Thanks to Congress, cities can now take advantage of tax credits to help electrify municipal vehicle fleets.
The Inflation Reduction Act’s Qualified Commercial Clean Vehicle Credit can be used to directly offset the upfront capital costs of electrifying light-duty and medium-duty municipal fleets. The acquisition of new equipment (like vehicles) for public use is one of the most direct and immediate ways governments can begin to decarbonize. A lower upfront cost means an earlier break-even point over the lifespan of the vehicle. So these newly accessible tax credits present a strong economic argument for making the switch; the sooner our city breaks even on their purchases, the sooner they can start reaping the longer-term benefits of the EVs’ lower-cost maintenance and fuel.
It’s an unprecedented opportunity to cut emissions, save costs, and advance public health. This is a pivotal moment to lead our community towards a sustainable future. I am hoping that our mayor and City Councilmembers will look into these tax credits to see if they can benefit Malibu. (and yes, we will need to have charging stations and battery storage, also!)
The Bay Foundation staff and volunteers during a restoration community event at Point Dume in Malibu on Feb. 3, 2024. Benjamin Hanson.
The Bay Foundation held a restoration community event at Point Dume in Malibu on Feb. 3, 2024. Photos by Benjamin Hanson.
Coastal Adaptation Program Coordinator Maria Jazmin Rios pulls a Crown Daisy weed during a restoration community event hosted by The Bay Foundation at Point Dume in Malibu on Feb. 3, 2024. The Crown Daisy is considered an invasive species of plants and one flower can release up to 1,000 seeds, according to Tower. Benjamin Hanson.The Bay Foundation staff and volunteers take part in a restoration community event at Point Dume in Malibu on Feb. 3, 2024. Benjamin Hanson.Coastal Adaptation Program Technician Mai Griffith helps load the first haul of pulled weeds and dead plants on to the bed of a truck during a restoration community event hosted by The Bay Foundation at Point Dume in Malibu on Feb. 3, 2024. Benjamin Hanson.Coastal Adaptation Program Director Alexandra Tower looks for Crown Daisy weeds during a restoration community event hosted by The Bay Foundation at Point Dume in Malibu on Feb. 3, 2024. The Crown Daisy is considered an invasive species of plants and one flower can release up to 1,000 seeds, according to Tower. Benjamin Hanson.
Fathers and daughters took to the dance floor on Feb. 10 during the during the father-daughter dance at Malibu Pacific Church. Photo by Devon Meyers
Over 200 attendees enjoyed the mother-son dance and 425 attended the father-daughter dance this year
By Barbara Burke
Special to The Malibu Times
“It’s my 22nd year attending the father-daughter dance,” said Domenic Mastrippolito as he proudly accompanied his 13-year-old daughter Xue, the youngest of his five daughters, to Malibu Pacific Church’s annual father-daughter dance on Feb. 10. “It’s been a great night every year for every one of my daughters and the dances are always cherished.”
As the sun gently set below the horizon, the Mastrippolitos paused at the entrance of the event venue, smiling broadly as they viewed the elaborate, beautiful setting, flush with tables formally decorated with delicate rose centerpieces and a dance floor that beckoned all attendees to join in the fun. Wow! What a wonderful place to hold such a special occasion.
But first a magic show and other activities! Arcades, face painting, photo booths, arts and crafts, popcorn, cotton candy — all were there to enjoy.
Fathers and daughters took to the dance floor on Feb. 10 during the during the father-daughter dance at Malibu Pacific Church. Photo by Devon Meyers
The church was full of attendees viewing a magic show with rapt attention.
“How did he do that?” A little one wondered aloud, as Luigi the Magician fascinated the audience with his mysterious, entertaining tricks and juggling act.
Outside in the foyer, little Ciel Grundman, 6, and her sister, Soleil, 4, basked in their doting dad Paul’s TLC. Two delighted little girls with their daddy out on the town, they smiled and giggled as they thoroughly enjoyed their cotton candy.
Malibu Pacific Church held its annual Father and Daughter Dance on Saturday, Feb. 10, and added a new event on Friday, Dec. 9, for Mother and Sons. The event included music, food, a photo booth, and more. Photos by Devon Meyers and Samantha Bravo.Malibu Pacific Church held its annual Father and Daughter Dance on Saturday, Feb. 10, and added a new event on Friday, Dec. 9, for Mother and Sons. The event included music, food, a photo booth, and more. Photos by Devon Meyers and Samantha Bravo.
“This event is the perfect start to the new year,” Paul said. “It’s heartwarming and something we have all needed. It’s great to see all the fathers and daughters from the community, it’s as if we were throwing a birthday party for the town.”
The band began to play and debonair daddies wearing formal suits soon accompanied their dazzling daughters onto the dance floor. They twirled and twirled and danced and danced! The little girls’ glitter shoes tapped to the rhythm and their tiaras and fancy dresses swayed with the beat. Above, disco balls shot rays of multi-color lights and one of the musicians circled the group blowing bubbles as the group began to form a train.
“Let me hear you sing!” The DJ admonished. “Move two steps to the right, now backwards, not three steps to the left.”
Large feet in formal shoes juxtaposed with tiny ballet shoes and Mary Janes maneuvered on the floor in unison as the dads and daughters joyously danced. Their singing and giggles filled the space, creating that rare, awe-inspiring sense that one delightedly enjoys as he realizes that such magical moments are making magical memories.
“This is an amazing event that has turned into a special family tradition with my two girls,” John Alfano said. “We are going on year 5 with many more to come.”
The inaugural mother-son dance was also a spectacular success.
Malibu Pacific Church held its annual Father and Daughter Dance on Saturday, Feb. 10, and added a new event on Friday, Dec. 9, for Mother and Sons. The event included music, food, a photo booth, and more. Photos by Devon Meyers and Samantha Bravo.Malibu Pacific Church held its annual Father and Daughter Dance on Saturday, Feb. 10, and added a new event on Friday, Dec. 9, for Mother and Sons. The event included music, food, a photo booth, and more. Photos by Devon Meyers and Samantha Bravo.Malibu Pacific Church held its annual Father and Daughter Dance on Saturday, Feb. 10, and added a new event on Friday, Dec. 9, for Mother and Sons. The event included music, food, a photo booth, and more. Photos by Devon Meyers and Samantha Bravo.Malibu Pacific Church held its annual Father and Daughter Dance on Saturday, Feb. 10, and added a new event on Friday, Dec. 9, for Mother and Sons. The event included music, food, a photo booth, and more. Photos by Devon Meyers and Samantha Bravo.
“Joel Dunn and Shannon Dunn are involved in the community and they shared that all the moms at Little League wanted a mother-son event,” Pastor Andy VomSteeg said. “The event was a huge hit and the moms were saying ‘this is our date!’ and they were talking about dancing with their sons.”
Smiling as she surveyed the event, Shannon Dunn reported that the inaugural mother-son dance that debuted on Feb. 9 was a huge hit.
“We volunteers say that these dances are our love letter to Malibu,” she said. “We love this city and we wanted to put on something special again this year.”
Sons of all ages accompanied their mothers, Dunn said, adding, “I brought my 11-month old son, Paxton. He loved all the music!”
The annual event was superbly well attended as it is every year. According to VomSteeg, 213 attendees enjoyed the mother-son dance and 425 attended the father-daughter dance.
Expressing sentiments shared by many attendees, little Sienna Malibu Amini said, “I was so happy to be with my daddy at the dance and to have so, so much fun with him and many of my friends. We can’t wait for next year’s dance!”
Fathers and daughters took to the dance floor on Feb. 10 during the during the father-daughter dance at Malibu Pacific Church. Photo by Devon Meyers
Several teens and young adults with disabilities joined with their non-disabled peers recently for the Hand in Hand Valentine's dance at the Malibu Jewish Center. Photos courtesy Dana Rubin Photography
Participants of all abilities dance the night away in joyous celebration
A red carpet, streamers, balloons, and glamorous photo-op backdrop greeted those attending the Hand in Hand Valentine’s dance Friday night at the Malibu Jewish Center and Synagogue. The community venue was transformed into a Hollywood-style, glittering affair for the young adults who cherish the beloved Malibu program Hand in Hand.
Hand in Hand is a social inclusion program pairing teens and young adults with disabilities with non-disabled peers for social activities. Once a week, the group gathers for singing, cooking, and “fostering friendships for the people with disabilities to have time with peers who are not disabled,” said special educator Lisa Szilagyi, one of the founders of the group along with Janet Ettinger and Rabbi Marcelo Gindlin. Hand in Hand has a profound effect on everyone involved including the many volunteers who help participants one on one with activities while fostering friendships.
“People with significant disabilities are often isolated in classrooms, in therapies; they don’t really get to just be kids very often hanging out with peers just having fun that isn’t in a therapeutic setting,” Szilagyi explained. “Hand in Hand was started so we could provide, with supervision, an opportunity for people with and without disabilities to come together to just have fun through different activities; music, crafts, and outings designed to work on skills supported by their peers who don’t have disability. We started the dance because most of the participants with disabilities don’t get to go to school dances, proms, and social events other kids get to go to. It takes a lot of effort.”
Some of that help comes from caregivers and volunteers, especially from Pepperdine University and Malibu High School, who decorate, socialize, and dance with attendees during the formal. Pepperdine freshmen Nicole Castro and Abby Heffernan were just two of the volunteers Friday night.
“I’ve been coming to the Hand in Hand events. It’s just my passion,” said Heffernan who also volunteered in high school with a group for people with visible and non-visible disabilities. She said she hopes to continue volunteering throughout college and into her professional career.
Adding to Friday’s festivities were a DJ, emcee, and dancer from Amplified Entertainment who kept the party going with bubbles, beaded necklaces, smiles, and beats that had even those in wheelchairs out on the dance floor.
“At one of our first dances one of the parents watching her daughter dancing was in tears, saying, ‘I never thought my daughter would be able to participate in something like this.’ It’s so much fun,” Szilagyi recalled.
The Hand in Hand program is hosted by MJCS, but is nondenominational. It’s open to anybody who wants to join. Participants range from age 13 to their 30s.
“We have people with a wide spectrum of different abilities,” Szilagyi said. “Our volunteers just need to have a heart and want to be here. We provide training to communicate with someone who doesn’t use spoken language, help someone with physical limitations get involved with cooking activities and crafts. We try to make everything accessible to everyone and as easy as possible to come and have fun.”
The program is funded through grants. There is no charge to participate.
Several teens and young adults with disabilities joined with their non-disabled peers recently for the Hand in Hand Valentine’s dance at the Malibu Jewish Center. Photos courtesy Dana Rubin PhotographySeveral teens and young adults with disabilities joined with their non-disabled peers recently for the Hand in Hand Valentine’s dance at the Malibu Jewish Center. Photos courtesy Dana Rubin PhotographySeveral teens and young adults with disabilities joined with their non-disabled peers recently for the Hand in Hand Valentine’s dance at the Malibu Jewish Center. Photos courtesy Dana Rubin Photography
Dressed for the occasion, one participant named Margaret stated, “Hand in Hand is one of my favorite groups to be with. I love to swim and of course I do their performances.”
Gindlin commented, “We felt the need to do this for them because everybody deserves a night of celebrating love and dance and joy and being united through movement. Most importantly after the pandemic we have the need to gather in person to do things that will bring the community together, especially this community.”
Since the pandemic, the group meets every Thursday afternoon online, easing the preparation for those in wheelchairs where traveling takes time-consuming preparation.
“Our Thursday afternoon gatherings are a highlight in everybody’s week,” Szilagyi said.
Once a month the group meets in person for an activity such as trips to parks or the zoo.
“Everyone who has a friend or family member who needs a space to socialize and foster friendships that will last a lifetime should come and join Hand in Hand, which is a wonderful community of teenagers and young adults of all ‘diversabilities.’ They socialize, learn yoga, singing, woodwork, cooking, who doesn’t like to eat,” said Gindlin. “This Valentine’s winter formal celebrates love. We need to bring love to this world.”
Misgana E. shows off "Spring Fling," the winning entry in the Prince Street Pizza/Boys & Girls Club pizza design contest. The pie consists of spicy marinara, smoked mozzarella, pepperoni, sausage, and olive oil drizzle, and was added to Prince Street's menu. Photo by Samantha Bravo/TMT
Twenty percent of the proceeds go towards the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu
In celebration of National Pizza Day, the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu (BGCM) and Prince Street Pizza teamed up on a pizza design contest, with one winner claiming an indefinite spot on Prince Street Pizza Malibu’s menu. Eighth-grader Misgana E.’s pizza called “Spring Fling” won with her spicy marinara, smoked mozzarella, pepperoni, sausage, and olive oil drizzle recipe.
“I’ve always loved meat and spicy, and it reminds me of my home and my friends, and I decided to put it all together,” Misgana said.
Misgana also made an appearance on Fox LA and Good Day LA to share her creation. Misgana said she and her friends decided to participate in the competition and turned in their drawings. She said her other favorite pizza location is Spruzzo.
“A lot of my friends from school love pizza, my family, my brother as well as my neighbors who love pizza,” she said. “I prefer a more thinner dough because I like to have a lot of cheese on there to enjoy the pizza and add a lot of spices and other vegetables.”
Misgana E. stands in front of Prince Street Pizza, which introduced the “Spring Fling” pizza, which she designed as part of a contest with the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu. Photo by Samantha Bravo/TMT
Prince Street Pizza is actually new to the Malibu community as a food establishment. Prince Street Pizza and Irv’s Burger opened their doors simultaneously at The Park at Cross Creek and held a well-attended opening night last year in Malibu. Prince Street carries both gluten-free and vegan pizza crusts and pizzas. Prince Street also participated in the annual Chili Cook-Off last year. The food establishments draw all ages, from kids to young adults to grandparents — there’s something for everyone’s taste buds.
Misgana has actively participated in various club programs, showcasing her passion for horses and the cello. Despite hearing loss in her right ear, Misgana stands out as a bright, authentic individual who adds a touch of spunk to everyone she encounters. Misgana’s winning pizza was inspired by her friends and the desire to infuse a spicy element into the pizza.
Boys & Girls Club of Malibu Chief Executive Officer Kasey Earnest said the competition provided an opportunity for kids to participate but also for Prince Street to be part of the community.
“A, it’s still just pizza, but B, it’s a testament to Prince Street Pizza and being part of the community and support kids and community here, and we just really appreciate their level of engagement,” Earnest said. “Prince Street’s team said, ‘What can we do’ and ‘How can we be involved with your kids,’ and so when someone gives an invitation to support and participate, all the creativity grows and it’s just been a really nice partnership.”
Misgana’s pizza made its debut on Friday last week at Price Street Pizza’s location in Malibu. Twenty percent of the proceeds will support the BGCM and its mental health services and educational initiatives for youth. Photos by Samantha Bravo/TMT
Misgana shared a few words about being a part of the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu.
“It’s an amazing thing; it’s such a fun thing, with its programs and events— it’s just amazing,” Misgana said.
Misgana’s pizza made its debut on Friday last week at Price Street Pizza’s location in Malibu. Twenty percent of the proceeds will support the BGCM and its mental health services and educational initiatives for youth.
All Boys & Girls Club of Malibu members had the opportunity to design their own pizza and name it and Misgana E.’s “Spring Fling” took the win and was added to the menu in Malibu. Photos by Samantha Bravo/TMT
Rain expected for Malibu starting tomorrow, Sat night 2/17 through Wednesday morning 2/21. Heaviest is expected Sunday night through Monday.
Be prepared for hazardous driving conditions due to water, mud, rocks and debris in the roadway and low visibility, especially in canyons; possible power and traffic signal outages; downed power lines. Hazardous beach & ocean water conditions. Watch for workers & work vehicles in the road. Under California law, come to a complete stop at any intersection with a malfunctioning traffic signal.
LA County Dept Public Health advises against coming contact with ocean water near discharging rivers, creeks and storm drains within 72 hours of significant rainfall due to bacteria.
All emergency information will be posted on the City website at www.MalibuCity.org and on social media. All current City alerts are posted at www.MalibuCity.org/Alerts. To sign up for alerts, visit www.MalibuCity.org/News (scroll to Alert Center, choose category).
Monitor local AM and FM news radio for emergency information using battery powered, solar, hand crank or car radios, which will function during power outages. .
Do not touch or approach downed power lines – stay back, warn others and call 911.
SANDBAG AND SAND LOCATIONS IN MALIBU AREA Zuma Beach Lifeguard Headquarters does not have sand for sandbags. Please do not remove sand from the beach, it is a violation of LA County Code. Plastic sandbags are banned in the City of Malibu.
LA County Fire Stations have sandbags. Some stations have sand. Call stations to find out if they have sand and sandbags or use the sandbag locator website: https://pw.lacounty.gov/dsg/sandbags/
WINTER STORM PREPARATIONS The City monitoring storm conditions and coordinating with partner agencies. Public Works Dept is patrolling and clearing roads, checking hillsides and clearing storm drains and culverts to prevent flooding and keep the roads safe. Equipment is pre-placed at strategic areas. Sheriffs Volunteers On Patrol (VOP) are patrolling and reporting issues. The City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Staff is on standby and the EOC will be activated if necessary.
1/4 Vehicle Burglary A vehicle parked near Solstice Canyon Road was broken into and ransacked. Two designer bags worth $240 were stolen from the trunk of the vehicle. The victim received a notification of a purchase made at a Lululemon in Cross Creek for an estimated $2,888. There were no security cameras available for evidence.
1/4 Vehicle Burglary A vehicle parked near The Malibu Pier was broken into and ransacked. The victim placed the key fob inside a lockbox, attached it to the door handle, and upon return, the key was still inside the box. However, he noticed he was missing items from his vehicle. The victim received a notification of an unauthorized charge was made for $6,672 at an Apple Store at the Grove.
1/5 Vehicle burglary A couch cushion worth $5,733 was vandalized from a property near Point Dume. The security footage recorded a white male, wearing a hooded jacket and shorts with white shoes, walking into the property. The victim said they did not recognize the suspect.
1/6 Petty Theft $40 worth of food was stolen from the Starbucks on Trancas Country Market. The victim saw the suspect grab the items and run out of the store without paying. The incident was recorded on video, however, the victim would need to contact corporate to obtain the footage.
1/6 Vehicle burglary A vehicle parked near Zuma Beach was broken into and ransacked. The victim left the key fob inside with his dog inside and the windows down, went surfing and upon return his keys were stolen and he had been ransacked. His dog was not stolen during the incident. The victim was charged for $6,400 at an Apple Store in Beverly Hills. There were no security cameras available for evidence.
Russell “Rock” Albrecht started his journey on August 26th, 1954. He walked his path until he died on October 16th, 2023.
Russell was born in New Jersey. He is survived by his best friend and wife of 27 years, Cathy “Crystal” Curtiss Albrecht, six Albrecht siblings, Cathy’s two brothers and Mom (Isabelle), and over 60 Nieces, Nephews, and their children.
Russell graduated from Port Hueneme High School Class of 1972. He was a veteran of Bergstom Air Force Base in Austin, Texas, working as a corrosion control specialist. He had an uncanny skill set with math and worked as a bowling statistician as a teenager. His bartending career included Tournament Bowl, Shacks Landing, and Sam’s Saloon in Oxnard, CA. Pierpont Inn in Ventura, CA., Harrah’s Hotel and Casino in Reno, Nevada. Point Dume Room, Beau Rivage, and Spruzzo Bar and Restaurant in Malibu. He always had a prescience of being social.
Rock’s celebration of life happened on December 6th, 2023, at “The Raven Tavern” in Oxnard, CA, surrounded by family and friends reminiscing years of happy living, his big hug poses/smile, his love of life, and all the cool cars, trucks, and rides. Rock was a huge sports fan.
Rock was with his wife Cathy when he took his last breath listening to “Knock, Knock, Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” (Eric Clapton). His last recorded words were said with warrior spirit: “I love you so much” and “I love you a lot.” Russell donated his body to the Omega Society with the Science of Care program. He called it “Rock’s Plan” and wanted everyone to “learn” from what happened to him.
Please share at his dedicated website: https://raa.rocks There are more pictures, videos, and stories. Goodbye to my dearest husband of my life, Happy Valentine’s Day! “The Wife” Cathy Crystal
Talia Swindal celebrates her win at the WSL Qualifying Series event in Pismo Beach on Jan. 27. Photo by WSL
The victory put surfer, a past Malibu Sharks team member, atop the North America QS rankings
The first wave Talia Swindal caught as an amateur surfer was at the SLO CAL Open Pismo Beach in 2022. She advanced to the second round of the event.
The 18-year-old returned to the surfing spectacle on Jan. 27, but this time she surfed away victorious.
Swindal won the North American Qualifying Series (QS) 3,000 women’s event at SLO Cal Open Pismo Beach. The victory put Swindal, a past Malibu Sharks team member, in the top spot of the North America QS rankings.
She said winning the event was a surreal experience.
“It was insane,” Swindal recalled. “It didn’t hit me at first. Once I came home and saw all my friends and the people I surf with everyday it really sank in. It feels really good.”
Surfers who are not currently eligible for the WSL’s Championship Tour compete in QS events to earn enough points toward qualifying for the following year’s Championship Tour.
Swindal was one of four victors at Pismo Beach. Taj Lindblad won the men’s North America QS 3,000. Sanoa Dempfle-Olin won the women’s Pro Junior Final and Kai Kushner won the men’s Pro Junior Final.
Swindal defeated her friend Bella Kenworthy in the QS final. Kenworthy surfed up a score of 7.33 out of possible 10 to begin the final, while Swindal rode her initial wave to a score of 6.00.
However, Swindal surfed back and earned 8.00 on a running righthander with numerous critical sections. Her opponent failed to get a score that would overcome the first-time WSL winner.
Two of Swindal’s supporters hoisted her upon their shoulders in celebration when she returned to the beach. Soon after, Swindal was awarded a surfboard-shaped trophy.
The work Swindal put in to claim her first WSL triumph includes surfing up to three hours a day and exercising. Her friends and family, she noted, are also key.
“It truly takes a village to get where I am today and where I want to be eventually,” said Swindal, who envisions one day winning the WSL Championship Tour’s title.
Swindal finished in third place at the World Junior Championships in Oceanside one week earlier, so she was confident when she stepped in the Pismo Beach sand.
“I felt really good,” Swindal remembered. “I was flowing. I took so many positives from the event previously that I knew what to do and trusted my surfing.”
The Malibu surfer defeated Demphie-Olin in the QS semifinals. Swindal was one of three surfers Demphie-Olin outlasted in the Pro Junior Final.
Talia Swindal (in light blue) poses with other winners at the SLO CAL Open Pismo Beach on Jan. 27. Photo by WSL
Swindal began surfing on a shortboard at age 5. She learned the sport at Malibu Makos Surf Club. The young surfer was a member of the Malibu Sharks Surf Team in middle school and her freshman year of high school. Point Dume will always have a special place in her surfing heart, but her favorite place to catch waves now is Hawaii.
“I love Hawaii,” Swindal said. “Its super sick.”
She began surfing in events sponsored by USA Surfing two years ago, but this year she plans to participate in the most competitions possible to accumulate points for the Championship Tour.
Swindal, who will surf in a competition in Florida next month, is enjoying the wave she is on currently.
“I have a long way to go in surfing, but I’m going to keep doing what I have been doing,” she said. “Its fun to look back at the journey and soak it all in.”
Aerospace engineer, avid surfer, favored Malibu Tennis Club partner, Sierra Club mountain guide, writer, movie stand-in for Tom Hanks, and most proudly, spreading joy as the Pt. Dume Christmas Eve Santa Claus, Richard “Dick” Corman, age 95, died peacefully at his Pt. Dume home of 58 years, actually in his post-fire, manufactured home, on January 25, 2024. Born December 21, 1928, he was a kind, fun-loving, adventurous, self-made man.
Married for 67 years to Ida Koestner Corman, a renowned garage sale aficionado, she worked with her friends at the local cable company for 20 years and famously knew where everyone lived. Ida loved and was dearly loved by her Malibu girlfriend’s crew of 55-plus years. She espoused female friend power, filling the house with lady laughter and monthly Spruzzo ladies’ lunches until the end. Ida died peacefully at home, age 87, lunching and laughing until the end on January 12, 2021.
They are survived by son Richard Corman, daughter Corki Corman, granddaughter Sage Grazer, grandson Riley Grazer, and son-in-law John Ferry.
