I think that one of the great failures of the City of Malibu has been that, since it was formed 16 years ago, not a single new sports field has been constructed for the use by the growing number of children in the city. Unworkable proposals have been made, such as the Trancas development proposals, but no action has been taken. Very little action has been taken to open a practice field at Trancas Park.
The City of Malibu and the Santa Monica School District have a “joint-use agreement” that allows the city to use school facilities, such as the swimming pool at the high school, in return for much needed funds paid to the school district. The Santa Monica School District has approximately 40 acres of surplus land available surrounding the high school facilities. Several months ago I asked the City Council to lease enough of that surplus land to provide at least two sports fields through the “joint use agreement” and was told in a dismissive manner by Councilmember [Sharon] Barovsky “been there done that.” Fortunately, School Board Member Kathy Wisnicki attended that meeting and expressed the willingness of the school district to lease the land for sports fields.
I was frankly surprised and dismayed to find the renewal of the “joint use agreement “on next Monday’s City Council agenda without any mention of the rental of this land for sports fields. This land is the only chance for new fields that the children now active in the baseball and soccer programs have and would provide revenue needed by the school district. I ask all who are interested in obtaining sports fields sooner than later to contact the City Council Members and demand that this opportunity not be missed.
John Mazza