Zoning change recommended for potential college property
At its meeting last week, the Planning Commission recommended the City Council approve a Local Coastal Program amendment that would allow for educational facilities on the property next to City Hall that Santa Monica College is planning to purchase. The council will vote on the amendment at its Oct. 9 meeting. The California Coastal Commission must approve the amendment before it can go into effect.
Last month, the seven-acre, Yamaguchi Family Trust-owned property went into a 90-day escrow. A variety of environmental tests are being done on the property before the college decides whether it will complete the $8 million purchase. The SMC Board of Trustees will vote on whether to close escrow in November.
An LCP amendment is necessary because the current zoning of the property does not allow for educational facilities.
City exploring possible Courthouse land purchase
The City Council at its meeting on Monday discussed a potential city purchase of the county-owned land on Civic Center Way that includes the Malibu Library and Courthouse. The discussion took place during the closed session, the portion of the meeting when lawsuits and real estate issues are talked about behind closed doors. By state law, council members and other city officials cannot disclose specifics that occur during a closed session, unless specific actions are taken.
Mayor Ken Kearsley said in an interview on Tuesday, “We’re looking at all the property in the Civic Center area. We’re interested in building a community center, a new library and a Sheriff’s Station.”
Kearsley said this is part of a long-range plan.
EIR ready on La Paz Ranch Development Agreement
The environmental impact report on the city’s development agreement with the owner of a 15-acre property in the Civic Center area will be ready for public review this Thursday, a city official said.
According to the city’s Web site, the proposed project calls for the development of 112,000 square feet of commercial retail and office space, a 20,000-square-foot City Hall and 609 parking spaces. There is an alternative for a reduced commercial project if the property owner does not build the City Hall.
The EIR can be accessed at the city’s Web Site, www.ci.malibu.ca.us.
Missing biker found dead above Malibu
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s officials confirmed late last week that the body found on Sept. 19 in the Santa Monica Mountains off Mulholland Highway was that of a missing West Hills man.
An autopsy of 47-year-old Wayne Crowley is being done to determine the cause of his death. Family members said Crowley left for a mountain bike ride on the afternoon of Sept. 19. When he did not return, a search was begun. The body was found shortly after local officials had called off the search.
Memorial Mass to take place for Malibu resident
A Memorial Mass will take place on Saturday at 5 p.m. for Audrey Lamont, who died on July 23 after suffering a stroke.
The service will take place at Our Lady of Malibu, located at 3624 Winter Canyon Road.
Punt, Pass and
Kick in the ‘Bu
The city of Malibu is hosting a free NFL Punt, Pass and Kick competition on Friday at Malibu High School. Registration for the event begins at 4 p.m.
The competition for children ages 8 to 11 will take place from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Children ages 12 and up will compete from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Participants will receive free admission to the Malibu High football game taking place at 7 p.m. For more information, call 310.456.2489 ext. 363.
Fundraiser to benefit injured Sheriff’s deputy
The Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station and Monrose Catering Co. are hosting a fundraiser at a private residence in Malibu on Oct. 8 to raise money for Deputy Jim Mulay, who was severely injured last month while pursuing a bank robbery suspect.
The event will include food, drinks and music performed by Dion. Tickets for the event are $100. Reservations can be obtained by calling 310.457.6338.
-Jonathan Friedman