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Young boy killed when massive tree limb snaps at King Gillette Ranch

Park closed indefinitely as investigation ensues 

An 8-year-old boy is dead and four others injured after a massive oak tree branch unexpectedly snapped and fell on a group of children and adults at a summer camp held at King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas.

The tragedy occurred on July 9 around 2:45 p.m. at Camp Wildcraft, which had temporarily relocated to the 500-acre park this summer due to damage from the Palisades Fire. The large branch, estimated to be 25 to 30 feet long, broke off from a towering oak tree and came crashing down on picnic tables where campers had gathered right before parent pick-ups.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that five individuals were injured in the incident. In addition to the young boy, who later died at a hospital, an 11-year-old girl suffered a broken leg and was airlifted from the scene. A 5-year-old boy sustained head lacerations, while two men — ages 22 and 73 — also suffered minor injuries. According to the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA), which manages the park, “We can confirm that camp staff immediately began rendering aid following the incident, and emergency responders continued life-saving efforts on arrival.”

Witnesses described hearing a loud cracking sound moments before the branch fell, giving those nearby little time to react. First responders from the L.A. County Fire Department rushed to the scene, and the area was immediately securedfor safety.

The entrance to King Gillette Ranch was closed off to the public Wednesday evening as homicide detectives launched an investigation into what officials are calling a devastating accident. A sign at the front gate now reads: “Area Closed Due to Hazardous Conditions.” The park will be closed indefinitely.

While the MRCA is not offering interviews as of July 10, the agency did issue a statement expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy. “Words cannot express the depth of our sorrow. Our hearts are with the child’s family, friends, and all those affected by this unimaginable tragedy,” the MRCA said. “The safety and well-being of children and adults in our parks is, and always will be, our highest priority. This is a profoundly difficult time for our entire MRCA community and the parks community of the Santa Monica Mountains,” the MRCA said. “We grieve alongside the family and ask for compassion and privacy as they navigate this loss.”

MRCA officials say they are cooperating fully with investigators and are committed to a thorough and transparent investigation. The agency has not yet commented on The Malibu Times’ queries as to whether the tree had been inspected prior to the start of camp, whether it will conduct its own investigation into the tragedy, and whether it will send arborists to conduct evaluations on all the trees at King Gillette. But MRCA did reply, “Additional details, including safety protocols and inspection processes, will be shared as they become available and appropriate.”

Meanwhile, local residents and parkgoers were left shaken. Some expressed concern about whether the park’s hundreds of trees were assessed before camps were allowed to open on the grounds.

“I did hear that the camp had been moved here,” one neighbor said. “I just hope a proper safety review was done before kids were brought in.”

L.A. County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath also released a statement: “My heart is with everyone impacted by this tragic situation. We are actively working to provide all possible support. We hold everyone involved in our thoughts and pray for their safety.

An eerily similar incident occurred in July 2015 adjacent to the Kidspace Children’s Museum in Pasadena. In that incidenta 75-year-old pine tree nearly 70-feet tall suddenly uprooted and struck more than 30 children ages 5-9 who were waiting to be picked up from summer camp. Eight children were injured, two critically.

In 2013 at a summer camp near Yosemite in Groveland California, a 21-year-old counselor was killed in a tree collapse.Four other staff members were injured. No definitive cause was ever determined in the 2015 or 2013 tree events. According to the National Weather Service and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 30 to 40 people die each year in the United States due to falling trees or tree limbs.

Update: Child dies after tree branch falls at King Gillette Ranch

Update Thursday July 10: An 8-year-old boy who was critically injured when a large tree branch fell on a group of park-goers at King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas on Wednesday afternoon has died, authorities confirmed. Several others were also injured in the incident.

Original story:

One child is reported in critical condition and at least four others hurt after a large tree branch fell near the entrance to King Gillette Ranch Park along Mulholland Highway and Las Virgenes in the Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area. The large limb struck several people around midday on Wednesday, July 9. According to officials with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, multiple individuals required medical assistance, and at least one person was airlifted to UCLA hospital due to serious injuries.

The incident unfolded as the group was apparently enjoying the shade of the tree and having a picnic. Emergency responders — ground units and air ambulances — were dispatched promptly after the massive branch dislodged from a tall, mature tree. Park response teams closed the affected section of Mulholland Highway to secure the area and inspect the health of nearby trees.

Experts note that older trees in the Santa Monica range, especially those weakened by drought, age, or root disturbance, are at heightened risk of dropping limbs. Even with tree maintenance, isolated hazardous branches can still pose unexpected dangers.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department has launched an investigation to determine if natural causes like rot or wind stress or external factors (for instance, recent storms or construction) were at play. Similar branches have fallen in recent years, prompting occasional trail closures and arborist-led interventions.

Karate-fueled discipline lifts Murphree to record-breaking mark

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Malibu High senior sets school record twice in final season, capping a standout track and field journey

Wiley Murphree set the Malibu High track and field team’s discus throw record twice during his senior campaign.

The 18-year-old athlete spun his body and tossed the 1.6-kilogram discus a Sharks’ record 132 feet, 7 inches to finish fifth at the Maurice Green Invitational at Oaks Christian High School on March 22. Then on May 17, Murphree launched a 137’3” bomb during the CIF-Southern Section Division 4 Finals at Moorpark High School.

That final heave — his last throw as a high school athlete — placed him fifth out of nine competitors in the championship event, but it solidified his spot atop Malibu’s disc dynamos. 

Murphree, a discus thrower since his freshman year, improved each season and had long strived to own the school record. 

“I like seeing my name on that leaderboard,” he said. “It’s fun. That last throw of my high school career was my best one. I was pumped up. I was happy.”
 
Murphree credits another sport — karate — for his success in discus.

Having earned his second-degree black belt in February, he said the martial art known for its striking techniques and discipline instilled in him the mental focus and technical rigor needed to launch the discus with power and precision. He collected at least 14 first-place finishes across frosh/soph and varsity levels.

“I picked up discus pretty quickly because in karate, you have to be hard on yourself technically — all the little details, all the forms,” he explained. “You have to pay attention to the details. With me not being the biggest person ever, I had to rely on technique. Karate helped me find the passion for perfecting my discus technique.”
 
Murphree has practiced karate for nine years and currently teaches classes twice a week at Joey Escobar Karate in Malibu. 

“I really love karate because when I teach someone something and they improve, they get really happy,” Murphree explained. “It makes me feel accomplished to know that I helped them.” 

Murphree opened the season on March 1 with a first-place throw of 129’8” at the Marie Smith/Malibu Invitational. He then recorded another first-place toss of 122’6” in a meet against Carpinteria five days later. Murphree tallied six top finishes across Malibu’s eight final regular season meets. 

He finished fifth out of 15 in the Citrus Coast League Championships. Murphree’s fourth-place throw of 124’6” in the CIF-SS Division 4 Preliminaries on May 10 propelled him to the finals, and eventually, a record.
Murphree was never intimidated by other opponents when he stood in the discus circle. 

“I stay calm,” he said. “I clear my mind and focus on what I’m doing at the moment. Karate gave me athleticism in terms of mindset and strength and helped with my technique.” 

Malibu head coach Mike Halualani said Murphree is “the ultimate competitor.” 

“He finds a way to throw it far,” the coach noted. “He is mentally focused, mentally tough, and technically good. He is in fantastic shape.” 

Murphree tried swimming, basketball, baseball, and soccer as a younger athlete. When he reached high school, his focus — aside from karate — narrowed to soccer and track and field, but ankle injuries sidelined his sprinting aspirations on the track. 

Still wanting to compete, Murphree joined the track and field team alongside siblings Ranger and Tallula Murphree, both distance runners. At the first practice, then-junior Izac Stoilkovich introduced him to the discus.
“I really liked throwing heavy objects really far,” Murphree recalled. “I really enjoyed it. It gives me dopamine when I improve my throws.” 

He progressed quickly, placing top-three five times as a freshman in frosh/soph competition and finishing fourth in the CCL Finals. The following year, he won the frosh/soph division title.

Murphree had four first-place finishes and finished seventh in the CIF-SS Division 4 Finals as a junior. 
He also competed in shot put, high jump, the 100-meter dash, and 4x100m race. Murphree sprinted to a pair of first-place finishes in the 100 and was part of a foursome that finished first in two 4×100 relays. 

He also played on the Sharks soccer team.

Murphree had nine top-three finishes in the high jump as a senior, including a second-place finish at the CCL Championships. He had eight top-three finishes in the shot put. 

Murphree will attend UC Davis this fall. He’s unsure if he will ever throw a discus again, but will always fondly remember his time improving and setting a Sharks’ record.

“There is something about seeing yourself improve,” he said. “I hope I hold that record for a while, but I also hope someone improves enough to beat me.” 

Sneak peek of Global Rainbow illuminates Malibu sky ahead of July 4 weekend

Last night, some Malibu residents caught a stunning sneak peek of the world-renowned Global Rainbow light installation, as vibrant bands of laser light stretched across the night sky in a quiet yet awe-inspiring test from Point Dume. Created by internationally acclaimed artist Yvette Mattern, the installation is now poised to dazzle the city during the Fourth of July weekend.

Global Rainbow created by Yvette Mattern over Malibu Point Dume

After uncertainty over whether the project would come to fruition, Mattern and her team secured a last-minute launch site at Point Dume, thanks to the generous support of longtime community leaders Paul and Valerie Major — who also help organize the beloved Point Dume Fourth of July Parade and sponsor the local art program.

“We had a successful laser test last night from Point Dume,” Mattern said. “We were fortunate to find a magical, last-minute location with the support of Paul and Valerie. Their generosity made this possible.”

Mattern, who has brought Global Rainbow to skylines around the world, emphasized that this is not a laser show in the traditional sense. “This is not a party,” she explained. “It’s an art installation. The lasers do not move. They stay completely still. It’s like a meditation.”

In the days leading up to the test, the team explored alternative launch points, including a collaboration with Kathy Eldon and the Creative Visions Foundation. Although FAA regulations requiring the beam to travel west to east ultimately ruled out that location, the effort sparked a meaningful connection between two Malibu-rooted nonprofits.

“We’ve been working around the clock to bring this to life,” Mattern added.

The Global Rainbow is scheduled to shine over Malibu from July 3–5, between 8 p.m. and midnight. Tonight’s official unveiling will shift the beam over the Little Malibu House, with full activation expected by 8:30 p.m. The light performance will be visible to those on-site and throughout the city.

Malibu Shines Bright: July 4th Celebrations

Parades, Carnivals, Country Fairs, and a Global Rainbow Illuminate Independence Day

26th Annual Point Dume Parade & Carnival

Celebrate Independence Day with the 26th Annual Point Dume Parade, kicking off the morning of Thursday, July 4. Parade lineup begins at 9:00 a.m. at Bluewater and Birdview, with the parade officially starting at 9:30 a.m. along Birdview Avenue.

Following the parade, head over to Malibu Elementary School for a fun-filled community carnival from 10:00 a.m. to noon, featuring games, activities, and family entertainment. Don’t miss this beloved Malibu tradition!

Calamigos County Fair 

Calamigos Ranch is excited to welcome guests back to the Calamigos County Fair, a cherished tradition that brings the spirit of Americana to life over the July 4th weekend. The event will feature live music, lawn games, lakeside water sports, classic BBQs, gourmet fair food booths, carnival fun, and plenty of festive surprises for all ages. It promises to be a lively and nostalgic weekend filled with family-friendly entertainment in a beautiful ranch setting. Guests are encouraged to book their stay at calamigosguestranch.com to enjoy the full holiday experience. Members are reminded to save the date for this unforgettable celebration.

A Beacon of Light, Sound, and Healing

This Fourth of July weekend, from July 3 to 5, the skies above Malibu are set to transform into a radiant symbol of hope, resilience, and unity from 8 p.m. to midnight each evening. While the event is still pending approval, plans are underway for a moving tribute to renewal in the aftermath of the devastating Palisades Fire and amid ongoing calls for justice and healing.

Renowned artist Yvette Mattern’s Global Rainbow laser light installation is expected to illuminate the night sky, accompanied by the evocative sounds of Coldplay’s ALiEN HiTS/ALiEN RADiO. Together, the powerful fusion of light and sound aims to create an immersive experience that honors the strength and enduring spirit of the Malibu community.

Actor Michael Madsen passes away at his Malibu home  

Cardiac arrest as an apparent cause of death 

One of Quentin Tarantino’s most-cast actors, Michael Madsen, 67, (Reservoir Dogs (1992); Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2004) was found unresponsive in his Malibu home on the morning of July 3. He was pronounced dead at the home at approximately 8:25 a.m. after being found unresponsive by deputies, according to Commander Christopher Jauregui, Lost Hills Sheriff’s Department Watch Commander. Ron Smith, Madsen’s manager, told press representatives that Madsen apparently succumbed to cardiac arrest. 

Madsen’s other big-screen credits included “Thelma & Louise,” (1991), and “The Doors, (1991). He was also a recognized voice actor, appearing in “Grand Theft Auto III,” and “Crime Boss: Rockay City.” 

Born in Chicago on September 29, 1957 to Elaine, a filmmaker mother who won an Emmy in 1983 for producing the documentary Better Than It Has To Be, a work concerning the history of movie-making in Chicago, and to a firefighter father, Madsen began his acting career at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theatre training under John Malkovich and appearing in Of Mice and Men. Collaborating with Tarantino in his directorial debut film  on “Reservoir Dogs,” a low-budget crime thriller proved life-changing for both men. 

A prolific actor, Madson also appeared in “Die Another Day,” and “Sin City.” He has 346 acting credits according to IMDb in a career that began in the 1980s.  Madsen’s poetry and photography also garnered acclaim and he has a forthcoming book, Tears For My Father: Outlaw Thoughts and Poems, for which Tarantino’s forward stated, “For me, the real journey that Michael the writer is exploring is what it means to be a man in a world where the notions of manhood that some of us grew up with are barely remembered. But then if everyone embarked on the hero’s journey, everybody would be a hero, wouldn’t they?” Madsen also had a line of hot sauces called American Badass. 

In February 2002, Madsen was arrested in Malibu on a misdemeanor trespassing charge. On August 17, 2024, he was arrested on a battery charge after he reportedly assaulted his wife, DeAnna. He was released on $20,000 bail.  In October 2024, he debunked rumors via Instagram that he was filing for divorce from his wife. 

Madsen is survived by his younger sister, Oscar-nominated actress Virginia Madsen.  He was married three times, first to Georganne LaPiere, singer and actress Cher’s half-sister, and then to Dana Mechling.  Most recently, he was married to DeAnna Madsen.  He is survived by six children, including actors Max and Christian Madsen.  His son Hudson, whom he shared with DeAnna, committed suicide in 2022. 

Toxic sand concerns linger in Malibu post-fire

Heal the Bay and Surfrider LA studies highlight the need for new testing protocols to determine beach sand and sediment quality 

Six months after the Palisades Fire ravaged Malibu and nearby areas, local environmental advocacy groups are expressing concerns regarding whether the dangerous debris and pollutants caused by the wildfire continue to negatively affect beach sand, even as the Fourth of July looms and droves of visitors have returned to area beaches. The organizations’ ongoing frustration is attributable to a lack of updated, relevant sand-testing protocols.

There are no human health standards for recreating on sand that potentially has been contaminated by fire-related pollutants, meaning there is no way to test for contaminants and to conclude whether the test results exceed a risk threshold, according to Tracy Quinn, president of the environmental nonprofit Heal the Bay. There is a need to develop such protocols and a group of scientists are working to do so.

More than 23,000 acres burned and more than 7,000 structures were destroyed or damaged by the fire.  Melted materials from structures, vehicles, solar panels, batteries, and electronics seeped into the ocean, creeks, and rivers with the winter storms, with some pollutants harming beaches and sand in the fire’s aftermath — social media was inundated with sightings of debris on area beaches and floating along the coast. 

How wildfire-caused beach contamination occurs

After wildfires, debris, and ash containing pollutants can wash off into creeks, rivers, and beaches. Pollutants in the fire zones settle into underwater sediment and then can wash ashore with the tides, sometimes causing a dark, silty material, but other times polluting the sand in non-visible ways.

In the wake of the fire, several state agencies are conducting studies to assess beach sand. Immediately after the wildfire, scientists collected the top two centimeters of ash and other deposited substances to assess dangers, reasoning that most of the chemicals associated with fire bind to the smallest particles in the surface materials. They compared sediment and beach sand results with U.S. EPA risk screening levels for residential soil and California-specific risk screening levels for residential soil in the Los Angeles Region, according to the California Environmental Protection Agency’s Los Angeles Regional Water Board. 

“All results were below those values, except for arsenic at several sites,” the board reported, adding, “However, these arsenic levels were within the pre-fire range of concentrations in Los Angeles area soils, and therefore, were not likely caused by the fire.” The board emphasized that arsenic is a common and naturally occurring element found in the Los Angeles area.  

Currently, the board continues to test sediment and sand for chemicals associated with wildfires, including heavy metals, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), a group of synthetic organic chemicals that were once widely used in industry, because they were chemically stable and non-flammable, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), a group of more than 100 chemicals that are formed naturally from the incomplete combustion of organic materials like coals, oil, gas and wood. Those tests are conducted at 11 beaches and four storm drain-creek outfalls along Santa Monica Bay from Zuma Beach to RAT Beach in Palos Verdes Estates.  

California’s State Water Resources Control Board is also performing limited sediment testing monthly, and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health releases advisories concerning those determinations. 

Environmental advocacy organizations conduct sediment testing

Both Heal the Bay and Surfrider LA have expressed concerns about the arsenic levels in sand and sediment samples conducted by area government agencies. They note that arsenic is a carcinogen that can cause cancer, can lead to heart and liver disease, and can cause digestive system complications. They expressed concerns that arsenic levels were worrisomely high, especially at Will Rogers State Beach, which receives outflow from Santa Monica Canyon Creek and Rustic Creek. 

The advocacy organizations conducted independent beach assessment studies exceeding the scope of prior analyses conducted on the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control samples which were analyzed for total chromium, consisting of trivalent chromium, which is an essential trace mineral for humans that can be converted into the more toxic hexavalent, also known as chromium-6, which presents risks to human health and is a substance usually produced in hardening alloy steel or similar industrial processes.  

Such testing by nonprofit environmental advocacy associations continues on as does the effort to understand the potential impacts of wildfire-related pollution so as to develop useful testing standards. 

The governor’s office appeals to FEMA for post-fire testing

In February, the Federal Emergency Management Agency refused to fund analyses of contaminated soil as part of the debris removal process, although such testing has been conducted by FEMA after similar disasters. 

Responding to FEMA’s refusal, Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office publicly appealed for the agency to change its policy. “Without adequate soil testing, contaminants caused by the fire can remain undetected and potentially jeopardize groundwater and surface water quality,” the director of Newsom’s Office of Emergency Services emphasized in a letter to FEMA. 

The federal agency’s unprecedented refusal to test soil has only added to scientists’ concerns about the need for new soil assessment benchmarks to be established to accurately measure sand and beach pollution. They note the unprecedented toxicity in debris caused by the fire, including those elements caused by burned lithium batteries from electric vehicles. 

Such efforts are ongoing. However, in the meantime, what are residents and visitors to do in the interim?

Nicole Mooradian, spokesperson for the Los Angeles County’s Department of Beaches and Harbors, notes that currently those who are considering visiting beaches must make individual choices. Heal the Bay’s Quinn recently stated in a CBS News LA interview that beachgoers should still be on the lookout for dangerous debris such as screws and nails as they can continue to wash up on the beach. Readers may consult the Department of Public Health’s website and review Heal the Bay’s Beach Report Card on the organization’s app or website to obtain the latest available information.

Malibu’s Dick Van Dyke celebrated at sold-out Vandy Camp

Fans from around the world gather at Malibu High School 

The legendary Dick Van Dyke — actor, singer, comedian, and lifelong champion of the arts — was celebrated Saturday, June 28 at a sold-out event that blended vintage flair, heartfelt tributes, and community spirit. The occasion marked the third installment of Vandy Camp, where fans gather to sing songs popularized by the beloved entertainer and celebrate Van Dyke’s talent and legacy.

This Vandy Camp was held at the newly christened Arlene and Dick Van Dyke Theater at Malibu High School. Fans from around the country and a few who flew in from Europe, many dressed in Van Dyke-inspired costumes — a la Mary Poppins — packed the 330-seat theater for an afternoon filled with music, laughter, but mostly love. The crowd’s enthusiasm was contagious.

For many attendees, the chance to be in the presence of the nearly 100-year-old icon was motivation to travel great distances hoping for a chance to meet their hero. One such fan was 18-year-old Senne Claes, a young composer who flew in from Belgium just for the event. “Dick Van Dyke is my biggest inspiration,” Claes said. “Malibu was far, but I really wanted to meet him. I’m a really big fan.”

The Vantastix — (from left) Bryan Chadima, Arlene Van Dyke, Mike Mendyke, and Eric Bradley — perform at Vandy Camp, held at the Arlene and Dick Van Dyke Theater at Malibu High School. Photo by Craig Allyn Photography, courtesy of Chris Isaacson Presents.

Van Dyke, who turns 100 Dec. 13, had appeared at two previous Vandy Camp events, performing and greeting fans with his signature charm. While he had hoped to attend Saturday’s celebration, he apparently wasn’t feeling well enough to make it in person. His wife Arlene broke the news gently while the devoted crowd took it with grace, applauding Van Dyke’s enduring spirit and sending thoughtful well wishes his way. During the live-streamed event that the award-winning entertainer watched from home, dozens of attendees voiced get wells and gave heartfelt testimonials expressing their appreciation of Van Dyke’s talents over the years — one moving account from a woman who said watching Van Dyke’s star turn in “Diagnosis Murder” helped her get through a terminal cancer diagnosis more than 25 years ago.

Performers handpicked by Dick and Arlene, including Dustbowl Revival, Janet Klein and Her Parlor Boys, and Tony Guerrero, delivered nostalgic, vaudeville-inspired sets that captured the whimsical energy Van Dyke is known for. Live-streaming extended the celebration far and wide.

“Live-streaming this event felt like something Dick would absolutely embrace,” one organizer said. “His career has spanned everything — Broadway, television, film, vinyl, and now viral. If anyone could pull off a digital mic drop, it’s him.”

Beyond the festivities, the event also served a deeper purpose: raising funds for a forthcoming Dick Van Dyke Museum and to support the Van Dyke Endowment for the Arts which supports visual and performing arts across Malibu’s four public schools. Jolynn Regan, who manages the endowment, explained a seat-naming initiative. For $2,000, donors can name a seat in the Arlene and Dick Van Dyke Theater, with names to be transferred to the new Malibu High Performing Arts Center once it’s completed — currently estimated to open in four years as part of phase two of Malibu High School’s revitalization.

“This theater has come a long way,” Regan said. “It’s now a beautiful space, thanks to partnerships with the Malibu Education Foundation, the Shark Fund, and Arts Angels. We painted, upgraded the green room, and really brought it to life.”

A fundraiser in 2024 brought in $220,000, the bulk of which remains in the endowment, generating interest to support local arts programs year after year. Already, the fund has distributed $5,000 mini-grants to each Malibu public school to cover essentials like art teachers, clay for ceramics, paints, and other materials that aren’t typically covered by district budgets.

“You’d think arts would be well funded here because we’re in Malibu,” Regan said. “But we’ve really struggle — between wildfires and families moving away, our schools need support. The arts keep kids engaged, and it’s more important than ever.”

Vandy Camp is an event where fans gather to sing the songs popularized by Dick Van Dyke, who couldn’t make this particular camp because he wasn’t feeling well. Craig Allyn Photography

Van Dyke’s own artistic journey began in high school, making the endowment especially personal for him and Arlene. “It’s incredibly remarkable that Mr. Van Dyke continues to give back to schools — or even thinks about us — at almost 100 years old,” Regan said. “We are so lucky. We are so honored.”

Those interested in naming a seat can contact Regan directly at jolynnregan@gmail.com or visit the Malibu Education Foundation website and click on the Van Dyke Endowment tab for more information. All donations are tax-deductible and serve as lasting gifts to the arts and education.

Looking ahead, Regan hinted at another event in the works: “We’re already planning something for his 100th birthday in December,” she said. “It’s going to be special.”

Arlene Van Dyke hinted at the same. Offering a hopeful note while performing with acapella group, The Vantastix, she noted, “I’m pretty confident he’ll be at the next one,” she said with a smile, adding, “Dick Van Dyke fans are the most wonderful human beings I’ve ever known.”

Tree removal in Eastern Malibu sparks resident concerns

After surviving the Palisades Fire, dozens of trees in the Las Flores area were cut down by city-commissioned arborists

Some Las Flores residents expressed shock recently to return home to find scores of trees in their eastern Malibu neighborhood cut down. Thinking the trees had survived the devastating Palisades Fire, a group of residents asked The Malibu Times to look into what happened to their beloved greenery that brought them hope after the last few dismal months since the latest Malibu disaster.

The City of Malibu contracted with Newbury Park Tree Service (NPTS) and its two arborists to conduct an assessment of hundreds of trees, focusing exclusively on trees located in easements next to city-facilitated roadways that may have sustained damage in the wildfire. In a letter dated June 13 to the City of Malibu from Newbury Park Tree Service it stated: “Our findings indicate that all trees included in this report were subject to significant fire exposure, resulting in extensive bark char, crown loss, cambium damage, and compromised root structures. Based on industry standards and ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) guidelines, these trees exhibit a high mortality rate and a very low likelihood of survival or long-term recovery. The assessment details the condition of each tree, with photographic documentation and hazard evaluations where applicable.

“Due to their current condition and potential to pose a safety risk to people and property, we recommend that the trees identified be removed or managed accordingly.”

The city, working with its landscape contractor, Enhanced Landscape Management Services, did take action by removing trees that were deemed unsafe by the arborists.

Near Las Flores Creek Park, there are stumps revealing where trees once stood. A total of 19 trees were felled in the Las Flores area including Sumac, Sandpaper, Acacia, and Carolina Cherry that had been deemed in critical condition or dead.

A city spokesperson wrote of these trees: “They were planted upon the development of the park and were not old-growth trees. Due to the severity of the damage, a certified arborist deemed it necessary to remove the trees to mitigate risk to the public who would be walking on the adjacent pathways. The city will replace the trees with appropriately sized native trees as soon as we replace the surrounding irrigation and other infrastructure that can guarantee their success. The Community Services Department’s goal is to keep native trees whenever possible and have kept fire-damaged trees intact in open spaces that do not pose a public risk. Fortunately, the old-growth sycamore trees near the Las Flores Creek Park playground survived and are looking healthy at this time. We will continue to monitor all the trees in the park, and where we can, we will leave trees in place that do not pose a risk to future park patrons or park infrastructure.”

A detailed report issued by NPTS focuses on individual neighborhoods impacted by the fire. Two pages concentrating on Big Rock show 91 trees all recommended to be “flushcut” meaning a stump is left flush to the ground. They include Canary Island Pine, Acacia, Indian Coral, Stone Pine, Sumac, Poplar, Cedar, Eucalyptus, and Ficus. The trees were found in various states of condition, from poor, to critical, to dead. All 91 of the trees were deemed unsurvivable and unsafe if not removed.

In Carbon Canyon NPTS identified 52 trees including Cedar, Sumac, Eucalyptus, California Pepper, and Pine, all recommended for flushcut.

Data indicates 36 trees on Rambla Pacifico are deemed either dead or with no chance for survival despite some residents noting there were green shoots coming from the damaged trees after the fire. A NPTS arborist confirmed the trees were targeted for removal to mitigate a future risk to the public. Rambla Pacifico trees identified were Sumac, Canary Island, Eucalyptus, Coast Live Oak, Aleppo Pine, Stone Pine, Cypress, Monterey Pine, Arroyo Willow and Olive.

Fatal crash on Decker Canyon Road in Malibu claims life of 29-Year-Old Woman

A tragic accident on Decker Canyon Road in Malibu claimed the life of a 29-year-old woman on Tuesday morning, July 2. 

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, deputies from the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station responded to a call reporting a traffic collision with possible injuries at approximately 10:20 a.m. in the 4200 block of Decker Canyon Road, just a quarter-mile south of Decker Edison Road.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the woman, identified only as a 29-year-old white female (FW/29), was driving a black/blue 2013 Polaris RGR-800 Crew Side-by-Side ATV southbound on the narrow canyon road when she collided intothe rear bumper of a gray 2016 Mazda 6, also traveling southbound. The driver of the Mazda, a 51-year-old white female (FW/51), was reportedly uninjured, along with her passenger.

Authorities say the impact from the collision caused the ATV to veer off the right shoulder of the roadway and over the cliffside. The off-road vehicle plummeted approximately 350 feet into the ravine below.

Emergency medical personnel responded quickly to the scene but tragically pronounced the ATV driver deceased at the bottom of the canyon.

As of Wednesday morning, officials have not released the identity of the deceased pending notification of next of kin.

Sheriff’s deputies report that there were no immediate signs of intoxication or impairment by either driver. The cause of the collision remains under investigation.

Decker Canyon Road, known for its winding, narrow layout and steep drop-offs, has been the site of multiple serious and fatal accidents over the years. The Sheriff’s Department is urging all motorists to exercise extreme caution when traveling along canyon roads in the Malibu area.

The Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station is asking anyone who may have witnessed the collision or who has any information related to the incident to contact Detective Shean at the Traffic Investigations Office by calling (818) 878-1808. Reference report #25-02752-10.

As of now, no further information is available regarding the victim or additional circumstances surrounding the crash. Updates will be provided as the investigation continues.

A tragic accident on Decker Canyon Road in Malibu claimed the life of a 29-year-old woman on Tuesday morning, July 2.