Feds investigate empty boat found near Malibu
An abandoned boat was found floating near the shore north of Malibu March 30 and may have been used to smuggle illegal immigrants or goods into Southern California, authorities say. The 32-foot motorboat was discovered by a passerby, who notified the authorities at around 7 a.m. last week Wednesday.
The dual-motor vessel, known as a Panga, which are wide-bottomed boats used by commercial fishermen in Central America, contained gas cans, life preservers, backpacks and other belongings. Federal authorities are conducting an investigation to determine if the boat was used for illegal purposes.
The Port Hueneme Police Department has not found evidence of drugs on or near the Panga, the Ventura County Star reported.
Authorities urge the public to report suspicious activity on or near the coast, including people coming to shore from small boats carrying belongings.
Kanan-Dume crash victim identified
The man who died in a crash on Kanan-Dume Road March 30 when the dump truck he was driving overturned and caught fire has been identified as 35-year-old Vardan Harutyunyan of Van Nuys, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Coroner.
The truck was carrying a load of asphalt, and lost control shortly before 12 p.m. along the 5600 block of Kanan-Dume while traveling downhill. The truck collided with two parked cars, a power pole and a fire hydrant, before overturning and catching on fire. Coroner’s officials said Harutyunyan died of smoke inhalation and burns from the fire.
The collision caused a power outage that was not restored until 2 p.m. Thursday, according to Malibu/Los Hills Sheriff’s Station officials.
Pepperdine expansion plan to be heard May 4
The Los Angeles County Planning Department has announced it will conduct a public hearing on the Pepperdine University Campus Life Project and associated Environmental Impact Report May 4, according to a press release from the City of Malibu. The meeting will take place at the Hall of Records, 320 West Temple St., Room 150 in Los Angeles, at 9 a.m.
Written comments on the project can be submitted to Kim Szalay of the Department of Regional Planning at kszalay@lacounty.gov.
Duke’s to reopen Friday
Duke’s Malibu Restaurant, which has been closed since March 20 due to flood damage from heavy rains that hit the Southland more than two weeks ago, is planning to reopen Friday. According to a press release from the restaurant, the dining will be open Friday after undergoing extensive repairs and renovation. The Barefoot Bar at the east end of the restaurant is still being repaired and renovated.
As part of the reopening, the restaurant will have “strolling Hawaiian musicians, specially priced wines by the glass from Semler/Saddlerock Vineyards and a new featured drink, the Storm Drain.”
Duke’s General Manager Josh Morgan told The Malibu Times last week that the cost of the repairs was “in the millions,” and that insurance would cover most of it. The restaurant has had new carpeting and re-finished Hawaiian Koa wood paneling installed to replace the damaged carpet and wood. The restaurant must also replace glass panels that protect the patio at the Barefoot Bar from ocean spray. The panels were cut out to allow water to drain.
Heavy rains that hit Southern California March 20 caused a stream of water and mud to flow down Las Flores Canyon Road. The water and mud crossed Pacific Coast Highway and flooded the parking lot with one to two feet of water and left the restaurant’s dining room with approximately seven inches of standing water.
Cosentino’s flower shop at PCH and Las Flores also suffered damage.
State Parks host Earth Day cleanup
The California State Parks Foundation will host its 14th annual Earth Day Restoration and Cleanup April 16, where volunteers help remove graffiti, maintain trails and aid in general upkeep, at Malibu Lagoon State Beach. The event, which began in 1998, takes place at 36 parks statewide.
“The Earth Day Restoration and Cleanup events are a tremendous opportunity for communities to volunteer to beautify and preserve California’s state parks and learn about environmental stewardship of our parks,” Elizabeth Goldstein, president of the California State Parks Foundation said.
The event takes place April 16 at Malibu Lagoon State Beach, 23400 West Pacific Coast Highway, at 8:30 a.m. Volunteers can register by calling 888.98.PARKS (987.2757).
City launches song contest
The City of Malibu is accepting musical compositions in search of an official city song of Malibu. Applicants are invited to enter their submissions, which must include a recording (MP3), completed application form and signed copy of the official contest guidelines. For more information, call 310.456.2489 x349.