Computer failure causes traffic crunch
A traffic light failure at the intersection of Malibu Canyon Road and Pacific Coast Highway early Tuesday morning caused about a 2-mile backup into the canyon. According to Caltrans, the computer that controls the light froze, causing the malfunction. Another traffic light failure occurred at PCH and Cross Creek Road at about 9 a.m.
Sharks take on ‘Hell Week’
After the 2002 Sharks produced the first winning season in the history of Malibu football, the current Malibu High football team completed “Hell Week” last week with an unprecedented showing of players. More than 50 students, by far the largest turnout of players the program has seen, enthusiastically began their school year early to begin preparation for the upcoming Shark football season.
With only a handful of returning seniors, strong and experienced juniors bolster the varsity team. Many of the returning players spent long hours in the weight room over the summer, promising an even harder hitting team than last year’s squad.
Head coach Rich Lawson anticipates more students joining the football program as the academic semester gets underway. Lawson and his coaching staff are working overtime to prepare the varsity and junior varsity teams for their first scrimmage on Sept. 6 against Campbell Hall.
City announcements
The public is invited to comment during the City Council Interim Zoning Ordinance Revisions and Code Enforcement Subcommittee special meeting on Sept. 3. On the agenda is the Basement Zone Text Amendment, continued from Aug. 13. Also on the agenda is the Civic Center Way closure.
The Malibu City Council meeting, regularly scheduled for Sept. 8, is adjourned due to lack of a quorum. The next meeting will be Sept. 11 at 6:30 p.m.
The Malibu Mobilehome Park Rent Stabilization Commission has cancelled the regular meeting on Sept. 4 due to lack of a quorum.
Topanga Canyon freeway exit closure
Due to closed circuit television and fiber optic system installation on the Ventura Freeway, the westbound off-ramp at Topanga Canyon Boulevard will be closed nightly from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. from Sept 2 through Sept. 5.
New Web site offers updated beach information
Offering up-to-date information on local beaches, the L.A. County Fire Department, Lifeguard Division, has launched a new Web site, www.watchthewater.org. Web site visitors can search for beach amenities such as parking, showers or volleyball courts, and view beach conditions through Web cameras, which are updated every 30 minutes. Other information includes surf conditions, events and beach advisories.
Funded by a federal grant as part of the Coastal Monitoring Network, when complete, the network will consist of 27 Web cameras, three sets of meteorological instruments and five water thermometers. Currently there are four cameras installed, with more coming later this year.
Volunteer for State Parks
State parks need volunteers to assist with guided school programs, lead nature walks, staff nature centers, provide information at tidepools and assist with special events. Assignments can be tailored. Training for new volunteers is scheduled for late September and no previous experience is needed. Positions will be located in both Point Mugu and Leo Carrillo State Parks on Pacific Coast Highway. For more information, contact Chris Jennings at 805.488.1827
-Lindsay Kuhn