times of mudslide danger.

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Don’t be on the road.

In general, when it’s rainy like this - especially after these rains if you don’t have to be on the road, don’t be on the road. When it’s really raining heavy, that’s not a good time to say, “You know, I’m going to go to Costco in Westlake.”

Don’t be on those roads because even if you don’t experience a big, catastrophic mudflow, there are rocks coming down all over the place. Don’t go out driving if you don’t have to. Even small things can yield bad results, like rocks on canyon roads. If you’re driving on a canyon road and you hit one of these rocks and you get a flat tire, now you’re in the middle of a rainstorm. That’s no fun and it’s inconvenient, but it also might put you at risk of getting hit by another vehicle because visibility is low. So, some of these small things can snowball into a bigger event.

It’s best if you don’t have to go anywhere, stay home, read a book, watch TV, and just use common sense for risk avoidance.

You may have seen, a fairly large rock, a boulder really, that recently hit a car on Malibu Canyon. The person luckily didn’t

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

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get killed. There was even a big boulder that came down and hit a pedestrian.

When it’s raining, although it’s kind of unusual and it’s nice to be outside, don’t put yourself at risk by being on a canyon road or anywhere where there can be rivers flowing or mud flowing, that type of thing. Just exercise common sense.

Unless there’s a real, mandatory reason to be driving, don’t do it. Use that kind of general risk management.

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Know where the vulnerable areas are.

Places that may be particularly vulnerable, which is a canyon, or a neighborhood that’s at the mouth of one of these canyons - most people know if they’ve been there a while - where, when it rains, the water flows. People are familiar with where the potential is.

Be aware that if you’re in a vulnerable spot, it doesn’t have to be something really dramatic like a whole house getting buried by a mud flow, but a lot of these rocks on canyon roads, watch what’s going on. If your property is the kind that needs extra sandbagging, hopefully you’ve already done that. I think every-

one is generally aware because of the recent rains that we’ve had, but everyone should be particularly cautious.

Don’t take anything for granted because there’s a tendency to think, ‘Well, we just had some rain and everything worked out, so that’s no problem. We can go about our business.’ But you never know because this whole geography has changed because there are no plants here holding all this stuff back and it could be very dangerous.

3

Be aware.

Because of the fire, everyone should be super-cautious about any periods of rain that we have. I think everyone needs to be super aware.

There’s a tendency, especially after a fire, people say, ‘I’m not evacuating,’ but a mudslide is very different than a fire.

A fire you can maybe take evasive action as an individual, but you can’t with a mudslide, especially at nighttime. That’s going to be an absolutely horrific experience. In that case, it’s more risk avoidance than risk management. Don’t even put yourself in a position where you’re MM going to have to deal with it.

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pacpatio.com

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FLU.I.D.ITY In his exhibition

currently on display at CANVAS.MALIBU, L.A.-based fine art photographer Aaron Lacey culls from his background in engineering to produce technically-fastidious pieces.

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WOW FACTOR Jac Arlington says that she was immediately ‘mesmerized’

by Lacey’s photograhy.

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ART

CANVAS MALIBU

FASHION MEETS ART In flu.id.i.ty, the latest exhibition on display at fashion and art gallery CANVAS.MALIBU, L.A.-based photographer Aaron Lacey draws upon his background in electrical engineering to produce gorgeous, technically-fastidious photographs celebrating the female form. ✎ written by Holly Bieler

I

n the years since clothing and art store CANVAS.MALIBU opened in the Malibu Country Mart, owners Jac and Arlington Forbes have featured an array of both up-and-coming and established artists, from the textile pieces of Eric N. Mack to pop artist Rolland Berry. While featured artists primarily work in fine art and sculpture mediums, Jac says she has on occasion shown fine art photography in years past, though she almost exclusively gravitated towards photographers whose work featured prominent, iconic subjects.

However when Jac and Arlington were introduced to the work of Aaron Lacey, an L.A.-based fine art photographer whose stunning black-and-white pieces demonstrate a preternatural sense of lighting and technique, they were floored. “I was liter-

JAC FORBES Along with her husband

Arlington, Jac Forbes co-owns the Malibu Country Mart store CANVAS.

ally mesmerized,” says Jac. “Not just by the content of his work, but by the way his work makes you feel.”

Now Malibu-ites will have a chance to be mesmerized by Lacey’s pieces as well, with his gallery show flu.id.i.ty currently on display at CANVAS through the spring.

Originally from Canton, Ohio, Lacey’s technically-fastidious pieces draw upon his background in electrical engineering. Largely influenced by the female form, in flu.id.i.ty, Lacey photographs African American women’s faces in tight frames at the moment they’re splashed with milk.

“He’s almost married science to beauty in these photographs,” Jac says. “It’s very difficult to get liquid in that moment and to understand [how it interacts] with shutter MM speed and light.”

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THE I BULIEVE PROJECT

B.U. In Your Music In the latest installment of husband and wife duo, Jules Williams and Alison Pothier’s ongoing docu-series, I BUlieve we are introduced to Deepak Ramapriyan, a supremely talented Malibu multi-instrumentalist.

DEEPACK RAMAPRIYAN A deeply musical person, Ramapriyan performs around Malibu with his band Robot Nature.

A

n East Coast native, Deepak Ramapriyan’s music is rooted in his beginnings. Playing violin and training his voice through the influences of both Western and Indian cultural traditions. From the earliest of ages his sound was authentic and deeply resonant of his wide-ranging roots in the world. In his own words, he used to “go musically rogue when placed in the confines of an orchestra.”

Watching his I Bulieve short-form film, you see Ramapriyan playing both Carnat-

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ic violin in his traditional Indian outfit and then cross-dissolving into his free form rock-star mode - leather jacket and all. In essence, this encapsulates the old cliché of having to learn the rules to break them. Ramapriyan was a high achiever mathematically in both school and college as well as learning traditional form and ‘ragas’ through intensive musical study. In University, he made a very conscious decision to do a complete ‘volte face’ from studying medicine to pursing his love of creating music. Such was his range of musical talent, by university, he was president of the acapella club. His

early years can probably be best summed up in Ramapriyan’s ‘I BUlieve’ statements.

“I BUlieve in the intricate and unique architecture of different Raga’s and their wide-reaching combination of scales.

Music that facilitated different feelings and emotions, that was devotional by nature and sung predominantly in the ancient language of Sanskrit – the root language - where as a young child such music was injected into my cells by osmosis.

I BUlieve in my childhood violin teachers, both Carnatic and Western, whose lessons I received while traveling back

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I BUlieve Creators and forth from Maryland to Virginia, and even sometimes India, honing the structure that would eventually be the platform that launched the freedom of my musical wings.

I BUlieve in those early years where I mimicked the sounds and nuances of classic Pop music, Michael Jackson as my top influence and inspiration. Where I wrote and sang and created, narrating daily life with musical rhymes that flowed in real time. A powerful urge to do my own thing to the extent that I would go musically rogue when put in the constraint of the orchestra, often making up my own variations while sitting there and not playing what was on the page. Living life as a musical song in the space of constant and pure creation in the moment.”

A naturally gifted athlete and deeply spiritual soul with an acute mathematical mind, Ramapriyan now lives in Malibu performing and recording with Robot Nature. Ramapriyan is highly magnanimous for his love of Malibu, voicing that our beautiful city is complicit in his creativity and in his own words. “I Bulieve in the power of nature and specifically the pastoral beauty of Malibu, the sacred -spaces that feed my spirit and my soul.

Namely the Chumash meditative circles in one of Malibu Canyons where I can sit, contemplate and free form – with thoughts, conversations, philosophy and creativity and I Bulieve in standing or immersing in the waters of Broad Beach or Lechuza – the cold refresh of the ocean cleanse and ionized water.”

I BUlieve was launched here in Malibu by husband and wife duo Jules Williams and Alison Pothier. The two set out to create not just a docu-series, but a movement meant to inspire others to be and believe in all that makes you “authentically you”. To watch current episodes visit MM www.ibulieve.com

ALISON POTHIER

JULES WILLIAMS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Coach, Writer, Intuitive, Filmmaker, Dreamer

Writer, Director, Producer, Coach, Intuitive

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SHOPPING

BUNGALOW LTD.

BEAUTIFUL INTERIORS

Bungalow Ltd., the jewelbox Malibu home interiors boutique specializing in rare and spectacular lighting, has quickly become a favorite of both professional and amateur home designers in Malibu since opening just across from Carbon Beach in 2016. Featuring an array of pieces from difficult-to-find designers, including Visual Comfort and Made Goods, Bungalow Ltd. has developed a following throughout Malibu for its extensive array of lighting, accessories and furniture, as well as its full-service interior design services.

Founded by Curt Blackburn, the esteemed Orange County interior designer with more than 27 years of experience, Bungalow Ltd.’s aesthetic may best be described as ‘coastal cottage charm.’ However Blackburn has developed a reputation and is routinely sought after for his ability to make a client’s home interiors dreams come true, no matter the style.

“Sometimes people just need help turning their ideas into reality to make their home everything they’ve dreamed of,” Blackburn said. That’s what Bungalow Ltd. is here for.

MALIBU CHARM Featuring rare and sought-after designers, Bungalow Ltd.’s PCH boutique showcases the best in lighting and home accessories.

BELOW Curt Blackburn (left) and partner Kevin McEvoy with Bungalow’s shop dog, Keiko.

Bungalow Ltd.

22223 PCH Malibu, CA 90265 (424) 644-0344 www.bungalowltd.com

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FASHION

Mme. Weathersby Designer Rachel Weathersby.

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If you’re looking to add a dash of old-Hollywood elegance to your wardrobe, look no further than L.A.-based atelier Mme. Weathersby. Founded by designer Rachel Weathersby five years ago, Mme. Weathersby has quickly become a go-to for women seeking glamorous yet refined clothing, shoes and accessories. For spring, Mme. Weathersby has debuted a line of cocktail dresses that strike the perfect balance between SoCal cool and old-world European glamour.

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Left: Ms. Hollywood dress, $350

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FASHION

Left: Déjeuner sur Rodeo Drive dress, $415

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Right: Je Préfère le Café dress, $525

ABOUT MME. WEATHERSBY Featuring an extensive line of dresses, jackets, separates, shoes and accessories, Mme. Weathersby has a piece for every wardrobe and style. Founded by designer Rachel Weathersby, the line draws deep inspiration from famed European designers like Christian Dior and old-Hollywood films like W.S. Van Dyke’s 1934 classic The Thin Man. Despite its glamorous aesthetic, a distinct feature of Mme. Weathersby pieces are their wearability and a contemporary sophistication which fits even casual settings. “It’s very classic, but simple,” said Rachel Weathersby. “There’s really something for everybody.”

All dresses featured are available in sizes 2-14. To place an order, e-mail robl@castingnewlives.com.

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ORGANIC SKINCARE SoulSpace’s new organic skincare line is among the many holistic non-toxic products in their store.

SOULSPACE MALIBU

360 DEGREE HEALING Innovative Craniosacral Practitioner Jamie Winters advocates for integrative wellness with SoulSpace Malibu and explains, What is Craniosacral Therapy?

W

hat is craniosacral therapy? Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a multi-dimensional energy healing practice which works your four main energy bodies: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. The name derives from the cranium, the sacrum and the vertebral column in between. Within this core structure lies a space filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This fluid is filled with energy and pulsates in a rhythm up and down your spine, bathing all nerves exiting the spine as well as bathing your

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brain. The cerebrospinal fluid’s rhythm is expressed as energy tides, which Craniosacral Practitioners then read as part of CST. In this life we create and live, we become disconnected from our energetic essence in different ways and at different points.

This disconnection creates ‘dis-ease’ in our life that can manifest as a physical disease, emotional trauma, mental discord, spiritual upheaval or a combination.

Within our culture and society, re-alignment and reconnection to ourselves is primary to maintaining a healthy life and healing what we have been through, what we are going through, and where we are going in the future. In a quantum way,

we connect past, present and future simultaneously. This way, we are healing in 360 degrees. When layers of life are explored through resonance and honored in a Craniosacral session, energy processes through. When energy processes, it creates a release and a receiving ability to free ourselves into the intentions we set.

Craniosacral is best served on a regular basis to stay ‘tuned’, although single sessions are very beneficial. For clients who have been affected by the Woolsey Fire, craniosacral therapy has proven to be very helpful in providing emotional relief.

SoulSpace is a specialized wellness center with a team of world class practitioners

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WELLNESS

MULTIDIMENSIONAL ENERGY Craniosacral therapy provides clients with a way to fully heal themselves by working with multidimensional energy channels.

who are there to help maintain optimum wellness, deep healing and pain relief. The center offers acupuncture, naturopathic medicine, body work, massage, meditation, private yoga, acutonics sound healing therapy, reiki, and craniosacral therapy. “At SoulSpace we believe that the mind, body and spirit are inter-related. All three must be nourished and brought into balance for optimum health and longevity” OwnerMM Corie Tappin, L.Ac.,Dipl. O.M. SOULSPACE MALIBU

23440 Civic Center Way #202 Phone: (310) 709-2536 www.soulspacemalibu.com

INTEGRATED WELLNESS Practicioners collaborate to offer you optimized health and wellbeing.

GUIDED MEDITATION SoulSpace Malibu offers Meditation, Private Yoga and Sound Baths.

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SUZAN HUGHES

Take 10 To A Better You Research shows that it only takes 10 minutes a day of exercise to gain the same results as people that work out longer. I discovered this on my own when I developed my TAKE 10 TO A BETTER YOU brand and lunched a work out series as a tool to help me create a better work/life balance. While it is hard to find much time in our busy lives, the science proves that it only takes 10 minutes a day to lead a more healthy life. In addition to exercise, you’d be surprised by what you can learn, and how much your life can change by simply devoting 10 minutes a day to you. Below, you’ll find some tips to get you started. You can also check out more ideas and info at Suzan’s website, www.take10.life.

About Suzan Hughes A successful entrepreneur and leading philanthropist, longtime Malibu resident, Suzan Hughes, is an inspiration. After launching the Herbalife Family Foundation which grew to help millions of vulnerable children with healthy meals and nutrition in over 60 countries, Hughes didn’t stop. She then developed her Take 10 To A Better You Philosophy to create a more healthy, happy and balanced life. Next she developed the wildly successful Rollermax (rollermax.com) a foam roller found at gyms all over the world which gives you a feeling of rejuvenation, like a trip to the SPA or an exclusive acupressure massage.

Taking nothing for granted, Hughes is thoughtful about her journey, “Your spirit carries you through life, but your body carries you through the day,” adding, “You only have one body, so treat it well.”

This year, Hughes launched The Suzan Hughes Education Foundation (suzanhugheseducation.org) which advocates for children in need and educates parents to provide strong guidance through gourmet parenting.”

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Rollermax Use 10 minutes to do a trigger-point massage with my Rollermax foam roller on your legs and feet every morning to ease pain and improve flexibility. Rollermaxes are utilized widely by celebrities and fitness experts and by sports teams including the Sacramento Kings and Los Angeles Clippers.

Meditate in the Morning Start your day with a simple meditation practice; it sets the tone for your day and clears your head to prepare you for what’s ahead.

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WELLNESS

Play Calming Music The body’s internal rhythms become symbiotic with the external rhythms of music, like when you go to the sea and you start breathing slower and your heart rate slows down and starts moving closer to the rhythm and pace of the ocean. It’s the same with music, especially reggae. I think a great way to take time for yourself and bring your body back to a calming rhythm is by listening to calming music everyday.

Learn a New Language Learning a new language is a great way to to stimulate your mind. And with new technology, it doesn’t take a big investment of time or funds to get you on the path of fluency. An excellent resource is babble.com, a new way to learn a foreign language. The comprehensive learning system combines effective education methods with state-of-the-art technology and it just takes 10 minutes a day!

Give Yourself a Facial We are so busy these days that we rarely have time to pamper ourselves. Take 10 minutes for yourself to enjoy an aroma therapy mask. One of my favorites is Que Bella® Relaxing Aromatherapy Mask in Lavender which you can find online. Pampering yourself with a calming mask soothes the soul and helps your beauty shine from the inside and out.

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3/8/19 3:52 PM

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BRINKLEY Ultherapy Patient

A

chieving a noticeably more youthful face and body used to require significant investment and downtime. However in 2019, women and men seeking to take significant years off their face and amplify their beauty have an extremely cost-effective and non-invasive option in the hands of Dr. David Rahimi, the acclaimed Beverly Hills dermatologist, cosmetic surgeon and CEO of famed cosmetic enhancement center Forever Young, Inc. ® Dr. Rahimi’s secret lies in his masterful eye and ability to make his patients look

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In the hands of acclaimed Beverly Hills dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon Dr. David Rahimi, patients can expect surgery-like results without the cost or downtime.

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and feel 10-15 years younger without making them look “done”. All of this is achieved without the use of general anesthesia. Dr. Rahimi only uses local anesthesia and mild sedation for his procedures. Indeed, much of his work relies on the masterful use of his 35 laser and light sources, including Ultherapy and Mixto fractional CO2 laser.

The recipient of multiple awards including the 2018 “Top Doctor Award” by Los Angeles Magazine and 2018 “Super Doctor” award by the Los Angeles Times and “Walter F. Rosenberg” award in Dermatology, Dr. Rahimi has amassed a reputation for his ability to not only deliver dramatic results, but to achieve a natural look.

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Forever Young, Inc. 6333 Wilshire Blvd., Suite, 409 www.foreveryoung.net (323) 653-7700 Westlake Laser and Aesthetics 1240 S. Westlake Blvd., Suite 102 ww.westlakelaser.com (805) 497-7546

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COMMUNITY

MALIBU VILLAGE’S NEW SECURITY GUARD After several months at Malibu Village, security robot RBuD2 has gathered the attention of many Malibuites. Providing information, surveillance, and even entertainment, the robot has certainly earned its place among the security team in Malibu. ✎ written by Brenna Spalding

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n October of 2018, a security robot cleverly named “R’Bu’D2” made its debut at Malibu Village. At first glance, the robot looks strikingly similar to something out of a Star Wars movie, but instead of traveling through distant galaxies, RBuD2 is here to stay, and creators say it’s the first of many of its kind.

The robot, employed by Allied Universal, was sent to Malibu Village in an effort to enhance security throughout the shopping center. RBuD2 has spent a total of five months roaming the parking lots and monitoring the property at all hours, efforts that surpass human surveillance currently operating in Malibu Village. Scott Carpenter, the Southwest Regional Director at Allied Universal said, “The robot’s first role is to observe and report.” Equipped with technology enabling it to maneuver around the site, record and send video to the Allied Universal Monitoring and Response Center in Richardson, Texas, RBuD2 acts as an additional pair of eyes to watch over parking lots and storefronts. Recordings are then kept in the cloud for as long as clients wish. Carpenter said that the robot “offer[s] a higher level of safety and security than an occasional hu-

man patrol that cannot be present 24/7.”

The robot’s intended role is simple, but crucial. “The only way to gain actionable intelligence is through eyes and ears.” said Stacy Stevens, former officer and Executive Vice President and Chief Client Officer at Knightscope Inc., the company who specializes in autonomous security robots responsible for creating RBuD2. “The humans still have

to make the critical thinking decisions, they’re the ones that have to be there to decide what to do and where to do it. We provide the information...but the humans are a key element of that.” Stevens continued.

Essentially, the robot is equipped with lasers around the top section of the body, allowing it to create a three-dimensional map every 20 milliseconds.

Photo via Knightscope

24/7 SURVEILLANCE Knightscope security robot model K5 is equipped to roam the outdoor space of Malibu Village at all hours, providing consistency to surveillance efforts.

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COMMUNITY

Force Multiplying Physical Deterrence

Automatic License Plate Recognition

Live Audio Broadcast

360 Degree HD Video Streaming

People Detection

Thermal Anomaly Detection

Automatic Signal Detection

Two-Way Intercome

Pre-Recorded Broadcast Messages

ROBOT TECHNOLOGY The security robot at Malibu Village is equipped with various technologies that give a detailed sense of the surroundings. These monitors can detect fires, suspicious activity, and even watch for people’s toes.

FRIENDLY ROBOTS Despite the harsh metal exterior, these robots were created to emanate non-threatening behavior and are quite friendly in nature. They’ve even been known to stop for guest photos. Nowadays the robots can be found all over the country like these two robots in New York City and San Jose, CA.

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In addition, the bot possesses proximity sensors that prove very efficient in the avoidance of obstacles in high-traffic areas. “Similar to what’s on the back bumper of your car, when something comes close, we’re able to tell,” Stevens said. The robot’s sensory abilities are complete with GPS technology, wheel odometry, and an inertial measurement unit (IMU). “If you combine all five of those together, now you have an incredibly accurate depiction of ‘What does my space look like?’ ‘Where am I in that space?’ ‘What is around me?’ obstacle-wise, and ‘How do I navigate through it?’” Stevens explained.

To Knightscope, this roaming bot is known as the “K5, [the] outdoor self-driving robot.” RBuD2 is one of the three different models available on the market. Stevens said “Knightscope has several different models currently available – the K1, K3 and K5.” The K5 is a specialized outdoor model, proving quite impressive to the outdoor-shopping goers at Malibu Village.

While this robot is navigating its place among the public, it soon won’t be alone.

Robot-enforced security is a relatively new idea, but more and more of these bots are popping up around the country, and Los Angeles is no exception. What does the future of security in LA look like? “We are looking at it…” said Stevens.

“Self-driving technology, robotics, and artificial Intelligence all help humans better protect the places we visit, work and play,” he said. At this rate, It won’t be long until robots become a part of our everyday life. “We believe that robots are positioned today where the smartphone was in the early 2000s,” Stevens said.

“Think about it…could you go without your phone for a full day now? In a very short time, you likely feel the same about MM your robots.”

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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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Award-winning adventure photographer, Tyler Schiffman takes us deep under the Pacific to see a side of Malibu few have seen before. Filled with playful seals, giant kelp forests and colorful sea creatures the waters off Malibu’s coastline are bursting with life and unbelievable beauty like none other.

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HARBOR SEAL “The kelp beds off of Malibu road are home to a group of friendly harbor seals. This day in particular I would free dive down, sit on a rock and the harbor seal would swim right up to me wanting to play” Schiffman said.

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CLUB-TIPPED ANEMONES Club-Tipped Anemones are usually found in high areas of current so they can filter feed.

Anemones are in the same family as jellyfish and their clubs are lined with stinging cells to trap phytoplankton that drifts on by.

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ROCK LOBSTER Also known as red spiny lobsters, rock lobsters stay tucked away in any small crevice or cave that they can find during the day. As the sun sets and moon rises, they emerge from their dens and crawl across the reef looking for food.

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GARIBALDI The Garibaldi is the state marine fish of California and can be found all over Malibu. They are very territorial and will defend their food, shelter and nesting areas against other predators.

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TOPE SHARK “Tope sharks can usually be found in packs patrolling through the kelp forests. They are very friendly and often bump the front of my camera.

I was shooting with a wide angle lens and the shark was a foot away from my camera” Schiffman said.

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FLASH Calicos are perfectly camouflaged to their kelp surroundings. As soon as they are spotted they dart off in a blink of an eye.

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PHOTO STORY

DIVING DEEP UNDER MALIBU’S SURFACE In an effort to show off the beauty of our oceans, adventure photographer Tyler Schiffman travels all over the world. However, more often than not, Schiffman can be found diving right here, off the coast of Malibu. ✎ written by Julie Wuellner

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ward-winning adventure photographer Tyler Schiffman grew up surfing and diving in the waters of Malibu. After graduating from USC with a degree in Environmental Science, he decided to combine his passion for photography and love of the ocean into a career. Now, he travels the world to pursue his passion, from getting up close with sharks in Micronesia to free-diving with whales in Mexico.

How did your love for the ocean start?

When I was a kid my dad would take me to Surfrider beach every weekend. As soon as I was able to swim he put me on a surfboard and I instantly fell in love with the ocean. I began surfing everyday and when I got older I needed something to do when the waves were flat. I picked up a mask and snorkel and swam out to the kelp forest off of 3rd point. I couldn’t believe my eyes, there was so much life surrounding me. I took a deep breath in and headed to the abyss. I reached the bottom at 40 feet and schools of fish were surrounding me – I knew I was home.

What does a typical dive around Malibu look like?

At times, it can be difficult to dive because the visibility is poor but when conditions are good you can see from the surface to the bottom of the ocean. You will typically see schools of little fish within the first 5-15 feet of water. As you continue on passed the sea grass and into deeper water

corner of my eye I saw the grey silhouette appear with a tenacity I had not seen before. Before I knew it, the shark was within 5 feet of us and coming straight for Ryan’s fish. I kept my ground with my camera in my hand. In a matter of seconds the shark was inches away from my lens and I gave it a little nudge. The shark took off in full speed and was never seen again.

CLOSE & PERSONAL Schiffman frequently encounters seals on his dives.

you will start to see the mature adult species swimming amongst the giant strands of kelp. Looking under rocks you can find all sorts of life, and digging in the sand you might even spook an angelshark or a halibut.

Have you had any scary moments while diving?

I was on a free dive with a one of my good friends, Ryan, just off the coast of Malibu. He was spearfishing and I was taking photos. Early into the dive he shot a pretty big fish. We were swimming and I spotted a tope shark swimming through the kelp forest. They are very calm, curious and harmless. The shark would disappear into the distance and reappear out of the murky water. We continued on our dive and I started to notice that the shark was getting closer and closer. We decided to call our dive and head back to shore. We hadn’t seen the shark for a few minutes but I knew it was somewhere near. Out of the

Where are your favorite places to shoot and dive?

I was fortunate enough to spend two summers in Micronesia on the small island country Palau. I was in awe of this small country in the middle of the Pacific and how it contained so much beauty. The water is 84°F, the corals and fish are as abundant and as alive as any I have ever seen.

What keeps you inspired?

Knowing that my photos may one day help protect our oceans for the future. I’m hoping that my photographs can inspire the world to take a moment to appreciate the beauty of our final frontier.

Lastly, what advice would you give someone wanting to dive in Malibu?

Make sure that you have a good wetsuit because the water can get cold once you pass the thermocline. Wait for the sea to be calm so you have the best chance of having good visibility. I would recommend going to dive Point Dume or Malibu Colony Rd. Both spots have lots of life and are very easy MM entries and exits.

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FOOD + D Farmer’s Market

Eataly

The Park

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Interviews with some of our favorite chefs and purveyors.

Authentic Italian food and wine arrives in Century City.

A sneak-peek at eateries opening in the new center.

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DRINK

GETAWAYS

SPECIAL

For our special food and drink section, we’ve rounded up some of the best places to grab a bite or sip a cocktail as the weather starts to thaw. From new eateries at the soon-to-open Park center, including a come-back from Malibu favorite Howdy’s, to a delicious new brand of mezcal founded right here in L.A., there’s a lot to be excited for on the dining scene this spring. ✎ written by Barbara Burke and Holly Bieler

Sparrow Cafe

Cafe Luxxe

Pequera Mezcal

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This hidden gem offers classic dishes with a Malibu twist.

A Santa Monica favorite becomes a Malibu one as well.

The new mezcal brand taking L.A. by storm.

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FOOD + DRINK

ALEX MANCELLI

Classic Snacks; Unique Flavors

One can begin and end her day eating Alex Mancelli’s products. Consider starting with the delicious granola, including the luscious strawberry-cranberry coconut cream. Alternatively, consider enjoying dried apricots, cantaloupe, cranberries or papaya, with or without honey.

Lunch on the go can, of course, include nuts. It’s hard to select which are best.

Of course, the only way to solve that conundrum is to try a lot of them and enjoy.

There are delicious coconut macaroon almonds for an island flavor. Try the turmeric almonds if you like spicy flavors, the toffee-flavored almonds or those that are lemon- roasted – yes, lemon, if you have a hankerin’ for a sweet-tasting almond. If you are striving to pack protein into your diet, try the plain almonds.

For a delicious late-evening snack, consider the moist and meaty, dried black mission figs. Chia seeds and flax seeds – brown or golden – also satiate, and make a great, protein-rich addition to salads or rice bowls. The dried fruit selection is phenomenal. Where else in Malibu can one purchase dried kiwi? Or dried pineapple finished with a kick of chili powder?

Delicious!

As spring approaches, Alex’s trail mixes are wonderful fuel as one hikes to see Malibu’s reviving trails. The Hollywood mix is sweet, yet savory. Wonderful Wasabe. Pignitos and pignolias – Alex has it all and Malibuites go nuts when they visit Alex’s Fruit and Nuts.

FRUITS AND NUTS WITH A TWIST Alex Mancelli has amassed scores of dedicated customers with an array of unique products that are simple and delicious.

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GOT GREEN DRINKS?

Healthy, Nutritious and Delicious

EUPHORIA IN A BOTTLE Got Green Drinks offers an array of cold-pressed, delicious juices that are also protein-packed, with 7-8 grams per bottle.

CATHERINE RUDAT The owner of Got Greek Drinks, Rudat is a licensed nutritionist, and works with mixologists to develop peak flavor as well as nutrition.

Got Green Drinks brings healthy, fresh, unpasteurized cold-pressed juices to the Malibu Farmers Market every Sunday. The company’s juices provide 7 to 8 grams of protein in each bottle, packing a wallop of energizing nutrients, while also pleasing one’s taste buds and hunger pangs.

Got Euphoria, a delicious almond milk drink infused with agave nectar, satiates and provides a tasty option. One can drink it straight, or use it as a creamy addition to a coffee beverage.

Got MVP is a delightful drink flush with vegetables, including cucumber, spinach, and kale. A perfect juice for cleansing, the beverage provides a day’s-worth of vitamins A-K. Owner Catherine Rudat, the genius behind many drink recipes, is a licensed nutritionist. The company is always innovating and its mixologist, Alex, creates new recipes to keep loyal fans coming back for more. The secret to creating the cold-pressed juices is to use the purest ingredients – fresh, organic vegetable and fruits – and to add just the right amount of herbs, such as ground turmeric root or cinnamon. The juices are extremely healthy, full of vitamins, phytonutrients and antioxidants.

Got Green Drinks is a favorite at the Malibu Farmer’s Market because a customer gets a lot of nutrition and a tasty drink in one bottle, knowing that it is fresh and environment-friendly. Try the delicious soups as well.

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FOOD + DRINK

MISHA’S KIND FOODS

Cheese Sans the Lactose (and Guilt) Misha’s Kind Foods has become a favorite of Malibuites craving a luscious cheddar or goat cheese, but who want to maintain health-conscious or vegan diets. “[The philosophy of Misha’s Kind Foods] is that by being kind to the environment and being a cruelty-free, plant-based cheese company, we can ensure that the community is offered a healthy and tasty cheese,” said Loely Burgos as she staffed the Misha Kind Foods stand at the Malibu Farmers Market.

Chef Ian Martin, well-known as an artist and musician, is the brainchild behind Misha’s Kind Foods. He is a certified raw vegan/living foods chef who has trained under the best in the business, including Matthew Kenny’s M.A.K.E. and at Juliano’s Planet Raw. The vegan selection of raw, probiotic cheeses are infused with bold, delightful flavors. There are tree nut cheese, creamy, semi-soft cheeses, and cheese wheels.

Products are created with only the finest ingredients, and include delicious flavors such as a roasted garlic, cilantro and sundried tomato option, a garlic and black truffle spread, and one of their best sellers: a lox spread, made with smoked carrots and seasoning. Their latest offering is a ricotta, deliciously smooth and nutty with a truly cheese-like finish.

If you’re looking for healthy, plant-based, dairy-free and freshly-made cheese in Malibu, look no further than the truly delectable Misha’s Kind Foods.

CHEF IAN MARTIN An artist and musician, Chef Martin is the certified raw vegan/ living foods chef behind Micha’s Cheeses, a line of vegan, plant-based cheese.

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FOOD + DRINK

OMA’S GARDEN

Farm-Fresh Eggs of Every Color

KALIKO ORION Omma’s Garden is named after owner Kaliko Orion’s mother.

Omma’s Garden is known for their free-range, beautifully-hued eggs.

Malibu’s Kaliko Orion has featured her beautiful eggs hatched by free-range chickens in a non-pesticide setting for many years at Malibu’s Farmers Market.

The eggs are sold under the label “Omma’s Garden,” in honor of Kaliko’s mother.

Malibu Magazine sat down with Kaliko at the Farmer’s Market and listened to her harrowing tale about how the Woolsey Fire destroyed 800 birds and how Malibu City councilperson Mikke Pierson save hundreds more. “Mikke is my hero,” Kaliko said. “Before this happened, I hardly knew him, but that wonderful man hauled water in five-gallon buckets to my remaining chickens for days.” The Fire was harrowing for Kaliko, as it was for many Malibuites. Despite all of that, the most lovely pastel -blue eggs beckon Farmers Market shoppers every Sunday. Kaliko and her family resiliently continue to incubate eggs.

On the day that Malibu Magazine visited, there were gorgeous blue-green, speckled eggs, hinting at the forthcoming need for families to fill Easter baskets. There were chocolate-colored eggs, exuding their health benefits. There were lovely pink-colored eggs. The hues imbued in the eggs evince that the chickens are carefully bred. “I’m a long-time customer and I love Kaliko’s gorgeous eggs,” said Louis Fortugno. “They’re the best I’ve ever had during my six years shopping here.” Eggs from Omma’s Garden symbolize new birth and regeneration. Kaliko Orion is helping Malibu return to normalcy and regenerate – one egg at a time.

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SIZZLING GINGER

Heal and Nurture From Within

ANCIENT RECIPES All food and drinks from Sizzling Ginger are vegan and gluten-free, and made from from ancient Ayurvedic recipes.

Healing soups, herbal drinks, sensational spices, all are offered at Sizzling Ginger, a vendor that delights customers at the Malibu Farmers Market. All the company’s soups and drinks are gluten free. All are vegan. All derive from ancient Ayurvedic recipes. All are delicious.

Yuvi, the company’s owner, consulted her Guru and traveled to India, the land of spices, to learn ancient techniques of food preparation. Yuvi focuses on offering “food with a purpose,” and she delights in creating new, holistic, drinks to fully please palates. Try the watermelon-tumeric-ginger drink. Infused with a full thirty ingredients, the beverage provides an amazing 14 grams of protein and completely energizes.

What makes Sizzling Ginger special is that Yuvi ensures the potency of ingredients are charged with purified crystalline matrices and immersed in healing Vedic sound frequencies so they resonate at 7 hz., a natural resting wake-state brain’s frequency.

Just reading the list of ingredients in various products is fun and educational. While some include relatively common herbs, such as cinnamon, clove, and watermelon, others intrigue and send a customer to Google so she can explore their character. Those include wonderful-sounding ingredients such as ashwagandha, guggalum and tulsi. All products are carefully sourced and curated. All are invigorating and delightful.

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FOOD + DRINK

ME GUSTA GOURMET TAMALES

A True Malibu Favorite

“We come here every Sunday and eat them, and eat them,” Malibuite Sean Carter said as he surveyed the menu at Me Gusta Gourmet Tamales. “Now, we have to choose which of the many delicious flavors to eat.” The tamale stand is a popular venue at the Malibu Farmers Market. “We have handmade tamales that we make every day and we don’t use any lard,” the establishment’s sign informs. As usual, the back story makes for a great story. Like may patriarchs, Roberto Ortega Sr. and his wife had a dream – a dream to build a business, a dream to provide for their family, a dream to build a legacy. And that’s just what they did. The Ortega family started a small restaurant in San Fernando Valley in the late 90s. Over the years, the endeavor burgeoned to the family operating a 10,000 square foot USDA-approved tamale factory.

The fabulous tamale choices amaze.

There are the standard beef, pork and corn tamales. Chicken and vegetarian tamales also intrigue, as do the Chile Verde tamales. But wait – a pineapple tamale?

Hmm. Wow! It’s great! The tamales, nestled in dense corn husks, are flavorful and fabulous. The Ortega family’s secret family recipe has garnered the attention of judges adjudicating what in many people’s minds are the most important competitions of the year – tamale competitions.

Me Gusta Gourmet Tamales has won first and second place at the L.A. International Tamale Festival (2006-07) and at the Indio fest (2005-06), two competitions that are like, well, the Super Bowl of tamale competitions.

A FARMERS MARKET TRADITION Me Gusta Gourmet Tamales has become one of the most popular stands at the Malibu Farmers’ Market.

AWARD-WINNER Me Gusta Gourmet Tamales have won numerous accolades.

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ALCANTAR ORGANICS

Fresh Produce with a Smile As he arranges his farm-fresh vegetables and fruits, Jose Alcantar of Alcantar Organics flashes a huge grin – his booth at the Malibu Farmer’s Market is ready, offering some of the finest harvested crops that the Central Valley can yield. Jose farms on 14 organic acres between the foothills and the 101 Freeway in Carpinteria. Once the foreman of Tutti Frutti Farms, he now has his own farm. His daughter Maria helps him at the stand, carrying on a wonderful tradition of providing customers with farm-fresh organic produce.

Jose knows the land. He knows how to farm and passionately does so. He knows how to bring quality, organic produce to Malibu. Hopefully, he knows how much Malibu appreciates him doing so every week. Lettuces, vegetables, fruits and, when in season, berries, all bedeck Jose’s booth, beckoning buyers to enjoy the products of Jose’s hard labor. Those wonderful strawberries that one dreams about. Strawberries for smoothies, for fruit salad, for making jam, and, of course, for just plain eating.

What’s wonderful about the Malibu Farmer’s Market is one can choose from organic vegetables and fruit from Alcantar Organic Farm’s stand, and then go buy one of the many lovely balsamic vinegars and oils at various vendors at the market.

A fresh salad’s full fixings, delicious and satiating, healthy and wonderful. Thank you, Jose and Maria, for making Malibu more healthy, hearty and happy every Sunday.

ALCANTAR ORGANICS Jose Alcantar’s 14-acre farm sits between the foothills and 101 freeway in Carpinteria, near Santa Barbara.

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AJ’S CRÊPES

A Sweet or Savory Treat

RANGE OF FLAVORS Javier and Omayra Castro have a crêpe to suit every palette, with fillings from Nutella to Philly Cheese Steak.

Sunday mornings are sweet and special in Malibu because Javier and Omayra Castro of A.J.’s Crêpes bring their delicious delicacies to the Malibu Farmers Market.

“Javier used to work for restaurants, but he wanted to start his own business, so, one year ago, we launched A.J.’s crêpes,” Omayra told Malibu Magazine. “Since then, we’ve loved bringing our crêpes to Malibu and the customers are enjoying them.”

Malibuites are delighted to enjoy some of A.J.’s curated creative crêpes, including the savory and the sweet.

Try the Philly Cheese Steak, full of meaty morsels and delicious cheese. Another great choice is the vegetarian tomato pesto, or, for meat-eaters, the chicken pesto.

Herbs, including aromatic and delicious basil, combined with spinach, mushrooms, red peppers, and lettuce, immerse the creamy crêpes with fabulous flavor.

The crêpes are perfect for helping one get going for a lovely, lazy Sunday.

If savory seasonings don’t suit a person, she can opt for one of the sweet crêpes. One of our all-time favorites is the Dulce de Leche, made with chewy, buttery caramel and a luscious, generous drizzle of Nutella. Tucking into one of these sweet creations is sure to bring out the kid in anyone.

If you’re looking to try something sweet but also get in a healthy ingredient or two, A.J.’s Crepes has a variety of traditional fruit crêpe offerings to choose from, including apple, strawberry of banana options.

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FOOD + DRINK

ZONA LITTLE ITALY

Italy Comes to Malibu

Pietro Manca loves to share all things from Bel Paese – Italy, of course, with visitors to Zona Little Italy at the Malibu Farmers Market. “We have two hundred different specialties from Italy,” He told Malibu Magazine. “I source the products from small, family-owned Italian companies that offer artisanal choices.” Italy’s best farmers still do things the old-fashioned way, Manca explained. “They do not use a high level of pesticides, their products do not have high GMO content and they use long-established agricultural practices.” Simply stated, the products are more pure and not as heavily processed and that, Manca maintains, means they not only have a superior taste, but they also retain their nutritional core.

When entering Zona Little Italy, a shopper is most impressed by the panoply of products. Some of the finest Italian brands are here, including Rummo Pasta Factory of Via dei Mulini where, for more than 160 years, six generations of master pasta-makers have made short shapes – fusilli, rigatoni, and others – and long shapes – capellini and bucatini and others – and soup shapes – D’orzo and lumachine and others. Each noodle is used for different dishes and, when combined with some of the lovely pasta sauces that Manca features – Delizioso!

Zona Little Italy also features salts, pestos, and risottos, balsamic vinegars and, of course, wonderful Italian cookies. “Zona Little Italy strives to bring customers nothing but the best!” Manca said. “Come in and see for yourself!”

PIETRO MANCA Originally from Bel Paese, Italy, Manca’s Malibu Farmers Market stand proffers the highest-quality imports from his home country.

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FOOD + DRINK

THE BROUHARDS

Dog Treats Crafted With Love

THE LUCKY LAB For over 10 years, Jennifer and Hunter Brouhard have sold their much-beloved, gourmet dog treats at the farmers market.

Jennifer and Hunter Brouhard are longtime Malibu Farmers Market regulars, having sold their gourmet dog treats at the market for over 10 years.

The Lucky Lab treats are made with “the finest human-grade ingredients.” Jennifer said that her family had lost two relatively young dogs due to illness and they were concerned about the ingredients found in commercially-available dog treats. Therefore, when they got Hunter, a gorgeous Labrador retriever, Brouhard decided to make Hunter’s treats herself so as to ensure that they did not contain any preservatives, chemicals or animal byproducts. “We offer both wheat-free and gluten-free dog treats,” Jennifer said.

“There’s something for every dog’s taste.”

There are fun options, such as Himalayan chews, apple and banana fritters, gourmet dog pumpkin snickerdoodles and peanut butter dog treats. There are dog sticks galore – even yogurt-frosted. There are game-based dog chew options, made with elk and venison. There’s even peanut butter biscotti. Not to worry – research and development and market research has been done for the whole inventory because Hunter and his colleagues have approved of them all.

Brouhard explained that no animals are harmed when the company sells its elk antlers because the antlers are naturally shed by elks every year. Clearly, The Lucky Lab pays attention to detail as it develops every inventory item. There’s something for everyone– including every dog – at the Malibu Farmers Market.

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FOOD + DRINK

EATALY

VISIT ITALY FOR THE NIGHT Angelenos craving a taste of Italy now need only venture as far as Century City for all the Italian delicacies their heart desires. ✎ written by Holly Bieler

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ne night while out at a café 17 years ago, Italian businessman Oscar Farinetti was seized by a vision for an entirely new kind of dining experience. Scribbling on a napkin, he mapped out a sprawling consortium of delicacies from his native country all housed under one roof, with dedicated counters for freshly-prepared pizza and pasta, warm fresh bread and artisanal salamis. He anointed his vision Eataly, a combination of Eat and Italy.

In the years since, Farinetti has expanded Eataly into one of the most celebrated restaurant concepts on the dining scene today. Now in 10 countries and with 35 locations, Eataly is acts as a classic Italian marketplace updated for the 21st century, with numerous restaurants and stalls housed within one vast open space, where visitors can sit down and sample authentic Italian cuisine as well as shop for imported Italian specialties.

Now Angelenos can partake in Farinetti’s unique vision as well, at the newly-opened

Eataly L.A. in the Westfield Century City mall, the first Eataly on the West Coast. Angelenos looking for a taste of Italy will find a comprehensive treasure-trove of tastes at the newly opened market, from sit-down restaurants like Il Pesce Cucina, headed by Chef Michael Cimarusti of popular West Hollywood eatery Providence, to Terra, a rooftop eatery affording beautiful views of the city and a menu inspired by “earth, gin and fire”, replete with a wood-burning Italian grill. Those looking for a quick pickme-up in a spectacular locale have their pick as well, with a fresh Lavazza coffee station and delicious pastries from Caffè

Vergnano, the famed coffee shop originally from the foothills of Torino, Italy. Eataly has plenty in store for home chefs as well, with a slew of purveyors offering fresh and flavorful Italian produce and prepared products, from salami, bread and cheese to fine imported vinegars, olive oils, tomato sauces and wines.

Not sure what to do with your newly-purchase cheese and olive oil once you get home? Eataly L.A.’s got you covered there as well, with a collection of cooking and cultural classes staged monthly at the market, from a gnocchi-making class to a lecture led by art history professor Dr. Rocky Ruggiero entitled MM “Saints, Symbols and Spaghetti.”

CENTURY CITY

EATALY

10250 Santa Monica Blvd. eataly.com/us_en/stores/los-angeles

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Cafe D’Amore

Whole Foods Market

Blue Bottle Coffee Howdy’s

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FOOD + DRINK

THE PARK

MALIBU’S NEW DINING SCENE With The Park’s imminent opening this spring, Malibu prepares to welcome both beloved old eateries and some fresh faces. ✎ written by Holly Bieler

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fter years of talks and construction, Cross Creek’s latest commercial hub, The Park, is finally slated for its grand opening this spring.

Comprising a Whole Foods grocery store, extensive landscaping and community areas and 14,000 square feet of new retail and dining, the center has been one of the most hotly-anticipated and at times controversial new developments in the city since plans for its construction

emerged in 2014. And while details surrounding The Park’s new tenants have been scant since construction broke ground in fall of 2017, developer Steve Soboroff announced the names of a handful of restaurants and shops during a Malibu Chamber of Commerce mixer in January, welcoming back classic Malibu old faces while introducing some new ones.

Nostalgists were especially elated over the announcement that Howdy’s Taqueria will be one of the Park’s new eateries. The much-beloved Mexican restaurant was a

RESTAURANTS The Park will house numerous eateries such as Cafe D’Amore.

Malibu Country Mart establishment for decades, occupying the space now filled by SunLife Organics for nearly 20 years, before closing its doors in 2014.

Other Malibu establishments opening in The Park include D’Amore’s Restaurant, a full-service restaurant from D’Amores owner Joe D’Amore, and a new outpost of Sorenity Rocks Malibu, from Malibu-ite Lenise Soren. Among the new faces is Blue Bottle Coffee, an Oakland-based artisanal coffee shop which will be opening its seventh loMM cation in The Park.

D’AMORES Owner Joe D’Amore.

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GARDEN BURGER Sparrow’s grilled, house-made vegan black bean garden burger with tomato, avocado and vegan chipotle served on a gluten-free bun is a great choice for anyone looking for a healthy and delicious lunch.

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FOOD + DRINK

SPARROW CAFÉ

A MALIBU TAKE ON THE CLASSICS In the old Godmother Café spot, executive chef Victor Rosales has put together a menu that’s both refined yet casual, health-conscious yet delicious. ✎ written by Holly Bieler

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hen the acclaimed Godmother Café shuttered its Malibu Racquet Club location in 2014, it was clear any new eatery taking up the courtside restaurant space would have big shoes to fill. Owner Dolores Rivellino Walsh was not only a beloved figure throughout Malibu, but during its 30-year tenure, the Godmother Café amassed a reputation not only for some of the best dishes in town, but for a truly lovely atmosphere, something of a hidden secret for Malibu-ites in the know.

And so it was with skepticism that some viewed the 2017 opening of the Sparrow Café, a new American eatery focused on simple, time-honored classic recipes utilizing seasonal ingredients, in the old Godmother space. However in the last two years, Sparrow Café, headed by executive chef Victor Rosales, previously of restaurant Plate, has evolved into a true community favorite.

Taking the figure of the sparrow as inspiration, the tiny bird known for its community-minded propensity for sharing the food it gathers, Sparrow Café is focused on providing healthy dishes as well as a sense of community for its Malibu neighbors.

Open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. with breakfast, lunch and dinner menus, many ingredients are locally-sourced and recipes are both health-conscious and

SPARROW Executive Chef Victor Rosales, previously of Plate.

inventive. Breakfast standouts include a fresh chia seed porridge, avocado toast and dynamite chilaquiles, while lunch favorites include the zucchini and mozzarella pizza made with a cauliflower crust, an in-house crafted vegan blackbean garden burger on a gluten-free roll and a delicious curry papaya salad, served beautifully in half of a Hawaiian papaya.

However its at dinner that Rosales’ menu really shines, with a delicious pan-roasted chicken breast in natural sauces and, for spring, crispy sand dabs, a delicate, small type of flounder, served with tartar sauce, spinach and mashed potatoes. Rosales’ menu changes seasonally, so be sure to check in often for new specials.

If you’re not in the mood for a full meal, then Sparrow’s location, on the sweeping back deck of the Malibu Racquet Club, is a fantastic spot for a quick snack and drink as well. Sparrow Café now offers a full selection of beers and well-priced wines by the glass and botMM tle for guests to enjoy.

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CAFFE LUXXE

BEST COFFEE IN TOWN For hand-crafted artisanal coffee with an elegant Italian flair, Caffee Luxxe in the Sands center can’t be beat.

✎ written by Holly Bieler

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ince opening in the Sands center just adjacent to Carbon Beach in March of 2017, Caffe Luxxe has quickly become one of Malibu’s favorite destinations for a pick-me-up or a leisurely artisanal coffee and pastry. Featuring an array of authentic hand-crafted Italian drinks, including favorites like the Caffe Nico, a small espresso drink with candied orange and cinnamon, and the Caffe Frizzante, a slightly sweetened iced coffee made with sparkling water, as well as an array of delicious fresh pastries sourced from local bakeries, Caffe Luxxe has amassed a dedicated fan base of coffee aficionados throughout Malibu.

Originally founded by college friends Mark Wain and Gary Chau, Caffee Luxxe was in-

CAFFEE LUXXE Every drink at this Sands center favorite is hand-crafted.

spired by the two friends’ frequent trips to Italy, where they were taken by the simple elegance of the Italian café experience. After quitting their corporate jobs in 2006,

Wain and Chau opened the first location of Caffee Luxxe on Montana Ave. in Santa Monica. The café quickly becoming one of the top coffee shops on the West side, with Caffee Luxxe eventually expanding to locations in Brentwood and the Pacific Palisades before opening up their fifth shop in Malibu two years ago.

The distinct, robust taste of Caffe Luxxe’s drinks begins with quality beans, which are sourced from fine coffee bean farms all over the world. Once the beans have been sourced, they’re sent to Il Laboratorio de Caffe Luxxe, the company’s specialty South Bay facility where all of their beans are roasted. This dedication to fine craftsmanship has helped separate Caffee Luxxe from the proliferation of coffee chains in L.A. and contributed to its impressive expansion. Coming up on the horizon is a sixth MM location in Montecito.

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FOOD + DRINK

PAQUERA MEZCAL

ARTISANAL MEZCAL In just a few short years, Paquera Mezcal has gained a devoted following with its unparalleled taste and dedication to making mezcal the right way.

B

en Zerbe has never been much of a drinker.

“I’m one of those people where I’d go to bars and I didn’t really have a go-to drink,” he said. However one night out at a bar four years ago, a friend suggested Zerbe try mezcal, a smoky cousin of tequila that had recently been gaining popularity on the craft spirit scene. “I just fell in love with it,” Zerbe recalled. “And I thought, people will share the same appreciation and love for mezcal if we can tell the right story; there’s an opportunity here.”

So began Paquera, Zerbe’s premium artisanal mezcal that’s quickly drawn a devoted following and distribution in some of the city’s trendiest and most established bars for its incredible taste—complex and smoky but deeply refined and smooth, like

a sipping spirit—as well as its unparalleled price point. Bottles start at just $41.99, far less than competing premium mezcals.“We want people to know what mezcal is, why it’s different, and enjoy what mezcal has to offer without gouging you,” Zerbe said.

What makes the price point even more impressive is the quality and craftsmanship that goes into each bottle of Paquera.

Pro- duced just outside Oxaca, Mexico, by a ded- icated group of mezcaleros, many of them 3rd and 4th generation, Paquera is grown, produced, and bottled the true artisanal way, using rare types of agave, Barril, that have been aged 8-10 years, before mezcaleros cook, ground and ferment it.

The result is an incredibly pure, complex taste with 0 burn. It’s this quality (not to mention a beautiful label and killer Instagram) that has helped turn Paquera Mezcal into one of the most buzzed-about

spirits in L.A. In addition to rising sales and collaborations with everyone from Hyperloop TT to Puma, Paquera is now available in some of the most popular bars and restaurants on the westside, from The Bungalow and Wally’s in Santa Monica to James Beach in Venice. It seem’s fitting that ‘Paquera’ means “Friends with Benefits”, with an L.A. lifestyle culture formulating around the brand.

As for the future, Zerbe and his business partner David Garcia are focused on new activations including Mezcal Mondays, wherein some of the city’s best bartenders unveil special cocktail recipes using Paquera each Monday on Instagram, as well as eventually expanding to bars and stores nationally. “You’re going to see us everywhere,” Zerbe says. “We have something truly special and you can see it in the product and brand.”

MM

@PAQUERAMEZCAL

CLASSIC CRAFTSMANSHIP Paquera Mezcal is produced in San Miguel Ejutla, a small Mexican town just outside Oxaca.

There, mezcaleros produce Paquera utilizing a complex, month-long process handed down through generations.

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GETAWAYS

A WEEKEND IN...

PALM SPRINGS There’s no better time of year to get away for the weekend and discover all that this colorful, desert oasis has to offer. From mystical spa treatments to unique architecture and acclaimed restaurants, Palm Springs is sure to impress. ✎ written by Julie Wuellner

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PALM SPRINGS

Photo via Visit Palm Springs DOWNTOWN PALM SPRINGS Plenty of boutique stores, art galleries and the ‘walk of stars’ will you keep you busy.

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mecca for spa enthusiasts, architecture-lovers and festival-goers, Palm Springs has been a go-to travel destination for decades. Back in the day, it was the perfect getaway for early Hollywood stars such as Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope and Loretta Young, who needed to stay within 2 hours of the respective studios during filming. If you’re feeling nostalgic you can even take a walk along the stars, at Palm Springs’ own ‘Walk of Stars’ which features celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor, Lauren Bacall and Kathy Griffin.

In the last few years, the vibrant city has made a major comeback, attracting not just today’s Hollywood elite such as Leonardo DiCaprio and Dakota Fanning but everyday families, couples and everyone in between. And with its sunny days and balmy nights, who wouldn’t be enticed

to make the short trip? At just over three hours from Malibu by car, Palm Springs is a perfect long weekend getaway for Malibuites looking to explore the colorful, mid-century modern city, soak up some sun by the pool or get in a quality spa day.

Throughout the year, the greater Palm Springs area hosts a plethora of festivities that alone are worth the drive out, such as the International Film Festival in January, Modernism Week in February and the Coachella and Stagecoach music festivals in April. But even when there are no festivals going on, Palm Springs has plenty to offer. Take a stroll through downtown Palm Springs to discover the city’s burgeoning art scene with its many boutique shops, art galleries and museums. The Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture & Design center, also downtown, frequently hosts interesting exhibits worth stopping in for.

For travelers in the mood to play a round of golf or hangout at the pool, Palm Springs has plenty of options as well. The city features a whole host of world-class golf clubs, often conveniently associated with equally as impressive resorts whose pristine pools and shady cabanas are perfect for taking a dip in on a hot day.

If you’re planning a trip to the desert but aren’t sure quite where to start, we have put together the perfect Palm Springs getaway with something for everyone. Take an intimate tour of some of Palm Springs most notable (and famous) architecture on the Modern Tour, go to a restaurant whose design is equally as impressive as its eats, immerse yourself in the 600- year old healing mineral waters of the acclaimed Two Bunch Palms Spa or sip cocktails at an elevation of 8,500 + feet.

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LOOKOUT LOUNGE Have cocktails overlooking the desert.

Photo via Visit Palm Springs AERIAL TRAMWAY Take the tram high into the mountains.

FRIDAY 11 AM - THE MODERN TOUR

It’s no secret that Palm Springs is well known for its mid-century modern architecture, so why not start your trip with a tour of just that? The Modern Tour is a luxury two-and-a-half hour tour led by author, director and producer Michael Stern that takes you to see some of Palm Spring’s most notable architecture and design, including celebrity homes of Frank Sinatra and Elizabeth Taylor. There are numerous upgrades available to the tour, some of which allow you access inside select homes to also see the interior design.

All tours come with complimentary admission to the Architecture and Design Center.

THE MODERN TOUR Take a tour of famous architecture.

2:30 PM - BIKE AROUND TOWN

After the Modern Tour, rent a bike from BIKE Palm Springs rentals to stretch your legs and further explore town. The eccentric bike shop not only rents some of the most fun, colorful bikes perfectly in style for Palm Springs but is also wellloved for its superb customer service, including guidance on which routes to take and some of the places to visit.

For those extra hot days, the shop also rents electric bikes which make cruising around town a breeze no matter what temperature.

6 PM - DINNER AT ROOSTER + PIG

For dinner, head to this popular Palm Springs gem. While it might be located in a strip mall, the food is sure to impress. Chef and owner Tai Spendley puts a modern

Californian spin on classic Vietnamese dishes. Their menu is ever-changing and evolving, but a few signature dishes like the pork belly fried rice and the panko-crusted chicken-stuffed rice ball atop yellow curry are staples and come highly recommended.

8 PM - COCKTAILS AND A VIEW

After dinner, head over to the popular Aerial Tramway, which will take you up 8,516 feet over the cliffs of Chino Canyon to the picturesque Moutain Station in the Mr. San Jacinto State Park. While the Tramway has been around for years, the Lookout Lounge at the top is still a hidden gem. Both the ride up and the cocktail bar will offer you incredible panoramic views of the San Jacinto Mountains. The cocktail bar offers scenic views, a friendly staff and a full menu of cocktails and appetizers. Just keep in mind that the last Tram down is at 9:45 p.m.

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PALM SPRINGS

Photo via Visit Palm Springs TAKE A HIKE The hike up Tahquitz Canyon is a relatively easy, picturesque two-mile hike perfect for the whole family.

SATURDAY 8 AM - EARLY MORNING HIKE

Get up a little early and hike Tahquitz Canyon in cooler morning temperatures. The unique two-mile desert loop trail is owned by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and will take you past ancient rock art and rock shelters on the way to the 50-foot Tahquietz Falls.

10:30 AM - BRUNCH AT CHEEKY’S

After hiking, reward yourself with a delicious brunch at Palm Springs favorite, Cheeky’s. The wait times can be brutal, but their ever-changing menu of $5 bacon flights make it oh-so-worth it. If you’re not that into bacon, or simply want a more substantial option, Cheeky’s offers a full menu of mouth-watering brunch options.

NOON - GET YOUR SHOPPING IN

8 PM - WORKSHOP KITCHEN + BAR

Head to downtown Palm Springs for a stroll down Palm Canyons Drive to get some shopping time in. Trina Turk is a long-time Palm Springs favorite offering colorful clothing and swimwear. Or head to The Frippery, which offers a unique collection of vintage clothing perfect for the desert lifestyle.

Workshop Kitchen + Bar is another Palm Springs eatery that shouldn’t be missed.

The seasonal, market-driven restaurant highlights ingredients harvested by local farms. The menu changes frequently, but both the food and the cocktails are known to be consistently unique and utterly delicious. The restaurant itself is a stark and striking contrast from the desert landscape outside with 27-foot cathedral ceilings and 17-foot sleek concrete booths.

2 PM - POOLSIDE BLISS

10 PM - TOASTING FRIENDS

No trip to Palm Springs would be complete without spending some quality time lounging at the Pool. If you’re staying somewhere that doesn’t have a pool, most Palm Springs hotels will let you hang at their pools for a small cover charge. The La Quinta Resort is wellknown for the 41 pools on their property.

If you’re feeling up for a drink or two after dinner, head to the tiny yet beloved Bootlegger Tiki bar, in the former home of the Don the Beachcomber bar. The bar is fun, exotic and colorful with just the right amount of kitsch, and a vastly different ambiance than Workshop Kitchen + Bar.

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LUNCH Order one of Birba’s inventive pizzas for lunch.

TWO BUNCH PALMS Take a relaxing soak in the grotto.

SUNDAY 10 AM - HOT SPRINGS SOAK

The desert is famous for its spas and hot springs and Palm Springs sure has plenty to choose from. You can’t go wrong with Two Bunch Palms Spa Resort. The day spa features a hot springs mineral grotto with 600-year-old waters as well as a wide range of treatments and packages such as mud tub immersions and craniosacral therapy. If you get hungry while there, the resort restaurant also serves excellent Nicoise salads and wagyu burgers.

12:15 - GET YOUR CAFFEINE FIX

Grab a coffee and pastry at Koffi, ranked as one of the Coachella Valley’s best coffee shops. The small chain is locally owned and roasts their own beans as well as bakes their pastries in-house. We

ADVENTURE Discover the desert on a fast-paced ATV ride.

recommend trying a frozen coffee and if you’re looking for something sweet, grab one of their gourmet cinnamon rolls.

12:30 PM - VISIT WITH THE CACTI

We highly recommend stopping by Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium. The tranquil botanical garden is home to hundreds of unique species of cacti and other desert plant as well as some wildlife. Admission is relatively inexpensive and the gardens are open every day except for Wednesdays. From mid-fall to mid-spring, tours led by knowledgeable Master Gardener volunteer docents are available and free with the price of admission.

1:30 PM - LUNCH AT BIRBA

For lunch stop by Birba’s for some of the best and most inventive pizza in town.

Options include the fennel sausage, foraged mushroom, sweet onion and san

marzano tomato pizza and the pancetta, pecorino, spring onion and egg pizza.

And if you can’t decide, you can always take a second one for the trip back home!

2:30 PM - OFF ROAD ADVENTURES

Finish your trip off on a high note!

Just west of Palm Springs, Off Road Rentals offers funfilled All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) and quad tours through a large private desert area for the adventurous at heart. The friendly and knowledgeable staff provide visitors with plenty of hands-on instruction as well as safety equipment prior to heading out, making sure that even those with no prior experience riding ATV’s will be flying around the road-rally type sand track in no time.

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Photo via Visit Palm Springs

MOORTEN BOTANICAL GARDENS Stop by Moorten Botanical Garden and Cactarium, home to hundreds of unique species of cacti and other desert plants.

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PALM SPRINGS Where To Stay SPARROW’S LODGE Within walking distance of restaurants, cafes and shop-

ping, Sparrow’s Lodge is a great choice for anyone looking for a low-key, chic place that combines the best of desert minimalism and relaxing retreat.

Guests can relax by the pool, take bikes out for a spin, and share family-style meals in the sunny court yard. Of course, no Palm Springs stay would be complete without massages and spa treatments - at Sparrow’s Lodge these take place under a quaint little message tent.

More Time?

PLAY A ROUND OF GOLF

Why not head out for a round of golf?

Palm Springs has a wide array of courses, including the Escena Golf Club featuring challenging,yet fun Jack Nicklausdesigned par-3 and 5s, a mid-century clubhouse and a picturesque backdrop of the San Jacinto Mountains. Or head the short distance to La Quinta Inn and Resort, which offers an award-winning championship golf course guaranteed to be a hit for any seasoned golfer.

FANTASY BALLOON FLIGHTS

If you’ve ever dreamed about a romantic hot air balloon ride, Palm Springs is the perfect place to finally hop on board.

Fantasy Balloon flights will take up for panoramic views of the California desert, lush country clubs, winter wildflowers, fruit groves and modern architecture like you’ve never seen before. Pilots are all FAA-certified and will safely take up groups of 2-10 passengers.

LA QUINTA RESORT & CLUB For ultimate desert luxury, head to La Quinta

Resort & Club. The resort is situated on 45 acres in La Quinta, a short distance from Downtown Palm Springs and features an impressive 41 pools, 23 tennis courts, an award-winning spa and championship golf course. If you get hungry, there are seven distinct restaurants on the resort grounds with live-music and hand-crafted signature cocktails. First opened in 1926, La Quinta Resort & Club has hosted countless VIPs from Hollywood elites such as Shirley Temple to presidents and their families such as the Eisenhowers.

LUNCH AT THE PINK CABANA

Executive chef Jason Niederkorn brings guests a unique combination of Californian, Mediterranean and Moroccan fare. We recommend you try the Harissa chicken with saffron potatoes or the scallop crudo with stone fruit. Located at the Sands Hotel, The Pink Cabana with its palm-patterned wallpaper, vintage photography and gold accents is as unique in its design as in its menu.

DINNER AT SANDFISH

Nigiri, sashimi and maki rolls delight at Chef Engin Onural’s new uptown restaurant and whiskey bar. Not in the mood for sushi? No problem. The restaurant also serves an exceptional selection of internationally-influenced dishes.

Designed by local architect Chris Pardo, Sandfish stands out not just for its food, but also its beautiful blend of Japanese and Scandinavian design aesthetics.

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PALM SPRINGS

GRACE HOME FURNISHINGS

SOPHISTICATED DESERT OASIS The newly renovated Palm Springs home of Broadway Producer Robert Greenblatt showcases the perfect mix of vintage and modern. ✎ written by Julie Wuellner

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hen it was time for L.A. based producer Robert Greenblatt to design his new three-bedroom, 5,000 sq. ft. Palm Springs vacation home, the entertainment maven turned to interior designer and co-owner of Grace Home Furnishings, Michael Ostrow. Ostrow, together with partner Roger Stoker, had recently opened a second Grace Home Furnishings showroom in downtown Palm Springs, and had previously designed the home of a friend of Greenblatt’s, leaving quite an impression.

Ostrow and Greenblatt worked closely together on the project, choosing a neutral palette with just a few pops of periwinkle blue; a color pulled from the

living room rug. “We wanted it to be a sophisticated but simple modern interior,” Ostrow said. A cohesive design was of utmost important to Ostrow. Each room, while individual, should be part of the whole. There should be an overall flow.

Greenblatt, whose other homes have more of an arts and crafts vibe, wanted this home to a be a departure from his usual style, and instead opted for an iconic Palm springs aesthetic– vintage, midcentury modern. To make the sunny, pool-side home truly unique, and perfectly suited for Greenblatt, the design features elements such as an Arne Jacobsen Egg chair – with its original leather upholstery still perfectly in tact – Eero Saarinen enameled tables and stools, a 1962 Steinway Grand Piano, and perhaps most importantly, vintage movie posters

from Greenblatt’s personal collection.

“These posters provide the character and color throughout the home” Ostrow said. The posters, all from 1935-1955, cover a wide range of American cinema from different genres and many were created in foreign countries. “This home is special due to the owner’s large art collection. I took great care in designing around those pieces so they are the centerpiece of the design,” Ostrow said. And if, after extensive searches, the perfect vintage items were still missing, Ostrow created custom pieces perfectly in line with the home’s aesthetic.

In the end, both Ostrow and Greenblatt couldn’t be happier with how the collaboration came together. “It’s always nice to have a client that is very involved and making sure his house is personal and MM important to him.” Ostrow said.

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excited to further connect with the commu-

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LIVING ROOM The living room features a vintage Curtis JerĂŠ sunburst sculpture above the fireplace, with upholstery and pillows in soft shades of blue and cream, pulled from the palette of the rug.

VINTAGE FEEL Vintage touches in the home include the movie posters gracing the entrance and the Mies van der Roh Barcelona Chairs in the master bedroom sitting area.

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

for more info email:

julie@malibumag.com

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REAL ESTATE MALIBU MARKET TRENDS

MARCH MARKET TEMPERATURE BUYER

BALANCED

SELLER

While Malibu’s market temperature during Q1 and Q2 leaned more towards a seller’s market, Q3 and Q4 saw a shift towards a buyer’s market. Currently, there are around 210 single family homes on the Malibu market.

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

SALES CURVE IN THE LAST 5 YEARS

Source: Trulia.com

80

Source: Trulia

70 60 50 40 30

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

SEP 18

MAR 18

SEP 17

MAR 17

Source: Trulia.com

$3M $2.5M $2M $2.5M

SEP 18

MAR 18

SEP 17

MAR 17

SEP 16

MAR 16

SEP 15

$1M MAR 15

MEDIAN SOLD HOME PRICE

MEDIAN SALES PRICE IN THE LAST 5 YEARS

SEP 14

MEDIAN LISTING HOME PRICE SQ/FT

SEP 16

MAR 16

MEDIAN LISTING HOME PRICE

MAR 14

$3.4M $1.1 K $2.9 M

SEP 15

MAR 15

SEP 14

MAR 14

20

The chart on the left shows Malibu’s market fluctuations, with 2017 and 2018 averaging a higher number of sales than 2016. However, one can see that since the Woolsey fire and continuing into 2019, the market has seen a drastic downturn.

Malibu’s median sales price has seen a slight but steady increase in the past five years.

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VAN PARYS ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN Husband and wife duo and co-founders of Van Parys Architecture + Design Rosa and Michael Van Parys at the site of one of their projects.

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CONSTRUCTION

THE RISING PRICE OF BUILDING As Malibuites who lost property in the Woolsey Fire begin the difficult process of rebuilding, many are discovering that the loss of a home is rife with unforeseen costs.

I

✎ written by Samira Fatehyar

t is now months since the Woolsey Fire, and many Malibu homeowners who lost their property are still assessing the price to rebuild. But what, exactly, are the costs homeowners are facing? Potential costs represent not only the actual materials and labor needed to construct a new home, but the removal of the debris, which can be very expensive and time-consuming, and require permits and approvals.

“The City of Malibu seems to be trying to help the expediting process, but they are still struggling to figure out how much they’ll need as far as resources go,” said Michael Novotny, vice president and brokerage manager of Sotheby’s International in Malibu.

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Anne Keshen, a longtime Malibu resident rainfall and I’m sure a significant amount don’t understand the costs associated with and Pepperdine University Board member, of that toxic material just washed right off rebuilding a home. They assume that they lost her home in the fire and said one of the of all those foundations and into the ocean.” can rebuild it in the same manner and the biggest hidden costs thus far has been the Once homeowners remove the initial problem is that you may have built a house removal of debris from her property. She batch of debris, only then will they be able in the 1970s or 1980s under different buildobtained bids from local contractors who identify if they have a foundation remaining codes and now in order to rebuild that estimated over a million pounds of debris ing. If they are intent on selling the land, same house they won’t let you build the needed to be removed before she could they may have a potential buyer wanting same foundations and construct it accordeven begin evaluating all options. the foundation removed, which would ing to the old building codes, you have to “A specialist is needed to drain the pool trigger the same debris removal process construct it to the new building codes, so and jacuzzi due to city requirements,” she mentioned above. “If a homeowner decides that’s a significant cost increase.” said. “Erosion control, additional inspecto sell their land and not rebuild, the typiTo add to this increased cost of not being tions, engineer reports, and dust control cal brokerage fee quoted for selling land in insured properly for the reconstruction of are required. Significant abatement and Malibu is a 10 percent commissions, which the home, homeowners are also finding oversight is required in addition to themselves displaced and in need of a number of trucks needed to haul financial assistance. Most insurance the enormous amount of debris.” policies, if insureds have this, have Michael Van Parys, a local principal a loss of use or loss of income proarchitect of Van Parys Architecture, vision which is intended to defray spoke of several of his clients doing living costs or lost income during the debris removal themselves bethis time. “Unfortunately, this can cause of the steep financial cost. often be less money than the actual “I have some clients who will do expenses displaced owners incur,” the debris removal process on their said Anne Keshen. own and there are some people Another important problem who will leave it up to the county, contributing to the rebuilding cost the insurance, and the contractors stems from the California building to deal with and the cost difference code itself. “As the building code between those two is extraordibecomes more stringent for seisnary,” he said. “Clients who have mic reasons, fire, landslides, and done it on their own for a home or overall building upgrades, the cost a lot in Malibu might be spending of a home in California right now MIKE SEAY As co-owner of local firm AAA Developaround $14,000 for debris removal is probably 20-40% more expensive ment, Seay has worked in rebuilding communities. whereas if you go through the city, for something of that same quality the insurance, and the contractors in another state just because of the and you file forms and walk away, building code we have here,” said you’re looking at $30,000 or $40,000, is another cost if an owner decides not to Mike Seay. which is quite the difference.” rebuild and to sell their land,” said Keshen.

There seems to be a need for some subBesides just the sheer financial cost of Insurance companies and their policies stantial rewriting of the building code to having to do this, there is also a very large have also played a crucial role in the ininclude a way to incorporating the harsh potential environmental cost. Mike Seay, creasing cost to rebuild in Malibu. “Most environmental tendencies in different ara local general contractor and one of the insurance policies have a code upgrade eas. “For example, Hancock Park’s building owners of AAA Development, had a simclause, so they try to say that you can have code is the same as it is for Malibu and it ilar experience during the Thomas Fire. a 10% code upgrade but what we have seen shouldn’t be, the Hollywood Hills fire code “The State of California hired some debris in the bidding process is that the code upis the same for the middle of LA and that’s clearing companies to come in but it takes grades in the insurance policies are not not right either,” said Van Parys. “So I’ve had a long time for them to come in and actuanywhere near close what the actual cost experiences where I’m working with the ally do that,” he said. “In the Thomas Fire, of the code upgrade that is needed to bring building inspector where they want vented the state had asked everyone to allow them the property up to the proper building attics and I disagree with them because that to remove it, which they did, but they took code,” said Mike Seay. “There are a lot of is a fire hazard in this area, we should not so long to do it, that we had a significant people that are underinsured and they just have vented attics.”

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MALIBU REBUILDS

damage to the property and receive all bids new projects, so there would be a lag time With all of these financial costs, there is in order to better estimate their funds gap. on that end. James Frantz, a prominent lothe need to address the rising cost of both cal attorney and managing partner of Frantz At the town hall meeting many homeownlabor and materials to construct a new Law Group, and one of the many lawyers ers expressed frustration toward the Calihome. “There is definitely an uptick in cost heading the lawsuits against Southern California Coastal Commission and the City of of construction caused by the Woolsey Fire’s fornia Edison said that many homeowners’ Malibu saying that it took 4 to 5 years to get demand shock in an already overheated insurance policies aren’t able to cover the something built in Malibu when times were expanding market in its eleventh year of full replacement cost and participating in good and they are now left wondering how expanding economic demand,” said Joseph the lawsuit could potentially make up for long it could take after the Woolsey Fire.

Soleiman, a local real estate entrepreneur the difference. “The unfortunate truth is The City of Malibu did not return requests and Pepperdine Adjunct Professor. “Souththat there is now a 15% diminution in value for comment. ern California and Los Angeles County in to the homes located in fire prone areas,” Where does this leave the Malibu comparticular is in a building frenzy as newly he said. He noted that this is factored into munity? Will the real estate market be able enacted developer incentives such as denthe amount estimated for damages caused to rebound and will the increase in the cost sity bonuses and transit oriented bonuses to rebuild subside? From his expeare giving residential multifamily rience with the Thomas Fire and developers incentives to build more Montecito mudslides, Seay said multifamily housing supply.” that what he saw with the real esThis is only exacerbating the sittate market was that, “the market uation. Lloyd Hussey, director of took a little bit of a short-term hit, I acquisitions at Christina Developthink Malibu might experience the ment, echoed much of the same same thing in the very near shortsentiment stressing the fact that term because the demand will drop the overall LA market was already and people might be hesitant about seeing an uptick in material and laliving in an area where devastating bor costs. “In the last 12-18 months, natural disasters occur on the regwe’ve seen that the cost of labor and ular, but in the long term, I don’t materials have spiked because of the think there is any ramifications that growing demand to build,” he said. would not allow for those markets “Lumber, steel, and aluminum are to appreciate in the way they have impacted right now by tariffs.” in the past.” No one thought that Mike Seay explained that labor these adverse shocks to the real escosts are rising because of all the MICHAEL NOVOTNY Novotny serves as VP of Sales tate market would stick. natural disasters that keep occurand brokerage manager at Sotheby’s Realty in Malibu.

“The immediate burn areas are ring around the nation. “Everybody going to be slow to recover until that was already busy is swamped building starts again,” said Novotand then now you want to add thouby the Woolsey fire. When asked about how ny. “Some people won’t rebuild they will sands of homes on to the demand for the long the lawsuit process could take, he said just sell, while others will rebuild. In the local construction market, it’s going to warthat it could take anywhere from 12-36 surrounding areas it could firm up pricrant that prices increase,” he said. Architect, months, but if the SCE didn’t contest liaes or we could see some price increases engineer, and legal fees are often referred bility that they would be able to jump into because of supply and demand. In the to as soft costs in the real estate world. “Soft damages, shortening the time to about 12long term, prices will rebound and may costs will go up because there is a lot of work 14 months. He and his co-counsel law firms, even increase because of the new confor architects and engineers, however MaliMcNicholas & McNicholas and Bridgeford, struction.” If anything, everyone seemed bu has put in place essentially an expedited Gleason & Artinian held a town hall meethopeful for what the future holds. With permitting process and a reduced fee sering at the Malibu Beach Inn on Saturday, adversity comes strength and the willingvice for people whose homes were affectFebruary 9th, to help educate local homeness to adapt. If anything is evident from ed,” said Van Parys. He did mention that his owners about the lawsuit and their rights. the Malibu community, it is that there is a firm would not increase their fees, because Many who attended were homeowners resiliency found within every single perthey do not believe in taking advantage of trying to determine what to do next. Frantz son. The words “Malibu Strong” have a a dire situation. Although, he stressed that MM advised homeowners to first document all whole new meaning. they only have so much capacity to take on

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MALIBU MAGAZINE ARCHITECT: STEVE GUBAN

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MALIBU REBUILDS

FARNSWORTH BUILDERS

REBUILDING IN MALIBU From transforming finished plans into a true dream home to putting together a design and building team from scratch, Farnsworth Builders does it all.

I

n the wake of the Woolsey Fire, hundreds of Malibu-ites have suddenly found themselves thrust into a complicated building or rebuilding process they never wanted to be in in the first place. When the flames hit on November 9, reconstruction wasn’t even on the horizon for many. However in the blink of an eye, hundreds are now facing the hours of research, never-ending decisions and perpetual anxiety which too often accompanies the design and construction of a home. From deciding upon an architectural style, researching and finding the perfect designer, finding

a trust-worthy and talented contractor, and ultimately ensuring their project remains on-schedule and on-budget, building a home is often one of the most stressful projects a family can take on.

Farnsworth Builders, an industry leader in custom luxury homes for more than two decades, is keenly aware of this fact. As a result, the building firm is dedicated to making the entire building and design process as unbelievably seamless as possible for its clients, and indeed has amassed a reputation for doing so.

This trademark ease is by design.

Whereas most builders’ expertise and fo-

cus lies mainly in a project’s construction phase, Farnsworth Builders can expertly manage all the details of a project from its conception.

Already have plans for your dream house or a remodel, and looking for a builder to complete it on-time, on-budget, with some of the best craftsmanship in the industry, for not an obscene amount of money? Farnsworth Builders can do that.

But what if you don’t have plans, or even an architect, or, for that matter, the time necessary to find the perfect one?

Farnsworth Builders can do all that too.

Indeed managing these tasks is some-

ARCHITECT: GUBAN ARCHITECTURE, INC.

CRAFTSMANSHIP THAT SPEAKS FOR ITSELF An industry-leader for 20 years, Farnsworth works in a variety of styles and specializes in luxury custom homes and remodels.

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“THEY BUILT THE HOUSE WE WILL LIVE IN FOR THE REST OF OUR LIVES THE HOUSE WE LOVE.”

CUSTOM LUXURY HOMES Farnsworth Builders has been behind for some of the most beautiful new luxury homes and remodels on the Westside in recent years. At left and above, images of a spectacular 2-floor modern home recently completed on Venice’s ‘Architects Row’.

thing of a specialty for the firm. Come to Farnsworth with just a notion of what you’d like your home to look like and their team will find esteemed local architects in the area with a specialty in your preferred design, many of whom they’ve worked with in the past and know personally.

“We’ve set up our business so we’re not a design/build firm because that really locks people in to work with one architect and one contractor,” said CEO Wes Farnsworth, who founded Farnswoth Builders some 20 years ago and still plays an active role in every project his firm takes on. “Instead, when someone contacts us, we’ll pair them with the best architect for the project. Every builder has their style.

So if someone wants a traditional home, for example, some architects are much better at designing and building those

types of homes than others.” Once clients have chosen an architect and decided to move forward with Farnsworth Builders (Wes always suggests clients receive bids and interview other builders before moving forward), the Farnsworth team will collaborate with the architect and client throughout the design process, bringing their deep knowledge and expertise of both design and actual construction to the drafting process.

“I have a little more experience in design and construction rather than just the building part, so I’m able to communicate with the designers, coming up with solutions to problems before they arise rather than working from a reactive state,” Wes said. “This provides a more streamlined way of doing things. And once plans have been finalized, Farnsworth Builders gets

to work doing what it does best; turning plans on paper into a clients’ dream home. With a reputation for completing projects on-time, on-budget and with true care and craftsmanship, Farnsworth Builders has amassed consistently rave review and innumerable happy customers over the past two decades.

“The process from start to finish was the best I can imagine,” said a Playa del Rey client. “When we had our final inspection, our inspector praised his work. I felt like Wes was building our home as he would his own.”

A deeply-experienced, reliable and talented crew is just one of the trademarks of a Farnsworth Builders project. Past clients also consistently highlight the firm’s truly superior craftsmanship, from small design details beautifully executed to ensuring the foundational bones of a project are perfect.

“The Farnsworth team built our dream house,” said a customer who commissioned Farnsworth to build their new home last year. “They listened. They asked great questions. They gave great advice.

And then they built the house that we will live in for the rest of our lives — the house MM we love.”

Farnsworth Builders Lic# 947797 4943 McConnell Avenue, Unit E (888) 805-1757 Los Angeles, CA 90066 info@wfarnsworthbuilders.com farnsworthbuilders.com

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160 MALIBU MAGAZINE MONTGOMERY KNOX

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MALIBU COAST NURSERY

HELPING TO REBUILD MALIBU Lifelong Malibu-ite and Malibu Coast Nursery owner Montgomery Knox is helping rebuild his home community in the wake of the Woolsey Fire, one tree at a time.

M

ontgomery Knox, owner of Malibu Coast Nursery and a long time Malibu resident and business owner since 1979, is helping turn Malibu green again following the destruction of the Woolsey Fire.

Montgomery is donating three free trees to all of the fire victims in the 90265 zip code.

The most prolific native species that thrive in Malibu’s diverse climate (zones 20-24) are Quercus Agrifolia or ‘ Coastal Live Oak’ and Platanus Racemosa or ‘California Native Sycamore’. These trees give great shade cover and require no automatic irrigation to grow. Mr. Knox will also provide any native species that he has available for 90265 residents, including succulents and cacti. In addition to giving back to the community, Montgomery also evaluates the losses and damages from the Woolsey Fire for insurance claims purposes.

Born and raised in Malibu, Montgomery has a strong appreciation for his community’s history and its residents. Montgomery’s parents, Harvey and Marjorie Knox, moved their family from Santa Monica to Malibu in 1956, two years after Montgomery was born. Montgomery’s father, a developer,

purchased 10 acres in Zuma Canyon on Bonsall Drive to build his family’s home from scratch.

Growing up in Malibu in the late 50s and 60s was a special time in history. Montgomery fondly remembers his fist few years of elementary school at Juan Cabrillo Elementary School, with its simple asphalt playground and a few picnic tables. The central theme at school always involved the wonderful beach lifestyle full of rewards including frequent sightings of dolphins and whales. Malibu was relatively undeveloped with no condominium developments and very few apartments. The town was so rural and had very few local residents. The Pacific Coast Highway had a handful of signal lights and Zuma Beach was virtually empty most of the year. Montgomery remembers his sister Patricia holding him on her lap and riding horseback on Zuma Beach.

After elementary school, Montgomery’s father, Harvey, subdivided the 10 acre ranch, selling the front acreage on Bonsall Drive and purchasing eight acres with the funds from the sale in order to develop the first Malibu townhomes built on the sand at County Line Beach, known today as Malibu Shores. After a few years of development, Harvey purchased another 10 acre parcel,

which he subdivided into 10, one-acre parcels. For nearly two decades, the undeveloped parcel was fenced and left in its natural, beautiful state. Eventually, the State of California exercised its eminent domain power and purchased the raw land, ultimately creating El Matador State Beach.

Finally, Harvey purchased another two five-acre parcels combining the parcels to form what is now known as the Malibu Bay Club. Montgomery learned the building business from his father, from the grading of the land to the completion of the project. Along the journey, he took interest in his first landscape project, which was helping to design and install the irrigation and plantings at the Malibu Bay Club.

Montgomery also enjoyed the diverse ecosystem Malibu provided while living at the Malibu Bay Club with his family. The flora and fauna of the Yerba Buena Canyon proved to be an ideal location for many diverse outdoor activities including hiking, hunting and fishing.

Growing up, Montgomery would spend a typical Saturday on the rocks and tide pools harvesting the largest mussels on the rocks and using them as bait to catch fish for the family to eat. On one special day, Montgomery found 7 pearls in one of the mussels

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GROWING UP IN MALIBU IN THE LATE 50S WAS A SPECIAL TIME IN HISTORY.

MALIBU COAST NURSERY & LANDSCAPE Established in 1979, Malibu Coast Nursery has been one of the most popular nurseries in Malibu and surrounding areas for decades. Their services range from landscaping and maintenance and they specialize in water conservation. Malibu Coast Nursery services are available year-round.

that he gave to his mother Marjorie. While attending Pepperdine University in Malibu, Montgomery decided that he would like to further his love for plants and animals by working for a local landscape maintenance company.

After only a few weeks of maintaining homes, the owner terminated him and suggested that he open his own business, launching Coast Nursery in 1979. The first location of Malibu Coast Nursery was on the corner of Encinal Canyon Road in the Santa Monica Mountains, which provided plants for Malibu residents. The propagation process was a learning curve for Montgomery as Malibu has diverse growing zones that require knowledge of the right plant species matched with the best climate zone in order

to promote health and vigorous growth.

Conservation of water became an apparent need in the early 90’s and Montgomery saw a need to save water early on in his career.

He studied irrigation components and learned the best way to save water is to slow the release of water flow and restrict the nozzle size for new irrigation systems. This was the start of drip irrigation technology, which replaced spray head irrigation systems.

Years later, the 7-year drought began due to climate change and Montgomery was challenged by his client’s rising water bills.

With research and development, an inventor was located who was responsible for the concept of underground storage of water by vacuum molding p.v.c. plastic to create

‘grids” which slowed gravitational water from flowing through the earth’s surface.

The grids were scientifically developed to allow water to drain through so as not to build up salts and nitrates while letting irrigation and rain water wash through the grids. Montgomery helped in the development of the first prototypes known as ‘pottery grids” which are placed at the bottom of the excavated hole before the plant’s soil amendments are added. This hydrates the roots of the plant, helping the plant grow faster and bloom longer as there is a larger amount of water at root level. Additionally, Montgomery helped in the development of “lawn grids” which he installs below new sod to help lessen the large amount of water required to grow a healthy lawn. Documentation shows that the use of this grid system, along with drip technology significantly reduces his clients Tier 3 water consumption penalties, making the R.O.I. for his clients less than 36 months.

Currently Malibu Coast Nursery is also growing over 50 different species of succulents and cacti, which naturally require much less water and grow vigorously in our diverse Malibu climate. Additionally, the Nursery is propagating three sizes of Ficus Nitida trees to screen properties and provide good privacy, which always makes MM for good neighbors.

Malibu Coast Nursery & Landscape Please call for appointment. malibucoastnursery.net (818) 865-8887

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REAL ESTATE

SEAN LANDON

A LOCAL TOUCH

Malibu Magazine sat down with top Malibu agent (andborn-and-bred local) Sean Landon to hear more about what inspires his work and his affection for his hometown.

A

Malibu local with an unparalleled command of the local market, Sean Landon has quickly become one of the most sought-after and well-connected agents in the city.

Landon began his career working under famed Malibu developer Richard Weintraub, eventually translating that work into a career as a broker that has won him accolades and high-profile sales and leases across Malibu.

How did you first get into real estate?

I first got into real estate on the development side. Around 5 years ago I was in the process of switching careers and it was suggested to me that I reach out to our long time family friend and extremely talented real estate developer Richard Weintraub. I don’t believe he had any open positions, but he hired me anyways. My role in the beginning was less than glamorous, but it allowed me to watch and learn from the best and for that I am beyond grateful for to this day as I ended up receiving the best payment of all; inspiration. It

was at this job that I first started to get passionate about real estate. I was intrigued by the multitude of ways you could generate a profit from analyzing each property for its best use and the flexibility I didn’t previously know was there, the ways you could be creative. Success in real estate development requires extreme mental fortitude and a very cerebral analysis of the numbers in play, however there is also a large amount of creativity that comes into account and that is a major factor in what I think separates the unsuccessful from the successful. Eventually Richard encouraged me to get my real estate salesperson license so that I could also make a profit on the purchase or sale of real estate for any project I would be taking on. I listened to his advice and eventually transitioned into making sales my priority.

What qualities/characteristics separate you from other agents?

I think the characteristic that bests sums up how I’ve been able to grow my career in an incredibly short amount of time is my obsessiveness with detail. While I work

as much as I can and continue to take on more, the most important thing to me is not losing quality in the quantity. As an agent we are in the service business, so I try and be available to all of my clients as much as possible and at all times. Unless you are discounting your commission, agents are mainly getting paid the same for their services. As a result, it’s our duty to show by action why we should be chosen over the others. I believe in having passion, integrity, empathy, and most importantly, in working hard. I think one of the most important things agents tend to forget is the emotional well being of their clients.

We are assisting people with often the largest financial transactions of their lives, so of course there is going to be a myriad of emotions. I think it’s an important part of our job to listen and communicate properly to help mitigate the stress and discomfort that can often creep up during transactions. I think the best mindset to have for this job isn’t to just bring in big numbers and turn over a lot of inventory at any cost. If the end goal is to just do your absolute best for whatever client you are working with and make their happiness

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20693 BIG ROCK DR.

27400 PCH

DOWN TIME In the rare moments Landon is not working, he practices Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

with your work your priority, success and more business will follow.

You were born and raised in Malibu. In what ways does that give you and your clients a competitive edge?

I am very fortunate to have been born and raised in such an amazing and magical place and will always be grateful for that.

I lived in the Malibu Colony until I was four and then moved to Bonsall Dr. where my mother still lives to this day. I believe being born and raised here gives myself and my clients a competitive edge mainly in two ways. One being the large network of locals I can call friends which allows me to get invaluable information that an outsider might not be able to. This can assist in multiple ways such as obtaining important information on potential off market deals that are more confidential, access to properties that might be harder getting in to, and just an overall increased level of connectivity and access which truly does give a competitive edge. The second reason simply being knowledgeable about the area. I believe an agent can successfully

20747 PCH

AVAILABLE PROPERTIES Landon represents a variety of properties in many Malibu neighborhoods.

sell properties in multiple cities, but I truly believe being an expert in one area makes a huge difference. I have seen many out of town agents scramble to make any sense when explaining the area their listing is in and that lack of knowledge and therefor confidence, does hurt their clients.

What is your favorite thing about living in Malibu?

My favorite thing about living in Malibu is that it still feels like an oasis in L.A county. I know Malibu has changed quite bit over the years and continues to do so despite the wishes of many of us, but it still contains a peacefulness and serenity I can’t find anywhere else. The natural beauty of our beaches and mountains are matched equally by the individuals that make up this community.

How do you see the real estate market doing in 2019?

I believe the real estate market is going to pick up dramatically soon. We have already seen an abundance of huge leases,

unfortunately mainly due to the aftermath of the fire, and there have also been some great sales as well with a few very large ones currently in escrow and set to close.

I think the summer months will bring us more monumental sales and leases and that momentum will carry though the rest of the year.

What do you like to do in your down time?

The busier I get the more important it is for me to utilize my free time properly.

Besides real estate, my passion is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu which I have been practicing for many years. Just as complex as real estate sales can be, so can Brazilian Jiu Jitsu which is often referred to as human chess, and it is the best way to get an extremely hard work out while trying to solve the complexities of the grappling arts. Besides Brazilian Jiu Jitsu I love spending time with my girlfriend and family whether it be traveling, going to the movies or dinner or just relaxing and enjoying every moment I can. Every day is another opportunity to express gratitude and it is hard to not be happy living in this wonderful community.

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

6962 WILDLIFE ROAD 4 ACRE BLUFF COMPOUND

$65,200,000

26848 PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY 10 BR | 14 BA | OCEAN VIEW ESTATE

$62,000,000

33740 PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY $48,500,000 6 BR | 8 BA | NEWLY-CONSTRUCTED

BROAD BEACH ROAD $37,500,000 TWO ADJACENT OCEAN FRONT PARCELS

6970 WILDLIFE ROAD

5 BR | 7 BA | OCEAN VIEW ESTATE

23634 MALIBU COLONY ROAD 4 BD | 7 BA | OCEANFRONT HOME

$25,950,000

$23,500,000

©2019 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker Logo, Coldwell Banker Global Luxury and the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury logo service marks are registered or pending registrations owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Broker does not guarantee the accuracy of square footage, lot size or other information concerning the condition or features of property provided by seller or obtained from public records or other sources, and the buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information through personal inspection and with appropriate professionals.

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,000

anker, the square gh perso-

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

23950 MALIBU ROAD 4 BR | 6 BA | OCEANFRONT HOME

$22,900,000

27316 WINDING WAY 4 BR | 5 BA | OCEAN VIEW HOME

$19,495,000

29020 CLIFFSIDE DRIVE 4 BR | 4 BA | OCEAN VIEW HOME

$17,995,000

23556 MALIBU COLONY ROAD 4 BD | 4 BA | OCEANFRONT HOME

$16,750,000

26524 LATIGO SHORE DRIVE 4 BR | 5 BA | OCEANFRONT HOME

$12,995,000

30966 BROAD BEACH ROAD 7 BR | 9 BA | OCEANFRONT HOME

$12,900,000

©2019 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker Logo, Coldwell Banker Global Luxury and the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury logo service marks are registered or pending registrations owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Broker does not guarantee the accuracy of square footage, lot size or other information concerning the condition or features of property provided by seller or obtained from public records or other sources, and the buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information through personal inspection and with appropriate professionals.

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

26820 MALIBU COVE COLONY DRIVE 5 BR | 6 BA | OCEANFRONT HOME

$10,950,000

27445 WINDING WAY 7 BR | 8 BA | OCEAN VIEW HOME

$9,995,000

31506 VICTORIA POINT ROAD 5 BR | 5 BA | OCEANFRONT HOME

$8,995,000

27140 MALIBU COVE COLONY DRIVE 5 BR | 7 BA | OCEANFRONT HOME

$9,995,000

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

30385 MORNING VIEW DRIVE $8,950,000 APPROVED OCEAN VIEW ESTATE PROPERTY

©2019 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker Logo, Coldwell Banker Global Luxury and the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury logo service marks are registered or pending registrations owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Broker does not guarantee the accuracy of square footage, lot size or other information concerning the condition or features of property provided by seller or obtained from public records or other sources, and the buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information through personal inspection and with appropriate professionals.

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363

anker, the square gh perso-

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

32453 PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY 7 BR | 12 BA | OCEAN VIEW ESTATE

20858 PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY 3 BR | 4 BA | OCEANFRONT HOME

23838 HARBOR VISTA DRIVE 5 BR | 6 BA | OCEAN VIEW HOME

$8,850,000

$8,795,000

$6,250,000

25316 MALIBU ROAD 6 BR | 6 BA | OCEANFRONT PROPERTY

$8,850,000

31636 SEA LEVEL DRIVE 4 BR | 4 BA | OCEANFRONT HOME

$8,795,000

6172 BONSALL DRIVE $5,995,000 2 BR | 3 BA | GATED 1.5 ACRE PROPERTY

©2019 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker Logo, Coldwell Banker Global Luxury and the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury logo service marks are registered or pending registrations owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Broker does not guarantee the accuracy of square footage, lot size or other information concerning the condition or features of property provided by seller or obtained from public records or other sources, and the buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information through personal inspection and with appropriate professionals.

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

6368 SEA STAR DRIVE 6 BR | 6 BA | OCEAN VIEW HOME

$5,850,000

34305 PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY $5,750,000 APPX. 20 ACRES W/ 180-DEGREE VIEWS

2710 COUNTRY RIDGE ROAD $5,475,000 6 BD | 9 BA | NEARLY 12 ACRE EQUESTRIAN ESTATE

6415 MEADOWS COURT 6 BR | 7 BA | OCEAN VIEW ESTATE

20607 EAGLEPASS DRIVE 6 BR | 7 BA | OCEAN VIEW HOME

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

$5,250,000

$5,450,000

©2019 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker Logo, Coldwell Banker Global Luxury and the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury logo service marks are registered or pending registrations owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Broker does not guarantee the accuracy of square footage, lot size or other information concerning the condition or features of property provided by seller or obtained from public records or other sources, and the buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information through personal inspection and with appropriate professionals.

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6701 P

1445 E

21701 P

0,000

anker, the square gh perso-

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

6701 PORTSHEAD ROAD APX. 2.64 ACRES WITH BEACH RIGHTS

$3,750,000

677 SAN LORENZO STREET, SANTA MONICA $3,650,000 3 BR | 3 BA | REMODELED SINGLE STORY ARCHITECTURAL

1445 EL BOSQUE COURT, PACIFIC PALISADES ONE-OF-A-KIND APPX. 2 1/3 ACRE LOT

$3,450,000

449 WESTBOURNE DRIVE, WEST HOLLYWOOD $2,995,000 4 BR | 4 BA | TWO-STORY PRIVATE GATED HOME

21701 PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY 4 BR | 3 BA | OCEAN VIEW HOME

$2,759,000

31546 VICTORIA POINT ROAD TWO-VACANT OCEAN VIEW LOTS

$2,650,000

©2019 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker Logo, Coldwell Banker Global Luxury and the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury logo service marks are registered or pending registrations owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Broker does not guarantee the accuracy of square footage, lot size or other information concerning the condition or features of property provided by seller or obtained from public records or other sources, and the buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information through personal inspection and with appropriate professionals.

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

11770 PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY #U $2,450,000 3 BR | 4 BA | BEACH KEY ACCESS TO 2 SANDY BEACHES

5744 TRANCAS CANYON ROAD OVER 10 ACRES WITH OCEAN VIEWS

$1,850,000

2451 NALIN DR., LOS ANGELES $1,999,999 LARGE FLAT BEL AIR CANYON VIEW LOT

9533 DEER CREEK ROAD $1,695,000 APX. 10.32 ACCRES WITH OCEAN VIEWS

2353

26668 SEAGULL WAY, #D101 $1,000,000 1 BR | 1 BA | TWO-STORY OCEAN FRONT ROW UNIT

0 BALLER ROAD APPX. 74.8 ACRES W/ OCEANS VIEWS

$895,000

©2019 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker Logo, Coldwell Banker Global Luxury and the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury logo service marks are registered or pending registrations owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Broker does not guarantee the accuracy of square footage, lot size or other information concerning the condition or features of property provided by seller or obtained from public records or other sources, and the buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information through personal inspection and with appropriate professionals.

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2907

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

23660 MALIBU ROAD $150,000/MONTH 5 BR | 7 BA | OCEANFRONT HOME

24434 MALIBU ROAD $150,000/MONTH 5 BR | 6 BA | OCEANFRONT HOME

POINT DUME $100,000/MONTH 5 BR | 7 BA | OCEAN VIEW HOME

23314 MALIBU COLONY ROAD $100,000/MONTH 5 BR | 5 BA | BEACH HOUSE W/ 48’ FRONTAGE

27348 PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY $85,000/MONTH 4 BR | 4 BA | OCEANFRONT HOME

30712 PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY $80,000/MONTH 6 BR | 8 BA | OCEANFRONT HOME

23556 MALIBU COLONY ROAD $75,000/MONTH 4 BR | 4 BA | OCEANFRONT HOME

6345 TANTALUS DRIVE $59,000/MONTH 6 BR | 8 BA | OCEAN VIEW HOME

26848 PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY $450,000/MONTH 10 BR | 14 BA | OCEAN VIEW ESTATE

99,999

95,000

Banker, the of square ough perso-

23530 MALIBU COLONY ROAD $50,000/MONTH 4 BR | 5 BA | OCEANFRONT HOME

28899 CLIFFSIDE DRIVE $45,000/MONTH 6 BR | 5 BA | BEACH RIGHTS ESTATE

1 W CENTURY DR. #35A $43,000/MONTH 4 BR | 6 BA | JUST REMODELED STUNNING CONDO

29075 GRAYFOX STREET $40,000/MONTH 5 BR | 7 BA | 1.6 PRIVATE ACRES W/ BEACH KEY

6368 SEA STAR DRIVE $40,000/MONTH 6 BR | 6 BA | OCEAN VIEW HOME

23618 MALIBU COLONY ROAD $39,500/MONTH 4 BR | 5 BA | OCEANFRONT HOME

©2019 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker Logo, Coldwell Banker Global Luxury and the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury logo service marks are registered or pending registrations owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Broker does not guarantee the accuracy of square footage, lot size or other information concerning the condition or features of property provided by seller or obtained from public records or other sources, and the buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information through personal inspection and with appropriate professionals.

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

1 W CENTURY DR. #35B $37,000/MONTH 3 BR | 5 BA | JUST REMODELED STUNNING CONDO

22148 PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY $35,000/MONTH 2 BR | 5 BA | OCEANFRONT HOME

6750 FERNHILL DRIVE $30,000/MONTH 4 BR | 3 BA | RIVIERA II BEACH KEY HOME

27082 MALIBU COVE COLONY DR. $29,995/MONTH 4 BR | 5 BA | OCEANFRONT HOME

22540 CARBON MESA ROAD $34,500/MONTH 6 BR | 7 BA | OCEAN VIEW HOME

1710 SAN REMO DR., PACIFIC PALISADES $24,995/MONTH

5 BR | 6 BA | RETREAT HOME W/ INCREDIBLE VIEWS

24016 MALIBU ROAD $22,500/MONTH 3 BR | 3 BA | OCEANFRONT HOME

31569 SEA LEVEL DRIVE $17,500/MONTH 4 BR | 4 BA | OCEAN VIEW HOME

5828 FOXVIEW DRIVE $17,000/MONTH 5 BR | 6 BA | OCEAN VIEW HOME

32026 PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY $16,000/MONTH 4 BR | 4 BA | OCEAN VIEW HOME

29151 CLIFFSIDE DRIVE $14,500/MONTH 4 BR | 5 BA | OCEAN VIEW HOME

11770 PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY #U $13,000/MONTH 3 BR | 4 BA | BEACH ACCESS HOME

4774 ENCINAL CANYON ROAD $12,000/MONTH 4 BR | 4 BA | OCEAN VIEW HOME

6770 LAS OLAS WAY $7,500/MONTH 2 BR | 3 BA | OCEAN VIEW CONDO

21613 PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY $7,000/MONTH 3 BR | 3 BA | CHARMING LA COSTA AREA HOME

©2019 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker Logo, Coldwell Banker Global Luxury and the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury logo service marks are registered or pending registrations owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Broker does not guarantee the accuracy of square footage, lot size or other information concerning the condition or features of property provided by seller or obtained from public records or other sources, and the buyer is advised to independently verify the accuracy of that information through personal inspection and with appropriate professionals.

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

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

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

Welcome home to Bungalow, Ltd.

Curt Blackburn, lead designer and co-owner Kevin McEvoy, co-owner Keiko, the shop-dog

22223 Pacific Coast Highway Malibu, California 90265

MM_AD_Fractionals_MAR_2019.indd 10

|

Malibu’s Premier Design Studio

(424) 644-0344

|

www.BungalowLtd.com

3/8/19 15:43

GETTING REAL WITH

SUSAN MONUS As Malibu and its residents seek to rebound in the wake of the devastating fire, Malibu Magazine once again sits down with Coldwell Banker Legacy Elite and 2018 Society of Excellence award recipient, Susan Monus, to get a sense of the local mood and an expert perspective on Malibu’s market and post-fire opportunities.

IS THERE LIFE IN THE MALIBU REAL ESTATE MARKET IN 2019?

The lease market has been booming after a slower year last year due to the relocation of all the fire victims. The fire left its dramatic toll quickly followed by the rains as nature severely interrupted our daily lives. People are moving forward however and our area is rebounding with blankets of bright green sculpting our hillsides replacing the stark black contour of the rolling mountain scape.

The rebuilding of homes is a longer process of course, challenged by insurance company negotiations, City of Malibu Code Regulations, demands of the fire department and individual decision making. It is a daunting situation for all those affected by the fire. The sale market has been slower but is showing strong signs of returning to life. There are sales and escrows from one end of Malibu to the other and from the mountains to the beach in all price ranges.

SPEAKING OF RANGES IN PRICE, DO YOU THINK ZILLOW PRICING AND THEIR ZESTIMATES ARE ACCURATE WHEN IT COMES TO PROPERTIES IN MALIBU?

There is constantly a lot of press about Zillow. However, in a community like Malibu, it is very difficult to price by algorithm. We live in an area where pricing changes street by street (even from the beginning of a street to the end of a street) , beach by beach, ocean view, mountain view, no view, even number and odd number addresses, neighborhood by neighborhood, lot size and usable land.

In my office, we are collecting real time statistical information on each beach and neighborhood to show the custom nature of pricing in Malibu. Once we look at the statistics, then we take into account the condition of the home and other variables versus the sales in the area. Pricing is a work of art here.

WHAT TYPES OF PROPERTIES ARE YOU LOOKING FOR AT THE MOMENT?

My clients are looking for horse properties, unique beach homes, great mountain homes with lots of usable land, Point Dume land with beach rights, commercial land, and vineyards. This is the fun and the challenge of selling in Malibu.

WHAT IS YOUR NEWEST LISTING?

I am excited to be listing 31460 Broad Beach for sale at $12.5 Million. This contemporary home designed by Michael Rachlin is an architectural tour de force with an infinity pool overlooking the ocean.

Susan received the distinction of being Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage’s 2nd ranked agent internationally for Lease Production in 2018; she was recognized as Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage’s Top 10 agents on the westside in November 2018 and she closed an impressive 69 Million in sales in 2018.

With the advantage of 29 years of local experience and insight at her fingertips and the knowledge gained from having sold approximately four hundred Malibu homes, Susan appears to do it all effortlessly.

Consistently ranked in the top 1% internationally, Susan proudly represents Malibu and her clientele with a level of excellence and authority one only obtains from loving what they do and appreciating where they do it.

The Rea the

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MONUS’S MALIBU BEACH PROPERTIES

23746 MALIBU ROAD

JUST SOLD $17 500 000

25225 MALIBU ROAD

JUST SOLD $3 800 000

31460 BROAD BEACH

JUST LISTED $12 500 000

SUSAN

MONUS

( 3 1 0 ) 5 8 9 - 2 47 7 SUSAN@SUSANMONUS.COM | WWW.SUSANMONUS.COM | @MALIBUHOMES | CALRE# 00827409 LUXURY PROPERTY SPEICALIST | COLDWELL BANKER RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE

Thepropertyinformationhereinisderivedfromvarioussourcesthatmayinclude,butnotbelimitedto,countyrecordsandtheMultipleListingService,anditmayincludeapproximations.Althoughtheinformationisbelievedtobeaccurate,itisnotwarrantedandyoushouldnotrelyuponitwithoutpersonalverification.

RealestateagentsaffiliatedwithColdwellBankerResidentialBrokerageareindependentcontractoragentsandarenotemployeesoftheCompany.©2018ColdwellBankerResidentialBrokerage.AllRightsReserved.ColdwellBankerResidentialBrokeragefullysupportstheprinciplesoftheFairHousingActand the Equal Opportunity Act. Owned by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker Logo, Coldwell Banker Global Luxury and the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury logo service marks are registered or pending registrations owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.

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

REAL ESTATE

CORMAC O’HERLIHY

The Real Estate Market Right Now One of Sotheby’s International Realty’s top performing realtors and long-time Malibu resident, Cormac O’Herlihy discusses the real estate market after the Woolsey Fire.

A

nother fire has passed through Malibu. The ‘Woolsey Fire,’ was unquestionably the most destructive thus far.

The aftermath has left us with many questions. When will things be close to normal again? Where do we go from here?

A lifelong resident of Malibu, I have seen the aftermath of the firestorms beginning in 1970. Even the 1993 and 1970 fires seemed to pale in comparison to the force of Mother Nature on November 9th and 10th of last year. The process of rebuilding will be difficult for most, and unfortunately too difficult for some. I know that reaching out to those who face difficult times ahead will be much appreciated by many.

Businesses have been hit hard, and for those who venture out to dine, remember to try and frequent the local establishments as much as possible. It can be the difference between surviving or closing for many eateries over the next few months.

In the end, ‘all things must pass’ and the pain of the fire will become a topic of discussion rather than a subject of considerable anxiety and frustration. The overall local real estate market slowed

significantly in November and December of 2018, both as a result of the fire and the holiday season. But, thankfully, there are signs that activity in the real estate market is improving. The hills are turning green and at times they remind one of Scotland or Ireland. The deer are returning and the clean-up is under way. As with all other Malibu natural disasters, life and business will find a balance and things will return to normal soon enough.

A direct beneficiary of the Woolsey Fire has been the leasing portion of the real estate market. There was, for an eight to tenweek period, a surge in properties put under contract for lease. Many of those who lost homes, or were temporarily displaced, joined ranks with those already leasing in Malibu. The vast majority of those leases were paid for by insurance companies.

According to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which keeps track of sales and leases in an area, there were approximately 155 Malibu properties put under contract for lease in the 80 days post-fire. That is nearly three times the number for the same period last year. In addition, many fire victims found a place to recuperate in neighborhoods in surrounding cities such as Los Angeles’ Westside, Oxnard, and parts of the San Fernando Valley. According to the

MLS, in Malibu from November 10th, 2018 to the 1st of January of this year, 20 single family homes and condos closed escrow.

In the same time period only two new escrows opened. In that period new business was essentially at a standstill. Since January 2nd to February 28th, 18 single family homes/condos closed escrow, with 20 new escrows opening.

Not a blistering pace but a vast improvement in new escrows. It is likely the real estate market will continue to improve over the next few months. In my experience the market doesn’t really get going until mid to late January. It is taking a little longer this time around — to no one’s surprise. Since January 1st, 108 single family homes and condos have been listed for sale in Malibu; a fairly large number in a relatively short span.

In total, there are approximately 231 single family homes and condos currently listed in the 90265 area code. Not a very large inventory of residences, but not small either.

The market continues to be driven to some extent by the influx of foreign money, both on and off the beach. In my opinion this is one of the driving forces of the ‘up market’ over the last few years. This MM trend is likely to continue.

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