We were saddened to hear of Dusty Peak’s recent passing. He gave so much of his time and energy to our community. We only knew him three years … but Dusty will be greatly missed. During those three years we saw his valiant efforts to preserve our Malibu. Dusty spearheaded our creek clean up, volunteered on homeowners committees, and attended and contributed to public meetings. Dusty was a giver; giving of his time, helping out and contributing to the greater good. Dusty’s legacy will be known as a true friend to the community of Malibu.
We met Dusty three years ago at the Planning Commission meeting for the Site Plan Review for our home. He spoke out, objecting to our proposed paddle tennis court, citing his concern over increased run off and bacteria into the creek below. He shared his concern over staph (staphylococcus Aureus) infections and his personal longstanding battle with it.
Dusty had since spearheaded a valiant effort to clean up our creek and address the problem with increased run off into the creek, and the fertilizers and pesticides that go along with it; and the high levels of human and animal wastes flowing into the creek. Where the creek meets the ocean, this water collects and bacteria breed. He dubbed the pond, the “polio pond.” Let’s clean it up in honor of him. Perhaps one day we can proudly call it “Peak’s Pond.” (Several other neighbors and I have since contracted staph infections surfing these local waters, though the infections haven’t been longstanding as Dusty’s was.)
Two weeks ago Dusty and I were hanging out after a neighborhood MLPA meeting. We looked across the gully at our property and he admired the flourishing organic garden we planted in lieu of the paddle tennis court. I told him that we were now deeply thankful for the objections he voiced and glad it wasn’t a slab of concrete. He was happy … and was touched, I think.
Also, last month my husband Jeff heard him speak at the July Blue Ribbon Task Force meeting (about the MLPA – Marine Life Protection Act) in Santa Monica. Dusty shared a story relating to the fact that his family had long enjoyed fishing Point Dume. He also shared at the meeting that he felt that creating a reserve here at Point Dume was necessary and that he felt these preserves work. I admire his leadership in the community … giving up his personal enjoyment for the greater good of preserving the cleanliness and beauty of Malibu.
Jeff mentioned his sadness about Dusty to a friend at a gym (in Pacific Palisades) last night. The friend mentioned that 20 years ago, when he use to surf Big Dume, Dusty would give him helpful pointers on the best take off spots to catch the waves. Dusty’s ripples continue to be felt, and he will be missed as a true friend of Malibu.
June Louks