Rambla Pacifico may reconnect
The Malibu Planning Commission on Tuesday will discuss a proposal to reconstruct a section of Rambla Pacifico Road.
The proposed 1,800-foot private road section, destroyed by a landslide in 1984, would reconnect the southern section of Rambla Pacfico to the existing section of Rambla Pacifico Road to the north. The project has several goals: to improve accessibility for emergency responders and cut down on the time it takes for them to reach residents; to provide a safe, direct emergency egress route south to Pacific Coast Highway; to reduce drive time for residents of upper Rambla Pacifico Road and to provide a safer route for residents, among others.
More information can be obtained online at www.ci.malibu.ca.gov.
Turtle and frog import ban affirmed
The California Fish and Game Commission last Thursday voted 3-2 not to overturn its decision from earlier this year to ban the importation of frogs and turtles for the purpose of human consumption. The prohibition was being reconsidered after a number of Asian-American state legislators and activists complained it unfairly targeted Asian-American businesses and culture. In an e-mail to The Malibu Times, local turtle and tortoise activist Susan Tellem called the decision “a sigh of relief.”
City urges coyote precautions
In response to recent coyote encounters, the City of Malibu has issued a statement urging residents to become more educated about the local wildlife.
According to the city, coyotes are intelligent predators that have adapted extremely well to living in close proximity with humans, drinking out of swimming pools, rummaging for food in trash cans and using roadways as means of travel.
Although coyotes are excellent hunters, they have learned that unprotected domestic animals are easier to catch than wild prey, and will prowl neighborhoods accordingly, the city states in a recent press release.
Tips on how to protect oneself and one’s pets from coyotes include increasing the heights of fences and positioning them outward at a 45-degree angle, as coyotes can scale fences up to six feet high. The city also advises that pets are not left outside unprotected during the night or off a leash when not on their owners’ property. Outdoor trash can lids should also be securely fastened.
More information can be obtained online at www.ci.malibu.ca.us/index.cfm/fuseaction/detail/navid/446/cid/15502/.
Court date postponed for Malibu trainer
A preliminary hearing scheduled last Tuesday for Greg Isaacs, the high-profile personal trainer accused of sexually assaulting a young woman, has been postponed until June 14.
Isaacs, 49, of Malibu, was arrested in January for the sexual assault of a 27-year-old female Westwood resident. Detectives say the victim was sexually assaulted inside the gym at her apartment complex. Isaacs worked at the complex and was in charge of its workout facility. Police believe there may be more victims.
Isaacs is a professional trainer whose Web site advertises weekend training retreats and the training of actors to prepare them for acting roles. His former clients include Melanie Griffith, Clint Eastwood, Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn.
Isaacs is also the author of “Ultimate Lean Routine,” a work-out book featuring his weight-loss program that is endorsed by many Hollywood stars.
Any other victims are asked to call Detective Geoff Tavares at 213.473.0438.
Baykeeper appoints new head
The Santa Monica Baykeeper announced in a press release last week Monday that environmental law attorney Elizabeth Crosson will serve as executive director for the nonprofit organization.
Crosson starts immediately and replaces Tami Clark, board member and interim executive director, who had temporarily managed the organization. Clark will return to her position as board officer and member.
“The Baykeeper Board and staff are passionate about what they do and their impact on water quality protection is powerful,” Crosson said in the press release. “I am honored to take over as executive director and look forward to expanding our efforts to hold polluters accountable.”
Until recently, Crosson was a practicing associate attorney with Lawyers for Clean Water, Inc. and was involved with the Baykeeper’s ongoing litigation efforts, some of which involve the City of Malibu.
More information can be obtained at www.smbaykeeper.org.
CineMalibu announces film lineup
The Malibu Parks and Recreation Department recently announced its lineup for the 2010 series of free movies in the Malibu Bluffs Park on four Saturdays. Kicking off June 5 is “The Spy Next Door,” followed by “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” June 19. On July 31, “Free Willy: Escape From Pirate’s Cove” will be shown, and the series will finish on Aug. 28 with “How to Train Your Dragon.”
The June 19 screening will be preceded by the fourth annual Malipalooza, celebrating the end of the school year and the beginning of summer. This year’s theme is “I Love the 80s” and will feature live music performances, children’s activities and more.
CineMalibu is an annual program that began in 2007. Picnics are welcome, but barbecues, smoking and alcohol are not allowed.
By Stan Parker and Jonathan Friedman