In this last issue before the Measure M election, I wanted to add my thoughts to those of my fellow Malibuites. Obviously, this development agreement brings out strong feelings in people and many have written eloquently about their beliefs. First, I am baffled how this has become, in some people’s minds, a battle between the people who live here and Mr. Perenchio. Why is he the enemy, the big bad wolf? Some have portrayed him as worse than the devil, plotting to destroy Malibu while only thinking of his bottom line. He is vilified as wanting to make a profit (Heaven forbid!) because he is already wealthy. He is chastised for not donating more of his land to this city. I wonder if these people are aware of the generosity of the Malibu Bay Company to our schools and our town? Could he give more? Certainly! Could we all give more, do more? Absolutely! I guess when you’re against something, it’s easier to find a villain and attack him than to deal with the facts.
Second, what’s with all this fuss about traffic? I know that there are mathematical models that show that if you have X amount of development, that development produces Y amount of additional cars. But those equations don’t work in Malibu. Few travel to Malibu to shop, because the malls and boulevards over the hill and in town provide better, more diversified shopping opportunities. People from Santa Monica or Woodland Hills aren’t salivating over our Banana Republic store and this will remain true despite additional development. These projected 14,000 new car trips a day are trips of another kind – head trips. There are two primary reasons for traffic problems in Malibu and only two reasons: beach traffic and Z traffic. When it’s a foggy summer day, no traffic. When Malibu Canyon or Topanga is closed in the morning, no traffic. Simple, huh?
My last comment is about the change that is inevitable in Malibu. I have come to believe that the No on M people don’t want anything of consequence to ever change in Malibu. I do. I want a glorious central park, a community center, a clean lagoon, ball fields and an Urgent Care center that is open 24/7. I want a Civic Center area that makes sense, not piecemeal developed areas that never form an aesthetic and cohesive whole. I truly believe that this is our last and best opportunity to get these things. Let’s not take a chance.
Laura Rosenthal