Malibu Middle School held 8th grade Exit Interviews, offering students a valuable opportunity to reflect on their middle school journey and practice real-world interview skills. With support from their English Language Arts classes and guidance from staff, students gained confidence and insight as they prepared for the next chapter.
SMMUSD and community leaders, including Superintendent Dr. Shelton, former principal Dr. Mike Matthews, current Malibu Middle principal Greg Schellenberg and Malibu Mayor Marianne Riggins participated in the event as part of the interview panel, providing feedback and encouragement to students. Photos courtesy of Malibu Schools Pathways
After two national training camps, the rising junior sheds hesitation, embraces risk, and returns to the Waves
Pepperdine Waves women’s soccer player Julia Quinonez, 20, previously a cautious forward on the pitch, was encouraged to take more risks when the soccer ball is between her cleats during her two recent stints at U.S. Under-20 Women’s National Team Training Camps.
The rising junior initially hesitated to make mistakes in front of Team USA coaches, but she quickly booted that mindset off the field.
“Honestly, that is the whole point of these camps, making sure you do make mistakes,” Quinonez explained. “What do you do after you make mistakes? Do you win the ball back? Do you put your head down and forget that it ever happened? Take chances you get, like taking shots on goal — whether it is a good one or bad one — be brave in front of the goal.”
Quinonez was one of 23 players from across the U.S. who participated in the American U-20 team’s May 25 to June 1 training camp in Fayetteville, Georgia. The weeklong camp, led by Seattle Reign FC assistant coach Kate Norton, gave top players with aspirations of joining the U-23 or the senior national teams an opportunity to continue developing within the U.S. Soccer program.
USC’s Faith George and Alyssa Gonzalez, Stanford’s Shae Harvey and Charlotte Kohler, Wake Forest’s Sierra Sythe, and Quinonez were the Californians participating in the camp.
Quinonez was also one of the 23 players at the March 31 – April 7 U-20 camp in Kansas City, Mo.
She was nervous before her first training camp but settled once play began.
“I got comfortable with the ball, I realized how fast the pace was, and the girls were super, super nice,” Quinonez said. “I shook all the nerves off and played my best.”
Pepperdine Waves head coach Ward said the first camp was a positive experience for Quinonez, and he and his coaching staff “saw her turn corners with both performance and confidence following that camp.”
“The only advice I gave her going into this second camp was to enjoy the moment and be confident in who God made you to be,” Ward said. “In other words, just be the best version of yourself, and good things will surely follow.”
Quinonez, a Torrance native, was the West Coast Conference Freshman of the Year in 2023. In her first two seasons as a Wave, she kicked eight goals — including one game winner — and five assists. Quinonez was called up by the U20 Mexican National Team after her freshman season and scored a goal on the U.S. U-20 squad in a friendly.
Quinonez played more like a midfielder during this year’s U.S. U-20 camps. She adapted to the faster pace and made quicker decisions under pressure.
“I learned how to shape my angle and how aggressive and fast you can go to press the ball,” Quinonez noted. “When you get the ball, you don’t have much time to fool around and think, so it’s learning how to open up your body and scan quickly because of the press.”
She also accepted critiques of her soccer game.
“I learned to be open to feedback — whether it is high or negative,” she said.
Ward said Quinonez’s involvement in the national program reflects the strength of Pepperdine’s soccer culture.
“We’re proud that she got invited into camp,” he said. “She deserves it.”
Quinonez is playing in the Women’s Premier Soccer League, an amateur professional league, before Pepperdine begins preseason training next month.
She hopes to bring her U-20 experience into the Waves’ upcoming season.
“If you don’t make any mistakes or you are not having fun, you’re not showing how good you are,” Quinonez said.
Malibu Divers’ Barbara Gentile collaborates with Surfrider Foundation to collaboratively assess the effect of fire-caused toxins
When the Palisades Fire occurred, researchers from University of California San Diego’s Scripps Institute of Oceanography and NOAA Fishery Southwest Fishery Science Center were collecting samples from the NOAA Ship Reuben Lasker, which left San Diego Jan. 3 and sailed along the California Coast for an ongoing survey project.According to an article published by Scripps, scientists on board the research boat reported that the smoke billowing from the fire dropped ash and debris that coated the ocean surface as far as 100 miles offshore.
The first Tesla Fire
The Malibu Divers group has been scouring the ocean to determine the effects of smoke and ash from the Palisades Fire settling into ocean waters. Photo courtesy of Barbara Gentile
When Malibuites, first responders and governmental leaders from various agencies gathered at Malibu High School a few days after the Palisades Fire broke out, several panelists speaking to the group noted that it was the first time Tesla lithium batteries from burned-out cars and Tesla home powerwalls were destroyed in wildfires in large quantities.
Whether ash was deposited right along Malibu’s coast or settled in the sea further away from the coastline, the urban source of fallout from the Palisades Fire presents a new opportunity to sample ash containing lithium and other substances ranging from household chemicals and building materials, scientists noted. “These fires are not only consuming vegetation but also massive amounts of urban infrastructure,” said Project Leader Julie Dinasquet of Scripps Oceanography as the fire still raged on. “This introduces a novel ‘urban ash’ component to the wildfire source, filled with exceptionally toxic materials such as heavy metals like lead, and arsenic, as well as asbestos fibers, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and microplastics. These fires pose a significant threat to both humans and ecosystems through the introduction of a large amount of toxic material in the system.”
Malibu Fire Debris Ocean Recovery Project
Readers may wonder whether government agencies or nonprofit groups are working within the fire scar in Malibu along the coast where homes burned and recent mudslides deposited debris to determine what harm the fire caused to the ocean plant ecosystems and wildlife near Malibu, whether and how any damage can be remediated, and who will lead such efforts.
The answers to those queries are both complicated and unbelievably inadequate. According to Barbara Gentile, a research diver and co-owner of Malibu Divers, there is no agency taking the initiative to assess fire-related damage to kelp forests and other ecosystems along Malibu’s coastline. Rather, Gentile and a group of concerned local citizens are trying to assessthe damage and advocate for efforts to mitigate any harm as much as possible.
Gentile’s project, dubbed the Malibu Fire Debris Ocean Recovery Project, consists of an ad hoc local Malibu group composed of community members, divers, and stewards of the environment. “The project is collaborating with Heal the Bay, which will contribute scientific expertise and advocacy and Occidental College, which will contribute to research and ecological analyses,” Gentile said. “The project’s goal is to identify and safely remove post-fire debris from reef and eelgrass habitats. Methods employed for the project include side scan sonar and supportive diver verification and possibly water quality sampling.”
The group recently conducted a dive survey on our first underwater debris reconnaissance, Gentile noted, adding, “We covered five different sites along roughly 8 miles of coastline from Will Rogers to Carbon Beach with five divers (scuba and freediver) and one topside support.
“On dive 1, the group encountered a layer of black ash/soot covering the sand and basically zero visibility. As we traveled west, it got progressively better, but not much better, attaining only 3- to 4-foot visibility at best.”
Overall, she reported, “The group encountered very low visibility, an unexpected great white sighting, and a lot of unanswered questions about where and how to best focus our efforts.”
“Our long-term vision is to attain a cleaner, safer nearshore environment and a replicable model for post-fire coastal response,” she explained. “The field work is very important — especially knowing that some of this debris may include hazardous materials that could affect our reefs, wildlife, and even the broader coastal ecosystem.”
Gentile explained that hers is, “truly a community-led effort consisting of an incredible group of passionate local Malibu residents who’ve come together informally to help protect our home waters.” Addressing the group’s planned efforts, she stated, “Our next steps involve side scan sonar surveys to identify debris fields — ideally in combination with eelgrass mapping — so we can plan safe and effective cleanup dives. We’re committed to doing this right, using science and local knowledge together.”
Gentile bemoaned that the group’s efforts are being slightly thwarted due to, “substantial funding reductions from governmental bodies, which has unfortunately constrained our operational capacity.”
However, she noted that the group is conducting further dives and intends to collect water samples, which will contributeto ongoing monitoring efforts.
One thing is clear, Gentile noted, “Searching by dive alone is too slow and inefficient for the scale of what we’re trying to do. We need to find a boat equipped with side-scan sonar or to connect with someone who has expertise in sonar operation. I’m open to renting equipment if needed, but would appreciate any help locating resources or skilled folks in this area.”
To contact Gentile about her project, email her at Barbara@malibudivers.com.
A night of hope, honor, and urgency for The Emily Shane Foundation
The evening of Thursday, May 29, brought a sense of purpose and urgency to Café Habana as community members gathered for the 10th annual Wings Over Malibu, a signature fundraising event benefiting The Emily Shane Foundation and its SEA (Successful Educational Achievement) Program. Originally scheduled to take place at Duke’s Malibu, the event was rescheduled and relocated due to the Palisades Fire and a subsequent mudslide that temporarily closed the iconic beachfront restaurant. Café Habana graciously stepped in, offering its open-air space for a night that was both celebratory and sobering.
The well-attended gala honored Malibu City Councilmember Haylynn Conrad for her continued dedication to youth and education. The evening featured performances by harpist Radha Botofasina and Dance Star Malibu, heartfelt speeches, and a lively auction — but through it all was a shared recognition: The Emily Shane Foundation is facing an unprecedented funding crisis.
“We’re deeply grateful to everyone who supported Wings Over Malibu— whether you attended in person or bid in our online silent auction,” said Ellen Shane, founder and executive director of the foundation. “The community’s generosity helps our students transform and soar, just like the butterflies that symbolize our mission.”
The foundation was created in memory of Ellen and Michel Shane’s daughter, Emily, who was tragically killed on Pacific Coast Highway in 2010. A middle schooler who had faced academic challenges, Emily’s story became the heart of a mission to support other students like her. Since its inception, the SEA Program has uplifted hundreds of struggling middle schoolers across the region through one-on-one mentorship and academic support.
In 2024, State Sen. Ben Allen recognized their work when the foundation was named Senate District 24’s Nonprofit of the Year. However, recent natural disasters — including the Palisades Fire — have strained the organization’s resources, threatening the future of its programs.
“The night was a success,” said co-founder Michel Shane. “And yet, if we can’t raise critical funds now, it could be our last. We’ve never faced a situation this dire. It’s not just the SEA Program at stake — it’s the futures of the kids we serve.”
Among the evening’s most touching moments was the presentation of an award to Conrad. Accompanied by her daughter, she was recognized for her tireless work in supporting education and youth empowerment — a moment that underscored the generational impact of community leadership.
Another highlight came when a seventh-grade student named Gabe, joined by his father and mentor Emily, shared his journey with the SEA Program. He spoke movingly about how the foundation helped him build confidence, improve in school, and discover a sense of direction and hope.
Local leaders, families, and education advocates filled the room, including Kevin Keegan, president of the PTSA Executive Board for Malibu Middle and High School; and Karin Al-Hardan, president of the Malibu Education Foundation. Members of the Malibu Chamber of Commerce, the Women’s Leadership Committee, and LA County Sheriff Commander Jennifer Seetoo were also in attendance, underscoring the wide-reaching support for the foundation’smission.
The live auction added energy and enthusiasm to the night, with travel packages to Waikiki, Cancun, and Crete prompting friendly bidding wars. While the proceeds from the evening will help sustain the foundation’s efforts, Ellen and Michel Shane were candid about the pressing need for ongoing support.
“This night was beautiful,” Ellen said. “But if it doesn’t translate into tangible, ongoing support, we risk losing the very lifeline we’ve built for these students.”
Dozens of volunteers and supporters contributed to the event’s success behind the scenes, crafting an elegant and meaningful evening that highlighted the heart of the foundation’s work. The challenges facing the organization extend beyond the night’s festivities — and so does the call to action.
The Emily Shane Foundation is currently seeking new board members, dedicated volunteers, and long-term sponsors. Grant writers, in particular, could play a vital role in helping secure the future of the SEA Program.
“This wasn’t just a gala,” Michel emphasized. “It was a lifeline, a rally cry, and a reminder of what community looks like.”
For more information or to contribute to The Emily Shane Foundation, visit emilyshane.org. As the organization’sfounders made clear, this is more than a fundraiser — it’s a fight for the future.
“We are beyond grateful for the outpouring of love and support,” said Ellen. “Seeing our community come together with such heart reminds us why we do this work — and gives us hope that, together, we can continue to change lives.”
If you’ve ever attended a Malibu Planning Commission meeting, you’ve heard it, “This project doesn’t meet the neighborhood character.” It’s a phrase tossed around like legal scripture, yet no one — not residents, not developers, noteven city staff — seems able to define exactly what it means. At the last meeting, when I asked, “What exactly is neighborhood character?” I was told, “You know it when you see it.” hmmmmm….
That’s a problem.
“Neighborhood character” is one of the most invoked but least defined concepts in Malibu’s planning process. It shows up in appeals, in letters to the city, in endless rounds of public comment. One person says a home violates it because it’s too tall. Another says it’s because it’s too spread out, and another says it’s too clustered. Someone else insists it’s about landscaping, square footage, or terraces.
What results is a frustrating cycle of subjective opinion masquerading as policy — and an unpredictable experience for residents, Council, and applicants alike.
Part of the confusion comes from a lack of distinction between neighborhood standards and neighborhood character.
Standards are measurable: height limits, setbacks.
Character is qualitative, the look, feel, and rhythm of a neighborhood. A home can meet every code and still feel totally out of place.
The irony is, we all care about neighborhood character. We moved to Malibu because of it. We fight to protect it. But if we can’t define it clearly, we risk turning it into a catch-all weapon — used arbitrarily, inconsistently, and sometimes unfairly.
This isn’t just a philosophical debate — it’s rooted in Malibu’s very identity. Our city’s Mission Statement emphasizes preserving the natural environment and supporting a safe, sustainable residential community.
The General Plan goes further, stating the need to maintain Malibu’s “rural character” and ensure development reflects our “unique character as a rural residential community set in a natural environment.” In other words, we already say we care about character —we just haven’t said clearly what that means. Without clarity, we risk undermining the very values our city was founded to protect.
In a recent appeal, it became painfully clear how elusive and slippery this concept really is. I was deeply disappointed by how neighbors were treating each other. If this had been about the character of our neighbors, the project would’ve failed on both sides. The highly emotional tone of the conflict reflected a larger breakdown — not just in civility, but in the structure of the process itself.
Maybe “neighborhood character” means respecting the community and checking with neighbors at the very beginning of the application process — especially when variances are involved.
Maybe it means putting up story poles sooner, inviting neighbors into the process earlier, and getting it in writing — not just once public opposition has already boiled over into an expensive and bitter battle.
I’ve seen projects delayed, appealed, or denied for vague aesthetic reasons, even when they meet the technical requirements. I’ve also seen neighbors use “neighborhood character” as a stand-in for discomfort with change—whether that means bigger homes, different styles, or just a Malibu they no longer recognize. This is the future of our city with the fire rebuilds. This is one of my fears for the next four years.
To make matters more complicated, neighborhood character varies from neighborhood to neighborhood. What fits on Murphy Way may feel totally wrong in Big Rock. That’s not a flaw — it’s a reflection of Malibu’s unique geography, lot size, and diversity of design. But our policies don’t reflect that nuance. Instead, they treat character like a one-size-fits-all judgment call.
Most importantly, residents must help define it. Their voices are crucial. What do you see as the defining qualities of your neighborhood? What do you want to protect? What makes your street or canyon feel like home? Should character be defined neighborhood by neighborhood?
We also need to define what we mean by “rural.” That word appears in our foundational documents, too, but ask five people what rural means, and you’ll get five different answers. Does it mean no sidewalks? Low density? Agricultural zoning? A particular aesthetic? Street lights? Horses and split rail fencing? If we can’t agree on what these terms mean, maybe we shouldn’t rely on them to make land use decisions.
Without clearer definitions and community input, the process becomes reactive and inconsistent. It erodes public trust. People stop believing the system is fair. And when planning decisions are based more on the volume of opposition than on shared principles, everyone loses.
Let’s define “neighborhood character” before it defines us—unfairly, unpredictably, and in ways we never intended.
Sharks come within two strokes of the title, capping a strong season with second straight third-place finish
The Malibu High Sharks boys golf team placed third at the CIF Southern Section Division 6 Team Championship for the second consecutive season on May 19 at Meadowlark Golf Course in Huntington Beach.
The Sharks were two strokes away from claiming the championship.
The team’s head coach, Anna Deshautelle, said Malibu played outstandingly.
“When we had the lead, we were playing really well,” she said. “As a team, this was probably our best effort of the season. We were solid as a team.”
Alta Loma claimed the title with 411 points. Damien placed second with 412. Malibu’s 413 slotted them third. The field included 17 other teams.
Sophomore Maxon Chiate and senior Hank Norby each shot 78 to lead the Sharks, while senior Brody Graham finished with 79. Senior Roman Parra had 87, senior Rhys Alterman had 91, and Remington Runyan had 107.
The Malibu High Sharks boys golf team placed third at the CIF Southern Section Division 6 Team Championship on May 19. Photo courtesy of the Malibu High Boys Golf team
The Sharks — propelled by savvy putting — started the match hot and led the field through the first nine holes. But their momentum cooled during the final stretch, Deshautelle explained.
“We were solid on the front nine,” she recalled. “On the back nine, we had a couple of missed strokes, and a couple of bad luck things happened. I could see we had the banner but then we didn’t. That’s golf, though.”
Malibu entered the championship with confidence, having won the Citrus Coast League title. Graham won league MVP honors, and he and Chiate competed in the individual golf championship on May 15.
“I felt like we were in a good position,” Deshautelle said. “Finishing third in CIF Division 6 isn’t a bad season.”
She praised the squad’s four seniors, who are heading off to college.
“Hopefully, they keep playing golf for fun,” she said. “Golf is a game you can play your whole life. It can open doors for you if you go out and play with the right people. I’m hopeful they will keep playing recreationally.”
Federal troops arrive following riots, unrest, and arrests of undocumented immigrants with violent records
In response to growing tensions, riots, and threats to federal property, the federal government has deployed National Guard troops under a directive signed by President Donald Trump. The move comes on the heels of arrests involving more than a dozen undocumented immigrants, whom the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) described as among the “worst of the worst” criminal offenders.
In a statement posted Saturday to social media, Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsay Horvath condemned the federal immigration raids and resulting unrest, asserting that the situation has devastated communities and upended lives. “People were living their lives — working, raising kids, seeking care — until ICE came to tear it all apart,” she wrote. “Now families are in hiding, workers are afraid to leave home, and children are wondering if their parents will come back.”
Horvath criticized the actions as politically motivated, calling them an abuse of power aimed at punishing immigrants and making examples of vulnerable neighbors. She placed direct blame on the federal administration for creating and escalating the chaos, adding, “They instigated it. They’re taking advantage of vulnerable people — and then blaming them for the fallout. We won’t let this stand.” Horvath urged residents to know their rights, protect one another, and stay safe, linking to the county’s official resource: oia.lacounty.gov/kyr/.
Later that day, tensions flared when objects were reportedly thrown at deputies and federal agents. Video footage shared on social media and news broadcasts captured scenes of looting, vehicles set ablaze, and tear gas deployed as authorities responded with less-than-lethal munitions to disperse the growing crowd.
As violence escalated, the Sheriff’s Department declared the Paramount protest an unlawful assembly. By Saturday evening, similar unrest prompted the Los Angeles Police Department’s Central Division to declare another unlawful assembly downtown at 9:05 p.m., warning demonstrators to disperse or face arrest.
On Sunday morning, the deployment was carried out by the 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) of the California National Guard. Approximately 300 soldiers were stationed at three undisclosed locations across the greater Los Angeles area. Their stated mission is to protect federal property and personnel in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security.
According to U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM), “elements of the 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team from the California National Guard have begun deploying to the Los Angeles area, with some already on the ground. Additional information will be provided as units are identified and deployed.”
On June 7, President Donald J. Trump issued a memorandum invoking 10 U.S.C. 12406, a federal statute authorizing the activation of the National Guard to respond to domestic threats. Citing recent violent protests, threats to immigration detention centers, and interference with federal law enforcement operations, the President characterized the acts as “a form of rebellion against the authority of the Government of the United States.”
The President’s directive authorized the temporary federalization of at least 2,000 National Guard personnel for a period of 60 days or at the discretion of the Secretary of Defense. The order also permits the use of regular Armed Forces personnel to support operations deemed necessary to safeguard federal missions.
“To carry out this mission, the deployed military personnel may perform those military protective activities that the Secretary of Defense determines are reasonably necessary to ensure the protection and safety of Federal personnel and property,” the statement read.
“These rioters in Los Angeles are fighting to keep rapists, murderers, and other violent criminals loose on Los Angeles streets,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “Instead of rioting, they should be thanking ICE officers every single day who wake up and make our communities safer.”
The DHS identified and named a few individuals arrested in the operation:
Cuong Chanh Phan, 49, from Vietnam: Convicted of second-degree murder, sentenced to 15 years to life.
Rolando Veneracion-Enriquez, 55, from the Philippines: Convictions include burglary, sexual penetration with a foreign object with force, and assault with intent to commit rape; sentenced to 37 years in prison.
Lionel Sanchez-Laguna, 55, from Mexico: Multiple convictions in Orange, CA, including discharging a firearm at a dwelling, battery, child cruelty, DUI, and assault with a semi-automatic firearm; various sentences including jail time and probation.
Armando Ordaz, 44, from Mexico: Criminal history includes sexual battery, receiving stolen property, and petty theft in Los Angeles and Norwalk.
Francisco Sanchez-Arguello, 38, from Mexico: Arrested for grand theft larceny and possession of a prohibited weapon.
Jose Gregorio Medranda Ortiz, 42, from Ecuador: Convicted of conspiracy to possess and distribute cocaine while on a vessel; sentenced to over 11 years in prison.
Victor Mendoza-Aguilar, 32, from Mexico: Convicted of multiple offenses in Pasadena, including drug possession, assault with a deadly weapon, and obstructing a public officer.
Delfino Aguilar-Martinez, 51, from Mexico: Convicted of assault with a deadly weapon causing great bodily injury in Los Angeles.
Jose Cristobal Hernandez-Buitron, 43, from Peru: Convicted of robbery; sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Jordan Mauricio Meza-Esquibel, 32, from Honduras: Arrested for drug distribution (heroin and cocaine) and domestic violence.
Jesus Alan Hernandez-Morales, 26, from Mexico: Convicted of conspiracy to transport an illegal alien in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
Full press release and mug shots are available here.
ICE officials stated that all individuals are being processed for removal, and several face further federal charges.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass condemned the deployment of federalized troops, calling it “a chaotic escalation” and warned of the emotional toll on the city’s immigrant communities.
“This morning, President Trump deployed the National Guard into Los Angeles,” Bass posted on social media. “The fear people are feeling in our city right now is very real — it’s felt in our communities and within our families and it puts our neighborhoods at risk. This is the last thing that our city needs, and I urge protestors to remain peaceful.”
Bass emphasized that she had been in communication with immigrant rights advocates and local law enforcement, reiterating, “Los Angeles will always stand with everyone who calls our city home.”
The situation in Los Angeles is part of a broader federal crackdown on undocumented immigrants with criminal histories and an increasing focus on public safety as a justification for immigration enforcement. The political and legal tensions between state and federal authorities are particularly visible in California, where state and local policies have often diverged from federal immigration priorities.
Law enforcement has used less-than-lethal munitions in some instances to disperse crowds. Officials say they are working to prevent further escalation and are encouraging community members to stay calm and lawful in their expression of dissent.
The federal deployment is expected to remain in effect for up to 60 days unless altered by the Secretary of Defense. Additional troops could be sent, and further ICE operations are reportedly planned for Southern California in the coming weeks.
As the situation develops, the tension between local governance, federal authority, and community sentiment remains at the forefront of national conversation. The coming days may define not only the outcome of these enforcement actions, but the broader relationship between state and federal powers in the arena of immigration law and public safety.
This is a developing situation, and we will provide updates as more information becomes available.This is a developing situation, and we will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Residents feel listened to as Roy intercedes on their behalf with city officials
“We need solutions — not delays,” said Jo Drummond, a Big Rock resident whose home burned down in the Palisades Fire. “A rebuilding ambassador will help identify bottlenecks and help us find solutions.”
The City Council unanimously appointed Abe Roy, a contractor who lives on Big Rock, to serve as a rebuild ambassador who will be an intermediary between owners, their design-build teams and city staff in the planning and public safety department. “Very broadly, my position creates a formal way to create and facilitate collaborative interaction between those who seek rebuilding permits and the City Council, city manager, and city staff as well as fire department officials who will ultimately approve a property’s turn arounds for fire engines and access areas for emergency responders,” Roy said.
“The root of the problems involving permit application processing delays is the sheer number of ‘discretionary elements,’ in the city’s processes — those leave too much for interpretation and allow for the goalposts to change over time within the city staff,” Roy continued.
Because of past delays experienced by rebuilding fire victims after the Woolsey Fire, Roy seeks to expeditiously solve any problems or misunderstandings that cause permit processing delays and impediments.
“We need to define the elements involved in processing permits with granularity so there is no ambiguity and so that everyone is literally working off the same page — and accomplishing those goals is very doable!” he said. “Significant improvement can be achieved by applying best practices and implementing practical, common-sense solutions — there is a vast, untapped talent pool within the community and private sectors that we must actively engage. By doing that, we can not just be better than we were during the Woolsey permit processing, but an order of magnitude better, which is in Malibu’s best interests.”
Furthermore, Roy opined, “Those who burned out in Big Rock have details concerning their rebuilding that differ markedly from the challenges faced by coastal owners and, in turn, by those in Carbon Mesa and Carbon Canyon who are grappling with how to meet the fire department’s access mandates and District 29’s water flow and availability requirements. For every permit applicant, there are property-specific challenges and nuances that could create delays unless those in the city, owner, and their contractors approach problems from a team-building perspective.”
Clear communication early on is pivotal
“When rebuilding one-third of Malibu, it’s imperative that owners and city officials can clearly communicate and that owners and fire department officials, who will ultimately approve each property’s turn arounds for fire engines and access for emergency responders, effectively discuss details and solutions,” Roy advocated.
Discussing her perspective concerning the role of the ambassador, City Councilmember Haylynnn Conrad stated, “Abe’s role must be built on partnership, not power.”
Drummond isn’t the only resident facing the daunting rebuilding process who advocated for, and sees great value in, having Roy serve as ambassador.
From coastal lot owner Carl Randall’s point of view, having Roy as rebuilding ambassador can help move things along as those with coastal lots and the city address whether to install a sewer system or, alternatively, the city decides to require fire victims to install upgraded onsite wastewater systems with leach fields and supportive sea walls. Randall notes that those rebuilding on coastal lots also need government authorities to address whether property owners or Caltrans is responsible for building retaining walls damaged by the fire and located on coastal lots adjacent to the Pacific Coast Highway.
Randall, whose home on Dog Beach burned down, notes that before he commits to rebuilding, he needs answers regarding whether the sewer system will be installed. Further, as he did at the very first post-fire community meeting held at Malibu High School a few days after the Palisades Fire, Randall advocates for the Army Corps of Engineers to build a continuous seawall, as doing that would enormously help those rebuilding on coastal lots.
“One step at a time — one permit at a time,” is the only way to rebuild Malibu, Roy notes, as he points out that coordination between those rebuilding will help economies of scale and that sharing relevant data with all fire victims through a designated rebuilding website will help to track rebuilding metrics and progress.
“We need to analyze why some homes on the coast did not burn, while others were lost. After doing so, we need to rebuild taking those factors into account,” Roy said, noting that many of the coastal lots that survived the fire have one thing in common. Showing an image of one such cluster of still-standing coastal homes, he said, “The 7-foot block wall at the foot of the hill on the land side was all that was needed to prevent the remaining homes from burning along the PCH — we need to take that into account as we rebuild!”
Roy helps establish a Zone Captains Core Team for the Malibu Rebuild Task Force
“The Malibu Rebuild Task Force is launching the Zone Captains Core Team to streamline rebuilding efforts,” Roy stated. “We’re organizing homeowners into zones of 25 to 30 homes based on location, with each zone led by a zone captain who will coordinate text/email groups, escalate permit issues, share city updates, track local contractors, negotiate better pricing, and input data into a website to monitor progress.”
Roy predicts all those actions will “boost communication, centralize information, and enhance efficiency through localized collaboration and resource sharing, including sharing relevant data within the zone and the broader task force.”
Simply stated, Roy views rebuilding as a collaboration between the public sector and the residents, and he urges all Malibuites to learn lessons from the past while collaboratively rebuilding Malibu and defining the contours of its future.
It has been a devastating week. I met with several businesses who explained how they’ve suffered these last five-plus months — some will not make it. Just like businesses, our foundation is suffering too. My initiative, Malibu Rising, could not find its draw, we will pivot — the community needs this. So many have stepped up like The Malibu Project, a concerned group of locals who care, raising funds, making donations, shopping at local stores, and donating purchases. Why? Because they care and can. That’s how you save a community.
The issues of PCH have not gone away. Yes, there were no deaths because the road was closed, but now it’s open with two lanes, and tragedy is just standing in the wings — plus now, with danger created by the fires, it’s just a matter of time.
The deadly truth we’re living with
Someone reminded me this week that with a strong voice comes responsibility. So let me use that voice to tell you the brutal truth: PCH’s reopening was rushed, and we all know it. But what was the alternative? Watch our community die economically while we wait for perfect conditions that might never come?
Here’s what infuriates me: we didn’t have to choose between economic survival and rolling the dice with lives. But that’s precisely what we did.
Currently, PCH serves full public traffic while environmental remediation remains incomplete — many properties have until June 30th to remove hazardous materials. During the rush to reopen, nearly 1,300 truckloads of toxic fire debris traveled this route daily, and cleanup operations continue alongside families going to soccer practice. Ocean contamination persists from chemicals with no established safety standards. When fire ash mixes with seawater, it creates caustic lye that fundamentally alters our marine ecosystem.
Yes, we have two lanes now. But we’re still driving a highway that has claimed 61 lives in 15 years, including four beautiful Pepperdine students whose deaths should have shattered our complacency forever. The infrastructure improvements everyone celebrates? Band-aids on a system that treats our community’s main street like a highway built for speed, not safety. The proposed bike lane for PCH — remember the word “highway” is in the name — that’s a painted line on a highway. Are you kidding me? We’re asking cyclists to trust their lives to paint while cars barrel past at highway speeds on a road that’s already proven deadly.
We deserve better
Here’s what fills me with rage and hope: we don’t have to accept this choice between safety and survival. While we navigate today’s compromised reality, we can build tomorrow’s solution.
The Malibu Coastal Waterway Transit System — The Blue Highway — represents everything PCH cannot be: safe, reliable, environmentally conscious, and operational during emergencies. Zero-emission vessels carry passengers between coastal stops in 15 minutes, often faster than current road speeds and infinitely safer than toxic debris zones.
During the Palisades Fire, while PCH sat closed for months and our community bled economically, The Blue Highway would have remained operational, transporting thousands daily, providing emergency evacuation routes, maintaining the economic lifeline our businesses desperately needed. The ocean doesn’t experience mudslides, doesn’t close during fires, and doesn’t expose passengers to carcinogenic runoff.
This is about who we are
This isn’t just about transportation — it’s about refusing to accept that preventable tragedies are the price of living in paradise. Groups like The Malibu Project prove that when we care, we act. When we see a problem, we don’t wait for someone else — we step up, raise funds, and make change happen.
We can’t control Caltrans’ timeline for PCH improvements— that’s state-controlled infrastructure. But we can demand innovation and refuse to accept that our children will face the same deadly gamble.
The call that matters
Every day we delay the Blue Highway feasibility study is another day we’re gambling with our lives. Contact your state representatives. Reach out to Caltrans directly. Demand they fast-track The Blue Highway environmental and feasibility studies. Push for Olympic transportation funding that creates permanent safety infrastructure.
We have the technology. We have the ocean. We have successful models. What we need is collective will to choose innovation over resignation.
If I can do this, what can you do?
Let me tell you something that should shake everyone: I’ve already done the work. I’ve sat down, figured out how to fund The Blue Highway, and created a three-year timeline for operation. The comprehensive plan is prepared and ready to share with anyone serious about making this happen.
If I, one person driven by grief and determination, can map out the path from concept to reality, what can people with power, resources, and understanding accomplish? If I can identify the funding sources, implementation phases, and partnerships needed, what stops those with actual authority from acting?
This isn’t about capability — it’s about will. It’s about whether we’re going to keep accepting preventable deaths as the cost of bureaucratic inertia, or whether we’re finally going to match our outrage with action.
I’ve done my part. The blueprint exists, the timeline is ready, and the funding strategy is mapped out. Now, it’s time for everyone else to do theirs.
This is our Emily Shane moment
The next tragedy on PCH isn’t a question of if — it’s when. We can accept that reality, or we can change it. This is our chance to transform grief into innovation, necessity into action, and Malibu into a forward-thinking community that refuses to accept tragic normalcy.
The Blue Highway isn’t just an alternative to PCH — it’s proof that Malibu refuses to accept preventable death as the cost of paradise.
The ocean has always been our greatest asset. It’s time to make it our pathway to safety.
