As a member of a founding family here in Malibu, I am disappointed and dismayed that the City Council would even consider a name change of De Butts Terrace to Paradise View Way. Certain council members’ complete disregard for the history of Malibu is puzzling. Malibu is the way it is today because of the actions of these founding families. They created and protected the “Malibu Way of life,” which is the why so many have moved to our community. The very people who want to erase them from our town’s history are the ones who benefit from their past shaping of our community. I grew up in Malibu and went to the schools here with many kids from De Butts Terrace and cannot ever remember anyone of them being teased because of the name of their street. Changing the name and adding a tree or plaque does not cut it. How many people remember Peter’s Project or Malibu Joe? Peter’s Project was bulldozed to build another high end clothing store and Malibu Joe’s plaque is covered in weeds and Starbucks trash. The city council should think long and hard before they vote to erase pieces of Malibu’s history to promote the “Brentwoodnization” of our town. What’s next should we change the names of Busch, Merritt, Murphy Motorway, Webb, Beckledge, Cavalleri, Phillip, Decker, etc… because people are too ignorant to know who they were and their contribution to making Malibu the place it is today. Instead of being embarrassed of the street you live on, take the time to learn a little history about the town you live in and be glad you do not live on Powderpuff Lane.
Brian Merrick