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Letter to The Editor: Inaccuracies in SMMUSD Communications on Malibu Unification

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Letter to the Editor
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Dear Editor,

I am writing to address several inaccuracies in the recent communications from Santa Monica School District (SMMUSD) regarding the City of Malibu’s decision to resume our petition for unification. As the Mayor Pro Tem of Malibu, and a member of the Subcommittee for School Separation, I have firsthand knowledge of these events and wish to provide clarity to the community.

First, the District claims that our request to the County Committee to schedule hearings on our 2017 petition is premature and contrary to the agreed timeline. White it’s true that both parties agreed to a general timeline in May, which included a “Community Engagement on the Full Unification Package” for July, this engagement did not occur because the parties have been stuck in a deadlock. The last few mediation sessions were significantly unproductive, highlighted by the fact that only one of the three District subcommittee board members attended. Not only were key members not attending our mediation sessions, but it was clear that the District team was not meeting regularly and was not prepared to use our limited mediation time productively. After the parties failed to meet the initial goals of the timeline, we recognized that the November target dates were no longer feasible. Consequently, we determined that returning to the County Committee was the best use of our resources to ensure a timely and fair resolution. 

In their communications, SMMUSD implied that our decision to return to the County Committee process signifies an abandonment of collaborative efforts. This is far from the truth. We have consistently communicated to the District—and continue to maintain—that we are willing to attend any and all future mediation sessions. 

However, SMMUSD has refused to continue mediation unless we withdraw our request to the County Committee. This ultimatum is unacceptable. Malibu residents and students have waited many years for separation. We were patient while the District addressed the CVRA petition last year, but we can no longer accept delays. Both parties have publicly agreed that separation is in the best interest of all students. These efforts must proceed promptly, either through mediation or the County Committee process.

It is important to note that the City of Malibu is fully committed to the guiding principles adopted as part of our term sheet. We believe that the formation of an independent Malibu Unified School District is in the best interest of all students, and we are dedicated to ensuring that each successor education entity receives adequate funding to provide a similar level of service as before separation. The District’s claim that we are bound by our 2017 Petition misrepresents the next steps. We stand by our petition and will supplement it with an updated feasibility study demonstrating compliance with the nine criteria in the Education Code (section 35753). While recent sessions have been challenging, the overall process has been valuable to identifying a sound fiscal path forward. It would be unwise and irresponsible to disregard this. We aim to present these principles to the County Committee through our feasibility study, and we hope the District will join us in this effort. 

Lastly, the City of Malibu values the patience and support of our community as we strive for an independent Malibu Unified School District that serves the best interests of all students. We are committed to transparency and fairness in this process and welcome any further discussions with SMMUSD to achieve this goal.

Marianne Riggins

Mayor Pro Tem

City of Malibu

Planning Director search continues

By
Judy Abel
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Photo by Samantha Bravo/TMT.

The City of Malibu is searching once again for an interim planning director just less than a week after announcing the appointment of Jack Wong to lead the busy department. Wong’s appointment is invalid under city restrictions regarding hiring employees who are receiving retirement pensions from other municipalities. Those previous benefits may be revoked or reduced under new employment. A city statement said Wong’s appointment to the interim role would be “infeasible for both parties.” Although Wong came to the city with years of municipal planning experience he did admit he had no experience working with the California Coastal Commission, a meaningful component of many Malibu projects. 

Last month Richard Mollica gave notice of his retirement from the position. His last day is July 25. The city is now on a new search for an interim planning director. 

The following incidents were reported between June 11 to June 18

By
Samantha Bravo
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6/11
Petty theft
A wallet worth $450 was stolen from the parking lot at Whole Foods. The victim said they were loading their groceries in their vehicle and they noticed their wallet was missing two hours later. The victim said they received a notification of an estimated $71 that had been charged at the Exxon gas station in Topanga. The victim was able to cancel her credit cards before further charges were made.

6/13
Vehicle burglary
A vehicle parked near Leo Carillo State Beach was broken into and ransacked. The victim hid the key in the front driver-side tire, went surfing, and upon return, the key was missing, and their vehicle was ransacked. The victim said they received a notification of the card being used at Nordstrom for $600 and at Bloomingdales for $800. The purchases were declined and the victim was able to cancel their credit cards. There were no security cameras available for evidence.

6/16
Shoplifting
An estimated $239 worth of BIC lighters and $19 worth of socks were stolen from CVS Pharmacy on Malibu Road. The suspects were described as a tall black male, wearing a black tank top, blue jeans, and a backpack, walking around the store and taking the items from the counter. The security footage was submitted for evidence.

6/17
Vehicle burglary
A vehicle parked near Surfrider Beach was broken into and ransacked. The victim said their iPhone and wallet were stolen. The victim said their key was missing and was unable to gain access to their vehicle. There were no security cameras available for evidence.

6/18
Burglary
A vehicle parked near Topanga State Beach was broken into and an iPhone and camera were stolen. The victim said they placed the key fob underneath the right rim of the car and upon return, the key was missing and their vehicle was ransacked. The camera was worth $900, the iPhone was worth $700. The victims wallet and credit card were also missing. There were no security cameras available for evidence.

6/18
Vehicle burglary
A vehicle parked near Winding Way was broken into and ransacked. The victim noticed the rear passenger window was smashed, and an estimated $500 worth of designer bags and cosmetics were stolen. There were no security cameras available for evidence.

Planning Commission approves alcohol to be sold at two new facilities in Malibu 

By
Samantha Bravo
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Planning Commission meeting on July 15. Screenshot

City manager introduces interim planning director at the Planning Commission on Monday

To start off the Planning Commission meeting on Monday night, Commissioner Skylar Peak thanked Planning Director Richard Mollica for his dedication to the community serving as Planning Director for the City of Malibu for 20 years. In his comments, Peak emphasized Mollica’s performance during and after the Woolsey Fire in 2018.

“Richard worked around the clock within that disaster to put our city back together, to get residents the information that they needed and I don’t think that anyone understands the amount of work that his staff under his leadership did to get our city back on its feet,” Peak said. “I wanted to acknowledge that and tell you how much I appreciate you, and you are going to be deeply missed.”

Commissioner Denise Smith also thanked Mollica for his service.

“I do believe that your calming voice during that time, saved us; you put our city at ease,” Smith said. “I wish you and your wonderful and beautiful family all the best.”

Mollica thanked the commission for his recognition and introduced interim Assistant Planning Director Salvador Lopez Jr.

“I’m happy to be here,” Lopez said.

In other comments, Peak mentioned the recent letter submitted from Assistant Planning Director Adrian Fernandez to City Council stated that he wanted to “finally raise the curtain on abuses and collusion that [he] has both witnessed and personally endured within the City of Malibu.”

However, the commission was unable to address the letter and was asked to move the discussion forward.

Senior Management Analyst Rebecca Evans mentioned the recent passing of one of their environmental review board employees. 

City Manager Steve McClary attended the meeting to introduce their interim Planning Director Jack Wong. 

“I’m here as a person who’s eager to work for the City of Malibu,” Wong said. “Prompt your programs, work with the community, residents, and businesses.” 

The commission moved on to Coastal Development Permit-Woolsey Fire No. 23-004, Site Plan Review No. 23-026 andDemolition Permit No. 24-020; an application to allow for the construction of a 4,620 square-foot addition to a destroyed single-family residence approved under Planning Verification-Woolsey Fire No. 21-034, extension of the existing swimming pool and spa, reconfiguration of the existing driveway, hardscape, landscape, grading, improvements to the existing tennis court; demolition of existing hardscape and landscape, and installation of a new onsite wastewater treatment system; including a site plan review for construction of the residence over 18 feet in height not to exceed 24 feet in height (Continued from June 3).

The commission motioned to move the item to another meeting with recommendations and suggestions.

The commission motioned to continue Coastal Development Permit No. 22-003, Variance No. 22-024, Variance No. 23-004, and Site Plan Review No. 22-029. An application to construct a new, two-story single-family residence and associated development. Due to a tight schedule the commission voted to move to the August 5 meeting and begin the meeting at 6 p.m.

The commission motioned to approve Conditional Use Permit No. 23-009; An application for a food market to sell beer and wine for off-site consumption (Continued from June 3).

The commission had a long debate on whether to allow this location to serve alcohol due to the recent July 4 fatality on Pacific Coast Highway. 

After a break, the commission approved Conditional Use Permit No. 24-007; an application to allow the operation of a new restaurant, market, and sale of alcohol for onsite and offsite consumption.

Both Chair John Mazza and Commissioner Kraig Hill were against approving the permit. 

The commission motioned to approve the permit with recommendations. The next commission meeting is on August 5.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Caltrans fails our community … again

By
Letter to the Editor
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On Wednesday, Caltrans hosted its first meeting to develop a master plan for PCH’s future, making sure that the media was aware and present. Given how crucial PCH is to our community, you’d think this would be a packed event. But no — only 25 to 30 people bothered to show up. That’s a slap in the face to everyone who cares about this road and our town’s future.

The presentation was riddled with errors. They claimed only 23 people have died on PCH since 2018. We know the truth — 61 lives have been lost in the last 14 years. Did no one else notice this glaring mistake? Did it not spark outrage?

Then came the so-called “planning” exercise. We, the attendees, were dumped into groups and told to brainstorm about PCH’s five sections. There were no engineers, no experts, just us. They handed out lists of possible changes and aerial images as if we were qualified to redesign a major highway.

This wasn’t planning; it was a sham. Caltrans should have led with their expertise, proposing solutions for our feedback. Instead, they sat back while we flailed. That’s not community involvement — it’s abdication of responsibility.

Enough is enough. We deserve better. Caltrans must take this seriously, step up with real plans, and listen to our input meaningfully. It’s time our community demands more. Attend the next meeting. Speak out. Our lives depend on getting this right.

All the best,
Michel Shane

Caltrans holds first in-person PCH master plan meeting at City Hall

By
Samantha Bravo
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Caltrans held their first in-person meeting at City Hall on July 11. Community members were able to share their ideas on safety enhancements for cyclists, pedestrians, and transit users. Photos courtesy of Caltrans.

The next meeting will be on July 18 from 1 to 4 p.m. on Zoom

Nine months after the four Pepperdine students were struck and killed on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), the City of Malibu and Caltrans held their first in-person workshop to include the community in the PCH Master Plan development to make safety enhancements along the deadly highway. 

On July 11, Caltrans held a workshop at City Hall where community members were able to share their ideas on where they would make safety enhancements on PCH.

Many residents attended the meeting and shared their concerns on what needs to happen now before another tragic accident occurs.

“We know that time is of the essence here, and we know that the community wants something to happen now,” Caltrans District 7 Deputy District Director Marlon Regisford said in an NBCLA interview.

The group mainly focused on the 22-mile stretch within Malibu city limits. Options included reducing of speed, adding landscape medians, more sidewalks, paved shoulders, turn lanes, speed bumps, building bridges, parking spaces, or roundabouts.

Streets are for Everyone Executive Director Damian Kevitt attended the meeting and said it was refreshing to see Caltrans reach out and get input from the community.

“It’s definitely a new thing for Caltrans, them reaching out and sort of digging into the community or getting sort of more in-depth feedback,” Kevitt said. “Sort of phase one outreach session where you get the community feedback and what they would like to see. What are the issues that they would like to see or how they would like to reimagine, and what comes up from that.”

After the meeting, Kevitt said he felt as though Caltrans was listening and taking their input.

“We’ll see if that reflected in their design plans,” he said. “The design plans still have to be brought into reality. All of this is just going to be basically a blueprint of what could be done down the road.”

As far as what the City of Malibu is doing to create awareness, Kevitt said there could be more that could be done. 

“This is not a criticism of the work that’s put into it, because I do feel like there’s been efforts and improvements made, but there could be better awareness, there could be better education, there could be better enforcement, there could be better engineering, there’s some things that will take time,” he said. “And we know that there are things that are gonnatake time to fix in Malibu. It doesn’t change overnight, but there are things that could still be done better.”

Kevitt also said there weren’t that many people who attended the workshop.

“The outreach to get people there wasn’t sufficient — that room should have been packed with people,” he said. “It shouldn’t have been just 30 people in a room. It should have been 100 people.”

Caltrans held their first in-person meeting at City Hall on July 11. Community members were able to share their ideas on safety enhancements for cyclists, pedestrians, and transit users. Photos courtesy of Caltrans.
Caltrans held their first in-person meeting at City Hall on July 11. Community members were able to share their ideas on safety enhancements for cyclists, pedestrians, and transit users. Photos courtesy of Caltrans.

Kevitt also mentioned the recent fatality that occurred near Carbon Canyon on July 4.

“That should have never happened,” he said. “It’s both an enforcement factor as well as the fact that that area could have been made safer. It’s a design aspect as well. There’s a design aspect of that exact area that needs to be addressed. So kudos to what’s been done, it still needs to be done better.”

Malibu resident and co-founder of the Emily Shane Foundation Michel Shane submitted a letter to the editor this week after attending the meeting on July 11. Shane was among the 25 to 30 people who attended the meeting.

“Given how crucial PCH is to our community, you’d think this would be a packed event, but no — only 25 to 30 people bothered to show up,” he said. “That’s a slap in the face to everyone who cares about this road and our town’s future.”

Shane said the attendees were put into groups and were asked to brainstorm ideas on their suggestions.

“There were no engineers, no experts, just us,” he said. “They handed out lists of possible changes and aerial images as if we were qualified to redesign a major highway.”

Shane said Caltrans should have led with their expertise and proposed solutions. 

“Instead, they sat back while we flailed. That’s not community involvement — it’s abdication of responsibility,” he said.”Enough is enough. We deserve better. Caltrans must take this seriously, step up with real plans, and listen to our input meaningfully. It’s time our community demands more. Attend the next meeting. Speak out. Our lives depend on getting this right.”

On June 26, Caltrans representatives attended the Public Works and Public Safety joint meeting and provided an update on the PCH Master plan.

During the meeting, commissioners shared their ideas on what can be done to improve PCH and make it safer for drivers and pedestrians. One idea was to implement trees along the highway. 

Executive Liason of Special Projects Ryan Snyder presented most of the slideshow and said they would “figure out” how to implement everyone’s suggestions. 

Caltrans said they would release the final draft in December. The goal is to start work on the short, medium, and long-term projects as soon as next year.

The Caltrans Master Plan Feasibility Study aims to identify safety and multimodal travel improvements for all users of PCH in Malibu, including multimodal travel options for pedestrians and bicyclists, as well as enhancing transit opportunities on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in Malibu. The PCH Master Plan will include community stakeholder engagement activities and community outreach meetings to gather input on various traffic calming measures and other street improvements, including a “boulevard” roadway. This Master Plan will be used in future PCH safety improvement projects. For background information, review the Fact Sheet on the city’s website https://malibucity.org/DocumentCenter/View/34265/PCH-Master-Plan-Factsheet-6-20-24. 

To view the video of the meeting visit: https://youtu.be/e8fAP7l0eq4?feature=shared

For further questions, please contact: D7.System.Planning@dot.ca.gov. 

  • Virtual community workshop — Thursday, July 18, 1 to 3 p.m.
  • In-person community workshop — Wednesday, Aug. 28, 6 to 8 p.m., Malibu City Hall, Council Chambers (no remote participation option)

Watch video of Caltrans’ presentation at the June 26 joint Public Works and Public Safety Commission meeting visit at www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7kutcbJ-fQ

FROM THE RIGHT: Assassination attempt brings political divide to a head

By
dons
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By Don Schmitz

Almost inevitably, an assassin tried to kill the front-running presidential candidate Donald Trump, who turned to read from a screen milliseconds before the rifle round which grazed him would have splattered his brains across the stage.Such a scene would have thrilled the sadistic fantasies of comedian Kathy Griffin; you remember her, she took a video in 2017 holding up a mock-severed head of President Trump dripping fake blood. Ah, those celebrities. 

Mickey Rourke wanted to beat Trump with a bat, Madonna fantasized about blowing up the White House, and actor/chef Anthony Bourdain said he would like to serve Trump the poison hemlock. Entertainers aside, our media has fed the fire, not just on the opinion page, but the front page. In 2016, five Washington Post writers explicitly compared Trump to Hitler. 

Last January, The New Yorker on its cover page featured a cartoon of Trump goose-stepping with a Nazi salute. Weeks ago, the LA Times published an election-season news report headlined “Trump and GOP repeatedly echo Nazi and far-right ideology as they aim to retake White House.” MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow commented on Trump’s planned camps to round up and deport the millions of illegal aliens Biden has allowed into the country, stating, “For that matter, what convinces you that these massive camps he’s planning are only for migrants? So, yes, I’m worried about me — but only as much as I’m worried about all of us.”

Sadly, many elected Democrats have also incessantly compared Trump and Republicans to Hitler and Nazis. When rioters during the Antifa/BLM riots in 2020 repeatedly tried to burn down the federal courthouse in Portland, Trump sent federal law enforcement agents to protect the building. Nancy Pelosi replied, “The use of stormtroopers under the guise of law and order is a tactic that is not appropriate to our country in any way.” 

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez likened the border detention facilities (which were originally created under President Barack Obama) as “Nazi concentration camps.” Predictably, this election cycle has brought everything to a rolling boil. In Biden’s creepy speech under red lights at Independence Hall in 2022, which was beyond divisive and polarizing, he called MAGA Republicans fascists, and accused them of trying to tear down democracy. Bernie Sanders, and many Democrats, have stated that if Trump wins, it will be the end of democracy.

Remember when radical leftist James Hodgkinson ambushed a group of Republican lawmakers at a baseball practice in 2017, stating he wanted to kill as many Republicans as he could? Calls went out at that time for Democrats to tone down the rhetoric, but to no avail. America has been experiencing increasing levels of political violence, starting with the riots in 2016 when Trump was elected, the baseball field shootings in 2017, the Antifa/BLM riots in 2020, to the Jan. 6 riot in 2021. Trump also has said many inflammatory things. Both sides are asserting that the other is destroying the country, but whereas the Republicans claim the Democrats policies are disastrous (fair game), Democrats focus on Trump pinning on him the Nazi label, which is insanity. It was righteous for the brave souls who in 16 separate plotstried to assassinate Hitler, and they are today considered heroes. How is it then that anyone is shocked when someone tries to assassinate Trump?

Anecdotally, I have personally heard people say for years they would, without hesitation, murder him, and recently have seen social media posts wishing the gunman had a better aim. In a national address President Biden urged Americans to reject political violence, stating, “There is no place in America for this kind of violence — for any violence. Ever. Period. No exception. We can’t allow this violence to be normalized.” Wonderful words, but you can’t work for years trying to convince half the country that your political opponent is a fascist tyrant about to destroy the Republic, then act shocked when violence erupts. It’s commensurate to building a large bonfire, then acting surprised when it spreads into the town causing death and destruction.

I think the assassination attempt has shocked most mainstream Democrats along with the rest of us, and I hope we can all agree with House Speaker Mike Johnson who stated, “We’ve got to turn the temperature down in this country. We need leaders of all parties, on both sides, to call that out and make sure that happens so that we can go forward and maintain our free society that we all are blessed to have.” 

The MAGA movement is in a rage, believing the left is desperate, having failed to take down their candidate, from the Russian collusion hoax, frivolous impeachments, and partisan lawfare, and that all they have left is to assassinate him. A defiant, bleeding Trump urged them to keep fighting. I pray they fight only with ballots.

FROM THE LEFT: Assassination attempt brings political divide to a head

By
lancesimmens
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Lance Simmens

By Lance Simmens

I am sitting here organizing my thoughts around the horrendous attack upon former President Donald Trump on Saturday. Don [Schmitz] and I agreed that we ought to comment upon this instead of the topic we originally agreed to, so you will have to wait another two weeks on that one. I trust we can agree on one thing: Namely, we have to dial back on the division that has gripped this nation and it is the responsibility of our leaders on both sides of the aisle to reduce the ugly demeanor that fosters such division.
 
Just off the top, I must say that as a Catholic kid growing up in Philly, attending Catholic school and as an altar boy when the mass was conducted in Latin, the assassination of JFK struck very hard in my household and neighborhood. As precocious 10-year olds, I and my buddies were quite confused for the extra days off, but the nonstop television coverage brought everything into clearer and mesmerizing focus: Namely a certain air of unreality and sadness.
 
That was my impression of the early years in the 1960s. The later years, particularly 1968, brought considerable misery as we lost MLK and RFK. Violence has no business interfering in our desires to advance society and make this world a better place.
 
All we are saying, is give peace a chance! For God’s sake citizens of the world, life is too precious, too demanding, and yes, too short to spend time trying to impress upon each other the often mistaken notion that instead of working things out, listening to each other, defending positions, we should contemplate resorting to violence.
 
We have become so wrapped up in our blankets of insecurity that we do not allow our positions to be moderated or to accept that others may actually have good ideas. We view with disdain compromise, reason, open-mindedness, and the God-forsaken notion that others may have ideas that allow for both discussion and implementation and encourage actual progress. It is the essence of this magnificent system of democratic governance that protects us against tyranny and authoritarianism.
 
The temper of the argumentative nature of our current society is much too high and accomplishes little other than a festering cesspool of I win, you lose, I’m right and you’re wrong, I have the answer and you are the problem. This simplistic paradigm neither has the atmosphere nor the bandwidth for constructive problem solving.
 
If we do not realize the importance of involving others with differing viewpoints into discussions of how to best benefit the society at large, we will end up segregated behind impenetrable walls of disillusionment and distrust. I have a great deal of trouble with core elements of what masquerades as current Republican political orthodoxy today; however, I am willing to engage in a lengthy and wide-ranging dialogue over how to overcome differences and seek compromise. But in order to do such a thing requires mutual trust and respect for differences. In all my years of political posturing and policy-making I have never insulted differences and/or beliefs so long as such accommodation was reciprocated. I believe this is required now in the worst way.
 
So now we sit back and ponder the extent to which violence plays such a pivotal role in how we proceed into the future. Violence is no stranger to history, yet the attempt on Trump’s life this past weekend in Butler, Pennsylvania, raises the temperature considerably. It reminds me, unfortunately, of my younger years when violence that appeared to be beyond belief struck against a society struggling to find itself.

The violence that accompanied Sept. 6 quite likely was the closest thing to an insurrection that the nation has ever seen. It was an atrocity that simply cannot be accepted in the world’s most democratic society. Similarly, let this assassination attempt upon the former president stand as an unacceptable act that defies everything that both parties stand for. Both candidates could and should agree together that each should be judged by the tenets of their respective platforms for moving the country forward.
 
Those who disagree with how either one wishes to move the nation forward can resolve their disagreement through the ballot box, not through the barrel of a gun. Violence is not the answer. We hopefully have advanced past the point where the gun and or the sword shall dictate who is the most formidable leader. It is incumbent upon all of us to learn how to exist in a world  where differences and diversity can render positive outcomes as long as there is mutual respect for our brothers and sisters. Violence must not be allowed to infect our ability to agree to disagree.

Malibu parents call school bus service cancellation ‘dire’

By
Judy Abel
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Students will have to find other transportation to and from school in the Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District after the district it has canceled bus service for general ed students. Photos by Samantha Bravo/TMT

SMMUSD superintendent meets with parents to explain

Some Malibu parents are scrambling to find transportation to school now that the Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District is unable to provide school bus service for general education students. The SMMUSD announcement caught many families off guard last month who rely on what they consider a “fundamental right” to school bus service. At a meeting July 10, SMMUSD Superintendent Dr. Antonio Shelton explained the unfortunate lack of personnel: “I wish I had the drivers, but I don’t.”

There were four Malibu routes with one originating in Santa Monica that made stops from Sunset Mesa through Malibu, terminating at Malibu High School. Last year, the district was already short drivers causing inconsistent and late arrivals to school. Two drivers and two mechanics also retired, adding to the paucity. 

A school bus driver shortage is hitting districts across the country, but Malibu’s distant location and lower ridership could be a factor in recruiting outside vendors from taking on the work. Larger districts provide more opportunities for outside bus services that Shelton called “often inconsistent.” He said he has witnessed scheduled buses simply not showing up because they “turned down the job last-minute and go to another school.”

Shelton explained to parents the two-year recruitment efforts the district has been taking, but it hasn’t been fruitful.“We’ve had a 28-percent increase in wages,” Shelton said. “We’re trying to make the job more appealing.”

The current starting salary is $31.13 [per hour], expected to rise to $32.69 [per hour] by July 1, 2025, and included are health care benefits, $20,000 life insurance, paid training, vacation, and sick pay.

However: “We’re not finding drivers in our communities,” Shelton said. “LA Unified for instance has drivers who live in their community.”

After advertising for drivers on nine websites this past year, the district got nearly 9,000 hits online. Sadly, out of that number, there were only 42 applicants. And out of that, only a single eligible candidate. Along with one rehire, it is still not enough to keep the buses running.

Shelton and his staff pointed out the stringent requirements for school bus drivers in California. At a minimum, they must possess a Class A or B driver’s license. Of the 42 applicants only one had the required license. SMMUSD is paying for training though as an enticement.

“Safety is number one with us,” stated Melody Canady, assistant superintendent of business services for SMMUSD, with Shelton adding, “We are not doing this based on money. This creates a complication for families. We understand that.”

Another complication is the union bargaining contract. “We have to provide first, jobs to our employees,” Shelton said.”We just can’t go and say this is what we’re going to do because we have an agreement we must follow.” 

Shelton said the district has contracted out work, calling it, “the only way we’ve been able to sustain busing services we already have.” He listed nine charter companies with current contracts but added, “They have the upper hand at this point because they know there’s a shortage.”

“Our challenge is our competition,” according to Canady. “We’re a small district competing with a large district(LAUSD).” Canady also said the salary offered from SMMUSD is a little more than Santa Monica’s Big Blue Bus, but the school drivers need more certification which could lead to drivers taking other jobs. “Yet, we still can’tattract because most of our employees are coming from a far distance to even to get to the bus yard,” Shelton included.

Malibu High School PTSA President Kevin Keegan admitted the bus situation was an unusual one.

“The Malibu transportation environment is unique,” he conceded. “We cannot compare bus service in Malibu with bus service in Santa Monica.” 

Yet, Keegan asked district officials for clarification. 

“In the short term if your message is, ‘We’re having trouble. We need your help to get through this,’ many of us want to help solve the problem,” he said. “If your message is ‘Hey, good luck, it’s probably not going to be there in the future,’ then we’re going to have some issues.”

Shelton answered, “No one wants to take something away that we know is needed in this community.”

Parents voiced their frustration with the district, explaining the drive from Sunset Mesa to MHS and back can take up to three hours. Others said they chose Malibu schools over closer Pacific Palisades schools because bus service would make attendance possible. One parent said, “It’s like a breach of the contract we made with the district. We agreed to send our kids here. This is a deprivation of our ability to get our kids to school.”

Keegan and Advocates for Malibu Public Schools (AMPS) President Wade Major say they’ll be brainstorming and working with Malibu officials to try to come up with a solution before school starts Aug. 22. SMMUSD said it will issue notices before that date.

Calendar for the week of July 18

By
Samantha Bravo
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THURS, JULY 18

SIP AND SHOP AT THIRD SPACE TODAY!

Shop our local, handmade, and sustainable products while getting to know our local creatives and the story behind their brands at Third Space Thursday, July 18, from 5 to 7 p.m.

THURS, JULY 18

SENIOR ICE CREAM SOCIAL

Cool off on a hot summer day with ice cream on the Malibu Senior Center patio on Thursday, July 18, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Malibu City Hall Senior Center. Participants can make their own ice cream sundae and socialize with fellow senior center members. RSVP required.

THURS, JULY 18 

VIRTUAL CALTRANS PCH MASTER PLAN WORKSHOP

All community members are invited to attend a virtual workshop to learn about and give input on Caltrans’ PCH Master Plan Feasibility Study on Thursday, July 18, from 1 to 3 p.m. The study aims to identify safety and multimodal travel improvements for all users of PCH in Malibu, including multimodal travel options for pedestrians and bicyclists, as well as enhancing transit opportunities on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in Malibu. The PCH Master Plan will include community stakeholder engagement activities and community outreach meetings to gather input on various traffic calming measures and other street improvements, including a “boulevard” roadway. This Master Plan will be used in future PCH safety improvement projects. For further questions, please contact D7.System.Planning@dot.ca.gov. To join the meeting, visit malibucity.org/calendar. 

THURS, JULY 18

THEATER THURSDAY

Lights, camera, action! Enjoy an entertaining movie on the Senior Center’s oversized projection system from 1 to 3 p.m. Call ahead for the movie title and exact times. Popcorn and coffee will be served. Complimentary.

FRI, JULY 19

CHARMLEE WILDERNESS PARK SUNSET HIKE

Discover Charmlee Wilderness Park after hours at in the beautiful light of the setting sun. Experience one of Malibu’sbest hiking venues and learn all about the natural surroundings. Participants should feel comfortable walking on uneven terrain for 90 minutes. Hiking boots or sturdy closed-toe shoes are recommended. Bring water and dress in layers. Groupmeets at Charmlee Wilderness Park from 7:15 to 8:45 p.m.

SAT, JULY 20

FAIRY GARDENING WORKSHOP

Learn the art of fairy gardening and how to build a fairy container garden on Saturday, July 20, from 10 a.m to 12 p.m. at the Michael Landon Community Center. The gardens will include enchanting landscapes and fairy figures. Fairy gardening is fun for the novice and experienced gardener. All materials will be provided. Instructed by Goat Gainz. Ages5 and over, a paying adult must accompany children under 12. $25 per person. To register, MalibuCity.org/Register.

SUN, JULY 21

ART SHOW AT LEGACY PARK

Malibu Art Association invites the community out for an Art Show on Sunday, July 21at Legacy Park. The show will feature many of its artists that work in several mediums from Painting, Sculpture, Photography , Mosaics and more. The show will run from 10 to 3 p.m. Join us for a lovely day in the park.

SUN, JULY 21 

JEWELRY-MAKING EXPERIENCE AT THIRD SPACE MALIBU

The community is invited to join Third Space Malibu’s Kidd’s Jewelry Heist “Jewelry-Making Experience” on Sunday, July 21, from 12 to 5 p.m. Those who attend can create their own necklaces, bracelets, keychains, and earrings during an hour-long session with the help of a mentor. Participants can take home two unique pieces of jewelry each. For more details, visit: https://thirdspacemalibu.org/pages/workshops?event-id=28492.

MON, JULY 22

MALIBU CITY COUNCIL MEETING

The Malibu City Council meets regularly on the second and fourth Monday of every month at City Hall at 6:30 p.m. in the council chambers. To view the agenda visit: https://www.malibucity.org/agendacenter.

WED, JULY 24

NATURE WALK FOR KIDS

Discover the nature that is all around us! Take a walk through Legacy Park with a City of Malibu naturalist on Wednesday, July 24, from 10 to 11 a.m. We’ll start at Malibu Library and finish with a short storytime in the park. Forages 2 through 10 with parent or caregiver. Attendance is limited and advance registration is required. Register at MalibuCity.org/Register and choose Outdoor Recreation/Hikes/Nature Walk and Storytime. 

WED, JULY 24

BRICK BUILDERS CLUB

Join the Malibu Library for brick building on Wednesday, July 24 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Malibu Library. We provide the materials, just bring your imagination! Participants can build freely or participate in a fun building challenge. For ages 5-12 with parent or caregiver. This program is part of the Summer Discovery Program at Malibu Library.

WED, JULY 24

PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION MEETING

The Malibu Community is invited to join and give input at the Public Works Commission meeting on Wednesday, July 24, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Malibu City Hall. To view the agenda visit: https://www.malibucity.org/agendacenter.

THURS, JULY 25

DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS

Join the Malibu Library on Thursday, July 25, from 4 to 6 p.m. to learn and play the popular role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons. Beginners and experts are welcome. For teens ages 13-17.

SAT, JULY 27

FILM SCREENING AT MALIBU BLUFFS PARK: ‘SPACE JAM’

The City of Malibu’s CineMalibu series has presented free outdoor movie screenings for the community since 2005. No RSVPs or seat reservations are needed; seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Free admission; bring blankets and chairs. Attendees may bring in outside food. No alcohol is allowed at Malibu Bluffs Park.

EVENT DETAILS

Event begins at 6:30 p.m.

Movie begins at sunset

  • Food trucks
  • Cartooning activities
  • Basketball activities
  • Giveaways
  • Raffle

MOVIE OVERVIEW

Michael Jordan makes his starring film debut opposite the celluloid skills of Warner Bros.’ Looney Tunes. Jordan must help the Looney Tunes win a basketball game against a group of outer-space creatures who plan, if they win, to kidnap the Looney Tunes and take them to an interplanetary theme park as the latest attraction. Numerous NBA All-Stars, including Charles Barkley, Larry Bird, Patrick Ewing, Larry Johnson, Muggsy Bogues, and Shawn Bradley, make appearances.

WED, JULY 31

MEDITATIVE YIN YOGA

Discover the tranquility of yin yoga tailored for seniors. Through gentle movements and supported poses, we’ll ease stiffness in the hips, spine, and shoulders, fostering relaxation, and mobility. Join us for mindful breathing and deep relaxation, perfect for rejuvenating both body and mind! At the Malibu Senior Center from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Instructedby Liat Gorodenzik.

ONGOING

FARMERS MARKET

The Malibu Farmers Market returns to the Library Plaza on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., located at 23555 Civic Center Way, adjacent to the library. For updates, follow up on instagram @malibufarmersmarket.

WEEDING EVENT AT POINT DUME

Join fellow preservationists the second Wednesday of the month from 9 a.m. to noon at the Point Dume Preserve at Birdview and Cliffside Drive to keep the headlands poison-free. Please bring gardening gloves and be prepared to do some hand weeding with some of your wonderful neighbors. Parking is available at Westward Beach. 

MEET THE MAKERS: SIP & SHOP AT THIRD SPACE

Shop our local, handmade, and sustainable products while getting to know our local creatives and the story behind their brands at Third Space every third Sunday of the month. The next one is on Thursday, Aug. 22, from 5 to 7 p.m. in partnership with Malibu Village Books. 

TRANCAS SUMMER NIGHTS 

Trancas Summer Night Concerts have returned for the summer every Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. until Aug. 30.

KNITTING

Join the City of Malibu’s Community Service Department and Sheila Rosenthal for a knitting workshop that takes placeon Mondays and Fridays at 10:30 a.m. This program is a welcoming gathering space for fiber artists that fosters community through open stitch. Make a scarf, hat, blanket, or homemade gift. No experience necessary. Please bring size8 needles and one skein of yarn. This is an ongoing, drop-in program. Instructed by Sheila Rosenthal.  

RELAXING THROUGH COLORING

The art of coloring activates different areas of the brain, using logic, forming colors, and creativity. Join this free, unstructured program. Instructed by Judy Merrick. Complimentary program. Visit malibucity.org for dates and times. 

STRETCH AND STRENGTH

Participants will focus on increasing flexibility, balance, circulation, and muscle tone while learning to relax through breathing techniques. Bring yoga blocks and a mat. Instructed by Marsha Cooper. $5 per class. Visit malibucity.org for dates and times. 

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