Thanks to the rapid and effective response of the incredible firefighters and sheriff’s deputies, I can say, on behalf of the three merchants (Casa Escobar, Fast Frame and Bay Cities Beauty Supply) who were burnt out, we’ll be back!
Within minutes, the fire was contained so it did not cause real damage to the Malibu Theater, Ben and Jerry’s, Dr. O’Connor or Banana Republic.
Within an hour, City Manager Katie Lichtig and Mayor Pro-Tem Andy Stern were walking the area with me and offering rebuild assistance to Casa Escobar, Bay Cities Beauty and Fast Frame. I returned home Sunday night to messages from other Malibu City Council persons and others who wanted to know how they could help. For example, Malibu resident Bert Sperber of Valley Crest Landscape called twice to make sure all trees, plants, etc. would be taken care of.
Within two hours, Malibu residents brought food and water for the crews and The Malibu Times photographer offered me a set of photos for insurance purposes!
It is now 7 a.m. on Monday (the “day after”) and Katie has set up a city departments meeting with the three merchants on the site to get started with the rebuild.
I love Malibu!
P.S. Steve and Patti Soboroff, and Malibuites Anita and Rich Green have owned the shopping center for 15 years.
Steve Soboroff