The following letter was sent to the Surfside News, addressed to the editor and publisher, Anne Soble, but, according to the author, not published.
This week is the first and last time Malibu voters can sign the Referendum petition to have a democratic vote on the State’s Local Coastal Plan (LCP).
Let Malibu decide. Sign the petition for a city referendum. Over the next 10 days is the only time Malibu residents can actually act to restore Democracy to our Local Coastal Plan process. If more than 1,200 voters registered in the City of Malibu sign the petition for a referendum by Oct. 13, then we can have the ensuing months to read and debate the LCP and finally have a democratic vote on its enforcement as the local law which supersedes our General Plan and zoning ordinances.
Under a referendum process, your reporters can have the time necessary to interview Toni Berget about why the Coastal Commission made her tear out her rose bushes, lawn, stepping stones, retaining walls and other long-standing elements of her home landscaping in Point Dume. You should also have time to report on the CCC restrictions on the color, shape and landscaping of Candy Sindell’s home. And over the next few months, I expect many other people who have complained privately about their CCC permit restrictions will be able to share their experiences once their permits for remodels are further along and not as vulnerable to punitive CCC measures.
I am therefore seeking your active support of the referendum petition signing to let Malibu decide. Give yourself and your readers a real opportunity to evaluate the facts of this LCP. Please endorse the Referendum petitioning and process as the following diverse community residents have done.
Chris Barela, champion surfer and Safe Beach Advocate
Robert Bradbury, equestrian and rancher
Jeff Harris, Malibu physician and Clean Water Advocate
Anne Hoffman, director, Recreation and Land Use Preservation Foundation
Paul Majors, professional landscaper and gardener
Georgiana McBurney, Constitutional Advocate
Norm Patino, nurseryman, horticultural consultant
Anthony Schaffer, fireman
Dennis Seider, maritime attorney