Wreckage on PCH
An accident involving a white BMW and a beige van occurred last Thursday morning on Pacific Coast Highway. Sheriff’s deputies reported one person was injured after leaping out of the way of an onrushing vehicle. One westbound lane of Pacific Coast Highway was briefly closed after the accident.
Entertainment focuses on Malibu
A new reality show about Malibu housewives and the return of “Two and a Half Men” make Malibu a popular setting for television once more. While Malibu has been home to members of the entertainment industry for years, the city has not commonly been the topic of the small screen.
One new show to focus the camera lens on Malibu is a reality series about housewives in Malibu. The show is produced by Planet C Studios and coproduced by David Katz, founder of the Malibu International Film Festival. The “docu-soap,” which is still in the casting stage, will follow the lives of six local women. The series aims to document “high society women” and their families, careers and social lives. Katz said two local sisters, Linda and Kim Kanner, have already expressed interest in participating in the series. Those interested in submitting a video can email casting@ambitiousfilms.com. The requirements, according to producers, are as follows: Must include an introduction of yourself and family. Tell us why you’re interesting and complex and worth exploring further. Have fun with it, tell us about your life, your business and how you spend your leisure time. Show us your personality, give us a tour of your home/homes. Also, include charitable or philanthropic work you may be involved in.
Additionally, another series about Malibu is set to return to the screen. CBS’ sitcom “Two and a Half Men,” which takes place in Malibu, will likely see another season despite recent casting controversy. About two months after Charlie Sheen’s highly publicized departure from the show, producers have signed Ashton Kutcher to take his place, CBS announced May 13. While the show has been on since 2003, Sheen’s absence raised questions for the network and the fate of the sitcom. However, with Kutcher in place, the Malibu-based television show will likely return in the fall.
State announces closure of 70 parks
State parks officials announced May 13 that 70 parks would close due to the state budget deficit.
Gov. Jerry Brown’s January budget plan called for a $22 million reduction to the state parks budget. In March, the Legislature approved $11 million in cuts to parks and $10 million in cuts to off-highway vehicle parks for the next fiscal year. Additionally, $22 million in budget cuts to California’s parks will become effective in future years.
The California State Parks System was told to identify parks for closure based on attendance rates and historical significance. There are currently more than 270 state parks operated by the department. No local state parks are on the list to be closed.
“We regret closing any park,” California State Parks director Ruth Coleman said in a statement. “But with the proposed budget reductions over the next two years, we can no longer afford to operate all parks within the system.”
The parks are scheduled to close by July 1, 2012. The full list can be found online at www.parks.ca.gov, and typing “park closures” in the search form.
Malibu Inn proposes wine tasting room
An application has been filed for a conditional use permit pertaining to a space attached to the Malibu Inn. If approved, the application would allow the inn to operate a wine tasting room and off-site wine sales at the location. Marissa Coughlan, on behalf of SKA GROUP, LLC, filed the application with the city of Malibu, according to a notice from the city.
The project is currently under review by the city’s planning division. Since the project is in early stages, a hearing or decision date has not yet been scheduled.
More information about this project can be obtained by contacting senior planner Stephanie Danner at 310.456.2489 extension 276.
Thrift shop donates funds
The Artifac Tree Thrift Shop will donate funds from all sales on May 26 and June 24 to two local causes.
On May 26, the store will give all funds earned to the Malibu Optimist Club, which is involved in local schools and many other aspects of the community.
On June 24, all proceeds from the day’s sales will go to the Junior Lifeguard Program, which teaches teamwork, leadership and aquatic safety to young people. The program is designed to provide water safety education while improving physical conditioning, fostering respect for the environment, as well as for oneself and others.
The Artifac Tree is located at 3728 1/2 Cross Creek Rd. and is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More information can be obtained by calling 310.456.1068.
Local organization celebrates World Turtle Day
Malibu-based American Tortoise Rescue celebrates annual World Turtle Day May 23. The day was created as an annual observance to raise awareness about protecting turtles and tortoises and their habitats around the world.
American Tortoise Rescue is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 1990 by Malibu residents Susan Tellem and Marshall Thompson. The group aims to protect all species of tortoise and turtles and advocates the humane treatment of animals.
“World Turtle Day was started to increase respect and knowledge for the world’s oldest creatures,” Tellem said in a statement. “These gentle animals have been around for about 200 million years, yet they are rapidly disappearing as a result of the exotic food industry, habitat destruction and the cruel pet trade.”
More information can be obtained by visiting www.tortoise.com.
Topanga Days parade in danger of cancellation
The Topanga Community Club’s annual Topanga Days fundraiser may not include the popular parade this year due to a lack of funding, the Topanga Messenger reports. The club would need $5,000 in community donations in order to green light the Memorial Day parade.
Last year’s parade cost about $8,000, with nearly $4,325 in traffic control expenses for the California Highway Patrol alone. Additionally, last year’s performance by reggae musician Ziggy Marley resulted in large amounts of traffic, causing the CHP to increase costs for this year’s event.
The Topanga Community Club maintains that safety is a great concern, and hopes enough donations will come in so the parade can take place.
More information can be obtained by visiting www.topangadays.com.