Hit-and-run injures transient man
A man was arrested in a hit-and-run incident Tuesday night that left one victim severely injured, according to an eyewitness.
Lost Hills/Malibu Sheriff’s officials said William Ortiz, 36, of Oak Park was suspected of driving under the influence of drugs and or alcohol. Charges have not yet been filed, as detectives are awaiting blood test results.
The eyewitness said he saw a white Honda sedan missing one wheel, speeding northbound on Pacific Coast Highway toward Malibu Canyon, with sparks flying from the car. The car had been heading northbound on the highway, crossed over the middle lanes and hit a transient man, who had been walking northbound on the beach side of the highway. All his belongings had been strewn on the highway. The car had also hit a tree, several mailboxes and trash cans before taking off, the witness said.
Authorities stopped Ortiz at Malibu Canyon.
The eyewitness said the transient man’s leg looked like it was severely injured, and that he had scrapes and bumps all over his face. Sheriff’s officials said his injuries were non-life threatening.
Holiday closures
The Malibu Times offices will be closed July 3 in recognition of the Fourth of July holiday. City Hall will also be closed on July 3.
Fire expo at Bluffs Park
The Los Angeles County Fire Department, in partnership with the City of Malibu, wild conduct the “Living in the Fire Zone” Expo and Emergency Preparedness Fair on Saturday where residents can learn about preparing their homes and protecting their lives against wildfires. This event will take place June 27 at Bluffs Park, 24250 Pacific Coast Highway, in Malibu. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Firefighters will be on hand to help residents understand their vulnerability to fire and to encourage homeowners to be prepared to evacuate when asked to do so by fire officials and law enforcement officers.
Attendees can also learn about the Department’s new “Ready! Set! Go!” campaign, which is designed to help homeowners create their own Personal Wildfire Action Plan.
“Living in the Fire Zone” is an educational effort initiated by Fire Chief P. Michael Freeman described as a “Wildland Fire Protection Initiative,” developed as a result of the numerous firestorms that significantly impact Southern California communities each year.
Vendors will feature products ranging from basic emergency supplies, structure protection gels, personal protective equipment, portable fire suppression systems, pool pump supplies and more.
“It is important to understand that the department does not advocate a property owner’s decision to stay,” Freeman stated in a press release. “We believe it is in everyone’s best interest to evacuate early and quickly… and most important, they need to fully understand the risk at which they are placing not only themselves, but also the firefighters should they refuse to leave.”
Other exhibitors include the Los Angeles County Fire Department Forestry Division, City of Malibu Emergency Preparedness and Volunteer Groups (CERT and Arson Watch); the American Red Cross; Lost Hills/Malibu Sheriff’s Station; California Highway Patrol; Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management; and Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control. Further information can be obtained by calling Public Affairs at 213.323.8411 or Maria Grycan, Community Service Liaison, at 213.247.7298.
NOTE: The Los Angeles County Fire Department does not endorse any vendors or their products. A comprehensive list of vendors will be available at the event.
Malibu ARTFEST at HOW’S
The Malibu ARTFEST fine arts festival will take place this weekend at HOW’S Market. The festival will feature artists and craftsmen presenting their original work in all mediums of two- and three-dimensional fine art, including paintings in acrylic, oils and watercolors, photography, etching sculpture in clay, glass, metal, stone and wood. Artists from throughout Southern California will be present to meet with the public and discuss his or her work. All work is available for purchase.
In addition to fine arts, fine crafts will also be available.
The Malibu ARTFEST will benefit the “Special Spirit,” a local nonprofit organization dedicated to handicapped athletes and is presented by West Coast Artists.
The ARTFEST will take place Saturday and Sunday at 30745 Pacific Coast Highway at Trancas Canyon Rd., from 10 p.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Admission and parking are free.
More information can be obtained by calling 818.709.2907 or online at www.westcoastartists.com
Courthouse employees to be furloughed
The Los Angeles Superior Courts announced that, in response to the ongoing statewide financial crisis, the court system would substantially reduce its operations and furlough employees at all courthouses, including the Malibu Courthouse, on the third Wednesday of each month, beginning July 17. Many court services are available online and some urgent services may be available at courthouses. It is important to note that these dates are still court days, not holidays-filing dates are not extended.
The public should refer to the court Web site at www.lasuperiorcourt.org for additional information.
-Laura Tate