Bomb threat shuts down three local schools
A bomb threat was called in to Malibu High School Thursday, prompting the school to lock down the campus and perform an extensive search. The school received a phone call at about 10:10 a.m. from someone believed to be a teenager, stating that a team of students was planting a bomb on campus, according to an e-mail sent by principal Mark Kelly. The bomb threat also prompted the closures of nearby Juan Cabrillo Elementary and Malibu United Methodist Schools.
After receiving the threats, administrators contacted the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station and evacuated students from classrooms. Middle school students were moved into the upper gymnasium and high school students to the lower competition gymnasium. By 1:30 p.m., a search of the campus had been completed by a bomb-sniffing dog and students were allowed to return to classrooms. The school cancelled several home and away athletic events as a result of the threat.
Sgt. Derek Alfred of Malibu/Lost Hills said Tuesday that detectives are follow up on some leads, but no arrests have been made in connection with the bomb threat.
“Please know that your child’s safety is most important to us,” Kelly wrote in a statement to parents. “We take any threat to the campus seriously, while knowing most bomb threats are unfounded. We appreciate greatly all your support and cooperation and look forward to returning to the important work of teaching and learning.”
City to host community-serving business seminar Saturday
The City of Malibu will host a public seminar, titled “Strength in Numbers,” to support local community-serving businesses, at City Hall Sunday at 9:30 a.m.
The seminar is led by the nonprofit American Independent Business Alliance and is intended to address the interests involved with local community-serving business and establish a coalition to stimulate local business and the economy. It is part of a broader push to invigorate local small businesses.
The seminar begins with a presentation on the local benefits of independent, community-based businesses and their coexistence with national retailers. Examples from successful “buy local” campaigns are given as well.
The seminar then moves into workshops focused on “planning and implementation to help participants develop clear ideas about priority actions, necessary resources, realistic timelines and how to take immediate action.” Workshop topics may also include further discussion of “buy local” campaigns, developing social media and strengthening branding.
The public is encouraged to attend the free event.
For more information, or to RSVP, call 310.456.2489 ext. 256.
Overturned truck closes Topanga Canyon
A cement truck overturned on Topanga Canyon Blvd. Friday, causing a road closure for several hours. The accident occurred at about 11:30 a.m.
According to California Highway Patrol, 40 gallons of diesel fuel spilled onto the road and about 30 feet of guardrail was damaged. Bystanders told The Malibu Times the driver of the truck sustained injuries to his left arm. The truck also narrowly missed a car carrying Skip Jaymes and Matt Jones, who were travelling in the opposite direction of the truck on their way into the canyon.
Just prior to the accident, Jones picked up James, who was hitchhiking to a recording studio in Topanga Canyon.
“As it came around the corner it started to flip up on its right side. It was coming right at us, and as it tilted it started to turn…We kind of went under it and I looked behind me to see it slide down and hit the guardrail.”
Jaymes said if they had been two to three seconds further up the road, the cement truck would have hit them.
“It was kind of like a dream. I kind of froze in time, and I wasn’t really thinking anything, I was just like, ‘alright here it comes,’” Jaymes recounted.
After narrowly missing the truck, Jaymes and Jones stopped the car and went to help the driver. Worried the truck could catch fire, the pair ran to the truck and pulled the driver out. Paramedics soon arrived and treated the truck driver’s injured left arm.
“I’ve been praying for divine intervention every day,” Jaymes said. “And lo and behold, I have this near-death experience. It made me feel on track with what I’m doing in life.”
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Malibu High ranks among state’s top schools
Malibu High School has made the list of the top high schools in California, coming in at number 52, according to U.S. News & World Report.
The report states that the school’s Academic Performance Index rating is 835. Additionally, the Advanced Placement participation rate is 71 percent. Its student/teacher ratio is 22:1.
The Malibu school is also number 265 in the national rankings.
To see the complete list, visit usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/California.
City schedules bike safety workshop
The City of Malibu has scheduled a progress meeting regarding the Pacific Coast Highway Bike Route Improvement Project for May 23 at City Hall at 6 p.m.
The meeting is intended to provide an overview of the options and design strategies to improve bike safety along the highway. The meeting comes after a series of public workshops where the community gave input on the safety project.
“The city is working diligently on the design for the Pacific Coast Highway Bike Route Improvement Project, which will improve the existing bike route and promote safety for all modes of transportation between Busch Drive and the western City limit,” a press release from the city states. The project is funded through a grant from the Caltrans Highway Safety Improvement program with a contribution from the city’s general fund. For more information, call 310.456.2489 ext. 254.
PCH street sweeping changed to Fridays
As of May 4, the schedule for street sweeping on Pacific Coast Highway will be temporarily changed from the first and third Monday to the first and third Friday of each month, according to the City of Malibu. Most street sweeping will be done between 2 a.m. and 7 a.m. from Topanga Canyon Road to Decker Canyon Road. “The change is expected to improve the use of PCH for the many cyclists who utilize the street on weekends,” a city press release states. According to the city, staff will monitor the new schedule to determine if any conflicts with trash pick up, parking or other services arise.
For more information, call 310.456.2489 ext. 235.
Malibu Jewish Center starts new program
The Malibu Jewish Center and Synagogue has announced it is offering an expanded pre-kindergarten program for children aged four years, in addition to its two- and three-year-old program. The center is now accepting applications for the fall program, which begins in September.
“MJCS is working with local public and private elementary schools with the express goal of ensuring that every child has a natural, stress-free transition from preschool to kindergarten,” a press release from the center states.
For more information, call 310.456.2178
School district accepting applications for District Advisory Committees
The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Board of Education is accepting applications for openings on its District Advisory Committees. Committees with open seats include Early Child Care and Development, Health and Safety, Special Education, and Visual and Performing Arts.
The board is scheduled to make appointments to fill the vacancies by the end of June 2012. Membership terms range from one to four years.
“District advisory committees provide a method whereby citizens and educators can understand better the attitudes and opinions that are held in the school-community environment,” a district press release stated.
For more information, visit smmusd.org/DAC.
Performance to benefit MHS light fund
The Malibu Stage Company is putting on a special performance of its current production, “The Oldest Living Graduate,” to raise funds for field lights at Malibu High School.
Half of the proceeds of the show will go to the Malibu High School “Bring on the Light’s” campaign, which will fund the installation of field lights at the high school.
“The Oldest Living Graduate” stars locals Hub Ferguson, Colette Kilroy Sheridan and features Brian Pietro. The play is directed by Nancy Little and the set is designed by Kelly Crowder, both MHS parents.
The fundraising performance takes place May 10, at the Malibu Stage Company, 29243 Pacific Coast Highway, at 7 p.m. For more information, call 310.589.1998.