I am so mad, I could . . . I was going to say, tear my hair out, but I am not that mad. Just fed up. I have lived in Malibu since 1970. I know I am incredibly lucky to live here. I love Malibu. I love the wonderful people here. Things are changing rapidly, though, and I don’t like what is happening.
Giovanni’s in the Zuma Beach Plaza isn’t just a beauty salon; it’s a warm, friendly experience. Giovanni has been at this location for 13 years and, in total, 18 years in Malibu. He is a fabulous hairdresser. And women know that when you find a super hairdresser, hold on to him like glue. After 13 years, the landlord of the Zuma Beach Plaza has decided not to renew his lease. No explanation, just that the landlord is renting it to another hair stylist, never mind that Giovanni wasn’t given the option of paying more rent. Just that it was nothing personal; he wants to rent it to a friend of his. All of Giovanni’s clients are up in arms about it. We are so mad. What is he supposed to do? He has a family, a mortgage and three people in his shop who find themselves out on their ears.
More and more I see this happening to the people like Giovanni forced out to make way for “high end” stores. Where does he find another shop? There is no place to go. He has put a lot of love and money into his shop, but the owner doesn’t care. His answer was to get a place in Agoura. The small business people at Point Dume are worried, too. Word is out that their leases may not be picked up either. We try to support our Malibu shops. But I’ll tell you one thing. I will be getting my hair done by Giovanni no matter where he goes.
Dolly Martin