Motorist airlifted from Topanga State Beach
A motorcyclist was involved in a crash Monday around 6 p.m. near Topanga State Beach, Fire Department Inspector Quvondo Johnson confirmed Tuesday. The incident was a single motorcycle crash with no other vehicles involved. Firefighters from Station 70 responded to the call, which came in at 5:47 p.m., and set up a pad for the helicopter at the beach. The motorist, whose identity was not revealed, was airlifted from the beach to a trauma center.
The Malibu Times office closed Monday
The Malibu Times office will be closed Monday in observance of Independence Day. The office will reopen Tuesday. All advertising and editorial deadlines are Friday this week. More information can be obtained by calling 310.456.5507.
City issues July 4 guidelines, hours
The City of Malibu has issued a list of safety guidelines and rules for Independence Day weekend.
The city does not sponsor any fireworks displays. However, fireworks permits can be issued by the fire department for private use off the coast (for a list of fireworks shows, see page A1).
Possession of any kind of fireworks, even those claiming to be safe, in Malibu is illegal. Fireworks pose health risks to those handling them and a fire hazard to the environment.
In terms of park schedules during the holiday weekend, Charmlee Wilderness Park will be open July 4, staffed from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Papa Jack’s Skate Park and the Malibu Senior Center will be closed Monday. The Malibu Community Pool will be closed as well, however it is open Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Malibu Bluffs Park will be open from 8 a.m. to dusk on Independence Day and Trancas Canyon Park will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The city does not allow barbecues, open fires or smoking at any parks.
More information can be obtained by visiting the city’s Web site at malibucity.org.
Fish and Game to announce enforcement date of Malibu Marine Protected Area
The California Fish and Game Commission is scheduled to announce at its regular meeting Wednesday the date when enforcement of new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) off the coast of Southern California will begin. The commission approved 36 new MPAs in December, including one off Point Dume, which stretches from El Matador State Beach to Paradise Cove.
Limited fishing is allowed in the northern half of the MPA, from Point Dume to El Matador. The new MPAs are a continuation of a process begun in 1999 with the passage of the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA). Initiated in response to dwindling marine populations, the MLPA charged the commission with coordinating a statewide network of protected areas, which would integrate existing MPAs with new ones into a comprehensive system.
USFA encourages fire safety
The United States Fire Administration (USFA) and Safe Kids USA encourage the public to practice fire safety during the Fourth of July weekend, according to a press release from the USFA.
“Independence Day is a major highlight of the summer and for many people there’s a lot of excitement around setting off colorful fireworks and starting up the grill,” said Deputy U.S. Fire Administrator Glenn Gaines.
The USFA warns that families and individuals should take caution when grilling or using fire and leave handling fireworks to professionals.
The administration reminds the public that fireworks can be extremely dangerous. Last year, more than 8,500 fireworks-related injuries occurred in the U.S., and nearly 40 percent of fireworks injuries affect children under the age of 15.
To avoid injury, do not use fireworks at home (they are illegal in Malibu and many other cities), take caution when using sparklers, which can reach 2,000 degrees, and stand several feet away from professionals lighting fireworks.
For safety while grilling, remember to always use propane and charcoal barbecues outdoors. Remember to place the grill a safe distance away from lawn games, play areas and people. Additionally, keep matches, lighters and starter fluid away from children. Use long barbecue mitts and long-handled grilling tools to protect oneself from heat and periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below the grill.