Fran Pavley represented Malibu in the legislature for 14 years, in the State Assembly (2000-2006) and in the State Senate (2008-2016). She said she is “thrilled” to receive a Malibu Times Dolphin Award.
“I have followed the amazing list of individuals and organizations who have received the Dolphin Award over the years, and am honored to be included,” she said.
She recalled four projects she had a hand in that directly involved the City of Malibu: Efforts to save the property now known as Legacy Park; co-chairing the PCH Task Force for 14 years to increase public safety, co-coordinating with CHP, sheriffs, Santa Monica, LA County, LA City officials as well as legislators that represent the Santa Monica-Ventura County stretch of PCH; helping negotiate an agreement to keep ball fields at Malibu Bluffs Park with the City of Malibu and working with State Parks, which helped purchase King Gillette Ranch.
Prior to her election to the assembly, as a former mayor and council member in Agoura Hills (where she’s lived with her family for 40 years) and president of the LA County League of California Cities, a bill was passed that allowed cities an option to withdraw from the LA County Library District.
“Both Malibu and Agoura Hills used this opportunity to expand and build new libraries, while also staying in the LA County system,” Pavley recalled.
Since retirement, Pavley’s senate seat was won by her former staff member, Henry Stern. She said Malibu is in safe hands.
“Henry, raised in Malibu, knows Malibu better than anyone who has ever represented the city in the legislature. Malibu is very fortunate,” she said.
Pavley, a respected and passionate environmentalist, added she doesn’t feel retired.
“Especially without having any staff to maximize my continued work on climate, water and clean energy policies — I look forward to working for a nonprofit or other interests on these very important environmental and economic challenges and opportunities,” she said. “I am also involved with our goal to construct a wildlife crossing over the busy 101 freeway in Agoura Hills.”