City looks to hire
PR official
Susan Shaw, who worked as a consultant to raise money for the municipal purchase of the Chili Cook-Off site, is being considered for a part-time city public relations officer position. The council will vote on a contract for Shaw at its meeting on Monday.
According to a staff report, Shaw would “increase awareness of city achievements by the media and key political and environmental stakeholders through the development and production of a quarterly city newsletter, organizing of events and production of news releases and other community relations materials.”
The contract calls for Shaw to receive $150 per hour. Her total pay cannot exceed $20,000, unless authorized by the city manager.
Also on Monday, the council will vote on whether to hire Agoura Hills City Treasurer Lily Ruff for that job with the city of Malibu. The city has been without a treasurer since Pete Lippman resigned in November 2004. The treasurer reviews the city’s finances, and gives reports to the council independent of the city staff.
Tough SM Bay pollution standards approved
The Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board last week approved new regulations limiting bacteria pollution in the Santa Monica Bay. The TMDL, or total maximum daily loads, level must be met from April through October, when the weather is dry and the most amount of tourists visit the beaches. Los Angeles County and its cities with beaches could be fined up to $10,000 per day for fines.
“This action makes cities and the county accountable for clean beaches and protecting public health,” said Mark Gold, executive director of Heal the Bay, in a press release. “The regional board’s decision sets a national precedent on how to effectively regulate water quality to prevent thousands of needless illnesses.”
Man reported killed in Tuna Canyon crash
A motorist died Tuesday morning after his vehicle crashed over the side of Tuna Canyon Road, according to a local media report. California Highway Patrol officials refused to disclose any information about the incident on Tuesday afternoon before The Malibu Times went to print because its public information officer had left for the day.
According to a report on the CBS-2 Web site, the car ended up 100 feet down an embankment. The name of the man was not released, according to the story.
Gov. signs bill limiting cargo vessel pollution
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger this week signed into law SB 497, the Coastal Ecosystems Protection Act, a bill introduced by Sen. Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) that creates standards for the discharge of ballast water, which is used by cargo vessels to maintain balance.
Ballast water is a leading cause of bioinvasions, when non-native plants, animals, bacteria and viruses are discharged into the marine environment from ballast water stored in large vessels’ holding tanks, according to a statement released by Simitian. Ballast water is commonly taken up when ships are loaded in port and discharged when a ship reaches its destination. Twenty-one billion gallons of ballast water are discharged into U.S. waters each year and at least 7,000 different species of marine life are transported in ballast water throughout the world each day, according to the statement
The measure was approved by the California State Assembly on a vote of 50 to 28, and cleared the State Senate by a vote of 27 to 8.
Trial date set for Swedish Ferrari driver
An Oct. 17 trial date was set last week for Stefan Eriksson, the Swedish man who allegedly crashed an Enzo Ferrari on Pacific Coast Highway while traveling at more than 160 mph in February. A pre-trial court hearing will take place on Sept. 29.
Eriksson is charged with embezzlement, grand theft and drunken driving. He will receive a separate trial on a gun possession charge.
Fundraiser to benefit injured Sheriff’s deputy
The Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station and Monrose Catering Co. are hosting a fundraiser at a private residence in Malibu on Oct. 8 to raise money for Deputy Jim Mulay, who was severely injured last month while pursuing a bank robbery suspect.
The event will include food, drinks and music performed by Dion. Tickets for the event are $100. Reservations can be obtained by calling 310.457.6338.
-Jonathan Friedman