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A legacy of loving and advocating for Malibu’s cityhood, precious environment, and arts 

By
Barbara Burke
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Locals celebrate E. Barry Haldeman’s community contributions 

Totally immersed in Malibu and diligently dedicated to helping ensure locals have plenty of eclectic artistic and cultural experiences and a safe community, E. Barry Haldeman spent some of his final days, as he always has, serving his community. His last public act as chairman of the Malibu Arts Commission was on Sept. 15, when he led a lively question-and-answer session with Jim “Taz” Evans, whose art is exhibited at City Hall Gallery.

Haldeman left a legacy of loving his community and advocating for Malibu’s cityhood, protecting its precious environment and augmenting its arts as well as a legendary career as a respected entertainment lawyer.

How it all began

Born in 1944, Haldeman grew up in Valley Village, then known as North Hollywood. He attended Notre Dame High School in the San Fernando Valley. 

In a 2013 interview with the Hollywood Radio & Television Society, Haldeman discussed being immersed in the entertainment industry as a child. “I grew up in the entertainment business,” he said. “My father was a production manager who became a TV series producer, my brother and nieces are actors, and my aunt was a script supervisor for 30 years at Fox.” 

Elaborating, he said, “I worked as an extra growing up, in high school. I worked as a messenger/mail person for a studio and during summers while in college and part of law school. I worked in several departments in a studio in Florida, ending up working the set of a TV series as a production assistant. So, I always wanted to be in the business in some form; I knew that from an early age.” 

Haldeman attended UCLA, earning an undergraduate degree in political science, and he attended law school there. 

“Our plan was for both of us to get law degrees and start a law firm,” Tim Haldeman, Barry’s younger brother, shared. “However, when I saw how hard Barry studied for the bar exam, I decided that was a little too hard and that I’d just play an attorney on TV, which I ultimately did on the Divorce Court series.” 

Barry’s good friend and legal partner, Mark Stankevich, shared his insights about him. “I don’t think Barry had any enemies. He had friends everywhere he went,”  Stankevich said.  “Barry and I met in 1982 and we worked together at three firms. We practiced at Garey, Mason & Sloane in Santa Monica. When that firm broke up, Barry and I, along with two others from that firm, started a law firm, Haldeman & Peckerman, that we had for several years. Ultimately, we merged our firm with Greenberg, Glusker, Fields, Claman & Machtinger, a firm that still exists.”

From early in his career, Haldeman repped some industry titans, Stankevich noted. “When we practiced together at Gary, Mason & Sloane, we represented Gene Hackman, and the firm represented Marlon Brando,” Stankevich said. “After Norman Garey died, Gene Hackman came with us to the firm that Barry and I formed, and we represented high-profile clients, including James Cameron and Tom Cruise.”

Stankevich shared a fun memory, stating, “Back in the day when ‘Cheers’ was a popular show, we represented the Charles brothers, who were the creators of the show. One time, Barry and I went and sat at the bar at ‘Cheers’ as silent bar patrons.”

What fun!  

At Paramount Pictures’ Motion Picture Group, Haldeman ran Paramount’s legal department, negotiating major talent deals for the studio, and he oversaw dealmaking by executives in the studio’s business and legal affairs arms. 

“Barry told me lots of stories about his being head of the motion picture department at Paramount,” Tim said. “Although he didn’t ever name names specifically, I think one story was about ‘Mission Impossible II’ and its star, who wanted a particular contract deal point and Barry responded, ‘Okay, I’ll think about it.’ Over the weekend, Barry figured out it was smart to give the deal point to the star because Paramount would make all its value back in the theaters. So, he arranged a meeting with the head of production to give the deal point to the star. When Barry arrived at a meeting, his phone rang. He answered saying, ‘I thought you were going to hold all my calls?’ However, the call was not from his assistant. Rather, it was from the chairwoman and CEO of Paramount Pictures, Sherry Lansing.” 

Such was the stuff of Barry’s career — dealing with high-profile management teams in the entertainment industry and with high-profile actors, directors, and producers. 

“My brother was a great negotiator!” Tim said. “I use a line if we had 10 chores to do as kids, I’d end up doing seven of them and owing him money so he could do the other three.” 

After serving at Paramount, Haldeman rejoined Greenberg Glusker Fields Claman Machtinger & Kinsella to work alongside the famed entertainment lawyer, Bert Fields. At that firm, Haldeman represented actors, directors, writers, producers, and authors, including Gale Anne Hurd, Gene Hackman, Debra Hill, Sally Field, and John Carpenter, among others. He also represented the charity The Earth Communications Office, which developed environmentally related public service announcements.  

Barry served as of counsel at Greenberg Glusker for many years toward the end of his career. He only retired in 2024. 

“Dad just loved his work,” Haldeman’s daughter Jennifer said. “One of the reasons he went back to private practice was because he loved working with the creatives.” 

In the world of entertainment law, Haldeman was a superstar, known for his ability to negotiate strenuously and effectively while always remaining calm and collected, an attribute that Tim said his brother acquired from their father, Edward Haldeman, who was a production manager in the industry.  

In Malibu, Haldeman was known for the same laudable attributes … and many more. Malibu City Councilmember Doug Stewart summed up Haldeman’s service by saying, “Barry was a Malibu gentleman who was a monument of leadership — we can only aspire to be like him.” 

The Consummate Malibu advocate

“Dad’s real contribution to Malibu was when they wanted to put the sewer system in Malibu — that’s when we became a city — that was the only way to oppose a sewer system to avoid having so many hotels and the environmental harm of dumping sewage into the bay,” Jennifer said. “Dad led that charge. He rallied our entire community, and we had 30 buses with ‘Save our Coast!’ painted on them, that we drove downtown to the Board of Supervisors office. There was not enough room in the Chambers to hold all the protesters!”

Jennifer remembered, “I was the youngest person who had ever spoken at the Board of Supervisors. I spoke for the kids, telling the Supervisors, ‘Don’t mess with my backyard and animals!’” 

That experience made a lasting impact on Jennifer. “It was a huge moment! That’s how I first remember his advocacy. We won cityhood! It’s such a big thing that we don’t have sewers and the hotels,” she said. 

Totally immersed in ensuring that Malibu’s environment is safe, Haldeman also led the to battle against many efforts that residents deem antithetical to the quasi-rural nature of Malibu and its mission statement. 

“Anytime someone in Malibu found a problem that needed fixing, the first thing they would do is reach out to Barry,” Lloyd Ahearn said. “While others might be creating problems, he solved them. He contributed to cityhood enormously.”

Former Mayor Andy Stern stated, “Barry was a many-decades-long Malibu resident who gave tirelessly of his time to help make Malibu a better community for all of us.” Stern added, “He was instrumental in the successful fight to defeat a proposed liquid nitrogen gas terminal off the coast of Malibu and so many other important and worthy causes.” 

When the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors was considering approving open camping in the Santa Monica Mountains with no provision in the proposal for closing the campground during Red Flag Days and Santa Ana winds, Haldeman led the way opposing that effort, ultimately prevailing.

“Barry will be missed by people throughout Malibu and the legal community where he was a successful and respected entertainment attorney for decades.” Stern commented. 

Sparky Greene, a colleague and friend of Barry’s said, “Barry embodied a true generosity of spirit, high intellect, love of the law as art, and most importantly, he exemplified a true Malibu spirit!”

An avid supporter of the arts and environmental causes

In 1976, Haldeman helped found the UCLA Entertainment Symposium, a flagship event for the entertainment industry, bringing leading lawyers, executives, agents, manager and producers, together with students for candid discussions on subjects at the front of the industry. 

 “When Barry served as chair of the arts commission he set his personal opinions aside as the commission debated whether and where to build an arts center.” Hans Laetz said. “He did what chairmen do and helped facilitate discussion.”

For many in Malibu’s arts community, it is terribly hard to lose Haldeman. “Barry was among the first to join our Board of Directors when we founded Malibu Film Society in 2009.” said Scott Tallal, MFS Board President. 

“I was very fortunate to work with Barry on the Malibu Arts Commission for a number of years.” Fireball Tim Lawrence said. “He was always consistently positive, kind, and supportive in all projects.  But also a wealth of knowledge.  He will be missed for his wisdom, empathy, and always smiling inspiration.”

A family man above all else

Haldeman loved Maureen, his bride and friend of many years. He met Maureen when her family visited Florida from her native Canada and Barry’s father was co-producing episodes of “Flipper.” Theirs was a long-distance relationship for years, and ultimately, they married and delightedly raised their daughter, Jennifer. 

Haldeman is survived by Maureen, his daughter Jennifer, and his brother, Tim. He was predeceased by his parents, Edward and Frances (Brachetto) Haldeman, and a myriad of friends and colleagues.

The family asks that readers wishing to donate in his honor do so by contributing to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).  

Malibu council confronts Fire Rebuild Crisis

By
Hayley Mattson
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In a special meeting marked by public outrage and heartfelt testimony from fire victims, the City Council advances significant policy changes

In an extensive four-hour special meeting on Oct. 15, the Malibu City Council addressed the ongoing fire rebuild crisis head-on, approving sweeping policy changes to expedite home reconstructions while fielding blistering public criticism over perceived delays and dysfunction. 

The session, marked by emotional pleas from fire victims, heated debates, and a recusal by two council members to voteon an agenda item, highlighted the city’s urgent push to restore normalcy seven years after the Woolsey Fire and nine months after the devastating Palisades Fire. With Councilmember Haylynn Conrad participating remotely via teleconference, the meeting drew a full chamber of in-person attendees and dozens of Zoom participants. Mayor Marianne Riggins called the session to order at 6 p.m.

The evening began with heated public comments regarding the closed-session item, immediately creating a tense atmosphere. Jo Drummond, a local homeowner and vocal advocate for rebuilding who lost her own home, criticized the city’s bureaucracy, asserting that no qualified candidates are willing to take the city manager position, except for Glenn Becerra, a Simi Valley veteran with 20 years of experience. “Malibu isn’t being managed; it’s being manipulated,” Drummond declared, accusing the council of silencing residents and wasting millions on consultants like Cotton Shires, who billed $85,000 in July alone for “more tests and studies.” Drummond spotlighted stark rebuild statistics: Only 40% of Woolsey Fire homes have been rebuilt after seven years, and less than 2% of Palisades Fire homes have permits — compared to 42% in Los Angeles. 

She praised former Rebuild Ambassador Abe Roy for pushing science-based solutions, only to be “punished” by City Hall. Becerra’s connections to Southern California Edison, Drummond argued, could end Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) and accelerate power line undergrounding, bolstering Malibu’s resilience. 

The comments underscored a broader frustration: Families displaced by fires are still waiting, with public dollars funneled to consultants rather than direct aid. After a brief closed session with no reportable action, the council reconvened at 6:30 p.m. for the regular agenda, approving it unanimously after minor amendments, including adjourning a future meeting in memory of Barry Haldeman.

The consent calendar passed, with Councilmember Doug Stewart recusing himself from Item 5 due to a potential conflict involving his property. A key highlight was Item 6: Authorizing abatement for two remaining uncleaned properties post-Palisades Fire. Community Development Director Yolanda Bundy clarified that costs would be fully recouped from owners via court proceedings, partnering with Los Angeles County. “The city will not pay a dime,” she assured. Councilmember Steve Uhring questioned recouping enforcement costs, receiving confirmation that all expenses — from court fees to cleanup — would be reimbursed. The full calendar, totaling routine approvals, carried 4-0 (Stewart abstaining on one item).

The meeting’s centerpiece was Bundy’s comprehensive 20-minute presentation on fire rebuild progress, addressing six community-requested actions from recent feedback. Visibly emotional — wiping away tears while discussing Las Flores families’ struggles — Bundy detailed transformative changes implemented since September:

  1. Administrative Streamlining: Reduced steps by 50%, eliminating redundant uploads and authorizations. A one-step portal now handles planning and building reviews.
  2. In-House Expertise: Ten city staff and 35 in-person consultants at the Rebuild Center, with 10-day plan check reviews and automated progress emails at five- and three-day checkpoints.
  3. Dedicated Case Managers: Starting Monday, emergency managers (experienced in Maui, Sonoma, and Santa Cruz fires) assigned per homeowner post-planning approval for advocacy and status updates.
  4. Regional Collaboration: Sharing L.A. County resources like educational videos on architect selection and permitting checklists.
  5. Templates and Waivers: New architectural templates to cut corrections; geotechnical reports waived for flat-pad homes if data supports; MEP permits optional under 5,000 sq. ft.
  6. Single Correction Cycle: Consolidating feedback into one package, aiming for no third reviews.

Bundy unveiled updated dashboards: 333 total building permits issued (including repairs); seven planning approvals; 21 under review, with five expected imminently. Compared to L.A. County’s 663 damaged properties and seven approvals, Malibu is “neck-and-neck” despite 320 beachfront complexities. For Woolsey, 45% of 465 destroyed homes have certificates of occupancy; 81% of parcels are in process or complete — up from last year’s outreach efforts. Bundy committed to weekly Fridays at the Rebuild Center for mentoring, praising the Zone Captains (community liaisons) and design professionals. 

“We’re not just rebuilding homes; we’re giving hope,” she said, choking up. Council praise was effusive. Uhring called it “participatory management done perfectly.” Stewart urged against burnout, “The city owes you gratitude every day.” Riggins highlighted misconceptions, noting L.A.’s 762 “permits” include minor repairs — not apples-to-apples with Malibu’s 333. Councilmember Bruce Silverstein credited Roy with influencing many of the initiatives currently being implemented. While noting that not all of them stemmed directly from Roy, Silverstein said the majority were ideas the two had previously discussed. He also read a portion of a complimentary letter — promising to share more at the upcoming regular meeting — from an architect managing 11 rebuild projects, nine of them in Malibu. The architect praised the city’s progress, writing, “You’re doing far better than places outside of Malibu.” 

Silverstein went on to dispel the so-called “Santa Rosa myth,” explaining that the city’s rapid rebuilds occurred in flat areas, while projects in hilly terrain have progressed at a pace comparable to Malibu’s. 

Item 3B finalized rebuild policies, adopting the last of 10 clarifications from March ordinances. The focus: Wave action reports for beachfront structures. Assistant Community Development Director Tyler Eaton presented: Structures follow FEMA base flood elevation +1 foot; no additional city sea level rise requirements. On-site wastewater/seawalls follow coastal engineer designs, submitted via report or stamped letter. 

Public comments were heated. Arno Lerner, speaking for 216 petition signers, demanded Mayor Riggins resign. “You’re the wrong person … Step down with grace,” he said. Kevin Keegan urged liberalizing codes per Silverstein’s July op-ed. Remote speaker Danny shamed the council: “Embarrassed as a resident … Work harder.” Darren Aaron opposed mandatory wave studies for 20 Big Rock properties: “Waive on a case-by-case basis — don’t delay us $15,000.” After debate, the council refined language: “Design” over “engineered”; “either…or” for submissions; no city additions beyond federal/state law. 

Motion carried 4-1, with Conrad voting no. “Hallelujah — all policies done,” Riggins exclaimed. Silverstein assured, “No retribution — full stop.”

The council approved three special grants totaling $415,000:

  • Malibu Education Foundation (MEF): $315,000 (50/50 installments) for academic enrichment amid fire disruptions. MEF raised $200,000 independently; district covers middle school athletics ($100,000). Speakers Kevin Keegan and Karen Hardin hailed it as a unification pillar. Motion passed unanimously.
  • Community Brigade: $100,000 to equip/train volunteers who saved lives/property in Palisades/Franklin fires. Ongoing need; multi-city effort. Motion passed unanimously, with Riggins stressing safety.
  • Mission Nirvana: $0 — lacked nonprofit documentation.

Friends of Malibu Urgent Care: $100,000 denied 3-0 (Conrad recused; significant donations). Silverstein: “Opaque — urgent care must open books.” Can reapply in spring. Post-grants, Riggins and Beering urged school-community synergy: Shared pools/stages. “Two-way street,” Riggins said. Silverstein agendized pool discussion.

The meeting adjourned at 10 p.m., marking another step forward in Malibu’s rebuilding journey — streamlined processes, finalized policies, and renewed support from key partners. Still, with 19% of Woolsey Fire parcels yet to begin rebuilding and fewer than 2% in the Palisades area, time remains a critical factor.

Malibu’s chance to make PCH safe

By
Letter to the Editor
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Haylynn Conrad

By Haylynn Conrad

Malibu has a tremendous opportunity in front of us that must be embraced: a $50 million investment from Caltrans to enhance public safety on Pacific Coast Highway (PCH).

This project represents a long-awaited chance to protect lives, and public safety must remain our top priority. With new lights, medians, guardrails, safer crossings, sidewalks, paving, signs, and crosswalks, we can finally address the dangers that have plagued our community.

I ran for Malibu City Council on a campaign platform to make PCH safer, a personal commitment rooted in concern not just for my own son and daughter but for all our residents. Now it’s time to deliver. After years of advocating for attention from the state and county, Caltrans has responded thoughtfully and considered Malibu’s input and requests for environmental impact mitigation.

For example, they have redesigned some sidewalks to be porous and earth-colored, aligning with community requests for environmentally sensitive features. The streetlights meet dark sky standards to minimize glare while saving lives. Concerns about wildlife, traffic, and other impacts are also being addressed in the plan, including measures to promote safe sharing of the road with cyclists through clearer bike lanes that improve on the current unclear markings. Sure some of it doesn’t make clear sense, but we can’t throw the baby out with the bath water.

These improvements are designed by trained engineers whose job it is to solely study crash data and share our goal of reducing liability through proven safety measures. While there will be impacts resulting from the construction that should be mitigated, limited funding means we must seize this investment now to save lives.

PCH’s challenges are real. It is a finite stretch of land squeezed between the crumbling ocean side and falling mountains, with increased traffic that we can hear no matter where we live, making it a busy highway, not a quiet rural road. The world knows PCH’s reputation as a deadly route that endangers residents and visitors. We have a chance to help this bad PR Malibu is constantly facing.

In the 1980s, we didn’t have the transient population walking the highway at night, but today we do, and much of the road remains dark. Recent incidents, like a young driver not speeding or drinking striking a pedestrian in an unlit area, highlight the risks. I often see walkers jaywalking in the dark on my drives home from council meetings. Streetlights could prevent such tragedies, especially in fall, when it gets dark early as kids return from sports and parents commute home.

I personally live on PCH and welcome a streetlight at my own driveway. We chose to live in a city along a state highway. These are our choices, but death and injury should not be.

It is also important to remember that Malibu doesn’t own PCH. The state does, and Caltrans is responsible for its design, safety, and maintenance. We can collaborate and provide input, but we rely on the state agency to implement these improvements which we have been begging for.

On Nov. 3, the Planning Commission will decide whether to support this project. If not approved or if appealed, the $50 million could shift to another community ready to fix their highway. That’s just how government funding works, and it poses a major risk. Alternatively, moving forward could mean a safer western corridor in time for the Olympics, with incentives for Caltrans to complete it promptly and make Malibu shine for the world.

Every day I think about the parents of the four Pepperdine students killed on PCH, and so many others. We owe it to them to advocate for reason and safety.

Malibu is tired from fires, rebuilding, and red tape, but people and families have been leaving even before that, weary of memorials, white tires, press conferences, and the dangers of raising families here. Our aging infrastructure is like a necessary colonoscopy, unpleasant but essential to avoid greater harm. PCH has been broken for too long; this isn’t a case of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

I love Malibu’s rural character, and that can be preserved. But we have to remember that this isn’t a rural back road in New Hampshire. It’s a state highway with daily commuters and millions of visitors.

This is not a proposal for a giant mall or an airport, or hotel, just lights and features to prevent tragedy for human lives and wildlife, which also suffer on dark roads. This is nonnegotiable for me and the hill I’ll stand on; it’s why I ran for this volunteer position. Leaders must speak up for what is right, even if there will be some disagreement.

To Malibu’s teenagers: this is your city too. You’re the ones driving home from practice, jobs, or friends’ houses. Your voices on what makes you feel safe matter deeply. I ran for you as much as anyone.

As acknowledged, there will be some annoying impacts from construction, which must be mitigated to the extent possible. But the public safety benefits are necessary to protect everyone and prevent avoidable tragedies. I’d love for it all to happen overnight and never know it was happening, but magical thinking never got me very far.

I’d love for Caltrans to add beautiful reminders of the various projects at the construction sites, reminding us why we are being inconvenienced while sitting in traffic. These signs would have gone a long way at the Corral Fish Bridge or Trancas just explaining and reminding us residents what the timeline is and what the end result will be.

Let’s seize this chance to finally make PCH safer and encourage the Planning Commission to do the same.

Malibu to host Town Hall on school separation tonight Oct. 29

By
The Malibu Times
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The City of Malibu is inviting residents, future residents, and members of the local school community to attend a Town Hall Meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 29, at 5:30 p.m. at Malibu City Hall to learn more about the ongoing effort toward school separation and what it means for the city’s future.

The meeting will include an overview of the topic from City representatives, followed by a public Q&A session. Officials will provide updates on Malibu’s efforts to establish an independent school district and outline the potential benefits and challenges of separation from the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD).

“This Town Hall is an opportunity for residents to get accurate information directly from City officials and to engage in an open, community-wide discussion,” the City stated in its announcement.

For those unable to attend in person, the meeting will be live-streamed on the City’s YouTube channel, allowing the broader community to participate remotely.

Malibu has long pursued local control of its schools, citing a desire for governance that reflects the unique needs and priorities of Malibu students and families. The upcoming Town Hall is expected to clarify the current status of negotiations, next steps in the process, and how separation could impact local education funding and community identity.

Residents are encouraged to join in person or tune in online to learn more about this important milestone in Malibu’s educational future.

A deeper dive: Malibu High’s Olympic-size pool

By
Barbara Burke
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Malibu Middle and High School Aquatics Phase 3A

SMMUSD’s Malibu Facilities District Advisory Committee reverses course and opts to build 50-meter pool

SMMUSD’s Malibu Facilities District Advisory Committee held a lengthy meeting on Oct. 21, ultimately reinstating its plans to build an Olympic-size, 50-meter pool at Malibu High School. In doing so, committee members emphasized that the District needs help coordinating joint-use agreements with the City of Malibu and soliciting private donations to contribute to building both the planned aquatic center and the performing arts center.

Sitting in a meeting room at the impressive new high school, a group of concerned citizens from the local swimming community and parents of students who swim strenuously prevailed upon committee members, insisting that the body reverse the decision it made at its March meeting to only build a 40-meter swimming pool instead of a 50-meter, Olympic-size pool, a decision the committee made based on construction and maintenance cost concerns.

When Measure MM passed in November 2024, 62.3% of those voting approved the issuance of $395 million in bonds to finance school facilities improvements for Malibu schools. Phase 3a of the multi-phased, multi-year school campus construction project envisioned an aquatics center. 

Testifying residents and swim coaches at the meeting insisted that only a 50-meter swimming pool is adequate to meet the needs of both the school’s student swimmers and the community. Many stated that they understood the bond effort had always contemplated constructing an Olympic-size pool that would be 50-meters long and 25 meters wide, with the length being the primary feature for “long-course races.” Currently, the school has a smaller, 40-meter pool.   

Lengthy attendee testimony and committee deliberations

Summing up the project estimate differences between building a 40-meter versus a 50-meter pool, committee chair Carl Randall stated, “If the committee agrees to a 50-meter pool, we will need additional funds. Looking at the difference between a 40-meter and a 50-meter pool, the difference in hard costs is about $3.5 million, and the difference in soft costs is just over $5 million.”

The Malibu Times sought clarification regarding what was encompassed in “soft costs.” Steve Massetti, SMMUSD’s bond program manager, explained the term encompasses, “designers, inspectors, construction managers, geotechnical engineers, furniture, fixture, and equipment.” 

The concept of building only a 40-meter pool engendered vociferous objections from Malibu’s swim community, representatives of whom were in attendance at the meeting. 

“Constructing only a 40-meter pool is ludicrous,” stated Bill Sampson, president of the Malibu Township Council, an active swimmer and parent of a daughter who swam and played water polo at MHS in years past. “The school should have a 50-meter pool. Forty meters is silly and substandard.” 

Pamela Conley Ulich, a parent who sent her now-grown children to private schools because her family deemed the facilities in Malibu schools deficient, noted that many Malibu parents decide to send their children to private schools so they have better aquatic experiences and may be better positioned for aquatics sports scholarships for college. She also noted that because Malibu only has a 40-meter pool, many swimmers must travel to nearby communities several times a week to train in larger pools to be better-positioned in competitive swimming. 

“Look at this building we are in — it’s pretty fantastic!” Conley Ulich stated. “You’ve got to build a pool to match the state-of-the-art facilities we see in this new school. You’re going to gain students who won’t go to private school if you build a larger pool.”

Melissa Siekierski, a Malibu resident, made an incisive statement advocating for the larger pool, making five salient points others in attendance deemed convincing. “You should build once and build right, future-proofing an investment on a 50-meter pool with a 50-plus-year horizon as that will expand access and equity by allowing for simultaneous community and student use. The larger pool increases lane capacity and allows for scheduling flexibility, thus advancing the city’s goals of inclusion and health equity for all ages and abilities.”

Continuing, Siekierski added, “A 50-meter pool enables the school and city to host regional and swim meets and tournaments, meaning that over time, the larger facility can pay for itself through monies earned in increased event hosting and high utilization — it’s a smart investment that delivers maximum community value per taxpayer dollar.”

Finally, she noted, “Expanded access to learn-to-swim, senior wellness and adaptive aquatics programs strengthens community connection, health and price and thereby creates a gathering place that fosters health, connection, and civic pride for generations to come and therefore, choosing the 50-meter pool reflects a strategic, forward-looking investment in our community’s future.”  

Addressing financing concerns, Conley Ulich admonished the committee to “Finish strong! The community is supporting you. We could do a joint use agreement with the library — there’s $26 million sitting in the library fund! The city allocated $4 million for the skate park recently. The city will be able to find a way for the $6 million we may need long-term for this pool.” 

Ultimately, the committee decided to build the 50-meter pool, emphasizing that the school district will need funding assistance and suggesting that committee and community members advocate the district to enter into joint use agreements with the City of Malibu, as those two parties currently have, and also solicit private donations to contribute to building both the planned aquatic center and the performing arts center.

Readers who are interested in reaching out to committee members to brainstorm about possible private donations can contact any of these committee members: Carla Bowman-Smith, Lou La Monte, Lisa Lambert, Caren Lieb, Melissa Mastripolito, and Chair Carl Randall. SMMUSD’s liaison is Steve Massetti and SMMUSD board liaisons are Stacy Rouse, Jennifer Smith, and Laurie Lieberman. The City of Malibu’s ex officio member, Reneika Brooks, was not in attendance as her last day working for the city was Oct. 22.  Her replacement has not yet been announced by the city. 

Agoura Animal Shelter Pet of the Week, Meet Hilo: Thursday, October 16

By
The Malibu Times
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Hilo (A5444594), an almost 6-year-old pittie with the sweetest heart. This gentle boy is calm, affectionate, and absolutely loves playing with the hose and splashing around in the water! Hilo would thrive as the only dog in the home, but don’t worry—he has more than enough love to fill your heart.

For the whole month of October, as a part of adopt a shelter dog month, bring a book, read to any DACC dog and have your adoption fees waived, including spay/neuter + microchip! Come meet this fabulous boy at the Agoura Animal Care Center!

Care Center Hours:
Monday-Saturday 11am-5pm
Closed* on Sunday and holidays

29525 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, CA 91301
agoura@animalcare.lacounty.gov

Malibu City Council Meeting Canceled Due to Flood Watch

By
The Malibu Times
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The regularly scheduled Malibu City Council meeting for tonight, Monday, Oct. 13, at 5:30 p.m. has been canceled due to the ongoing flood watch and forecasts of potential debris and mudflows in the area.

Residents are encouraged to stay safe and monitor local weather and emergency updates. For the official notice of cancellation and more information, visit malibucity.org/agendacenter.

The next regular meeting is set for Oct. 27 at 5:30 p.m.

Evacuation warning issued for parts of Palisades Fire Burn Area; Shelter in place for Franklin Fire Zone

By
The Malibu Times
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Flood Watch in Effect for Malibu Through Tuesday Afternoon

An Evacuation Warning will go into effect starting 10 p.m. tonight, Monday, Oct. 13, for areas within the Palisades Fire burn scar, specifically Zones MAL-C111 and MAL-C112, due to the threat of mudslides and debris flows from an incoming storm system.

The Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management issued the warning late Sunday afternoon, urging residents in these zones to prepare to evacuate if conditions worsen overnight. The affected neighborhoods include:

  • Rambla Pacifico
  • Carbon Beach West / Malibu Beach
  • Sweetwater Canyon
  • Sweetwater Mesa
  • Serra Retreat
  • Malibu Creek
  • Cross Creek
  • Malibu Colony
  • Civic Center
  • Malibu Knolls
  • Malibu Road
  • Malibu Country Estates
  • Puerco Canyon
  • Las Flores Mesa
  • Big Rock
  • Big Rock Beach
  • Tuna Canyon (South)
  • Las Tunas Beach
  • Topanga Beach Drive

Meanwhile, a Shelter in Place order has been issued for residents in the Franklin Fire burn area, including the Pepperdine University area, due to an elevated risk of flash flooding, debris flows, and mudslides.

The National Weather Service has also issued a Flood Watch for the Malibu area from Monday, Oct. 13, at 8 p.m. through Tuesday, Oct. 14, at 3 p.m. Rainfall totals between 0.75 and 1.5 inches are expected, with heavier downpours possible late Sunday night into Monday morning.

Authorities are advising residents to stay alert and avoid canyon roads and low-lying areas that are prone to flooding. Motorists are urged not to attempt to drive through flooded roadways.

Both the Evacuation Warning and Shelter in Place orders are expected to remain in effect until at least Wednesday, Oct. 15, at 6 a.m., pending weather and safety assessments.

Residents are encouraged to monitor official updates from the LA County Fire Department, City of Malibu, and the National Weather Service, and to sign up for emergency alerts at malibucity.org/disasternotifications.

AREAA donates $100,000 to help fire victims

By
Barbara Burke
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“What now?” asks Cary Mackenzie, an AREAA donation recipient, as he sits on the front steps of his fire-ravaged Pacific Palisades home just days after the Palisades Fire. Photo by Sonia Randall

Stewart ‘Cary’ MacKenzie, 81, lost his home and cherished tools in the Palisades Fire; community support aims to help him rebuild and regain independence

The Asian Real Estate Association of America Foundation donates to Palisades Fire victim Stewart ‘Cary’ MacKenzie

By Barbara Burke

“The Asian Real Estate Association of America Foundation (AREAA) donated a total of $100,000 to the victims of the Altadena and Palisades fires on Oct. 4 at an event with hundreds attending held at the Fairmont Miramar in Santa Monica.” Malibu’s Wailani O’Herlihy, a long-time member of AREAA, said, adding “The idea to do so started with an AREAA luxury event in Serra Retreat, which led to our hearing about Stewart ‘Cary’s losing his home in the Palisades Fire.” 

(From left) Danielle Goodwin, Karen Zhang, Thao Ly, Tara Rubin, Rhys Morris, Stewart “Carey” MacKenzie, Wailani O’Herlihy, Nancy Obando, Yvonne Yue, Michelle Nguyen, Winnie Davis, and Gwen Tran. Photo courtesy of Gwen Tran, President of AREAA Ventura

O’Herlihy first heard about Cary from his friend, Sonja Randall.  Cary, who has been deaf since he was in his teens, is now 81. Cary lived in Pacific Palisades since 1963. He was married for forty years, and since his wife died eight years ago, he’s been living on his own. He and his wife raised three boys in their Palisades home on Hartzell in the Alphabet streets, according to Randall, who noted that MacKenzie helped his wife raise her two sons and they had a son together. 

“Cary had some collectible cars and other valuables that he lost in the fire,” O’Herlihy said. “A couple of years ago, because the insurance premiums kept increasing so much, he stopped paying for insurance.”  

Going forward after such an overwhelming loss is a great struggle for MacKenzie , who was once a welder, O’Herlihy noted, adding, “He lost all of his tools and given his age and his handicap, he cannot go get a full-time job. However, he said that using his tools is what he misses the most, and he hopes to use the money to buy some tools so he can try to help others in need.” 

Despite enduring such great hardship and facing such daunting challenges, at the ceremony, MacKenzie  still brought some cheer. “He showed his gratitude to the Ventura Chapter by wearing Hawaiian attire,” O’Herlihy said. That was his way of saying Mahalo.

Randall gratefully noted that MacKenzie desperately needs the support from AREAA. “Cary is rapidly running out of money and he hasn’t decided what to do next,” she said as she shared a few details about MacKenzie. “I first met Cary in The Rustic Canyon General Store on Kanan Rd. in 2015, when I was managing the store,” Randall explained. “When his wife was dying in the hospital in Santa Monica, unfortunately, Cary was in a motorcycle accident and broke seven bones. Ironically, Cary and his wife were in the same hospital together on different floors, and his wife passed on.”

Just days after the fire, Randall posted on Facebook, noting that MacKenzie is not on social media.  “Cary is responsible, reliable, honest — just a really good all-around guy,” she posted. “He’s the best friend to everyone who knows him. Homeless now from the Palisades Fire — out of all this devastation, he remains that strong, responsible, reliable, and honest man, and he’s facing his future just that way.”

Cary’s in need of any and all assistance anyone can provide, O’Herlihy and Randall emphasized. To help him in any way, readers can email Randall at:SonjaRan@yahoo.com. 

Cary Mackenzie, an AREAA donation recipient, visits his fire-ravaged Pacific Palisades home just days after the Palisades Fire. Photo by Sonia RandallScreenshot

Publisher’s Note: This article has been updated to correct inaccuracies that appeared in the original version published on Oct. 6.

Kyle K. Sakuei 1998-2025

By
The Malibu Times
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Kyle Kayvon Sakuei, a beloved son, brother, and treasured friend, passed away unexpectedly in 2025 at the age of 27. Though his life was brief, the love he shared and the light he brought to the world will forever be cherished by those who knew him. He lived a life marked not by its duration, but by its depth of compassion and genuine connection with others.

Born in 1998, Kyle grew into a man whose presence was like a warm embrace. He had a remarkably gentle energy, a love that was pure and unconditional, and an unforgettable spirit that touched everyone around him. To know Kyle was to be immediately at ease; he had a rare gift for making people feel seen and deeply valued, always knowing when to offer a silent hand or a perfectly timed joke. His genuine smile was infectious, and he had a keen intellect, often engaging others in thoughtful conversation.

Kyle was the deeply cherished son of Amy and Iraj Sakuei and the adored, lifelong confidant of his sister, Jasmine Sakuei. He was a loyal and steadfast friend to so many, whose lives are now marked by the depth of this immense loss. Words cannot fully capture the heartbreak and earth-shattering grief felt by his family in his absence, a void that will be felt forever at the family dinner table and in the everyday quiet of their home.

While his family navigates this profound pain, they take comfort in the shared memories, quiet support, and deep love from the community. Kyle’s legacy is not just in the years he lived, but in the enduring quality of his kindness, his spirit, and the joy he inspired. He taught us all the importance of unconditional acceptance.

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