I was probably as stunned as everyone in Malibu perusing the full-page ad listing who contributed financially to the Chili Cook-off site. For the most part, the people listed are just average Malibuites. Where are the rich people, the celebrities, the icons of industry, the politicians, the realtors, the chain stores?
Aren’t these the same people who use up valuable City Council time getting permits for palatial mansions, play at our small park at Cross Creek, keep us common folk off their beaches or buy food at our markets?
Wouldn’t all the celebs like a nice nameplate on the honor wall? I could swear a whole lot of other rich, smart guys live here. And who knew that many of the big chain stores and restaurants are too poor to join Budget Rent-A-Car (thank you!) in making a donation to the community that makes your cash registers ring.
There is a biblical saying paraphrased to reflect what is happening in this small town. “It’s easier to pass a camel through the eye of a needle, than to get a rich man (or woman) to donate to our park.”
Susan Tellem