Planning Commission rejects appeal
The Planning Commission on Monday unanimously upheld the city staff’s approval for a second-floor addition to a residence on Pacific Coast Highway belonging to Lance and Susanne Roth.
The addition had been challenged by two of the homeowners’ neighbors, Bruce and Sherry Gordon and Dan Eurich, on several grounds. Included among the complaints was that the second story would directly overlook Eurich’s property and result in a total loss of privacy.
The commissioners said several of the appeal issues, including the loss of property, had nothing to do with the city code and were not issues that the commission could consider.
City fails to get State Parks grant
The California Department of Parks and Recreation notified the city last month that it would not be receiving a $2.8 million grant for relocating ball fields from Bluffs Park to a future location. According to a letter sent to the city, there were 211 applicants requesting $419 million from State Parks, while just $130 million was available for distribution.
The state told Malibu several years ago it must vacate Bluffs Park. The city has managed to get State Parks to allow it to keep the ball fields there until a new location could be found. City and state officials have had discussions about reaching a solution, but no progress has been announced for about two years.
Ticks health warning
The California Department of Health has issued a warning regarding ticks and tick-borne diseases. The department said people working or playing outdoors in the winter months should be on alert for ticks that may carry bacteria that cause Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.
Ticks are small, insect-like creatures that are most often found in naturally vegetated areas. There are many different kinds of ticks in California, but only the western black-legged tick transmits Lyme disease. Ticks can be found in tall grass and brush in urban, suburban and rural settings.
Lyme and other tick-borne diseases, including Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis, ehrlichiosis and babesiosis, are transmitted while the tick is attached and feeding.
If you find a tick, you should remove it with tweezers by grasping it close to the skin and applying a steady upward pressure to make sure the entire tick is pulled free. Do not use insecticides, lighted matches or gasoline to remove ticks, as these techniques are ineffective. After the tick is removed, individuals should wash their hands and apply antiseptic to the affected area. Pets should be regularly checked for ticks.
Symptoms of Lyme disease can include a spreading rash usually accompanied by flu-like symptoms, such as fever and body aches. Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics, and most patients recover completely without complications if treated early during the course of the infection. However, in some people if left untreated, symptoms can progress into arthritis or nervous system disorders.
The following advice is recommended for tick disease prevention:
€ Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts. Tuck pant legs into boots or socks and tuck shirts into pants.
€ Wear light-colored clothing so ticks can be easily seen.
€ Inspect yourself frequently for ticks while in tick habitats. Once out of tick habitat, thoroughly check your entire body for ticks. Parents should examine their children, especially on the scalp, hairline and skin folds.
€ Apply a repellent, such as DEET, registered for use against ticks. Always follow directions on the container and be extra careful when applying to children.
€ Stay in the middle of the trail. Avoid trail margins, brush and grassy areas.
Individuals should consult their physician immediately if symptoms similar to those described for Lyme disease develop within one to several weeks after being bitten by a tick.
Additional information on Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases is available on the California Department of Health Services Web site at www.dhs.ca.gov/ps/dcdc/disb/disbindex.htm or by calling 916.552.9730.
Arbor Day Foundation giveaway
The Arbor Day Foundation will give away five Crapemyrtle trees to each person who joins the organization this month.
The trees will be shipped at the right time for planting from Feb. 1 to May 31 with enclosed planting instructions. The six- to 12-inch trees are guaranteed to grow or they will be replaced free of charge.
To receive the free trees, send a $10 membership contribution to Five Crapemyrtles, National Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Ave., Nebraska City, NE 68410. Donations can also be made at www.arborday.org. The deadline is Jan. 31.
-Jonathan Friedman