Issue 40 Gabby Reece web 11 4

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MY BEAUTIFUL FRIEND

GABBY REECE

BY VINCENT GALLO

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Late night layouts with associate creative director Janet Friesen and actor/ director/artist Vincent Gallo were in full force recently for this pre-election special issue of The Local Malibu. Lucky us, global beauty Gabby Reece graces the cover.

The whimsical editorial shot by the talented Gallo, brought a much deeper dimension to our humble publication, and a softer side to our intense election coverage of the Malibu City Council race.

Friesen, Gallo, Reece and, of course, The Local, are huge supporters of the pro environment slate of Skylar Peak, Rick Mullen and Jefferson Wagner who are running as Team Malibu 2016 in an effort to secure the three spots needed to restore the Malibu City Council to a pro-preservation majority.

This local election is vital to the future of Malibu. We urge you to get out to the polls and vote Tuesday, November 8th.

COVER STORY BY: VINCENT GALLO ON THE COVER:

GABBY REECE PHOTOGRAPHY BY VINCENT GALLO

ISSUE 40 NOV. 2016

A VOTE FOR TEAM MALIBU IS A VOTE FOR MALIBU’S FUTURE!

PHOTO BY TIM HORTON

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A FULL SERVICE SALON

THE CITY OBSERVED

CITY HALL EXPOSED.

NEED FOR AN ASTUTE CITY COUNCIL!

BY SAM HALL KAPLAN Whomever prevails in the local election for the three open City Council seats, hopefully there will be some changes at City Hall, particularly in the oversight in its daily actions and inactions.

They are sorely needed, despite a servile stance in the shadow of the current and past council, ready smiles and warm handshakes, and side stepping controversy by shifting responsibility to compliant consultants and ready-to-please developers.

Taking a hard look at the state of the city in anticipation of a shift in local politics that usually follows an election, from my view the staff is the elephant in the living room that is public Malibu.

The view was prompted in recent weeks by the simple questioning of why there was no right turn lane constructed at the corner of PCH and Trancas Canyon Road as long promised by the city, the developer and CalTrans as a condition of approval of the Trancas Country Market. And why wasn’t the city on top of the situation, and demanding that it be done.

It turns out that the developer did not have to do it or pay for it, as had been promised at a public hearing, because it was never made a condition as assumed.

Subsequently, the shopping center received its necessary Certificate of Occupancy, which was signed off not by the then Planning Director, as required, “ stated a former city official, but “behind her back” by Vic Peterson, the city’s Environmental Sustainability Director.

This was not a surprise, for Peterson who recently retired, was not a certified planner or environmentalist and had a long history of presumptuously overriding the recommendations of staff and signing off on required approvals, for reasons unknown.

Peterson also could be quite impolite, as he was to me when I was chairman of the city’s View Preservation Task Force, refusing to answer calls, or emails, and otherwise compromising the conscientious efforts of professional volunteer residents. There were said to be other incidents.

The then city manager Jim Thorsen was not very sympathetic, and as his wont sidestepped the issue. For whatever reason, Thorsen was exceptionally tolerant of Peterson, who never seemed to be in his office when I visited City Hall when I was on the Parks and other various city commissions There was also the disclosure recently in midst of the controversy involving several aged trees on PCH that it had not been the city’s proposal to cut them down to accommodate a planned shipping center, but that of the developer’s consultant.

Staff had simply signed off on the proposal, and according to Caltrans hadn’t pursued with them how the trees could be saved, which they could be, and incidentally were. Lazy?

When reflected upon, there have been other incidents of staff under the guise of consultants or just stiffing residents to purse its own agenda through consultants. The recent controversial Pt. Dume traffic plan comes to mind, as does the overdesign of Bluff’s Park.

Individuals long involved in the city’s operations contend despite workshops, task forces, public hearings and even Council votes, select staff under questionable direction or of their own volition have quietly acted arbitrarily and at times conversely.

The emphasis here is on select staff, for among the 65 or so who toil at City Hall are a number of conscientious civil servants. Though as a few involved note over the years, some are said to have left because of what they considered the arbitrary and capricious actions of their superiors currying favor for special interests and council members.

To be sure this has not been substantiated. To do so, would need some tough oversight, and that in turn would need an astute City Council, something of which the city has been bereft. It also might embarrass some who have served.

Team Malibu 2016 - Skylar Peak, Rick Mullen and Jefferson Wagner are a perfect example of true leadership. The slate, if elected will return a pro-preservation majority to Malibu City Council.

“WHEN REFLECTED UPON, THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER INCIDENTS OF STAFF UNDER THE GUISE OF CONSULTANTS OR JUST STIFFING RESIDENTS TO PURSE ITS OWN AGENDA THROUGH CONSULTANTS. THE RECENT CONTROVERSIAL PT. DUME TRAFFIC PLAN COMES TO MIND, AS DOES THE OVERDESIGN OF BLUFF’S PARK.”

NEWSWIRE

Where to put additional ballfields is becoming a political football in the Malibu city council race.

The current city council had been moving towards putting a broad array of city parks facilities … ball fields … recreation center … a pool … on state parkland west of the current Malibu Bluffs Park.

The plan was to use the top of the mesa …which is nearly flat… for parks… and keep most of the site undeveloped... preserving the canyons and blufftop face on the huge parcel of land across PCH from Pepperdine.

Mayor pro tem Skylar Peak, here with daughter Dusty and fiancee Janet Friesen’s daughter Uma, was instrumental in negotiations to secure the Trancas Fields that were slated for condos.

The idea was to give the city’s Charmlee Park … up Encinal Canyon Road … to the outside agency called the M R C A. In exchange …. the M R C A would give up its plans to install a campground at Bluffs Park.

Then … the City found a way to get out of a development threat at Trancas … by purchasing the Trancas Fields plot off of Trancas Canyon Road.

Part of that 35 acres of land in western Malibu may be suitable for ballfields … if it can overcome possible neighbors objections.

Right now … Malibu A Y S O kids are practicing for soccer games in parking lots … there are not enough fields.

The three candidates running as a slate … Rick Mullen, Skylar Peak, and Jefferson Wagner … are being painted as against putting in ballfields at Bluffs …. although their position is more nuanced than that.

Two other candidates … Laureen Sills and Carl Randall in particular … are campaigning as supporters of athletic fields at Bluffs Park.

For a voter …. it will be difficult to isolate ballfields for children from all the other campaign issues.

But whether to put parks in at Bluffs … Trancas or at all has become a major issue.

Against that backdrop .. the city will hold its first public meeting on what to do with the 35 acre Trancas Field site Wednesday night. The lame duck city council … with three members who will go out of office at the end of the year … have fast tracked a community opinion gathering process.

The council has asked for the outreach program with Malibu residents be wrapped up by early December. Two public meetings have been scheduled … to ask residents what they want to see at Trancas. One is this Wednesday at Malibu West … the other in a month at city hall. There’s also a public opinion poll … online at the city’s website. The decision to inject this major decision about future Malibu land use … into the middle of an election … may be an open question.

DON’T CHANGE MALIBU...

LET MALIBU CHANGE YOU!

SKYLAR PEAK

I

RICK MULLEN

I

JEFFERSON WAGNER

FOR

MALIBU CITY COUNCIL DEDICATED TO PROTECTING AND PRESERVING OUR ENVIRONMENT AND OPEN SPACE. MALIBU’S FIVE-MEMBER CITY COUNCIL MUST CHANGE. ELECTING PEAK,MULLEN & WAGNER TOGETHER IS THE ONLY WAY TO CREATE A PRO PRESERVATION MAJORITY. ENDORSED BY

PAID FOR BY: SKYLAR PEAK FOR MALIBU COUNCIL 2016 FPPC ID: 1389058 RICK MULLEN FOR MALIBU COUNCIL 2016 FPPC ID: 1389039 ZUMA JAY WAGNER FOR CITY COUNCIL 2016 FPPC ID: 1390349

PHOTO: LYNDIE BENSON

TEAMMALIBU2016.COM

OPINION

DESPERATE TIMES

CALL FOR

BY CECE WOODS

DESPERATE MEASURES

As the political season kicks into over-drive, cringe-worthy behavior has hit an all time high - not only at the national level - but locally as well with the much anticipated Malibu City Council election fast approaching on November 8th.

The usual hate mongers have come out of the dark corners of the internet to appear in the flesh, masquerading as concerned citizens in the “Letters to the editor” section of The Malibu Times, hoping to sow seeds of distrust in the community. Their goal? To snag the majority of open seats on City Council and continue the reign of the Political Machine.

Once thought of as a valuable media instituion, but now, with it’s falling readership (not to mention waning power and influence) publisher Arnold York is sinking to staggering new lows each week hand selecting hate laced letters hoping to discredit those who oppose his agenda. Clearly, he thinks nothing of promoting ignorance, intolerance, lying, and just about everything else that can be wrong with a society.

“WHEN THE DEBATE IS LOST, SLANDER BECOMES THE TOOL OF THE LOSER.” - SOCRATES

The good news is, these attacks will only appeal to anyone who can’t be bothered to think them through, usually the closed minded who subscribe to the Times’ archaic form of journalism and lack of integrity. The ones who can’t be bothered to ask, not just the moral questions, but the all-important practical one: ‘‘How will this help the community?”

As election day inches closer, York bowed to community pressure and endorsed two of the three pro-environment candidates (Peak-Mullen-Wagner), but with an already heavy pro-development Council and only needing to place one candidate to keep the scales tipped in favor of the Machine, this was not a huge risk for him. A bigger risk would have been to pick the two candidates supported by the Machine and suffer another debilitating loss like he did being on the supporting side of developer side of Measures R & W. Showing that he is more aligned with this pockets than the people of this community.

Will the Malibu Times be doubling down on his letters to the editor to discredit the Team Malibu slate of Peak, Mullen and Wagner while simultaneously publishing praise for pro-Machine candidates Laureen Sills and Carl Randall? We shall soon see.

“Jean Kingman” whom, With a lot at stake in this race, York reached beyond the candidates, directly to his competition, The Local. upon further investigation turns out to be the York’s clear lack of ethics allowing libelous statements as a form of free speech (including allowing fake profiles mother of Parks & Rec online to attack residents of the community and business owners) should serve as a warning to everyone voting Commissioner Justine in this local election; do your homework, be careful who you Peretti/a.k.a Machine elect and hope for a peaceful transfer of power.

Laura Rosenthal protogee, submitted this letter to the editor blatantly MALIBU CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE LAUREEN SILLS SAYS TO BUSINESS OWNERS: lying about The Local.

The letter makes false claims and accusations in an attempt to discredit our publication. PublishIF YOU ARE ENDORSING TEAM MALIBU small BY in front of your business CECE WOODS er Arnold York cannot hide behind this direct As the path to City Hall narrows, candidate Laureen Sills, has now set her sights on bullying local businesses in an effort to clear campaign hurdles. Her target? Those who support the Team Malibu attack, and is most certainly liable for 2016 slate of Skylar Peak, Rick Mullen and Jefferson Wagner. printing libelous conTapping into the fact that the pro-environment Team Malibu 2016 is picking up steam, Sills, contacted tent especially when it’s multiple businesses on the slate’s endorsement ad (published in The Local), indentifying herself published in an effort to as one of the candidates being “endorsed by the Malibu Times.” She began the conversation by destroy his competing intimidating business owners into thinking they did not have the right to politically endorse the business.

“BOYCOTTS IN THE BU! candidates of their choice (as a business), and proceeded into dangerous territory by suggesting their livelihoods would be at stake if they did not withdraw their endorsement.

Sills made bold statements proclaiming: “this is a small town... do you want people picketing in front of your business?” and aggressively suggesting the community will boycott their business if the owner continues to support the preservation platform of Peak, Mullen and Wagner.

At least one business owner darkly characterized her behavior as outright alarming, asking Sills directly: “Are you threatening me?”.

Sills is no stranger to power plays - many of which have not been well received by locals. Her involvement in the Point Dume encroachment scandal and her connection to Laura Rosenthal who spearheaded the controversy saw Sills projecting authority as if she had already been elected and the election was nothing but a formality.

Recently, when asked about her solution to the right hand turn lane issue on PCH at Trancas, her solution involved boycotting small businesses there as well.

“I THINK WE NEED TO GET COMMUNITY PEOPLE TO GET INVOLVED IN BOYCOTTING THE SHOPPING CENTER UNTIL THE TURN LANE IS PUT IN FOR THE TRANCAS RESIDENTS.” -LAUREEN SILLS Peak, Mullen and Wagner have supported and fought very public battles to save Malibu’s small businesses. To have them now literally threatened by a candidate whose goal is to fight the appeal on Measure R so Malibu can allow more chain stores is particulalry distressing. Sill’s ties to the Malibu Political Machine is a definitive threat to the livelihood of this community as well as to our rural coastal lifestyle.

Although Laureen Sills states in her campaign mailer that she will “Protect Small Businesses”, she in fact fought against chain store restrictions that were specifically designed to protect them even though they have been successful in cities across America. She has pushed the idea to not only boycott Trancas Center, which is filled with small businesses, but now, has intimidated and threatened pickets in front of small restaurants in retaliation to their support of her opposition candidates Team Malibu.

Sills also went so far as to propose a tax increase, if elected, that would greatly harm small businesses.

Residents have reported since last summer, when Sills announced her candidacy for City Council, that her personal attacks began in earnest against her opponents. Specifically targeted at that time, was Skylar Peak.

Since then, she has phoned residents directly misrepresenting Zuma Jay Wagner’s stance on hot button topics such as camping (which he adamantly opposes). Fire Captain and war hero Rick Mullen was also targeted in a vicious “email campaign” launched by Sills accusing him of being against children’s sports, even though he and both of his children are active in team sports. Candidates have been forced to defend themselves from these attacks lobbed by Sills, whose sends the opposite message of what her true tactics have been in her 1/2 page ad in the Malibu Times (left).

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WE PUT THEM BACK.”

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LOCAL

BRANDONJENNER

PHOTOS BY LYON HERRON

SPEAKS UP TO SUPPORT THE TEAM MALIBU 2016 SLATE

This last year has been the best year of my life due to my wife and I welcoming our first daughter into the world. Any parent reading this knows what a major life change having a child is and, needless to say, I have a whole new outlook on life and our community, which leads us to the spirit of this article.

Malibu is my home and always will be. This stretch of coastline is my favorite place in the world for many reasons, but none greater than the fact that I spent my childhood in the fiber of this incredible backdrop. My whole family is still within a mile of each other so I don’t ever see a reason to leave and, of course, I can’t imagine a better location for my own daughter to grow up. She may not know yet how lucky she is to be raised here, but I sure do.

All of the best memories I have of Malibu take place outdoors. On the trails, among the creeks, and in the ocean. I used to ride my dirt bike at levels in Sycamore Park, watch my dad take his ultralight off from the dirt lot across the street, help stores pile up sandbags in front of their shop during floods in Cross Creek, successfully fight fires with a garden hose, camp out in my truck above Serra Retreat, and get covered in mud with my brother after a downpour hiking to a fast flowing Escondido Falls. To me, Malibu represents a connection with the natural world that is very unique to the beloved town we all call home. In an attempt to provide that same environmental connectivity for my daughter, I believe that I, as a resident of Malibu have a responsibility to advocate for the protection of the open space that many have fought for before me.

If you don’t already know, we are blessed with a “dream team” of local residents running for Malibu City Council this November. Skylar Peak will be running for re-election alongside Jefferson “Zuma Jay” Wagner and Rick Mullen. Least known of these three candidates is Rick Mullen which brings us to the purpose of this article.

Three years ago my wife and I moved into Ramirez Canyon and have gotten to know our neighbor, Rick, and his family very well. So, I would like to tell you a little about what I have learned about him. Rick Mullen is one of the most straight forward, honest, and selfless people in regard to standing up for our neighborhood and its residents. He and his family truly embody the “Old Malibu” way of life, love, and friendship that had such an influence on me and my childhood, and they have treated us like family since the day we moved in. Everybody who lives in our canyon turns to Rick first with any questions or concerns they have because they know that there is no one more knowledgeable and committed than Rick. He has taken a leadership role within our community because he is a natural leader. For many years he has spearheaded efforts to keep our neighborhood safe, private and quiet. Without Rick’s tireless efforts, our peaceful canyon would almost certainly be an all access hiking trail, imposing on its residents in much the same way that the residents of Winding Way have been burdened since the Escondido Falls trail has become so public. He is detailed, diligent and passionate about protecting our street, neighborhood community and soon to be, City of Malibu. I can say with complete confidence that Rick is running for Malibu City Council for the sole reason that he loves his community and cares too much about it to stand idly by and watch its residents be taken advantage of and its natural resources be exploited by those merely motivated by financial profit. I have no doubt that Rick will be one of the most organized, respected, loyal, and driven council members that we have ever had. He will bring astute attention and passion to city council and will be revered by all as he graciously serves our community with dignity. I whole heartedly believe that.

IF YOU DON’T ALREADY KNOW, WE ARE BLESSED WITH A “DREAM TEAM” OF LOCAL RESIDENTS RUNNING FOR MALIBU CITY COUNCIL THIS NOVEMBER. SKYLAR PEAK WILL BE RUNNING FOR REELECTION ALONGSIDE JEFFERSON “ZUMA JAY” WAGNER AND RICK MULLEN.

Long time residents have no doubt seen their home town go through some dramatic changes over the past decade or so. Myself included. I tend to try to be optimistic in life and am not going to complain about some of the unwanted changes that have taken place in our city over the past decade or so, but I do intend on being proactive about improving the future to the extent of which I am capable. When asked to contribute to this publication that to me represents the sometimes eclipsed voices of the long time residents, of whom I very much share a vision of what Malibu was and should continue to be, I felt compelled and even obligated to be a part of this issue. There is no question that some of the plans for large development may prove to be detrimental to the people who live here. Ironically enough, the very reason why so many people brave the traffic to visit Malibu is because of the wide open spaces maintained by our continued commitment to slow growth. Overdevelopment of our town would greatly diminish the qualities that make our nook of California such an idyllic place to live and visit.

MALIBU’S SHORT HISTORY PROVIDES SO MUCH INSIGHT AS TO WHY OUR CITY IS UNLIKE ANY OTHER COSTAL TOWN IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA We should be proud and inspired that we have a dream team of candidates running for city council who will be the unwavering voices for all of us long term Malibu locals. It is imperative that we all keep a positive and hopeful attitude throughout our efforts in protecting our town. As beautiful as this setting is, what really makes this place so great is the people who live here. I know this may be cliche, but it really does take a village to raise a child and I want to display a hopeful and positive attitude for the coming generations within our community.

ELECTION 2016

MALIBU CITY COUNCIL R A C E DO YOU WANT MORE OF ‘THE MACHINE” OR DO YOU WANT TO PROTECT AND PRESERVE MALIBU? THREE POWER SEATS ARE OPEN FOR THE MOST IMPORTANT POSITIONS THAT WILL DECIDE THE FUTURE OF OUR CITY. WHICH CANDIDATES WILL YOU CHOOSE?

JENNIFER DENICOLA

Jennifer DeNicola, a Chicago transplant and former aspiring actress, moved to Malibu in 2012. In 2014, she started America Unites (now America Unites for Kids ), investing a significant amount of time on fueling a high profile PCBs battle, which cast a negative light on our community. We now conclude this is the stepping stone, with the fairly new resident ambitiously trying to secure a more powerful position in our community. Her lack of experience in public service, especially compared to all of the other candidates, surmises that a one issue resume won’t cut it for a coveted seat on the Malibu City Council.

RICK MULLEN

Jennifer Denicola

Rick Mullen has been a Malibu resident for 26 years,18 of which he has spent as a member of the Fire Department. He is currently stationed at station 72 in Decker Canyon. Rick was the leader of a monumental court win that joined Ramirez Canyon residents with the City and reaffirmed the City of Malibu’s authority to determine development within the city limits, even on State property.

A landmark case for Malibu and all coastal cities. If you’ve done your homework, you know Mullen was front and center to support the passage of Measure R & defeat Measure W, he stood on PCH to save the sycamores, and he spoke at the water district meeting to oppose their plans (which was a last minute, sneaky attempt by developers to open the door to widespread development). Mullen is one of the three choices necessary to end the political machine.

Rick Mullen with wife Jen and daughter Tati.

Skylar Peak with fiancee Janet Friesen, daughter Dusty with Uma

SKYLAR PEAK Mayor pro tem and third generation Malibu resident Skylar Peak, the incumbent in the Malibu City Council race. The young father, business owner and public servant has successfully overcome personal obstacles to show exemplary leadership in our community. Even with the pressures of family commitments and running Peak Power and Electric, Skylar has made his presence known at council meetings with a 94% attendance rate verifiable by the City. Skylar is always voting on the preservation side, with the goal of securing open space. Peak was instrumental in securing 33 acres in Trancas that was purchased by the city. The land was originally slated for new condominiums. Peak’s perseverance against development was evident with his voting record on Measures R & W. He fought and won the war on banning anticoagulant rodenticides and pesticides in our community parks and common spaces, and is spearheading the campaign to ban Styrofoam, which is impacting our coastlines. With a voting record that favors the future of Malibu, Peak is a no-brainer in the war for preservation in Malibu. We must re-elect him to protect and preserve our beloved coastal town.

CARL RANDALL Randall, to his credit, has been a longtime advocate of local control of our publicschools, an AMPS member, and involved with youth sports and activities. However, during his service on the Parks and Recreation Committee, he and most of the committee were resistant to eliminating the use of poisonous pesticides and rodenticides at little league, soccer and other green park areas in Malibu. It was only when the community showed up in force that Randall flip-flopped and joined the community in banning the dangerous toxins. Another issue of concern is one that with the rapidly increasing complaints of shortterm leases such as AirBnBs, which are commercial, hotel like businesses that are creeping into our residential zoned neighborhoods. Randall advertises part of his beach front home with AirBnB at a time when the City is considering banning or restricting short term leases. So clearly, there may be a potential conflict of interest affecting Carl’s ability to make difficult decisions should he be elected to the council. Additonally, Randall’s ties to the “Political Machine” in Malibu is evident with his endorsements, so if you favor development and more vacant shopping malls and increased traffic, this candidate will be the one to help push it through.

Carl Randall and Lorraine Sills surrounding by a pro-development majority of current City Council members.

LAUREEN SILLS

Laureen Sills, a resident since 1986, has been active with the schools and education and, to her credit, is quite accomplished in that area. With her children grown, Sills focus seems she was quite visible campaigning against Measure R, pictured on the developers side during Measure R debates (with members of the current “Machine”; House, Lorraine Sills sitting on the developers side at the Measure Sibert and Rosenthal) and wrote a letter to the Malibu Times claiming that the voters of Malibu would lose “their voice” if Measure R passed, further pushing the Machine message in order to favor development. As she announced R debate. Sills voted against the Formula Retail Ordinance that protects small businesses in Malibu. her candidacy for City Council, Sills (asserting herself into the process as if she were already elected) and current council member Rosenthal together condoned the Point Dume Traffic Management Plan, which included removing encroachments from the public right-of-way easements. Point residents were up in arms and Sills did not win over the hearts of many of those residents who did not appreciate the power play to urbanize the rural character of their neighborhood. Sills served on the Parks and Recreation Commission in 2002, while aligned with Machine matriarch Sharon Barovsky, and was quoted in the Malibu Times about the need for an urban sports facility at Charmlee Park nature reserve. The Parks and Rec Commission issued a survey last year but seemed to ignore the responses that clearly showed the majority of residents wanted the last remaining open space, coastal bluff at Bluffs Park to stay as natural as possible, free of urban developments and massive grading for level ball fields. You may think twice about electing council members who support the destruction of this valuable and endangered habitat. They will only further the agenda of the current sitting council, who also ignore the Mission Statement of Malibu which says: “Malibu will maintain its rural character by establishing programs and policies that avoid suburbanization and commercialization of its natural and cultural resources.”

JEFFERSON WAGNER

As a 40 year resident and small business owner, Malibu icon and former mayor Jefferson “Zuma Jay” Wagner previously served on City Council from 2008-2012 and was the top vote getter in that election. As a dedicated member of our community, he was one of the public faces, standing arm and arm with Rob & Michele Reiner advocating against development in the highly charged Measure R and Measure W campaigns. As an environmentalist, Wagner has been involved in every major battle to preserve our open space and prevent the use of rodenticides in our public parks. Wagner won the prestigious surfing award winner of the SIMA Environmentalist of the Year Award, in 2011, 2010 award winner was Bobby Kennedy Jr. His record is clearly for the community and preservation.

Jefferson Wagner’s leadership is necessary in order to protect our community from commercialization, overdevelopment and overall diminished quality of life.

ELECTION 2016 A PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM ROB & MICHELE REINER IN SUPPORT OF

SKYLAR PEAK, RICK MULLEN AND JEFFERSON WAGNER FOR MALIBU CITY COUNCIL

OPINION

WHERE ARE THEY? IS ANYBODY SEEING WHAT’S NOT THERE?

BY STEVE WOODS

Everywhere I look in Malibu, and in surrounding areas, they are not here… or there. What happened to them?

Usually, the visual eye sores sprout up and plaster the landscape everywhere in the months leading up to the national election.

With the country as politically polarized as it currently is, you would think that what we are not seeing would be already be there, and everywhere but they aren’t. Bumpers, lawns and freeway overpasses- nothing there.

Were they outlawed or banned?

What I do see are the numerous yard signs and bumper stickers of local candidates running for Malibu City Council - but where oh where are the National Presidential yard signs and bumper stickers?

If there are some “I’m With Her” stickers or yard signs for Hillary Clinton out there, I haven’t seen them. No Trump or Jill Stein yard signs either. In all of Malibu, I have seen only one yard sign for Gary Johnson, a safe neutral choice that will likely bear no judgment from passers by.

This will be the first time that Malibu will be voting in November during a national election for our local offices, but if you look around with all the local political signs you would think this was a typical small town election with no presidential office on the ticket.

Where is the presidential enthusiasm? During the primaries I saw a lot of passionate supporters with “Feel the Bern” bumper stickers but they seemed to have been peeled away.

California is a blue state so you would expect to see a lot of Hillary Clinton yard signs and Priuses sporting Hillary bumper stickers.

Malibu, which has a mix of Liberals, Conservatives, Independents and Progressives will normally and proudly plant a yard sign of their favored candidate, but not this election. Even on my commute through Oxnard and Ventura to the staunchly Republican stronghold of Montecito, not one Trump sign near any of the beautifully landscaped mansions. And in the liberal neighboring city of Santa Barbara, I searched in vain for a Hillary yard sign. But what did I find? Zilch. Nada. Zero.

Are people fearful to publicly support a candidate? I can surmise that the voters are not overjoyed, proud or enthusiastic in openly campaigning for any of the choices for the presidential ticket of either of the parties.

Maybe it’s time to add another box to check on the ballot… “DO OVER”.

That choice would win in a popular and electoral landslide!

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LOCAL

A WALK

IN THE PARK

BY SUZANNE GUILDMANN Malibu Bluffs Park Open Space is a small park—just 83 acres. One rarely encounters more than a few other visitors. You might meet a wedding party taking photos, or neighbors walking their dogs.

If you are there early enough or late enough you might see a family of coyotes hunting mice in the meadow, or the bobcat that lives in the canyon. There are almost always raptors in the dead eucalyptus trees by the highway, and in a wet year the park is full of flowers, some of them common, some rare. So how did this small, quiet place end up being at the center of a maelstrom of campaign accusations during the 2016 city council race?

This property may be small, but it was a top priority on the Coastal Commission’s first acquisitions list in 1976, together with the Point Dume Headlands. Nearly 100 acres on the bluff were purchased by the state in 1979 with the first bond money available for coastal conservation. The city was able to buy 10 of those acres from the state as a permanent home for our community’s ball fields, after the local Little League was forced to move out of Malibu Lagoon. That money was used to purchase King Gillette Ranch in the heart of the Santa Monica Mountains, the ball fields got to stay on the bluff, and the remaining 83 acres of open space were transferred from State Parks to the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy to manage, which it did by mostly leaving the property alone, until the plan for placing campsites on the site emerged, kicking off a massive battle.

During that battle, the city went through great lengths to argue that the whole park was Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Area, where nothing can be built. The city attorney has stated that the park is ESHA on the record to the Coastal Commission and the city’s official overlay map showing ESHA supports the statement that almost the entire park is sensitive habitat.

This is the official ESHA overlay map for the section of Malibu from Corral Canyon to the Malibu Pier. Bluffs Park is the green blob under the word “Coast.” The only parts that aren’t mapped as ESHA are the current ballfields and the portion of the western mesa where the aquatic facility is proposed.

In the aftermath of that battle, and with a different city council at the helm in Malibu, the city traded its 590-acre Charmlee Wilderness Park to the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy for Bluffs Open Space. The swap is still not complete. Both parties agreed to a five-year exchange to determine if the properties could be developed in the way desired.

For Charmlee, the plan is for overnight camping facilities to accommodate hikers traveling the Coastal Slope Trail and also campsites for disabled parkgoers.

At Malibu Bluff Parks Open Space, the city is seeking four baseball fields, an aquatic center, a skatepark, dog park, amphitheater, basketball courts, tot lot, lawn areas, community/visitor center and all of the necessary infrastructure to make that a reality, including ancillary structures like restrooms, batting cages, storage sheds, parking areas, driveways and at least one new entrance from Pacific Coast Highway.

Here’s a quote from a letter to the editor that ran in a recent issue of the Malibu Times: “...If the slate is elected, they will constitute a majority vote of council and, as promised, will kill any community-supported plans for Bluffs Park for the next four years. By then, the swap with the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy will have expired and the conservancy will once again have ownership and control of Bluffs Park.

Most residents are unaware that in 2010, the Coastal Commission approved the conservancy’s plans to add 35 campsites to Bluffs Park. Therefore, by “stopping the swap” the “Band of Three,” commonly referred to as the slate, will have succeeded in eliminating much-needed sports fields and other recreational amenities for all Malibu and, instead, provided us with a regional campground in the heart of our beloved town. What a horrible thought.”

The California Coastal Commission was extremely reluctant to allow the existing ballfields to be placed in their current location, , it seems unlikely that they are going to let them be doubled and placed here, no matter what they city wants:

The slate refers to City Council candidates Skylar Peak, Rick Mullen and Jefferson Wagner. The author of this letter appears to be unaware that the Coastal Commission, not the city council, will have the final say on what can built at Bluffs Park. He also appears unaware that the city, not the Conservancy, has the final say on whether the park can be used for campsites. Perhaps he is also unaware that Rick Mullen played a major role in the incredibly difficult legal battle to ensure that the city retained the right to make that determination.

The letter fails to mention the property’s constraints, or that even if the ballfields and the skatepark are off the table because of the environmental constraints, the city council could still decide that the prospect of athletic facilities on the western mesas is worth pursuing. It’s even possible that the city might keep the park as open space, and seek a flatter, less controversial, less geologically active, and less environmentally sensitive area to build the other athletic facilities.

There is nothing wrong with recreational facilities. Every community needs places were residents of all ages can participate in activities like organized sports and enrichment classes, but the location for those amenities needs to be appropriate. At Bluffs, one could argue that we appear to have created a wish list full of wonderful things but forgot to start with the physical constraints of the site. It’s like buying a fantastic piece of furniture at an estate sale and only realizing that it doesn’t fit through the front door when you get it home. That’s why an environmental impact report and the Coastal Commission approval process is so important. And it is also why electing the right city council to represent us is critical.

The author of the letter is correct when he states that the “Band of Three” would ensure a council majority. From the perspective of conservationists and keepers of Malibu’s history, this would be a good thing, because Peak, Mullen, and Wagner have not only vowed to uphold the Mission Statement, they all have a documented history of actually doing so that has been chronicled in the local media.

Regardless of who is elected in November, the Malibu City Council, not the Conservancy, has the final say on camping at Malibu Bluffs Park. Even if the swap doesn’t come to pass and the city reclaims Charmlee and hands Bluffs back to the Conservancy, any camping facilities that the SMMC proposes for Bluffs Park would have to be approved by the city.

We’ve talked a lot about the Malibu Mission Statement this election cycle, but this is exactly the kind of situation that document is intended to address. Does the proposed development meet the goals of the Mission Statement? If it doesn’t, can it be rethought, redesigned, scaled back? For too long, the city has relied on variances to make things fit, and it has fallen to residents and environmental organizations to appeal these patched together projects to the Coastal Commission.

The statement about “eliminating much-needed sports fields and other recreational amenities for all Malibu and, instead, provided us with a regional campground in the heart of our beloved town” isn’t based in fact. It’s just election scare mongering. That’s why its so important to listen to what the candidates say, and more importantly what they have actually done, not what’s said about them.

Here are a couple of photos of the bluff-side landslide areas for a visual reference.

LET’S BE HONEST. A VOTE FOR LAUREEN SILLS MEANS MORE DEVELOPMENT AND TRAFFIC IN MALIBU. HER RECORD SAYS IT ALL…

MALIBU VOTERS APPROVED MEASURE R. SILLS VOTED AGAINST IT. MALIBU VOTERS REJECTED A WHOLE FOODS SHOPPING MALL. SILLS VOTED FOR IT. MALIBU VOTERS REJECTED A HUGE SHOPPING MALL ON LEGACY PARK. SILLS VOTED FOR IT. MALIBU VOTERS REJECTED MORE TRAFFIC. SILLS’S VOTES INCREASED TRAFFIC. IF YOU WANT TO PROTECT MALIBU, YOUR CHOICE IN THIS ELECTION IS CLEAR. VOTE FOR SKYLAR PEAK, RICK MULLEN AND JEFFERSON WAGNER. Paid For By the Malibu Community Action Network. PO Box 2572, Malibu 90265

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MY BEAUTIFUL FRIEND

GABBY REECE

I think only America could have produced a place as amazing as Malibu is. And for years I completely ignored everything great it had to offer. Years ago I began some regular visits to Malibu because Rick Rubin moved here from West Hollywood. I may have never come otherwise. Though Rick seemed to be in some kind of exile in Malibu so my visits to his house did not fully open my eyes and I would return to Downtown LA after visiting Rick without hesitation.

One day Rick invited a couple to join us at The Old Place for dinner. It was Don Wildman and Nimisha. I was really impressed with both of them—amazed and their relationship moved me. And afterwards when I would visit Rick, he would tell me incredible stories of Don and Nimisha, and Laird Hamilton and Chris Chelios. Then one day, again at The Old Place, Laird Hamilton and his two daughters showed up to join Rick and me. It was odd and tense but I knew I was meeting someone special. Laird and I didn’t really say a word to one another. I remember talking mostly to your then four year old daughter Brody. Wow. Then one day I had the good fortune of having Nimisha invite me to dinner at her and Don’s place and you and I met there that night. You came later. And Laird and the kids were there. I enjoyed that group a lot. I enjoyed that dinner. Dinner at Don and Nimisha’s is a real treat. And Nimisha inviting me to that dinner changed my life. I heard someone who was at that dinner say a year later that they wished Nimisha had not invited me. I’m sorry for her.

Gabby’s mother was a 6’2” dolphin trainer, and at two Gabby was living in Mexico City getting pulled around by dolphins in a dingy with a lame suit on paired with her mothers onepiece pearl bathing suit and wig.

G: When I was two and a half my mom took me to New York to her friend’s house and said she was going to go for a short bit and that I was going to stay there for a night or two, and then she’d be back. She left me there for five years G: Though she was actually a family friend, I was told the woman she left me with was my Aunt—my Aunt Norette. She is five feet tall, but she’s a much bigger lady than that. We lived in a two bedroom house with one bathroom, one very small living room, and one very small kitchen. My Uncle Joe, a guy of very few words, had just come back from Vietnam.

V: Why did they take you?

G: I don’t know, they couldn’t have kids, I guess.

V: How did they give you up?

G: It was awful.

G: So then I lived with my Mom and my new Stepdad Jose.

V: Did you ever see your Aunt and Uncle again?

G: In the summers. My mom would drop me there every summer. The rest of the year I lived with my mother in the Caribbean.

V: When you came back to visit your Aunt Norette and Uncle Joe was your room the way you left it when you were seven?

G: Oh yeah, my room was there.

V: Did you get your first period living with your Aunt or your Mom? G: With my Aunt Norette. She took care of me. I was more comfortable with her than I was with my mother. My mother hugs me to this day and my arms go to my side. So if it was my Mother, she would hug me and I wouldn’t even put my arms up. Now, being mature, I put an arm up. But I never was like that with my Aunt Norette. I was always, you know, loving. By nature I think I’m a loving person. Well I’m just saying, by nature. You see the more awful side of me when you see me around my mother. I don’t share anything, I don’t talk about anything, I don’t laugh freely, none of that. I make it very hard on her. I’m protecting myself.

V: Did you see your mother at all between the age of two and seven?

G: I saw her when my father died. I saw her once in Boston, I went to the aquarium where she was working. She came one time to visit in NY. And then I flew down to Florida. So that’s three or four times. And then she wanted me to meet her new husband Jose, who was cool and fun and really loving, and really nice. They separated, when I was twelve or thirteen, I’ll never forget when they were getting divorced and my mom was trying to get him to still adopt me. And I called him and said, “Don’t let her because then you’ll have to give her more money.”

V: Did you enjoy being alone in those days?

G: I was happy to be quiet and alone and far, far away. There was always a part of me that had a real sense of myself. I was born with that. But I didn’t understand I had it. I didn’t understand what it was. So short of something really intense happening—like someone really hurting me—I was never going to be squished. I just wasn’t. I felt it. And sometimes I’d think, “These adults are crazy.” But I never would put it on myself. I did have doubts, self doubts. Like, even learning to be successful took a lot of work.

V: At thirteen years old when it’s bedtime and you’re in your bed and you’re alone, you put the lights off, you put your head on the pillow. What were you mostly thinking just before sleep? Or you can’t remember?

G: I remember. I was thinking I’m living a reality that is not mine and why the fuck am I here?

V: I had those same thoughts.

G: Why am I wasting time? What the fuck am I doing here in this reality? This is not my reality. This is not how I would choose it, and this is not how I would do it. Plus I was 6’2” at age twelve.

V: I can imagine that at some point you eventually had boyfriends and did things with them, and I’m sure you had fun with some people, some friends. But I can only imagine you being close to your husband, Laird. And when I saw the beautiful documentary Rory Kennedy just made on him, which has footage of you two meeting and getting together, I realized how far from really being close to someone I’ve always been. And how far away from that most people are.

G: I remember getting on the plane after meeting Laird and knowing him for only a few days. There was a cameraman from MTV Sports on the plane that I used to work with named Mike Osier, I’ll never forget his name, great guy. He said, “How was your trip?” And I go, “Kind of crazy. I think I met my husband.” And you have to realize, Though I think I’m a nice person, there’s a real harshness to me in that area that was like… I’m not going to get attached to anyone. And the guys I’m most attracted to, that have an edge, they’re not really honest and I know all their bullshit. Anyway Mike Osier’s like, “Really!? What’s his name?” and I said “ Laird,” and he goes, “Laird Hamilton?” Remember he was a sports shooter so he knew Laird, and he goes, “Isn’t he married?” And I go, “Oh, yeah, it’s kind of a small…” And I remember clear as day thinking that I had got karate chopped, I had never been quite that karate chopped before.

V: By the married comment?

G: No, just Laird himself. Laird just kind of threw me really for a big surprise.

V: Were you guys on each other’s side right away?

G: Absolutely. I’m an on-your-side kind of person. If I’m with you in any way, even in a friendship, I’m on your side. I was on your side the first time we meet at Nimisha’s house. I liked you right away.

V: I noticed that and was surprised and felt really lucky. A friend should always give you the benefit of the doubt and notice and give attention to your best potential. Once at a dinner, a girlfriend of a friend of mine was instigating negativity about me and you shut it down fast.

G: I remember that.

V: It meant a lot to me. A lot.

G: You deserve the benefit of the doubt.

V: Everyone does.

G: Yes but especially now that I know you, you deserve the benefit of the doubt.

V: Everyone does.

G: They do, and I believe that.

G: How did we all see each other the second time after meeting at Don and Nimisha’s?

V: Laird texted me and invited me to stand up paddle. I had not been in the ocean in 25 years, and could barely swim. After that we all had dinner. I drove home that night and the PCH felt different. And the ocean I had never noticed before seemed so beautiful. And the smell and the air.

G: If I had to live in one place, this would be the place.

V: Same here. And I like so many people who live here.

V. I noticed the Peak / Mullen / Wagner sign in front of your house. Are you friends with Zuma Jay? G: I’m going to tell you about Jay. I watched him for twenty years, in a cart, pick up garbage in the canyon for this kid. No one was watching. And it wasn’t chic. And he’s really nice. He said he wants to leave things better V: I really hope Skylar Peak, Rick Mullen and Zuma Jay all win their elections.

G: Me too My beautiful friend Gabby is a real on-your-side friend. The best friend you can imagine having and I love her a lot.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY:

VINCENT GALLO

LIFESTYLE SOIL ...

SUPER SOIL!

BY ALICE BAMFOROD

Good food starts with the soil it’s grown in…

At One Gun Ranch we believe in the connectedness of all things in the natural world: soil, plant, animal and of course human being included; and we manage the farm as a single, self-sustaining closed loop - eco system.

It’s a safe haven in which all things; in which we take from the land but also give back to it; and in which soil health is primordial.

We grow our own food; we grow food for our animals which also graze the land and we ensure that all vegetable waste is fed to the goats, sheep , alpacas and pigs. We never use artificial fertilizers instead, we use a nutrient - and bacteria-rich compost. We keep the levels of nutrients in the soil stable by rotating crops throughout the farm.

We are, said Michael Pollan, what food our food eats.

Before the Second World War and the advent of widespread intensive, industrial farming, people either grew their own food or bought produce from small, local farms. Before chemical pesticides and synthetic fertilizers were commonplace, one would simply brush the dirt off of fruits and vegetables before eating them. As a result we had much healthier guts and immune systems, thanks to the proliferation of the soil-based organisms and bacteria we ingested. When I was growing up, dirty, funny-looking carrots were a sign of them being honestly farmed and truly delicious vegetables, and we were rarely ill.

Today most of our pesticide-covered food no longer carries probiotic strains. Instead, we are sold a profusion of lactobacilli and bifidobacterium probiotic products in the form of yogurt, drinks, and supplements which, while beneficial, actually represent less than 1.5 percent of the range of bacteria found in the human gut;, are sensitive to heat, light, and pressure; and don’t fare well in our stomachs. The bacterial strains found in healthy soil, on the other hand, can survive heat, pressure, and stomach acid, and thrive in the human gut, helping to regulate the immune system, reduce inflammation, break down food, and assist with detoxification.

Geophagia, or the deliberate consumption of earth, soil, or clay, was common in Europe until the nineteenth century, the simple explanation for the practice being that soil contains minerals such as calcium, sodium, and iron, which support energy production and other vital human biological processes. There is a Danish saying: “To stay healthy, you have to eat seven pounds of dirt a year.”

While we are not suggesting you eat dirt, there is no denying that with all of the carbon, nitrogen, minerals, and vitamins in our body derived from soil through the food that we eat, we are not just nourished by the soil our health is intrinsically linked to its health. By reintroducing the right bacteria and fungi into depleted and sterile soil, we can restore the right microbiota into the digestive tract.

Natural microbial substances from soil bacteria are also at the root of most antibiotic drugs developed during the past century, including lifesaving medicines such as penicillin. But only about 1percent of these organisms can be grown in a lab - they only thrive in healthy soil. Furthermore, widespread use of antibiotics in the twentieth century has led to pathogens that have developed a resistance to these drugs.

Healthy soil also contains fulvic acid, a natural compound found in humus— the dark, organic material that forms in soil when plant matter decays, created by the process of microbes breaking down the organic matter. A powerful, natural electrolyte, fulvic acid aids the absorption of minerals and vitamins into the soil by enriching it and encouraging healthy plant growth. Containing seventy two trace minerals, fulvic acid has the ability to balance cells within the body by either giving or taking electrons as needed and destroy free radicals, protecting cells from oxidative damage; it enhances the absorption of vitamins and minerals and aids in the production of enzymes. It can also help regulate the thyroid, thymus glands, and immune system and increase the ability of cells to discharge toxic metals. Fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides all hinder fulvic acid from forming in the soil, leaving it void of this vital mineral, and therefore the natural ingestion of plant-based fulvic acid in the human diet has decreased in the last century.

New research is also finding that soil can affect our mood. While many people find gardening therapeutic and love getting elbow-deep in dirt, a recent study carried out at Bristol University found that a strain of bacterium in soil called Mycobacterium vaccae can actually trigger the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that elevates mood and decreases anxiety. The bacterium has also been found to improve cognitive function. A further study at Sage Colleges in New York found that just inhaling M. vaccae when out taking a walk in the wild or rooting around in the garden, or ingesting it through eating vegetables had a similar effect on mood.

Mounting scientific evidence is backing up what we have already learned through our experiments with biodynamic compost at One Gun Ranch:—healthy soil is the key to our health. As Michael Pollan recently noted, “Some researchers believe that the alarming increase in autoimmune diseases in the West may owe to a disruption in the ancient relationship between our bodies and their ‘old friends’- the [bacteria] with whom we coevolved.” Putting these microbes back into the soil and back into our bodies can be achieved through adopting a biodynamic lifestyle.

Because biodynamic agriculture treats the soil as a living organism rather than just a support system for crops, at One Gun Ranch we seek to feed the soil and revitalize it using biodynamic compost that we make according to a technique devised by Rudolf Steiner, the father of biodynamics himself, with the guidance of biodynamic expert Jack McAndrew.

Our compost that we call Super(ior) Soil is made on the land and created using the highest quality organic milking cow manure and organic alfalfa. The alfalfa is used because it has deep roots that draw the nutrients from the depths of the soil. This helps give the compost a high nutrient profile unlike mainstream composts. We then add the biodynamic preparations including yarrow, chamomile, stinging nettle, oak bark, dandelion, horsetail and valerian. The compost mature for 9 months during which time we keep track of the temperature to make sure it maintains optimum levels of fertility. The result of this nourishing and thoughtful process is found in the incredible qualities and delicious taste of produce grown in our soil.

LIFESTYLE

BEFORE THE FLOOD

BY KELLY MEYER

Before the Flood, Leonardo Di Caprio’s three year journey exploring the subject of climate change allows the viewer access to real information without becoming overwhelmed and hopeless. The film opens with Hieronymus Bosch’s The Garden of Earthly Delights as it informs the viewer of the progression of our changing climate. While making the film, DiCaprio and director Fisher Stevens traveled around the world to learn more about the effects of climate change, speaking with scientists, world leaders and activists about the urgency of this issue. Before the Flood will premier globally in 171 countries in 45 languages on Sunday October 30th on National Geographic. It is also made available for free on iTunes, Facebook, YouTube, Hulu, Amazon and Google Play. Climate Change is an issue that impacts all of us. Let’s watch, learn and act together.

Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation’s new documentary on the climate crisis, Before the Flood, premiered worldwide on the National Geographic Channel on October 30. Directed by Academy Award-Winning filmmaker Fisher Stevens, this 90-minute documentary takes viewers on a hopeful journey around the world to examine in-depth science and research currently underway to find a solution, explore the changes already taking place on our planet, and hear from passionate activists and leaders involved in a global struggle for action. leonardodicapriofoundation.com The Leo Di Caprio Foundation implements solutions that help restore balance to threatened ecosystems, ensuring the long-term health and well-being of all Earth’s inhabitants. Since that time the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation (LDF) has worked on some of the most pressing environmental issues of our day.

Through grantmaking, public campaigns and media initiatives, LDF brings attention and needed funding to four focus areas—protecting biodiversity, oceans conservation, wildlands conservation, and climate change.

Leonardo’s website and social media platforms are also dedicated to inspiring the public to take action on key environmental issues. Growing in reach from just 500,000 followers in 2007 to over 25 million in 2015, Leonardo’s fans have engaged on an array of issues protecting key species — sharks in California, tigers in Asia, elephants in Africa — and calling on world leaders to address climate change.

When passions for the oceans unite, you get

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JOHN PAUL DEJORIA ISSUE 1, VOL. 2 THE OCEAN CONSERVATION ISSUE

Leo Di Caprio and President Obama in “Before The Flood”.

LIMITED EDITION PRINT NOW AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT MALIBU!

Known for it’s authentic representation of the Malibu lifestyle, 90265 Magazine goes deep into an issue close to our heart: the world of ocean conservancy.

Issue 1 vol. 2, celebrates the countless organizations that defend, protect and clean our waterways. The DEVOCEAN issue features businessman and philanthropist John Paul DeJoria on the cover. The longtime Malibu resident is a Sea Shepherd Board of Advisors member, founder of Patron Spirits, and co-founder of cruelty-free Paul Mitchell Haircare line. DeJoria, an ocean advocate for decades, traveled to the Gulf of St. Lawrence onboard the Sea Shepherd III to stand against the Canadian seal hunt in 1998. This issue includes some of the most celebrated ocean activists and philanthropists in the world sharing their passion to protect the ocean.

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NO DPL! 2016 will be remembered for a lot of different things; race,election and war. The war I write about is being fought by brothers and sisters born of the soil that is called America.

The resemblance to the past is all to familiar.

"Native American Indians" of 2016, the fight is no different from a hundred years ago. Peace met with force, sharing met with greed - as of late the landscape just resembles war, weapons, huge military vehicles and men dressed for combat.

Not only do the water protectors have that to battle, there has also been a lot of misleading information seeding its way into the public ie; men dressed up as “protectors" brandishing weapons. We need to Help!!!

Last year at this time, Hawaiians were joined by Native Americans on Mauna Kea. Their presence there, those moments, and the stories they shared with us, resonated that many people came together for Hawaii. We, as a people, fought a fight against evil and together, we won!!!

The other day I called out the world on social media. The response was significant and the ripple was sent. It is only right I have been called back!

This week my brothers, Theo Friesen, Teva Dexter and I will make our defining moment in 2016 known as Journey to North Dakota in support of the Sioux Nation and all indigenous nations in their (peaceful) demonstrations for their rights, not only as the first people, but for people in general.

Aloha Nui, Kamalei Alexander

NO DPL! Kamalei Alexander with Chief Caleen Sisk Winnemen of the Wintu Tribe.

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LOCAL

THE THREE MUSKETEERS HAVE GOT THE BU’S BACK!

BY JOHN DENSMORE Skylar Peak, Rick Mullen, and Jefferson Wagner have a combined residency of 104 years in Malibu. The developer, Steve Soberoff, has a residency of 0. He is not running for city council, but his ilk seem to be the type of businessman that these three shepherds are constantly challenged to fight against -- out of town opportunists.

In the last several years, the city council has been leaning toward pro-development and the locals don’t like it. Not that long time residents are trying to be exclusive, but they are trying to keep the community from being exploited environmentally. If some communities want slow growth, then at least, ultimately, there will be a few towns left that haven’t turned into cities.

Malibu, of course, became a “city” twenty years ago, but the original impetus for that was to control growth, and have the resident’s opinions dictate the town’s future direction. With a shift towards expansion, the locals were forced to pass Measure R. The 3 Musketeers are here to protect the original wishes of residents who cherish their environment.

Let’s start with Rick Mullen. He was a helicopter pilot in the Marines. He is a paramedic and first responder on PCH. His wife was born in Malibu. And finally, he is an 18 year Malibu Fire Captain…. Is that enough cred to be the most respected local there is?

Then there is Skylar Peak. Born in Malibu. A 3rd generation Malibu-ite. The current Mayor Pro Tem, he is constantly the lone wolf vote on city council for preservation. He’s got a kid, who I’m sure he hopes will experience the wild that is left in Malibu.

Last, but definitely not least, Jefferson Wagner, legendary “Zuma Jay;” forty year businessman, surfer, council member from 2008-2012, manager of the pier, and stand up guy who has never wavered from the original vision for The Bu. Gosh… with these 3 guardians, I don’t think we can go wrong… well, there are no absolutes, but they would be a buffer against any crass over-development. Then, at least, the only gridlock will remain on sunny weekends in the summer… or, God forbid, development will increase and the entire week one will be either unable to get to Malibu, or be stuck there and not be able to leave.

On November 6th, you can choose. Please choose the 3 Musketeers,

John Densmore, the legendary drummer of The Doors, has been a Malibu resident for decade and is dedicated to preserving Malibu’s rural coastal character.

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OPINION

WHAT THE LOCALS ARE SAYING KELLY MEYER

I have never written a letter to the editor before. But there is always a first time. That first time comes when there is something at stake, something that is important, something that compels one to care more then they normally would. With the insane election cycle playing out before us on the national stage I am drawn to reflecting and looking inward to the races in our own backyard for some peace of mind and faith in humanity. They say all politics are local but this year, more than ever before, as we juxtapose the preservation and stewardship of our extraordinary village against the backdrop of “political noise” and unrest on the road to the White House, I feel it is critical to protect those values and ideals closest to home.

As November 8th and the election of our local City Council members comes into focus I see one candidate that truly exemplifies the qualities that we need in a leader and a politician. Rick Mullen, part of the powerful triumvirate with Peak and Wagner, possesses the quiet integrity necessary to keep Malibu from becoming over developed. As a former Marine and an 18 year member of The Los Angeles County Fire Department with assignments in three of the four stations within the city of Malibu, Rick shows that he is willing to put his life on the line to protect our country and our families and their homes here in Malibu. Rick has pledged to protect Malibu’s greatest asset – the natural environment. He is married to Jenny Ball, a wonderful woman from one of the original families in Malibu. Together they have context and a true understanding of the arc of this community and how it should bend to keep Malibu from becoming a developer’s paradise.

We can all agree that Malibu is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Now what we all need to do is identify and vote for those that will protect it and its extraordinary resources, resources that money can’t buy. Rick promises to protect the natural environment that will keep our hamlet rich for the local families as well as the millions that visit this incredible vortex of beauty and spirit every year.

In recently getting to know Rick, my guess is, being a politician is the last thing he would want to be. He is a very wise, humble and unassuming human being. However, because he has the ability to fight for us on the battle fields of Afghanistan and run IN to burning buildings, I believe that Rick stepped into the political arena to help us all become our better selves. Please join me in voting for Rick Mullen and experienced leaders and team members, Zuma Jay and Skylar Peak, together they will help us to fortify our community for generations to come.

Kelly and Ron Meyer

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Photo: Lesley Pedraza

Respectfully yours, Kelly Meyer