10/24 Vehicle theft A vehicle parked near Malibu Lagoon was broken into and ransacked. An iPhone, wallet, and $50 in cash was stolen. The victim left the key on the hood of the car, and when they returned, the key was missing and their vehicle was ransacked. The victim said they received a notification that a $3,748 charge was made at a Best Buy in West Hollywood and a $5,598 made at a Nordstrom in Los Angeles. There were no cameras available for evidence.
10/31 Petty Theft A jacket worth $500 was stolen from a visitor dining at Nobu Malibu. The victim said they were having dinner with a group of friends, went outside, and when they returned to their table, their jacket was missing. The security footage showed the suspect picking up the jacket and walking out of the restaurant and out of view.
11/1 Vandalism A vehicle parked near Tuna Canyon Road was broken into, and the driver-side window was smashed. The window was estimated to cost $1,000 to repair. There were no cameras available for evidence.
11/1 Burglary A vehicle parked near Mulholland Highway was broken into and ransacked. The victim’s wallet, an iPhone, and $120 in cash were stolen. The victim left his keys in a plastic bag nearby, went surfing, and upon return, they noticed the keys were missing, and their belongings were taken. The victim received a notification of a purchase made at Bloomingdale’s at the Sherman Oaks Galleria for $30,000. There were no witnesses or security cameras available for evidence.
Proclamation Declaring December 13, 2023 Dick Van Dyke Day
Update on Slope Failure 2023
Update on Civic Center Water Treatment Facility Phase II
Previously Discussed:
None.
New Items:
Findings to Hold Virtual City Council, Commission, Committee, Board and Other City Bodies, Meetings Under AB 361
Contract with California Highway Patrol
Los Angeles County Measure M Transportation Funding Agreement
2023-2028 Capital Improvement Plan
Film Society Grant Update
Ordinances and Public Hearings
An amendment to Title 17 (Zoning) of the Malibu Municipal Code and the Local Coastal Program to Update Regulations Related to Accessory Dwelling Units (Continued from November 13, 2023)
Old Business:
None.
New Business:
Parking Enforcement
Council Items:
Charmlee Wilderness Park Nature Center Name Change (Mayor Uhring).
Some of the 58 white tires, each representing a traffic death on Pacific Coast Highway since 2010, are shown at PCH and Webb Way on Nov. 19 during a World Remembrance Day vigil. Photo by Samantha Bravo/TMT.
Ghost tires placed to honor four Pepperdine students, also known as “Our Girls” to the community
On Nov. 19, World Remembrance Day, 58 white tires, each representing someone who died in a traffic collision on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, were installed on PCH and Webb Way.
After four Pepperdine students were killed in a violent crash last month, loved ones called for safer conditions on the highway.
Deslyn Williams, Niamh Rolston, Asha Weir, and Peyton Stewart, also referred to “Our Girls,” from their loved ones, were killed in the accident that occured on Oct. 17.
The PCH Taskforce and Streets are for Everyone organized the vigil on Tuesday night and Sunday morning, and family and friends of the Pepperdine students signed their white tires with their names.
The Ghost Tire Memorial was inspired by the Ghost Bike (also referred to as a Ghost Cycle or White Cycle), a bicycle roadside memorial placed where a cyclist had been killed or severely injured, usually by the driver of a motor vehicle.
Damian Kevitt, executive director and founder of Streets are Safe for Everyone, speaks at the “white tire” vigil Nov. 19 on Pacific Coast Highway. Photos by Samantha Bravo/TMT
Damian Kevitt, executive director and founder of Streets are Safe for Everyone, said while the installation is usually displayed at the scene of the incident, it was too dangerous to place the tires where the four girls were killed.
“PCH is too dangerous; we actually couldn’t place it at the location because it was far too dangerous to have this happen at the location where these four young ladies were killed,” Kevitt said.
There have been 58 fatalities on PCH since 2010.
“We’re starting in 2010 because on the 3rd of April 2010, 13-year-old Emily Shane lost her life on PCH, and since then, her family has been fighting for change on PCH,” Kevitt said.
Kevitt introduced Ellen Shane to be the first speaker.
Michel and Ellen Shane, founders of the Emily Shane Foundation, pose next to a white tire representing the 2010 death of their daughter Emily Shane at the World Remembrance Day vigil at PCH and Webb Way. Photos by Samantha Bravo/TMT
“I literally felt a painful whole in my heart for months, what is really tragic about recalling that day 13 years ago is that, as with Emily, 57 other preventable deaths have occured on the very same road, Pacific Coast Highway,” Shane said. “Every car on the road is a potential weapon; every driver who lets go of being vigilant for even a split second is potentially the cause of a tragedy.”
Ellen’s husband, Michel Shane, produced the recent film, “21 Miles in Malibu,” as it exposes the dangers of PCH.
“The mission of this film [is] to make this highway a safer place, to educate anyone driving here to be aware and stay aware as they traverse the highway,” Ellen Shane said. “My hope is that Michel’s efforts, and measures being implemented, stop the accidents and deaths on this road.”
Pepperdine student Bridget Thompson spoke at the vigils on Tuesday and Sunday morning, honoring her friends and the lives lost on PCH.
Pepperdine student Bridget Thompson spoke at the vigils on Tuesday and Sunday morning, honoring her friends and the lives lost on PCH. Photo by Samantha Bravo/TMT.
Thompson said she stood on the side of PCH until 3 a.m. that night her friends were killed, crying and begging for her best friends to be OK.
“I lost my sisters, I lost my everything, but it wasn’t just me that lost everything,” Thompson said. “On October 17, we lost four girls who were going to change the world: Deslyn Williams, Niamh Rolston, Asha Weir, and Peyton Stewart. They were four of the most ambitious, loving, selfless, and kind people you’ve ever come across; it was an absolute privilege to be loved by them.”
Thompson called on Caltrans to take action and make PCH safe for everyone.
“It needs to be fixed before it’s your best friend, your sister, daughters,” said Thompson.
PCH Taskforce member Tina Segel thanked the tire company for the tire donations as well as Anawalt Lumber for the donations of the paint and supplies.
Some of the 58 white tires, each representing a traffic death on Pacific Coast Highway since 2010, are shown at PCH and Webb Way on Nov. 19 during a World Remembrance Day vigil. Photos by Samantha Bravo/TMT
“These tires were donated by the Tire Man in Thousand Oaks, and we want to thank Sean, they’ve been amazing, they gave us the tires, they delivered the tires to us and Rieff from Anawalt Lumber donated the paint, the spikes, the masks, and the gloves that we needed to complete this project, so the community has really came together together, ralphs donated the donuts, starbucks donated the coffee, every single person that we asked has said, ‘What can we do,'” Segel said. “I felt like it brought us together in such a way, this is our community, and we want to make it safe, and we want to do whatever we can to make PCH safe.”
Many of the families and friends at the gathering called on authorities, such as the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), to improve the roadway. They have all joined a community group called Fix PCH, which advocates for installing speed cameras, increased fines, and lower speed limits.
Malibu/Lost Hills Captain Jennifer Seetoo was one of the featured speakers at the PCH Taskforce meeting the city held earlier that day and honored the four women during the vigil on Tuesday night.
“We need to focus on education, we need to focus on enforcement, and we need to focus on engineering to protect the people, the 15 million people that come here every year that enjoy this beautiful beach,” Seetoo said.
Before the vigil on Tuesday, the city held a special public meeting of the PCH Taskforce at Malibu City Hall with city, county, and state elected officials and Caltrans to discuss ways to address dangerous conditions on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu. The PCH Taskforce is a coalition of law enforcement, traffic engineers, Caltrans, and local and state elected officials that work to find solutions to make PCH safer for all users, from the McClure Tunnel in Santa Monica to the Ventura County line.
State Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (42nd District) chaired the meeting, and was joined by State Senator Ben Allen (24th District); Malibu Mayor Steve Uhring; LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath (3rd District); Malibu City Manager Steve McClary; Malibu-Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station Commanding Officer Capt. Jennifer Seetoo; Rafael Molina, Deputy District Director, Division of Traffic Operations, Caltrans District 7; and Lee Haber, Chief Safety Officer, Division of Traffic Operations, Caltrans District 7.
Molina and Haber represented Caltrans at the meeting on Tuesday and said they have been conducting speed studies to identify where they need to focus on safety.
“Our goal is to lower the speed limit on PCH,” Haber said. “Our goal is to complete daytime and nighttime reviews by December.”
Residents who spoke asked for more enforcement on PCH and for Caltrans to begin making progress on their actions. While Molina and Haber said, “Safety is their number one priority,” residents didn’t believe their words matched with their actions.
Founder & CEO at Vivid Candi Creative Chris Wizner spoke during the meeting in the morning and at the vigil that same evening.
“I don’t want this to ever happen again,” Wizner said. “I’ll just give my point from Caltrans and what I saw today at the PCH Taskforce [meeting] — I didn’t see empathy, I didn’t see activeness, I saw passiveness. I didn’t see solutions, I didn’t see an action plan, I saw a lot of words that we’re the right words, it felt textbook, but I feel the passion, I didn’t see it, and I doubt I’m going to see an execution, and I’m quite sure, I’m not the only one, so Caltrans FixPCH.”
At Sunday’s memorial, Seetoo extended her condolences to the families of the four girls.
“This Thanksgiving, there will be an empty seat at each of their Thanksgiving dinners, their beautiful lives were taken by a speeding driver,” Seetoo said. “We have 58 tires, representing the lives of 58 whose lives have been cut short, due to traffic collisions, just on PCH in Malibu.”
Seetoo pointed to four white tires with no names.
“These tires represent the future victims, lives that will be cut short here on PCH if nothing changes,” Seetoo said.
Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Capt. Jennifer Seetoo speaks at the “white tire” vigil Nov. 19 on Pacific Coast Highway. Photo by Samantha Bravo/TMTMalibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Capt. Jennifer Seetoo speaks at the “white tire” vigil Nov. 19 on Pacific Coast Highway. Photo by Samantha Bravo/TMTSeetoo pointed to four white tires with no names and said, “These tires represent the future victims, lives that will be cut short here on PCH if nothing changes.”
Barry Stewart, father of Peyton Stewart, spoke during the memorial and acknowledged the city and safety officials in attendance, but also wanted to bring attention to the empty seat that was saved for a representative from Caltrans.
“I understand that they sent a letter to the organizer of this event, declining their participation in this event but reiterating, ‘Safety is their number one priority,'” Stewart said.
According to Caltrans, during the past 10 years, there have been more than 4,000 collisions on PCH in Malibu. Speeding and improper turns are the most common contributing factors to collisions, both of which will be directly addressed by the Signal Synchronization Project.
According to the city’s website, “All of the parties gave updates on their efforts, including lowering speed limits, increasing traffic enforcement, getting speed cameras, increasing funding, and various traffic safety and engineering projects. Supervisor Horvath is working on permanent enhanced traffic safety enforcement from the Sheriff’s Department on PCH to ensure that we can sustain Capt. Seetoo’s current enhanced enforcement.
Senator Allen and Assemblymember Irwin will be co-authoring a bill to allow photo speed cameras on PCH in Malibu.”
@StreetsR4Every1 is holding a Ghost Tire memorial for the 4 Pepperdine students who were recently killed as well ad 58 others who have been killed on PCH. pic.twitter.com/aEMyBYNME9
To date, the city has allocated and spent approximately $39 million on traffic safety improvement projects on PCH. The city currently has $8 million of funds obligated towards future PCH safety improvement projects. The City of Malibu released a list of improvement projects they have been working on since 2015.
On Nov. 13, the City Council approved declaring a local state of emergency to address the PCH safety crisis.
McClary announced that the city and CHP are currently working on a contract to bring back CHP patrols to PCH in Malibu in early 2024. The city has begun working on getting PCH in Malibu designated a Public Safety Corridor. The city is funding overtime for an additional officer per shift. The city said Seetoo has begun enhanced traffic safety enforcement and additional patrols on PCH in Malibu.
Community members are urged to continue to contact their local elected officials to voice their support for ongoing efforts to improve PCH safety in Malibu.
Heavy traffic is seen flowing through Pacific Coast Highway on Sunday afternoon, Aug. 6. Photo by Samantha Bravo/TMT
Law enforcement making strides curbing speeding despite handful of accidents on PCH last Friday
After the Oct. 17 deaths of four Pepperdine students on Pacific Coast Highway, it didn’t take Malibu residents and officials long to demand an immediate increase in law enforcement patrols looking for speeders on the dangerous highway that runs through the middle of town. That public outcry has resulted in the return of the California Highway Patrol, which hasn’t conducted enforcement on PCH since the city incorporated in 1991.
The stepped-up enforcement from the CHP, along with that of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, has shown promise with increased ticketing for speeding along with a few arrests. Still, the city was shaken this week by a few injury accidents, two eerily close to the scene of the quadruple fatality on what’s known as “Dead Man’s Curve.”
Sheriff’s Sgt. Christopher Soderlund explained the two major collisions that nearly closed down all lanes of PCH Nov. 10 near County Line and Neptune’s Net were technically in the Ventura County jurisdiction. Those injury accidents will not fall under Malibu crash statistics despite the proximity to town. Two separate collisions occurred that Friday morning just 30 minutes apart. In the second crash, a CHP vehicle that was blocking lanes assisting in the first crash was broadsided by another driver. Luckily no officer was inside the vehicle, but there were injuries to others involved. Five people were transported to hospitals in the two County Line crashes. One person was reported in critical condition Nov. 10.
On the same day near the site of the quadruple fatality, an eastbound driver was “distracted” according to Soderlund. The driver failed to negotiate the curve of the roadway, veered across the westbound lanes and hit two parked cars eerily close to the tragic Oct. 17 crash. One week before, two separate accidents occurred in nearly the same location. A mailbox at the scene was destroyed in one of those accidents. “Fortunately nobody was hurt in those,” Sunderland said.
Despite these latest collisions, there is hopeful news: Malibu has agreed to fund extra enforcement.
Soderlund, the LASD Malibu liaison, called it a “multi-pronged approach.” Along with funding the California Highway Patrol on overtime hours currently, city officials are working on funding a permanent CHP presence in Malibu. Along with the return of the CHP, extra LASD deputies are being hired for increased enforcement. The department is identifying strategic times to add officers in the evenings when traffic dies down and speeds often pick up.Soderlund admitted the department is “stretched thin on staffing” but said he has had some success in adding extra shifts.
Malibu Public Safety Director Susan Dueñas explained that hiring CHP officers is taking shape with a short-term agreement, but the city is working on securing a longer-term permanent contract with CHP for a three-person task force.
“CHP has never had the personnel to do this before. We’ve asked. They don’t have the staffing,” Dueñas said. “In the current short-term contract CHP officers are working overtime. CHP cannot force their officers to work overtime. We have to cross our fingers that people sign up for it. We’re hoping the officers knowing the situation might be willing to work extra shifts.
“The only reason it’s being made available now is because of this horrific event. It elevated the importance that much more. It’s really sad it takes the deaths of four young girls in order to get the help that we already knew we needed. This tragedy brought it to such a high level of importance that the governor intervened to make staff available.”
Dueñas said the longer-term CHP contract hopefully will be in place by January. In the meantime, a short-term contract of $50,000 equates to 40 CHP officer shifts. The shifts will also be allocated to be most effective.
Before the three Friday collisions, Malibu Mayor Steve Uhring said on Nov. 9 he has seen and heard a difference. The mayor reported hearing less PCH speeding noise from his home perched above the highway, and commented, “Boy, I think we’re heading in the right direction.”
Soderlund reported the extra enforcement has effected results. A driver last week “doing 80 mph a half-mile from the Pepperdine crash and driving under the influence” was taken into custody. The driver was unlicensed as well. On Nov. 7, LASD conducted “Operation Safe Canyons.” The LACO Board of Supervisors-funded project issued 35 citations that night on Malibu Canyon roads, 25 for speeding. Since the Oct. 17 tragedy there have been a few citations of drivers going over 100 mph.
“We’re taking a zero-tolerance approach to speeding and reckless driving,” Soderlund said.
Uhring remarked, “We’ve got more to do, but this demonstrates we’re making progress.”
The Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff's Station held a Coffee with a Deputy on Tuesday, Nov. 14, at The Malibu Country Mart, and after the PCH Taskforce meeting, to answer any concerns on safety in Malibu. Photos by Samantha Bravo/TMT.
Sheriff’s personnel and Malibu VOP continue traffic safety conversation after PCH Taskforce meeting
After the unforeseeable PCH Taskforce meeting on Tuesday morning last week, the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station held a Coffee with a Deputy at Malibu Country Mart to answer residents’ concerns on traffic safety on Pacific Coast Highway.
Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff deputies, Malibu Volunteers on Patrol (VOP), residents, and city officials went straight to the gathering to continue the conversation of what was discussed in the meeting earlier.
Capt. Jennifer Seetoo was one of the featured speakers, along with state officials and Caltrans representatives, and gave her intake on what happened at the meeting.
“What I heard that the residents said is that they want a written plan, accountability, and a check-off list from Caltrans; they want [the California Highway Patrol] back,” Seetoo said. “CHP was there and they want to partner with us and the Malibu/Lost Hills station welcomes CHP as our partners, but we’ve got to stop the speed.”
After the deaths of four Pepperdine students on Pacific Coast Highway on Oct. 17, Malibu residents demanded an immediate increase in law enforcement patrols looking for speeders on the dangerous highway and for Caltrans to make PCH safe.
But it has been since then that Seetoo has emphasized three main key points she has proposed to the community: education, enforcement, and engineering.
“It’s education, it’s parents, talking to their kids about the dangers of PCH, and the dangers of speeding, we’ve got to slow down PCH,” Seetoo said.
Malibu Public Safety Director Susan Dueñas said hiring CHP officers is taking shape with a short-term agreement, but the city is working on securing a longer-term permanent contract with CHP for a three-person task force. The item will be addressed during the City Council meeting next Monday.
“We heard what the community wanted, a plan, we even talked about a website that they can go to, to see the plan, to see it in action, that is what I believe that Caltrans said they will do, and now it’s up to elected officials holding them to that, and law enforcement stands ready to work with Caltrans,” Seetoo said. “This community is an amazing community, we need to work together to make change.”
Vivid Candi Creative founder and CEO Chris Wizner spoke during the meeting virtually in the morning and attended the Coffee with a Deputy, and said he didn’t feel like there was an action plan from Caltrans and said they gave no solid answers.
“There wasn’t any kind of sense of urgency or priority, there wasn’t any empathy on what had happened, so I really hope that the pressure on them really mounts to a point where they can’t ignore us,” Wizner said. “I don’t care what you say, I care what you do.”
Malibu VOP team leader Mark Russo was at the fatal incident when it occurred on Oct. 17 and said change also needs to come from home, and educating your kids about speeding and the dangers of PCH.
Malibu VOP Team Leader Mark Russo speaks to residents at the Coffee with a Deputy on Tues, Nov, 14. Photo by Samantha Bravo/TMT.The Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station held a Coffee with a Deputy on Tuesday, Nov. 14, at The Malibu Country Mart, and after the PCH Taskforce meeting, to answer any concerns on safety in Malibu. Photos by Samantha Bravo/TMT.The Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station held a Coffee with a Deputy on Tuesday, Nov. 14, at The Malibu Country Mart, and after the PCH Taskforce meeting, to answer any concerns on safety in Malibu. Photos by Samantha Bravo/TMT.
“Even with my kids at home, understand the highway you’re on, the speeds you’re driving, don’t be a driver that’s distracted, don’t be a driver that’s speeding,” Russo said. “I think our captain has been spot on, it’s three E’s, education, and that starts at home and at school; it’s enforcement, the Sheriff’s Department and CHP coming out here; and it’s really engineering, things have really have to change. Everyone that needs to be aware of — is aware, and I hope these changes come in a timely manner.”
Russo said it was refreshing to see officials present at the meeting earlier.
“All the stakeholders were there, so it was nice to see the agencies represented; they’re really going to be the agents for change and allow this to get reconfigured, bring the enforcement, with the Sheriff’s Department and also CHP, so everything they said was great; they just need to execute and get it done.”
The community later gathered for a vigil on PCH and Webb Way to place four white tires to honor Deslyn Williams, Niamh Rolston, Asha Weir, and Peyton Stewart.
The Christmas Tree Lot benefiting the MHS Athletic Booster Club opens the Saturday after Thanksgiving at the Chili Cook-Off Site. Community night is on Friday, Dec. 1 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Contributed photo
THURS, NOV. 23 & NOV. 24
HAPPY THANKSGIVING, CITY HALL CLOSED
In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, City Hall is closed each year on Thanksgiving Day and the following Friday. Special holiday hours for city parks and facilities will be posted in the News & Announcements section of the website homepage the week prior to the holiday.
The Malibu Municipal Code prohibits construction of any kind on city holidays (M.M.C. 8.24.050(G)), except on the Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Eve.
FRI, NOV. 24
AWARDS SEASON FILM SCREENING WITH THE MALIBU FILM SOCIETY
“Napoleon” is legendary director Ridley Scott’s spectacular epic about the checkered rise and fall of the iconic French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte (Oscar winner Joaquin Phoenix), capturing his relentless journey to power through the prism of his addictive, volatile relationship with his one true love, Josephine (Oscar nominee Vanessa Kirby). Free popcorn and soft drinks for all guests when doors open at 6:30 for the 7 p.m. show at the Regency Agoura Hills Stadium 8, 29045 Agoura Rd, Agoura Hills. Tickets & additional info available at www.MalibuFilmSociety.org.
SAT, NOV. 25
MALIBU HIGH SCHOOL’S ATHLETIC BOOSTER CLUB CHRISTMAS TREE LOT
Support the Malibu High School Athletic Booster Club and purchase your family Christmas tree starting Nov. 25 through Dec. 10. Fresh trees, wreaths, ornaments, and MHS apparel. Community night is Dec. 1, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 3 to 7 p.m., Friday from 3 to 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 8 p.m. at the Chili Cook-Off site.
SAT, NOV. 25
AWARD SEASON FILM SCREENING WITH THE MALIBU FILM SOCIETY
“Wish” is the latest entry in this year’s race for Best Animated Feature, the story of a young girl who wishes on a star — only to get a more direct answer than she bargained for, when a trouble-making star comes down from the sky to join her. Free reception when doors open at 3:30 for the 4 p.m. show at the Regency Agoura Hills Stadium 8, 29045 Agoura Rd, Agoura Hills, with $5 admission for children. Tickets & additional info available at www.MalibuFilmSociety.org.
SAT, NOV. 25
AWARD SEASON FILM SCREENING WITH THE MALIBU FILM SOCIETY
Before it opens in theaters! “Poor Things” is the latest film from three-time Oscar nominee Yorgos Lathimos (“The Favourite,” “The Lobster,” “The Killing Of A Sacred Deer”), the incredible tale about the fantastical evolution of a young woman (Emma Stone) brought back to life by the brilliant and unorthodox scientist (Willem Dafoe). Also starring Mark Ruffalo and Ramy Youssef. Free wine reception when doors open at 7 p.m. for the 7:30 show at the Regency Agoura Hills Stadium 8, 29045 Agoura Rd, Agoura Hills. Tickets & additional info available at www.MalibuFilmSociety.org.
AWARD SEASON FILM SCREENING WITH THE MALIBU FILM SOCIETY
Before it opens in theaters! “The Zone Of Interest” is this year’s winner of the Cannes Film Festival Grand Prix (and Britain’s official submission for Best International Film), the story of the commandant of Auschwitz and his wife, who strive to build a dream life for their family in a house and garden located right next to the largest Nazi death camp ever erected during the Holocaust. Free wine reception when doors open at 3:30 for the 4 p.m. show at the Regency Agoura Hills Stadium 8, 29045 Agoura Rd, Agoura Hills. Tickets & additional info available at www.MalibuFilmSociety.org.
TUES, NOV. 28
SENIOR EXCURSION TO THE PETERSON AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUM
Each month, Community Services Department staff leads participants on an exciting day trip to a location within Los Angeles County. November’s excursion will be to the Peterson Automotive Museum. Participants will meet at Bluffs Park at the time they are told and then take a bus to the location. Afterward, the group will go to a restaurant for lunch (price does not include lunch costs). For more information visit malibucity.org/calendar.
WED, NOV. 29
SPEAKER SERIES WITH BOOK AUTHOR MITCH ALBOM
The 2023 Malibu Library Speaker Series continues Nov. 29, 7 p.m. at City Hall, with Mitch Albom discussing his new book “The Little Liar.” Free with required RSVP. Please reserve a space early. For more information or to be placed on the waitlist, visit the webpage at malibucity.org/speakerseries or call the Malibu Library at (310) 456-6438.
SAT, DEC. 2
MALIBU ART ASSOCIATION SECOND ANNUAL HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE
Join the Malibu Art Association for their second annual Holiday Boutique and Art Sale. On Dec. 2 and 3 at the Malibu Bungalows 21201 PCH Malibu.
SAT, DEC. 2
CHILDREN’S LIFESAVING FOUNDATION CELEBRATES 30 YEARS
The Children’s Lifesaving Foundation is thrilled to be celebrating our 30-year anniversary with all of you this year! Please join us at a special event in Santa Monica (location disclosed upon purchase of tickets/tables) to celebrate this very special milestone with us, and honor our founder, Maria D’Angelo, who will be retiring this year! The iconic Neil Giraldo will be our amazing host, and this is going to be a great, fun evening filled with many lovely surprises, and we cannot wait to see you there! Join us as we ignite hope for LA’s brightest futures, and light up the way forward for underserved youth for decades to come! Please call Francesca at (424) 645-7661 for sponsorship information, or email her at fran@childrenslifesaving.org.
SAT, DEC. 2
THE FRIENDS OF THE MALIBU LIBRARY HOLIDAY BOOK BOUTIQUE
Join the Friends of the Malibu Library Holiday Book Boutique sale in the Malibu Library Community Room, on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday, Dec. 3, from 1 to 4 p.m. This year, they are bringing out all their best books for everyone on your gift list.
(Even if you gift them to yourself). All books $1 and up. Many categories of books, including specials, design and coffee table books, art books, signed editions, some first editions, and classics, and this year, they have an assortment of Holiday Book Baskets at various prices that will be perfect for any bookworm on your list. For more, go to friendsofthemalibulibrary.com
SAT, DEC. 2
OUR LADY OF MALIBU CHRISTMAS BOUTIQUE MARKETPLACE
Our Lady of Malibu will have its Christmas Boutique Marketplace on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 3625 Winter Canyon Road. There will be shopping opportunities featuring local vendors where you can find unique Christmas gifts. Their shopping marketplace will have items offered for sale from creative and generous Malibu vendors as well as a special early appearance from Santa Claus, from 12 to 4 p.m. Children can tell Santa their Christmas gift wishes and have their picture taken with Santa for $20, which includes a photo to take home that afternoon and a digital copy to be emailed. The event will also include gingerbread house decorating from 12:30 to 5 p.m., as well as delicious savory foods available for purchase. The big Christmas tree lighting will take place just after the 5 p.m. Mass, (around 6 p.m.)
THURS, DEC. 7
MALIBU NAVY LEAGUE TOYS FOR TOTS
The Malibu community and the public are cordially invited to join the Malibu Navy League, on Thursday, Dec., 7, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. to bring a new unwrapped toy for the Toys for Tots toy drive and an evening of light refreshments and camaraderie at First Bank Malibu. First Bank is located at 3822 Cross Creek Road, Suite 3850, Malibu. Rocky Oaks Estate Vineyard will be the wine host for the evening. Toys will be collected through Dec. 16 at First Bank Malibu and at Toy Crazy in Malibu. Come join us for this giving and festive way to kick off the holidays.
THURS, DEC. 7
CHANUKAH AND MENORAH LIGHTING AT THE MALIBU PIER
“Chanukah’s timeless relevance shines brightly today. In a world grappling with forces of darkness, akin to our ancestors, we find strength in unity,” said Rabbi Levi Cunin. “Like the Maccabees, our victory lies in standing together and spreading the light of goodness to every corner of the earth. Now, more than ever, Chanukah teaches us the enduring power of unity against the forces of evil. This year it’s up to every single one of us to be the Maccabees of our times, be warriors of light. Let’s gather to light our menorahs, dance, and stand strong with one another.” Join Chabad of Malibu on Thursday, Dec. 7, at 3:30 p.m. for a Chanukah Party and Menorah Lighting at the Malibu Pier.
SAT, DEC. 9
THE RIPPLE EFFECT: A GENERATIVE POETRY WORKSHOP
When things ripple, they emanate from a center and move outwards. Ripples are an unfolding interaction. In terms of poetry, poems “ripple out” from us and join the ripple of existing and yet-to-be-penned poems, which creates a dialogue that continuously overlaps. Join us for a generative, poetry writing workshop where we will sit in the “ripple” of each other’s energies, read, and discuss poems to stimulate our imaginations, and write original poems from prompts provided in the workshop. This workshop is for everyone, regardless of ability level. Participants should bring a pen and a notepad! Led by Malibu Poet Laureate Nathan Hassall. On Saturday, Dec. 9, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at Michael Landon Community Center at Malibu Bluffs Park.
SUN, DEC. 10
SANTA PAWS AT MALIBU BLUFFS PARK
Bring your pups and join the city’s Santa Paws, a free animal-friendly event Sunday, Dec. 10, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Malibu Bluffs Park. Humans and their four-legged best friends can participate in an ugly holiday sweater parade. Local pet businesses and nonprofit organizations will have booths with information and resources for pet owners. Get your photo with your dog and Santa from 10:15 to 11:45 a.m. A donation box will be on-site to collect items for a local animal shelter. For a list of suggested donation items, visit the Santa Paws webpage at malibucity.org/Calendar.
THURS, DEC. 14
AWARD SEASON FILM SCREENING WITH THE MALIBU FILM SOCIETY
Before it opens in theaters! “All Of Us Strangers” stars Andrew Scott (“Black Mirror,” “Sherlock,” “Fleabag”) as a screenwriter whose chance encounter with a mysterious neighbor eventually leads him to return to his childhood home, where he discovers his parents apparently living just as they were on the day they died 30 years before. Free wine reception when doors open at 7 p.m. for the 7:30 show at the Regency Agoura Hills Stadium 8, 29045 Agoura Rd,, Agoura Hills. Tickets & additional info available at www.MalibuFilmSociety.org.
THURS, DEC. 14
CHANUKAH PARTY AND LIGHTING AT POINT DUME VILLAGE
“Chanukah’s timeless relevance shines brightly today. In a world grappling with forces of darkness, akin to our ancestors, we find strength in unity,” said Rabbi Levi Cunin. “Like the Maccabees, our victory lies in standing together and spreading the light of goodness to every corner of the earth. Now, more than ever, Chanukah teaches us the enduring power of unity against the forces of evil. This year it’s up to every single one of us to be the Maccabees of our times, be warriors of light. Let’s gather to light our menorahs, dance, and stand strong with one another.” Join Chabad of Malibu on Thursday, Dec. 14, at 3:30 p.m. for a Chanukah Party and Lighting at Point Dume Village Shopping Center.
SAT, DEC. 16
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA AT MALIBU CITY HALL
Families can enjoy a tasty breakfast box, hot chocolate, and the chance to meet Santa Claus and his friends from the North Pole! The morning also includes an art activity, story time, and photo opportunities. Reservations are highly recommended, limited walk-ups will be accepted. On Saturday, Dec. 16, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Malibu City Hall, Multipurpose Room. $10 per person. Pre-register online at malibucity.org/register. Limited walk-up registrations are available.
EVENT INCLUDES:
Breakfast Box
Art Activities
Storytime with the Malibu Library
Photos with Santa
SAT, DEC. 16
CAFFEINATED VERSE, OPEN MIC POETRY WITH SOPHIE KLAH
Caffeinated Verse includes featured reader Sophie Klah, followed by an open mic format. On Saturday, Dec. 16, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Malibu Library.
ONGOING
FARMERS MARKET
Shop for fresh fruits and veggies, prepared food, and more at the weekly Malibu Farmers Market on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Market at Legacy Park.
Waves freshman Ava Verplancke (24), seen here in action earlier this season, was named the the West Coast Conference All-Freshman Team with three of her teammates. Photo by McKenzie Jackson
With 3-0 loss at Stanford, Pepperdine ends its season with a 9-5-5 overall record
The Pepperdine Waves women’s soccer team’s season ended in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Nov. 10.
The squad was defeated by the second-ranked Stanford Cardinal 3-0 in Stanford.
Waves head coach Tim Ward congratulated the Cardinal for their victory.
“They’re excellent,” he said. “I actually thought our performance was really solid tonight. I’m really proud of the ladies.”
The Waves, Ward noted, overcame a lot of obstacles this season.
“I told the team after the game that I’m proud of this team,” he said. “It hasn’t been an easy season on a lot of fronts — whether its injuries or the events that have happened at Pepperdine. But through it all, they’ve done an amazing job of being light, honest, and strong.”
Stanford’s Jasmine Aikey, Kennedy Wesley, and Andrea Kitahata scored goals against the Waves.
Pepperdine senior Tori Waldeck (#20) was named the WCC Offensive Player of the Year. Photo by McKenzie Jackson.Pepperdine forward Julia Quinonez (22), seen here playing against Michigan earlier this season, was named the West Coast Conference Freshman of the Year. Photo by McKenzie JacksonWaves freshman Ava Verplancke (24), seen here in action earlier this season, was named the the West Coast Conference All-Freshman Team with three of her teammates. Photo by McKenzie JacksonPepperdine defender Peyton Leonard (16), seen here against St. Mary’s earlier this year, was named to the WCC All-Freshman Team. Photo by McKenzie Jackson
Senior midfielder and forward Tori Waldeck took four shots, including two on goal for Pepperdine and freshman Julia Quinonez’s lone shot was on goal.
Redshirt junior Alex Sampson, a defender and forward, and midfielder Kyra Murphy, a redshirt freshman, also took one shot each for the Waves. Pepperdine goalkeeper Taylor Rath, a redshirt sophomore, had four saves.
Waldeck and freshman midfielder Ava Verplanke had a few scoring chances that failed to materialize for Pepperdine early in the contest, even though Stanford was in control of possession. Aikey scored in the 32nd minute to give Stanford 1-0 advantage at halftime. The Cardinal scored on a corner kick in the 52nd minute as Aikey kicked a cross that landed near the post, and the ball was corralled by Wesley, who kicked the ball with her right foot to score.
Kitahata received the ball from Shae Harvey in the 75th minute, and a right-footed scoring swing of her foot gave Stanford a 3-0 lead.
Ward said the Waves were hopeful before Stanford’s second goal.
“Anything could happen,” he said. “But the moment the second goal went in was tough. We scouted that set piece — I don’t know if the ball skipped in — but it was a bit unfortunate. At that point that was the game.”
Two days before the loss to Stanford, the Waves netted a litany of WCC honors.
Waldeck, the conference’s leader in shots on goal and second-highest goal scorer at 11, was named WCC Offensive Player of the Year. Quinonez, who scored six goals this season, was named the Freshman of the Year.
Sophomore defender Taylor Bloom, an honorable mention WCC selection last season, and Waldeck were named to the All-WCC First Team. Quinonez and Tatum Wynalda, who also scored six goals this season, made the second team.
Sophomore midfielder Karina Gonzalez, who had three goals and five assists this season, was an honorable mention All-WCC selection. Quinonez, Verplancke, who had six assists this season, and defender Peyton Leonard, who scored the game-winning goal against Fresno State, were named to the conference’s All-Freshman Team.
Pepperdine ended their season with a 9-5-5 overall record, including a 6-2 record in the West Coast Conference.
The Pepperdine women's volleyball team celebrates after beating San Diego and winning the WCC title. Photo Courtesy of Pepperdine Athletics
Sweep over San Diego assures Pepperdine its fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament bid
The Pepperdine Waves women’s volleyball team are West Coast Conference champions.
The squad won the conference title with a sweep over San Diego on Nov. 11 at Pepperdine’s Firestone Fieldhouse.
By winning the WCC’s regular season championship, the Waves earned their fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament bid. It’s also the fifth time in the last six years Pepperdine has qualified for the postseason event.
The Waves head into their matchup against Pacific on Thursday on a 17-game winning streak. The Waves have an 18-6 overall record and are 14-0 in the WCC.
Pepperdine’s Meg Brown. Photo by Pepperdine Athletics.Pepperdine middle blocker Vanessa Polk attempts a spike against San Diego in the team’s match on Nov. 11. The Waves swept the visiting Toreros to secure the WCC title. Photo Courtesy of Pepperdine AthleticsPepperdine women’s volleyball coach Scott Wong is all smiles after his team clinched the West Coast Conference title with its win over San Diego. Photo Courtesy of Pepperdine Athletics
Pepperdine women’s volleyball players Grace Chillingwoth and Birdie Hendrickson celebrate winning the WCC crown. Photo Courtesy of Pepperdine AthleticsPepperdine women’s volleyball player Riley Patterson, facing camera, hugs Waves assistant coach Korrin Wild after the team’s win over San Diego. Photo Courtesy of Pepperdine AthleticsThe Pepperdine women’s volleyball team celebrates after beating San Diego and winning the WCC title. Photo Courtesy of Pepperdine Athletics
Pepperdine defeated San Diego 25-19, 25-22, 25-17. Junior outside hitter Grace Chillingworth and senior setter Birdie Hendrickson led the Waves. Chillingworth had 16 kills and nine digs and Hendrickson racked up 11 kills and six digs.
Hendrickson and fellow seniors outside hitter Emma Ammerman, middle blocker Meg Brown, and middle blocker Sterling Parker, along with graduate students Riley Patterson, a libero and defensive specialist, and setter Isabel Zelaya, were honored with their families before the match in recognition of Senior Night. The six players were given framed senior jerseys and pictures.
The Waves rushed the court when they secured the winning point of the final set against San Diego. The players jumped, high-fived, hugged, and dogpiled briefly. When they were presented with the WCC title trophy, the players had white caps with “2023-24 WCC Champions” inscribed in teal letters atop their heads. Scott Wong, the team’s head coach, smiled as he lifted the trophy above his head in front of the crowd.
Pepperdine and San Diego were tied at several points in the first set. The Toreros pulled ahead two times, but each time the Waves bounced back with a succession of kills. Two straight points from Emily Hellmuth and a kill by Chillingworth gave Pepperdine a 21-18 lead. The visiting team had two errors before Chillingworth registered another kill. A smash by Hellmuth gave Pepperdine a 25-19 triumph.
The Waves had an 11-7 lead in the second set and never looked back — although San Diego would come within one point. A Hendrickson kill gave Pepperdine a 21-18 lead, then points by Chillingworth and Hellmuth solidified the 25-22 win for the team.
Freshman libero and defensive specialist Lain Brigg’s second ace of in the third set put Pepperdine up 14-8. Brown and Chillingworth’s smashes and Torero errors gave the Waves a 22-13 advantage. Riley Patterson, a libero and defensive specialist, secured Pepperdine’s 25-17 victory with an ace.
Patterson had 11 digs, eight kills, and one ace. Brown tallied seven kills, four digs, and three blocks. Zelaya had 31 assists, eight digs, three blocks, and an ace. Hellmuth registered eight kills and two blocks. Brigg had eight digs and two aces.
After facing Pacific, Pepperdine plays San Francisco in San Francisco on Saturday. The squad plays SMU in Dallas on Nov. 20 to close the regular season.
Five-time Emmy Award winner Wayne Brady is recovering after a minor car accident led to a physical altercation in Malibu Sunday evening. The “Let’s Make a Deal” host was driving on Pacific Coast Highway when his car was allegedly clipped by another driver. When the two men got out of their vehicles to exchange information the sounds of police sirens may have spooked the other driver who allegedly tried to flee the scene on foot.
A deputy said when Brady tried to stop the man, a physical altercation ensued. Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s deputies were able to track down the unidentified driver who was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. Brady, 51, has reportedly filed battery charges against the other driver and is said to be “banged up and sore” but didn’t seek medical attention at a hospital. Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station at 818-878-1808.
A boat suspected in a human trafficking operation was interdicted off the coast of Malibu Monday morning November 20. The U.S. Coast Guard along with Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations officers caught the vessel while on routine patrol. The interception happened 16 miles off the Malibu coast at 4:16 a.m.
Law enforcement teams on scene say 23 undocumented non-citizens were detained. They were aboard a vessel described as a 41-foot pleasure craft. The vessel was towed to shore and those on board were charged with attempting to enter the country illegally. Cmdr. Keith Robinson, chief of law enforcement at Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles – Long Beach said, “”These overloaded vessels are inherently dangerous, and our extensive partnerships in the area are essential to keeping boaters safe and enforcing the nation’s customs and immigration laws.”
