I am writing this letter in response to the one from Steve Soboroff, characterizing the Preserve Malibu efforts as somehow representing a very small group of people from only one end of Malibu, and implying, by invoking the Nixonian term, “silent majority,” that we are not willing to have an “open and constructive dialogue in a respectful, inclusive and appropriate process.”
This is just sad. As a long-time Malibu resident who has attempted to participate in this process, it has become anything but inclusive. All but a few citizens are prohibited from attending the closed meetings organized by Jim Thorsen, and the media is also left out. I’m not sure what Mr. Soboroff means by “silent majority,” but I personally don’t know anyone who actually lives here who approves of the direction Malibu retail is taking, having spoken to hundreds of people about this last summer. I also believe that while Mr. Soboroff accuses Preserve Malibu of using “doomsday tactics,” it is he who has done just that by saying that to consider any kind of regulation would have “devastating effects on the budget of the city, and its future ability to provide even the most basic services to all of its residents.” Huh?
Cities all over this country have enacted regulations to insure diversity in local business without devastating consequences. As someone who lives near the Civic Center, I can recall exactly when it was that I began to have a sinking feeling about what was happening before my eyes, and a profound sadness that I could no longer shop here. That is what this is about.
Kathy Sullivan