I have always been fascinated by the fact of how often the name Malibu is used in the daily life–in this country and around the world. For example, the Chevy Malibu vehicles have been on the market for a number of years, and just about every home improvement store offers low voltage “Malibu Lights.”
It did not occur to me to take a closer look at the issue until after one evening, when I discussed it with Brenda–a friend of mine, and a fellow Malibuite. She told me that during one of her visits to Africa, while dining at a restaurant, she was offered a dish called “Malibu Chicken!” I was really intrigued. Yes, ladies and gentlemen–“Malibu Chicken,” routinely served in Botswana in 1991!
Speaking of international exposure, I would like to mention another name–Malibu Rum. It is not just the local Sav-On where it can be found. During my visit to the UK last spring, I was surprised to see it available everywhere. It was prominently displayed in every bar and restaurant I visited in England and in Scotland. From Sussex to Invernessia, along the Loch Ness shores, even in small villages such as Lockerbie, and the ones around Althorp in Northamptonshire. A quick look at the label informs me that Malibu Rum is a registered mark, and is a product of Canada, made under license from Twelve Islands Shipping Co., Brighton, Black Rock, Barbados, Caribbean. I’ve always thought that geographical names could not be registered or trademarked. I bet that those foreign, profiting businessmen did not think twice, when using the name of an old Chumash settlement to benefit themselves internationally.
There are 135 entries beginning with “Malibu” in my copy of the Malibu Chamber of Commerce Business Directory 2001. I can recall many names, because I have used their services and I have been happy with their quality, speed, convenience and reasonable prices. Here, I would like to mention Malibu Glass, Malibu Lumber, and thanks God for having Malibu Tow, when you need them in the middle of the night. It is a pleasure to “shop locally” from them.
It seems that from Coastline to County Line, and beyond, the name Malibu is out there to be used, perused or abused by international businessmen, advantage takers and cheap trick lovers alike. I think that the Malibu Chamber of Commerce should exercise some form of control, when it comes to unscrupulous city name use by its members.
Ian Popov