Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District administration office in Santa Monica, California. Photo by Samantha Bravo.
Decision affects Malibu’s voting for SMMUSD board members
In an overwhelming decision the Los Angeles County Committee on School District Organization voted 9-1 to deny a petition requesting trustee area voting to elect members to the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Board of Education.
Adoption of the petition would have changed the way board members are elected from the current district-wide election process to what’s known as trustee area voting which would have divided the district into seven areas with each selecting one representative to serve on the board.
The petition was brought by Malibu voting rights attorney Kevin Shenkman on behalf of residents who claim SMMUSD’s at-large voting system is unfair to minority voters and Malibu residents who generally can only elect one representative if any to the board. Malibu’s lack of representation on the board is just one of the reasons for the ongoing process of Malibu breaking away from the district to form a Malibu Unified School District. It appears now that the timeline for Malibu unification would be 2026 at the earliest. The decades-long effort is still being hammered out as Malibu and Santa Monica untangle long-term tax ramifications in the financial portion of the divorce.
It appears the committee that shot down the trustee voting petition disapproved of voting maps submitted by Shenkman that would have split Malibu into two districts, possibly giving Malibu two chances to vote for a seat at the table.
Some members of the deciding committee expressed shock over proposed maps carving the district into three different scenarios. Complaints were heard that neighborhoods were split or that the maps included non-contiguous districts. Shenkman had argued that the district itself is non-contiguous, an anomaly in California.
Committee member Estefany Castaneda cited the proposal of increased Malibu influence in her rejection. “To give them (Malibu) more than one area and break up and split up the community, I think would be inconsiderate to the folks that are most vulnerable within the district boundaries,” she said.
Other arguments included that under the California Voting Rights Act, Malibu did not meet the definition of being a protected class because nearly 80 percent of the population is white.
Stacy Rouse, Malibu’s lone representative on the Board of Education said it was her understanding that during the hearing it was expressed that some trustees voiced desire for SMMUSD to become a trustee area voting district.
“For Malibu, this decision means that at this time we remain an at-large voting district for elections,” Rouse texted to The Malibu Times. “This decision doesn’t impact the ongoing negotiation process of the ultimate unification of Malibu as an independent school district. If there is to be future action prior to unification for having SMMUSD trustee area voting with a designated trustee for Malibu, it’s my understanding there would need to be some action by the school district, or the County Committee, or legal action to initiate a new process.”
Shenkman responded, “It is true that a majority of the Committee followed their staff’s recommendation to find the trustee-area map accompanying the petition does not comply with Elections Code 21130 — a law enacted two years after that map was created — and thus the petition cannot proceed in its current form.
“However, and in my view more importantly, a majority of the committee members also expressed their view that SMMUSD should have trustee-area elections. One committee member, then seized upon a suggestion I made, and asked the committee staff if the committee has the power to initiate its own petition for trustee-area elections, with a map more to the committee’s liking. Staff confirmed that the committee does in fact have that power. After the meeting adjourned, several of the committee members began to discuss amongst themselves and draw rough ideas of what the map might look like.
“We have several options for our next steps, both with the committee and the courts. We have reached out to several stakeholders in Malibu and Santa Monica for their thoughts and preferences; some have responded already; and we will make decisions once we hear from everyone.”
In the meantime, negotiations continue March 14 as Malibu and SMMUSD representatives are scheduled to meet to hammer out more fiscal complications in the school separation agreement. Community meetings on the settlement could happen as early as April.
2/14 Petty Theft A vehicle parked near Seagull Way was broken into and ransacked and the victim’s laptops and vehicle registration was stolen. The laptop was worth $1,200. There were no security cameras available for evidence.
2/14 Vehicle Burglary A vehicle parked near Surfrider Beach was broken into and ransacked. The victim was sure they locked their vehicle before going to the beach but returned to see it had been ransacked. There were no security cameras available for evidence.
2/14 Vandalism A home on Piuma Road was broken into and the garage door was damaged. The victim said they saw an unknown white male enter the property through the garage. The doors were estimated to cost $1,500 to repair. The security footage was submitted for evidence.
2/15 Vehicle Burglary A vehicle parked near Surfrider Beach was broken into and the front passenger side window was shattered. The victim’s MacBook and iPad were stolen from their backpack.
2/16 Vehicle Theft A vehicle parked near Topanga State Beach was broken into and an iPhone, wallet, and key fob were stolen. The victim left the key fob on the roof of his vehicle and upon return, the key was missing and their vehicle was ransacked. The victim used “Find my iPhone,” and was able to find their phone near Century City. There were no security cameras available for evidence.
2/17 Vehicle burglary A vehicle parked near El Matador State Beach was broken into and the window was shattered. The deputies noticed nearby surveillance cameras that could have captured the incident and will be contacting the residents nearby. The window was estimated to cost $300 to replace.
2/18 Vehicle burglary A vehicle parked near Topanga State Beach was broken into and ransacked. The victim hid the key, went surfing, and upon return, the key was missing, and his vehicle was ransacked. The victim received a notification of an unknown charge made to their credit card of $11,000 at an Apple Store. There were no security cameras available for evidence.
Another fatal accident on Pacific Coast Highway. The California Highway Patrol is investigating a fatal collision that occurred Thursday night March 14 near Leo Carrillo Beach. One woman was killed after loosing control of her vehicle, crossing into the southbound lane and crashing. The yet to be identified victim was apparently thrown from her vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene. CHP received the call Thursday evening at 9:24.
While speed could be a factor, CHP officers contacted said they could not comment until an investigation is complete. It appears no other vehicle was involved. It’s unclear if there was overhead lighting at the accident location.
Malibu High girls water polo player Ceylon Zappe, a sophomore, was named to the Tri-Valley League's first team. She was one of seven Sharks players honored by the league. Photo Courtesy of Ceylon Zappe
Coaches from the Tri-Valley League’s other four teams nominated seven Malibu players for league recognition
Malibu High girls water polo player Ceylon Zappe was initially unsure of how the 2023-24 season would go for her squad when their campaign began last November.
However, the 15-year-old sophomore quickly realized she and her teammates would be successful in the pool.
“After the first or second game, I realized we were a connected team and could really actually play,” she said. “The team really felt like a family and we all worked as a unit. It was the best season ever.”
The Sharks 22-6 season included them winning the Tri-Vally League championship, recording big victories over several teams — including those they had fell to in season’s past — and a run to the quarterfinals of the CIF Southern Section Division 5 Water Polo Championships in February.
“Everyone was just so together,” said Zappe, who was mostly positioned at hole set. She noted she and her teammates improved drastically from the previous year to this one.
Even the Sharks’ opponents must have noticed.
Coaches from the Tri-Valley League’s other four teams nominated seven Malibu players for league recognition.
The honors were announced last week.
Malibu’s Stevie Sturges was named the MVP of the Tri-Valley League, while Zappa and Tallula Murphree were selected for the eight-person Tri-Valley League first team. Izzy Morris and Olivia Wild-Mullarkey were named to the second team and Neko Kincaid, Raya Israel, and Brienna Brandau earned honorable mention honors.
Additionally, 15 other Malibu High athletes were Citrus Coast League honors recipients.
Sharks boys basketball player Dylan Goosen was named to the Citrus Coast League first team. His teammates Morgan Donnelly and Sawyer Keegan were named honorable mention.
Malibu girls basketball players Casey Ovsiowitz, a junior, and Hannah Kaloper, a senior, were Citrus Coast League first-team selections. Lauren Lapajne, also a senior, was a second-team selection and Tara DeLuca and Elizabeth Kim were honorable mention.
Sharks boys soccer player Julian Tompkins was selected for the Citrus Coast League first team. Sharks Roman Foulquier, Amara Taha, and Brenden Readyhoff were honorable mention.
Malibu girls soccer player Jessa Kletter was named to the league’s first team, and Malia Mosshart was a second-team selection. Sharks Ava Niccol, Kaia Ryan, and Charli Clark were honorable mention.
Zappe, also a member of the Malibu High swim team, said she is excited for next winter’s water polo season.
“I’m going to miss the seniors we lost,” she said, “but I think I know what I need to do to be successful next season, so I’m ready.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom released next year’s budget proposal in January and it sparked outcries from many constituencies. Dissecting budget estimates and the subsequent growth or lack thereof is a tricky game when it comes to the public. Regardless of whatever level — federal, state, or local — there are bound to be winners and losers. And now the battle for precious funding is in full swing.
An astute observation with respect to battles over revenue and spending I learned many years ago as a senior aide to the U.S. Senate Budget Committee was the following: “You can tell a person’s priorities by looking at his/her checkbook.” Indeed that is the truth and helps fashion debate over precious spending and taxing decisions, particularly when it comes to budgets that must be technically balanced, a restriction that fortunately for the nation is not expected nor desired for the federal government.
While budgetary decision-making and debate may seem arcane and cannot be adequately covered in the short space allowed here, the most basic understanding is that there are two sides of the ledger: revenues and spending. As a general rule it is fair to characterize liberals/Democrats as supportive of higher taxes and support for greater spending on social programs, and conservatives supportive of lower taxes and lower social spending. These are generalized for purposes of this article but relatively hold true.
State budgets must meet stringent attempts to present balanced annual budgets, unlike the federal government and its penchant for deficits and debt. While operating under obligations to balance the annual budget, the exercise is a battle that seems messy and forces politicians to maximize compromise, especially difficult when groups that are usually in sync find themselves battling one another in times of limited or declining economic growth.
The contentious battle this fiscal year will require give and take, however it is within the bounds of propriety and should be capable of adhering to fairness and the Governor’s agenda. But the process is likely to engender a tightening up on revenues and social spending that will be at odds with recent years.
According to the California Budget & Policy Center (CBPC), a nonpartisan, research-and-analysis nonprofit committed to advancing public policies that improve the lives of Californians who are denied opportunities to share in the state’s wealth and deserve the dignity and support to lead thriving lives in our communities, the current budget has sparked disagreement among key analytic organizations. The governor has identified a $58 billion budget problem while the Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) has estimated a budget shortfall of $68 billion.
“The LAO has provided fiscal and policy advice to the Legislature for 75 years. It is known for its fiscal and programmatic expertise and nonpartisan analyses of the state budget,” the CBPC said. “The office serves as the ‘eyes and ears’ for the Legislature to ensure that the executive branch is implementing legislative policy in a cost efficient and effective manner.”
According to the CBPC “estimates of the budget shortfall will be updated in May as more information becomes available. The key takeaway is that the state has a sizable budget problem to address in this year’s budget process … the main reason for the budget problem is that state revenue collections have been coming in much lower than previously projected, and forecasts for future revenues have also been adjusted downward as a result. This occurs after several years of strong revenue growth that produced budget surpluses and made possible new spending commitments … A large portion of the problem is related to state revenues for the 2022 tax year, which are estimated to be about $25 billion lower than policymakers expected when they adopted the budget for the current fiscal year last summer.”
Revisions will be made in May and in the meantime organizations affected by proposals to close the budget “gap” will lobby furiously to reduce or eliminate cuts offered by the governor, which include:
Withdrawing $13.1 billion from the budget stabilization and safety net reserve accounts;
Cutting $8.5 billion from existing programs and services, including climate, housing and education;
Delaying $5.1 billion worth of spending;
Deferring another $2.1 billion to 2025-26, including about $500 million in additional funding for University of California and California State University;
Getting $5.7 billion in internal borrowing from special funds to support the tax on health care providers.
There are likely to be changes that may focus more on the revenue side of the budgetary equation. The governor may assume that revenues will be about $15 billion higher over the three-year budget window: spending across three fiscal years: 2022-23 (prior year), 2023-24 (current year), and 2024-25 (fiscal year that begins on July 1, 2024).
While this may seem to be confusing, there is still plenty of time with which to alter or witness increased revenues to meet the deadline and requirements. The funds being discussed, within the context of a $291 billion budget, are manageable and it is likely that those pounding their fists on the table are doing so more out of frustration than budgetary analytics. Stay tuned!
Caltrans request to address crosswalks near Carbon Beach was rejected by commission at previous meeting
After denying the Caltrans pedestrian crossing last month and receiving a negative response from the Malibu City Council, the Planning Commission held a special meeting on Friday, March 8, to address the two existing pedestrian crosswalks near Carbon Beach.
At the Tuesday, Feb. 20, Planning Commission meeting, Caltrans presented an application to make a few adjustments to the current pedestrian crossing near Carbon Beach. The application consists of replacing two pedestrian crossing beacons and poles and installing a pedestrian crossing signal.
To start off the meeting, commissioners made their comments, and Vice Chair John Mazza responded to the comments made by Councilmember Bruce Silverstein at the City Council meeting on Monday, Feb. 26.
“I have been up here talking about things we can do to slow down traffic on PCH to make it safer, and here we are being handed a golden opportunity to put up another traffic light, and they denied it. It’s tone deaf, I just don’t get it,” Silverstein said at the City Council meeting.
In response, Mazza said, “You could not have said we’re tone deaf, as you all know, five of us that get together and agree on something — rare. I resent it because we work hard and they don’t. If councilmembers want to criticize this, they should at least watch a meeting. If they want to criticize us about safety, they should at least know something about it, which apparently, they don’t. We work hard, we try our best, there’s a process that goes to appeal, but nobody’s going to call me tone deaf for not doing the work.”
Commissioners motioned to agendize a discussion requiring applicants to attend meetings in person rather than through Zoom.
“We need to be interactive with applicants — hand gestures, nodding heads, data to be shown, things to be displayed in a way that we don’t necessary to be interactive with members of the public calling in,” Chair Kraig Hill said.
The commission had one item on the agenda, and Planning Director Richard Mollica refreshed the public’s and commissioners’ memories of the project with a brief presentation.
Mollica answered a few commissioner’s concerns from the last meeting and said the traffic light would not impact traffic flow.
“Ideally, that will not be an issue because of the way this is tied to other signals through the signal project,” Mollica said.
About half a dozen Caltrans representatives attended the meeting in person and through Zoom and presented the project. The presentation included the proven safety countermeasures and Caltrans’s importance for the project. According to Caltrans, the crossing reduces 55 percent of pedestrian crashes, reduces 29 percent of total crashes, and reduces 15 percent of serious injury and fatal crashes.
Lee Haber, chief safety officer in the Division of Transportation Safety and Operations, attended the meeting in person and presented the project to the commission.
“I’ve had discussions with Sheriff’s staff, and they told me this is an important addition, the area’s heavily used, especially during the summer when Malibu receives many visitors from both around California and around the world, and so this will both help your motorists, your users, your pedestrians, local residents here, as well those people visiting us here in California,” Haber said.
For public comment, long-term homeowners, residents, and tenants attended the meeting to share their personal opinions on the crosswalk.
“I find it ludicrous that we’re talking about this; this is the safety of our community,” one local resident said. “This is a gift from Caltrans — they’re paying for it. I just don’t understand what the discussion is.”
Public Safety Chair Chris Frost said the pedestrian signal would increase safety on PCH and slow down the highway.
“I believe for the last four months, all we’ve been talking about is safety [on] PCH. I consider this to be a done deal; it should be a done deal,” Frost said. “I just feel like there’s no downside to this, and it’s a safety issue that’s much needed in that area. Plus, it slows the whole highway down; slowing the highway down is a major issue right now, so this is a step in the right direction, so I urge you to vote yes.”
One of the concerns for commissioners was U-turns and lack of pedestrian frequency.
“Is it not better to move that crosswalk closer to where that building is or closure to where the coastal access is where you know that you have the higher frequency of pedestrians, that’s what I didn’t understand,” Commissioner Skylar Peak said. “It seems to be in a zone where there’s less people — would it not be better where you have a higher frequency of people? That’s the whole reason why we’re here tonight.”
Public Works Director Rob DeBoux mentioned the city and commissioners received a letter from LA County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath supporting the project.
“If you have shorter segments that break up PCH, you can control that traffic a lot better,” DeBoux said. “Right now, my team is actually looking to try to do a new pedestrian signal where there is beach access approximately about 2,000 feet from Carbon, so that will break up that segment; so there’s a good consistency of street segments that we can actaully control with the synchronization system, the computer will do a good job making sure traffic is flowing well, if someone is speeding in that section, they are likely to hit red lights.”
DeBoux said having the ability to control places where U-turns occur is a safer traffic move.
Mazza asked if Caltrans was planning on adding a pedestrian signal near Moonshadows restaurant.
“The city has a project where we’re looking to do improvements at Big Rock and across from Moonshadows, which includes a crosswalk in that location, so we have funding, we’re moving forward with that, and were actually starting designing that,” DeBoux said.
DeBoux said they are also looking to do improvements near Las Flores and a new pedestrian signal west of Carbon Canyon Road. DeBoux said all the projects are from the 2015 study.
Haber said they are working with DeBoux and the city to identify additional features such as the crosswalk at Moonshadows.
“We’re interested in doing this too, what we’re coming forward with is this specific project at this location, to move this portion forward and work on additional ones in future projects,” Haber said.
After an hour of questions and answers, the Planning Commission voted 5-0 to allow the state to convert the light crosswalk into a full traffic signal.
The next Planning Commission is scheduled for March 18 at the Council Chambers.
Members and advocates of the Malibu Marlins Swim Club gather at City Hall in support of the club. Contributed Photo
City able to grant more lane time to young swimmers after school
The newly formed Malibu Marlins swim club was finally granted more swim time at the community pool at Malibu High School. It’s been a difficult year for the swimming community in Malibu after a rift occurred last June when the Malibu Aquatics Foundation (MAF) that operates Malibu’s then sole swimming program abruptly fired head coach Erik Ran. Ran was so beloved that many families in the program broke away from MAF’s Seawolves and formed the Malibu Marlins.
However, even though the newly formed Marlins signed up 50 swimmers, they were unable to secure a contract with the city to provide swim lanes to participants. The contract was awarded to longtime vendor MAF and the Marlins were left with the only option of renting the pool from the school district at the inconvenient time of 6:30 a.m., a burden for most young swimmers and their parents.
For the past nine months the Marlins have been lobbying the city to share the pool with the Seawolves but were told that there was no time or lanes available. At the Feb. 26 City Council meeting more than two dozen frustrated parents, adult advocates, and young swimmers implored city leaders during public comments pleading to find a way to accommodate the Marlins young swimmers.
Even MHS teacher Jennifer Gonzales appealed to the council to grant afternoon time to Marlins swimmers, citing that many of her student swimmers were sleepy during her morning classes. The 30-year MHS teacher said the Marlin student swimmers in her first and second-period classes “have a hard time staying awake.”
“Why? Because they’re being forced to swim at 6:30 instead of giving them some lanes in the afternoon, sharing those lanes,” Gonzales said. “We are a community. We know our resources are valuable. We don’t have a lot of space. It’s always been a problem. I’ve been a resident for 40 years. We fight for soccer fields, but we can share those lanes. It’s a very simple solution. We changed our start time at Malibu High School and Middle School to align with state law because we know teenagers need their sleep and yet there are empty lanes in the afternoon and we’re asking our kids to get up early, meaning many of them are getting up at 5:30/5:45 to get to the pool. If we value our community, value our kids, we can make this happen.”
Councilmember Bruce Silverstein questioned the details of the contract, quizzing city staff at the Feb. 26 meeting. Staff answered the contract with the Seawolves was month-to-month and not exclusive to only one swimming vendor.
Just last week, Assistant City Manager Joseph Toney confirmed, “The Malibu Marlins Swim Team secured swim lanes through the city for their program, beginning Monday, March 11. The Independent Contract Review Ad Hoc Committee of the Parks and Recreation Commission will continue to meet with the board members of both the Malibu Seawolves and Malibu Marlins, and will provide an update at the Parks and Recreation Commission regular meeting on Tuesday, March 19.”
In just days after the Marlins secured additional pool time, 40 eager swimmers signed up for their newly appointed after-school hours with coach Ran. The Seawolves still hold a contract to provide swimming programs to Malibu and continue to use lanes as well, but no longer have a head coach after their former coach, Alex Reisfield, was laid off. Currently, the Seawolves are using collegians or recent college graduates as coaches.
Marlins Treasurer Robert Brinkmann, who was a vocal advocate for the newly formed swim club, said, “The community has made its preference clear and has spoken loudly.”
Public works director said he is encouraged by the collaborative effort from Caltrans on improving PCH safety
To start off the Malibu City Council meeting on Monday, March 11, City Manager Steve McClary provided an update on city events and the recent rockslide near Big Rock.
“Just as a note, even though the rain may be subsisting, we’re still in a threat period here in terms of slides so even if we look outside and we see clear weather, we’re still in a risk situation here,” McClary said. “Even with no further rain, we could still be looking at some additional slides coming down and impacting our roadways.”
McClary thanked a speaker for acknowledging Yolanda Bundy, Malibu’s city environmental sustainability director, for receiving the Supervisor of the Year award for the Los Angeles Basin Section (LABS) of the California Water Environment Association (CWEA).
McClary said they will be setting up a presentation to celebrate her achievement.
Councilmember Marianne Riggins asked Public Works Director Rob DeBoux about the rockslide near Big Rock, and DeBoux said they’re adding additional rails to prevent further rocks from falling.
Malibu/Lost Hills Sgt. Chris Soderlund provided a brief update on the weather, road closures, and the recent speed chase that occurred last week with a stolen box truck. Soderlund mentioned the recent incident that occurred at Tracy Park Gallery on Feb. 29. Soderlund said they arrested a homeless individual who threw rocks at the windows. The damage was estimated to cost about $10,000. Soderlund said he was arrested for vandalism; however, due to the zero bail policy, he was cited out and was treated by the mental evaluation team for 72 hours.
“He’s hopefully not in Malibu anymore,” Soderlund said.
Soderlund said the Sheriff’s Department will be following up on an incident that occurred at Malibu Lagoon between Pepperdine students and a transient individual who was following the students.
Soderlund also introduced the new Camera Registry Program that the Sheriff’s Department is launching.
“Our Sheriff’s Department [Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station] is the first Sheriff’s Station in the county to roll out this real time crime and disaster center and so part of it is a camera registry and the camera registry is going to enable us to solve crime a lot more efficiently and quicker,” Soderlund said.
The additional security footage would help the department enhance its emergency response.
“This is the first program of its kind for the sheriff’s department and the Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station is rolling it out and I highly encourage everyone to register your cameras; it doesn’t matter if you’re residential or business, we take it all,” Soderlund said.
Councilmember Bruce Silverstein responded to a few speakers who shared their concerns about the parking at the Permanent Skatepark and the Pepperdine students who shared their experiences.
“Residents pay attention if it’s becoming a problem for the Little League, if it’s a problem for the skateboarders, it’s a problem for anyone using the park, let the city know, because we’re listening, ” Silverstein said
Silverstein also responded to the homelessness incidents that recently occurred in Malibu.
“I believe it’s our responsibility to protect our community, and safety and the protection of our community is our number one responsibility,” Silverstein said. “We have tools, we have a camping ordinance that we’ve adopted, and if there are people living unhoused in our community, especially if they are committing a crime, we need to be tough; I think it’s appropriate and necessary in some instances.”
Mayor Steve Uhring said they would move Appeal No. 23-008, the Permanent Skatepark, to a future meeting but will keep the item on the agenda for when the council needs to address it.
For his comments, Uhring said the settlement agreement with the Permanent Skatepark, “weakened the protection for the city and strengthened the protection for Scott Gillen.” Gillen is the neighboring property developer who appealed the approval of the skatepark.
“That decision weakened the decisions for the city; it eliminated our ability to defend ourselves and gave more power to Scott Gillen because he didn’t have to deal with that,” Uhring said. “The action demonstrates that our city attorney, who is paid with residents’ dollars, cannot be trusted to follow the will of the people as dictated by the City Council; instead he was willing to remove protection from the city and transfer them to developers. That worries me, that should also worry you.”
Uhring said he hopes they don’t see an incident with an appeal like that again.
Vice Chair Doug Stewart said he asks councilmembers to save personal opinions about staff members in private.
“If I’ve got an opinion, I’m going to say it,” Uhring said.
The council motioned to authorize the mayor to send a letter of support for Senate Bill – NOT in California Act (Stern) which would amend existing traffic laws to designate convictions of driving 26 miles per hour or greater over the posted speed limit a two-point violation.
The council received a report on the Malibu Pacific Coast Highway Safety Projects Report; received a presentation on Analysis of Proposed Traffic Calming Measures; and directed staff to explore certain measurers within the city’s jurisdictional authority.
Under existing law, driving 1-15 mph over the speed limit results in a $238 ticket under the uniform bail and penalty schedule. Driving 16-25 mph over the speed limit results in a $367 ticket. Driving 26 mph over the speed limit would result in a $490 ticket. While speeding fines are gradual, points are not. All of the violations above are 1-point violations unless the driver hits or exceeds 100 mph.
According to the staff report, the proposed legislation would amend existing law under California Vehicle Code 21400 Sect 12810 (c) to include the following language: “Make convictions of driving 26 MPH or greater over the posted speed limit a two-point violation.”
The council also received an extensive report on the Malibu Pacific Coast Highway Safety Projects. On Jan. 17, the City Council directed staff to conduct a review of traffic calming measures as proposed by Silverstein and Uhring on Jan. 8.
As directed by the City Council during its regular meeting on Dec. 15, 2023, staff produced a report to better track the various projects and initiatives aimed at enhancing safety along PCH. The report provides an update on the ongoing efforts and recent developments concerning PCH initiatives, outlining the progress made and challenges encountered.
This graphic shows the areas that are most prone to accidents on Pacific Coast Highway in Eastern Malibu from January 2013 to December 2023. Contributed graphic.
“This is very encouraging to see how fast they are moving on some of these projects, I haven’t seen them move this fast in my career in the city, so it’s really encouraging and it’s exciting seeing that they’re stepping up on doing these improvements, they see the need to do these,” DeBoux said. “I’m seeing action, it’s a good feeling it’s a good partnership as it is right now.”
Councilmembers said they’re optimistic about the report.
“I’m really pleased to hear that the consideration is accelerating more so than you seen before,” Silverstein said.
Silverstein was pleased to hear Caltrans is looking to eliminate some parking on PCH.
“It’s nice to see that they’re finally recognizing that the safety of the community is more important then how fast they can move traffic through the area,” Silverstein said. “We need to stay on them and make sure that they stay focused on the safety of the community and not the safety of the vehicles moving through the area.”
Councilmembers said they hope to see the city collaborate with students to encourage them to drive safer on PCH.
The council asked for an update from Caltrans, such as what has been improved on PCH since the tragic incident that took the lives of four Pepperdine students in October. McClary said they can provide an update on the first week of May.
Councilmember Paul Grisanti presented the proposed advocacy for changes to the California State Vehicle Code to Deter Excessive Speeding on PCH.
Stewart and Grisanti recommend that the City of Malibu petition Gov. Gavin Newsom, State Senator Ben Allen, Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin, County Supervisor Lindsay Horvath, Sheriff Robert Luna, Secretary of Transportation Toks Omishakin, and Director of Caltrans Tony Tavares to update the California State Vehicle Code.
“Whereas the City of Malibu has witnessed the loss of 59 precious lives on the Pacific Coast Highway since 2010;
And whereas excessive speeding is the leading cause of so many fatalities;
Therefore, the City Council of Malibu hereby petitions Governor Newsom, State Senator Allen, Assemblymember Irwin, County Supervisor Horvath, Sheriff Luna, Secretary of Transportation Omishakin, and Director of Caltrans Tavares to work collaboratively to make the following changes to the State Vehicle Code:
1) Anybody who exceeds 100 miles per hour shall lose their license to drive for three months; and Anybody who exceeds 100 miles per hour more than once in a 12 month period shall lose their license to drive for six months;
2) Anybody who exceeds twice the posted speed limit shall lose their license to drive for one month; Anybody who exceeds twice the posted speed limit more than once in a 12 month period shall lose their license to drive for two months.
The loss of license in these instances shall be mandatory not discretionary.”
The council motioned to revise and send the letter.
McClary presented the strategic plan project update. To view the list efforts watch the meeting on YouTube at the city’s website malibucity.org. The next strategic workplan will be presented at a special City Council meeting on Wednesday, March 20.
Last year California had an amazing $97.5 billion budget surplus, the biggest state surplus in U.S. history. Gleefully, the governor and legislature exploded spending while boasting of their success. This year, the legislative analyst is predicting a $73 billion deficit, nearly twice that predicted by Gov. Gavin Newsom, and another American record, in the wrong direction. That is a swing of $128 billion in one year. Stunning and unprecedented, but why?
California depends largely on personal income tax and has one of the most “progressive” income taxes in the nation. You know, it’s all about making the affluent pay their “fair share.”
With the highest income tax in the country, the top income bracket pays 14.4 percent. According to the Legislative Analyst’s Office, the top 1 percent of earners pay half of the state income taxes. Half. The top 5 percent of earners pay 70 percent of California’s income tax. How ironic to watch President Biden at the State of the Union speech thunder about the rich paying their fair share. But I digress …
The budget surplus was make believe, created in part by the massive federal COVID-19 relief bill passed by Congress, which added $26 billion to the state budget, and pumped $150 billion into the California economy. Of course, that federal money was simply printed, while the fiscally irresponsible feds spent trillions of deficit dollars adding to the debt we are burdening America’s children with. And how did California manage all that federal largess? Its Employment Development Department mishandled unemployment claims so badly it’s estimated that $31 billion was lost to fraud, including $1 billion paid out to prison inmates. That’s more money than many state budgets.
Part of the problem is spending, of course. In the mid-1970s, California’s budget was around $50 billion, while we built water systems, highways, and universities. In 2000, it was over $150 billion, and last year $300 billion. During that time California’s population has almost doubled, but spending has increased six times over.
Accordingly, middle class and affluent people are fleeing California, driven out by the highest taxes in the country, and lack of housing. We have the largest out-migration of any state by far, whereupon our population actually decreased the last three years, for the first time since we became a state. Last year 343,000 people left for states like Nevada and Florida, 700,000 left California in the last two years alone. This out-migration is comprised mostly of tax-paying productive working families. Massive foreign migration into California, mostly low-income earners, is blunting the population decline. Predictably, based on the supplemental poverty measure, California has the highest percentage of poverty in the nation. With only 12 percent of the nation’s population, we have one-third of the nation’s welfare recipients, and one-third of Californians live in or near poverty.
The profligate spending of Sacramento isn’t the only driver of the budget crisis. Our tax code is also the culprit. As currently structured, our tax code means the state does well when the rich have a good year with their investments, but when they have a bad year, California is in trouble. In 2014, a blue-ribbon commission formed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Speaker Karen Bass made reform recommendations to blunt the boom and bust of our tax code. It recommended in part reducing the top basic rate to 6.5 percent. It sought to address the imbalance in our progressive income tax code that soaks the rich, but failed. The wealthy are mobile, so if/when they grow fatigued of carrying the tax load for the other 95 percent, they can and will leave for other states.
It gets worse, as this is just the annual budget dance in Sacramento. Looming on the near horizon is the CalPERS and CalSTRS pension liability. The public employee unions, the biggest donors to campaign coffers of the super majority Democrats, have been given enviably generous pension plans. A 2022 report by the American Legislative Exchange Council found California has the largest unfunded pension liability in America, at $1.5 trillion. That’s not a typo, yes, trillion, and that doesn’t include other benefits like state-paid health care (which Sacramento now gives to illegal immigrants). Taxpayers contribute the largest share of the funding, and are obligated to do so. There was some pension reform in 2013, but clearly inadequate, and those bills will soon come due.
California has the highest sales tax nationally at 7.25 percent, highest gas tax at 77.9 cents per gallon, and a graduated utility tax whereupon we pay two to three times the national average for electricity. We are already at a tipping point, where the burdensome taxes are driving taxpayers to less punitive states. Remember the 1971 rock lyrics; “Tax the rich, feed the poor ’til there are no rich no more”? California might just succeed, but what happens when there are no rich, no more?
Don Schmitz is an independent columnist for Atascadero News / Paso Robles Press, he alongside Lance Simmens write a bi-weekly column on national topics from the perspective of their political leanings. You can forward any comments you have to editor@13starsmedia.com.
PARENT AND ME MUSIC CLASS WITH LOCAL MUSIC TEACHER SIERRA DRUMMOND
Little ones are invited to join Third Space Malibu’s “Parent and Me Music Class” on Thursday, March 14, from 2 to 2:45 a.m. Kids ages 6 months to 2.5 years old can shake, drum, sing, and dance during a 45-minute workshop with local music teacher Sierra Drummond. Participants do not have to bring instruments as Third Space will provide shakers and Stapelstein elements to drum on. If interested, please RSVP at thirdspacemalibu.org/pages/workshops?event-id=23276.
SAT, MAR. 16
CAFFEINATED VERSE: POETRY OPEN MIC
Join Malibu Poet Laureate Nathan Hassall to hear readings of original pieces written by local poets and bring a poem of your own to read during the open mic on Saturday, March 16, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For adults. This event is part of the city’s free poetry workshops in partnership with Malibu Library, the Malibu Poet Laureate Committee, the Malibu Arts Commission, and the Friends of the Malibu Library, offering community members engaging, educational opportunities to find expression through poetry with a renowned local poet.
SAT, MAR. 16
SMMUSD PRESENTS: STAIRWAY OF THE STARS
Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) will present Stairway of the Stars for the 73rd year, a musical extravaganza highlighting the outstanding music education programs, and showcasing the talents of students from every school in the district. Nearly 900 elementary, middle, and high school students will “star” in the “Stairway to the Stars” outdoor concert in the Santa Monica High School Greek Theatre on Saturday, March 16, at 4 p.m. The 2024 Stairway Honor Award will be presented to Julianna Di Giacomo. Di Giacomo attended Lincoln Middle School, where her choral director was Janet Schwabe, and Santa Monica High, where her choral director was Linda Anderson. Di Giacomo performed at many Stairway concerts as a student, and she graduated from Samohi in 1992. She is thankful for the wonderful music education she received while attending schools in the SMMUSD. To purchase tickets, go to www.StairwayoftheStars.org.
TUE., MARCH 19
PARENT AND ME MUSIC CLASS WITH LOCAL MUSIC TEACHER SIERRA DRUMMOND
Little ones are invited to join Third Space Malibu’s “Parent and Me Music Class” on Tuesday, March 19, from 11 to 11:45 a.m. Kids ages 6 months to 2.5 years old can shake, drum, sing and dance during a 45-minute workshop with local music teacher Sierra Drummond. Participants do not have to bring instruments as Third Space will provide shakers and Stapelstein elements to drum on. If interested, please RSVP at thirdspacemalibu.org/pages/workshops?event-id=23277.
WED, MAR. 20
MALIBU LIBRARY SPEAKER SERIES: DAVID AMBROZ
The Malibu Library Speaker Series presents national poverty and child welfare expert and advocate David Ambroz, discussing his book “A Place Called Home”on Wednesday, March 20, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Ambroz currently serves as the Head of Community Engagement (West) for Amazon. Previously he led corporate social responsibility for Walt Disney Television and served as president of the Los Angeles City Planning Commission and as a California Child Welfare Councilmember. After growing up homeless and then in foster care, he graduated from Vassar and later from UCLA School of Law. He is a foster dad and lives in Los Angeles. This event will take place at Malibu Library. RSVPs are required. Malibu Village Books will sell copies of “A Place Called Home” at the event.
THU., MARCH 21
PARENT AND ME MUSIC CLASS WITH LOCAL MUSIC TEACHER SIERRA DRUMMOND
Little ones are invited to join Third Space Malibu’s “Parent and Me Music Class” on Thursday, March 21, from 2 to 2:45 a.m. Kids ages 6 months to 2.5 years old can shake, drum, sing and dance during a 45-minute workshop with local music teacher Sierra Drummond. Participants do not have to bring instruments as Third Space will provide shakers and Stapelstein elements to drum on. If interested, please RSVP at thirdspacemalibu.org/pages/workshops?event-id=23278.
SAT, MAR. 23
THE RIPPLE EFFECT: A GENERATIVE POETRY WORKSHOP
Join the City of Malibu and the poetry community in a generative poetry workshop on Saturday, March 23, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Michael Landon Center at Malibu Bluffs Park. 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.
TUE., MARCH 26
PARENT AND ME MUSIC CLASS WITH LOCAL MUSIC TEACHER SIERRA DRUMMOND
Little ones are invited to join Third Space Malibu’s “Parent and Me Music Class” on Tuesday, March 26, from 11 to 11:45 a.m. Kids ages 6 months to 2.5 years old can shake, drum, sing and dance during a 45-minute workshop with local music teacher Sierra Drummond. Participants do not have to bring instruments as Third Space will provide shakers and Stapelstein elements to drum on. If interested, please RSVP at thirdspacemalibu.org/pages/workshops?event-id=23279.
THU., MARCH 28
PARENT AND ME MUSIC CLASS WITH LOCAL MUSIC TEACHER SIERRA DRUMMOND
Little ones are invited to join Third Space Malibu’s “Parent and Me Music Class” on Thursday, March 28, from 2 to 2:45 p.m. Kids ages 6 months to 2.5 years old can shake, drum, sing and dance during a 45-minute workshop with local music teacher Sierra Drummond. Participants do not have to bring instruments as Third Space will provide shakers and Stapelstein elements to drum on. If interested, please RSVP at thirdspacemalibu.org/pages/workshops?event-id=23280.
SAT, APRIL 6
MALIBU ART ASSOCIATION PRESENTS: SPRING FLING
This showcase of art is inspired and curated by local artists. It is a wonderful opportunity to be enlightened, inspired and purchase new artwork for your collection! At the Malibu Bungalows on Saturday, April 6, and Sunday, April 7. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This event is free to attend. Please register in advance to display art.
SAT APRIL 6 AND APRIL 7
24TH ANNUAL CHUMASH DAY POWWOW AND INTERNATIONAL GATHERING AT MALIBU BLUFFS PARK
The City of Malibu will host the 24th Annual Chumash Day Powwow and Intertribal Gathering at Malibu Bluffs Park (24250 Pacific Coast Highway) on Saturday, April 6, and Sunday, April 7. The community is encouraged to attend the festive cultural celebration honoring Malibu’s original residents and First Americans, the Chumash. This family-friendly cultural festival is free and open for all to attend from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. No on-site event parking. Parking is available off-site, with free shuttle rides available to Malibu Bluffs Park. General off-site parking and complimentary shuttle at 23575 Civic Center Way. ADA off-site parking and complimentary shuttle at 23825 Stuart Ranch Road.
APRIL 13 AND 14
MALIBU ART ASSOCIATION SPRING FLING ART SHOW
The Malibu Art Association Spring Fling Art Show will take place on April 13 and 14 at 3728 Cross Creek Road from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy music, food, drinks, and of course, art. This is in conjunction with and sponsored by Surf Canyon. For more information visit, www.surfcanyon.co/
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” 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.
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.
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.
