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Complaint filed against Sheriff’s Department in Mitrice Richardson case

By
Judy Abel
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Photo by Samantha Bravo/TMT.

Richardson advocate wants a reinvestigation based on new complaint against a former detective 

Fifteen years after the disappearance and death of Mitrice Richardson, one of her strongest advocates has filed a new complaint against the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department.

In 2009, the 24-year-old Richardson was suffering a mental health crisis and acting bizarrely at Malibu’s Geoffrey’s restaurant. When the graduate student could not pay her bill, she was taken into custody at the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station. Despite assurances that her mother was to pick her up in the morning and that she would remain safe at the station, the young woman was released after midnight with no money. Her cellphone was locked in her car, which had been towed away from the restaurant. Richardson was last seen hours later in a Monte Nido backyard. She then went missing for nearly a year until her mummified remains were found in a remote creek bed.

Dr. Ronda Hampton, a clinical psychologist, originally filed several complaints years ago, after Richardson’s body was found in a remote Malibu canyon and moved against protocol without the supervision of the LA County coroner. 

According to Hampton, who served as a mentor to Richardson, those complaints were filed “for various things that went on in the handling of her disappearance,” but at the time all involved with the case were cleared of wrongdoing. 

The latest complaint filed March 22 targets Detective Dan McElderry, who apparently resigned from the force in 2017. Hampton claims McElderry and his partner removed Richardson’s body from a remote ravine in Malibu without the supervision of the LA County officer of medical examiner present. McElderry was recently cited in the wrongful conviction of Miguel Solorio on a murder charge. Solorio was exonerated in December 2023 after 23 years behind bars. 

According to Hampton, “in reading what the Innocence Project put on their page, which is nowhere in the media really, they name McElderry. They talk about what he did and the accusation is perjury and/or falsification of information.” 

The National Registry of Exonerations website states that “McElderry had testified falsely at Solorio’s trial.”

Hampton stated, “To me, if [a detective is]being accused of [perjury and falsification] to the extent that this man [Solorio] has been exonerated after 23 years, and [that detective] … supposedly investigated this guy’s case, but now whatever happened in that case he was exonerated…I’m also in contact with another family accusing McElderry of witness tampering and coercion of witnesses.” 

Hampton is also awaiting word on any possible actions taken against McElderry since the December exoneration of Solorio. “I’m honestly waiting for them to tell because when you file a complaint they come back and tell you something,” she said. 

The Malibu Times also made a Public Records Act request into complaints against McElderry or any other detective in the Mitrice Richardson case. The LASD acknowledged the department is typically obligated to respond within 10 days, but invoked its right to an extension of 14 days in circumstances where there is a need to search and examine a potentially voluminous amount of records. The LASD response also indicated the department is currently inundated with Public Records Act requests and is experiencing delays in processing them. The response also indicates that personnel matters could be redacted or exempt due to the privacy rights of the individuals. 

Hampton still has questions about the detectives’ actions in the retrieval of Richardson’s body and personal effects. 

Hampton intends to resubmit her complaints if she gets no response from LASD.

“If they go back and investigate what this person has done wrong, whether or not he’s still employed or not, they can still go back and find out what are the things he did or did not do in the case and do we need to reopen this in order to do what should have been done,” she said. “I’m saying go back. We know this guy will engage in less than scrupulous behavior which clearly has led to the conviction of Miguel Solorio for 23 years. So, we know he’ll do that. So, let’s go back and see what else he may have done or not have done. That’s what I’m asking for.

“I don’t feel like I’m grasping at straws. I feel that in every aspect of Mitrice’s disappearance and the way that her remains were treated there was just wrongdoing. I can’t sit here and do nothing and pretend like just because they send me a notice saying there was no wrongdoing … I’m not going to act like I believe that.”

Hampton has vowed to continue to remind “them [LASD] that what they did was wrong. You do not remove remains from a creek bed. They didn’t even take all of them. They had to go back.”

Hampton claims even she discovered remains at the site. 

“You can’t tell me there was no wrongdoing,” she said. “At the very least they shouldn’t have removed her body. I’m not going to give up.”

Spain’s ghosts: The Spanish Civil War

By
13StarsManager
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Author Ana M. Afzali is shown with her book on Gonzalo Pando Rivero and his role in the Spanish Civil War. Afzali has a Ph.D. from UCLA and is a Spanish professor at Citrus College. Contributed Photo

Ana M Afzali, Ph.D., an expert on Spain, details the fascinating story of a fallen hero in her latest book

By Ben Marcus

“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” 

– George Santayana, “The Life of Reason,” 1905.

Because in 1983, he spent a couple months surfing Mundaka and partying in Guernica, Your Humble Narrator has an ongoing interest in Spain, the Basque Country, Guernica, the Spanish Civil War, Hemingway and all things España. When he met Ana Afzali at Zinque, he had jibes and questions about Generalissimo Francisco Franco, Islamic symmetry and her book on the Spanish Civil War.

For the longer, vividly illustrated, Guernicolorized Writer’s Cut of this interview, go to:

https://www.benmarcusrules.com/civil-war-ana-afzali-on-the-spanish-civil-war

To communicate with the author: aafzali@citruscollege.edu

The Google translation of your book description on Amazon explains: “The biography of the Republican commander Gonzalo Pando Rivero offers an intimate and detailed approach to the life of the doctor who changed the scalpel for the shotgun that fateful day in July 1936 after the Franco military uprising that started the Spanish Civil War … With this study, the historian Ana Afzali offers us the itinerary of a great character of the Civil War who fought until the end for democracy in Spain with such important figures in history as Dolores Ibárruri, Enrique Líster, José Miaja, Santiago Álvarez, Ernest Hemingway and Gerda Taro.”

Interesting that a doctor would change the scalpel for the shotgun. Do Spanish doctors have a Hippocratic oath? “First do no harm.” 

Gonzalo Pando started realizing very early on in his life how the working class was being mistreated by landowners, and he was a true defender of democracy. Before the war he saved lives. When the war broke out he tried to save democracy and human rights and he gave his life in the process.

The book has been published in Spain and it is available on Amazon. I am currently working in the English edition and in search of the right publisher for it.

While surfing Mundaka in 1983, we had a couple wild nights in Guernica — kind of like the painting. When Mundaka went flat I wanted to do a quick trip to Madrid and the Prado to see Picasso’s painting. I jokingly told the Basque girls I was going to Madrid to spit on Franco’s grave. They got all excited and said, “Yes! That’s what we do!” I was kidding. They weren’t.

Franco did a lot of terrible things in Spain during the war and later during his almost four-decade dictatorship. He also empowered the Catholic Church to do a lot of terrible acts, like steal newborn babies from their mothers to give them for adoption to right-wing families. It is now coming to light that the Catholic Church took advantage of its situation and priests sexually abused thousands of children with impunity. The cases are now coming to light, and I am glad for that. I hope victims receive the reparation and apology they deserve.

Franco was buried for a long time in the Valley of the Fallen. The Valley of the Fallen is no longer his shrine, thank God.

So you are a medievalist and earned your doctorate at UCLA and you are now a professor, correct?

Yes, I have been a professor in the Spanish Department at Citrus College since 1997. It is my second home; I love working there and students challenge me and help me keep current. 

I have also been cooperating with the Smithsonian, and I lecture for Smithsonian Journeys in Spain when my calendar permits. I am an expert on Spain and on the history of the Camino de Santiago, where my family goes back over 300 years. I have lectured on this topic all over Spain, Portugal, and the U.S.

When we spoke a few days ago you said that you gave a presentation about your book, among other places, in Madrid, to an audience composed mostly of military personnel and generals. I’m sure the book was pro-Republican and anti-Fascist. Is there still a loud, violent right wing in Spain?

I had a warm reception at the Military Historical Library of Madrid. I am very proud of our military and within it you will find people with very diverse political views.

I think democracy is more delicate than most people think. The tragedy of the Spanish Civil War showed that. This makes my work relevant today. Our democracy is in trouble under the current political landscape.

How was the reception of your book in Spain?

Exceptional. There were also many articles published there about this project. I was interviewed, among other people, by Pablo Iglesias, the ex-vice Prime Minister of Spain. During that interview, he agreed with me that history is easy to forget and that this story should be told on the big screen as the world is about to repeat the mistakes of the past. 

What is the most surprising aspect of your book about the Spanish Civil War to American and Spanish readers alike, and what would you like to see happen with it?

Most people think that fascism was defeated for the first time during World War II when, in reality, this happened during the battle of Trijueque in Guadalajara in Spain, in 1937. This battle was won by my great uncle, Gonzalo Pando Rivero. In the book I published never-before-seen pictures of him with his soldiers and other generals taken shortly after that victory. They look like a scene out of a movie. Even Netflix has shown interest in this story. I would love to see socially conscious producers like Steven Spielberg show interest in this story and bring it to the big screen.

Are they as obnoxious and wrong in Spain as the right wing in America?

You are asking me to give you my political views. I have stated this many times and I will repeat it now: I am a historian. My work is not political. I simply document what I have learned of our past so that it does not repeat itself in the future.

Your book and the subject matter are scarily relevant to today. Do you think America is as divided now as Spain was in the 1930s?

Yes, I do. I was actually thinking about how similar the political landscape was in Spain just before the Spanish Civil War as it was in the U.S. when I was writing this book in 2021. When I turned the TV on, I saw in horror how the U.S. Capitol was under attack, it was Jan. 6.

There is more ignorance in the world and more powerful weapons today. Democracy is not as strong as we think, we must protect it.

This book on a key figure in the Spanish Civil War was written by Ana M. Afzalie, Ph.D., whose planning to put out an English version of the book. Contributed Photo

Malibu Dance Academy’s dancers win regional competition

By
The Malibu Times
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The Malibu Dance Academy dancers line up for a photo during their recent statewide competition. The dancers are looking forward to their recital performance at Pepperdine University in late May, parent Tina Jennings said.

Little dancers learn life’s lessons about being on a team and working hard to improve skills

By Barbara Burke

Special to The Malibu Times

“The thing I like best about taking lessons from Miss Kyrra is that I loved the Rainbow Dance competition, especially when my mom went backstage and hugged everyone!” Little Freyja Jennings, 7, said. “I also like dancing with Miss Kyrra because she first taught me how to do the splits and because I like the costumes for Wonderful World!”

Freyja and a bevy of other beautiful ballerinas and jazz dance students are learning to dance at the Malibu Dance Academy. Proprietor Kyrra Richards delights in teaching students from ages 5 to 14. In the process of teaching the pupils dance techniques, Richards also teaches them the invaluable lifelong skills that one learns from being a part of a team and consistently contributing to it, working hard to improve their skills, experiencing delight when their team wins a competition, being graceful when they don’t, and also knowing that it takes hard work to do so.  

The Academy’s troupe, consisting of dancers aged 5 to 8, recently won best overall team at the Southern California Region’s National Dance Competition.

“The students competed in several dance categories, taking first place in jazz dance,” Richards said. “They also won the best overall category, which considers all the competing groups together.”

We were all so proud of them!” Freyja’s parent Tina Jennings said. “All the moms and families were all jumping up and down when we learned that the troupe won first place overall!”

Richards started teaching dance to students at Malibu Fitness in September 2022. The idea of opening a Malibu studio grew organically as more and more students and parents sought dance lesson opportunities.

“I opened Malibu Dance Academy in January, and I have developed a structured program for young artists to learn proper technique in a warm, nurturing environment.” Richards said. “The Academy is a place where families are welcomed and encouraged to be part of the experience. As a mom, I recognize how magical and precious time with your kids is, and I know that parents search for opportunities that allow their children to grow and be surrounded by people who care.”

A professional dancer for more than 20 years, Richards has danced in many roles and venues, including music videos, commercials, premieres, stage productions, print campaigns, and concerts. Her dance repertoire includes dancing with Nickelodeon, Spike TV, Fox, the Hollywood Bowl, Coca Cola, the LA Philharmonic, and dancing for Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, the Jonas Brothers, ZZ Top, infamous Broadway legend Donna McKechnie, and director Richard Jay-Alexander, among many others.

The Malibu Dance Academy’s troupe, consisting of dancers aged 5-8, recently won best overall team at the Southern California Region’s National Dance Competition. Contributed Photo

Richards grew up dancing competitively, winning scholarships, national championships, and titles. Her passion for dance brought her to Southern California as a UCLA Bruin and she was the captain of the the school’s Dance Team and Spirit Squad. She performed regularly at the Rose Bowl, Pauley Pavilion, and Staples Center. Along the way, Richards married Malibu local Dane Skophammer, the bladesmith who owns Iron Sand Malibu. The couple enjoy parenting their two small daughters. 

Dancing is Richards’ way of giving to the world. After two USO tours performing for troops in Afghanistan, she developed an arts and recreation program for former war refugee children in New York City with the International Rescue Committee. Inspired by the healing ability of the arts, she also created a dance program at the Westside Children’s Center and Camp to Belong for foster children. 

Richards has trained and mentored young dancers for more than 25 years and has taught and developed arts curricula for New York’s Broadway Dance Center, Fox Studios Child Development Center, Los Angeles Accelerated School, the Archer School for Girls, and many others. Locally, she has taught dance at Malibu Methodist, Malibu Performing Arts Center, and Musical Theater LA. She has directed several elite dance studios, winning national championships and choreography awards. She even judges international dance competitions.

Here in Malibu, the Academy offers ballet and jazz classes.  For older students, it provides lyrical and contemporary dance experiences. Those dancers participating in the competition team learn ballet, jazz technique, and choreography.

Tina Jennings said the program has been beneficial to her daughter.

“I think that one of the most valuable parts of Freyja being a part of the Malibu Dance Academy is definitely her exposure to Kyrra and what’s most important in the experience is the skills that students gain from it.” Jennings said. “I just know I am putting Freyja in a space where she will learn kindness and strength, discipline and how to just have fun.”

Parents Sara and Marc Provissiero wholeheartedly agree.

“The real turning point for our daughter Olivia, 7, was when the students had a recital at Pepperdine last year.” Sara said. “The event was professional and was a grade A quality show — Kyrra curated a wonderful experience for the dancers and that’s when Olivia decided she wanted to be in the dance competition team.”

Jennings, who grew up in Malibu and was a part of Malibu Dance by the Sea before pursuing theater, also commented about Richards providing students with stellar competitive competitions. 

“She thinks about the whole experience for each dancer — through this year, Freyja has learned the strengths of resilience and of going to practice dance even when she didn’t want to, of knowing that she is on a team and that she doesn’t want to let her teammates feel let down, and now, she wants to practice and be a strong member.” Jennings said. “It’s important for kids to feel a part of a group that works together to produce a product — they all have to show up for one another.”

Freyja expressed her enjoyment at being in the program. 

“I want to keep dancing because when I’m at dance class, I’m always with my best friends.” she said.

Echoing that, little Olivia chimed in: “It’s really fun and I have a lot of my friends and Ms. Kyrra by my side!” 

The students and their families are looking forward to their recital performance at Pepperdine University in late May, Jennings said.

“Malibu Dance Academy is about so much more than dance. Underneath the twirling tutus are children finding their strength and confidence,” she continued. “Through imaginary butterfly parties, marshmallow fingers, and tickle bugs, these mini ballerinas are building positive relationships with their bodies and preparing for performances far beyond tonight’s stage. I am honored to be a part of the children’s lives.”

Letter to The Editor: What can we do?

By
Letter to the Editor
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Dear Editor,

I don’t know why some restaurants make it, and others do not. I once read that the overwhelming majority of restaurants ultimately fail. We live in an age where the knee-jerk reaction is to play the blame game regardless of the facts. Sometimes, just sometimes, “s—t” happens, and nobody is to blame.

In Malibu today, several local restaurants appear to be doing very well. Malibu Seafood, Paradise Cove, and Geoffrey’s are three restaurants that come to mind. Yet all of them rely on visitors who play a significant role in their success.

We have national restaurants like Nobu, which have done fabulously, and we have national restaurants, such as Mr. Chow’s, that did not do well. Sometimes, it is the location which determines a restaurant’s outcome. Several restaurants have failed at Point Dume Village.

The one thing we all know is that Wilfredo is an example of an immigrant who came here, worked his butt off, and succeeded, and now he is hurting. l went to the pre-opening of Ciel Orange, ate there a couple of times a month, and was there with two other people just weeks ago. I frequently commented to my wife how few people were patronizing the restaurant. If we wish these small local establishments to succeed, we need to give them our business. Blaming the landlords and the government won’t help them. It is up to us.

And what we can do to help Wilfredo now is to patronize Tramonto’s, Wilfredo’s excellent Italian restaurant. We already booked a reservation to eat there with another couple.

Burt Ross, Malibu

Earth Day 2024: City of Malibu to host North Santa Monica Bay State of the Watershed 

By
The Malibu Times
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Safe Clean Water Program graphic

The city is also offering a guided nature immersion hike and gathering led by Chumash teacher Elena Rios

By Barbara Burke

Special to The Malibu Times

April is Earth Month and the City of Malibu is offering residents various opportunities to be informed about our environment.

The North Santa Monica Bay State of the Watershed 2024 is an event for the community showcasing what our local cities and agencies are doing to improve local water quality, to create local water supply opportunities, and to work to sustain our local ecosystems. The City of Malibu is hosting the event on Thursday, April 25, from 1 to 4 pm. 

“The North Santa Monica Bay State of the Watershed 2024 is an event for the community showcasing what our local cities and agencies are doing to improve local water quality, to create local water supply opportunities and to work to sustain our local ecosystems.” Melina Melina Sempill Watts, the watershed coordinator, North Santa Monica Bay Watershed, for Safe, Clean, Water L.A.

At the event, Las Virgenes Municipal Water District will share about the Pure Water Project, which takes tertiary treated cleaned wastewater and runs it through reverse osmosis to get it to better-than-drinking-water quality, Watts explained, adding, “It’s pretty much ‘Star Trek’ science level of cool!”

Meanwhile, Watts noted, “Agoura Hills is the first city in L.A. County that will be running the first flush of stormwater, notorious for magnifying water quality problems, into the Tapia Water Reclamation Facility from whence the treated water will then go into the Pure Water Project for direct re-use. It’s a fascinating ride!”  

Dr. Christine Whitcraft from California State University Long Beach will give the keynote presentation, which will address the condition of  the Malibu Lagoon. The event will also feature speakers from National Parks, State Parks and the Resource Conservation District of the Santa Monica Mountains talking about the state of our local ecosystems.

Interested readers can find out more about the State of the Watershed event and register via eventbrite.com and can attend in-person at City Hall or by Zoom.

Malibuites are also invited to join Elena Rios, a Chumash teacher for a guided nature immersion hike. Enrollment is limited and more information is at:

https://safecleanwaterla.org/event/join-elena-rios-for-a-guided-nature-immersion-gathering.

County, city, and Malibu High School to host ‘Stay Safe on PCH Week’ 

By
Samantha Bravo
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Informative events will be held from April 29 through May 3 to raise awareness of safe driving

Lindsey P. Horvath, chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, is partnering with Malibu High School to host “Safe on PCH,” a weeklong program focused on safe driving. The series will feature several events that engage students and families in the role we all play in creating a safe Malibu community. The fun and informative series is being presented in partnership with the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the City of Malibu, Malibu High School, PTSA Malibu, Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD), and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department-Lost Hills Station. Horvath will help lead this first-of-its-kind series.

“A safer PCH is a responsibility we all share,” Horvath said in a press release. “Our Third District team looks forward to engaging students and the Malibu High community in this series focused on responsible driving with practical tips and resources. I share Malibu’s commitment to a safer PCH for all and this is one way we are coming together to achieve our shared goal.”

“PCH is an iconic state highway used by millions of visitors every year, but it is also Malibu’s Main Street, and it impacts the daily lives of every person in our community,” Malibu Mayor Steve Uhring said. “We are proud to join in this important event so that we can foster a culture of safety for everyone who lives, works, commutes, and recreates on PCH.”

Malibu High School Principal Patrick Miller said they are thankful to their partners and their help with Safe on PCH Week at Malibu High School and the upcoming screening and panel discussion of the film “21 Miles in Malibu” on Wednesday, May 1. 

“We know there is a large amount of community interest in seeing the film with the previous two community screenings being at capacity, and are thankful to our PTSA for coordinating this event as part of Safe on PCH Week,” Miller said in a press release. “We are proud to support Safe on PCH Week as a way to bring awareness of the unique dangers of driving on PCH and in our canyon roads. Our Malibu High kids generally don’t fit the stereotype associated with them and are responsible young people. However, given our location, many of our students drive 30, 45, 60 minutes each way to school on dangerous roads.”

Miller said this week is a chance to highlight the importance of being safe when driving.

“These are young people whom we care about, love, and we want the best for each of them. The activities this week, including the community film, will inform students on safe and defensive driving with a focus on speed, we need our students and all drivers to slow down on PCH,” Miller said. “The week will also highlight the importance of not being distracted especially by phones, and the significant negative impact of driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol.”

Miller said they are thankful to Supervisor Horvath’s Office, Michel Shane, Captain Seetoo, the Lost Hills Sheriff station, the California Highway Patrol, and all other partners for their help.

“However, this is not just a school problem for our young people and student drivers to solve. This is a community-wide concern and we need our parents, community members, and all drivers who drive in, around, and through our community to pay attention, slow down, and drive safely,” Miller said. “One, our kids are watching. And two, I do still worry more about our students and children being the potential victim in a crash as we experienced as a school community with the homicidal driver in 2010 that killed Emily Shane and more recently in front of Westlake High School.”

The weeklong program aims to foster a culture among youth and community members of all ages, in efforts to help make PCH safer for all. 

Monday, April 29: Lunchtime Fair

During each student’s lunchtime, there will be a fair where students can get safe driving resources and information. There will be representatives for the California Highway Patrol, LA County Sheriff’s Department, City of Malibu, and Supervisor Lindsey Horvath’s office in attendance.

Stop by to see get some cool resources and learn about how to stay safe on the road!

Tuesday, April 30: Sheriff IMPACT Presentation

Sheriff’s presentation to parents is from 9 to 10:30 a.m. (more info to come) 

Wednesday, May 1: “21 Miles in Malibu” film by Michel Shane  

When: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.  

Where: Malibu High School-Room TBD 

Panelists: Capt. Jennifer Seetoo, Captain Dennis Ford, Dr. Robert D Cohen, Michel Shane  

Link: Eventbrite for Film RSVP

Thursday, May 2nd: CHP presentation for students

Friday, May 3: Principal Newsletter

Principal newsletter out to parents on driver safety info

x.com/lindseyphorvath/status/1771593021831746034?s=46&t=-k8PlTpup-Zp0KliDIUSww

Letter to The Editor: We must fight to preserve Malibu and Topanga

By
Letter to the Editor
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Dear Editor, 

The letter below was sent to Malibu Mayor Steve Uhring and the City Council: 

Having lived in the Rodeo Grounds for 28 years and next to the Feed Bin for two years, I have some familiarity with this land. I fought the takeover of the land by State Parks, which attempted to circumvent our State’s Relocation Act by a subterfuge, using a private entity to officially purchase the land from the L.A. Athletic Club, who had owned but leased it to residents since the late ’20s when they discovered that the cost of building their planned boat harbor was too high. In 2001, the residents formed an association, for which I was co-president, and hired attorneys Frank Angel and Craig Dummit to force State Parks to follow state law.

The land that the motel sits on is fill dirt, placed there when PCH was built. It was discovered that dumping the dirt bulldozed and removed from the bluffs was one-third the cost of dumping the excess dirt in the ocean. The motel, as Kraig Hill stated, was run down 25 years ago and now is in such terrible shape as to make restoration unfeasible. During the various meetings surrounding the proposed purchase by State Parks, we saw that a variety of NGOs were salivating at the potential opportunity to take over the motel cabins. Yet to what purpose would rebuilding the cabins accomplish? Somehow, the idea of showing these structures to be classic motor courts of the ’30s would better be served with a fantastic online presentation. Unless, of course, you wanted to bring in the association with Charlie Manson, drugs, and ritual beheadings of chickens hung from Topanga Bridge into the mix. This brings up the idea of a visitors center. For whom? Santa Monica Mountains already has Malibu Creek. Visitors centers are another idea whose time has long passed. This information would be much better presented online. They cut all the trees and put them in a tree museum. I suspect that L.A. County residents much prefer the funky old Feed Bin to some concrete and glass building with some official’s name on it. Do not our officials understand that the Feed Bin and Bait Shop and similar actually preserve a lost era of Malibu better than anything that is being proposed.

Widening Topanga Beach is a total waste of funds. Topanga is a rock beach and not friendly for swimming. The rocks are why it was too expensive to build a boat harbor and why it is a good surfing break. It is not Zuma or Santa Monica.

As to the construction of the almost-six-times-longer bridge, we already have a perfectly adequate bridge and the state is broke. Already, because of potential rock slides on PCH below Big Rock and the mud Caltrans is not cleaning up at Paseo Miramar, the traffic is terrible, adding 40 minutes from anywhere east of Sunset Boulevard. This is already having an impact on Malibu residents and businesses. Have you noticed how many houses and apartments in Malibu are now for rent? As of May 1, I lose a tenant because of the extended commute. Caltrans promises to keep two lanes (out of four) open. Unless, of course, there is an unforeseen issue, which, as we know, never happens in construction projects. The purchase of the 1,600 acres in 2001 was based on a lie that somehow it would connect Topanga State Beach to Topanga State Park up in Topanga. But that would mean crossing Topanga Canyon Boulevard and climbing 60-degree slopes. We pointed this out back when the original purchase was being considered, but this was ignored. Why? The LA Athletic Club, who owned the land, had hired a lobbyist who was a friend of then Gov. Gray Davis and suddenly the land went from not being on State Parks’ acquisition list to being No. 1.

If State Parks wants to serve LA County residents and others, what they need is a campground in the Rodeo Grounds and Topanga Lane. These can be simple with just tent sites with a charcoal pit, and unlike other proposed campgrounds in Malibu, fire is not much of a danger because the area is very wet and even during a Santa Ana wind event, there are no houses downwind. It would require a footbridge over Topanga Creek for access when water is in the creek. And if anyone claims that the lagoon area is pristine, how can that be when people have lived there — and upstream still do — and the homeless have always lived in the creekbed. And there have been cars buried in the creek and I have footage of a dumpster sailing along during a flood.

All this means the best solution is very limited use and no terrible development that changes the character of the area from somewhat rural to urban. We must fight to preserve the reason people like coming to Malibu and Topanga.

Scott Dittrich, Malibu 

Santa Monica Mountains: A precious community treasure 

By
The Malibu Times
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Photo by Samantha Bravo/TMT.

New federal funding will be used by MRCA to preserve an area between Latigo and Solstice Canyons

By Barbara Burke 

Special to The Malibu Times

There are many elements and opportunities that factor into defining what makes for a healthy, prosperous community, and for many people in Malibu, one factor that is of paramount importance is having open space such as parks and hiking trails for recreation as well as for preserving precious habitats and ecosystems. 

Thus, when I recently received Congressman Brad Sherman’s newsletter and discovered that in its most recent budget deal, the Congress allocated $963,000 to fund the acquisition of private lands in the Santa Monica Mountains, I needed to find out the details.

“This funding will be used by the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA) to acquire properties to increase the amount of preserved habitat along the coastal slope of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA) between Latigo Canyon and Solstice Canyon,” Sherman stated. “This project focuses on purchasing private parcel acquisitions on the west flank of the National Park Service’s Solstice Canyon Unit to protect open space and to incrementally ensure wildlife movement potential to MRCA parklands in Latigo Canyon.”

Many Malibuites reading this information may well be exasperated at the mention of MRCA as they believe that Joe Edmiston, who is the executive director of both MRCA and of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, spends a lot of time — and money — acquiring private land, ostensibly to foster the public’s access to enjoy the Malibu coastline and the Santa Monica Mountains, but then failing, some say abysmally, to ensure that the acquired parcels are properly maintained and operated. 

Other longtime locals characterize Edmiston as “controversial but highly effective,” as did the renowned and talented local journalist, author, and historian Suzanne Guldimann in her article entitled, “Imagine a World Without SMMNRA,” that was published in the Topanga New Times on Sept. 8, 2023.  As with all brilliant works penned by Guldimann, the piece is well worth a careful read as it recounts local environmental advocates’ arduous, tenacious, laudable, and intransigent battles against developer after developer after developer to thwart overdevelopment of the precious Santa Monica Mountains.   

As Guldimann victoriously notes, the SMMNRA is now spread across 153,250 acres — and growing — and it “encompasses 26 zip codes in two counties on the edge of one of the most densely populated areas in the country.”

For his part, Sherman opines, “The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area stands as America’s largest urban national park, providing a variety of outdoor activities and tremendous scenic views for millions of visitors. It’s critical that we work to preserve sensitive habitat and recreational trails in this treasured national park.”

Critical indeed.  

Only time will tell whether Edmiston and his team will, to coin a phrase uttered by Benjamin Franklin, manage “to keep” the sanctuary that is SMMNRA, both a locals’ and visitors’ sanctuary that preserves irreplaceable ecosystems and habitats for innumerable species of wildlife, flora, and fauna as well as for we humans who are both blessed and honored to live here.

Thesis: 

QUESTION 2: “I see that your newsletter states that Congressman Sherman has, over the years, garnered +$20 million to protect the SM Mountains — do you have any background information and perhaps a quote from the Congressman about how precious the SM Mountains are?”

Congressman Sherman: “The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area stands as America’s largest urban national park, providing a variety of outdoor activities and tremendous scenic views for millions of visitors. It’s critical that we work to preserve sensitive habitat and recreational trails in this treasured national park.

“That’s why during my time in Congress, I’ve taken the lead in securing over $20 million in federal funds to acquire and preserve critical open space and complete the Santa Monica Mountains’ 65-mile Backbone Trail. Over half of these amounts were secured the last time the mountains were in my district in 1997-2002. I am fortunate that the redistricting commission put Malibu and the Santa Monica Mountains back in my district effective 2023.

“As such, I have been a consistent supporter of federal funding across U.S. agencies that support the 30 National Scenic and Historic Trails — collectively referred to as the National Trail System — as well as the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LCWF), to protect natural resources in California and across the U.S. As a result of my fervent advocacy, the National Park Service used LWCF funds to acquire 45 acres of land beside the Backbone Trail to expand recreational opportunities, ensure the continued preservation of the Santa Monica Mountains, and maintain its beautiful scenery.

“I have also worked for decades to support a wildlife crossing over the 101 Freeway, including helping to introduce and pass into law legislation which adjusted the boundaries of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area to include that corridor. In 2022, I joined Governor Gavin Newsom and others in celebrating the groundbreaking of the Wallis Annenberg Liberty Canyon Wildlife Crossing.

“Recently, I joined Congressman Adam Schiff and others in introducing the Rim of the Valley Corridor Preservation Act which would expand the boundaries of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area to include the area known as the Rim of the Valley Corridor. This would allow for improved preservation and recreational opportunities. 

“I will continue to work to pass this important legislation and keep fighting to preserve and protect the Santa Monica Mountains — an environmental jewel of Southern California and the United States.”

Waves women’s basketball has new head coach 

By
McKenzie Jackson
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Katie Faulkner, seen here during her time as an assistant coach at Oregon State (2016-21), has been named the new women's basketball head coach at Pepperdine. She spent the last three seasons on the women's basketball staff at Washington. Photo from Oregon State Athletics.

Katie Faulkner is fifth all-time in Montana scoring, 10th in rebounding, and fifth in blocked shots

Pepperdine has hired a new hoops coach for the second time this month.

Coaching veteran Katie Faulkner was named the head coach of the Waves women’s basketball team on April 12. 

Faulkner, most recently the associate head coach of the University of Washington women’s basketball team, said it has been a privilege to get to know Pepperdine leadership — President Jim Gash, Senior Vice President Tim Perrin, and Director of Athletics Tanner Gardner — and see the support for Waves women’s hoops.

“This combined with the driving mission of the university makes it an incredible place for young women to compete, grow, and discover what’s possible for their lives,” Faulkner said in press release. “I consider myself extremely blessed to lead this program into the future.” 

Faulkner replaces Kelsey Keizer, who was the interim coach for the 2023-24 season. Keizer, previously an assistant coach, stepped into the role after Tim Hays resigned from the position last August. Faulkner got the Pepperdine coaching gig nine days after Ed Shilling was named the head coach of Waves men’s basketball team. 

Faulkner has 10 years of coaching experience and is a former college basketball standout. 

She was a leader on Washington’s bench from the 2021-22 season to this season. Faulkner helped Washington advance to the WNIT Final Four in 2023, which was the program’s first postseason qualification in six years. That year’s Washington team had a 19-15 record, its best record in six seasons. This year, Washington qualified for the inaugural Women’s Basketball Invitational Tournament.

Faulkner was an assistant coach at Oregon State from 2016-21. Oregon State qualified for the NCAA tournament in four consecutive seasons while Faulkner was there. The team made a run to the Elite Eight in 2018. Oregon State won the Pac-12 championship in 2017 and had five All-Pac-12 first team players. Faulkner was named to WBCA’s 30 under 30 coaches list in 2018. 

Faulkner helped Washington sign consecutive top-20 recruiting classes. At Oregon State, she aided the team in signing McDonald’s All-Americans in three consecutive classes, five top 20 recruits, and four top 10 recruits.

She was a graduate assistant for Wisconsin in the 2015-16 season. Faulkner first stepped on the sideline as an assistant coach at the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs the season before. She helped the team compile a 26-7 record and reach the Division II Sweet Sixteen. 

Faulkner, from Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, was the Gatorade Player of the Year as a high school sophomore in 2007. As a player at the University of Montana, she was a four-time all-Big Sky Conference selection and the 2013 Big Sky Player of the Year as a senior. Faulkner led Montana to two NCAA Tournaments. She graduated in 2013. 

She is fifth all-time in Montana scoring, 10th in rebounding, and fifth in blocked shots. Faulkner played professional hoops in Luxembourg for one year after college. 

Gardner said Pepperdine is thrilled to have Faulkner as the women’s team’s head coach.

“Katie is a proven winner as a player and coach, and she is a skilled leader who will develop and empower the young women of Pepperdine women’s basketball to be champions on and off the court,” he said. 

Washington head coach Tina Langley said Pepperdine made the right choice in hiring Faulkner. 

“She is a rising star in this profession, whose experience and knowledge of the college basketball landscape will make an immediate impact,” she said. “I am confident that together, Tanner and Katie will form an incredible partnership that will help build Pepperdine’s program and continue to propel it forward.” 

Faulkner’s college coach, Robin Selvig, praised his former player. 

“She is fiercely competitive, a strong leader and will be a perfect role model for the young women of Pepperdine Basketball. Congratulations Katie!,” Selvig said. 

The Waves finished last season with a 5-25 record including a 1-15 record in the West Coast Conference. 

The following incidents were reported between March 12 to March 24

By
Samantha Bravo
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3/12
Grand theft
A vehicle parked near Moonshadows Malibu was broken into and ransacked. The victim said two pairs of headphones worth $600 each were stolen. There was no other damage made to the vehicle. There were no security cameras available for evidence.

3/13
Vehicle burglary
A vehicle parked near Winding Way was broken into and ransacked. The victim said the driver side key hole was damaged. There were no security cameras available for evidence.

3/16
Burglary
A vehicle parked near Winding Way and PCH was broken into and the window was shattered. The victim said there was nothing missing from their vehicle. The window was estimated to cost $300 to repair. There were no security cameras available for evidence.

3/17
Vehicle burglary
A vehicle parked on Kanan Dume Drive was broken into and the window was shattered. The victim said the window was estimated to cost $1,500 to replace. The victim said an estimated $500 in miscellaneous items were stolen. There were no security cameras available for evidence.

3/24
Vehicle burglary
A vehicle parked near Rambla Vista Drive was broken into and the vehicle registration was stolen. The victim said they were unsure if there was anything else stolen ag this time. There was no security cameras available for evidence.

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