This letter was addressed to the Malibu Chamber of Commerce.
I have been a resident of Malibu or the immediate environs for over 40 years and have attended the Malibu Arts Festival since it was initiated by the Malibu Art Association.
While attending the Malibu Arts Festival this past weekend, I questioned two Chamber of Commerce representatives about the $7 charge to park on city property. I was told that the money was for “the children of Malibu.” I explained that I wasn’t against the children of Malibu, but that it is excessive to invite people to spend money at the art festival, and charge a high rate to park on public land. The chamber representatives would not let me finish my sentences, and continued to imply that I was against the children of Malibu.
As I left, I engaged a friend in conversation and expressed my opinion that what had once been a community event was now a cash machine. Suddenly, someone in a chamber T-shirt stepped into the booth I was visiting, called me a troublemaker and threatened to “have me removed.” He told me he had followed me through the festival, eavesdropping (my word) on my conversation and that I would be removed if I expressed my opinions again. He told me I had no right to speak regarding the charge for parking. He refused to give me his name, even though I identified myself when he asked.
I ask that the chamber to identify this person and to apologize for his behavior. I was standing in a public place, on land owned by the County of Los Angeles, using temperate language and expressing my right to speak on a public issue. I stand up to bullies and those who try to stifle free speech, so I am sending copies to the local press.
But maybe the children of Malibu need money directed to the schools. I handed the attendant-a child of Malibu, wearing an Optimist Club shirt-a $20 bill and he said, “Parking is $7, and here is your change of $14.” I corrected his arithmetic and gave him back the dollar.
Carolyn J. Wallace