PCH remains closed
The section of Pacific Coast Highway between Yerba Buena Road and Las Posas Road is still closed, Caltrans confirmed Monday. There is currently “no date for reopening,” Caltrans Public Information Officer Maria Raptis said.
The highway has been closed since Dec. 18 when it was determined that a possible rockslide near Point Mugu Rock posed a safety hazard to the public. It was briefly reopened Dec. 28, but closed again due to unstable conditions. Motorists are advised to use alternate routes.
PCH was closed for several hours south of Topanga Canyon Boulevard on Dec. 30 in the evening due to a rockslide. However, it was cleared by 10 p.m.
Fire destroys Malibu motor home
A fire completely consumed an RV home at the Malibu Beach RV Park on Pacific Coast Highway near Corral Canyon Dec. 29. The fire department received the call at 4:08 p.m. and the fire was extinguished by 4:22 p.m. Fire inspector Frederick Stowers said the cause of the fire is unknown.
“Only one motor home was destroyed,” Stowers said. “There was a slight extension [of fire] to grass nearby, but it was put out quickly.”
The brand new motor home was unoccupied at the time and no one was injured.
While the cause is unknown, the fire department deemed no foul play was involved.
“The fire had no suspicious nature; we won’t be investigating it any further,” Fire Chief Terry DeJournett said. “We assume it was some kind of defect in the vehicle. We don’t know.”
Coastal Commission will fight Malibu Lagoon lawsuit
California Coastal Commission attorney Chris Pederson said this week that the state agency intends to defend itself against the lawsuit filed by three environmental groups over its approval of the Malibu Lagoon Restoration Project.
The legal challenge, filed on Dec. 3, by a trio of environmental advocacy groups, contends that the Coastal Commission violated the state Coastal Act when it unanimously voted in October that the $7 million project should go forward. The commission authorizes final approval for such projects completed within the state coastal zone.
The Wetlands Defense Fund, Access for All and the Coastal Law Enforcement Action Network, which banded together as plaintiffs in the case, have maintained that the project, which they say includes bulldozing away non-native vegetation, will decimate sensitive wetlands and endangered fish in the lagoon. It also takes away accessibility rights to beachgoers, they say, with the removal of two popular beach trails, also part of the restoration plan.
They claim in their lawsuit “there are less destructive ways to engage in habitat restoration. Alternatives to the project are available that would protect existing resources and enhance and maintain public access to the sea.”
Local artist opens gallery exhibition
Charles Arnoldi of Malibu opens his exhibition at the Rosamund Felson Gallery in Santa Monica Jan. 8. Arnoldi will be displaying work from three of his current projects, “Arcs” and “Windows,” both painting projects, and “Thorns,” which features sculptures, at the exhibition.
Arnoldi has shown his work in a number of museums, including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Museum of Contemporary Art Los Angeles and the Brooklyn Museum. The exhibition opens Saturday and continues until Feb. 5.
Local pastor becomes Sheriff’s station volunteer clergy member
The Rev. Skip Ball became a member of the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station Volunteer Clergy Dec. 30. The volunteer clergy assists the community in a variety of instances, like during the aftermath of a serious traffic accident, for example. Members of the Sheriff’s station clergy come from a wide range of faiths and denominations.
Ball has been a pastor for more than 30 years and is currently the pastor of Epic of Malibu. In order to qualify for the volunteer clergy, Ball completed approximately 24 hours of training, including patrol procedures and learning information about the legal system.
City accepting proposals
The City of Malibu issued a Request for Proposals Dec. 27 for consulting services to help with the development of a Cultural Arts Strategic Plan for the city. The plan is designed to promote and sustain the arts throughout Malibu. Proposals are being accepted through Jan. 21 at 4 p.m.
Public Safety Commission to discuss safety campaign
The Public Safety Commission at its meeting Wednesday this week will discuss the proposal for a public safety campaign for public education and the selection of a date for a bicycle workshop.
Possible safety improvements at the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Busch Drive will be up for recommendations if applicable.
Also on the agenda is the repair and replacement of local signs. Also, Caltrans is scheduled to present an update on the highway’s safety improvement plans and discuss particular areas of concern. The committee is also scheduled to discuss public safety activities and future agenda items. A joint meeting between the Public Safety Commission and the Public Works Commission will take place Jan. 26 at City Hall at 3:30 p.m.