Thank you for a complete and sincere effort to cover the Latigo Canyon issue. For almost eight years now, the city of Malibu has been bullied by both the developers (Rubens), and the preservation association, of which I am president. Before filing the lawsuit, the board members of the Latigo Canyon Preservation Association (homeowners) realized the city was forced into a tough situation by the Rubens family. It is important to remember that the Rubens sued the city to get more than four homes.
All parties knew where this was headed and at the city hall meetings we voiced that fact. We homeowners came to the meetings voicing no opposition to the original four homes proposed. What we opposed was the up zoning that other developers would use as a foundation for more creative subdivisions. The Rubens family resides in San Diego, and the late Mr. Rubens stated that “he could not make enough money on only four homes.” I applaud our former city council, six years ago, for declining the Rubens. I thank our past planning commission for their unanimous no vote on this issue.
I also wish to thank Sharon (Barovsky) and the present city council for their effort to try to find a suitable way out on this issue. The present city council was fair to the homeowners and remained awake during all the numerous long drawn-out speeches. All parties kept a very civil demeanor. Let’s move on together and get ready for the Rubens’ revenge. Also, thank you, city council, for the new trash can at PCH at Latigo. The old one was stolen.
Jefferson Wagner, president
Latigo Canyon Preservation Assn.