Glass-bottom boat sinks off Malibu coast
The Phoenix, a historical glass-bottom boat en route from Newport Beach to Northern California, sunk off Malibu’s shore on Sunday as a result of a crack in its hull, The four-person crew was rescued by lifeguards and police boats after they unsuccessfully attempted to pump water out of the vessel, the Associated Press reported.
The 76-year-old vessel was reported to be the world’s largest glass-bottom boat, weighing 112 tons, and for 63 years it was used for tours of Catalina Island’s marine life. Restaurateur Rick Parker bought the boat, hoping to turn it into a Cajun restaurant in the city of Martinez, north of Oakland.
Missing aviation journalist found dead
Michael Dornheim, a nationally recognized aviation expert and senior engineering editor for Aviation Week and Space Technology, was found dead in his 1997 Honda Civic Monday 500 feet below Piuma Road in Carbon Canyon. He had been missing for more than a week.
Dornheim ate dinner with friends at Calabasas’ Saddle Peak Lodge on June 3, then headed back to his home in Los Angeles, according to the Los Angeles Times. He was reported missing on June 4 by friends.
Dornheim’s body was discovered Monday at about 12:45 p.m. by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies patrolling Malibu by helicopter. California Highway Patrol officials are still unsure why Dornheim crashed. The incident has been listed as an accident, but is still under investigation.
Dornheim was 51.
Malibu Chamber of Commerce hires executive director
Rebekah Evans
The Malibu Chamber of Commerce has selected Rebekah Evans, a former CEO/president of Moorpark’s Chamber of Commerce, as its new executive director. While at the Moorpark Chamber of Commerce, Evans spearheaded an adopt-a-school program. As a coordinator with the Moorpark school district, Evans oversaw a “service learning” project grant that paired students with local businesses.
Evans will begin work on Tuesday.
Malibu city planner recognized
The Los Angeles Section of the American Planning Association has awarded Malibu City Planner Raneika Brooks-McClain and the Wishtoyo Foundation, an organization that connects ancient Chumash culture to present-day environmental issues, for their work on the Nicholas Canyon Chumash Village/Stream Restoration Project.
According to its Web site, the Los Angeles Section of the American Planning Association “recognizes and rewards individuals and organizations for work that typifies excellence in planning and which generally advances the planning profession.”
Farmers and
protestors removed from urban farm
Farmers and protesters were evicted from a farm previously leased to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank by the city and currently owned by a private individual at the intersection of 41st and Alameda Streets in downtown Los Angeles. On Tuesday at 5 a.m., approximately 50 officers from the Los Angeles Police Department arrived to remove the 14 people who were present on the urban plot that morning.
Malibu actress Daryl Hannah and protest organizer John Quigley were included in this group of protesters. The two were chained to trees and vowed to remain there until the officers forced them down, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Organizers said they were close to finding another nonprofit organization to buy the farm, but those plans did not pan out.
SMMUSD seeks Financial Oversight Committee applicants
The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District is accepting applications for two vacancies on its Financial Oversight Committee. The committee was formed to increase communication and understanding of the district’s financial operations and to generate additional revenue for the district.
Applicants must not be currently serving as an elected official and must reside, be employed or work within the SMMUSD. The district is also looking for applicants who have a broad perspective; financial, management, or legal experience; who can clearly communicate information resulting from the committee’s work and who are oriented to the business process.
The application deadline is July 14 at 4 p.m.
Malibu Republican Women to host luau fundraiser
The Malibu Republican Women, Federated will host a luau fundraiser luncheon on June 22 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Duke’s Malibu. In attendance will be special honored guests Morgan Brittany (of “Dallas” fame), Kathy Kohner Zuckerman (the original “Gidget”), and Wink Martindale as master of ceremonies. The afternoon will feature a silent auction with door prizes, entertainment and tropical drinks. For reservations or more information, call 457.3530.
Adamson House to be closed during road improvements
The Adamson House and museum will be closed June 26 through July 1 during road access improvements.
-Jonathan Frochtzwajg and Heather Laird