I write this letter knowing that a high percentage of Malibu residents are good, polite and grounded people. It is directed at those who, at times, misbehave.
It is time for a wake-up call in Malibu. This wonderful and down-to-earth community is feeling more like Beverly Hills at times. I do not, by the way, mean by virtue of the types of stores we have; I am referring to some people’s behavior and attitudes. The arrogance and rudeness of some residents here toward other residents and visitors, the awful and unnecessary displays of wealth, the constant bickering and threatened lawsuits over issues like trees blocking views, in general the need of a few obnoxious people to be demonstrative, and overpower and control other people, is damaging the once communal and laid back nature of Malibu.
Malibu is surrounded by millions of people who want to go to the beach. We would all like more seclusion but is blockading roads realistic, or does voicing that type of thought show the elitism that tags Malibu as spoiled and rich? Point Dume residents who complained about the peacocks! C’mon, how about focusing on more important issues? Kids who throw objects from above their homes and hurt beachgoers, take responsibility for them, parents, and apologize if they misbehave even if you have a good lawyer that can get you off the hook. What views are being blocked by the trees in the Point Dume center, and what right do we have to tell the landowner there what to do, especially if he is beautifying the neighborhood? What happened to people working issues out between themselves in a civilized manner, including homeowners and commercial property owners?
Having grown up in Beverly Hills and not liking the attitude and values of many of the people there, I am saddened by the attitude trend of a few unruly people in Malibu.
No matter how much material wealth one has, what type of job, whether or not you are a celebrity, if you consider yourself a privileged “local,” what school your kids go to, we are all very lucky to live in Malibu. This is especially true considering the standards by which most other people in the world live. Let’s show appreciation and humility for our good fortune by displaying the class and grace of a community that is truly blessed by behaving civilly towards each other and to visitors as well.
Matt Borenzweig