The Malibu Times and us
While The Malibu Times may be 60 years old, Arnold and I have been its publishers only since the late ’80s. It was then that Reta and Reeves Templeman made a leap of faith, and entrusted their “baby” to two inexperienced entrepreneurs. We’ve often been asked how the two of us ended up as publishers-Arnold, an attorney, and me, an advertising executive. So here’s the story:
One evening we were having dinner with La Costa neighbors and friends Billy and Ami Young. Arnold was bemoaning the fact that, after almost 20 years of practicing law, he was simply burnt out-tired of litigation, long trial prep hours and grinding PCH commutes. He was looking for something new and something local. So desperate was he to make a career change, he told them, that he was actually considering buying a local pizza franchise. Ami, a local Realtor, listened with interest.
“Did you know,” she asked, “The Malibu Times is for sale?”
With those few words, our lives were forever changed.
Owners Reta and Reeves Templeman, she went on to explain, had had the paper up for sale on and off for years. But, she said, it looked like this time they were serious. Health problems had finally convinced Reeves that, after 40 odd years at the helm, it was time for him to turn it over to someone new, someone younger, someone with a bit of capital and a great deal of attitude, who could re-energize the publication he had founded in the mid-’40s. We made an appointment to meet them.
Now you probably already know that Arnold and I are Democrats, liberal and Jewish, and that Reta and Reeves were not. While this made no difference to us, Arnold thought it might take a good deal of convincing for them to turn their “baby” over to two “lefties,” one of them Brooklyn born and educated, the other more than a bit of a feminist. Arnold instructed me to dress conservatively (no poncho or sandals), to avoid politics and to do my best to play the quiet, obedient housewife (not an easy task). Of course, as it turned out, our charade was unnecessary. They knew exactly who we were and despite (or maybe even because of) our differences, it was love at first sight. Arnold and Reeves bonded at once, Reta was happy that Reeves was happy and who could resist Reta’s quirky charm, independent spirit and generosity, or the couple’s intelligence and warmth?
With introductions out of the way and after a few “getting to know you” meetings, we were able to convince them that, while Arnold had no actual newspaper experience (other than reading them), he could learn if they would help. It was decided that Reeves would stay on as a columnist, supervising Arnold’s publishing education, and Reta would help transition the advertising and administration aspects of the business. It was during these discussions that we became aware of Reeve’s profound dedication to Malibu and of the many financial and personal sacrifices he had made to make sure the community received its paper every week, no matter what. He had created an institution and we were to become its inheritors. It was an awesome responsibility to ponder, let alone embrace. He had selected Arnold as his successor. What had started out as an “off the wall” idea soon became a reality as papers were signed, deposits made and escrow opened.
Once the decision was made, entrepreneurial angst took hold. There were many painful and sleepless nights as Arnold and I began to realize what we had gotten ourselves into. There was so much to do, so much to learn. And the risk! As Arnold handled the closing down of his law practice, I was deeply involved in my own business, adjusting (poorly) to its recent acquisition. We had boys still in school. We were accustomed to regular salaries. To say that we were anxious, fearful, apprehensive, nervous, etc. would be an understatement.
Actually, we are testament to the old saw that ignorance is bliss. While there was a great deal to know, and costly mistakes to be made and (hopefully) learned from, the transition from lawyer to publisher was not too onerous. Arnold embraced publishing with a passion. Reeves and Reta did everything they could to assure our success. And as their role diminished, and they worked less and less and enjoyed the rewards of a secure retirement, more and more we became the publishers of The Malibu Times. The paper grew, the team grew, revenues grew and we grew.
What Reeves had seen in Arnold those many years ago was demonstrated most vividly during the Topanga-Malibu fires of November 1993. Reeves and Reta looked on as, even while our own home and everything in it was reduced to smoldering ash, Arnold rallied the Times team to get a paper out no matter what. That Thursday, only two days after our home and 250 other Malibu homes were destroyed, there was The Malibu Times in your mailbox if you still had one.
Over the years The Malibu Times has had its supporters and its detractors. There are those who wrongly believe that we do not love, appreciate and support the glories of our unique environment, but there are many others who know we do. We’ve enjoyed the rough and tumble of Malibu politics and have documented the growing pains of our young city. We’ve chronicled the births and achievements of Malibu’s children and acknowledged passages and passings, telling Malibu stories to Malibu.
Today, our foray into publishing has grown to include not only The Malibu Times and the Malibu Times Magazine but also Capitol Weekly, two political newsletters, seven community monthlies and related Web sites. However, who would have questioned the skepticism of a local competitor who doubted our ambitions and predicted the worst. I guess she just didn’t know Arnold and Reeves very well.