I had a good laugh reading Les Moss’ letter about the continuing Malibu hardware store conundrum. It made me think of my most recent “Malibu Moment.” I was at the Malibu Coast Veterinary Hospital where I had just bought some cat food and was headed toward my car when a young guy pulled into the lot, jumped out of his car, and came up to me, looking confused. “Where is the hardware and lumber store?” he asked, pointing to the sign over his shoulder. I chuckled and told him, unfortunately, it did not exist. “It’s a Malibu Mystery,” I said.
Instead, I advised him to go a few minutes down PCH to the local hardware store, A&B. He got into his car and zipped out of the lot. I was not far behind. He passed the store and was stopped at the next light. I pulled up beside him and asked, through the window, had he missed it? “No,” he replied, “I’m going to Culver City, I don’t want to pay Malibu prices.”
Despite the fact that we do have a hardware store, many haven’t noticed, and those who have most likely “don’t want to pay Malibu prices” either! And herein lies the real conundrum, one of perception. Is Malibu a town catering to upscale residents and tourists who can afford to pay boutique prices, or to locals who simply need to buy a hammer and supplies at reasonable prices? Is there anyone who believes it can it be both?
Victoria Sterling