Treadwell killed in daytime
The National Park Service has stated in a report that Malibuite and bear activist Timothy Treadwell was killed during daylight hours rather than at night, as previously believed. Treadwell and his girlfriend, Amie Huguenard, were found dead on Oct. 6 in Alaska’s Katmai National Park.
According to the report, Treadwell was killed at about 2 p.m. during a heavy rain. The time of the attack was recorded on Treadwell’s video camera, which only recorded the sounds of the attack, but no images.
Malibu musicians
to perform for California’s Director of Homeland Security commemoration
Malibu residents composer/pianist Carter Larsen and violinist Albert Stern will perform for an event commemorating the appointment of Ron Iden, assistant director FBI, L.A. Bureau, to California’s Director of Homeland Security. Vice President Dick Cheney and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will be among the 400 dignitaries in attendance.
Larsen and Stern will be including a patriotic medley especially arranged by Larsen for the occasion in their program.
Heart condition defense
Defense attorneys for George Russell Weller, the man who last summer plowed through the Santa Monica Farmers Market, killing 10 people (including one Malibu resident) and injuring 63, said last week that an undiagnosed heart condition was the reason the elderly driver lost control of his vehicle. Weller’s attorneys said the condition stopped his heart for a few seconds, and could have cause anything from dizziness to a loss of function. The prosecution said Weller was in control of the vehicle, and could have stopped his Buick LeSabre at any point.
The district attorney’s office filed charges on Jan. 6 after prosecutors concluded that Weller acted recklessly. They said he drove around a closure sign and sped approximately 1,000 feet through the crowded marketplace.
Prosecutors asked for $50,000 bail, saying Weller would be a threat to public safety if he drove. But Judge Paula Adele Mabrey sent Weller home after determining he was not a flight risk or a danger to society. Weller’s driver’s license was revoked shortly after the Farmers Market incident, and Mabrey reiterated he must not drive. Attorneys are scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 9 to set a preliminary hearing date. If convicted, Weller could be placed on probation or sent to state prison for 18 years.
Do something wild!
The California Wildlife Center is offering volunteer training in February and early March. This is the only one scheduled for 2004. The CWC needs volunteers for rescue and care for sick, injured and orphaned native wildlife, to transport wild animals to the center and for help with fundraising, community outreach and administrative projects
To become a wildlife care volunteer at California Wildlife Center, one must attend three successive training sessions. Volunteers are required to become CWC members, which costs $40 per individual, plus a $10 training materials fee.
There is a volunteer orientation meeting on Jan. 24 from 11 a.m. to noon. This meeting will include a history of the CWC, its mission and requirements for volunteering. Attendance is recommended, but not required. Once confirmation is received for a person’s attendance at either the orientation or one of the first sessions, directions to the center will be sent to the individual.
To make a reservation and for the complete list of dates and times of the training, call 818.222.2658.
Type O blood shortage
The American Red Cross’ Southern California region has issued an alert that it has no type O blood units in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Because of this, the Red Cross is using rare-frozen blood for patients in critical condition. Approximately, 40 percent of the blood the Red Cross provides to Southern California hospitals is being sent by other Red Cross blood centers. However, the shortage is not limited to this area. Of the 36 Red Cross blood centers across the nation, 25 are reporting they have less than a one-day supply of type O blood.
Donors must be age 17 or older, weigh at least 110 pounds, in good health and not at risk for HIV/AIDS. For more information, call 1.800.GIVE.LIFE or 213.637.3603.
City Hall closure
In observance of Martin Luther King’s Birthday, City Hall will be closed on Monday. Regular hours will resume on Tuesday. For further information, call City Clerk Lisa Pope at 456.2489 ext. 228.
Malibuite in concert
Malibu resident and keyboardist Andrew von Oeyen will perform at St. Matthews Church in Pacific Palisades on Jan. 23 at 8 p.m. Von Oeyen, a Gilmore International Keyboard Competition winner, made his solo debut at age 10. Now 23, he has since played with the Seattle and Singapore Symphonies, as well as the Slovak State Philharmonic. For more information call 573.7787 ext. 2.
Tree for free
The National Arbor Day Foundation is donating five Crapemyrtle trees to anybody who joins the foundation this month. This is being done as part of the group’s “Trees for America” campaign.
The trees will be shipped postpaid between Feb. 1 and May 31, which the foundation says is the right time for planting. The six to 12-inch trees are guaranteed to grow or they will be replaced free of charge.
Membership also includes a subscription to “Arbor Day,” the foundation’s bimonthly publication. In addition, new members receive “The Tree Book,” which includes information about tree planting and care. To become a member, send $10 to Five Crapemyrtles, National Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Ave., Nebraska City, NE 68410.