The Malibu Green Machine, a group of Malibu residents with a vision to “green” Malibu and rid the city of unsightly and bare medians, has made progress in their quest to fulfill that goal.
The group has tentatively chosen the seating area between lifeguard stations 9 and 19 as the initial greening project. A proposal will be submitted to the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors.
The proposal will include the tables that are already located in the area in front of the restrooms; the group would like to tile the tables for game-playing options. Janine Waldbaum presented the group with layouts to tile the top of each table with the game boards of checkers, chess and backgammon. It was estimated it would cost $200 to $300 per table. The tile would be graffiti-resistant.
The goal is to encourage people to enjoy that area, Waldbaum said. Residents talked of providing shelter areas over the tables so they would be utilized and covered from the sun.
The group has recruited assistance from Leslie Jehnings and Christy Brigham from the National Parks Service in an effort to properly select native plants from the Southern California coast. Resident Steve Braband, who initially met with both, said of the pairing with them, “We have so many benefits to be obtained.”
Brigham requested a commitment from the group about maintenance. Jo Giese, president and originator of the idea, confirmed the sentiment. “We are vested in restoring and enhancing native plants,” she said.
Other areas of the beach may also be initially targeted. Local Jennifer White Kuri, and her husband, John, presented mock-up designs of painted lifeguard booths that would brighten the beach. Talks of finding paint donations and allowing other residents to paint the booths were discussed.
Another target would be adding additional benches. Fundraising was discussed and a possible membership drive for donations may be executed. The group’s nonprofit application is scheduled to be filed this week.
Resident Bo Meyer is working with Caltrans for the Malibu Green Machine to participate in the Adopt-a-Highway program. They are in talks for the two-mile stretch of the ocean side of Pacific Coast Highway, between Puerco Canyon and Old Malibu Road. Artwork is currently being designed for the sign; the group members will be approving the sign for printing in upcoming weeks.
The next meeting for the Malibu Green Machine is May 10 at 6 p.m. Additional information can be found at www.malibugreenmachine.org