Anne Marie (Trapani) Bredefeld of Malibu, formerly of Bedminster, NJ, went peacefully to be with the Lord on December 1, 2025. Anne was born in Brooklyn, NY, on May 5, 1941, to Peter and Mary (Cennamo) Trapani.
Years later, Anne Marie and her family moved to Little Falls, NJ. She spent her youth building everlasting memories with her parents, brother, and extended Trapani family of adored aunts, uncles, and many cousins, learning the importance of community, family, and friendship, which lasted her entire lifetime.
Anne Marie graduated from Little Falls High School and continued her education at William Patterson College in Wayne, NJ, to earn a BA in Education. For 23 years, predominantly at Lakeland Regional High School, she passionately taught countless students.
Anne Marie lived her life as a devoted daughter, wife, mother, niece, sister, aunt, and friend. She is survived by her beloved husband, Mitchell, cherished son, Christian, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces.
Anne Marie carried an unmistakable light that drew people to her. She leaves an eternal legacy of generosity and kindness to everyone with whom she was in contact, and her love for the Lord, which she shared and passed on to so many others.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, William J. Trapani, and many treasured dogs.
Friends are invited to a viewing at 10 am and a funeral service at 11 am on December 13 at the Our Lady of Malibu Catholic Church, 3625 Winter Canyon Rd, Malibu. The burial will be for family members only. At 2 pm, all are invited to a celebration of Anne Marie over lunch at Vs Restaurant, 22821 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Best Friends Animal Society: https://bestfriends.org
These 2-year-old Husky/Labrador sisters have been waiting patiently at the shelter since September after their previous owners could no longer care for them.
Maxine and Nala are housebroken, gentle, and absolutely adore playing together. While they are bonded and enjoy each other’s company, they can be adopted separately. If adopted individually, each girl will do best in a home with a calm dog. Initially shy and hesitant they have overcome to be affectionate, goofy, and loving girls.
Bissell Pet Foundation’s Empty the Shelters: Holiday Hope Event is now running from December 1-15 at all 7 LA County Animal Care Centers! Adopters will be required to complete a BPF-provided survey in order to receive the waived adoption fee.
Care Center Hours: Monday-Saturday 11am-5pm Closed* on Sunday and holidays
29525 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, CA 91301 agoura@animalcare.lacounty.gov
The Malibu High girls tennis team finished 15-4 and in second place in the Citrus Coast League this season. Photo by Joyce Stickney
Malibu girls tennis falls in dramatic CIF semifinal after match resumes next day
By the time Malibu High’s Freyja Jacobson, 15, took the court in the CIF-Southern Section Division 7 semifinal against Laguna Hills on Nov. 12, the match was tied — and daylight was gone.
Malibu High cannot use field lights because of environmental impact and public health concerns, so whoever would advance to the championship game would be decided in the dark.
Jacobson and her opponent struggled to see the tennis ball — and even their own footing. The match was tied 3-3 when Laguna Hills agreed to travel back to Malibu the next day to allow the girls to complete their game in daylight.
Jacobson, Malibu’s No. 3 singles player, was a bit frustrated with the decision because she felt she had her opponent on the ropes. “I play soccer, so I have a lot of stamina,” she said. “I don’t get tired playing tennis, but the girl was really tired. I could have taken advantage of that, but also, I couldn’t see the ball.”
The next day at noon, the players rallied back and forth in front of their teammates, coaches, and other supporters.
“You could just feel the pressure,” Malibu head coach Joyce Stickney recalled.
The Malibu High girls tennis team was led by No. 1 singles player Ana Mitrovic (left) and No. 2 singles Rylan Borress in 2025. Their coach, Joyce Stickney, is shown in background behind the fence. Photo by Joyce Stickney
However, Jacobson was defeated 8-3 when she lost three straight sudden-death tiebreaks. Laguna Hills secured a 10-8 victory, advancing to the championship game where they were defeated 12-6 by Oakwood.
Malibu, CIF championship winners in 2024, finished the season with a 15-4 record, which included a second-place finish in the Citrus Coast League.
Stickney described Jacobson as the type of player who always gives her team a winning chance in the clutch.
“Freyja is super steady, athletic, reliable, and has a lot of inner strength,” Stickney said. “She’s a fighter. She really pushes herself. She has great poise on the court. She was smiling even when she lost.”
Jacobson, who also surfs and practices jujitsu, always tries to keep a positive mindset.
“I play my best,” she said. “That’s all that matters.”
Before and after the match, the Sharks huddled together and encouraged Jacobson.
Stickney said the moments brought out the best in the squad. “It was a life lesson for all the team,” she explained. “All the team realized when Freyja was out there, we were out there with her. They all played a part in getting to this point. The responsibility of winning one more game or set was on everybody.”
Malibu began its playoff run with a 16-2 victory over Twentynine Palms on Nov. 5. Two days later, the squad beat El Rancho 10-8 in the second round. The Sharks made the two-hour journey to Lake Elsinore and beat Temescal Canyon 11-7 in the quarterfinals on Nov. 12 and advanced to the matchup against Laguna Hills.
Stickney described the match against Temescal Canyon, a much bigger school, as a David vs. Goliath matchup and noted how Malibu played sluggishly in the sweltering heat until they doused their hair with ice water.
“They went out there and got a clean win,” she said.
The Sharks were led this season by captains Ana Mitrovic, their No. 1 singles player, and senior Rylan Borress, their No. 2 singles player. Cole Ovsiowitz and Kenley Bell were Malibu’s No. 1 doubles players, while Vivian Giffen-Jasby and Bridget Shanahan were the No. 2 tandem.
The squad also included Lukenisa Michaels Rhides, Violet Giffen-Jasby, Eden Porat, Xue Mastrippolito, and Piper Smith. Quinton Kramer was Stickney’s assistant coach.
Stickney said Malibu played with enthusiasm all season. “The team really gelled together and was really supportive of each other,” she noted.
The coach expects the Sharks to contend for the title again in 2026 since they only had two seniors on this year’s team.
“We laid the foundation for next season,” Stickney said, “and we are motivated to practice throughout the year.”
“Next year, we are going to have a really great team because everyone is warmed up,” added Jacobson.
Malibu’s Big Rock residents celebrate milestones nearly a year after the Palisades Fire
The scars of the Palisades Fire — which ignited on Jan. 7 and tore through the hillsides of Pacific Palisades and Malibu — remain etched into the landscape and the hearts of all who call it home. Yet amid the charred slopes and slow, steady reconstruction, a spark of hope lit up the Big Rock neighborhood last week. Residents gathered for a modest but heartfelt “Let’s Go Home” block party, raising a toast to the issuance of eight building permits — a concrete sign that recovery is taking hold. Organized by local advocates, the event highlighted the community’s resilience and the city’s growing support as residents navigate the long and complicated road toward rebuilding.
The Palisades Fire, one of the most devastating blazes in recent Malibu history, displaced familes and destroyed hundreds of homes. In Big Rock, a tight-knit community perched on the rugged bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the inferno hit hard. Inland Lane, for instance, saw 12 out of 14 homes reduced to rubble. Nearly a year later, the neighborhood’s “Let’s Go Home” gathering wasn’t just a celebration — it was a defiant rallying cry.
Jo Drummond, a dedicated zone captain and resident who lost her own home, described the event as a much-needed boost of positivity in an often grueling process. “We had three families there who actually had permits, and we were all just celebrating and trying to be positive about the rebuild, which it’s hard to be, but we’re excited,” Drummond shared. “I think there’s been over 80 applications put in in Big Rock, so 10 is more than 10% that’s issued. We’re hoping by the end of next year, half of Big Rock will be rebuilt.”
The families spotlighted at the event embodied the personal stories behind the statistics. Lindsay Luzader, along with her husband Jeff, presented drawings of their new home. Luzader, a mother of two — a 13-year-old daughter named Millicent and a newborn son, Malachi — has faced the rebuild amid major life changes.
Nearby on Inland Lane, Jimmy and Ina Petulla also shared their progress. With five permits now issued on their street alone, the neighborhood is starting to envision a return to normalcy. The gathering drew not only residents but also key city staff members — Senior Plan Check Engineer Andre Ketchedjian, Permit Services Technician Jasmine Garlington, and Associated Planner Larbi Azzaz — who provided real-time updates on pending applications. One poignant moment came when they informed an 87-year-old neighbor, Hushang, that his final corrections were imminent.
“He really wants his permit because he keeps saying he wants to die in his house,” Drummond recounted with a mix of humor and empathy. “I’m like, you’re gonna live a long time, Hushang. Don’t worry.”
This on-the-spot support reflects the broader collaborative framework driving Malibu’s rebuild. The zone captains, a network of volunteer liaisons established under the Malibu Rebuild Task Force chaired by Abe Roy, have become indispensable. Drummond explained that these weekly meetings bridge the gap between wary residents and city officials.
“Most residents actually don’t trust the city, and they’re kind of a little intimidated dealing with them, so they’re happy to deal with their neighbor,” she said. “I can get more information for them than their own architect can give them.”
The impact is evident in the numbers. Just five weeks ago, only four permits had been issued in Big Rock; now, that figure stands at 17. Drummond credits the zone captains’ advocacy for accelerating progress, including pushing for streamlined geotechnical requirements. A crucial meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 10, aims to update guidelines based on outdated 1987 maps, advocating for minor reports over comprehensive ones for homes that stood safely for decades.
“We’re trying to make the geotechnical requirements not as stringent because we’ve had homes there before,” Drummond noted. The city’s recent hire of a new geotechnical consultant, who aided Santa Rosa’s three-year rebuild post-wildfire, signals potential for faster timelines.
Citywide, the momentum is building. According to the latest updates from the City of Malibu, 432 building permits have been issued for rebuild-related activities, with 166 planning submittals received and 159 approved. Malibu Community Development Director Yolanda Bundy, in a statement, emphasized the human element: “Rebuilding Malibu is more than a municipal responsibility; it is a shared commitment born of care, hope, and community. Residents have faced unimaginable loss, yet their courage and resilience light the path forward.”
Bundy’s update provides a fuller picture: As of mid-November, 421 building permits have been issued for repairs, damages, and rebuilding; 180 planning submittals have been received, with 106 approved; and 16 single-family home permits have been granted, with more anticipated soon. These figures are tracked live on the dashboard at MalibuRebuilds.org/rebuild-dashboard. “Each number represents a home, a family, and a tangible step toward recovery,” Bundy stated. “These are not just statistics — they are milestones of hope and proof that Malibu is coming back stronger.”
Malibu Mayor Marianne Riggins echoed this optimism, praising the synergy between residents and city staff. “It’s great. I think things are coming together with a combination of property owners getting their plans together and everything and coming into the Rebuild Center and working with staff to get everything approved so we can start construction,” she said.
Riggins also highlighted the effectiveness of the zone captains: “Breaking it down into each of those neighborhoods so there’s a little bit more direct contact with each zone captain … I think it’s a really good dynamic.”
Resources are ramping up to meet the demand. The city has partnered with the Los Angeles County Fire Department and Caltrans for oceanfront properties, facilitating construction logistics. New contracts for environmental health, geology, and coastal engineering reviews promise further efficiencies. “We hope to be seeing improvements in each of those areas and even more approvals coming through,” Riggins added.
Yet, challenges persist: Malibu’s unique terrain — steep hillsides, coastal bluffs, and environmentally sensitive areas — imposes rigorous state and federal regulations. Bundy addressed this head-on: “These are not ‘red tape’ burdens; they are life-safety protections that safeguard families and the community for generations.” Drummond pointed out bottlenecks in building and safety departments, particularly geotechnical reviews that can take four to five months. Residents also grapple with insurance hurdles, design team selections, and unexpected complications like undergrounding power lines by Southern California Edison (SCE), which requires new trenching for electricity.
To ease these burdens, community tools like a WhatsApp group with over 300 fire victims and monthly Zoom meetings provide updates and expert access. An upcoming session on Wednesday will feature an SCE planner to address power restoration. Drummond stressed the full-time nature of rebuilding: “Unfortunately, rebuilding your homes is like a full-time job.” For those short on time, zone captains step in, chasing deadlines and changes.
On the positive side, the city has reduced plan check corrections from hundreds to just five or six per application, thanks to new hires and feedback loops. “That’s all Yolanda. She’s really been great about hiring the right people and getting the corrections … She’s really listening to the feedback,” Drummond said. The county’s recent waiver of fire department fees saves residents about $2,000 each, a small but significant relief.
Riggins urged residents to engage actively. “Go to the Rebuild Center,” she said. “The information’s there. There are people there to help … No question is stupid. Keep asking … It’s a confusing process. It’s a difficult process. And there’s staff there to help.”
As the one-year anniversary of the Franklin Fire approaches — a blaze that destroyed two homes — reflections on the past year offer both perspective and hope. “I do feel like the community’s coming back together… Things are moving more in a positive light a year later,” Riggins shared, noting that while some homeowners faced personal delays, overall recovery is progressing.
The City of Malibu announced that it will pause to honor those affected, recognize partner agencies, and reflect on the community’s resilience at its City Council meeting on Monday, Dec. 8, at 5:30 p.m. “The anniversary of the Franklin Fire is an opportunity to acknowledge the hardship our community has endured and lean into the strength that continues to carry us forward,” Riggins said. “We encourage residents to join us as we honor our past and look ahead to the future we are building together.”
Riggins and Mayor Pro Tem Bruce Silverstein will offer brief opening remarks, followed by the presentation of certificates of appreciation to key partners who supported the fire response, including regional fire agencies, law enforcement, Arson Watch, the Community Brigade, Volunteers on Patrol, and the City of Calabasas.
Drummond’s message to the community is one of urgency and optimism, “They should definitely put in their applications… Our goal is to have all applications through building and safety and plan check within three months … It ends up being cheaper if you do it now rather than a year from now.”
In Big Rock and beyond, the “Let’s Go Home” spirit captures Malibu’s essence. As Bundy poetically put it, “What defines Malibu is not the fires that swept through it, but the spirit that rose from the ashes.”
Malibu High School Water Polo Alumni Game Photos by Steven Lippman
Generations of Sharks return to the pool for spirited competition, community pride, and celebration
Bradley Schmidt, a 1996 Malibu High graduate and a goalkeeper on the school’s first boys water polo team, was facing down Malibu Sharks boys water polo player Ryder Lippman — many decades Schmidt’s junior — who had the ball in hand and his eyes trained on scoring in the final two minutes of the Sharks’ annual alumni game at Malibu High School on Nov. 29.
Schmidt, playing on a team of older Sharks alumni, deflected Lippman’s scoring attempt. However, Lippman, competing with a mix of current Sharks and younger alumni, gathered the ball and hurled it around Schmidt for a goal.
Moments later, history repeated itself. Schmidt stopped a scoring toss, but his opponent snatched the ball again and scored.“I can only get the first one, guys,” Schmidt shouted with a laugh. The older alumni still got the win though. The squad, composed of past Sharks from the ’90s, 2000s, and 2010s, beat their younger counterparts 14-11 in front of a crowd of cheering Sharks family members, friends, and supporters. Before the boys alumni match, a squad of girls Sharks water polo players defeated the current girls team 11-10 in an action-packed contest.
Schmidt, a member of Malibu’s inaugural Hall of Fame class in 2018, called the match exhausting, but noted how much he enjoys competing against younger Sharks in the yearly contest.
“It’s a very challenging match to play against these youngsters,” he said. “I have a lot of respect for them. They weren’t making me work too hard, but it always feels good to get a block. My problem today was I could only make the first block, and then I would sink after that.”
Hayden Goldberg, a Sharks alum and the head coach of the boys and girls teams, said it is always great to see so many familiar faces. “I’m really excited that this game is continuing,” he said. “The alumni guys were in shape and good to go. Once the guys got on the deck, they forgot their aches and pains — it’s go, go, go and we love it. It’s awesome.”
Around 60 Malibu alumni competed in the spirited clashes between generations, which have happened almost annually since the late 1990s.
Past Sharks, family members, and coaches — including Goldberg and longtime head coach Mike Mulligan, who founded the alumni game — greeted each other with hugs and high fives. Some alumni wore Malibu water polo T-shirts in celebration of the program, which has posted winning season after winning season since its founding in 1992.
The girls alumni team held a 7-4 advantage before the high school squad pulled within a point while Goldberg encouraged the teens from the pool deck and goalkeeper Neko Kincaid from the goal.
Malibu High girls water polo players faced several former players in the pool during their alumni game. Photos by Simon Sturges
“Defense!”
“Gotta press!”
The older bunch scored once more to take an 8-6 halftime lead. The high schoolers tied the match after halftime when the alumni turned the ball over. The teams traded goals — after the high schoolers scored a supporter yelled “Baby Sharks!” — until the game was tied 10-10.
Tallula Murphree scored the match’s final goal, giving the alumni squad a one-point win.
Goldberg said the match was a great show which featured talented players who exemplified Malibu water polo.
“It was a one-goal game that was close all the way to the end,” he said. “I have girls that got better today by playing against the older girls. I am really stoked.”
The younger Malibu squad scored first in the boys alumni game. But the alumni team stormed back and snatched a 4-1 lead after a cross-pool pass led to a goal. The younger Sharks scored their second point in the waning moments of the first quarter. After a back-and-forth second quarter, the alumni side led 9-5 at halftime.
The mixed bunch of high schoolers and alumni from the 2020s struck twice in the third quarter before the older alumni team managed to score twice, grabbing an 11-7 lead by the end of the period.
The older team had a 13-9 lead when Lippman scored around Schmidt. The younger squad scored again before alumni team sealed their four-point win with a final goal.
Patrick Jensen, also a member of the first Sharks boys team, swam a lot this year in anticipation of the alumni match.
“I still wasn’t in enough shape,” joked Jensen, whose son, Costes Jensen, is a member of the current team. “I have to say those boys have a lot of gas in their tank and it gives you a lot of respect for what they do because it’s hard. The whole Malibu water polo program is just awesome.”
Schmidt said the only times he plays water polo now are in the alumni games, so he expects to slip on a water polo cap next November.
“It’s been a while since I actually felt like I could play the game,” he explained. “I’ll probably be back exactly one year later to play again though.”
Joshua Watts, Schmidt’s teammate in high school, is never surprised about the amount of people who participate in the annual game. “There are a lot of people who hold the water polo team in high regard,” he said.
Mulligan, Malibu’s assistant coach, hoped the alumni game helped the younger Sharks realize they have lifelong friends who they can play water polo with.
“The water polo community is a tight-knit group who is always there to support one another,” he said.
Malibu High School Water Polo Alumni Game Photos by Steven Lippman
Local entrepreneurs, new storefronts, and community support signal renewed momentum after Palisades Fire
Tenacious. Persistent. Doggedly determined. Intentionally optimistic. All those adjectives and phrases aptly describe Malibu’s small businesses as they steadfastly soldier on, aspiring to revive and grow a thriving small business sector in Malibu. Several businesses participated in Small Business Saturday events on Nov. 29, while others who have just opened were lauded with visits from the City of Malibu and the Chamber of Commerce.
“Malibu Village Bookstore’s Small Business Saturday event was great!” exclaimed Chris Eastman, lead bookseller at Malibu’s only indie bookstore. “It’s always fun to bring light to the small businesses that participate as well as to our business.” For more information about the bookstore, visit @mvbbookstore.
Painting the picture of Malibu’s community and culture
“As a local small business owner, you help paint the picture of Malibu’s community and culture,” said Allison Bunce of Bunce Bakes, one of the small businesses that showcased products at the bookstore. “Your attention to detail, intention, and heart are valued by people. Even in this day and age, when it’s easier than ever to buy the least expensive product and get it quickly delivered to your door, I believe passion and story will always be valued.”
Bunce talked about her featured sweets. “Today was my first day offering my gluten free and dairy free protein banana bread and it sold, but I also learned that my cupcakes sell better at events — samples of my strawberry frosting have an excellent customer conversation rate!.”
Like many small business owners in Malibu, Bunce lost her home and business in the Palisades Fire. However, like many small Malibu business owners, she is working assiduously and is putting one foot in front of the other — metaphorically speaking — and continuing to get the word out about her small company.
“I believe the combination of public awareness being raised by social media and in The Malibu Times and small business collaborative events — as we’ve seen in the Surf Canyon events — gives an opportunity for Malibu residents and tourists to learn about and support Malibu’s small businesses,” Bunce opined. “Giving small businesses the opportunity to advertise to residents and tourists for free is appreciated by local business owners that are recovering from their heavy financial loss from the fires. Community and holiday events are great for this because it gives people something fun to bring their friends and family to, and give business owners the chance to share their brand stories and products directly with the public.” Buncebakes.com shows the healthy, delicious, and beautiful baked items Bunce offers.
Malibu Coffee’s owner, Columbine Culberg, also commented about participating in the bookstore’s event. “It’s really nice to be included in a Small Business Saturday event,” she said. “We participated in Malibu Moves as well and gave a ton of samples there and we are hoping to be showcased at the Pepperdine Waves Market soon. Malibu Coffee wholesales, and readers can also purchase our coffee at Vintage, Paparazzi Pizza, Kristy’s, John’s Garden, Howdy’s, and Surf Outpost. For more information, go to @Malibucoffeecompany and malibucoffee.com.”
Local author Bridget Crocker thoroughly enjoyed participating in the Small Business Saturday event at the bookstore, noting how instrumental the store has been in getting the word out locally about her book, “The River’s Daughter.”
“A lot of people were shopping at the bookstore.” Crocker commented, “I had a hard time finding parking, which was a great sign, and they had a lot of traffic in and out. I’m glad that folks turned out to support local businesses.”
Noting how important it is for our community to have a bookstore, Crocker added, “It was an absolute delight to partner with the bookstore for the event. I’m so happy the store is still around, and I am so moved knowing how hard they fought to stay open after the fire. They’ve been an amazing support to me in helping me promote my book. I’ll do anything in my power to help keep the bookstore open.”
The City of Malibu and the Chamber of Commerce bolster new businesses
“Mayor Marianne Riggins, Councilmembers Doug Stewart and Haylynn Conrad were proud to join members of the Malibu Pacific Palisades Chamber of Commerce to welcome and congratulate wife and husband team Witney Laya Tucker and Shaun Dewet on the recent opening of LAYA, a luxury swimwear brand at Point Dume Village,” the City of Malibu posted online on Nov. 24.
“We had some great discounts on all our brands for Small Business Saturday, and we love the Malibu community!” Tucker said. “It’s been a great energy, and we love being open here!”
Tucker and Dewet are delighted that in the next few weeks, Elevated Coastal Menswear will open adjacent to LAYA. For more information, visit @layaofficial and @shaundewetmalibu.
With the recent opening of Papparazzi Pizza in addition to the two new stores, Point Dume Village’s business area is beginning to really take off.
Since 2009, milliner Teressa Foglia’s gorgeous hat shop has graced the Malibu Country Mart. On Nov. 22, the shop opened its new location at the Country Mart, closer to Surf Canyon, and the City and the Chamber held a ribbon-cutting to celebrate the occasion. To view a few of the hats, go to @teressafoglia.
Also an atelier and gallery, the new venue features paintings by Ty Hays whose gorgeous acrylic work with limewash, charcoal and graphite, entitled, “Ramblin Thru the Changes,” is so aptly titled in our town where Hays has chosen to exhibit and where our small Malibu businesses are serving as a catalyst for our community to ramble through the changes attributable to the fires, altered but not conquered, and emerging stronger than ever. To view Hays’ works, go to @Tyinthewild.
Keepin’ the faith in East Malibu
“We’re 100 percent keepin’ the faith here in East Malibu! We are not going down!” said Alexandria Skouras, proprietor of Pistol & Lucy, a chic boutique with eclectic beach vibes and free-spirited and free-flowing clothing. “I have owned my boutique for 13 years. I gave everybody 20% off for Small Business Saturday, and I had more business the day after Thanksgiving than I did on Saturday.”
Malibu’s newest surf shop
Mitch Taylor’s brand new shop, The Bunker Surf & Skate, located in Malibu Country Mart near Scott’s Malibu Kitchen, welcomed shoppers on Small Business Saturday. “I know our store will thrive and our customer service will definitely continue to bring back our local shoppers,” Taylor promised.
On Dec. 11, the Malibu Chamber of Commerce invites readers to join a business connections breakfast at Scotts Malibu Kitchen at 8 a.m., with a ribbon-cutting at The Bunker two doors down after the breakfast. For more information, register at PaliBu.org.
Landmark vote clears the path for two independent school districts after more than two decades of negotiations
In a long-awaited special school board meeting Monday night, the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) Board of Trustees voted 7-0 to approve three landmark agreements that pave the way for the district to divide into two separate school districts: a Santa Monica Unified School District and a Malibu Unified School District.
The unanimous decision marks the closest the two coastal cities have ever come to ending a unification saga that dates back more than 20 years. The push for separation is not new. In 2014, the short-lived Malibu Unification Negotiations Committee (MUNC) was formed. In 2017, the City of Malibu filed an official petition with the Los Angeles County Committee on School District Organization (later denied and now pending at the state level). In 2018, the district approved a 50-year revenue-sharing concept and created an ongoing unification subcommittee.
What changed everything was a formal mediation process led by neutral mediator Terena Marsh that began in earnest over the past two years. Both sides agreed to two guiding principles:
Creating two independent districts is in the best interest of all students.
Both new districts must have sufficient, predictable funding to maintain the same level of excellent programs and services students currently enjoy.
Because SMMUSD is a “basic-aid” (community-funded) district rather than state-funded) district, no standard Education Code formula exists for dividing revenues. The parties essentially had to invent their own.
The Three Agreements
1. Property Tax Revenue Sharing Agreement (PTRSA)
The financial heart of the deal. Starting with an 88% Santa Monica/12% Malibu split (roughly mirroring pre-fire enrollment), Santa Monica’s base funding grows at a guaranteed 4% annually. Malibu receives a fixed dollar amount that is protected against local revenue losses on the Santa Monica side. Donations and education-foundation funds are excluded from the formula. Revenue sharing continues through 2042 with a gradual five-to-ten-year taper to avoid a “fiscal cliff.”
2. Operational Transfer Agreement (OTA)
Governs the physical and logistical division: buses, equipment, IT systems, student records, special education services, and site-based assets. Most site-level resources stay with their current campus. The agreement creates transition teams and preserves inter-district transfers (including for siblings) during the changeover.
3. Joint Powers Authority (JPA)
A seven-member oversight body (three Santa Monica appointees, three Malibu, one neutral) that will administer revenue transfers, mediate disputes, and make non-binding recommendations if fiscal triggers are hit.
Fiscal consultant Shin Green, who has modeled dozens of scenarios over years, told the board the most stressful years will be the first two after separation, but “thereafter things appear much easier” and both districts are projected to remain solvent and able to offer comparable services.
Speakers from both cities filled the board chambers and Zoom.
Malibu resident and parent Wade Major called the moment “historic,” thanking the district for “cementing your places in history” while acknowledging “we’re going to make mistakes … but we’ll learn from each other’s successes.”
Teachers’ union president Claudia Baptista-Nicholas urged caution, citing declining enrollment, potential federal funding cuts, and the possible non-extension of Proposition 55, warning that separation could exacerbate staffing reductions and program cuts.
Malibu advocate Jo Drummond, speaking for families who have waited “more than 15 years,” acknowledged Santa Monica “negotiated very aggressively” but said Malibu is willing to accept the terms because “local control and stable funding are finally within reach.”
Multiple speakers thanked the mediation team, staff, consultants, and the board subcommittee (Laurie Lieberman, Jon Kean, and Richard Tahvildaran-Jesswein) for countless hours of work.
Every board member spoke at length, each sharing remarks that underscored the gravity of the vote.
Veteran member Jon Kean, who has served on the unification subcommittee for seven years, called the agreements “the culmination of professional, deliberative, and often bruising democratic work.” He emphasized that separation is now as much a “fiscal necessity” as an educational choice, given rising per-pupil costs in the smaller Malibu pathway.
Vice President Laurie Lieberman admitted, “As an idealist it saddens me we couldn’t find a way to stay together,” but concluded a fair separation is better for both communities. She committed to addressing teacher job-security concerns through future special legislation and a possible Santa Monica retention fund for junior teachers.
Richard Tahvildaran-Jesswein, joining remotely, praised the “true democratic deliberation” in mediation and the commanding expertise of consultants Shin Green and David Kossuth.
Longest-serving member Maria Leon-Vazquez revealed she was once the lone “no” vote on exploring separation but has come full circle: “I understand the need … let’s give the community the opportunity to move forward.”
Newer members Alicia Mignano, Malibu representative Stacy Rouse, and Board President Jennifer Smith said they were guided by the twin principles of “kids first” and “no harm to either side,” voicing confidence in the financial modeling and gratitude for the subcommittee’s patient, thorough work.
Superintendent Dr. Antonio Shelton, who inherited the issue midway through his tenure, called the process “a master class in how difficult governance can actually work when people stay focused on students.”
The agreements now go to the Malibu City Council for a vote on Monday night. If approved there, the parties will jointly decide on a final approval pathway (county committee, state board, or direct legislation).
Special legislation will still be required to:
Preserve the existing parcel tax for both cities
Clarify revenue-transfer legality
Provide additional labor protections sought by unions
Potentially allow a public vote in both communities (a priority for several board members)
Even with swift progress, actual separation is not expected before the 2028–29 school year at the earliest.
After the vote, attendees lingered for hugs, handshakes, and a few tears. For the first time in generations, concrete, board-approved documents exist that make two thriving districts financially and operationally possible.
As board member Stacy Rouse put it in her closing remarks: “We disrupted an entire system this year. Now we get to build two new ones — better, because we did it with shared values and mutual respect.”
Whether those values can sustain the years of technical, legal, and political work still ahead remains the central question. But for one December evening in Santa Monica, the answer felt, at long last, like an unequivocal yes.
MEF launches first-ever student-run Tree Lot, reviving community spirit while creating hands-on leadership opportunities
In a season when Malibu residents are still rebuilding routines and traditions after a year marked by displacement and disruption, one long-held community event has returned with a renewed purpose — and new leadership.
The Malibu Education Foundation (MEF) has launched its first-ever student-led Holiday Tree Lot, marking a significant evolution in how one of the community’s most successful seasonal fundraisers is organized, operated, and imagined for the future.
The Tree Lot, open through Dec. 14 at the Loki Lot next to the Malibu Library, is now operated under a pilot model that places Malibu High School students at the helm of day-to-day operations. MEF President Karin Al-Hardan says the new design is intended not only to raise funds for Malibu’s public schools but also to create real, hands-on leadership opportunities for teens.
“This model empowers students to step into real-world leadership roles,” Al-Hardan explained. “They’re running a two-week business — learning operations, understanding inventory, managing volunteers, and shaping a new tradition.”
While the Tree Lot has deep roots in Malibu — previously operated for many years by the Malibu High School Athletic Booster Club (ABC) — 2025 marks the first year the event is fully integrated under MEF’s vision, with an emphasis on benefitting all four Malibu public schools.
“After many years of running the Tree Lot as a Booster Club fundraiser, we are thrilled to partner with the Malibu Education Foundation as this tradition evolves into a student-led model,” said Tatiana Goode, president of ABC, in a statement. “This new direction supports every school in Malibu while keeping the heart of the tradition intact.”
Under the pilot structure, two high school students serve as the inaugural leaders: Student Manager Andrew Uznis, a Malibu High senior, and Assistant Manager Parker Kaplan, a sophomore. The pair oversees everything from volunteer scheduling and customer service to stocking, sales, and supervising their peers.
“Running the Tree Lot is a huge responsibility, but it’s an incredible opportunity too,” Uznis shared. We’re learning how to run a real operation — from scheduling volunteers to helping customers.”
Kaplan added that the leadership opportunity feels meaningful beyond the season itself. “We’re excited to step into leadership and help shape the future of the Tree Lot,” he said. “We want to build a tradition future students can benefit from and take pride in.”
Al-Hardan says the long-term vision is to create a structured, highly sought-after leadership pathway for Malibu teens — one that may eventually include partnerships with entrepreneurship programs at Pepperdine University and Santa Monica College.
“This year, students are really working side by side with us,” she said. “We ordered the trees, set pricing, and set up the infrastructure. But we’re walking them through all the steps — what’s sold, what inventory is left, what we need to break even. They’re learning the business of it.”
In future years, MEF hopes to begin recruiting the next year’s manager and assistant manager as early as January, incorporating them into the entire process — from ordering trees to coordinating marketing and establishing operational goals.
“This can become a rite of passage for Malibu High students,” Al-Hardan said. “A chance to learn business and leadership in a supportive, real-world environment.”
Volunteer engagement appears to support that vision. Student turnout in 2025 has already surpassed last year’s, something Al-Hardan attributes partly to the lingering desire for normalcy after the Franklin Fire and other disruptions that shook the community over the past year.
“The kids are really embracing the fact that they can be at the lot,” she said. “It brings back a bit of normalcy, and the bigger ownership role makes a real difference. It gives them a sense of control, a sense of pride.”
Beyond its educational value, the Tree Lot serves as MEF’s second-largest fundraiser of the year, following its annual gala. The organization is funding more than $600,000 in academic aides, arts programs, athletics, tutoring, and community engagement programs this year — resources that have become even more essential as the conversation around Malibu’s move toward an independent school district accelerates.
“Our role becomes even more important with unification on the horizon,” Al-Hardan explained. “We will be the stop-gap for the first few years. Community support at the Tree Lot directly strengthens these programs.”
Purchases made above fair market value are tax-deductible, and proceeds support classroom aides, arts education, athletic programs, tutoring, and initiatives that help students recover from the roughly month-long loss of school days caused by fire-related closures last year.
The lot carries Nordmann, Noble, and Douglas firs, all freshly delivered from Oregon and kept well-watered inside the large enclosed tent. The selection also includes wreaths created through MEF’s partnership with ABC, garland, and student-made ornaments — snowflake designs engraved with the names of Malibu’s canyons.
The lot offers local delivery as well, handled by Malibu middle and high school students accompanied by parent drivers. Prices remain competitive with tree lots “over the hill,” Al-Hardan noted, eliminating the need for residents to travel far for high-quality trees.
A “Giving Tree” onsite also allows community members to donate $20 and add their name, with contributions going directly to MEF’s programs.
In addition to tree sales, the lot will host two major community events:
Community Night & Holiday Market — Friday, Dec. 12, 3 to 9 p.m.
The festive evening will feature holiday lights, food trucks, student performances, a DJ, artisan vendors, hands-on kids’ activities, and photos with Santa. With more than 20 local makers participating, the Holiday Market brings a lively shopping experience to the heart of Malibu.
Dick Van Dyke’s 100th Birthday Celebration — Saturday, Dec. 13, 10 a.m to 7 p.m.
Malibu will gather to honor one of its most beloved residents, Dick Van Dyke, on his milestone birthday. The celebration includes cake, music from his classic films, themed photo opportunities, and a giant community birthday card designed by Malibu High senior and aspiring visual artist Maizee Marderosian.
Proceeds from the day will benefit the Van Dyke Endowment for the Arts, which supports arts programming across Malibu’s four public schools.
For MEF and the many volunteers involved, the student-led model is more than a fundraiser—it’s a community-building effort and a powerful educational opportunity.
“We’re thrilled that the Tree Lot includes students from all four schools,” said Nora Cohen, Tree Lot Co-Chair and Webster PTA President. “When elementary students volunteer, they feel connected. It gives them something to look forward to as they move into middle and high school. This is how we build a tradition they can grow into and one day lead.”
Tree Lot Chair and MEF Vice President Amber Vanderbilt agrees: “We’re giving students the chance to run a real community business — making decisions, managing volunteers, and shaping an experience families look forward to each year.”
For Al-Hardan, the message to the Malibu community is simple: “Come support the Education Foundation and all our schools. Our students lost so many learning days last year, and the programs we fund help in that recovery. But beyond that, the Tree Lot reconnects us. Everybody comes through here. It’s just a great place to gather.”
11th annual Turkey Trot becomes neighborhood’s first post-fire gathering — and a raw, emotional homecoming
Residents of Pacific Palisades have had few opportunities to gather as a community since the catastrophic Palisades Fire tore through the community in January. But on Thanksgiving morning, as the sun rose over a town still marked by destruction, hundreds of runners, families, and neighbors came together for something that felt almost miraculous: the return of the Palisades Turkey Trot.
The 11th Annual Pacific Palisades Turkey Trot — sponsored by XBP Global — welcomed more than 1,800 participants on Thursday, Nov. 27, bringing a renewed sense of hope and connection to a community that has spent nearly a year displaced, grieving, and rebuilding. Against the backdrop of hollowed buildings, scorched hillsides, and shuttered storefronts, runners in bright athletic gear and families in turkey costumes gathered at the Palisades Village Green for what has become one of the community’s most beloved holiday traditions. For event co-founder David O’Connell, there was a period when he wasn’t sure the race could happen at all.
“I didn’t know if we’d be able to do it this year,” O’Connell said in an earlier interview. “Given the state of the neighborhood, it wasn’t clear we’d even have a course to run.”
O’Connell knows the devastation first-hand, he lost his own home in the fire and has been living in Century City since January. The blaze, which ignited Jan. 7 and was not fully extinguished for weeks, became one of the most destructive wildfires in California history. More than 6,800 buildings burned, 36.5 square miles of the Santa Monica Mountains were scorched, and 12 people tragically lost their lives.
With rising momentum and support from presenting sponsor XBP Global, along with community partners Equinox and The Palisades Village, O’Connell committed to forging ahead. The turnout — nearly matching pre-fire numbers — proved how deeply the community longed for the tradition.
For the first decade of the event, the Turkey Trot was held at Palisades High School. This year, however, the course was moved to the town’s heart: the Village Green and the streets surrounding Swarthmore Avenue. It wasn’t simply a logistical shift — it was symbolic.
“It’s a new course,” O’Connell said. “I’m not sure what we’ll do in the future, but for now, we’re here in downtown Pacific Palisades, which, given the circumstances, adds a level of magnitude.”
The race began and ended at the Village Green, a triangular park that had been meticulously prepared by longtime steward Cindy Kirvin. She ensured every detail — from freshly mowed grass to trimmed trees and functioning power — was ready for the community’s return.
Runners wound through Via de las Olas, passing blocks where homes once stood. Some lots were cleared to dirt; others remained cluttered with rubble. A few surviving houses were boarded up with weathered “Keep Out” signs. By late November, a handful of residents had returned to temporary trailers or construction zones, but large portions of the neighborhood still bore the deep wounds of January’s fire.
Yet, despite the surroundings, dozens of participants described the experience as uplifting.
In a statement on social media, Jake Levine, a Palisadian and congressional candidate who ran with his toddler son, Wilder. said, “We weren’t sure what to expect, but even amidst all the challenges of this recovery, it was one of the most hopeful mornings we’ve had.”
Levine described seeing firefighters from Station 69 — the same crew that battled the fire in its earliest hours — giving opening remarks and greeting families before the race. His son even explored a fire truck.
“Families were out and about. We ran into friends and neighbors — people who’ve contributed to this rebuild in ways small and big all along the way,” he said. “The bluffs were shockingly green after a week of rain. It was a reminder that life finds a way.”
The run ended along Antioch Street, passing spaces still awaiting new beginnings.
Before the races began — a kids’ run, the 5K, and a 10K — the crowd heard from speakers including honorary mayor Ted McGinley, Chamber of Commerce leader Miriam Zar, and Arus Gregorian of Councilwoman Traci Park’s office. Each delivered brief remarks of thanks and resilience.
“It was a long list of really good speakers,” O’Connell said. “Everybody kept it to a minute. It was perfect.”
Local business leaders and new residents also took the stage. Among them was Jacqueline Sheroff, representing the newly launched Palisades Estates, a division of Beverly Hills Estates.
“I’d like to take a moment to acknowledge our Palisades community and the heartbreaking loss we’ve recently experienced,” Sheroff said. “Standing here today reminds me of just how strong and resilient our community truly is.”
Sheroff, who has lived in the Palisades for more than 25 years and has lost two homes herself over the decades, offered words that resonated deeply with the crowd.
“What has always stood out is our incredible community,” she said. “Today is a reminder of that.”
Throughout the morning, neighbors who had not seen each other since before the fire reunited with emotional hugs and long conversations. Some had just moved back into temporary housing. Others were visiting the Palisades for the first time since evacuating months ago.
“I think for many, it was their first visit back,” O’Connell said. “There were a lot of reconnections — neighbors getting together, friends who hadn’t seen each other in a while. It was positive. That’s what this day is about.”
The fire left major damage along several roads used in the course. Event organizers worked closely with city officials to ensure safety. “The roads were a little crumbly,” O’Connell admitted. “But we had signage, warnings, barriers. We made sure everyone was safe. Nobody fell — that was good.”
With temperatures warming quickly, runners finished by late morning. Volunteers cleared the remaining barricades and signage. By 11 a.m., the Village Green was clean, quiet, and restored to its usual calm.
“I worked so hard on this,” O’Connell said with a laugh. “When it’s over, I’m just glad. But this year — this year was something else.” Despite everything the community has endured, the Turkey Trot brought a familiar mix of joy, tradition, and gratitude — things residents have deeply missed.
“It’s one of the biggest running days of the year, and a lot of people want to be with their friends and family,” O’Connell said. “This event gave people that chance.”
Looking ahead, O’Connell said the Turkey Trot will return in 2026 — though the location remains undecided.
“We’ll be back for sure next year,” he said. “I’m not sure where yet, but we all needed this.”
For a community still in the long process of healing, rebuilding, and reclaiming its spirit, the Thanksgiving morning run served as more than a race. It was a reminder that even in the face of immense loss, tradition, togetherness, and hope endure.
