Now that the election is over, it’s time to take stock. First, what good is Legacy Park to Malibu residents today? Can I walk my dog on it? Play baseball? Go for a picnic? Jeff Jennings on TV spoke about what a great guy Jerry Perenchio is for the fantastic deal he gave the City on the Chili Cook-Off site. Oh, really?
Major deed restrictions came with the deal that, so far, have kept regular folks off the property. The financing plan that sacrificed a full service hardware store and lumberyard for acquiring Legacy Park land is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. The price is simply not worth the benefit. The deal is leading us to many more millions in debt through additional Certificates of Participation. Last week Daniel Hillman asked if any income had come in from the leasing of the Malibu Lumberyard. It has not. When can we expect lease income? No one knows.
Last night a lot of praise was heaped on the outgoing council because of its lack of conflict. Well, when it comes to protecting the health and safety of Malibu residents and our environment, I want fighters, scrappers who will put Malibu first rather than be council members who will go along in order to get along. I expect Sharon, Andy, Jefferson, Pamela and John to put Malibu first. I welcome the new city council and congratulate Jeff and Ken for their many years of service to Malibu.
Marshall Thompson