Traffic update
According to the city’s Web site, the first phase of cliff grading has been completed on the slope above Pacific Coast Highway between Topanga Canyon Boulevard and Coastline Drive.
The next phase, stabilization of the hillside, is expected to take approximately three weeks to complete. Three traffic lanes remain open in the area, with two southbound lanes from 10 a.m. to noon and two northbound lanes from noon to 10 p.m. Pacific Coast Highway is also restricted to one northbound lane between Big Rock Drive and Las Flores Canyon while repairs are being conducted. Also, Pacific Coast Highway is down to one lane in each direction between Trancas Canyon Road and Lunita Road.
Repair work continues on Topanga Canyon Boulevard. The road is open daily to two-way traffic from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. During operating hours, traffic is being monitored with a flagging operation. Delays are expected. These restrictions are expected to remain in effect until May.
Fernhill Road, Malibu Canyon Road, Kanan Dume Road and Decker Canyon were all open without restrictions at the time of this report.
One Book, One City kicks off program
One Book, One City-Malibu will begin its third annual program on Saturday with an opening day celebration at the Malibu Library, located at 23519 Civic Center Way. This month, several events will take place based on the book, “Gidget.”
Saturday’s event will include appearances by author Deanne Stillman and Kathy Kohner Zuckerman, whose diaries inspired her father to write “Gidget.”
In addition to the events that will take place this month, there is a surf writing contest. Entries for the contest must be no longer than 300 words and can be either fiction or nonfiction in prose or poetry. Three hard copies of the submissions must be delivered to Diesel, A Bookstore, located on 3890 Cross Creek Road, by April 15 at 5 p.m.
For more information on One Book, One City, go to www.1b1c-bu.com.
Chamber to host wine tasting event
The Malibu Chamber of Commerce will hold its second annual Wine Tasting and Silent Auction on April 13 at Sunset Restaurant and Beach Bar, located at 6800 Westward Beach Road. The event will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The cost is $30. Reservations are required. For more information, call 456.9025.
City hires new financial head
The city has named former state Mountains and Recreation Conservation Authority financial officer Reva Feldman as its new administrative services director. Malibu has been without a permanent employee at that position since Julia James left to work for the city of South Gate in late January.
The administrative services director oversees the city’s finances and is the head of human resources.
Malibu Coastal Vision gets Web site
The Web site for Malibu Coastal Vision-the nonprofit organization working to create a long-range vision plan for the city-is up and running.
The site includes information about Malibu Coastal Vision and has a calendar listing its events, which include round table community discussions. The Web site is www.malibucoastalvision.com.
Paradise Cove water not making the grade
In response to a string of failing water quality marks at Paradise Cove from the weekly Heal the Bay Report Card, city staff is attempting to assess the source of the problem. According to a statement released by the city, staff is evaluating both storm water and wastewater as possible contributors to the poor water quality.
Regards the storm water, staff is evaluating data from 28 weeks of monitoring and testing in the surf zone at Paradise Cove. The city has also investigated the operation of a new wastewater treatment system at the beachfront Paradise Cove restaurant. There are no reported overflows from this system.
Public Works officials will report on efforts concerning storm water runoff at the City Council meeting on April 11.
Fireworks show
in April
The Los Angeles County Fire Department has issued a permit for a private fireworks display on April 16 at 9 p.m. The display will be launched from a barge to be located offshore in the area of the 32300 block of Pacific Coast Highway.
Yoga event to benefit tsunami victims
The L.A. Yoga & Music Fest will take place at the Writer’s Bootcamp, in Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Ave building “i”, Santa Monica, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on April 10. The event will raise funds for tsunami relief abroad and was inspired by Ghandi-King Award recipient Ammachi. The award, which has also been given to Nelson Mandela, was given to her by the United Nations for her contribution to world peace. Ammachi recently announced her plan to contribute $23.5 million to tsunami relief.
At the event, yoga teachers in Los Angeles will be offering classes along with performances from live musicians. One of the featured teachers, Steve Ross, was named the “Guru to the Stars” by Vanity Fair. Also teaching at the event will be Shiva Rea, co-owner of Sacred Movement Yoga in Venice Beach. Tickets for the event range from $20 to $50-100 percent of funds raised will go toward relief. More information can be found at www.layogafest.org, where tsunami-relief donations can also be made.
Malibu Film Festival
The sixth annual Malibu Film Festival will hold its premiere party at The Victorian in Santa Monica following the opening film on April 15. The party will begin at 9 p.m. Hors d’oeuvres will be provided by Duck Duck Mousse and local restaurants. Tickets for the party are $25. The film festival will officially run from April 14-18. Three Malibu artists, who will be featured in a story in this newspaper next week, will have their films screened at the festival. Also, Hollywood icon Pierce Brosnan will be honored at the awards party on April 18 at Granita restaurant in Malibu. More information about the festival can be found at www.malibufilmfestival.org.