Tonight at the Malibu Planning Commission’s meeting to consider building fields (and a community center) at Point Dume, five people spoke in favor-myself, Steve Ciniglio, and Michael McDonnell and his two children. I lost track of how many spoke against, but they did have one unified message loud and clear: Not In My Backyard!
Families are the largest demographic group in Malibu. But our City Council and Planning Commission would never know this based upon the speakers they hear at every meeting. We need more field space. We need more community parks. We need a community center. Malibu Bay Company is offering field space, a community center and the money to build them out. If I were Malibu Bay Co., I would either build out every parcel to the max or sell them to the highest bidders. We live in a selfish community where people focus on what they have fenced within their own backyards and no further. I do not see how this development agreement will ever be passed at this rate.
One other thought to consider. Thanks to Doug O’Brien, a local park advocate, the original legal settlement between Malibu Little League and the state of California has been uncovered. Both our legal “guns” and the City of Malibu believe we have legal right to a “permanent” home at Bluffs Park. State Parks could kick the City of Malibu out tomorrow-but not us.
So what if Malibu Little League decided to have year-round baseball? Technically, we could control the park. But of course we are not trying to act like the rest of our neighbors and exclude everyone else. Yet where are all of the other Malibu families who say they want fields and parks for their kids?
If anyone wants parks, the coming months will offer numerous opportunities to speak out at public meetings. If families are not heard, then we will not have parks. It’s that simple. Majority rules-even here in Malibu.
Jack Evans, president
Malibu Little League