In response to “Towing Spoils Occasion” from Nov. 1, Wendie Olshan is apparently a representative for Pallotta Teamworks, yet she can’t follow her own guidewords, “Be humankind, be both.” Calling Malibu Towing a “disservice” for its efforts assisting the City of Malibu in accommodating an additional 12,000 people for the Avon Breast Cancer 3-Day!
It was entirely possible, given recent national events, that the beach area would need to be evacuated. “No Parking” areas need to be kept clear in case of emergency or other disaster.
The City of Malibu, hoping to be prepared for any emergency, had additional personnel scheduled to assist with the event, and it was decided that illegally parked vehicles would be towed to avoid the chaos caused at last year’s event. As it was at 6 p.m. Sunday evening, there was a mass exodus of people leaving Malibu and our one highway was gridlocked. There were 32 vehicles towed of an estimated 6,000 cars. That’s less than one-half percent, but it ensured the safety of spectators and participants.
Ms. Olshan may have an entirely different opinion had she been one of the participants at last year’s event, in need of medical attention and unable to be reached by the ambulance due to illegally parked vehicles.
Ms. Olshan calls herself a member of the Malibu community, yet she lives in Santa Monica. She refers to nameless “members of the Malibu community,” saying they are appalled at the towing. Yet, of the 32 cars towed during the event, not one was registered to a member of the Malibu community. (Maybe she is once again confusing Malibu and Santa Monica.)
During the event, there were announcements every 15-30 minutes over the PA system informing drivers not to park in the “No Parking” zones. There was parking supplied and available all day at Malibu High School as well as a shuttle to transport people to Zuma beach.
There was a temporary impound lot set up at Malibu High School, not to benefit Malibu Towing, but to provide a safe, convenient location for people to pick up their vehicles- rather than having them travel 10 miles to Malibu Towing’s base of operations. Many people called to confirm where their vehicles were located, at which time they were given specific directions and told that the High School was within walking distance. Others were given rides to the High School and taken to ATMs by Malibu Towing’s drivers.
Ms. Olshan states in her letter that she did see the “No Parking” signs. Those signs are there for a reason, and being a crew member does not make her exempt. Although Malibu Towing is sorry for the inconvenience she experienced when her car was towed, by her own admission she disregarded the “No Parking” signs. It’s unfortunate she chose not to take advantage of the parking available all day at Malibu High School or the legal parking at Zuma beach in the parking lot and on PCH.
Malibu Towing has been servicing the city of Malibu for over 50 years. It’s only a “disservice” to those who consider themselves above the law.
Adail Gayhart, President
Malibu Towing, Inc.