Miriam Gonzalez Bauer, 94, of Seattle, Washington, passed away on March 31, 2025.
Miriam was born on July 10, 1930, and grew up in Seattle, Washington, and graduated with a PhD from the University of San Francisco. However, she chose a different path for her life and, during the 1950s, became one of the first women of color to become a Flight Stewardess for the infamous Pan Am Airlines and flew with them for over two decades. During an outing with her flight crew in Lisbon, Portugal, she met her future husband, Richard W. Bauer, who was, at the time, a Naval Captain and eventually became an FBI Supervisor in Washington, D.C. They got married in 1970 and relocated to Malibu, CA in 1976. Their son Wolfgang, aka Richie, was adopted at 6 months in 1978 and attended Webster, Malibu Park/High and SAMOHI.
The Bauers were active in the community during the early and mid 80’s. Richard passed away in 2007, and Miriam started having cognitive decline (Dementia) and then later succumbed to Cancer. Wolfgang became her Caretaker and Conservator until her passing.
Miriam is survived by her son, Wolfgang Richard Bauer, of Malibu, CA. Professionally, he has been a Blockchain and A.I. Analyst for the past 10 years but is currently navigating through post-recovery efforts from the loss of their home of 49 years in Sunset Mesa from the Palisades Fires on January 7. He hopes to be able to rebuild to carry on the legacy of his parents and help take part in the changes of new post-emergency protocols.
Memorial Services for Miriam will be held at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills at the Column of Eternal Promise on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 3:30 pm.
A stretch of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) was fully closed in both directions on Saturday due to flooding and debris flows caused by rainfall near State Route 27 (Topanga Canyon Boulevard), Tuna Canyon, and Big Rock, following a late-season storm. Caltrans District 7 reported the closure impacted the section between SR-27 and Carbon Beach Terrace.
Authorities escorted individuals out of the affected area throughout the weekend. As of 6 a.m. Sunday, the highway reopened under soft closure restrictions to residents with burn scar passes, essential business personnel, school buses, emergency responders, and Metro line 134, between Chautauqua Boulevard and Carbon Beach Terrace.
The National Weather Service in Oxnard reported the storm dropped up to half an inch of rain in the Palisades Fire burn area. “It’s definitely a bit late in the month to get a system like this,” said meteorologist Rose Schoenfeld.
Caltrans anticipates a full reopening of this section of the highway to general traffic by the end of May.
Updated with opening.
🚧PCH CLOSED🚧 🌧 brought down debris that's blocking both directions at SR27, Tuna and Big Rock. No access btwn SR27 and Carbon Beach Terrace. All are being escorted out. No ETO. pic.twitter.com/mOlFTaZO4A
As city faces task of rebuilding 737 homes lost in the Palisades Fire, concerns raised about staffing shortages
As the City of Malibu endeavors to serve residents besieged by the fire, there are two vacancies in city administration that need to be filled as soon as possible, and several other job openings also need to be filled in order for the city to have a deep enough bench to administer the rebuilding of the 737 homes destroyed in the Palisades Fire.
Since former City Manager Steve McClary took a leave of absence in December, Joseph Toney has served as acting city manager. McClary and the city parted ways in March. To date, no new city manager has been hired, and to make matters worse, Acting Deputy City Manager Alexis Brown has resigned.
“I submitted my resignation on March 25 and my last day with the City of Malibu will be April 25,” Brown stated in an email. “The decision came after thoughtful reflection. It has been an honor to serve this community and work alongside an incredibly dedicated team of public servants.”
When asked where she is headed next, Brown said she is “taking some time to reflect and recharge before making any decisions,” and that she “remains committed to work that aligns with the principles of public services and allows me to contribute in meaningful ways, whatever that might be.”
A visit to the city’s webpage for human resources and job openings reveals that it is seeking a planning director, a building inspector, and an environmental compliance coordinator, and it has yet to post an opening for someone to fill Brown’s position. The Malibu Times’ request to find out more information about recruitment efforts for open positions was not responded to by City Attorney Trevor Rusin or Human Relations Manager Michele Cook.
When Brown submitted her resignation, several residents took to social media to speculate about why she is leaving. However, what matters most, of course, is how soon someone can fill the vacancy her departure leaves, as well as the rest of the vacant positions.
On a positive note, Tatiana Holden, Ph.D, left her position as the Deputy Public Works Director in Calabasas to work as the Deputy Public Works Director in Malibu.
Commissioners who were appointed by recently elected City Councilmembers are settling into their positions and helping the city’s operations.
Residents who post online have lauded Brown’s performance, with one post by Dean Wenner stating, “On many occasions she has been a bright light in a dark hallway.” Lifelong resident Suzanne Guldimann stated, “Alexis Brown has done an amazing job under extremely difficult conditions. I am sorry to hear she is leaving and wish her the best of luck.”
Malibu employers, including the city, compete for talent and do so in the face of significant challenges — employees cannot afford to live here and commute long distances from other communities to join our work forces. As the city seeks to fill C-suite executive positions, clear communication between city staff, the City Council and the residents will be pivotal for retaining new hires.
Proprietor of Paradise Cove Beach Café leaves a lasting legacy in Malibu’s hearts and California’s dining scene
Robert J. “Bob” Morris, a legendary force in California’s restaurant scene and a beloved member of the Malibu community, passed away peacefully at his home on April 13. He was more than just a restaurateur — he was a visionary, a mentor, and a symbol of warmth and generosity who brought people together through unforgettable dining experiences and heartfelt hospitality.
For over five decades, Bob Morris redefined the California coastal dining experience. As the founder and creative mind behind iconic restaurants like the original Gladstones, The Jetty, RJ’s the Rib Joint, Malibu Sea Lion, and most recently, Paradise Cove Beach Café, Bob’s influence on the culinary landscape of Southern California is undeniable. Throughout his storied career, he developed and operated more than 25 restaurants, each known for their vibrant ambiance, welcoming spirit, and signature offerings — like the towering slice of chocolate cake that became synonymous with his name.
But beyond his impressive résumé, Bob was best known for his boundless charm and authentic connection to people. He was rarely seen without a pocketful of his signature gold coins — tokens he delighted in gifting to guests and strangers alike, a whimsical yet genuine gesture of kindness. Bob had a remarkable eye for potential, what he affectionately referred to as “bright eyes,” and was known for nurturing future restaurateurs, helping countless individuals launch their own paths in hospitality.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Bob’s passion for restaurants was sparked by his Uncle Sonny, a manager at Jack’s at the Beach on the original Ocean Park Pier. That early exposure lit a fire in young Bob that never dimmed. His love for the ocean, for people, and for great food were woven into every establishment he created.
In a recent interview with The Malibu Times on March 11, Bob spoke candidly about his love for the Malibu community, expressing his concern for local businesses and residents impacted by disasters like the recent Palisades Fire. Even in the midst of hardship, Bob remained a hopeful and action-oriented figure, hosting a “Day of Hope” at Paradise Cove Beach Café — a free lunch offered to bring the community together, support first responders, and open the door for connection and healing.
“This is unbelievably hard,” he said of the fire’s aftermath. “But the fact is we can’t untie those hands. We’ve got to get leadership. We’ve got to get somebody pounding the sidewalk saying, ‘Hey man, we’re back. We’re here. Let’s go. Come on.’ And let’s help the people that we can.”
Bob’s compassion extended far beyond his business interests. He was devastated by the loss of homes, including those of two family members, and the emotional toll the fire had on his staff and neighbors. Despite Paradise Cove Beach Café remaining one of Malibu’s most popular destinations, Bob had recently been forced to reduce hours for his beloved team of 160 employees due to a dramatic 60% drop in attendance. “These are guys who have families and kids in school,” he said, visibly emotional.
His call to action was simple but powerful: Malibu must unite. “We’re not the cheapest restaurant, but we’re certainly a hell of a lot more affordable than some of them that cost [$200] or $300 a person. We’re the real people,” he said. “Paradise Cove is … our motto is the quintessential California beach restaurant. Our guest base is high chairs to wheelchairs and a few bikinis in between.”
Those who knew him say that Bob’s restaurants were a reflection of his personality — joyful, open, and full of life. Guests weren’t just customers; they were part of the family. “Bob treated us like family,” shared The Malibu Times Marketing Director Anthony McDemas. “Karen and I both have a heavy heart. We celebrated so many of our family milestones at PCBC. Bob was a friend, a mentor, an employer, and a role model. I feel blessed that we got to know him, and celebrate his Day of Hope. He will be missed.”
Indeed, Bob Morris was a builder — not just of restaurants, but of community. Whether fighting to keep Paradise Cove open through fires and floods, mentoring rising chefs and restaurateurs, or handing out gold coins to brighten someone’s day, his spirit was one of unwavering optimism and generosity.
He was also a pioneer in environmental practices, credited with inventing the ecologically friendly pasta straw — just one example of how he was always thinking ahead, always caring for others and for the world around him.
Bob was predeceased by his parents, Marion and Joseph Morris; his brothers, Harold and Bryant; and his son, Darren. He is survived by his loving wife and business partner, Kerry Edlund Morris; his son Timothy and wife Brittany; his daughter Melanie Morris Speiser and husband Robert; and his cherished grandchildren, Sam, Max, and Charlie.
As plans are made for a celebration of life in his honor, friends and fans from across the globe are expected to pay tribute to the man who made California beach dining an experience to remember. His restaurants may have served millions, but it was Bob’s heart — his sincere love for people — that kept them coming back.
In a time when Malibu is still healing, Bob’s legacy is a reminder of the power of community, resilience, and a warm welcome. He once said, “This doesn’t have to be the first and last time. We’re looking to make a mark and to let people know that we’re here. And we will do whatever it takes.”
Bob Morris’s light shone brightly, and though he is gone, the warmth he brought to the world continues to glow in the lives he touched — and in the waves that lap the shores of Paradise Cove.
With 106 days since the devastating Palisades Fire, Col. Jeff Palazzini takes over the charge in recovery
According to these numbers below, it’s been 106 days since the Palisades Fire ravaged a still unfathomable swath of the Santa Monica Mountains — from the Skull Rock Trail Head to the Octopus House. The recovery effort is now in full swing, with some impressive numbers: 500 trucks moving as many 1,400 truckloads a day.
The effort is being led by the United States Army Corps of Engineers which itself underwent a change in leadership. Col. Brian Sawser rotated back to Tennessee to be replaced by Col. Jeff Palazzini — and he’s ready to rock.
With help from USACE Public Affairs Officer Jeremy Eller, we conducted an email interview with Palazzini. Also thanks to Matt Myerhoff of the City of Malibu, Katy Macek from Caltrans, and Jeffrey “Dusty” Nelan, who said: “The National Guard mission has been extended to 31 May 2025.”
Questions for Col. Palazzini
Col. Jeff Palazzini
He is the very model of a modern Army Corps colonel. A West Point graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in economics from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, as well as an MBA from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business in Philadelphia, and Master’s degree in strategic security studies from the National Defense University in Washington, D.C., Palazzini was commissioned as an Army engineer officer in 1999.
He has seen duty across the country and around the world, serving in a variety of other command and staff positions that include assignments with the 307th Brigade Engineer Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team (505th Parachute Infantry Regiment), E Company, 1-68 Combined Arms Battalion,Operation Joint Guardian (Kosovo Force 2A) (2000), 16th Engineer Battalion, 1st Armored Division in Giessen, Germany (2000-2002), 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colorado (2005 to 2006), Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003-2004 and 2005-2006), assistant professor in the Social Sciences Department at West Point (2009-2011), 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina (2012-2014), deputy commander of the USACE Sacramento District (2014-2017), Operation Inherent Resolve with the USACE Mosul Dam Task Force (2016-2017), Commander of the USACE Charleston District in South Carolina (2017-2019). the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (2020-2022) Defense Intelligence Agency (2022-2023),
Palazzini assumed command of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers — Alaska District on June 30, 2023, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska. In this role, he leads an organization responsible for executing major programs focused on military construction, civil works development, and environmental cleanup within the state. He also oversees the delivery of contracting, regulatory, interagency, international, real estate, and emergency management services, along with operations and maintenance activities.
This is the kind of experience and talent the Army Corps of Engineers are pointing at the debris cleanup in the wake of the Palisades Fire.
As he was thawing out and rotating in, Palazzini took time to answer some questions.
We wanted to say thank you to Col. Sawser and do a parting interview, but the rumor is he was in a hurry to get back home to Tennessee because “Los Angeles is lacking in any good catfish restaurants.” Is that true?
While I haven’t heard that rumor, I can tell you that Col. Brian Sawser will be happy to see his family after 100 days of command at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Emergency Management Office within the Pacific Palisades.
Well that mess got here and as overwhelming as it seems to Malibu people, the Army Corps are on the job and this isn’t your first rodeo, is it?
That’s absolutely true. We have over 450 USACE volunteers and around 2,800 contractors actively working with our local, state partners and FEMA to support survivors impacted by the fires.
Can you say what other similar cleanup missions you’ve been involved in? Maui? Katrina? North Carolina? The Chiefs after the Super Bowl?
I was the Charleston District commander, responsible for our flood fight during Hurricane Florence in 2018. I also led an Emergency Field Office in 2017 during USACE’s response to hurricanes Irma and Maria in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
How does Palisades Fire compare?
There are similarities between hurricane and fire recovery response. When there is a hurricane or wildfire disaster, our agency provides core missions which may include temporary emergency power, debris management, temporary housing, temporary roofing, support to urban search and rescue and infrastructure assessment. However, each of these tragedies has its own unique characteristics and challenges.
On “60 Minutes,” Colonel [Eric] Swenson predicted USACE would be moving 9 billion pounds of debris to clear the Palisades Fire. That seems like a lot, but 4.5 million tons is nothing compared to Katrina, which was 100 million tons. That’s a giant number.
Every natural disaster brings a distinct set of challenges, but you can’t downplay the scale of destruction Southern California has experienced. To put this into perspective, the debris the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been tasked to clear from Southern California is equivalent to 20,000 Statues of Liberty.
Is Col. Swenson still involved or did he rotate out also?
I am pleased to report that Col. Eric Swenson remains in his role as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Recovery Field Office commander.
I see you are the commander in Alaska. I’ve driven up there twice and been all over. Took the Top of the World Highway from Dawson and drove the Haul Road all the way up to Prudhoe Bay one summer. I imagine Alaska would keep you busy.
I’m still trying to figure out how they dragged this thing all the way up there in the early 1900s. I think this is on the Klondike on the Top of the World Highway, not Bonanza Creek. That’s the middle of nowhere now. In 1910, fuhgeddaboudit.
There’s not too much Alaskans can’t accomplish!
Was the Army Corps involved in the cleanup after the Exxon Valdez? I worked in a fish processing plant in Valdez and got an idea of how big a mess that was.
Yes, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is a coordinating agency within the National Response Framework, and our primary function is public works and engineering. Hurricanes, wildfires, bridge collapses, and oil spills all fall under that framework. After the Valdez oil spill in 1989, we worked with the U.S. Coast Guard and other local, state, and federal agencies on the cleanup effort.
Is Alaska where you were before the Palisades Fire?
Yes, I am the commander of the Alaska District. My deputy, Lt. Col. Virginia Brickner, is acting commander until I return from this deployment.
Is USACE satisfied with the progress of this cleanup?
There’s a lot of trucks moving through town. We are pleased to announce over half a million tons of debris has been removed from the Palisades Fire impact area. We estimate there are more than 500 USACE-contracted trucks using all legal routes daily. We know this is not ideal for the community, but it ensures we can expedite recovery operations to safely and quickly allow residents to transition to rebuilding.
What are your projections for the progress of it? Ahead of schedule? Is there a schedule?
We are committed to moving quickly, but we MUST prioritize safety, environmental protection and compliance with regulations. We expect the vast majority of properties will be cleared within the calendar year.
Is there anything peculiar about the way California goes about things that make this mission easier or harder?
Emergency missions always have unknowns and constraints that make the mission more difficult; California is no different. The community, partners, and volunteers who are working together and giving their all, every day, to rebuild takes some of the difficulty out of our job.
Have you maxed out on the number of trucks a day? Col. Sawser predicted 1,200 a day and it seems close to that.
You may be thinking of our goal to reach 1,200 truckloads per day.
Oh, roger. Truckloads. Still.
On April 11, we hauled 1,470 loads of debris out of Malibu, the Palisades, and the unincorporated areas. As of April 19, our five-day average was 1,196 loads per day, which puts us in a good place for continued progress.
Do you have any words of encouragement or warning for the people of Malibu and the Palisades?
We want this community to know there is light at the end of the tunnel. We are working as fast as we can, safely, to help the community begin the recovery process.
Any words for the property owners who haven’t opted in or opted out?
The opt-in period ended April 15, so we have removed the unknown factor from that equation and can now get to work clearing the properties of those survivors who opted in.
Anything else you want to say about this mission, please do.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ motto is “Essayons,” meaning “Let us try.” It reflects a spirit of confidence, determination, and a willingness to face our nation’s toughest challenges. The communities impacted by the Palisades Fire can count on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to complete our mission safely and quickly. ESSAYONS!
Thank you for your effort and service.
Debris Removal by the Numbers
4/12: April 12 was the day Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that PCH would be open to one and all on May 31: “We understand how essential this route is for daily life and local businesses. Reopening PCH is a top priority, and we are going all-in to get this done.”
10: Number of Malibu beachfront parcels that had neither opted in nor opted out by the April 15 deadline.
June 30: Deadline for all opted-out parcels to be cleaned.
38: Days from April 23 when PCH will be open to everyone. Hang in there!
106: As of April 23, it’s been 106 days since the Palisades Fire broke out at 10:30 on Jan. 7, at 10:30 a.m. at the Skull Rock Trailhead.
134: Maximum number of properties cleared by the USACE in one day: On April 17, Eaton cleared 68 and Palisades cleared 66 properties in one day.
193: Initial visits to the Malibu Rebuild Center from March 10 to April 17
The city is pleased to announce progress on the rebuilding effort since opening the Malibu Rebuild Center on Monday, March 10:
Architectural Plan Review – 13 Pending / 6 Approved = 19 total (like-for-like: 11; Like-for-like +10%: 8)
Building Plan Check Submittal – 0 Received/ 0 Approved
Certificate of Occupancy – 0
3,826: As of April 21, out of 13,579 estimated eligible parcels from the Palisades Fire, there were 3,841 Rights of Entry (ROE) accepted from the county, with 3,841 in process with contractors. Of those, 1,294 had been signed off as cleared, for a 10% completion rate.
$475,000: April 18 sale price for a .34-acre “burn out” lot at 21003 Pacific Coast Highway. This is on the inland side, and appears to be the lot just west of “The Crab Shack” where Randy “Crawdad” Miod lived. For contrast, the “burn out” lots directly across the street are valued at $3.210 million to $4.8 million.
Is that really how much people want to live directly on the water? Instead of Chat GPT, we asked a human: Jeff Chertow at Pinnacle: “Price is confirmed. Brian Goldberg from our office sold it. Might only be able to build a 700-square-foot house as the set back from hillside is now 15 feet.”
Goldberg had this to add, with some level of disappointment: “The Malibu Municipal Code allows non-conforming structures to be rebuilt at their original location and height. That was what I was telling potential buyers and sellers. The original listing price for that property was over $850,000 and the buyer was willing, but that house was built prior to1930, probably before there were building codes. Current building code requires the home to be 15 feet from the slope. ”
As a hint at the shape of things to come, that 21st century code applied to a 20th century home made a dramatic change inthe potential size of the home and that halved the selling price. This is significant, as it’s most likely the first of many many 20th century properties and homes running afoul of 21st century regulations.
$1,899,000: Selling price of a Palisades lot on the corner of Merivale and Lachman lanes, where 75-year-old Edward Stark lived for 38 years — until it burned in the Palisades Fire. Mr. Stark was featured in TheNew York Times article “The Next Stage of Rebuilding the Palisades Is Here: Burned Lots for Sale” by Jesus Jimenez on April 19.
500: Debris-removing trucks operating in Palisades and Malibu, according to Col. Palazzini.
1,196: Palazzini said, “As of April 19, our five-day average was 1,196 loads per day, which puts us in a good place for continued progress.”
1,470: According to Palazzini, on April 11, the USACE hauled 1,470 loads of debris out of Malibu, the Palisades and the unincorporated areas.
Other numbers for Palisades Fire
3/5: Lots in the Palisades sold by Dan Urbach: “The prices of the five lots that Mr. Urbach currently has up for sale range from $2.195 million to $3.995 million. “Just for the dirt,” Mr. Urbach added. He expected more lots to have even higher asking prices.”
164: As of Friday, April 19, 164 lots had been listed for sale in the Palisades, with 19 in escrow and 27 sold since Jan. 7, according to real estate listing data.
200: Mr. Stark’s lot was one of nearly 200 burned lots in Pacific Palisades that had gone up for sale in recent weeks.
$1,980,000: Price for a 1,483-square-foot, three-bedroom, three-bath apartment at 20464 Pacific Coast Highway
$2,495,000: Listing price for a 4,382.14-square-foot “burn out” lot at 20842 PCH.
$2,500,000: Listing price for a 1,293.73-square-foot lot at 19306 PCH.
$3,000,000: Listed price for a 2,992.572-square-foot “burn out” lot at 19206 PCH.
$6,500,000: Listing price for a 5,867.53-square-foot unimproved “burn out” lot at 21558 PCH.
$9,000,000: Selling price on April 16 for a 9,792.29-square-foot lot at 21520 PCH — about nine lots west of the somehow unscathed La Costa Beach Club. This is the third recorded sale of a “burn out” lot and the second on La Costa Beach. The first was on Carbon Beach.
$9,950,000: Listing price for a three-bedroom, three-bath, 3,034-square-foot single-family residence at 21016 PCH.
$10,000,000: Listed price for a three-bedroom, three-bath 2526-square-foot non-burned-out home at 20630 PCH.
$500,000,000: Consumer advocacy groups are challenging a state-approved surcharge allowing insurers to recoup $500 million in costs linked to the FAIR Plan, arguing it was implemented without proper legislative approval
One of many numbers that came back Chat GPT was asked: Can you give me some facts and figures on the cost and destruction caused by the Palisades Fire?
More numbers:
25: In the aftermath, lawsuits have been filed accusing 25 major insurance companies of colluding to reduce or halt coverage in fire-prone areas like Pacific Palisades, forcing homeowners onto California’s FAIR Plan, which offers limited coverage at higher premiums.
26: Office buildings(248,000 sq. ft.), two industrial buildings (208,000 sq. ft.), and 67 retail properties, including major retailers in Palisades Village.
770: The destruction included 770 rent-controlled units in Pacific Palisades, raising concerns about the future availability of affordable housing in the area
1900: Structures destroyed making it the most destructive fire in Los Angeles to date.
12,900+: Households were displaced, with about half of the destroyed single-family homes lacking homeowners’exemptions, indicating they were likely rental properties.
$61 million: Government agencies are expected to lose at least $61 million annually in tax revenues during the rebuilding phase.
$30 billion to $33 billion: Property damage. Estimates for real estate losses from the Palisades and Eaton fires combined range from.
$35 billion: CoreLogic estimated insured losses between $35 billion and $45 billion for both fires.
$52 billion and $57 billion: Total Economic Impact: AccuWeather projected the total cost, including property damage, business interruptions, and broader economic effects, to be between $52 billion and $57 billion.
$4,750,000,000: The FAIR Plan estimates its exposure from the Palisades and Eaton fires at over $4.75 billion.
When Chat GPT was asked “Can you dream up recent numbers on the total exposure to the FAIR plan from the Palisades Fire, how many claims they have paid and how much they have paid, as of April 22?”
Chat GPT responded:
3,621: Approximately 3,621 claims for damage caused by the Palisades Fire.
$1,000,000,000: California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara approved a $1 billion assessment on admitted market insurers to help the FAIR Plan cover claims from the Los Angeles wildfires.
$1,200,000,000: Over $1.2 billion paid to policyholders, including advance payments, covering claims related to both the Palisades and Eaton fires.
Claim Breakdown:
45% reported as total losses
45% reported as partial losses
10% reported as Fair Rental Value only (covering lost rental income due to a covered peril like fire)
$5,750,000,000: The FAIR Plan can access up to $5.75 billion in reinsurance coverage, which becomes available after paying a $900 million deductible and meeting certain co-insurance conditions.
9,000,000,000: Just to reiterate the most shocking of all these numbers: Col. Swenson of the USACE predicted the total debris removal from the Palisades Fire will be 9 billion pounds, or 4.5 million tons. So cut those drivers some slack! They’re from out of town!
Homeowners hear updates on debris removal and FEMA compliance, as officials reaffirm deadlines
On April 15,city staff and consultants met for a second time with homeowners whose beachfront properties burned down, reviewing debris removal progress, addressing policies that apply to most, if not all beach lots, and providing answers to detailed questions unique to various lots.
Noting that the first beachfront homeowners meeting occurred five weeks previously, Yolanda Bundy, environmental sustainability director for the City of Malibu, showed a video demonstrating that there has been significant improvement in debris removal on beachfront lots. “It’s a sign of hope and that we are moving forward and that you will be rebuilding your homes,” Bundy said optimistically, adding that the city and its residents owe, “a big debt of gratitude to the Army Corps and the contractors who are helping with removal for those who opted in as well as those who opted out of having the Army Corps of Engineers remove their debris.”
She also showed a geotechnical team conducting studies and drilling to do the exploration required to develop a multi-parcel geotechnical report on a cleared parcel. Bundy informed that only 10 beachfront property owners have not communicated with the city regarding whether to have the Corps clean up their lots.
Providing new information to homeowners, she stated, “For those who opted out, in a meeting with Public Works of the county we have just established they have a new deadline of June 30 for debris removal.”
Lt. Col. Nathaniel A. Weander, deputy commander of the Corps’ Emergency Field Office for Pacific Palisades, stated that the Corps has 97 debris removal crews operating across a 37-mile fire impact area and that the teams are averaging more than 40 properties a day, amounting to 1,200 a month. He noted that approximately one-third of the families that haveopted in have elected to retain their foundations.
“The crews have removed 450,000 tons of fire, ash and debris — that’s four and a half aircraft carriers or if you had F150 trucks and parked them end to end, they would stretch from Malibu to Santa Fe, New Mexico,” he said. “We have received a total of 3,582 requests to enter property from Los Angeles County, all of which have been delegated to the Corps’ contractors. About 1,200 homeowners have opted out. Final sign off has been given for 1,021 parcels, or 8 percent of the total.”
Emphatically discussing the Corps’ target deadlines, Weander added, “We will clear all of the beachfront properties by the end of May per the Governor’s Executive Order which will allow the state to have the additional land to open the highway.”
View corridor concerns and FEMA elevation increases
Addressing the planning verification phase, City Principal Planner Tyler Eaton explained that if a homeowner is on the beachfront on La Costa or Carbon beaches there are homes adjacent to PCH that could have view corridor impacts when the beachfront lots are rebuilt with an additional 10 percent of square footage that is allowed by city policies.
“We’ve heard concerns from some of those living on the landside on Pacific Coast Highway who are worried about their previous views becoming impacted from building by beachfront owners who must rebuild homes higher than their old home to comply with new FEMA guidelines relating to sea level rise,” Eaton said. “One possible option for the landside owners is that they can put a rooftop terrace in as part of their additional 10 percent of square footage.”
Elaborating, Eaton said, “To address the concerns of the landside owners with regard to their view corridors, our policy requires that those rebuilding on the beach move their home laterally side to side on their properties before going vertical as they add up to 10 percent of their square footage. Clearly, those owners cannot build further toward the ocean. Your building cannot project further seaward and your deck cannot project further seaward or you require a State Lands letter.”
For those homeowners who had utility equipment under their beachfront homes, they have to have them elevated when they rebuild, according to Eaton.
Onsite wastewater treatment systems
Addressing beachfront lots’ onsite wastewater treatment systems and environmental health, Lauren Doyel, a geology, geotechnical, and coastal engineering contractor for the city, said there will be a meeting concerning the potential for building a sewer or sewers along the coast on April 24 and the outcome of that meeting may well affect how OWTS are treated on some or all beachfront lots.
Doyel also noted that all properties must comply with the city’s local agency management plan, MMC Section 15.40.090, which requires advanced wastewater treatment. “All beachfront homes must have advanced systems and there are about 60 homes that already have advanced systems,” she stated. “With an OWTS comes the issue of shoreline protection and seawalls — if you have an OWTS without a seawall, you must build one. It has to be code conforming and you must determine if any existing seawalls can be repaired or rebuilt.”
Doyel walked attendees through an assessment process. “One must first assess if he has a seawall and, if so, he must document that it is engineered and permitted,” she said. “Then, he must address whether it is structurally sound and, if so, he must ensure that it is code conforming. Finally, one must determine if it can be repaired or rebuilt or whether a new wall is required.
“A series of reports must be submitted to city staff to address all of those questions. First, owners must provide a structural evaluation written by a structural engineer with marine experience. Second, they must submit a coastal engineering report authored by a coastal engineer with design experience. Finally, a comprehensive geotechnical report must be submitted and must be prepared by a soils engineer and engineering geologist for the foundation and the seawall.”
Doyel noted that staff “will combine homeowners’ geotechnical and coastal engineering reviews” as a time-saving measure. Community guidelines for coastal engineering and geotechnical guidelines will be available as soon as all the community meetings are finished, according to Bundy.Staff also emphasized that multi-parcel reports are acceptable and that if owners collaborate with one another, they could save both time and expense.
Lengthy question and answer session focuses on property-specific questions and Caltrans’ role
The presentation was followed by a two-hour-plus question-and-answer session that focused on many site-specific questions unique to various parcels. Overall, one of the largest of attendees’ concerns focused on Caltrans’ retaining walls that held up Pacific Coast Highway on residents’ properties, with several homeowners noting that from their perspective, Caltrans should be constructing new retaining walls to ensure the highway does not falter and collapse on their property. Other homeowners opined that there are drain pipes that were under their structures, some of which crossed under PCH and Caltrans did not service them for years. Now that there has been a fire, those residents articulated frustration that Caltrans is not addressing their removal.
Deputy City Manager Alexis Brown stated, “Caltrans-specific questions concerning how to handle retaining walls is top of mind for Malibu and before we open PCH, we have to make sure it is safe. Caltrans should be having a plan about what it will do to support the highway and we are working with LA Public Works.”
“We had 70 coastal properties that have opted out,” Bundy said. “One of the conditions of cleaning those parcels is pumping the septic tanks on those properties. We have started to send letters, and I am receiving calls from differentcompanies that pump systems that there are some septic systems abandoned and we are keeping a close eye on that.”
Remediating the ocean and beaches?
A couple of frustrated residents noted that although the Corps has cleared their lot, there is a bathtub floating in the ocean and a lot of fire debris in the water. They queried which agency is working on cleaning ocean debris. Bundy stated that the city is working with LA Public works to address ocean debris.
Time allowed to rebuild
Eaton noted that “Fire victims have six years to get plan approval and building approval to rebuild a home — until Jan. 7, 2031, to how it was before the fire — after six years, they will have to come into code compliance.”
Elaborating, he noted that entitlement rights and benefits run with the land, meaning that subsequent purchasers have the six-year window to rebuild. However, he stated, “The City Council asked us to come back with a fee waiver program and,if that is approved, the fee waivers will only benefit the person or company that was a property owner at time of the fire.”
As attendees left the lengthy meeting, some of them had their questions answered, others planned to meet at the Rebuild Center with staff or consult with their design-build teams and all seemed concerned about having both the budget and bandwidth needed to rebuild.
John A. MacNeil, 83, of Pocasset, MA, passed away on April 6, 2025, with his family by his side.
Born and raised in Milton, MA, to the late George A. and Thelma K. (Utermoehlen) MacNeil. Graduate of Northeastern University, John began his career at Kilroy Realty Corporation in Los Angeles in 1977 as the Sr. Vice President and immediately fell in love with Malibu, CA, where he then lived a very fulfilling life for 40 years and raised their daughter, Amanda with his wife, Lee. Shortly after Lee passed, John retired to Cape Cod, MA, to the home he and Lee renovated, a historic Sea Captain’s home built in 1693 near the sea.
John was a nonstop man; he enjoyed walking his dog Shilo, lifelong sailor, real estate, the sea, doing yard work, Neil Diamond, continuing to work even while ‘retired,’ antiques, traveling, and an ice-cold Heineken on the rare occasion.
Beloved husband of the late Leslie A. (Collins) MacNeil. Loving father of Amanda MacNeil of Venice, CA, and Heather Kelly and her husband John Kelly of Hingham, MA. Grandfather of Ryan Murphy Kelly. John is also survived by his sister, Mary Jane MacNeil, of Rancho Cucamonga, CA. He was predeceased by his parents, George and Thelma, and his siblings, Richard, Paul, and Sally.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Saint John the Evangelist, 141 Shore Road at Barlows Landing, Pocasset, MA, on Wednesday, April 23, at 10:00 AM. A private burial was held at Milton Cemetery, where he finally lays peacefully with his soulmate, Leslie.
Tony Sonsini passed away on December 11, 2024. He was born on April 10, 1964, the son of the late Gregory Sonsini and the late Gail ‘Kreps’Sonsini. He graduated from Santa Monica High School in 1982. Survivors include his beautiful daughter Cheyenne and many other relatives.
Tony faced many challenges and losses throughout his life, including the early loss of his mother, Gail, in 1985. Tony suffered from a major car accident that caused damage to his vertebrae in the late 1980s, and another accident permanently damaged one of his eyes. Tony endured tragedy in 2009 with the loss of his father, Gregory, followed by the loss of his brother Bobby in 2013. He lost his family home in Malibu to the wildfires in 2018 and the loss of his beloved dog, Savannah, in 2023.
Throughout all this tragedy, Tony sought solace in surfing and spending time with the people he cared about. He was a chef at heart and had a smile that could light up a room. His laughter was contagious. He was witty, charming, and too intelligent for his own good. He preferred to live life by his own rules, and trouble followed him every step of the way. He was as stubborn and opinionated as they come. But was often ready and willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.
Tony will be dearly missed.
Services and burial were held at Woodlawn Cemetery, Santa Monica, CA, at 10 am on Tuesday, January 28, 2025.
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Pepperdine tops Washington State 4–1 behind freshman firepower, continues decade-long streak
The Pepperdine women’s tennis team continued its winning streak over West Coast Conference opposition on April 6.
They downed Washington State 4-1 at Pepperdine’s Ralphs-Straus Tennis Center. The home victory for the Waves, rated 23rd in Intercollegiate Tennis Association women’s tennis rankings, put their winning streak over the WCC’s other eight teams at 83 straight. In fact, Pepperdine hasn’t lost to another WCC opponent since 2015. Additionally, the last time Pepperdine finished lower than first in the WCC regular season standings was when they finished second in 2012.
The Waves have a 3-0 record against conference opposition this season. Four of their five final regular season matches before the two-day WCC Championships later this month are against WCC foes.
The Cougars, ranked 59th in the nation, got off to a winning start against Pepperdine, though. WSU won the doubles point by a close margin, but then the Waves — led by the rackets of freshmen Alexia Harmon, Duru Soke, and Liam Oved — had three straight-set singles victories. Anastasiia Grechkina, also a freshman, closed Pepperdine’s win with a three-set triumph.
Cougar duos Maxine Murphy and Eva Alvarez Sande and Hania Abouelsaad and Martina Markov secured wins over Pepperdine pairs to win the doubles point.
Harmon, from Las Vegas, defeated Elyse Tse 6-1, 6-1 to gain Pepperdine’s first singles point. Harmon was never brokenon her way to her fifth-straight win.
Soke scored the first singles victory for Pepperdine. The first-year Wave from Turkey was down a break against Chisato Kanemaki early in the first set on court five, but then she broke the Cougar to knot the score at four games each. Soke broke Kanemaki at deuce in the tenth game and went on to claim the first set 7-5. The Wave broke her opponent and didn’t look back during the second set, notching a 6-1 triumph.
Oved downed Martina Puvill on court six 6-3, 6-4 next, but it wasn’t easy. The Wave from Isreal had a double-break lead, but Puvill held at deuce in the seventh game. Oved broke Puvill to get the win eventually.
Grechkina, ranked 87th in singles, secured Pepperdine’s win with a 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 victory. Grechkina, from Moscow, Russia, held at deuce against Maxine Murphy on court two before breaking Murphy finish the match.
The Waves have a 9-9 overall record heading into their Senior Day home matchup against UC Santa Barbara on Thursday.
Pepperdine then has WCC matches against San Diego and UC San Diego on Saturday, Pacific on April 18, and Saint Mary’s on April 19.
At press time, San Diego was the only other WCC squad with an undefeated record in the conference.
The WCC Championships begin on April 25 at San Diego State’s Aztec Tennis Center. Pepperdine has won every WCC Tournament since 2013.
The Waves have won three of their last four matches. Before beating Washington State, Pepperdine defeated WCC foes Portland and Loyola Marymount, but fell to non-WCC opponent Washington, a team ranked in the nation’s top 25.
