Special ed safe
Jan. 27: I am writing in response to last week’s article, “Special Education program lost in Point Dume debate.” I am not one of the petitioners in the Point Dume Charter application. However, when the petitioners contacted me as a community leader in special education, I was willing to comply as I am also an advocate of Education Reform and Charter Schools. The petitioners wanted a person with a child in our local special ed program to take a look at the program which was proposed in their petition. I felt it reflected the fine special education program already in place at Point Dume.
The petitioners also met with an ad hoc committee from the district’s Special Education District Advisory Committee. This ad hoc committee reviewed the special ad program proposed in the petition and wrote a letter in support of it.
The charter petition never addressed the Pre-School Special Ed program at Point Dume because it is a district run program. The petition does not include a pre-school program because there are no General Ed pre-school programs at any of the other public school sites in Malibu. Point Dume is a K-5 elementary school.
The current special ed pre-school at Point Dume is an excellent program run by a highly qualified teacher and dedicated support staff. The program has the advantage of including their students in activities with “neuro-typical” students who attend the privately operated pre-school which rents space on the Point Dume campus. The petitioners have already gone on record stating their desire to keep the SE pre-school program at the Point Dume site should the Charter be granted.
Laureen Sills
Drastic measures needed for lagoon
Feb. 3: There is a terrible disease afflicting the world’s oceans. The common name for it is “Dead Zones.” It happens when you get pockets of water that don’t circulate well. When there is biological material in those pockets of stagnant water, the bacteria eat up all the oxygen. Without oxygen, everything dies-the fish, snails, urchins, the whole gang. Also, the birds fly away.
Dead zones happen way too much these days in the Gulf of Mexico and the Mediterranean. They also can happen in small areas like our Malibu Lagoon. You can see it for yourself if you have an oxygen probe. Local folks have measured it. If you lower the probe down into the water of the lagoon once an hour all night, by sunrise you see the levels of oxygen plummet almost all the way down to the lethal level of zero. It is not normal and not healthy for a small body of water like the lagoon to have this problem. The lagoon is our patient, the patient is sick and getting sicker. It is also filling with sediment in a destructive way. Something needs to be done.
Imagine a friend who has a disease, maybe clogged arteries. Your friend looks fine. Then one day he informs you, “The doctors want to cut me open.” Your first response is, “Why? You look so healthy.” But you know the answer. A little bit of suffering now will help prevent a lot of suffering down the line.
This is the situation with the Malibu Lagoon. Nobody wants to chop into the patient. It’s going to be painful and not pretty. However, without doing this intrusive surgery, we’ll end up with an oxygen-depleted, sediment filled, visually unappealing and probably even foul-smelling birdless mess of a lagoon. It’s just like surgery. One of those things you just have to do.
If you want a healthy Malibu Lagoon, be supportive of the efforts of the Malibu Lagoon Restoration Project. Nobody feels good about having to do this surgical procedure. They could use your support.
Randy Olson
Threat to freedom
Feb. 24: Un-elected, 30-year ruler Joe Edmiston produces a headline in the Palisadian Post that he is negotiating regarding the pool he personally ordered destroyed, while the body of the article unequivocally states the opposite. Not only bad journalism, but naive.
Thirty years ago he acquired control of a small mountainous area. Then, through the JPA process, he grabbed more and more and more, using everything from eminent domain to threats to expand his empire. He is a uniformed, pistol packing, blatantly egotistical land grabber and Pacific Palisades resident who will never ever abandon his quest to ignore senior disabled former pool users in this affluent town at the expense of his so-called policy to favor inner urbanites. He and most of the not so nonprofits (Gold at Heal the Bay earns 150K plus a year) are incurable enviro radicals. Their undemocratic organizations are real threats to your freedom, friends. But these are just my opinions.
Conrad Kohrs
City needs to rethink septic ban approach
March 10: I am writing this letter to urge the city rethink their proposed solution to the septic ban as mandated by the Regional Water Quality Board.
To address the ban, the city proposes that the residents and businesses located within the affected areas indebt themselves to pay for the required wastewater treatment facility. The costs to build such a facility as projected by the city, could exceed $52,000,000. This, as pointed out in the press, would mean $17,000 per month per parcel for commercial property and as much as $500.00 per month for the residential parcels. These financial obligations presumably will continue on in perpetuity
First, let me start off by saying that this wastewater problem is one that affects our entire city.
As a city, part of our tax base comes from sales taxes generated by our local businesses, many of which, along with a host of resident serving commercial establishments, are located within the effected areas. No business can conceivably survive and absorb these anticipated costs along with the current rents they are required to pay. If implemented as planned, our city is sure to suffer the loss of even more businesses and the badly needed sales tax revenue they generate.
The residents of the affected areas are no different. They will be burdened by this financial obligation for no other reason than because of where they live.
When we became a city 20 years ago it came with certain responsibilities. One of those responsibilities was to collectively share in the health and welfare of our entire community. We all enjoy the sales tax revenue generated by our businesses. We all enjoy clean water and clean beaches. We all pay for shared services even though many of us do not directly benefit from them. Wastewater treatment is a service no different than fire protection or police.
We are all affected by this mandate and we should all share in the solution. Only through shared responsibility can we be assured that the costs needed to solve this collective problem will not significantly impact our quality of life. The city must act in a manner that finds a viable and affordable solution to this significant problem. The current plan as outlined by the city demonstrates that they have ignored the true economic impacts associated with their proposed solution.
Mike Sidley
Watch out for the MPA
March 24: The MPA is coming! Many of us thought that this complete ban on fishing really couldn’t happen, but Heal the Bay is setting the wheels in motion.
They are sending citizens down to Paradise Cove, Little Dume, Big Dume, Zuma, Escondido and other beaches to record every single thing that every single person is doing. They will mark on their little “surveys” the number of people and exactly what they are doing. They are there to record “data” for the parties who wish to make sure that their “Underwater Yosemite” is perfectly safe.
These “citizen surveyors” are there to monitor the State Marine Reserve. According to Section 36710 of the Public Resources Code, “it is unlawful to injure, damage, or possess any animal.” Will they ban surfing, because invariably, surfers stand on the animal-laden reefs when retrieving a board or just pushing out to get into the line up? Anemones, urchins, sea hares and stars can be damaged or killed by an errant foot.
Many of us are very concerned about this. If they are recording the number of people walking on the beach, on top of where the grunion lay eggs (all summer long), will they consider banning beachgoers between March and September?
If no, why then, are they counting people, recording our every activity? They are NOT counting the marine life, the fish, the algae, the sea stars, the things they say they are saving. They are coming in to watch us and record what we, the people, do!
Maybe, just maybe, it’s not too late to stop this frightening path. Evidence has surfaced with regards to illegalities in the MLPA process. There is a law suit that has been filed against the MLPA by the Partnership for Sustainable Oceans for violations of the California Records Act.
It is becoming more apparent to many locals that this is not the way to “save the fish.” Remember, the Chumash lived on the ocean’s bounties long before George Vancouver ever saw Point Dume. Paradise Cove was known as “Sumo,” a very important fishing village. Currently, our area at Little Dume and the Cove is teeming with life and those of us who feed ourselves with our catch are so grateful for the opportunity to live in and care for such a wonderful place.
We all should be concerned about the unknown with regards to this State Marine Reserve.
Think how different our beaches would be, if the Public Resources Codes are followed, and with “monitors” recording what you do in your own “backyard.”
I’m very concerned. Are you?
Shari Latta
Stick to the facts
April 7: During all the strident and emotional discussion about the Malibu Lagoon Restoration proposal, all the speakers and writers seem to have some truthful and some untruthful information. However, there is one advocate who stated the whole truth and nothing but the truth in this discussion when he recently wrote, “Sometimes I use my imagination in hopes that something good will happen. Sometimes it works and other times it backfires and I take the blame.”
How can anyone ever believe this person when he says he uses his imagination to fabricate a lie in an attempt to make people change their minds? What unmitigated gall and sophistry! Fairy tales are for fantasy. As the great American humorist wrote, “There are some people so addicted to exaggeration that they can’t tell the truth without lying.”
Ken Kearsley
Money talks
May 5: The Santa Monica Mountain Conservancy in 2009 sent a detailed 11-page letter to the Coastal Commission stating opposition to the massive project U2 Edge is planning on Sweetwater Mesa. Last Monday, the SMMC Board approved an agreement to no longer oppose the project in exchange for $750,000 in cash from the Edge group plus conservation easements which duplicate restrictions the Coastal Commission would seek anyway. The Board was told by the Executive Director Joe Edmiston that this money could be used as part of the Public Benefits Program to acquire trails. In the agreement, the SMMC is obligated to support the Public Benefits Program when the Edge Group requests, both in writing and in speaking before public hearings such as the Coastal Commission. The agreement conditions the payment of the $750,000 as being contingent on Edge getting building permits. No permit means no money. This condition links support of the Public Benefits Program with support of the Edge project.
Edge has hired California Strategies, a very powerful lobby firm in Sacramento which also represents the City of Malibu. The SMMC agreement neutralized the opposition of the SMMC and gave Edge control of where and when the SMMC is to speak. All of this for $750,000.
The area at issue above Sweetwater Mesa is one of the most sensitive locations in the Santa Monica Mountains. Approval of the Edge project as it is proposed will lead to development of the entire mountain side. The SMMC sell-out for $750,000 sends a signal that there is a bar code on projects in their jurisdiction. They are looking the other way on what will happen on the side of a mountain visible to millions so a section of trail that lacks connectivity can be obtained. Check the SMMC web site for more information.
James Smith
Delighted for Diesel return
May 19: My family and I were delighted to read that Diesel, A Bookstore, may be returning to Malibu. When my daughter, age 9, heard that they had closed in Cross Creek she cried and I would have, too, if I wasn’t a grown up.
Malibu must have a bookstore.
Richard Soames
No to high-density housing
June 2: Malibu is facing the biggest increase in high-density development in its history. The state government through the Housing Element Certification compels our city to provide the potential development of 441 units of low and moderate-income housing based on its growth projections. The city is considering rezoning nine parcels including a 3,000 percent unit increase on Trancas Field and possibly 20 units per acre at the Civic Center. A spirited public hearing was held on Wednesday, May 25, that included dozens of concerned citizens who feel strongly that the city is not confronting this threat in a creative way that preserves Malibu, as we know it. The city has neglected to attend ANY of the regional meetings to question or challenge these unrealistic housing demands (Malibu only grew by 70 people in the last decade, or a half percent, yet our housing requirement went from 14 to 441).
What was obvious at the hearing is that the city is proceeding without any sense of alarm at the existential threat this gift to developers will have on Malibu. We became a city to preserve our unique and precious community. The city council must lead with passion and commitment; not just hand it off to the Planning Department for rezoning. High-density development will transform our beautiful city into Orange County. It will take effort, creativity and courage to protect our home.
Steve Rucker
Cheers for septics lawsuit
June 16: Hooray for Joan Lavine!
In filing suit against the local and state Water Board and California EPA over the unsubstantiated Civic Center septic ban, she has done what needed to be done a long time ago. Our city was founded on opposition to growth inducing sewers and the belief that modern septic systems are the environmentally best solution for Malibu.
Let’s hope the City Council votes to support Ms. Lavine and cover her costs.
Walt Keller
Athletic lights ruin night environment
July 14: We oppose the introduction of lights at the Malibu High School athletic fields.
Since 1983, Bill has belonged to a local service club that over that time has donated well over $300,000 to the school located there. He has been the leading or second place fundraiser for that group every year. Our daughter attended Malibu High School, graduating in 2003. She participated in interscholastic athletics every semester. She played in the orchestra, the band and the jazz band. She played softball on the field used by the high school every year until she was 15. We think Malibu has a great high school with great teachers.
However, the administration has jumped the rails. When the school was originally proposed one of the ways it was going to meet its budgetary and community goals was to forego the most expensive sport, football, from which at least some of the impetus for the lighting proposal comes. We are now being asked to “pay” for nighttime sports in lost peacefulness and beauty, to say nothing of wasting the bond money. We have voted in favor of every school bond since moving to our home in Malibu in 1980. We’re in the same one, about two and a half miles from the school. The temporary lights have consistently interfered with our enjoyment of the night environment. They are visible from our home, from Encinal Canyon where they render stars invisible and certainly from Zuma Beach. Night is part of the environment-please permit its nurture to continue by turning down this assault on us by the school. It is sad indeed that an entity that we cherish has chosen to attack us. Please turn them away.
Rosemary Sampson
Bill Sampson
War toll too great
Sept. 29: For the past couple of weeks, when I would drive by Pepperdine University and see all of those United States flags which represented those killed on September 11, 2001, by an act of war masterminded by a terrorist organization, I could not help but think of the repercussions of that action.
I wonder if I am the only one thinking that it would be quite profound if they would add to that display 5,200 more flags representing American soldiers who have died in Iraq and Afghanistan and 32,175 flags representing Americans seriously wounded in those wars.
And wouldn’t it be amazing if they also put up Iraq flags and Afghanistan flags for each of the civilian casualties killed in their countries, numbered to be at least 919,967 (lowest credible estimates) with close to 2 million people seriously injured since the United States and Coalition forces invaded.
The Afghanistan War, which is the longest war in United States history, and our continued presence in Iraq brings to mind Martin Luther King, Jr., who during our war in Vietnam, said, “We must move past indecision to action. If we do not act, we shall surely be dragged down the long, dark and shameful corridors of time reserved for those who possess power without compassion, might without morality and strength without sight.”
Valerie Sklarevsky
Park gets thumbs down
Nov. 11: Having been a Malibu resident for the past 62 years, I have seen many changes in the Malibu landscape. Many of the changes, over the years, have been positive with a few exceptions. Legacy Park is one of those exceptions!
The people that have raved about the beauty of the earthy nature of the park somehow fail to see that this is the same ground cover that the fire department wants cleared around my home because of the “extreme fire danger” it poses.
It would have been so much nicer to have the flat civic center side a large grass-covered field with native trees that the general public could enjoy for events and recreation. As for the water catch basin, in all my years living
Here, major watershed in that area has never been an issue! I know we will have to look at this eyesore for years and, yes, when the next fire comes through Malibu, it will be scorched earth. I remember the days when that same area had a wildflower blanket covering it, long before the development of the Cross Creek area. It was beautiful. That was a long, long time ago!
Like many of the longtime Malibu residents, and there are very few left, we have seen changes to this wonderful city. Legacy park will go down, in my opinion, as a lost opportunity to have a real park in Malibu that everyone could enjoy.
Paul Courtemanche
Park gets thumbs up
Nov. 24: I enjoyed reading a good summary from Sharon Barovsky of the whys and hows of Legacy Park’s creation. I’m thrilled that we have open space instead of commercial development in the old “Chile Cook-Off” site. What an accomplishment to keep all the divergent forces in this city together long enough that something really worthwhile could be created.
In addition, we are cleaning up the surface water runoff into Malibu Lagoon. We live in a Mediterranean climate, like it or not. It is generally accepted that the Mediterranean climate is a bit dry and deserty. It appears that many of the plants in Legacy Park were designed to thrive in our climate. Green grass, gorgeous trees, and typical park plants need much water and care. Legacy Park complements our climate and environment. I love this park and all of you who worked on it deserve that gold medal!
Cheryl Jacobson