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FROM THE RIGHT: Hunter’s conviction and its reflection on the president

By
dons
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Don Schmitz

By Don Schmitz 

Weeks after the historic conviction of Trump, we have the historic conviction of President Joe Biden’s son Hunter. Some state this proves we are a nation of laws and not men, that justice is blind, and applied fairly to all. I would posit that to varying degrees that’s often true in America, but regrettably, in 2024, it’s not.

Trump and Biden are the two biggest names in politics today, and the convictions show that even the most powerful in our society are not completely immune to our laws. However, delving deeper into the details of the Biden case sadly reveals a transparently manipulated legal system to deflect and delay the prosecution of Hunter, ostensibly to protect the president. The FBI has possessed the infamous Hunter laptop since 2019, yet government agents fanned out in cooperation with social media and news outlets to squelch the story and discredit the laptop as “Russian disinformation.” Many speaking to the contrary were censored and attacked. 

Then acting CIA Director Mike Morrell has sworn under oath that at the behest of Biden campaign advisor Antony Blinken, he orchestrated a bogus letter from “51 intel experts” that the laptop was Russian disinformation to “help Vice President Biden … because I wanted him to win the election.” Yet in last week’s trial, the FBI verified that the laptop was indeed the president’s son’s, resulting in his conviction that he was using drugs when he illegally obtained a concealed weapon permit. Open and shut, yet it was open and shut five years ago. 

Much more important is that the laptop is replete with documentation of the Biden family peddling influence with foreign powers, including Russian and China, for many millions of dollars. Special Counsel David Weiss has overseen the “investigation” of Hunter Biden for five years. Last year he brought forward a sweetheart plea deal for multiple felonies so flawed that judge Maryellen Noreika excoriated Weiss, and the deal collapsed. Unprecedentedly itexonerated Biden for past crimes “yet to be determined” and gave probation for his felonies. 

While Weiss slow walked the investigation, the statute of limitations ran out for Hunter’s other crimes well documented on his laptop, most importantly, violation of the Foreign Agents Registration Act. This is “willful blindness”. The gun charge conviction of Hunter is the “safest” crime well documented in the laptop, in the sense it in no way endangers the president, whereas an influence peddling trial would lead to the president’s family, and perhaps the president himself (aka “The Big Guy”).

Remember that last year two whistleblowers from the IRS testified at the House Ways and Means Committee that the investigation of Hunter was manipulated, and that they were told not to ignore leads pointing to “the big guy,” ostensibly President Biden. They also testified that Weiss’ office “slow-walked” the probe stretching it out over five years, so much so that the statute of limitations ran out on his crimes committed in 2014 and 2015. According to the committee’s web page, Romanian businessman Gabriel Popoviciu sent $3 million to the Biden family in 2015. Chinese State Energy HK Limited sent them $8 million. Ukrainian energy company Burisma paid $6.5 million, while Russian Oligarch Yelena Baturina paid the Bidens and their associates $3.5 million, after she had lunch with then Vice President Joe Biden. A text from Hunter to a Chinese company has surfaced stating: “I am sitting here with my father and we would like to understand why the commitment made has not been fulfilled. I will make certain that between the man sitting next to me and every person he knows and my ability to forever hold a grudge that you will regret not following my direction. I am sitting here waiting for the call with my father.”

A trial of Hunter for bribery and Foreign Agent Act violations would have naturally brought all of this to the fore. Testifying to an impeachment inquiry in February, James Biden swore his brother, President Biden, had nothing to do with “the business.” I wish we were all confident of that. 

Outside of the fact that these two cases involve the names of rich, powerful political families, they are not only dissimilar, there’s a stark contrast in how they were prosecuted. The misdemeanors against Trump were elevated to felonies by a partisan court system in Manhattan by asserting they were designed to influence the election, after the statute of limitations had run out. The felonious violations of the Foreign Registration Act by Hunter Biden, and perhaps other members of the Biden family, were allowed to expire, with dilatory tactics and farcical plea deals. Was the timing of Hunter’s conviction on the “safe” gun charge designed to give credence to the anti-Trump lawfare? “No one is above the law”, depending on your political affiliations.

The following incidents were reported between May 13 to May 30

By
Samantha Bravo
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5/13
Burglary
A home on Sierks Way in Malibu was burglarized and the window to its bathroom was shattered. The victim walked into her bedroom and saw two men wearing all black standing in her bedroom. The suspects ran into the adjacent bathroom and left the property. The victim said they would have to do a further inventory to see what was taken. There were no security cameras available for evidence. The window was estimated to cost $500 to repair.

5/13
Burglary
A yoga studio near Cross Creek Road was broken into and damaged. The victim said the rear door to the business was pried open and some of the business inventory had been taken. An estimated $170 in jewlery was stolen, and $950 in speakers were stolen. The damage to the door was estimated to cost $100 to repair. There were security cameras inside the business but they were not operating during the time of the incident.

5/29
Shoplifting
An estimated $300 worth of miscellaneous items were stolen from the Pavillions in Point Dume. The suspects were seen on camera entering the location and leaving the store without paying for their items. The suspects were described as males and were wearing flannel shirts.

5/30
Mail Theft
A mailbox on Vantage Point Terrace was broken into, and the mail was stolen. The owner said they were trying to retrieve their mail when they noticed the latch had been bent as if the mail was forcibly opened. The victim had a Ring doorbell, but it did not capture the incident.

FROM THE LEFT: Hunter’s conviction and its reflection on the president

By
lancesimmens
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Lance Simmens

By Lance Simmens
 
As a father of two sons, I have nothing but the upmost respect and sympathy for President Joe Biden as he struggles with the travails that have beset him and his family with regard to his son Hunter’s recent guilty verdict. It is surely a parent’s worst nightmare when a child finds himself in a very serious legal predicament that breaks the heart of those who truly love him/her.

Of course the first immediate response of the parent is to explore avenues through the legal system to minimize or even make the allegations and the accompanying incarceration disappear. And can anyone deny that the inclination to intervene would generate enormous exploration and expenditure of alternatives to lessen or even eliminate what is truly viewed as a harsh punishment if found guilty of violating the law?
 
No doubt the recent conviction of Hunter Biden would offer the president at least a considered option to exert his position as the most powerful leader in the world. After all, this is a most personal crisis and the love of a son or daughter surely must have tempted the president to at least probe the opportunities to lessen the alternatives and the penalty.  
 
But President Biden has weighed in on what is surely a matter of leadership and dignity by eliminating what would be the most dramatic and drastic resolve to this issue. By publicly refusing to grant a pardon and to abide by the prosecutor’s decision, the judge’s decisions, and ultimately that unique functionary representing true democracy: namely, the jurors, he has shown the nation and the world that it would represent the ultimate hypocrisy to interject his prodigious powers to manipulate the judicial system.
 
One is assured that this was a painful but necessary position to take in order to avoid appearing as though some in society are actually above the law. Of course we all are aware of instances where the amount of power and/or money or political connections helps many who find themselves in such an advantageous position where they can actually beat the system and therefore buy their way out of conviction.  In a world where suspicions run rampant with respect to corruption and crooked decisions happen to find their way through what is for most of the public a star too far to reach, how many of us would not hesitate to take advantage of the opportunity to game the system?
 
 
In a most bizarre consequence confronting our political environment we at the same time find ourselves struggling with another landmark decision in the conviction of former President Donald Trump in a unanimous decision on 34 felony counts. Hence, we are now facing another dilemma where his current status as a convicted felon will most certainly complicate his position as the presumptive presidential nominee for the Republican Party in the upcoming election.
 
Here, however, accountability is not in order. The nominee has expressed outrage, threats against court officials, the judge, witnesses, and jurors. He has violated at least 10 gag orders where either fines, incarceration, or both show that he has little remorse or even acknowledgement that the judicial system is an acceptable system for truth, justice, and the American way. The Trump strategy has been to delay, delay, and delay at least three additional instances where state and federal violations of law could both be heard and adjudicated under the same conditions that beyond reasonable doubt be established and a unanimous jury vote for conviction also be found.
 
That these two instances should arise at the same time and that they should find their way into the middle of a presidential election only complicates the matter considerably. However, the degree to which both candidates have handled their respective positions with regard to how they impact the American public is a definitively important consideration before citizens cast their votes this coming Fall.
 
President Joe Biden has not made his position, regardless of the pain and suffering it might cause, contingent upon whether he will only accept not guilty as an appropriate verdict. Former President Donald Trump has made it clear that the system must be rigged, even prior to a verdict, and that he would only accept innocence. His reluctance and his venom with respect to our judicial system has led him to declaring that, if he is elected, he would eviscerate a legal component of our governmental system as part of a larger attack upon the “deep administrative state” that has oddly taken upon itself to represent a fascist attack upon treasured democratic precepts contained in the U.S. Constitution.
 
As I have spoken in this column before, the notion “No one is above the law” is a valued concept that ensures our adherence to a democratic experiment that has withstood nearly 250 years. We must all agree that it is as solid today as it was when the founders met in Philadelphia to chart the course for what has been the envy of the world. We must insist that all parties play by the rules in order to maintain trust in our leaders or the system will crumble.

Discussion on Next Week’s City Council June 24

By
The Malibu Times
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0

Ceremonial/Presentations: 

  1. None.

New Items: 

  1. Municipal Law Enforcement Services Agreement with the County of Los Angeles
  2. Commission Work Assignments for Fiscal Year 2024-25
  3. Acceptance of Bluff’s Park South Walkway Repair Project
  4. Amendment to Agreement with American Global Security, Inc.
  5. Professional Services Agreement with Enhanced Landscape Management LLC
  6. Direct Review of the City’s Conflict of Interest Code
  7. Amendment to Agreement with Move Together LLC

Ordinances and Public Hearings:

  1. Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Wastewater Service Charges
  2. Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25
  3. Zoning Text Amendment No. 16-005 and Local Coastal Program Amendment No. 16-007 – Amendments to Chapter 12.02 (Wireless Facilities in Public Right-of-Way) and Chapter 17.46 (Wireless Telecommunications Antennas and Facilities) of the Malibu Municipal Code, and Sections 2.2 and 3.16, Chapter 13 and Appendix 1 (Table B Permitted Uses) of the Local Coastal Program Local Implementation Plan to modify regulations, procedures, and application requirements for the installation of wireless communications facilities

Old Business:

  1. None.

New Business: 

  1. Resolution Establishing Criteria for Declaring a Local Emergency During Periods of High Fire Risk

Council Items:

  1. None.

To view the full City Council Agenda, visit malibucity.org/virtualmeetings.

Calendar for the week of June 20

By
Samantha Bravo
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Escondido Trails is a 3.8 mile round trip hike in Malibu. Photo by Samantha Bravo/TMT.

FRI, JUNE 21

FREE SUMMER SOLSTICE SUNSET YOGA

Join a free sunset yoga class overlooking the Pacific Ocean on the Summer Solstice on Friday, June 21, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Malibu Bluffs Park. The workshop is designed for ages 16 and older and will be led by local meditation, yoga, and wellness instructors from The Mindry. Pre-registration is recommended but not required. For more information, visit malibucity.org.

FRI, JUNE 21

CHARMLEE WILDERNESS PARK SUNSET HIKE

Enjoy a hike during the golden hour at Charmlee Wilderness Park on Friday, June 21, from 7:15 to 8:45 p.m. Explore the flower-filled landscape and learn about the region’s history and ecosystems while enjoying healthy outdoor exercise and the benefits to well-being of immersion in nature. Participants should feel comfortable walking on uneven terrain. Bring appropriate shoes and clothes for evening temperatures and hiking, and water. The program is free, and reservations are required. For more information, visit the Outdoor Recreation webpage at malibucity.org.

SAT, JUNE 22

STOKED MALIBU ART GALLERY

Please join the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu’s Third Space for their Grand Opening of “STOKED MALIBU GALLERY! SUN. SURF. SKATE.” “Ride the Wave” with award-winning featured artists: Bobbi Benett, Sunny Bak, Kristina Grace, Julia Isabel, Will Pierce, Rob White, and Rivers Redclay. Featuring: DJ Rainbow and live performance by Blaze Olsen. A portion of all sales benefits the BGCM. Opening reception is on Saturday, June 22, from 5 to 9 p.m.

SUN, JUNE 23

PAINT AND SIP AT ROSENTHAL WINES

Join Rosenthal Wines on Sunday, June 23, at 1 p.m. for their Paint and Sup hosted by Paint Moore. Enjoy the afternoon with a friend or a group of friends painting and sipping. Tickets cost $39. Canvas, paint materials, and instructor are included in the ticket. Participants get 20 percent off all wine sales. For more information and where to purchase tickets, visit @rosenthalwines on Instagram.

MON, JUNE 24

WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FACILITY ORDINANCE HEARING

The Malibu City Council will hold a public hearing on June 24 to consider the California Coastal Commission’s (CCC) suggested modifications to the city’s proposed amendments to the Local Coastal Program (LCP) and to make amendments to the Malibu Municipal Code. On Feb. 7, the CCC held a public hearing on the City’s proposed amendments to the LCP Local Implementation Plan Section 3.16, and certified it with suggested modifications. For more information, visit the Wireless Communication Facility webpage at malibucity.org.

TUES, JUNE 24

MALIBU ARTS COMMISSION MEETING

The Malibu Arts Commission Regular Meeting is taking place in-person at the Malibu City Hall multipurpose room from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

TUES, JUNE 25

2024 ELECTION VOLUNTEER KICKOFF PARTY

The Malibu Democratic Club invites you to join us for a 2024 Election Volunteer Kickoff Party, on Tuesday, June 25, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Clubhouse in Point Dume Club, 29500 Heathercliff Road. During this event, we will write postcards to voters and provide training for those interested in volunteering to make phone calls and canvass voters — in California and beyond! Please join us for this informational night to learn effective ways to pitch in and make a difference during this incredibly important election year! Pizza and beverages will be provided. To RSVP, please go to tiny.cc/MDC62524.

TUES, JUNE 25

MALIBU LIBRARY SPEAKER SERIES: AUTHOR THOMAS LEVENSON

Malibu Library Speaker Series presents author and MIT professor Thomas Levenson discussing his book “Money for Nothing: The Scientists, Fraudsters and Corrupt Politicians Who Reinvented Money, Panicked a Nation, and Made The World Rich.” Levenson is also a columnist for the Boston Globe’s Ideas section, contributes regularly to The Atlantic Monthly online, and has over the years published numerous articles in a wide range of magazines, newspapers, and online venues.

This event takes place at Malibu Library. RSVPs are required. Attendance is limited, and advance registration is required. Please register every individual in your party, including kids. This will be used to save your spots in the program. We cannot guarantee availability for any unregistered attendees. To register visit lacountylibrary.org/location/malibu-library/.

WED, JUNE 26

PUBLIC WORKS COMMISSION MEETING

Join the City of Malibu and the Public Works Commission on Wednesday, June 26, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. for its monthly meeting at City Hall. 

WED, JUNE 26

EXPLORE 3D PRINTING: SPIRAL ART

Create spiral art using a 3D-printed spirograph at the Malibu Library from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Watch a 3D printer create the components and draw your own colorful geometric patterns. For children, ages 5-12 with their parent or caregiver. This program is part of the Summer Discovery Program at Malibu Library.

WED, JUNE 26

EMILY SHANE FOUNDATION FUNDRAISER

Join The Emily Shane Foundation on Wednesday, June 26, at ISLA for a fundraiser event from 4 to 10 p.m. A percentage of the purchases will be donated to the foundations SEA Program which empowers underserved middle schoolers across LA. Located at 2424 Main St. in Santa Monica. Reservations can be made by calling (310) 310-2137 or by visiting Resy.

THURS, JUNE 27

SENIOR LUNCHEON: SQUEEZE THE DAY

Join the Malibu Communuty Service Department on Thursday, June 27, from 12 to 1:30 p.m. at the Malibu Senior Center. Lunch will be catered by El Pollo Loco and entertainment will be a variety show provided by Wendy Becker and Rik Howard. Pre-registration is required. Maximum 70 participants.

THURS, JUNE 27

MUSIC TOGETHER FOR BABIES AND TODDLERS 

Families will sing, move, and play child-friendly instruments together with Cheryl Lev on Thursday, July 27, from 11 to 11:30 a.m. at the Malibu Library. For children ages 0-3 and their caregivers. Sponsored by the Friends of the Malibu Library.

THURS, JUNE 27

DUNGEONS AND DRAGONS FOR TWEENS AND TEENS 

Join us to learn and play the popular role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons on Thursday, June 27, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Malibu Library. Beginners and experts are welcome. For tweens and teens ages 12-17. Sponsored by the Friends of the Malibu Library.

SAT, JUNE 29

OUTDOOR YOGA AT KING GILLETTE RANCH

Find your center in the outdoors. Join instructors Greg and Dawn for a unique kundalini yoga and wellness experience under the sycamores, with live acoustic music from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, June 29. All skill levels are welcome. Free event, free parking.  Reservations required. For reservations or more info, please contact samo@wnpa.org. Santa Monica Mountains Visitor Center, King Gillette Ranch, 26876 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas.

SUN, JULY 14

MALIBU DEMOCRATIC CLUB TO HOST A BEACH CLEANUP AT ZUMA BEACH

Come join the Malibu Democratic Club working to keep our beaches clean and enjoy gathering for a fun lunch at a local favorite. We will meet at Zuma Beach in the northernmost part of the parking lot at 10 a.m. Park in the lot, or if available, on PCH. After the beach cleanup, we will meet for lunch at noon at Spruzzo’s, 29575 Pacific Coast Highway. You may attend both or either of the activities. For more information and to RSVP, please go to tiny.cc/MDC71424.

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. Next one is July 10.

‘JEWELRY-MAKING EXPERIENCE’ AT THIRD SPACE MALIBU

The community is invited to join Third Space Malibu’s Kidd’s Jewelry Heist “Jewelry-Making Experience” every Sunday throughout May 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. If interested, please RSVP at thirdspacemalibu.org/pages/workshops. 

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 size eight 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. 

A new real estate record has been set in California and again in Malibu

By
Judy Abel
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The massive estate that spans over 9.5 acres includes a 15,000-square-foot Palladio-style home and 300 feet of ocean frontage. (Google Earth)

A mansion on the north end of Malibu just sold for a record $210 million topping the $200 million price Jay-Z and Beyonce paid for a Malibu house last year. This latest mega sale was made off-market by an unknown buyer. The seller, James Jannard, founded the sunglasses and apparel company Oakley. Jannard bought the oceanfront estate in 2012 for only $75 million. It had changed hands twice before and was sold for $31 million in 2002. The estate boasts 9.5 acres and includes 300 feet of oceanfront near El Pescador Beach. 

The main house consists of 15,000 square feet with 14 bedrooms.

Malibu now accounts for California’s three highest sales with this week’s latest, last year’s Jay-Z/Beyonce sale and last week’s purchase of a Point Dume home by Laurene Powell Jobs for $94 million. 

Shane Gang Pictures’ ’21 Miles in Malibu’ triumphs at the 45th Annual Telly Awards 

By
The Malibu Times
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0
These still photos of the Pacific Coast Highway and the traffic crashes that happen on the road are part of Michel Shane's film "21 Miles in Malibu." Photos Courtesy of Michel Shane.

Shane Gang Pictures is thrilled to announce that its impactful film, “21 Miles in Malibu,” has been honored with Three Silver Telly Awards at the prestigious 45th Annual Telly Awards. This recognition underscores the film’s powerful storytelling and ability to drive meaningful change.

The Telly Awards are renowned for celebrating excellence in video and television across all screens. This year’s competition was fierce, with a record-breaking nearly 13,000 entries from top content creators around the globe. “21 Miles in Malibu” stood out in the highly competitive Non-Broadcast — Advocacy & Causes category, impressing the judging council with its compelling exploration of social issues.

“We’re absolutely thrilled and humbled by this recognition,” said Michel Shane, producer of “21 Miles in Malibu.” “This film was a labor of love by myself and Nic Davis, the film director, and to see it resonating with audiences and industry leaders alike is truly gratifying. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling to inspire action and create a safer, more just community.”

The full list of the 45th Annual Telly Awards winners can be found at tellyawards.com/winners.

Manhattanhenge 2024 offers spectacular NYC sight

By
Judy Abel
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0
Manhattanhenge in New York City, seen from 42nd street.

Malibu Times reporter experiences fascinating urban solar event

A spectacular sight hit New York City May 29 with the occurrence of the twice-yearly Manhattanhenge phenomenon, otherwise known as Manhattan’s Summer solstice. The word, Manhattanhenge, coined by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson is indeed a nod to Stonehenge although much easier to get to, but not guaranteed if the weather doesn’tcooperate.

Just as in England, where the summer solstice aligns perfectly with the ancient Stonehenge monument built by the Druids, NYC’s Manhattanhenge is a natural phenomenon in which the setting sun aligns perfectly between the city’seast/west street grid highlighting the architectural grandeur of New York City instead of stone monoliths. This spectacular event attracts photographers, locals, and tourists alike, offering a unique spectacle in one of the world’sbusiest cities and no ticket required! 2024’s first Manhattanhenge once again drew crowds (including this reporter) eager to witness the interplay of natural and urban elements and a moment of awe amidst the hustle and bustle of city life.

This journalist, frequently in NYC, reported on Manhattanhenge seven years ago for The Malibu Times, but just as eclipse chasing doesn’t guarantee a sighting, my quest to witness the rare solar event in person was dashed due to inclement weather. In 2017, after traveling to the easternmost part of the city, Roosevelt Island, by air tram, no less, that broke down due to overcrowding, leaving the tram dangling more than 60 feet in the air … after all the effort to get to a west-facing street, typical East Coast overcast skies dimmed the sun, making 2017’s Manhattanhenge a hazy dud.

2024’s first Manhattanhenge occurrence was a success on May 29 and 30. Crowds started gathering on busy midtown’seast/west facing streets in anticipation of the sun nestling between Gotham’s concrete and steel canyons to witness our solar system’s biggest star “kiss the grid.” The effect is a brilliant glare of golden sunshine placed perfectly in a starring role outshining Broadway’s brightest stars. I watched the spectacle on 44th Street in the heart of the theater district right in front of the Hudson Theater, where earlier in the week I saw Daniel Radcliffe star in the seven-time Tony-nominated“Merrily We Roll Along.”

To experience Manhattanhenge in its full glory, ideal vantage points are highly recommended. The best streets to view the event are the wide, clear cross streets such as 14th, 23rd, 34th, 42nd, and 57th streets, all subway stops. These locations offer unobstructed views of the sunset, with 34th and 42nd streets being particularly popular due to iconic backdrops like the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building adding even more charm to these monuments’enduring appeal.

Manhattanhenge not only provides a visual feast, but also underscores the intricate relationship between nature and urban design. The phenomenon highlights the meticulous planning behind Manhattan’s grid system, designed by the Commissioners’ Plan of 1811. This grid, which orients streets and avenues at precise angles, inadvertently creates the stage for this biannual event.

In addition to its visual appeal, Manhattanhenge also provides educational opportunities. Schools, museums, and science centers often use the event to engage students and the public in discussions about astronomy, urban planning, and the physics of light. It serves as a practical demonstration of celestial mechanics and the impact of human design on our perception of natural phenomena.

There’s still time this year to catch the unique blend of nature and urban life, showcasing the beauty that can arise from their intersection on July 12 and 13 when Manhattanhenge will again reveal its interplay between the cosmos and the city, while being captivating and inspiring.

LA County Lifeguard sues over refusing to work near the rainbow-painted tower at Will Rogers Beach

By
Judy Abel
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0
Lifeguard Tower at Will Rogers State Beach. Photo by Samantha Bravo/TMT.

A devout Christian evangelical who served as a Los Angeles County lifeguard at Will Rogers Beach is suing the county for requiring him to work near a rainbow-painted tower. Jeffrey Little, who’s worked as a county lifeguard for more thantwo decades, also claims he was punished for removing three Pride flags from L.A. County lifeguard towers. The city of Los Angeles and L.A. County both have approved flying LGBTQ+ supportive flags on government buildings.

Little’s station at Will Rogers Beach in Pacific Palisades is home to a historically LGBTQ+ friendly section known as Ginger Rogers Beach, named for the glamorous Hollywood actress and dancer, and known as a gay beach since the 1940s. Little informed his superiors last year that he wanted to be exempt from the county policy of raising a modified version of the rainbow flag that represents people of color, transgender, and nonbinary people. His bosses granted him the exemption, but while re-stationed at Dockweiler Beach Little was ordered to again fly the flags in question. His lawsuit alleges religious discrimination and emotional distress.

Malibu Little League Season closes with parade, trophies, and championships

By
McKenzie Jackson
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0
(From left) Malibu City Councilmembers Marianne Riggins, Paul Grisanti, and Mayor Pro Tem Doug Stewart ride in the Malibu Little League Closing Day Parade. Photo by Emmanuel Luissi

Members of the teams decorated their automobiles into floats on Saturday’s closing day

The Yankees, a team in the Malibu Little League’s AAA division, caught fire in the batter’s box in final weeks of the league’s three-month season. 

Paul Clarke, the coach of the squad of 8- to 10-year-old boys, said the group’s stellar batting was a result of the hard work they had done during practice this spring. 

“We couldn’t hit the baseball early on,” he remembered. “The last few weeks, everybody focused more. They all worked hard at home. They worked with the coaches. It was fantastic.”

The Yankees’ bats stayed aflame during their matchup against the White Sox in the AAA division’s championship game at Bluffs Park on June 8. The Yankees registered hit after hit as they defeated the White Sox 11-6 to win the AAA championship. 

Clarke said it was an honor to lead the Yankees this season.

“They are an incredible group of boys,” he noted. “Always willing to participate, always willing to listen and learn. I’mhappy to be a part of their baseball journey. Seeing these boys evolve and learn new skills has been phenomenal.” 

The Yankees squad included Bali Clarke, Brody Carpenter, Enzo Biedrzycki, Gavin Peterson, James Whitworth, Justus Mancuso, Lucas Diana, Mathis Hebert, Orion Saidoff, Peyton Levangie, and Zade Wilson. When their title victory was secured, the group jumped up and down and high-fived and hugged each other in the infield before they shook their opponents’ hands. 

Cloudy skies and a slight drizzle of rain had no chance in washing away the festive mood of the Malibu Little League’sfinal day. The closing day included a parade, awards and recognitions, championship baseball, and a plethora of smiles beaming off the faces of boys and girls baseball and softball players and their parents on the park’s diamonds. 

The day began with a parade from Malibu Village to Our Lady of Malibu. Automobiles were transformed into floats for the 1-mile drive. There was a jeep covered in pink sticky notes and balloons to celebrate the Barbies softball team. One truck had a Dodgers’ banner on the side with blue tassels lining the hood and front bumper while baseball stickers covered the rest of the vehicle. Another truck had a banner that recognized another softball team, the Fire Ants, on its front bumper. 

Malibu Little League officials and parents pose with Malibu first responders and City Councilmembers during the Malibu Little League Closing Day Parade. Photo by Emmanuel Luissi 

Members of the league’s T-ball, softball, and baseball teams circled the infield of the park’s baseball fields after the parade. League and Malibu city officials gave out awards, recognitions, and team trophies — members of the teams sprinted across the diamond to grab their box of trophies and then head back to their spot in the infield — as music jammed from speakers. 

Malibu Little League President John Alfano said the season was great despite several games being canceled early in the spring due to rain. 

“The talent of the season was awesome,” he said. “The kids really progressed.”

The league included 280 boys and girls, Alfano said, noting that the roster sizes — especially for the softball teams — increased throughout the season.

“It kept growing,” he said. 

Members of each division of the youth league’s all-star teams were recognized, as were standout coaches and team MVPs in each division. Also recognized were the group of 12-year-old standout baseball players who are representing the league in the Cooperstown Baseball World Tournament in New York this month.

Also honored during the ceremony was Laura Angotti, who has coached softball in the league for several years. Angotti’s daughter Lux Geraghty has aged out of the program, so this was the mother’s last season coaching softball. Angotti, who coached the Slay Stealers, a 10U softball team, said coaching her daughter and other girls was an amazingexperience. 

“Teaching the girls this game has been great,” she recalled. “More importantly, watching these girls come together as a team, learn to play together, learn to love each other, learn to support each other, learn to have fun, and watching their confidence grow has been the most valuable thing I have seen. What happens on the field is amazing, but what carries into their lives as young women and the strength and confidence it gives them has been mind blowing.” 

The league, Angotti noted, is a great program.

“The most special thing about this is the time I’ve had with this girl,” Angotti said while standing beside her daughter.“To see her improve and having that bonding time with my baby has been awesome. Spending time with these kids has been worth it.” 

Lux said being coached by her mom was fun.

“She always hypes us up,” she said. “She is fun.” 

Then, it was time to play ball. 

The White Sox struck first in the AAA title game. The team had a 1-0 lead when the Yankees’ Peyton, nicknamed“Bam Bam,” stepped up to the plate. A hit by Peyton drove in his team’s first run. Then, three Yankees — Gavin, Mathis, and Enzo — stole home plate on consecutive plays, giving the Yankees a 4-1 advantage. 

During the opening inning, Yankees coach Clarke told one of his players, who was at the plate, “If you love it. Smack it.” The Yankees swung their bats consistently the rest of game. 

Peyton hit a single and then stole second, third, and home bases in the third inning after the White Sox scored two runs. Gavin scored another run a few moments after hitting a single, giving the Yankees a 6-3 lead. A successful swing of the bat by Enzo drove in a run for the Yankees before the inning ended.

Brody’s double allowed Lucas and Justus to score in the next inning. 

Mathis stole home plate again in the fifth inning, giving his team a 10-4 lead. Enzo crossed home plate to increase their lead. Enzo scored again a few moments after hitting a single to cement his team’s 11-6 title win in the sixth inning. 

The Dodgers defeated another Yankees team 6-5 to win the league’s Major division. Asher Redclay pitched a no-hitter for the winning bunch of 11- and 12-year-olds.

Malibu Little League recognized the players participating in the Cooperstown Baseball World Tournament in New York after the championship games. Photo by McKenzie Jackson
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