The Malibu Times sent a questionnaire to all seven Malibu City Council candidates. Each was limited to 75 words per answer. One profile will be printed each week until March 29. Election day is April 10.
Name: Skylar Peak
Birth date: 6-6-84
How long have you lived in Malibu?
Born and raised since 1984.
What is your education and employment history?
Attended Malibu High School, University of California Irvine, Pepperdine University and received a B.S. in business administration. Electrical contractor and owner of Peak Power Electric, founded by my father, Dusty Peak, in 1978. Ocean Lifeguard EMT for Los Angeles County Fire Department.
Why are you running for city council?
I want to improve public safety, support local schools, inspire youth programs, promote local businesses and preserve our community.
What makes you qualified to be on the city council?
I am an active civic participant and leader in this community. I am a Parks and Recreation Commissioner, a member of the Wastewater Advisory Committee, a board member of the Malibu Boys and Girls Club, a local business owner and public safety officer. I understand responsible finance and budgets, the importance of public safety and the significance of environmental preservation.
What, in your opinion, are the most important issues facing the city at this time?
The most important issues facing Malibu are public safety, environmental preservation and protection (Lagoon Project and Broad Beach GHAD), centralized wastewater, view restoration, traffic, parks and development. Solutions and decisions regarding these issues must reflect the needs of our community at large and preserve the city’s general plan.
What is your opinion of the Malibu Lagoon Restoration Project? Do you think it is a good idea or a bad idea?
The proposed Malibu Lagoon Restoration Project has too many questions surrounding it for me to support it in its current state.
What is your opinion of the City’s agreement with the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Board to build a centralized wastewater treatment facility (i.e., sewage treatment) for Civic Center businesses by 2015, and another one for central Malibu homes by 2019?
I have concerns about the proposed project regarding the size of the system, costs and how much wastewater can effectively be pumped into the Civic Center soil from a centralized system without severely impacting the environment. Moving forward, our community needs to be educated and involved in this project; plans, test results and costs need to be clearly communicated. Malibu’s commitment to the environment should require all existing OSWTS to be evaluated, monitored and maintained.
Are you in favor of a city ordinance that would require shopping centers to preserve a certain amount of space for local “mom and pop” businesses or for services such as cleaners that are geared toward residents rather than visitors? Or do you think that government involvement in business is counterproductive and that a “shop local” campaign or some other measure would be more effective?
It saddens me that we need a city ordinance to protect the local businesses that have contributed so much to Malibu and its history. Malibu has changed. This ordinance must balance the needs of residents with those of the commercial property owners. As a councilmember, I will continue to support local businesses, preserve existing ones and promote new locally owned and operated businesses.