It is a rare occasion when I agree with our City Council members on anything relating to Malibu. Measure S is one such rare occasion, though.
As a spokesperson against Measure M, the Malibu Bay Company Development Agreement, which was overwhelmingly defeated by the voters last year, I had strong disagreements with everyone on the City Council at the time, all of whom had supported the Development Agreement. I did so, because I felt the Development Agreement would have permitted far too much commercial development in Malibu, particularly in the Civic Center area, and that there were far better alternatives available.
Now, I am pleased to see that the City Council has apparently come around to our point of view, believing that there are indeed better alternatives.
Some of those alternative would be made possible through the November 2 Santa Monica college bond Measure S, which could permanently removes some central Malibu properties from commercial development.
In fact, if it passes …. And if our city council works to use the funds in the best interests of our city… Measure S could provide the lynch-pin to replace what would have been massive commercial development under measure M with educational facilities ball fields, parks wetlands, and open space instead.
That is why I and those who worked with me to defeat Measure M, are now working hand in hand with the City Council in support of Measure S.
Though Measure S won’t ensure that we get all of the benefits that it will make possible, it as an important first step.
So, let’s pass it now…and then let’s stay involved to try to make sure that the City Council takes the best advantage of the opportunities it will afford us.
Please join me now in taking that first step…voting Yes on S.
Rich Fox