Last Saturday, Mr. Arnold York and his lovely wife Karen did an excellent job hosting the Annual Dolphin Awards. I want to personally thank them for sponsoring this event each year and, for allowing me to join this select group of dedicated individuals. In addition to having become a yearly community gathering, this occasion recognizes those volunteers who have tirelessly given of their personal time and resources for the betterment of our wonderful city.
I also want to thank my good friend, great horseman and ex-Mayor, Jeff Jennings, for an outstanding introduction, as well as Larry Mira and Sharon Barovsky for nominating me. In addition, and most certainly, thanks to all of the Dolphins, past, present and future who together help make Malibu the wonderful place that it is.
During my 50 years in Malibu, I’ve seen many of our citizens take part in diverse and, quite often, opposing positions on issues of local importance. It was indeed refreshing to see some of these folks sitting side by side at the brunch, collectively celebrating those among us who have “gone the extra mile.”
One last correction. I am not currently the President of Trancas Riders and Ropers. After five years, I felt it was time to move on and I am now spending more of my time working with the Chamber of Commerce Environmental Committee. I sincerely believe that we need to make Malibu more energy self-sufficient and we also need to become prepared (and stay prepared) for whatever emergencies may come our way.
Rod Bergen