Man killed in PCH crash identified
Authorities have identified a man who was killed Friday morning in an accident that backed up traffic on Pacific Coast Highway at Temescal Canyon in Pacific Palisades.
Ricardo Antonio Perez, 58, of Los Angeles died when two commercial trucks collided, triggering a huge backup on northbound PCH about half a mile south of Temescal Canyon Road for most of the day Friday, according to the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office.
The Los Angeles Times reported that Perez, who was driving a flatbed truck, smashed into the back of another commercial truck and was killed instantly, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. The front of his truck was completely smashed in.
The northbound lanes of the highway were closed for most of the day Friday.
County fire chief recommends denial of camping plan
Los Angeles County Fire Department Chief Michael P. Freeman has come out in opposition to the Malibu Parks Area Enhancement Plan proposed by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy that would allow overnight camping at three Malibu canyon parks because of the fire risks.
The California Coastal Commission was scheduled to vote on the plan, which requires two amendments to the state-drafted Malibu Local Coastal Program, Wednesday of this week.
In a letter to John Ainsworth, deputy director for the Coastal Commission, Freeman wrote: “We reviewed the … listed commission staff reports for the two Local Coastal Program Amendments … we recommend DENIAL [sic] of both proposed amendments …
“Both Local Coastal Program Amendments (LCPA’s) cover a large portion of the Malibu area which includes the Ramirez Canyon Park, Escondido Canyon Park, and Corral Canyon Park, all of which are located in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone of Los Angeles County,” Freeman wrote.
Opponents of the plan say that the fire danger is too high to allow overnight camping in the canyon parks mentioned. The city applied for an LCP amendment as well, which would ban overnight camping within the City of Malibu. The Coastal Commission is scheduled to hear the city’s proposal on Wednesday as well. Commission staff has recommended that the commission approve the conservancy’s proposal and to deny the city one.
Freeman further wrote in his letter to the commission: “Both LCPA’s propose significant intensification of use of Conservancy properties, including nonresidential uses, large public events, and overnight camping. We are opposed to any new campgrounds, hike-in camps, trail camps or large group gathering in very high fire risk areas. These activities could jeopardize public safety by unnecessarily increasing the risk of fire and requiring rapid evacuation of narrow box canyons served by limited access routes.”
Freeman cites that the proposed LCPAs require a Fire Protection and Emergency Evacuation Plan and that the fire department would consider approving such a plan if the following mitigating measures were implemented at all sites: an approved emergency access road no less than 20 feet in width; approved fire proof shelters strategically located along the trails and in camping areas; open flame prohibited, with violations of this categorized as a misdemeanor punishable by a maximum fine of $1,000 and a county jail term of up to one year. Violators during red flag day warnings would be fined $6,000; and all canyons and parks would be closed to visitors during high fire danger or when the National Weather Service issues red flag warnings.
A follow-up story to the June 10 meeting will be posted online later this week at www.malibutimes.com
DTV transition takes place June 12
The nationwide transition to digital television reception takes place this Friday. Those who use traditional TV antennas for reception will not be able to view local or other program channels. Cable and satellite television subscribers should not be affected by the transition. More information about the DTV transition can be obtained online at www.dtv.gov
John Paul DeJoria donates $50K to GreenMachine
Part-time Malibu resident John Paul DeJoria, CEO and co-founder of John Paul Mitchell Systems, recently donated $50,000 to Malibu Green Machine to jump-start phase two of Malibu’s Pacific Coast Highway enhancement project.
The first phase of the 1.4-mile, $1.5 million project-the largest privately funded project in Malibu’s history- runs from the intersections of Cross Creek to Webb Way. The second phase will extend from Webb Way to Malibu Canyon.
DeJoria stated, “Anything that makes PCH safer is a plus for the entire community.”
MalibuGreenMachine President Jo Giese said, “Folks have seen what a dazzling and dramatic contribution Phase One has made on our city. And now the residents and businesses are generously jumping on board to make phase two a reality.”
Conservancy approves Malibu Road public beach access
The California Coastal Conservancy last week voted to transfer ownership of a vacant lot at 24038 Malibu Road to the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority for a proposed public beach access, and give the MRCA up to $25,000 for pre-construction activities, including bid preparation and environmental review.
The conservancy also voted to grant up to $25,000 to the nonprofit Los Angeles Forum to conduct public access beach tours for groups of 30 people at a time at Broad Beach, Lechuza Beach, Malibu Road and Carbon Beach for the next two years.
The City of Malibu in March granted the conservancy a coastal development permit to allow for the construction of a public beach access, five public parking spaces, a permeable fence and gate, and a variance for construction on slopes steeper than what is allowed by city code at the proposed access location.
Joan Cardellino, the Coastal Conservancy’s deputy South Coast regional manager, last week estimated the overall cost of developing the proposed access site to be between $600,000 and $800,000. Though the conservancy hopes to begin construction in 2010, Cardellino said it “depends on when cash starts flowing with state bond sales.”
Miss Malibu Pageant looking for entrants
This year is the 5th annual Miss Malibu Pageant. Current Miss Malibu Tami Farrell will host the pageant and crown her successor at Pepperdine University’s Smothers Theater on Aug. 23.
Applications are now being accepted for contestants. There are two age groups, Teen (14-18 years old) and Miss (19-26 years old). Girls compete in three categories: swimsuit/physical fitness, evening gown and interview. There are also special awards for photogenic and community service. The winners proceed with all entry fees paid to Miss California USA and Miss California Teen USA. Pageant officials are also looking for local sponsors, judges, entertainment and emcees. More information can be obtained by contacting Pageant Director Kristen Bradford at 310.993.4361 or online at www.missmalibupageant.com
-Laura Tate