Pier piling replacements begins
The process to replace 15 unstable pilings at the ocean end of the Malibu Pier has begun. The state Department of Parks and Recreation is paying for the project at cost of about $500,000.
Jefferson Wagner of Malibu Pier Partners said in September that the pilings became unstable because of mussels attaching themselves to the pilings, which creates a larger surface area when the surf hits them. Jefferson said the mussel population has increased greatly because the starfish that eat them are disappearing. This, he said, is because fishermen illegally take the starfish out of the water, crush them and use the material as bait.
The piling disaster has delayed the pier’s complete reopening. Seventy-five percent of the pier is open to the public. The portion that is yet to be opened will include two restaurants, small retail businesses and a surf museum/visitor’s center.
Malibu teachers to be recognized
The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Board of Education will recognize teachers on Dec. 9 who were selected by their peers as school site Teachers of the Year. The award recognizes skills, talent, creativity and dedication to the education of children. Two of the five teachers being recognized this year are Malibu teachers; Anabella Large of Juan Cabrillo Elementary School and Beth Levin of Point Dume Marine Science Elementary School.
Firefighters wanted
The Los Angeles County Fire Department will be accepting applications from Dec. 2 to Dec. 4 from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Applications will be accepted at six different locations: the department’s North and East Regional Training Facilities, Belvedere Community Regional County Park, Athens Park, Whiteman Airport and San Pedro Center. Candidates must be 18 years old, have a high school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent and a valid driver’s license, They must also meet vision, hearing, weight and height standards. The application and examination bulletin is posted online at www.lacodfd.org.
Local club helps Air Assault Company
The Kiwanis Club of Malibu spent $1,500 for shirts that will be given to Malibu’s adopted Alpha Company of the 101st Air Assault Division. The shirts are worn under the body armor and allow the soldiers to stay cooler in warm temperatures and warmer in cold temperatures. The Kiwanis Club was also able to find a special vendor that is willing to reduce the cost of the shirts by half.
The 125 soldiers are scheduled to return to Iraq in the near future. Donations are needed to purchase items for the soldiers. Checks should be made out to America Supporting America. Write “For the Gators” at the bottom. The checks should be sent to The Gators, 23852 Pacific Coast Highway #101, Malibu, CA 90265.
During the past two years, Malibu citizens have sent cards to the Alpha Company while they were stationed in Iraq, and more recently have donated money for each of the families to have a real Thanksgiving dinner.