False alarm causes temporary PCH closure
Pacific Coast Highway from Topanga Canyon Road to Las Tunas Road was closed briefly in the early afternoon on Monday after gunfire was reported in the area. Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s officials were called to the scene to search for the gunman, but the search was soon called off when it was determined the sound heard by the people was actually that of a nearby vehicle collision.
Lt. John Benedict said the collision occurred in front of the Topanga Ranch Motel, and created a loud noise. Bystanders in the motel came outside and saw a subject carrying an unidentifiable object that was mistaken for a gun.
The collision resulted in minor injuries, and no one was transported from the scene.
Planning Commission reviews La Paz project
The Planning Commission last week on Tuesday held an opening hearing on the proposed La Paz Ranch Development Agreement.
The agreement calls for a 112,000-square-foot office and retail development on the Civic Center area property in exchange for land being made available there for a City Hall. The property owner would also make a $500,000 cash contribution for the city to go toward construction of the City Hall. A 99,000-square-foot project has also been proposed if the city chooses not to approve the agreement.
An environmental impact report was issued for the project last year, but the answers to the questions submitted by residents and other stakeholders regarding the document have not been finalized. City officials said those questions will be answered and included in a revised EIR prior to a second hearing on Dec. 18, at which time the commission will vote on a recommendation for the project.
The commission is being asked to vote on both proposals as separate projects. The development agreement would need final approval from the California Coastal Commission, while the smaller version would only need City Council approval.
Memorial service set
A memorial service for Clifford Justin Craft III will take place on Nov. 24 at Our Lady of Malibu Catholic Church, located at 3625 Winter Canyon Road. The Philadelphia-born and longtime Malibu resident died Oct. 27 at the age of 82 in Newport Beach.
Dining and tennis
The Malibu High School 25th Anniversary Luncheon and Tennis Classic will take place on Nov. 15 at Stone Manor, located at 6219 Porterdale Rd. Tickets cost $65-$80 with proceeds benefiting the Malibu Middle School and High School PTAs.
The day begins at 8:30 a.m. with the tournament and the luncheon follows at 11 a.m. JAMIE will host a fashion show while Vince Van Patten will announce the live action. A silent auction will also take place. For more information call 310.457.3972.
Donations to rebuild
The Malibu Presbyterian Church and Preschool will have a fund-raiser on Dec. 1 at the Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community Center’s Annual Garage Sale. Donated items to be sold at the garage sale are in need, and may be sent to the attention of Jenna Hubrick at AHCCC, 27040 Malibu Hills Road. New items and those in good condition are requested. All donations are tax deductible and receipts will be available. For more information call 818.880.2993.
-Sara Shereen Bakhshian