PCH paving project begins
The California Department of Transportation this week began its $7 million project to repave an 11.6-mile stretch of Pacific Coast Highway from the Malibu Lagoon Bridge to the McClure Tunnel in Santa Monica. In a press release, Caltrans said, through Friday, one westbound lane of a half-mile stretch of the highway in Malibu from the bridge eastward will be closed from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and an eastbound lane will be closed from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. After that, Caltrans said, the work will take place at night, with rolling closures that will conclude before the morning commute.
“Motorists should anticipate only minor, if any, inconvenience,” the press release states.
The major work consists of removing existing concrete pavement and replacing it with rubberized asphalt concrete, or RAC. The new material, according to Caltrans, is more durable and longer-lasting than conventional asphalt and requires less maintenance.
“RAC is not only cost-effective but can also reduce noise and provide significant environmental benefits in its use of old tires as a component,” states a Caltrans press release. “This RAC project will preserve the roadway and provide a smoother, safer driving surface for motorists.”
The work is expected to be finished in the fall of 2009.
There are several projects underway or upcoming on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, Santa Monica and Pacific Palisades. A Web site launched this week, www.pchpartners.org, gives detailed information on the various projects.
La Paz hearing likely to be delayed
The City Council hearing on the proposals for a shopping center on the La Paz property in the Civic Center area is scheduled to take place on May 12, but will unlikely occur. City Planner Stefanie Edmondson said this week the project owners recently submitted a new wastewater treatment system proposal, and it will need to be reviewed by the city staff. She said she will ask the council on May 12 for a continuance to an indefinite date.
There are two proposals for the La Paz project. One calls for a 132,000-square-foot development, with land set aside for Malibu to build a City Hall. The other option is for a 99,000-square-foot project that does not include a City Hall offer. The Planning Commission earlier this year recommended the City Council reject the larger proposal and approve the smaller one.
Community pool closing for repair work
The Community Pool at Malibu High School will be closed beginning on Thursday for repair work by the school district. The pool is expected to reopen on June 30.
The $220,000 project includes complete resurfacing of the pool, replacement of tiles, replacement of drains and repairs to the pool deck. For questions about the project, call the school district at 310.450.8338.
November ballot could include prop named for Malibu murder victim
More than 1.3 million signatures have been gathered for a “victims’ bill of rights” proposal for a state constitutional amendment. The advocates turned the signatures into Sacramento this week and hope to place the measure on the November ballot.
If the proposal is approved, the amendment would be called Marsy’s Law, named for Malibu resident Marsy Leach, who was murdered at age 21 in 1983 by her ex-boyfriend who had been stalking her.
The proposal calls for victims to be notified whenever convicted criminals have parole hearings, the elimination of annual parole hearings for murderers, an end to conjugal visits for inmates and the requirement for criminals to serve their full sentences.
Missile detonated at local Naval base
A Norwegian SS-1 anti-ship missile was safely detonated at 5:08 p.m. on Saturday at Naval Base Ventura County Point Mugu, according to Naval officials. A press release said there was minor damage limited to the area immediately adjacent to the launch site.
The missile was supposed to be launched Friday afternoon during a test and evaluation exercise conducted jointly by the U.S. and Norwegian Navies. However, it malfunctioned during launch and could not be rendered safe using more conventional methods.
The Navy’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Detachment, assigned to NBVC, conducted the detonation. Navy officials said a 6,000-foot safety perimeter was established along the missile launch pad and surrounding ocean. Activities within the area were suspended and it was evacuated prior to the detonation.
-Jonathan Friedman