The voting public of the cities of Santa Monica and Malibu has led the way. In spite of the fact that only one-third of the households in these two cities have children, the voters have selflessly voted overwhelmingly to support our schools. In fact, over 80 percent, time after time.
We have an opportunity in the business community to make a difference. John Deasy, the new superintendent, is bringing a new energy, focus and positive attitude to the district. The district needs our dollars to support the board, the staff and the superintendent in their efforts to improve public education. Get involved. There has never been a better time to make a difference.
Todd Hess
Towing spoils occasion
The Malibu community at large was wonderfully supportive of all the Avon Breast Cancer 3-Day walkers on the final leg of their 60-mile journey. Too bad, however, that this good will was spoiled for many by the Los Angeles County Sheriffs from the Lost Hills Station and Malibu Towing Service.
A more fitting company name is Malibu Towing Disservice. Many weary walkers and crew members returned to where their families and friends had parked their cars only to find their cars had been towed by Malibu Towing Service.
Some had driven several hours to get to the ceremonies. Although some vehicles were parked on the beach side shoulder where there were stretches of ‘No Parking’ signs, they were not blocking emergency zones, entrances, exits. Participants, many limping, bandaged, wrapped–“walking wounded”–had to call for additional help to transport them to their well-wishers’ towed cars. This worsened the traffic jam around the ceremony site. To add insult to injury, it was ultimately discovered the cars were parked within walking distance (that is, if one was physically able to walk at that point). Considering the critical lack of parking in the area and the dedication and huge commitment of all those involved in this charitable event as walkers, crew, fiscal, physical and emotional supporters, the towing of vehicles was highly insensitive and demonstrated a lack of compassion.
This was certainly a contrast to the community service and support exhibited by the Trancas Starbucks (another local business) the previous year. In support of Avon participants, they sold hot drinks to all, while they waited to enter the holding area for closing ceremonies, for only 25 cents. They also allowed as many as they could handle to stay inside the store out of the storm. Their goodwill probably prevented many additional cases of hypothermia.
The guidewords of Pallotta TeamWorks events are, “Be humankind, be both.” Towing the vehicles was both inhuman and unkind. The negative attitude and lack of community and philanthropic support conveyed by Malibu Towing and the sheriff’s station was exacerbated by the absence of signs stating the location to which the vehicles were being towed. Also, when Avon participants phoned the sheriff’s station, the sheriff’s did not disseminate the information either.
If Malibu Towing was permitted use of Malibu High School as a storage facility for towed vehicles, why was this facility not offered for additional parking for the families and well-wishers of the Avon Breast Cancer 3-Day participants. It could have been a win-win situation with parking fees being contributed to the school and fewer vehicles being towed. Evidently, it was more important for Malibu Towing to use Malibu High grounds to further their own financial gain, than it was for supporters of the fight against breast cancer to have place to park in relative proximity, without risk of being towed.
Rather than honoring the heroic efforts of those involved with the Avon Breast Cancer 3-Day, Malibu Towing Service and the Lost Hills Sheriff Station chose to dishonor the participants, and for many put a damper on the celebration of an amazing, rewarding and incredible experience.
I have spoken to many members of the Malibu community. They overwhelmingly are appalled at hearing of the lack of both compassion and philanthropy shown by this local business and the local sheriffs. It does not reflect well on the Malibu community.
Wendie Olshan