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Discussion on Next Week’s City Council | April 22

By
Samantha Bravo
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Ceremonial/Presentations: 

  1. Presentation of City Tile to Parker Davis for Seven Years of Service to the City of Malibu.
  2. Proclamation Declaring April 21-27, 2024 National Volunteer Week.
  3. Presentation on the City of Malibu’s New Development Application Portal.

New Items: 

  1. Floodplain Variance – 19750 Pacific Coast Highway
  2. Acceptance of Westward Beach Road Shoulder Repair Project
  3. City-County Municipal Services Agreement with the County of Los Angeles Animal Care and Control Department
  4. Resolution Extending the Declaration of the Existence of a Local Emergency Regarding Conditions on Pacific Coast Highway
  5. Housing Element Code Amendments

Ordinances and Public Hearings:

  1. 2024 Wastewater and Recycled Water Rate Study and Proposed Rates

Old Business:

  1. None.

New Business: 

  1. Formula Retail Clearance Process.

Council Items: 

  1. None.

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

Glenn R. Harvey 1951-2024

By
The Malibu Times
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Glenn Ray Harvey, age 72, of Santa Barbara, California, passed away on March 22, 2024, after a hard, long-fought battle against an infection. 

Glenn was born on September 13, 1951, to Royal Harvey and Margaret Wood in Santa Monica, California. He spent his childhood in Venice, California, before moving to Malibu, California, in 1976. In 1996, Glenn relocated his family to Santa Barbara, California, where he lived until 2024. 

Glenn’s successful professional life as a business entrepreneur and general contractor eventually led him to build, own, and operate several businesses, including Glenn Harvey Construction, Co., Santa Monica Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc., Malibu Refrigeration, Air Conditioning & Heat Inc., and the Lodge at Sandpoint, Inc. 

Glenn had many hobbies, including construction projects, riding motorcycles, rebuilding cars, horseback riding, tennis, pickleball, boating, fishing, skiing, surfing, road trips, going to the beach, spending time with his dog Ranger, and entertaining his friends and family with festive gatherings.

Those closest to Glenn describe him as a larger-than-life man who fiercely loved his family. Glenn leaves behind the love of his life and long-time partner, Leslie Wood, his son, Michael Harvey, his two daughters, Jacqueline and Amanda Harvey, and grandchildren, Manuel and Sierra Harvey. 

Glenn was predeceased by his grandmother, Margaret Reinhart, his mother, Margaret Wood, stepfather, Charles King, and brother-in-law, Dmitri Wood.

Services will be held in Santa Barbara, California, on May 4, 2024. For those seeking additional information on the time and place of the service to celebrate Glenn Harvey’s life, please contact his daughter, Jacqueline Harvey, at jnharvey1515@gmail.com

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to your local animal shelter, a cause Glenn felt strongly about.

Letter to The Editor: A tradition of service? A community? 

By
Samantha Bravo
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Dear Editor, 

On Friday morning (March 29), a pedestrian was killed (an apparent suicide) on southbound PCH on Malibu Creek bridge after being hit by a semi-truck. This is a difficult thing for all concerned, but not the main focus of this story.

PCH was closed in both directions from Cross Creek Road to the entrance to Serra Retreat. 

I arrived at PCH/Cross Creek Road as traffic was building in both directions. I talked to an officer who informed me of the death and told me the road would be closed for hours.

Because Topanga Canyon is closed, the only way to get to the West Side was over Malibu Canyon, the 101, the 405, then the 10, a diversion of about 40 miles, maybe two hours in the morning rush.

I then rode down to the Cross Creek entrance to Serra Retreat to ride through there, and around the blockage, and was told by the gate warden that it was a private entrance and cars and motorcycles could not go through. 

I rode back to the scene of the tragedy and talked to a sheriff’s deputy, asking them to contact the gate at Serra Retreat to let people through and get some traffic flowing again; it was after all the morning rush hour.

I was told that it was a private road and they could do nothing.

My concern is twofold, why was the northbound carriageway closed as there is a central median on the bridge, and why wasn’t southbound traffic routed through Serra Retreat?

Isn’t the catchphrase of the LACSD “A Tradition of Service”? Is Serra Retreat part of the Malibu community?

Does the doctor in the queue of traffic have no right to service? Does the patient at a westside hospital’s need for surgery, that is cancelled because of a multi-hour delay for the doctor, have no right to service? What about every other person in that traffic jam, do they have no right to service?  

Do the residents in Serra Retreat not want to be part of the Malibu community? How does that actuate in the next fire that comes into Malibu. Should we just ignore them?

Perhaps what should happen in these circumstances is the LACSD team should task an officer with getting traffic going as quickly as possible using the skills and resources they have available to them.

It seems to me that both the LACSD and residents of Serra Retreat should be looking to serve and help the community; instead, what many people in the queue experienced was a lack of service and self-interest trumping a sense of community. Poor form by both.   

Kevin Hughes, Malibu        

State Senate Transportation Committee advances two PCH safety bills

By
The Malibu Times
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(From left): Film producer Michel Shane, City of Malibu Deputy City Manager Alexis Brown, State Sen. Ben Allen, Mayor Pro Tem Doug Stewart, State Sen. Henry Stern, Barry Stewart and City Manager Steve McClary attended the state legislative session April 9 to lobby for two new laws that would affect Pacific Coast Highway. Photo courtesy City of Malibu

Grieving fathers help convince lawmakers to advance measures for PCH cameras and Negligent Operator Treatment

By Barbara Burke

Special to The Malibu Times

There are times when extreme tragedy can serve as a catalyst for positive change. 

California legislators who are privileged enough to serve on the transportation committee of the California State Senate bore witness to that on April 9 when two grieving fathers, Michel Shane and Barry Stewart, testified about how the unforgivably negligent acts of irresponsible individuals who were senselessly, excessively speeding on Malibu’s main street — the Pacific Coast Highway — mercilessly claimed the lives of their precious daughters, leaving their families, friends in devastating despair and the entire Malibu community exasperated and demanding that authorities address the perils of PCH and nearby mountain roads.

Shane shared the heart-wrenching story of his daughter Emily, who was killed by a speeding motorist 14 years ago near the intersection of Heathercliff and PCH. Stewart recounted the devastating loss of his daughter Peyton and three of her Pepperdine University classmates, who were killed on Oct. 17, 2023, in eastern Malibu in a collision involving a speeding driver traveling at 104 mph.

The fathers were accompanied by representatives from the City of Malibu, including Mayor Pro Tem Doug Stewart, City Manager Steve McClary, and Deputy City Manager Alexis Brown. Doug Stewart and McClary testified before the committee and emphasized the unwavering commitment of Malibu’s leadership to prioritize PCH’s safety. He stated that the two bills were desperately needed to further efforts to ensure the well-being of Malibu’s residents and visitors.

Senators debating the two bills noted that Malibu’s traffic environment is uniquely hazardous, with few sidewalks or separated bike lanes, limited parking, regionally popular beaches, too much parking along both sides of PCH, and commercial establishments adjacent to the major highway with few safe ways to cross. Those conditions are all worsened by significant speeding, leading to an inordinately high incident of collisions and fatalities in Malibu, according to those who testified.

SB 1297, authored by Senator Ben Allen, who represents Malibu, proposes a pilot program employing speed cameras on the PCH in Malibu. Before the committee hearing, many advocates of that bill strongly feared that lawmakers would reject the proposal outright, Doug Stewart told The Malibu Times. However, he noted that when committee members heard the two fathers’ heart-wrenching testimony, they became more receptive to the proposal. If the legislation passes and becomes law, the speed cameras will be placed along Malibu’s 21-mile stretch of Pacific Coast Highway and the systems will be coordinated with radar feedback signs to effectively deter speeding and reckless driving and promote safer road behaviors.

“As a father, I am heartbroken every time I see yet another news report of a fatal car crash on PCH,” Allen said, noting that he and his family are expecting a baby soon and the dangers of such a perilous thoroughfare are too overwhelming and call for legislative action. 

“The Malibu community is devastated by far too many serious injuries and deaths each year,” Allen continued. “Today’s passage of SB 1297 out of committee is the first step to providing the City with the necessary tools to crack down on reckless speeding and save lives.”

Citing astoundingly concerning statistics, Allen noted that over the past five years, Malibu has had the highest number of fatalities and serious injuries resulting from vehicle crashes among similarly sized cities. Simply stated, there is an epidemic of fatalities and severe injuries in Malibu caused by PCH accidents.

Malibu is number one for injuries and fatalities involving pedestrians, motorcycles, and bicycles, Allen recounted, noting that since 2010, the year that Emily Shane was killed, 60 people have been killed in traffic accidents along PCH in Malibu. In 2023, the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department issued a staggering 7,580 violations for speeding. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the City of Malibu contracted with the California Highway Patrol to address this issue. Since their officers’ deployment in January, CHP has issued 846 moving violations, with a notable 727 of those citations being for speeding.

“Thanks to Senator Allen and his staff and with the support of the City of Malibu, we got a very warm reception by the transportation committee concerning the speed camera pilot proposal,” Doug Stewart said. “We could see the attitudes change as the fathers testified — those on the committee began to realize that they could also be in those fathers’ shoes.” 

Stewart noted that the bill currently only calls for five cameras throughout the 21-mile stretch of Malibu and the city and the bill’s proponents are hopeful that they can get that modified to allow up to nine cameras given that Malibu’s segment of the PCH is 21 miles long and that all areas of Malibu experience extreme accidents too often. The decision regarding the specific placement of the cameras will be determined if and when the bill becomes law.

Malibu native Sen. Henry Stern proposes another bill seeking to deter speeders

Another legislative bill addressing the perils of excessive speeding in Malibu and statewide that the Senate Transportation Committee considered is Senate Bill 1509, authored by Malibu native Sen. Henry Stern. The Negligent Operator Treatment bill aims to address negligent driving behaviors on California roadways and proposes amendments to existing law to deter reckless driving behaviors and to promote responsible habits behind the wheel. A key provision of the bill would amend current statutes to classify convictions for driving more than 26 mph over the speed limit on roads that are not freeways as a two-point violation against an individual’s driver’s license.

That proposed law also received strong support from the delegation of Malibu City officials who attended the committee hearing. Notably, the Malibu City Council previously voted to endorse SB 1509 on March 11, recognizing the importance of proactive measures to enhance road safety and prevent future tragedies within the community.

Unlike the warm reception that the pilot program using cameras in Malibu received, that bill received some opposition, most notably from the Teamsters, who expressed concerns that those with commercial driving licenses could literally lose their livelihood if they were found guilty of exceeding posted speed limits, whether they were driving a vehicle professionally or their individual vehicles.  

The question of whether imposing points on a license would significantly deter speeding was also discussed exhaustively. Ultimately, the senators voted to pass the bill out of committee with the understanding that Stern and his staff would coordinate with those opposing the bill to make some modifications that made sense to both sides. Clearly, there is more to follow before that bill becomes law and The Malibu Times will keep readers informed in that regard.

“Speeding remains the primary factor in collisions and fatalities on PCH in Malibu,” stated Malibu Mayor Steve Uhring. “SB 1509 represents a crucial step toward addressing this issue by holding negligent drivers accountable for their actions. We commend Senator Stern for his leadership on this issue and urge continued support for this important legislation.”

Following the hearing, Stern conveyed his personal connection to Malibu and commitment to moving SB 1509 forward. 

“SB 1509 isn’t just a bill; it’s my pledge to my childhood home, Malibu,” he said. “With each step as this bill moves forward in the legislative process, we’re honoring the lives lost on our roads, transforming tragedy into action. I know the legacy of people like Emily Shane, who was killed on PCH, will no longer be a story of loss and inaction, but will now be a story of hope and change.”

Malibu holds public discussion on the Revenue Sharing Agreement in school district separation 

By
Samantha Bravo
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The Malibu City Council is shown Wednesday, April 10, during a special meeting and work session discussing the separation of the Santa Monica/Malibu Unified School District. Photo by Samantha Bravo/TMT

The city will be holding a second workshop on Saturday, April 20, at 10 a.m., location TBD

“I am excited tonight because we have reached a milestone in a very long negotiations process with the Santa Monica-Malibu School District (SMMUSD) school district,” Deputy City Attorney Christine Wood said to start off the special City Council meeting last week. “There’s been a long process of both petitions and presentions before the county committee, but since about 2020, we have been in negotiations with the SMMUSD to negotiate a revenue sharing arrangement of sorts. As a result of what happened last fall, we have formulated and reached a preliminary agreement with the Santa Monica Unified School District around a revenue-sharing arrangement.”

On Wednesday, April 10, The City of Malibu held a special meeting and work session for Malibu residents to gain insights into the revenue-sharing arrangement.

This milestone achievement reflects the commitment of both the City of Malibu and SMMUSD to uphold guiding principles that prioritize equity, fairness, and local control in education. 

Malibu residents and parents attended the meeting in person and through Zoom to ask questions about the report. 

This tentative agreement is subject to approval by the Malibu City Council and the SMMUSD Board of Education. 

The agreement on the revenue-sharing arrangement is a testament to the collaborative spirit and shared vision of the City of Malibu and SMMUSD, the city said in a press release. It represents a significant achievement in the journey toward establishing an independent Malibu Unified School District, one that will provide the community with greater autonomy and decision-making authority over educational policies.

“As we celebrate this milestone, we recognize that there is still work to be done,” the press release says. “However, with continued collaboration and cooperation, we are confident that we will build a stronger foundation for the future of education in both communities. We look forward to further engagement with the community as we move forward in this process.”

The City of Malibu will be holding a second workshop on Saturday, April 20 at 10 a.m. Details regarding the second workshop location will be provided in a subsequent announcement. 

Councilmember Marianne Riggins said the meeting went great for the community and public to see their work, make comments, and provide feedback. 

“We’ve had mediation sessions with the Santa Monica Malibu Unified School Board’s mediation group and their ad-hoc and their board to talk about all the different issues of concerns for both parties,” Riggins said. “We hope to have joint sessions with the Santa Monica Malibu School Board to also share it with more people. Eventually it’s going to come where the school board will have a public meeting to vote on ratification of this, and after they vote on it, then the City Council has a chance to vote on it.”

Some of the concerns raised during the meeting was how will the city will continue this agreement in the future.

“We’re going to have a joint powers authority that will be installed that will be a arbiter if there are disagreements but also to make sure that the term sheet and the revenue-sharing arrangement are all followed through the future,” Riggins said. 

For more information on the City of Malibu’s school separation efforts, please contact Deputy City Manager Alexis Brown at (310) 456-2489, ext .300, email abrown@malibucity.org, visitwww.MalibuCity.org/MUSD, or visit SMMUSD’s webpage at www.smmusd.org/MalibuUnification.Comments may be also be submitted to the SMMUSD “Let’s Talk” portal at www.smmusd.org/superintendent.

Calendar for the week of 4/18

By
Samantha Bravo
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The City of Malibu organized a document shred and household hazardous and E-Waste collection at City Hall on Saturday, April 16. Photo by Samantha Bravo/TMT.

THURS, APRIL 18

DECORATE YOUR OWN PLANT AT THE MALIBU LIBRARY

Join the Malibu Library on Friday, April 18, and learn about the basics of planting and caring for potted flowers. You will also have a chance to decorate a mini ceramic terra-cotta pot using acrylic paint. For ages 13-17, on Thursday, April 18, from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Malibu Library.

THURS, APRIL 18

EMILY SHANE FOUNDATION ANNUAL FUNDRAISER WINGS OVER MALIBU

The Emily Shane Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit charity based in Malibu and serving children across Los Angeles and Ventura counties, will be hosting its annual gala spring fundraiser, Wings Over Malibu, on the evening of Thursday, April 18, directly over the waves in the Ocean Room at Duke’s Restaurant in Malibu. The gala’s proceeds will benefit the foundation’s SEA (Successful Educational Achievement) Program, which empowers underserved, disadvantaged middle schoolers at risk of academic failure by providing them with intensive and individualized academic tutoring and mentorship. Highlights of Wings Over Malibu 2024 include a live auction, an online silent auction, exclusive wines by The Narcissist Wine Company, delicious appetizers, and the popular local band Little Dume, presenting an acoustic set. Members of the Malibu Middle Orchestra will serenade guests as they arrive. Tickets will be available for purchase at emilyshane.org as of March 18.

FRI, APRIL 19

SPRING FLING

Join Stoked Surfboard Art on Friday, April 19, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Trancas Country Market, 30745 Pacific Coast Highway. Check out the new stoked designs and live music by Sophie Holt. There will be 25 percent off selected items.

FRI, APRIL 19

FREE SEMINAR AT SANTA MONICA COLLEGE MALIBU CAMPUS

SVF Audubon Society Seminar: The Swallows are Back! Join the Free Seminar at Santa Monica College Malibu Campus 23555 Civic Center Way, Malibu Room 202/Lecture Hall on Friday, April 19, from 10 to 11 a.m. To register go to commed.smc.edu and search for “Swallows” to find this free seminar registration. For questions call (310) 434-8600.

SAT, APRIL 20

DOCUMENT SHRED DAY

Drop off any documents in need of shredding on Saturday, April 20, at Malibu City Hall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or until the truck is full. This is a drive-thru event, so residents will not be able to wait and watch the bin be shredded. Participants are strongly encouraged to remain in their vehicles. All shredded material will be recycled. Protect yourself against identity theft and fraud by disposing of old records properly. Securely dispose of personal/business records. Limit of five boxes (or five 13-gallon bags) per household. Acceptable items include: 

  • Tax forms and bank statements
  • Pay stubs
  • Checkbooks
  • Insurance policy information
  • Medical information
  • Legal files
  • Utility bills
  • Credit card statements
  • Credit card offers
  • Receipts and invoices
  • Investment records

SAT, APRIL 20

OUR LADY OF MALIBU: A NIGHT IN MONTE CARLO

Our Lady of Malibu is hosting a Night in Monte Carlo on Saturday, April 20, from 6 to 11 p.m. Enjoy casino games, dinner, drinks, live band, dancing, live and silent auction, cash prize raffle drawings. 

MON, APRIL 22

WASTEWATER AND RECYCLED WATER RATE STUDY PUBLIC HEARING AT CITY HALL

The Malibu City Council will hold a public hearing on wastewater and recycled water rates for the Civic Center Water Treatment Facility (Phase One) on Monday, April 22, at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall and virtually via Zoom. During the hearing, wastewater, and recycled water rates will be established for Fiscal Years 2024-25, 2025-26, 2026-27, and 2027-28. If approved by the City Council, the proposed rate increases will be effective for services provided on or after July 1. For more information, visit the CCWTF Rates webpage malibucity.org/1059/Wastewater-Recycled-Water-Rates. 

TUES, APRIL 23

CITY TO HOST A FIRESCAPING WORKSHOP 

The city is hosting the West Basin Firescaping Workshop class on Tuesday, April 23, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Malibu City Hall, in partnership with the West Basin Municipal Water District, LA Waterworks, and the Los Angeles County Fire Department. This event is free and will allow Malibu residents to learn the benefits and techniques of fire-resistant landscaping for home improvement. Dinner will be included. 

TOPICS INCLUDE:

• Protecting your home

• First five feet

• Defensible space

• Fire-resistant plants

For more information and event registration, visit westbasin.org/firescaping.

WED, APRIL 24

CELEBRATE DIA: MAKE A PINATA AT THE MALIBU LIBRARY

Join the Malibu Library on Wednesday, April 24, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. as we celebrate children and families by enjoying books and, reading, and creating paper bag piñatas. For ages 5-12 with parent or caregiver, but fun for the whole family.

WED, APRIL 24

1ST ANNUAL MMS/MHS ART SHOW

Don’t miss Malibu Middle/High School’s first annual art show on Wednesday, April 24, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the parent center. View student’s drawings, paintings, photography, digital arts, visual arts, ceramics, sculptures, film, and more. Food and drinks will be provided. Admission is free. 

THURS, APRIL 25

SECOND ANNUAL NORTH SANTA MONICA BAY STATE OF THE WATERSHED 2024

Join the North Santa Monica Bay State of the Watershed 2024 on Thursday, April 25, from 1 to 4 p.m. at City of Malibu, 23825 Stuart Ranch Road Malibu, CA 90265. Hybrid option: Registered guests will receive a Zoom link from Eventbrite the day of the event. Link to register here: www.eventbrite.com/e/north-santa-monica-bay-state-of-the-watershed-2024-tickets-861204083597?aff=ebdsoporgprofile.

THURS, APRIL 25

MALIBU FOUNDATION GROUNDBREAKING EVENT AT SANTA MONICA COLLEGE

Join the Malibu Foundation on Thursday, April 25, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Santa Monica College in celebration of their groundbreaking initiative to address biodiversity loss by planting the first microforest at a community college in the country. Please RSVP of your attendance at info@themalibufoundation.org.

FRI, APRIL 26-APRIL 28

MHS THEATRE: ‘MEAN GIRLS’

Come out and support Malibu High School theatre’s next play, “Mean Girls.” The play runs from Thursday, April 26, through Sunday, April 28. Tickets are on sale now. Visit artsangelsmhs on Instagram for more info. The link to purchase tickets is in their bio. 

FRI, APRIL 26

CHARMLEE WILDERNESS PARK NIGHT HIKE

Discover the nighttime magic of Charmlee Wilderness Park on Friday, April 26, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. During the 90-minute hike, participants will learn about the nocturnal surroundings of the Santa Monica Mountains. Participants should feel comfortable walking on uneven terrain. Bring water, a headlamp or flashlight, appropriate shoes, and dress in layers. Reservations are required for this free event. The hike will be canceled in case of rain. For more information, visit the outdoor recreation webpage malibucity.org/1090/Outdoor-Recreation.  

SAT, APRIL 27

THE RIPPLE EFFECT: A GENERATIVE POETRY WORKSHOP

When things ripple, they emanate from a center and move outwards. Ripples are an unfolding interaction. In terms of poetry, poems “ripple out” from us and join the ripple of existing and yet-to-be-penned poems which creates a dialogue that continuously overlaps. Join us for a generative, poetry writing workshop where we will sit in the “ripple” of each other’s energies, read, and discuss poems to stimulate our imaginations, and write original poems from prompts provided in the workshop. This workshop is for everyone, regardless of ability level. Participants should bring a pen and a notepad! Led by Malibu Poet Laureate Nathan Hassall. The next workshop is on Saturday, April 27, from 2 to 4 p.m.

SUN, APRIL 28

MALIBU DEMOCRATIC CLUB TO HOST HIKE AND LUNCH 

On Sunday, April 28, the Malibu Democratic Club is hosting a hike and lunch event. The hike begins at 10 a.m. at Charmlee Wilderness Park, 2577 Encinal Canyon Road. They will meet in the Charmlee Wilderness Park parking lot at 9:45 a.m., then gather for lunch at noon at Malibu Brewing Company, 30745 Pacific Coast Highway. (Each person is responsible for their own tab). You can attend one or both activities. RSVP Required at https://tinyurl.com/3eaeavw2. For more info go to Info@MalibuDemocraticClub.org. 

TUES, APRIL 30

COASTAL VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT WORKSHOP (VIRTUAL)

Join the City of Malibu at the upcoming public workshop on Tuesday, April 30, at 3 p.m., on Zoom to provide your feedback and discuss the next steps on the Coastal Vulnerability Assessment and projected impacts of sea level rise. Visit the virtual link to access the meeting. The recording of the first virtual workshop presenting technical results is available at Virtual Workshop Recording. Access the draft Coastal Vulnerability Assessment report, interactive GIS map, and additional information on our Malibu Coastal webpage (malibucity.org/859/Coastal). For inquiries, call (310) 456-2489, ext. 390, or email mbuilding@malibucity.org.

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 DAY AT POINT DUME NATURE PRESERVE

Get your hands dirty and feel good doing your part! This event held every second Wednesday of the month is to remove invasive plant species by hand-pulling. Bring gardening gloves, water, a hat, and sunscreen! Parking available at Point Dume Entrance (Limited two-hour free parking), Westward Beach County Parking Lot (hourly rate), and Westward Beach Road (free).

BRIDGE GROUP

If you have never played bridge, here is your chance to learn! Beginners and experienced players are welcome to play with this relaxed bridge group every Friday at the Malibu Senior Center from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. A friendly and welcoming long-standing group welcomes all levels of players. Led by volunteer Vin Joshi.

KNITTING

Join the City of Malibu’s Community Service Department and Sheila Rosenthal for a knitting workshop that takes place on 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. 

Malibu High boys volleyball ranked first in Division 6

By
McKenzie Jackson
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The Malibu Shark boys volleyball team is shown in action during a game against Viewpoint on Feb. 1. Photos by Devon Meyers/TMT.

The Sharks undefeated, and have not lost a single set, in Citrus Coast League play

The Malibu High Sharks boys volleyball team sits atop the CIF Southern Section Division 6 rankings. 

The Sharks, owners of a 14-8 record, are ranked first in poll composed by the CIF Boys Volleyball Committee. 

Being ranked number one, Malibu head coach Derek Saenz said, is cool.

“Its not like your parents saying, ‘Oh you’re amazing,’” he said. “It’s good to achieve.”

Sharks sophomore middle blocker Sebastian Longo said his team is assiduous. 

“We are all truly dedicated to volleyball,” he said, “and we know what must be done to achieve the goals we want, with not giving up until the very end.” 

Following Malibu in the top 10 are Summit, Pete Knight, Lancaster, Gabrielino, Samueli Academy, Ganesha, Lakewood, Wildwood, and St. Anthony. 

Saenz said Malibu has been good, but not great this season. 

“We haven’t won anything yet,” he noted before using the popular play about the life of former U.S. President Alexander Hamilton in an analogy. “It’s like ‘Hamilton.’ You are good enough to be in the room where it happens but you’re not president yet. How do you get to the next step of commanding the room and winning a championship?”

The Sharks begin play in the Chatsworth Boys Volleyball Tournament on Friday with a match against Eagle Rock. Malibu will play six to eight contests during the two-day event.

The volleyball spectacle will feature over 40 teams from across the Los Angeles area. Saenz believes the event will be a good challenge for Malibu. The squad’s eight losses this season have been to talented squads — Monrovia, Vista del Lago, Camarillo, San Marino, Reseda, San Juan Hills, and Harvard-Westlake twice. 

Saenz said Malibu is a fun, confident squad that can compete with teams from bigger schools. 

The Malibu Shark boys volleyball team is shown in action during a game against Viewpoint on Feb. 1. Photos by Devon Meyers/TMT.

Longo recalled that one of the Sharks’ best performances this season was against Harvard-Westlake.

“Everyone played well and did some amazing things,” he remembered. “It showed us all the small things we must do to be able to beat a team like Harvard-Westlake.” 

Sharks outside hitter Alex Galan, a sophomore, said he and his teammates work to get better daily. 

“The sky is the limit with how good we can get,” he said. “We are athletic enough to win titles. If we put in the work, the results will show.” 

The Sharks have downed Rio Honda Prep, Vista del Lago, Orange Vista, Viewpoint, Oaks Christian, Dana Hills, Centennial, and University Prep Value this season. The team also has an undefeated record against their competition in the Citrus Coast League, so they are atop the league standings. 

In fact, the Sharks have been so dominant that they have not lost a set to league opposition, which includes Channel Islands, Nordhoff, Carpinteria, Hueneme, and Filmore. Malibu beat each team twice. Every win has been 3-0.

Saenz said Malibu played particularly well in its two victories over Channel Islands.

“Those were ones with the biggest crowds,” he said. “We still managed to play well and get wins. Channel Islands is a good, athletic group. Those wins were big confidence boosters.”

The Sharks’ roster includes sophomores Kane Bendler, Taj Menteer, Keegan Cross, Luke Light, and Julian Calvo. The freshman include Dakota Gardner, Hudson Wilcox, Terence Gonzalez, Maxson Chiate, Timur Podgore, Joshua Treptin, Dest Dorigny, Martin Kurial, Lucas Galan, Cohen Superfon, and Madeus Lupo. Junior Nick Shafai and senior Axel Jimenez are also on the squad. 

Saenz said Malibu’s strength is their depth. 

“We are balanced,” he said. “We don’t have a standout player, where if he plays well we win, if he doesn’t we lose. We can move kids around. If someone doesn’t play well that is fine. We don’t rely on one player that much. Everyone is good. Every hitter can score points.”

The Sharks will play at Fillmore on April 9 to begin the second half of their schedule against rival Citrus Coast League squads. The team will hold its alumni game on April 13. At least 12 former Sharks are expected to take the court. 

Saenz said Malibu has skill but is pushing to be more consistent on the court in making winning plays. 

“We are trying to be perfect with attention and effort,” he said. “What part of our team culture helps us win? How to be a better teammate? How do we meet challenges?” 

Pepperdine men’s volleyball team downs USC 

By
McKenzie Jackson
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Pepperdine's Cole Rasic (19) and Alex Mrkalj celebrate during the Waves' men's volleyball team's win over USC on March 30. The eight-ranked Waves have downed the 11th-ranked Trojans twice this season. Photo by Jeff Golden

Waves will play in the three-day Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Championships beginning April 17

The Pepperdine men’s volleyball team defeated USC for the second time this season March 30.

The Waves, ranked eighth nationally, beat the 11th-ranked Trojans 3-1 in the Galen Center on USC’s campus. 

Outside hitter Cole Ketrzynski, a graduate student, led Pepperdine with 16 kills and a .464 hitting percentage. Ketrzynski also had six digs and one block. Middle blocker Akin Akinwumi, also a graduate student, tallied 18 kills on a .400 hitting percentage and had three digs and four blocks — including one solo rejection. 

Pepperdine won the first set 25-15, while the Trojans took the second one 25-20. The Waves then won the next two sets 27-25 and 25-19. 

The Waves previously downed USC 3-1 on March 14 on the court at Pepperdine’s Firestone Fieldhouse. Ketrzynski, who played for UCLA as an undergraduate, led Pepperdine in that matchup also. 

The Waves tied the first set at 9 when Akinwumi, redshirt sophomore outside hitter Ryan Barnett, and middle blocker Martin de Chavarria, a graduate student, all shared a block. The Waves then took a six-point lead highlighted by some strong swing of the arm by Barnett. Barnett registered an ace, and Akinwumi and Ketrzynski had kills that along with a Trojans error gave Pepperdine the first-set victory.

USC jumped to an 8-3 lead in the second set and never looked by. They led 19-12 before securing the win despite kills by Akinwumi and redshirt freshman Ethan Watson, a middle blocker. 

The Waves took an 11-6 lead in the third set due to smacks of the volleyball by Akinwumi, Ketrzynski, and graduate student Alex Mrkalj, an outside hitter. Pepperdine then took a 17-12 advantage. Kills by Mrkalj and Watson gave the Waves a 23-20 lead. USC rallied, but a Ketrzynski kill and Trojans error made Pepperdine victorious. 

Points by Watson and Mrkalj helped the Waves jump off to a good start in the fourth set. A block by Akinwumi and Watson gave their team a point lead. Mrkalj then had four kills in five plays as the Waves gained a 17-11 advantage. Points by Akinwumi and Graves cemented Pepperdine’s closing set triumph. 

Watson finished the match with seven kills and five blocks, while Graves had 50 assists, three kills, three digs, and two blocks. Senior libero Trey Cole had 12 digs, and Mrkalj had nine kills with a .562 hitting percentage and four digs. 

The Waves had 60 kills overall on a .400 hitting percentage. The squad also had eight blocks and one ace. 

Pepperdine has a 17-7 record heading into their home contest against The Master’s on Friday at 3 p.m. The Waves play Grand Canyon in Phoenix on April 11 and the next day to close the regular season.

The team will play in the three-day Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Championships in Los Angeles, which begin on April 17. 

Cross Creek Ranch sits vacant, fully landscaped, and unoccupied for another season 

By
The Malibu Times
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The Cross Creek Ranch Malibu proposed retail center is shown closed off. The Malibu City Council passed a motion for a Settlement Agreement to allow development on the site. Photos by Samantha Bravo/TMT

Future unclear despite Pacific Equity, Cross Creek Ranch developer, securing a $135 million refinancing loan 

By Barbara Burke

Special to The Malibu Times

Many Malibuites have been wondering what is happening with regard to the long-awaited opening of Cross Creek Ranch, the 122,324-square-foot retail and office development located between The Park at Cross Creek — where Howdy’s, Blue Bottle and Whole Foods are located — and the Malibu Library. The property was completed two years ago and, as The Malibu Times reported last summer, the city and the Pacific Equity Partners, the developer, settled possible litigation concerning the project’s compliance with a 2018 law pertaining to retail property in Malibu with more than 10,000 square feet, restricting the number of chain store lessees with ten or more locations. 

The law, entitled the Formula Retail Ordinance, Ordinance 431, limits the number of retail chain lessees to ensure Malibu has diverse retail venues as well as, very importantly, to ensure that such developments contain some local businesses. 

Since then, seasons have come and gone and … crickets. The fully developed parcel has sat vacant, fully landscaped, and unoccupied.

That may change fairly soon. Pacific Equity secured a $135,000 first-lien, five-year financing loan on March 11 — that significant sum should help to facilitate the grand opening of the property. 

Still … crickets — there is no word yet regarding what retailers, restaurants or offices will be housed in the 11-building complex. The Malibu Times’ efforts to reach Pacific Equities concerning whether any prospective tenants have commenced such activities have been unsuccessful as of press time. 

Cross Creek Ranch’s obtaining financing is not the only new development in the world of developments in Malibu.

Deja vu: Weintraub takes another shot at developing the parcel across from Pepperdine

Richard Weintraub is taking another shot at building a massive hotel in Malibu, according to plans his company submitted to the City of Malibu in January. Presumably, his strategy is based on the third-time’s-a-charm doctrine.

The contemplated project would rest on a site with three parcels at 4000 Malibu Canyon Road and would feature 181,000 square feet on a lot with 545,000 square feet of total development area. Weintraub seeks to have it include a health club and spa, exterior pool, meditation space, two restaurants and 98,000 square feet of “independent hotel suites,” accompanied by a multi-level parking structure.

Readers may recall that Weintraub unsuccessfully sought city approval to build a hotel on the site several years ago. 

No dice.

Subsequently, he attempted to obtain approval to build a high-tech cemetery or memorial park that could be navigated using GPS, where, in the words of former Mayor Skylar Peak, who was interviewed by the Los Angeles Times in 2014, “guests check in, but they can’t check out.” 

No dice. 

Whether Weintraub will face “no dice,” thrice will have to abide the planning approval process.

Up for auction: Encinal Canyon Bluff

“Offered for the first time collectively, ‘Encinal Canyon Bluff,’ 130-acre premier land development opportunity with unobstructed views in star-studded Malibu to sell to the highest bidder at inaugural live auction in Los Angeles this April,” conciergeauctions.com announced, noting the property is offered in partnership with Bill and Daniel Moss of Coldwell Banker Realty and that it was previously listed for $13.5 million. 

The posting continues, describing the property as a crown jewel high above the celebrity estates fringing the coast below, and stating, “Soaring high above the Encinal Bluffs and Broad Beach, ‘Encinal Canyon Bluff,’ is an incredible blank canvas consisting of three titles and offers endless potential for passionate and creative purchasers to leave their stamp on the Malibu community.” 

Of course, Malibuites who steadfastly adhere to the city’s Mission Statement which seeks to retain the rural character of Malibu, such is not the “stamp on the Malibu community” they think fits in this town. 

Reports and surveys for a more-than 10,000-square-foot home were designed by Tobias Architects and, according to the posting, “nine of the 11 city departments have signed off on the project.”

For those who subscribe to the old theory that one should invest in land because they’re not making any more of it, the auction bidding begins on March 28 at conciergeauctions.com and will end live at The Maybourne Beverly Hills on April 11.  

Letter to The Editor: Honoring the Legacy of Matt Rapf

By
Letter to the Editor
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Dear Editor,

Last Saturday, we gathered to pay tribute to a remarkable man whose presence touched the lives of many, Matt Rapf. As we came together to celebrate Matt’s life, we were reminded of the extraordinary impact he had on those around him. Matt was not only a skilled surfer, a successful realtor, and a dedicated family man, but he was also a beacon of faith and love in our community. His unwavering devotion to his family and friends and his deep-rooted connection to the City of Malibu exemplified the essence of a life well-lived. There was even a beautiful rainbow in the sky for Matt after a downpour of rain, which reminded us all of him.

Matt’s spirit radiated warmth and kindness, leaving an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire us for years to come. His boundless love for Malibu and his profound faith were evident in every aspect of his life, serving as a guiding light for all who knew him. As we bid farewell to our friend, we take solace in knowing that his spirit will live on through the countless lives he touched.

Matt’s memory will forever be cherished by those who had the privilege of calling him a friend, and his legacy will continue to resonate throughout our community. Rest in peace. Your presence will be deeply missed, but your spirit will continue to shine brightly in our hearts.

Diane Levy, Malibu

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